1. Discuss the status of women in the workforce of India.

2. What do you understand by “Glacial Lake Outburst Flood” (GLOF)? Highlight the root causes of GLOF.
3. India is now the most populous country in the world, having overtaken China. What are the major causes of
overpopulation in India? What are the key highlights of the State of World Population (SOWP) report?
4. Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are more vulnerable among the tribal groups. What are the characteristics
of PVTGs and how they are identified?
5. How digital currencies or cryptocurrencies have affected the global world? Discuss with reference to India too.
6. Highlight the impact of climate change on the pattern of monsoons in India.
7. Discuss the consequences of the depletion of the ground water resources.
8. Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle for Independence.
9. What are the challenges for inland water transport in India?
10. Floods are the most common natural disaster in India. Highlight some steps that should be taken to ensure proper flood
management.
11. One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment Bill, 2023 seeks to reserve seats for women in Lok Sabha and state
legislative assemblies. How does reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions and Urban Local Bodies work?
12. What does Constitution of India specify about the sessions of the parliament? How special session of the Parliament is
different from the normal session of the Parliament?
13. What led to the India-Canada standoff? Discuss the links and linkages that will raise worries about economic and people-
to-people ties between the two countries.
14. The G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration is a comprehensive document as it lays the roadmap for collective global action
in building a prosperous future. Discuss.
15. Discuss the key highlights of the Women’s Reservation (128th Amendment) Bill, 2023.
16. Discuss how the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII) will aid in countering China’s Belt and Road
Initiative (BRI).
17. Sickle cell disease is a serious health challenge in India’s tribal population. Discuss how we can resolve the tribal health
challenge and highlight some of the government’s efforts in this direction.
18. Russia has been India’s reliable and long-term partner. Discuss the most recent developments between the two
countries.
19. Discuss the role and responsibilities of the Lok Sabha Speaker in ensuring the seamless functioning of the House.
20. What are the qualifications for the appointment of Governor? Discuss the executive powers carried out by the Governor.
21. How does the India-Nepal hydropower relationship will fulfill the power needs of both the country? Discuss
22. What is a delimitation commission? Discuss the procedure for delimitation in India.
23. India’s relationship with ASEAN is a key pillar of our foreign policy and the foundation of our Act East Policy. Discuss the
recent development that took place between India and South-East Asian Countries.
24. The year 2023 marks the 25th year of India and France’s strategic cooperation. Discuss the recent developments
between India and France.
25. The Indian health system has overcome seemingly insurmountable problems. Discuss the outcomes of the National
Health Accounts Estimates for India: 2019-20.
26. India-China, India-US and China-US – were characterised by equally amicable relationships. Discuss the changing pattern
of the China-India-US triangular relationship.
27. Discuss the initiatives taken by the government in the field of Higher Education in India.
28. How are the committees seen as useful for parliamentary work? Discuss the role of the Estimates Committee in this
context.
29. The strategic partnership between the United States and India is based on shared ideals, such as a dedication to
democracy and the rule-based international system. Discuss in the context of technology and defence partnership.
30. The 2+2 dialogue reflected the shared commitment by India and the US to provide a positive, forward-looking vision for
the India-US strategic partnership and promote synergy in their diplomatic and security efforts. Comment.
31. Discuss how the direct benefit transfer scheme has transformed social welfare in India.
32. Seen as part of the “checks and balances” the Indian democracy is proud of, the post of a Governor of a state is a very
interesting appointee of our political system. Discuss.
33. How is a speaker of the Lok Sabha essential in the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India? Discuss.

1
34. The National Education Policy 2020 is in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (2030). How it will reorient the
education system in India?
35. The performance of the agriculture and allied sector has been buoyant over the past several years. Discuss.
36. How India’s Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy will be helpful in fighting against climate change? How the
Long-term strategies are different from nationally determined contributions (NDCs)?
37. What are mRNA vaccines? How the development of mRNA vaccines was crucial to the development of Covid vaccines?
38. The link between growth and employment has weakened over time. Discuss the relationship between GDP growth and
employment in India with reference to the State of Working India (SWI) Report.
39. Discuss how Mangrove forests have played a significant role in providing more valued ecological services.
40. The G20 countries promised to work towards tripling the global renewable energy capacity by 2030. Discuss.
41. Earthquakes are by far the most unpredictable and highly destructive of all the natural disasters. Discuss the factor that
causes earthquakes and highlight some recent earthquakes.
42. Aditya L1 is the first Indian space-based mission to study the Sun. What are the payloads of the mission? Discuss the
objectives of the Aditya L1.
43. Methane is the primary component of natural gas and is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) with a global warming potential
(GWP). Discuss how we can reduce methane emissions.
44. India’s Moon mission Chandrayaan-3 scripted history by successfully landing on the lunar surface. Discuss the new
upgrades in Chandrayaan-3 as compared to Chandrayaan-2.
45. What is Micro Irrigation and what are the benefits of Micro Irrigation? Discuss the government’s efforts with reference
to Micro Irrigation.
46. India has added significant photovoltaics capacity over the past decade, achieving over 50 GW by 2022. Discuss the
recent initiatives taken by India in adopting solar energy.
47. Discuss how the National Quantum Mission will work towards strengthening India’s research and development in the
quantum arena.
48. The Waste to Wealth mission brings scientific processing of waste to the forefront to build a zero landfill and zero waste
nation. Elucidate.
49. What do you mean by bioenergy, and how is it generated? Discuss how it will aid in meeting India’s energy needs.
50. The year 2023 is the International Year of Millets. Discuss the benefits of including millet as a cereal.
51. What do you understand by dryland agriculture? List out the problems associated with dryland agriculture.
52. What are the different types of cyber-attacks? Discuss steps to strengthen cyber security in India.
53. Discuss the role of technologies that can help in sustainable farming.
54. How is Central Bank Digital Currency different from cryptocurrency? Discuss the need for introducing an e-rupee.
55. The E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022 which replaced the 2016 rules. Discuss how the government’s new rules in e-
waste management will formalise the e-waste recycling sector of the country.
56. How are Indian farmers utilising emerging technology such as artificial intelligence to boost output in a sustainable
manner?
57. What do you understand by urban floods and how they are different from flash floods? Discuss the strategies to tackle
urban flooding.
58. Discuss the role and contribution of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in rural and agricultural development.
59. What is the reusable launch vehicle (RLV) of the Indian Space Research Organisation? Highlight the advantages and
limitations of reusable launch vehicles.
60. World Environment Day, hosted under the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), marks a day to raise
awareness and action about the environmental catastrophes of the modern world. Discuss its genesis and relevance.
61. How are the Committees constituted, and how are their chairpersons chosen? Discuss the functions of the estimate
committee.
62. Discuss the consequences of China’s expanding strength in the Indian Ocean region. Why is it important for India?
63. What is Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)? Why a regional navigation system matters to India?
64. What are Biofuels? Discuss the government’s efforts for promoting its uses.
65. What do you understand by a public-private partnership (PPP)? Discuss the role of PPP in economic development.
66. Discuss the importance of natural farming. Give suggestions to scale up chemical-free farming.
67. What do you understand by land subsidence? What are the factors that are responsible for land subsidence?

2
68. What do you understand by sustainable development? How India is using tourism to achieve sustainable development
goals?
69. Discuss the security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
70. India has assumed the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. How will it help India fulfil its
interests?
71. Describe the Basic Structure of the Constitution. Highlight its importance in the strengthening of democracy.
72. Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent
examples.
73. Discuss India’s interests in Central Asia as well as its diplomatic engagement with the region.
74. Judiciary has taken a proactive role in ensuring India’s development into a vibrant democracy. Discuss.
75. What are the different types of industries? List out the factors responsible for the location of industries.
76. How Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioner are appointed? Discuss with reference to the recent
changes through Supreme Court Order.
77. There is much more between India and Nepal than the sum of their treaties and agreements. Discuss how the current
progress has enhanced India-Nepal bilateral relations.
78. How inter-state border disputes are resolved? Discuss in the context of recent border disputes that took place in India.
79. What are the expectations from digital and technological applications in education sector?
80. Examine the potential of solar energy in India. Highlight the government’s initiatives in the field of solar energy.
81. Examine the influence of Indian art and culture on the neighbouring countries of the Indian Subcontinent.
82. Mahatma Gandhi was one of the most influential figures of the 20th century and lead India to freedom. Discuss how
Gandhi’s struggle in South Africa inspired the Champaran Satyagraha.
83. Women’s empowerment is crucial in ensuring food security and sustainability. Discuss in the context of STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields.
84. What is the link between flash droughts and climate change? Highlight some recent examples.
85. India and the UAE have signed a pact on use of local currencies in cross-border transactions. How will the agreement
boost bilateral trade?
86. The equitable distribution of natural resources is the fundamental spirit of the Indian Constitution. Highlight various
water dispute tribunals of India.
87. What does the Constitution say about the Governor’s role in giving assent to Bills?
88. How does mandatory reporting provision work under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO)? Discuss
the recent Supreme Court rulings on POCSO Act.
89. India’s vote for the UN resolution on the war in Gaza signals a shift in Middle East policy towards realism. Discuss
90. How Chief Information Commission is constituted and what are the eligibility criteria for appointment of information
commissioners and chief information commissioner? Discuss the powers and functions of Information Commissions
with respect to complaints.
91. 2023 marks a decade of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). What was the idea behind the BRI and how did its goals evolve
over the years? Also, comment on India’s view on BRI.
92. How will the digital regulatory framework, the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2023, govern India’s digital economy?
Discuss.
93. Discuss the advantages and drawbacks of having simultaneous elections for both the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
94. India-South Korea relations have made great strides in recent years and have become truly multidimensional. Discuss
in the context of recent developments.
95. How the United Nations (UN) has evolved? Discuss the achievements and the failure of the UN.
96. The Office of the Speaker occupies a pivotal position in our parliamentary democracy. Discuss the role and responsibility
of the Speaker.
97. The ferry service between India and Sri Lanka has restarted after a gap of 40 years. Discuss the opportunities and
challenges.
98. The relationship between India and the Maldives is founded on tangible actions rather than hypothetical tales. Discuss.
99. How India-Israel ties progressed from Palestine-leaning to a strategic embrace of the Jewish nation?
100. What is rat hole mining? Discuss the environmental and safety concerns associated with rat hole mining.
101. How has Indian agriculture developed despite having few ‘factors of production’? Discuss.

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102. Aditya L1 solar probe mission has captured its first high-energy solar flare in X-ray. What are the payloads of Aditya L1?
Discuss the effect of solar flares on Earth.
103. What is deepfake and how can it be spotted? What is the Centre’s advisory to social media platforms over deepfakes?
104. What do you understand by stubble burning? Discuss how baler machines would help in managing stubble burning.
105. Millets are considered to be “powerhouses of nutrition”. Discuss how climate change has transformed pearl millet
cultivation zones in India.
106. What is geo-spatial intelligence? How geospatial solutions will address National Priorities and Sustainable Development
Goals?
107. What is the significance of the Gaganyaan Mission? Discuss about the Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1).
108. How Viability Gap Funding Scheme aid in financial support to infrastructure projects? Give some recent examples.
109. How does the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) help in a seamless working platform for users of climate
information and services?
110. How did the Green Revolution help India to achieve food security?
111. What is Open market operations (OMO)? How are OMOs used to manage liquidity in the system?
112. What is the relationship between climate change and floods? Discuss the factors which caused deluge in a
Mediterranean region.
113. What is Green Credit Programme? Discuss its objectives and how it will help in carbon emission reductions.
114. India will continue to rely on coal for foreseeable future. Discuss.
115. Over the last decade, India’s edible oil imports have increased nearly 1.5 times and more than doubled in rupee terms.
Discuss.
116. Why did Mahatma Gandhi oppose caste-based separate electorates? What are the differences in the views of Mahatma
Gandhi and B.R Ambedkar?

4
Discuss the status of women in the workforce of India.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about women in workforce in India.

 In India, women make up a significant portion of the workforce. According to data from the office of the Registrar General
and Census Commissioner of India, 149.8 million women were employed in India as of the 2011 Census, with urban and
rural employment totaling 121.8 and 28.0 million women, respectively.

 As we commemorate India’s 75th anniversary of independence, there are numerous reasons to honour all those who are
devoted to gender equality. Women have made significant progress in gaining access to school, even at the secondary
and tertiary levels. Large public investments are being undertaken to improve sex ratios at birth, reduce maternal and
infant mortality, and improve access to sanitation, menstrual health care, and family planning approaches.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2019-20 clearly demonstrates women’s labor-force absence. Importantly, the
most recent PLFS extends from July 2019 to June 2020, including the Covid-19-induced nationwide lockdown from March
to June 2020.

 The female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) for working-age women (15 and older) fell from 47 percent in 1987-88
to 23 percent in 2017-18. FLFPR has now rebounded somewhat to 30% in 2019-20.

 The rural female workforce participation rate (FWPR) decreased from 53% in 1987-88 to 25% in 2018-19. This reduction
was caused by gendered occupational segregation and persistent gender skill disparities, which create hurdles to
women’s employment in the manufacturing industry.

 However, during 2018-19 and 2019-20, the rural FWPR climbed from 25% to 32%, the proportion of women engaged in
agriculture went from 72% to 76%, and the number of rural women working as unpaid assistance in home enterprises
increased from 38% to 42%.

 The urban FWPR fell from 25% in 1987-88 to 18% in 2018-19, owing primarily to fast growth in urban family incomes and
sustained pressure from unpaid work and societal conventions, with families not expecting “secondary income earners,”
or women, to work.

 Between 2018-19 to 2019-20, urban FWPR rose from 18 per cent to 21 per cent.

 In rural regions, FWPR increased by 9 percentage points among non-literate women, 7 percentage points among those
with up to basic school, and 3 percentage points among graduates between 2018-19 and 2019-20. In metropolitan
regions, however, gains among illiterate women, those with only an elementary education, and graduates were
comparable to 3 percentage points.

 Except for informal rural labourers, gender wage disparities have shrunk modestly. Overall, from 2009-10 and 2019-20,
the female salary climbed from 71% to 75% of the male wage, with over half of the rise occurring in the final year.

Conclusion:

You conclusion should be short and you many include:

 The female labour force participation rate was at 9.4 per cent for the period between September-December 2021,
according to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). This is the lowest female labour force participation rate
since 2016 when the data was first compiled.

 As per Census 2011, the work participation rate for women is 25.51 percent as compared to 25.63 per cent in 2001. The
Work Participation Rate of Women has reduced marginally in 2011 but there is an improvement from 22.27 per cent in
1991 and 19.67 per cent in 1981. The work participation rate for women in rural areas is 30.02 per cent as compared to
15.44 per cent in the urban areas.

5
What do you understand by “Glacial Lake Outburst Flood” (GLOF)? Highlight the root causes of GLOF.

Introduction:

 Glacial lakes are large bodies of water that sit in front of, on top of, or beneath a melting glacier. As they grow larger, they
become more dangerous because glacial lakes are mostly dammed by unstable ice or sediment composed of loose rock
and debris.

 Glacial lakes are common in the high elevation of glacierised basin. They are formed when glacial ice or moraines or
natural depressions impound water.

 There are several types of such lakes, ranging from melt water ponds on the glacier’s surface to enormous lakes blocked
by a glacier in the main valley. Normally, these lakes discharge their water by seepage in front of the retreating glacier.

 The moraine creates a topographic depression in which the melt water is generally accumulated leading to formation of
glacial lake. When this lake is watertight, melt waters will accumulate in the basin until seepage or overflow limits the lake
level.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 According to the Tom Robinson, lecturer in Disaster Risk & Resilience at the University of Canterbury (New Zealand), GLOF
can be triggered by several reasons, including earthquakes, extremely heavy rains and ice avalanches.

 These lakes are also often found in steep, mountainous regions, which means landslides or ice avalanches can sometimes
fall directly into the lakes and displace the water, causing it to over-top the natural dam and flood downstream.

 For example, in 2013, one such event took place in Uttarakhand’s Kedarnath when the region witnessed flash floods along
with a GLOF caused by the Chorabari Tal glacial lake, killing thousands of people.

 There are various reasons for the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood such as:
✓ Lack of availability of sufficient data regarding rainfall intensity
✓ Location of landslide
✓ Impounded volume and area and physical conditions of lakes/ water bodies.

Conclusion:

 With the rising global temperatures, glaciers in Sikkim Himalayan have been melting rapidly, giving rise to many glacier
lakes and expanding the already existing ones in the region.

 Lhonak Lake has grown nearly 1.5 times and South Lhonak nearly 2.5 times of their initial size in 1989. An earthquake of
magnitude 4.9 on Sept 21, 1991 (as reported by United States Geological Survey) near the parent glacier feeding the South
Lhonak Lake and the recent earthquake (magnitude 6.9) of Sept 18, 2011 approximately 70 km from the lakes and future
earthquakes may trigger the GLOF events.

6
India is now the most populous country in the world, having overtaken China. What are the major causes of
overpopulation in India? What are the key highlights of the State of World Population (SOWP) report?

Introduction:

 According to the State of World Population (SOWP) report, ‘8 Billion Lives, Infinite Possibilities’ published by the United
Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN had announced that India is now the most populous country in the world,
having overtaken China in population and the world’s population had crossed the 8 billion mark.

 There are various causes of overpopulation in India such as —

✓ Poverty
✓ Illiteracy
✓ Ignorance about family planning
✓ Low contraceptive usage
✓ Early marriage

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

State of World Population (SOWP)

 According to the report, 68 per cent of India’s total population is between the ages of 15 and 64 years, which is considered
the working population of a country. About 25 per cent is between 0-14 years; 18 per cent between 10 and 19 years, 26
percent between 10 and 24 years, and 7 per cent above 65 years.

 More than half of the projected increase in global population up to 2050 will be concentrated in eight countries — the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and the United Republic of
Tanzania.

 Central and Southern Asia is expected to become the most populous region in the world by 2037.

 The latest projections suggest that the rate of global population growth has fallen due to declining fertility.

 The UN has said that already 60 per cent of the world’s population lives in a region where the fertility rate is below
replacement level, up from 40 per cent in 1990.

 Despite the continuing decline in the average number of births per woman, the total annual number of births has
remained stable at around 140 million since the late 1980s due to the youthful age distribution of the global population.

 In 2021, most births worldwide occurred in the two most populous regions—Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. One of the
reasons for population growth globally flagged by the UNFPA has been that of increasing life expectancy.

 Fertility rates have been dropping in various parts of the world, as have mortality rates all over the world, with better
access to health care and improving standards of living.

 The 2023 report finds that life expectancy among men now stands at 71 years while among women it stands at 76 years.
Globally, life expectancy reached 72.8 years in 2019, an increase of almost 9 years since 1990, the UN said in its 2022
report.

 As much as 68 per cent of India’s population belongs to the 15-64 years category, and 26 per cent in the 10-24 years group,
making India one of the youngest countries in the world.

Conclusion:

 The population in many countries, like Japan and South Korea, are on the decline. A declining fertility rate, women not
having children, is accompanied by an ageing population, and one that is out of the workforce.

 However, the fertility rate in India has been steadily dropping. The National Family Health 5 Survey (2019-21) found that
India attained a Total Fertility Rate of 2.0 for the first time, less than the replacement level of 2.1, falling from 2.2 in NFHS
4 (2015-16).

7
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are more vulnerable among the tribal groups. What are the characteristics
of PVTGs and how they are identified?

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about PVTGs.

 Tribal groups are frequently defined by certain characteristics such as primitive qualities, particular culture, geographical
isolation, reluctance to contact with the larger population, and backwardness.

 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) have some specific features such as dependency on hunting, gathering for
food, having pre-agriculture level of technology, zero or negative growth of population and extremely low level of literacy.

 According to a Tribal Affairs Ministry letter to various states in 2015, “PVTGs constitute the most vulnerable section among
tribals and inhabit isolated, remote and difficult areas in small and scattered hamlets/ habitats.”

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Characteristics of PVTGs

 PVTGs have some basic characteristics -they are mostly homogenous, with a small population, relatively physically
isolated, social institutes cast in a simple mould, absence of written language, relatively simple technology and a slower
rate of change etc.

 According to the 2001 census, there are 12 PVTGs having a population above 50,000 and the remaining groups have a
population of 1000 or less. The PVTG of Sahariyas has the highest population of 4,50,217, while the PVTGs of Sentinelets
and Andamanese has a very small population of 39 and 43, respectively.

 PVTG cultural practises, systems, self-government, and livelihood practises vary greatly according on the group and
location.

 The level of inequalities in social and economic conditions is very high amongst PVTGs.

 The growth of PVTGs’ population is either stagnating or declining.

 PVTGs depend on various livelihoods such as food gathering,Non Timber Forest Produce (NTFP), hunting, livestock
rearing, shifting cultivation and artisan works.Most of their livelihoods depend on the forest.

 PVTGs’ health is in terrible shape due to a variety of factors such as poverty, illiteracy, a lack of safe drinking water, poor
sanitary conditions, difficult terrain, malnutrition, poor maternal and child health services, a lack of health and nutritional
services, superstition, and deforestation.

How they are identified?

 Government of India follows the following criteria for identification of PVTGs:

✓ Pre-agricultural level of technology
✓ Low level of literacy
✓ Economic backwardness
✓ A declining or stagnant population.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short. You may include:

 To improve socio-economic conditions of the particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs), Pradhan Mantri PVTG
Development Mission will be launched.

 This will saturate PVTG families and habitations with basic facilities such as safe housing, clean drinking water and
sanitation, improved access to education, health and nutrition, road and telecom connectivity, and sustainable livelihood
opportunities.

8
How digital currencies or cryptocurrencies have affected the global world? Discuss with reference to India too.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about digital currencies and cryptocurrencies.

 A digital currency or cryptocurrency is a medium of exchange, such as the rupee or the US dollar, but is digital in format
and uses encryption techniques to both control the creation of monetary units and to verify the exchange of money.

 In traditional financial deals, where two parties are using fiat money, a third-party organisation — usually a central bank
— assures that the money is genuine and the transaction is recorded.

 For example, Bitcoin is considered to be the world’s best-known cryptocurrency and is the largest in the world according
to market capitalisation, followed by Ethereum.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 Allowing exchanges to operate freely and mandating banks to open accounts for crypto companies. for example, Ukraine
has now legalised its crypto sector which legitimises the rise of digital or virtual currencies and raises pertinent questions
surrounding their role in geopolitics.

 Central banks around the globe have been studying and working on digital versions of their currencies for retail use to
avoid leaving digital payments to the private sector amid an accelerating decline of cash.

 According to the study conducted by BIS, most of the new Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) will emerge in the retail
space, where eleven central banks could join peers in the Bahamas, the Eastern Caribbean, Jamaica and Nigeria which
already run live digital retail currencies.

 The BIS also said that the share of central banks in its survey engaged in some form of CBDC had risen to 93 per cent,
with 60 per cent saying the emergence of stablecoins and other crypto-assets had accelerated their work.

How it will affect India?

 Digital currency will further bolster the digital economy, make payment system more efficient, reduce cost involved in
physical cash management and will contribute to more financial inclusion.

 It is supported by the state-of-the-art payment system of India that is affordable and accessible, convenient, efficient, safe
and secure to use.

 The CBDC will bolster the digital economy, make the monetary and payment system more efficient and contribute to
further financial inclusion.

 It will help in the efficiency of the settlement system, boosting innovation in cross-border payment space.

 The CBDC for retail is a general-purpose currency, targeting at individuals and freely accessible exhibiting characteristics
of cash albeit in digital form, while CBDC for wholesale limits access to a predefined group of users like financial
institutions and corporates.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

 According to the survey conducted by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), central banks across emerging and
advanced economies are expected to have digital currencies in circulation by the end of the decade.

 Eighteen of the G20 countries are exploring it with seven including India already having it in the pilot stage.

9
Highlight the impact of climate change on the pattern of monsoons in India.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about monsoons in India.

 The climate of India can broadly be classified as a tropical monsoon. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)
designates four official seasons out of which the Monsoon or rainy season is from June to September.

 The Indian subcontinent receives around 80% of its annual rainfall during the summer monsoon, from June to September.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Impact of Climate Change on Monsoons in India

The Indian monsoon is a complex phenomenon influenced by various internal and external factors:’

 El Nino is an external driver that modulates the monsoon’s intensity and spatial distribution. However, it is important to
note that El Nino alone cannot account for all monsoonal variations.

 El Nino is associated with weak monsoons and lower-than-average rainfall in India.

 The location of the El Nino event also influences its effects on the Indian monsoon — warming in the Central Pacific Ocean
affects it more than the warming in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

 Indian Ocean Dipole significantly shape monsoon dynamics.

 The western coast of the country witnessed the high-intensity cyclone

 Central, Eastern and Northern parts experienced heat stress.

 In India, heavy rainfalls “lasting from May to September triggered multiple landslides and river overflows and floods,
resulting in casualties and damage

 According to the report by WMO, the rise in frequency and severity of extreme weather events has particularly impacted
the agriculture sector in Asia. For climate-related disasters such as floods, droughts, and tropical storms, more than 25
per cent of all damage and losses is associated with the agriculture sector.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

 The country needs to identify the monsoon variability-related impacts and more importantly, map its associated hazards
(landslides, flash floods, etc) risks, and vulnerability at the hyper-granular level.

 The mapping should include hard losses (infrastructure and finances) and soft losses (livelihoods, migration). India needs
a high-resolution monsoon variability index to track critical vulnerabilities at the block and city level and simultaneously
enhance early warning systems and forecasting.

10
Discuss the consequences of the depletion of the ground water resources.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about ground water resources.

 Ground water has emerged as the backbone of India’s agriculture and drinking water security.

 The contribution of ground water is nearly 62 per cent in irrigation, 85 per cent in rural water supply and 50 per cent in
the urban water supply.

 Ground water is an annually replenishable resource but its availability is non-uniform in space and time.

 The availability of groundwater resources in a given area is determined by several factors such as rainfall intensity and
duration, geological strata of the area, the number of existing recharge structures, and extraction by consumers for a
variety of purposes such as industrial applications, drinking/domestic purposes, irrigation, and so on.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Consequences of the depletion of the ground water

 According to the journal “Drift of Earth’s Pole Confirms Groundwater Depletion as a Significant Contributor to Global Sea
Level Rise 1993–2010”, published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, the excessive extraction of groundwater for
drinking and irrigation has shifted the Earth’s axis of rotation.

 According to the Central Groundwater Board of India, around 17 per cent of groundwater blocks are overexploited
(meaning the rate at which water is withdrawn exceeds the rate at which the aquifer can recharge), while 5 per cent and
14 per cent are at critical and semi-critical phases, respectively.

 The government’s support for the “green revolution” to ensure food security has increased the demand for groundwater
for agriculture.

 The depletion of ground water resources will demand the extraction of water from deeper inside the Earth.

 The depletion of water resources will reduce the water bodies, lakes and will restrict the biodiversity

 The depletion of water resources will lead to salt contamination of the ground water.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

 The sustainable utilisation of ground water resources demands a realistic quantitative assessment of ground water
availability in this zone based on reasonably valid scientific principles. National Water Policy, 2012 has laid emphasis on
periodic assessment of ground water resources on a scientific basis.

 Schemes like Atal Bhujal Yojna aims to improve groundwater management.

11
Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle for Independence.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about role of women in history.

 The entire history of the freedom movement is filled with the saga of bravery, sacrifice and political sagacity of hundreds
and thousands of women in our country.

 The women were not merely passive workers following in the footsteps of celebrated men; they were active
revolutionaries, taking up arms, launching underground organisations, publishing anti-British literature, and being
subjected for years to torture and imprisonment.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Role of women in the freedom struggle for Independence

Before and during the revolt of 1857

 The participation of women in the struggle began as early as 1817 when Bhima Bai Holkar fought against British Colonel
Malcolm and defeated him in guerilla warfare.

 The queen of the princely state of Jhansi, Rani Laxmibai is known for her role in the First War of India’s Independence in
1857. She was the second wife of the ruler of Jhansi Raja Gangadhar Rao who protested against the ‘Doctrine of Lapse’.
She refused to surrender to Jhansi and fought bravely attired as a male during the Revolt of 1857 and died on the
battlefield fighting the British forces.

 Hazrat Mahal Begum was the wife of the deposed ruler of Lucknow who actively took part in the revolt of 1857.

After the revolt of 1857

 Sarojini Naidu holds pride of place among women freedom fighters of India. She was responsible for awakening the
women of India. She was the first woman President of the Indian National Congress in 1925 at the Kanpur Session.

 Aruna Asaf Ali played a leading role during the Quit Indian Movement. She unfurled the National Flag at the Gowalia Tank
maidan in Bombay to signify the commencement of the Quit India Movement.

 Rani Gaidineliu was a prominent Naga nationalist woman leader from Manipur who took over the movement of Naga
nationalists against the British.

 Kalpana Dutta was another prominent woman revolutionary leader who was influenced by the revolutionary idea of Surya
Sen.

 Madam Bhikaji Cama was influenced by Dadabhai Naoroji and served as an inspiration to Indian youth in the United
Kingdom. She raised the first National Flag at the International Socialist Conference in Stuttgart (Germany) in 1907,
founded the Free India Society, and launched the periodical ‘Bande Mataram’ to propagate her revolutionary ideas.

 Sucheta Kriplani was an ardent nationalist with a socialistic orientation. She was a close associate of Jai Prakash Narayany
who actively participated in the Quit India Movement.

 Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur was a close follower of Gandhiji from 1919 onwards. She actively participated in the 1930 Salt
Satyagraha and the Quit India Movement. She became the first Health Minister in post-independent India.

 Annie Besant, who was born in Ireland, was a fervent supporter of India’s freedom struggle. In 1916, she launched the
Madras Home Rule League. In addition, she formed the Theosophical Society of India. She served as the first woman
president of the Indian National Congress in Calcutta in 1917.

12
What are the challenges for inland water transport in India?

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about inland water transportation in India.

 India features a vast network of inland waterways, including rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks. When compared to
other developed countries, freight transportation by waterways is vastly underutilized in the country. Most of India’s
hinterland connection is provided by road and rail, with domestic waterways—coastal shipping and inland waterways—
playing a minor role.

 Waterways are found to be cost-effective as well as an environmentally friendly means of transporting freight. In India,
Inland Water Transport (IWT) has the potential to supplement the over-burdened railways and congested roadways.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 In 2016, the government notified 111 inland waterways as National Waterways of India under the National Waterways
Act, 2016. Of these, 13 National Waterways are operational for shipping and navigation and cargo/passenger vessels are
moving on them.

 The Inland Waterways Authority of India under the Ministry of Shipping is developing the National Waterways for
commercial navigation, including with assistance from the World Bank.

Challenges for Inland water transportation in India

 The primary requirement for inland transportation is adequate water flow and it has been reduced over the years due to
industrial and agricultural wastes and more likely due to habitation.

 Siltation, which is caused by deforestation and erosion.

 There is a shortage of inland water transportation (IWT) vehicles.

 Lack of skills and technology adoption.

 If the water depth of the channel is inadequate, then it will not allow the larger vehicles to cross.

 There are multiple bridges with low vertical clearance which hinders inland water transportation.

 There are various other challenges in the implementation of the inland water transportation system of India such as
delays in land acquisition, difficulties in the disposal of dredged material, delays in project execution, and poor fund
utilisation.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

 Inland Water Transport (IWT) is the most economical mode of transportation, especially for bulk cargo like coal, iron ore,
cement, food grains and fertilizer.

 Efficient planning of fairway or the channel, terminals and intermodal connectivity, vessels of optimum dimensions and
utility and navigational aids for safe and round-the-clock navigation are needed to make the IWT mode competitive.

 In handling cargo through waterways, Gujarat stands only second to Maharashtra which transported 178.59 million
tonnes of cargo since 2016-17.

13
Floods are the most common natural disaster in India. Highlight some steps that should be taken to ensure proper flood
management.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about floods.

 India is highly vulnerable to floods and they are a recurrent phenomenon, which causes massive loss of lives and damage
to livelihood systems, property, infrastructure and public utilities.

 The most common risks associated with flooding are the contamination of drinking-water facilities, and standing water,
which can be a breeding site for mosquitoes, bring chemical hazards, and cause injuries.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Steps to Ensure Proper Flood Management

 Structural measures include storage reservoirs, embankments, and diversions to reduce flood hazards by keeping
damage-causing waters away from agricultural areas, cities, industries, etc. For example, reservoirs conserve water for
irrigation, electricity generation, water supply, etc.

 Non-structural methods such as flood forecasting, warnings, and flood plain zoning, help in the timely evacuation of
people and regulate the use of floodplains.

 Due to dense built-up areas, with poor water, sanitation, drainage and wastewater infrastructure, risks like flooding are
felt intensely in our cities.

 Most urban civic bodies conduct a monsoon audit ahead of the season to ensure that stormwater drains, tanks and lakes
exist and work, and that they are not choked by construction debris, silt, garbage or blocked by encroachments.

 The medium-term approach is to integrate drainage, water supply, and wastewater systems to retain the heavy rain that
may fall in a short period, as well as to treat and recycle wastewater to ensure clean water and sanitation for the remainder
of the year.

 To reduce local flooding, we need to improve how city roads are built and repaired.

 Conserving and protecting urban forests, wetlands, rivers and lakes are critical to addressing climate change-induced
flooding, water scarcity and heat waves and improving livability.

 India has the technological capacity to map all of its cities and towns, using high-resolution satellite and local
topographical data to identify areas most prone to flooding.

 Following a series of deadly urban floods in cities such as Mumbai and Surat in the early 2000s, India has done well to
enhance its forecasting, early warning, and evacuation systems in many large cities.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

 We must preserve and prepare our cities for future flooding, drought, and heat waves brought on by climate change.

 The most effective approach to accomplish this is to ensure that all city dwellers have access to essential environmental
services such as water, sanitation, drainage, and solid waste management.

14
One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment Bill, 2023 seeks to reserve seats for women in Lok Sabha and state
legislative assemblies. How does reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions and Urban Local Bodies work?

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about 128th amendment bill.

 The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023 was introduced in Lok Sabha on September 19,
2023. The Bill seeks to reserve seats for women in Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.

 The Bill reserves, as nearly as may be, one-third of all seats for women in Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and the
Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Additionally, this reservation will also extend to the seats
reserved for SCs and STs in Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.

 The reservation will be provided for a period of 15 years. However, it shall continue till such date as determined by a law
made by Parliament.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Amendment) Bill 2023 states that “as nearly as possible, one-third
(including seats reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) of the total number of
seats to be filled by direct election to the House of People shall be reserved for women.”

 The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Amendment) Bill 2023 proposes to introduce new articles — 330A and
332A — in the Constitution. These new provisions will introduce the changes for Lok Sabha and Assemblies respectively.

Reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions and Urban Local Bodies

 Article 243D of the Constitution provides for reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women in
Panchayats.

 As per the provisions of Article 243D, not less than one-third of the total number of seats reserved for SCs and STs shall
be reserved for women.

 It also says that nothing in this part shall prevent the legislature of a state from making any provision for reservation of
seats in any Panchayat or offices of Chairpersons in the Panchayats at any level in favour of the backward classes of
citizens.

Conclusion:

You conclusion should be short and you many include:

 According to government data, the percentage of women elected representatives in Panchayati Raj institutions was
greater than 50 per cent in at least 18 states as of September 8, 2021: Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Maharashtra,
Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Kerala, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Manipur, Telangana, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh,
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.

 The Bill states that one-third of the seats in Parliament and state Assemblies will be reserved for women. However, it
doesn’t specify how these seats will be identified. Hence, it is expected that the determination of seats will be addressed
by a separate law that the government will introduce.

15
What does Constitution of India specify about the sessions of the parliament? How special session of the Parliament is
different from the normal session of the Parliament?

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about sessions of the Parliament.

 India’s Parliament has no fixed calendar of sittings. A Lok Sabha committee prepared a programme for legislative sessions
in 1955. It proposed that the Budget session of Parliament begin on February 1 and finish on May 7, and that the Monsoon
session begin on July 15 and end on September 15.

 The committee suggested that the Winter session, the last session of the year, commence on November 5 (or the fourth
day after Diwali, whichever is later) and finish on December 22. While the government agreed to this calendar, it was never
implemented.

 The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs takes the decision about the date and duration of parliamentary sessions.
It currently has ten Ministers, including those for Defence, Home, Finance, Agriculture, Tribal Affairs, Parliamentary Affairs,
and Information and Broadcasting.

 The Law Minister and the Minister of State for External Affairs are special invitees to the Committee. The President is
informed about the Committee’s decision, who then summons Members of Parliament to meet for the session.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

What does the Constitution say?

 The Constitution specifies that six months should not elapse between two parliamentary sessions. The framers of the
Constitution borrowed it from the Government of India Act of 1935.

 It allowed the British Governor General to call a session of the central legislature at his discretion, requiring that the gap
between two sessions should not be more than 12 months.

 Before independence, the central assembly met for a little more than 60 days a year. This number increased to 120 days
a year in the first 20 years after Independence. Since then, the sitting days of the national legislature have declined.

 Between 2002 and 2021, Lok Sabha averaged 67 working days. The situation in state legislatures is much worse. In 2022,
28 state Assemblies met for 21 days on average.

 The conference of presiding officers has repeatedly urged that Parliament assemble for more than 100 days. A similar
suggestion was made by the National Commission to Review the Workings of the Constitution, which was established in
2000.

What is a special session of Parliament?

 The Constitution does not use the term “special session”. The term sometimes refers to sessions the government has
convened for specific occasions, like commemorating parliamentary or national milestones.

 The presiding officers should preside over the proceedings of the two Houses when they are in session. The presiding
officers can also mandate that the operations of their respective Houses be curtailed and that procedural devices such as
question hour be unavailable to MPs throughout the session.

 Article 352 (Proclamation of Emergency) of the Constitution does refer to a “special sitting of the House”.

 Parliament added the part relating to the special sitting through the Constitution (Forty-fourth Amendment) Act, 1978. Its
purpose was to add safeguards to the power of proclaiming Emergency in the country. It specifies that if a Proclamation
of Emergency is issued and Parliament is not in session, then one-tenth of Lok Sabha MPs can ask the President to convene
a special meeting to disapprove the Emergency.

16
What led to the India-Canada standoff? Discuss the links and linkages that will raise worries about economic and people-
to-people ties between the two countries.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about India-Canada.

 India and Canada are dealing with an unprecedented diplomatic crisis, which can have political as well as geopolitical
consequences.

What led to the standoff?

 It started after Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dropped a bombshell allegation, telling Parliament that it is
possible the Indian government had a hand in the murder of a Khalistani separatist in Canada in June.

 The Ministry of External Affairs called Trudeau’s accusation “absurd and motivated”. It said he had made similar allegations
during his meeting with the PM, which had been “completely rejected”.

 The first action was taken by Canada, which expelled an Indian diplomat stationed in Ottawa. The official has been
recognised as the chief of India’s intelligence service, and his identity has been revealed. In response, India expelled a
Canadian diplomat stationed in New Delhi.

 Following that, India issued a travel alert for Indian nationals visiting Canada, as well as a warning to the Indian community
in Canada. Students, professionals, and visitors were warned to be wary since the Indian population might be targeted,
according to the alert.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 The connections between the two countries are old and deep, and Canada is home to more Sikhs as a percentage of the
national population than even India. Here are five highlights of India’s relations with Canada:
1. Canada accounts for 0.56 per cent of the total FDI in India.
2. Canada is home to 5.26 per cent of overseas Indians.
3. Every 7th Indian student studying abroad is in Canada.
4. Canada is the fourth largest source of tourists in India (based on 2021 figures).
5. Bilateral trade with Canada accounts for only 0.70% of India’s total trade.

 The balance of trade is in India’s favour, and Canada is among the few countries with which India has a trade surplus.

Conclusion:

 In 2022-23, India’s exports to Canada stood at $4,109.74 million, which exceeded its imports ($4,051.29 million) from the
country — leaving a trade surplus of $58.45 million.

 The top five Indian imports from Canada are Coking coal, Potassium chloride, Lentils, Newsprint and wood pulp.

 Canada was India’s 35th biggest trading partner country. India has higher bilateral trade with smaller countries like Nepal
($8,855.61 million) and Taiwan ($10,901.77 million).

17
The G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration is a comprehensive document as it lays the roadmap for collective global action
in building a prosperous future. Discuss.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about G20

 The G20, or the Group of Twenty, comprises 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany,
India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom, and
the United States) and the European Union and African Union.

 It plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international
economic issues.

 On December 1, 2022, India assumed the presidency of the G20 with the call of “One Earth, One Family, One Future”. This
motto aligns with our civilisational ethos and the idea of vasudhaiva kutumbakam (the world is one family).

 The leaders at India’s G20 Summit arrived at a joint communique — called the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration. The
main focus was on the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The chapters are numbered A to J, in 10 chapters, based on themes like —
Progress for all; focus on education, health, Sustainability, Digital infrastructure, and a safe, secure Internet, Focus on
gender equality, terror in G20 crosshairs.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Key Outcomes

 The summit adopted a leaders’ declaration, which reflects China’s proposition and states that the G20 would act in
concrete ways through partnerships, sending a positive signal of the G20 working together to tackle global challenges
and promote world economic recovery and global development.

 A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Governments of India, the US, Saudi Arabia, the
European Union, the UAE, France, Germany and Italy to establish the India – Middle East – Europe Economic Corridor
(IMEC).

 A commitment to work towards tripling of global renewable energy capacity by 2030 is the most significant climate-related
outcome from the G20 meeting.

 Addition of the African Union to the grouping.

 The leaders from India and Saudi Arabia reviewed the various facets of bilateral ties and discussed ways to further unlock
the potential of the India-Saudi strategic partnership.

 India–EU Strategic Partnership, including the next India-EU Summit, the ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
negotiations, climate change and LiFE and digital technology.

18
Discuss the key highlights of the Women’s Reservation (128th Amendment) Bill, 2023.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about women reservation bill.

 The government brought The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023 to provide 33 per
cent reservation to women in Lok Sabha and state Legislative Assemblies.

 According to The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Amendment) Bill 2023, “as nearly as maybe, one-third
(including the seats reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) of the total number of
seats to be filled by direct election to the House of People shall be reserved for women”.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Key highlights

 The Bill reserves, as nearly as may be, one-third of all seats for women in Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and the
Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. This will also apply to the seats reserved for SCs and STs in
Lok Sabha and states legislatures.

 The reservation will be effective after the census conducted after the commencement of this Bill has been published.
Based on the census, delimitation will be undertaken to reserve seats for women. The reservation will be provided for a
period of 15 years. However, it shall continue till such date as determined by a law made by Parliament.

 Seats reserved for women will be rotated after each delimitation, as determined by a law made by Parliament.

Current Status on Reservation of Women

 The Constitution also provides for reservation of seats in Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for Scheduled Castes
(SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in proportion to their number in the population.

 The Constitution does not provide for reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.

 The 73rd and 74th Amendments passed in 1993, which introduced panchayats and municipalities in the Constitution,
reserve one-third of seats for women in these bodies.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

 According to government data, as on September 8, 2021, in at least 18 states, the percentage of women elected
representatives in Panchayati Raj institutions was more than 50 per cent: Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Maharashtra,
Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Kerala, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Manipur, Telangana, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh,
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.

19
Discuss how the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII) will aid in countering China’s Belt and Road
Initiative (BRI).

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about PGII.

 Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII) is a developmental initiative aimed at narrowing the infrastructure
gap in developing countries as well as help towards accelerating progress on SDGs globally.

 A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Governments of India, the US, Saudi Arabia, the
European Union, the UAE, France, Germany & Italy to establish the India – Middle East – Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

 The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) comprises an Eastern Corridor connecting India to the Gulf region
and a Northern Corridor connecting the Gulf region to Europe. It will include a railway and ship-rail transit network and
road transport routes.

 It is being envisioned as a network of transport corridors, including railway lines and sea lanes, that is expected to aid
economic growth through integration between Asia, the Arabian Gulf, and Europe.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 The project is a part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII) — a West-led initiative for funding
infrastructure projects across the world.

 It is seen that the PGII will act as a counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). According to Prime Minister, Narendra
Modi, it can contribute towards reducing the infrastructure gaps in the Global South countries.

 PGII was launched during the G7 summit in Germany, in 2022. It was launched to help fund infrastructure projects in
developing countries through public and private investments.

What is the project?

 IMEC is a rail and shipping corridor that is part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII) — a
collaborative effort by G7 nations to fund infrastructure projects in developing nations. PGII is considered to be the bloc’s
counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

 The project will aim to enable greater trade among the involved countries, including energy products.

 According to a document prepared by the European Commission, the corridor will include a rail link as well as an electricity
cable, a hydrogen pipeline and a high-speed data cable.

Why is the project being proposed?

 It would increase prosperity among the countries involved through an increased flow of energy and digital
communications.

 The project would help deal with the lack of infrastructure needed for growth in lower- and middle-income nations.

 It could help “turn the temperature down” on “turbulence and insecurity” coming out of the Middle East.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short. You may include:

 For India, this new connectivity architecture could result in an alternative trans-regional commercial transportation route,
joining forces in petrochemicals manufacturing by integrating India’s hydrocarbon value chain and creating an innovation
corridor for green energy and innovative technology manufacturing value chains, Tanchum had noted in his paper titled
‘India’s Arab-Mediterranean Corridor: A Paradigm Shift in Strategic Connectivity to Europe’.

 In his remarks, Prime Minister highlighted the importance of physical, digital and financial connectivity. He said that IMEC
would help promote economic integration between India and Europe.

20
Sickle cell disease is a serious health challenge in India’s tribal population. Discuss how we can resolve the tribal health
challenge and highlight some of the government’s efforts in this direction.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about sickle cell and status of tribals in India.

 The Indian Constitution recognises the special status of tribal communities and provides them with specific safeguards,
which are provided through different political-administrative structures established by Schedules V and VI of the
Constitution.

 In India, the tribal habitations are scattered across large areas with poor access to basic health necessities. Therefore, it
is observed that tribal people have remained marginal, with poor health and a poor population-provider ratio.

Sickle Cell Anaemia

 Sickle cell disease is a serious health challenge in India’s tribal population. It is a genetic disorder in which a person’s red
blood cells become distorted and take on a sickle-like shape.

 Sickle cell disease is commonly found among tribal communities and poses a significant threat to the future and existence
of our indigenous populations, and it is imperative to prevent the spread of this disease in a timely manner.

 Sickle cell disease exists in two forms within the human body:
a. The individual does not exhibit any disease or symptoms and lives a normal life.
b. It is characterised by the presence of symptoms related to sickle cell disease.

 A person suffering from Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) faces numerous health problems, including persistent pain, fatigue, and
anaemia, which significantly impact their quality of life.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Resolving Tribal Health Challenge

 The tribal communities must be empowered in a strategic way, keeping in mind their traditions and other intangible
heritage touchpoints.

 The health of communities is influenced by various factors such as lack of infrastructure, medical professionals,
connectivity, affordability, equipment, insurance, funding, and much more.

 Efforts are being made to eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia through two approaches:
a. It focuses on prevention, ensuring that new cases are not born.
b. It involves managing the treatment and providing adequate healthcare facilities for individuals already affected by the
disease.

 The National Health Mission (NHM) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme that aims to provide universal access to equitable,
accessible, and high-quality healthcare services that are responsible and responsive to people’s needs.

21
Government’s Efforts

 Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) are set up to provide twelve packages of Comprehensive Primary
Health Care (CPHC), which comprise preventative, promotive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative treatments that are
universal, free, and accessible to the population.

 States/UTs have been granted freedom under NHM to deploy Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) to deliver a variety of health
care services to the public, particularly those living in rural, inaccessible, un-served, and under-served regions.

 National Free Drugs Service Initiative and National Free Diagnostic Service Initiative: According to the necessary
medication lists for separate levels of facilities, medicines are given in suitable quantities to all health facilities, including
those in vulnerable regions.

 The Government of India is assisting states in implementing National Ambulance Services (NHM) for free transportation
of sick people to health facilities.

 All tribal majority districts whose composite health index is below the State average have been identified as High Priority
Districts (HPDs).

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short. You may include:

 According to the Census of India 2011, Scheduled Tribes Population numbers 104 million and constitutes 8.6 per cent of
the country’s total population.

 At present, there are 705 different Scheduled Tribes in the country. Almost 90 per cent of the tribal population lives in
rural areas. There are 169 districts in which the ST population constitutes more than 20 per cent of the population, and
809 blocks where the ST population is more than 50 per cent.

 As India moves towards its centenary, the responsibility of providing healthcare, a fundamental human right, for all our
fellow citizens, lies both with private and government institutions. Through inclusive leadership and investments in
healthcare infrastructure in tribal areas, we can empower our tribal communities, achieve sustainable development, and
fulfil the United Nations SDGs. Let us pledge to ensure no one is left behind as the country moves towards India@100.

22
Russia has been India’s reliable and long-term partner. Discuss the most recent developments between the two
countries.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about India-Russia relations:

 Russia has been a longstanding and time-tested partner for India. The development of India-Russia relations has been a
key pillar of India’s foreign policy.

 India-Russia ties have acquired a qualitatively new character with enhanced levels of cooperation in almost all areas,
including political, security, defence, trade and economy, science & technology, culture, and people-to-people ties.

 In December 2010, the Strategic Partnership was elevated to the level of “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Recent Developments

Bilateral Interaction/Visits

 Russia is an important bilateral partner, India and Russia have a crucial role to play in global security and stability.

 The Annual Summit between the Prime Minister of India and the President of the Russian Federation is the highest
institutionalized dialogue mechanism in the strategic partnership between India and Russia.

 There are various meetings where both countries meet like — BRICS, G20 and SCO.

Security Council Cooperation

 India and Russia maintain close cooperation between the Security Council secretariats led by NSA from the Indian side
and Secretary of the Russian Security Council.

Trade

 The primary mechanism at the government level for enhancing trade and economic cooperation is the India-Russia
Intergovernmental Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific & Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC).

 The free trade agreement (FTA) talks mark a step up in economic relations between the two countries. India’s imports
from Russia more than quadrupled to $46.33 billion over the last fiscal year, mainly through oil.

 India-Russia Strategic Economic Dialogue (IRSED) is another G2G mechanism co-chaired by Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog on
Indian side and Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

Defence

 India-Russia military-technical cooperation has evolved from a buyer-seller framework to one involving joint research,
development and production of advanced defence technologies and systems.

 India was involved in various defence deals such as — BrahMos Missile, T-90 tanks, S-400 air defence system and Ka-226t
Helicopters.

Nuclear Energy

 Russia is an important partner for India in the area of peaceful use of nuclear energy. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant
(KKNPP) is a flagship project between India and Russia in this sphere.

23
Space Cooperation

 India-Russia cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of outer space dates back to about four decades. The two countries
are cooperating closely under India’s first human spaceflight program “Gaganyaan”.

Science & Technology

 The new Roadmap for Bilateral STI cooperation has been developed and agreed by both sides to replace the erstwhile
ILTP cooperation program. It focusses on a variety of new engagements to promote co-innovation and exchanges and
will be in force for next 5 years.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short. You may include:

 Russia, traditionally India’s top source of military hardware, displaced Iraq to become India’s top supplier of crude oil.

 Russia’s efforts to improve trade with India form part of its strategy to help evade the impact of Western sanctions by
boosting commerce with Asian giants including China.

 Moscow is also trying to increase or maintain cooperation with other South Asian countries, most recently agreeing to
settle payments in yuan for building a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh and discussing discounted oil exports to
Pakistan.

 India’s interests in Russia are many and will continue even as its investments in Central Europe expand in strategic
importance and political power to determine the future of Eurasia.

24
Discuss the role and responsibilities of the Lok Sabha Speaker in ensuring the seamless functioning of the House.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about the speaker of the Lok Sabha.

 The role of the Speaker is critical in our parliamentary democracy. It has been claimed of the Speaker’s Office that, while
members of Parliament represent specific constituencies, the Speaker symbolises the whole power of the House itself.

 He/she represents the majesty and power of the House over which he/she presides. As a result, it is expected that the
bearer of this high-ranking position will be able to represent the House in all of its forms.

 Speaker holds Office from the date of his/her election till immediately before the first meeting of the Lok Sabha after the
dissolution of the one to which he/she was elected. He/She is eligible for re-election. On the dissolution of the Lok Sabha,
although the Speaker ceases to be a member of the House, he/she does not vacate his/her Office.

 Article 93 for Lok Sabha and Article 178 for state Assemblies state that these Houses “shall, as soon as may be”, choose
two of its members to be Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Role of the Speaker

In House

 He/she is guided by the provisions of the Constitution and the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.

 He/She benefits from the Directions issued by his/her predecessors which are compiled periodically.

 He/she is assisted by the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha and senior officers of the Secretariat on parliamentary
activities and on matters of practice and procedure.

 In the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker discharges his/her functions. A member from the Panel of Chairmen
presides over the House in the absence of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.

 The Speaker has extensive functions to perform in matters administrative, judicial and regulatory, falling under his/her
domain. He/She enjoys vast authority under the Constitution and the Rules, as well as inherently.

 He/she is the ultimate arbiter and interpreter of those provisions which relate to the functioning of the House. His/Her
decisions are final and binding and ordinarily cannot be questioned, challenged or criticised.

In Regulating the Business of the House

 The final authority for adopting rules for regulating its procedure rests with each House, but a perusal of the rules of the
Indian Parliament would indicate that the Presiding Officers in the two Houses are given vast powers by the rules.

 If a Bill is pending before the House, it is the Speaker who decides whether he/she should allow amendments to be moved
to various clauses of the Bill or not. As regards regulating discussions in the House, it is the Speaker who decides as to
when a member shall speak and how long he/she shall speak.

25
 The Speaker is the guardian of the rights and privileges of the House, its Committees and members. It depends solely on
the Speaker to refer any question of privilege to the Committee of Privileges for examination, investigation and report. It
is through him/her that the decisions of the House are communicated to outside individuals and authorities.

 It is the Speaker who decides the form and manner in which the proceedings of the House is published.

 He/She also issues warrants to execute the orders of the House, wherever necessary, and delivers reprimands on behalf
of the House.

 He/She certifies Money Bills and decides finally what are money matters by reason of the Lok Sabha’s overriding powers
in financial matters.

 The Speaker of the Lok Sabha who presides over joint sittings called in the event of disagreement between the two Houses
on a legislative measure.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short. You may include some of the following points as mentioned on sansad.in:

 In India, the Office of the Speaker is a live and dynamic institution that deals with the actual demands and difficulties of
Parliament in carrying out its tasks.

 The Speaker is the House’s constitutional and ceremonial leader.

 He/she is the primary House spokesperson. The duty for conducting the House’s work in a way befitting the institution’s
status in a representative democracy is entrusted in him/her.

26
What are the qualifications for the appointment of Governor? Discuss the executive powers carried out by the Governor.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about the Governor.

 The state executive consists of Governor and Council of Ministers with Chief Minister as its head.

 All Governors while discharging such constitutional functions as appointment of Chief Minister of a State or sending a
report to President about failure of constitutional machinery in a State or in respect of matters relating to assent to a Bill
passed by legislature, exercise their own judgement.

Qualifications for appointment as Governor

 No person shall be eligible for appointment as Governor unless he is a citizen of India and has completed the age of thirty-
five years.

 The Governor shall not be a member of either House of Parliament or of a House of the Legislature of any State specified
in the First Schedule, and if a member of either House of Parliament or of a House of the Legislature of any such State be
appointed Governor, he shall be deemed to have vacated his seat in that House on the date on which he enters upon his
office as Governor.

 The Governor shall not hold any other office of profit.

 The Governor shall be entitled without payment of rent to the use of his official residences and shall be also entitled to
such emoluments, allowances and privileges as may be determined by Parliament by law and until provision in that behalf
is so made, such emoluments, allowances and privileges as are specified in the Second Schedule.

 The emoluments and allowances of the Governor shall not be diminished during his term of office.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 Article 153 of the Constitution says “There shall be a Governor for each State.” A few years after the commencement of
the Constitution, an amendment in 1956 laid down that “nothing in this article shall prevent the appointment of the same
person as Governor for two or more States”.

 Article 154 of the Constitution of India provides that the executive power of the State shall be vested in the Governor and
shall be exercised by him either directly or through officers subordinate to him in accordance with the Constitution of
India.

 The executive power of the State shall be vested in the Governor and shall be exercised by him either directly or through
officers subordinate to him in accordance with this Constitution.

 The Governor is:

a. deemed to transfer to the Governor any functions conferred by any existing law on any other authority; or
b. prevent Parliament or the Legislature of the State from conferring by law functions on any authority subordinate to
the Governor.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short. You may include:

 The position of the Governor is envisaged as an apolitical head who must act on the advice of the Council of Ministers of
the state. However, the Governor enjoys certain powers under the Constitution — such as giving or withholding assent to
a Bill passed by the state legislature; determining the time needed for a party to prove its majority in the state Assembly;
or, in cases such as a hung verdict in an election, which party must be called first to prove its majority — which make his
position very significant.

27
How does the India-Nepal hydropower relationship will fulfill the power needs of both the country? Discuss.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about India-Nepal.

 India and Nepal have long-standing historical and cultural ties, as well as an open border and deep-rooted people-to-
people relationships.

 India and Nepal have robust cooperation in the power sector. The cooperation in power and energy sectors got another
fillip with the notification of the procedure for facilitation of cross-border trade of electricity by Government of India, which
enables export/ import of electricity with Nepal.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 Nepal is rich in power sources with around 6,000 rivers and an estimated potential for 83,000 MW. India has formally
approached Nepal on many occasions, seeking preferential rights over Nepali waters.

 India is viewed as a feasible market for Nepal, but there has been some uncertainty in Nepal over India’s inability to deliver
projects on time.

 Nepal’s Constitution has a provision under which any treaty or agreement with another country on natural resources will
require Parliament’s ratification by at least a two-thirds majority.

 Nepal has a massive power shortfall as it generates only around 900 MW against an installed capacity of nearly 2,000 MW.
Although it is currently selling 364 MW of power to India and it has been importing power from India over the years.

There are various projects signed between India and Nepal such as:

 Mahakali Treaty: It was signed in 1996 to produce 6,480 MW, but India has still not been able to come out with a Detailed
Project Report. Pancheshwar Main Dam is proposed on river Mahakaliwhere two underground powerhouses at
Pancheshwar dam, one on each bank of Mahakali River, each with a capacity of (6×400 MW) with a total installed capacity
of nearly 4800 MW are proposed to be constructed. The power plant at main dam will be operated as the peaking station
to meet energy demand in India and Nepal.

 Arun Project: The project is located in eastern Nepal to produce 900 MW of electricity. It was executed by India’s Sutlej
Vidhyut Nigam under a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) scheme, whose foundation was laid in 2018 and which
is set for completion by 2023. The project is envisaged to provide Nepal with 31.9 per cent electricity free.

 West Seti Project: India has taken over an ambitious hydropower project in Nepal — West Seti — nearly four years after
China withdrew from it, ending a six-year engagement between 2012 and 2018.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short. You may include:

 India’s National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) has already begun preliminary engagement of the site in far-western
Nepal.

 It is expected to restore India’s image in Nepal and give it weightage in future considerations for hydropower projects,
when competition is bound to be tough. West Seti, therefore, has the potential to be a defining model for Nepal India’s
power relations in future.

28
What is a delimitation commission? Discuss the procedure for delimitation in India.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about Delimitation Commission.

 According to ECI, delimitation means the act or process of fixing limits or boundaries of territorial constituencies in a
country or a province having a legislative body.

 The job of delimitation is assigned to a high-power body known as Delimitation Commission or a Boundary Commission.

 In India, such Delimitation Commissions have been constituted 4 times

✓ 1952 under the Delimitation Commission Act, 1952,
✓ 1963 under Delimitation Commission Act, 1962,
✓ 1973 under Delimitation Act, 1972 and
✓ 2002 under Delimitation Act, 2002.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 Delimitation is the act of redrawing boundaries of Lok Sabha and state Assembly seats to represent changes in population.

 The main objective of delimitation is to provide equal representation to equal segments of a population and it also aims
at a fair division of geographical areas so that one political party doesn’t have an advantage over others in an election.

 The Delimitation Commission in India is a high-power body whose orders have the force of law and cannot be called in
question before any court. These orders come into force on a date to be specified by the President of India.

Procedure

 Under Article 82, the Parliament enacts a Delimitation Act after every Census.

 Once the Act is in force, the Union government sets up a Delimitation Commission made up of a retired Supreme Court
judge, the Chief Election Commissioner and the respective State Election Commissioners.

 The Commission is supposed to determine the number and boundaries of constituencies in a way that the population of
all seats, so far as practicable, is the same.

 The Commission is also entrusted with selecting seats allocated for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in areas with
a sizable population.

 This is done on the basis of the latest Census and, in case of difference of opinion among members of the Commission,
the opinion of the majority prevails.

 The draft proposals of the Delimitation Commission are published in the Gazette of India, official gazettes of the states
concerned and at least two vernacular papers for public feedback.

 The Commission also holds public sittings. After hearing the public, it considers objections and suggestions, received in
writing or orally during public sittings, and carries out changes, if any, in the draft proposal.

 The final order is published in the Gazette of India and the State Gazette and comes into force on a date specified by the
President.
Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short. You may include:

 Recently, the Election Commission of India has begun the process of delimitation of Assembly and Parliamentary
constituencies in Assam. The process will be based on Census data from 2001. The last delimitation of constituencies in
Assam was done in 1976 on the basis of the 1971 Census.

 The Delimitation Commission works without any executive influence. The Constitution mandates that the Commission’s
orders are final and cannot be questioned before any court as it would hold up an election indefinitely.

29
India’s relationship with ASEAN is a key pillar of our foreign policy and the foundation of our Act East Policy. Discuss the
recent development that took place between India and South-East Asian Countries.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about ASEAN.

 India’s emphasis on a deepened and multifaceted connection with ASEAN stems from considerable developments in the
world’s political and economic landscape.

 The Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) comprises Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei,
Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam.

 India has taken other policy initiatives in the region that involve some members of ASEAN like the Bay of Bengal Initiative
for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC), etc.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 The Act East Policy is meant to serve the purposes of stronger trade and business ties with South East Asia and other Indo-
Pacific countries and to create development opportunities for the North East States of India. Commerce, Culture and
connectivity – the three Cs- are therefore the pillars of India’s current Act East Policy.

 India’s Act East Policy is at the heart of its eastward orientation and ties in with the broader approach to the Indo-Pacific.

 The collaboration between India and Asean has accelerated across a range of economic and strategic issue, including
trade and investment, connectivity, energy, culture, people-to-people contacts, and maritime security.

Recent Developments
India and ASEAN countries declared to:
 Strengthen cooperation on cybersecurity by establishing new dialogue platforms between India and the 10 member bloc.
 Establish a comprehensive strategic partnership and enhance cooperation against terrorism.
 Enhance cooperation in the digital economy through a series of regional capacity-building activities in digital
transformation, digital trade, digital skills and innovation, as well as Hackathons.
 Enhance cooperation in smart agriculture including the exchange of best practices in the use of new technologies to
develop a future-ready, resilient, and sustainable food supply.
 Expedite the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to make it more user-friendly, simple, and
trade-facilitative, and work together to forge resilient supply chains, explore cooperation on a single window platform to
enhance trade facilitation and integration.
 Enhance ASEAN-India cooperation in the space sector including through the establishment of tracking, data reception
and processing stations in Vietnam and Indonesia, and encourage cooperation between ASEAN and Indian space industry
players, including in new areas of collaboration.
 Revive tourism and related industries which have been severely hit by the Covid-19 pandemic through effective
implementation of the ASEAN-India tourism work plans.
 India and several Southeast Asian nations including Singapore and Thailand have signed for cross-border trade of
renewable energy (RE) electricity will help expand cross-border sale of electricity by India manifold. Currently, cross-border
interconnections exist with Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

 India and Southeast Asia have a long history of cultural and trade ties. The place is mentioned in Indian ancient Sanskrit
and Pali manuscripts under numerous names such as Kathakosha, Suvarnabhumi (the realm of god), or Suvarnadvipa
(the golden island), indicating that it drew Indian traders. aIt is known that trade in spices, fragrant wood, and, most
crucially, gold prospered.

30
The year 2023 marks the 25th year of India and France’s strategic cooperation. Discuss the recent developments between
India and France.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about India and France relations.

 India and France have long had close and amicable relations. Since the establishment of the strategic partnership in 1998,
there has been significant progress in all areas of bilateral cooperation, including regular high-level exchanges at the
Heads of State/Heads of Government levels, as well as growing cooperation and exchanges in strategic areas such as
defense, counter-terrorism, nuclear energy, and space.

 Following the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group’s waiver, India was the first country to sign into an agreement on civil nuclear
cooperation with France, allowing India to restart full civil nuclear cooperation with the world community.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Recent developments

 The roadmap for bilateral relations has three pillars:

1. Partnership for security and sovereignty;
2. Partnership for the planet;
3. Partnership for the people.

Partnership for security, sovereignty

Defence
 Continuation of the cooperation on fighter jets and submarines, following the timely delivery of the 36 Rafale jets for the
IAF and the success of the P75 programme (six Scorpene submarines).

Space
 Several agreements between France’s CNES and India’s ISRO have strengthened the scientific and commercial
partnership, most notably concerning reusable launchers; the completion of the joint Earth observation satellite,
TRISHNA; the first phase of the Indian Ocean maritime surveillance satellite constellation; and the protection of Indo-
French satellites in orbit from collision.

Civil nuclear energy

 Both parties were pleased with the progress made on the 6-EPR power plant project at Jaitapur. They decided to start
working together on small modular reactors and advanced modular reactors.

Indo-Pacific
 Adoption of a blueprint for collaborative Indo-Pacific initiatives that covers all facets of our entire Indo-Pacific policy. Work
on finalizing an Indo-French development fund for third countries, which will allow for collaborative financing of Indo-
Pacific sustainable development initiatives.
Counter-terrorism
 Strengthening of cooperation between France’s GIGN and India’s National Security Guard.

Critical technology
 Collaboration on cutting-edge digital technologies, including supercomputing, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and
quantum computing, is being strengthened. A deal has been announced between Atos and India’s Ministry of Earth
Sciences for the provision of supercomputers valued at more than Rs 920 crore.

Civil aviation
 Signing of civil aviation technical and safety agreements to promote the extension of routes between France and India,
as well as the growth of the Indian civil aviation market

31
Partnership for the planet, global issues
Plastic pollution
 Commitment of France and India for the adoption of an international treaty to put an end to plastic pollution throughout
the entire life cycle of plastic products.

Health
 Signing of a Letter of Intent on health and medicine, to structure cooperation in hospitals, medical research, digital
technology, biotechnology, public health and combating micro-bacterial resistance as part of the One Health approach.

Financing the energy transition

 Announcement of Rs 923 crore in financing from the French Development Agency for the second phase of India’s flagship
sustainable cities programme “CITIIS 2.0”, in partnership with the European Union and KFW of Germany.

 Announcement of Rs 246 crore in financing from Proparco for the South Asia Growth Fund (SAGF III), which will invest in
companies promoting energy efficiency, clean energy, and optimization of natural resources in the region.

De-carbonised hydrogen
 — Announcement of a partnership between McPhy and L&T on manufacturing electrolyzers in India, under the Indo-
French roadmap for decarbonised hydrogen adopted in 2022.

Partnership for people

Student mobility
 The new target of welcoming 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030. Issuance of a 5-year short-stay Schengen visa for
Indian students with a Master’s degree who have studied at a university in France.

 An announcement by France of a significant increase in the resources of the Campus France network in India.

 Creation of international classes to facilitate the integration of non-French-speaking Indian students into the French
higher education system.

 The signing of two MoUs between the Institute Polytechnique de Paris (IPP), and IIT Delhi and IIT Madras.

Culture
 Announcement of France’s selection as India’s partner for the establishment of a major new National Museum in New
Delhi.

 Announcement of an agreement between France Médias Monde and Prasar Bharati for the exchange of audio-visual
content and the co-production of programmes on areas such as culture, education, science, and sports.

Research
 France and India will increase funding for the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research
(IFCPAR/CEFIPRA) in order to fund new projects together.

Sports
 The signing of a Letter of Intent to structure cooperation in this field, particularly in view of major upcoming sporting
events.

Civil society
 The objective of doubling the number of solidarity and civic service international volunteers in India and France by 2025.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

 The joint statement – “25th Anniversary of the Strategic Partnership between France and India: towards a Century of Indo-
French Relations” – sets the course for the France-India bilateral relationship in all areas till 2047, the year that will mark
100 years of India’s Independence, 100 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries, and 50 years of the Indo-
French strategic partnership.

32
The Indian health system has overcome seemingly insurmountable problems. Discuss the outcomes of the National
Health Accounts Estimates for India: 2019-20.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about health care in India.

 Every individual should have access to health care. The government has created and executed several health initiatives
and programs in order to provide basic health services to all inhabitants.

 Over time, the Indian health system has overcome apparently insurmountable difficulties that were formerly thought to
be hopeless.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

National Health Accounts Estimates for India: 2019-20

Expenditure of the government

 Government spending on healthcare has been on the rise. The money spent by the government on healthcare as a
percentage of GDP has increased from 1.13 per cent in FY 2015 to 1.35 per cent in FY 2020.

 The government’s share in the total money spent on healthcare in the country went up by a 12.4 percentage points
between FY 2015 and FY 2020, increasing from 29 per cent to 41.4 per cent.

Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE)

 The money spent by people from their own pockets on healthcare has been going down. The report shows that 47.1 per
cent of the total spending on healthcare in FY2020 came directly out of people’s pockets. But this is actually a 15.5
percentage point drop from 62.6 per cent of the spending coming out-of-pocket in FY 2015.

The majority of government expenditure was done in primary sector

 Out of the total spending by the government on healthcare in FY 2020, 55.9 per cent went to primary care, 29.6 per cent
went to secondary care, and 6.4 per cent went to tertiary care. To compare, the government spent 51.3 per cent on primary
care, 21.9 per cent on secondary care, and 14 per cent on tertiary care in FY 2015.

Increase in social security expenditure by the government

 There has been a consistent increase in social security expenditure by the government, which increased from 5.7% of the
total spending on health in FY 2015 to 9.3% in FY 2020.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short. You may include:

 The National Health Portal intends to provide citizens, students, healthcare professionals, and researchers with a single
point of access to authorized health information.

 The National Health Account (NHA) estimates for India 2019-20 is the seventh consecutive NHA estimates report prepared
by NHSRC, designated as National Health Accounts Technical Secretariat (NHATS) in 2014 by the Union Health Ministry.

 The NHA estimates are prepared by using an accounting framework based on the internationally accepted standard of
System of Health Accounts, 2011, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

33
India-China, India-US and China-US – were characterised by equally amicable relationships. Discuss the changing pattern
of the China-India-US triangular relationship.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about India-US-China.

 In the early years of this century, the China-India-United States triangle began to shape. Each country maintained a
generally positive and cooperative attitude toward the other two.

India-China

 India’s relationship with China has recovered from the setback caused by India blaming China for the 1998 nuclear tests.

 They agreed on a set of political criteria for resolving the border issue in 2005. and bilateral trade began to accelerate.

 India and China began to coordinate positions in trilateral and multilateral groupings such as BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India,
China and South Africa), Russia-India-China (RIC), Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), World Trade Organization
(WTO), climate change negotiations, etc.

India-US

 India-US relations also traced a similar trajectory after the 1998 nuclear tests, which the United States perceived as a huge
setback to its non-proliferation policy objectives.

 The rise and impact of the Indian diaspora in the United States were matched by a surge in the information technology
industry.

US-China

 At the same time, China-US ties began to mend following scandals such as the US bombing of the Chinese Embassy in
Belgrade during the Kosovo conflict in 1999, and the EP-3 incident in 2001, which included a collision between US and
Chinese military planes near Hainan.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Changing Pattern

There are various factors are responsible for this change in the pattern of the triangular dynamic:

US-China relationship

 In the second half of the 19th century, American missionaries began to arrive in China and began to generate empathy
for the nation. During World War II, Washington backed Chinese nationalists in their fight against Japanese occupation.
 Since 1949, when the communists defeated the nationalists, the United States has attempted to isolate China. In the
1970s, the United States and communist China joined forces to resist the Soviet Union.

 At the turn of the 21st century, some in the US began to see China as a potential threat. But the US establishment
dismissed the idea and bet that Beijing could become a “responsible stakeholder” in the world order. America also believed
that China’s growing economic prosperity would inevitably lead to greater democratisation of its society.

India-China relationship

 On April 1, 1950, India became the first non-socialist bloc country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s
Republic of China.

34
 India and China signed the Declaration on Principles for Relations and Comprehensive Cooperation and also mutually
decided to appoint Special Representatives (SRs) to explore the framework of a boundary settlement.

 India seeks multipolarity not just in the world system, but also in Asia, where it does not wish to be second fiddle to China.

 China continues to block Indian membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group and remains non-committal on India’s
permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council.

 China is using the Belt and Road Initiative and the Maritime Silk Road not only to inveigle developing nations via “debt
diplomacy”, but also to camouflage its actual aim, which is regional domination.

India-US relationship
 The relationship between India and the US has had a turbulent journey over the last 75 years and entered a transformative
phase in the last two-and-half decades.

 India and the US grew closer as strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific. The Indo-US strategic partnership is deepening
economic engagement and resolve on both sides to elevate the bilateral relationship to a “global strategic partnership”.

 The Quad began as a broad partnership after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami but gained strategic heft after the four-
country grouping, which has Australia and Japan alongside India and the US, was repurposed in 2017, primarily as a
counter to China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean rim, and as a forum for redoubling focus on the Indo-Pacific
region.

 In contrast to the return of rivalry in the China-India and China-US ties, the India-US relationship has widened and
developed into a comprehensive global strategic alliance.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

 India should expect the US to adopt a “transactional” approach and strike deals that buttress its interests and India must
reciprocate by seeking to advance its own national interests like the HAL-General Electric deal for F-414 turbojet co-
production, the supply of armed MQ-9B drones, cooperation in semiconductor manufacturing, or joint space exploration.

35
Discuss the initiatives taken by the government in the field of Higher Education in India.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about higher education.
 Higher education is highly essential in fostering personal and societal well-being and in creating India as envisioned in its
Constitution – a democratic, just, socially conscious, cultured, and compassionate society respecting liberty, equality,
fraternity, and justice for all.
 Higher education significantly contributes towards sustainable livelihoods and economic development of the nation.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:
Initiatives taken by the Government

National Education Policy 2020

The policy envisions a complete overhaul and re-energising of the higher education system to overcome these challenges
and thereby deliver high-quality higher education, with equity and inclusion. It includes the following key changes to the
current system:

 Revamping curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, and student support for enhanced student experiences.

 Moving towards a higher educational system consisting of large, multidisciplinary universities and colleges, with at least
one in or near every district.

 Reaffirming the integrity of faculty and institutional leadership positions through meritappointments and career
progression based on teaching, research, and service.

 Governance of HEIs by high qualified independent boards having academic and administrative autonomy.

 Establishment of a National Research Foundation to fund outstanding peer-reviewed research and to actively seed
research in universities and colleges.

 Increased access, equity, and inclusion through a range of measures, including greater opportunities for outstanding
public education.

Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA)

 It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), launched in 2013 aims at providing strategic funding to eligible state higher
educational institutions.

 The central funding (in the ratio of 60:40 for general category States, 90:10 for special category states and 100% for union
territories) would be norm-based and outcome dependent.

National Research Foundation

 The NRF is supposed to fund, promote and mentor research in higher educational institutions. One of the main objectives
of the NRF is to get colleges and universities involved in scientific research.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short. You may include following points.

 The most important factor in the success of higher education institutions is the quality and engagement of its faculty.
 Higher Education Institutions HEIs should be equipped with the basic infrastructure and facilities, including clean drinking
water, clean working toilets, blackboards, offices, teaching supplies, libraries, labs, and pleasant classroom spaces and
campuses.
 The Union Budget 2023 is a holistic foundation for India of the future with an overall boost to education, skilling, job
creation and entrepreneurship.
 The emphasis on creating digital and public infrastructure with a strong emphasis on sustainability is a boost for education
and entrepreneurship. The goal of establishing AI Centers of Excellence, national skill set centers, and incentives to study
and embrace new age educational courses would undoubtedly help to close skill and employability gaps.

36
How are the committees seen as useful for parliamentary work? Discuss the role of the Estimates Committee in this
context.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about parliamentary committees.

 A Parliamentary Committee is a panel of MPs that is appointed or elected by the House or nominated by the Speaker, and
which works under the direction of the Speaker. It presents its report to the House or to the Speaker.

 Parliamentary Committees originated in the British Parliament. They derive their authority from Article 105, which deals
with MPs’ privileges, and Article 118, which grants Parliament the ability to create rules to govern its process and conduct
of business.

 Parliamentary Committees can be classified into:

✓ Financial Committees (includes the Estimates Committee, Public Accounts Committee, and the Committee on Public
Undertakings)
✓ Departmentally Related Standing Committees (to increase Parliamentary scrutiny)
✓ Other Parliamentary Standing Committees
✓ Ad hoc Committees (appointed for a specific purpose)

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Estimate Committee

 Estimates Committee consists of 30 Members who are elected by the Lok Sabha every year from among its Members.

 A Minister is not eligible for election to this Committee and in case any Member of the Committee becomes a Minister,
he/she ceases to be a Member of the Committee.

 The term of the Committee is one year.

Role of Estimate Committee

 To report what economies, improvements in organisation, efficiency, or administrative reform, consistent with the policy
underlying the estimates may be effected;

 To suggest alternative policies in order to bring about efficiency and economy in administration;

 To suggest the form in which the estimates shall be presented to Parliament;

 To examine whether the money is well laid out within the limits of the policy implied in the estimates.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

 The Estimate Committee also examines matters of special interest which may arise or come to light in the course of its
work or which are specifically referred to it by the House or the Speaker.

 Parliament can also constitute a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) with a special purpose, with members from both
Houses, for detailed scrutiny of a subject or Bill.

37
The strategic partnership between the India and United States is based on shared ideals, such as a dedication to
democracy and the rule-based international system. Discuss in the context of technology and defence partnership.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about India and US relations.

 The India and United States have shared interests in promoting global security, stability, and economic prosperity through
trade, investment, and connectivity.

 The United States supports India’s rise as a prominent global force and a critical partner in efforts to keep the Indo-Pacific
region peaceful, stable, and prosperous.

 The Joint Statement issued by India and the United States affirmed a vision of the two countries as “among the closest
partners in the world — a partnership of democracies looking into the 21st century with hope, ambition, and confidence”.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Technology Partnership

NASA-ISRO collaboration in space

 India has signed the Artemis Accords, joining 26 other countries committed to peaceful, sustainable, and transparent
cooperation that will enable exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

 NASA will provide advanced training to Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) astronauts with the goal of launching
a joint effort to the International Space Station in 2024.

 NASA and ISRO are also developing a strategic framework for human spaceflight cooperation by the end of 2023.

Strengthening semiconductor supply chains

 Micron Technology, with support from the India Semiconductor Mission, will invest more than $800 million toward a new
$2.75 billion semiconductor assembly and test facility in India.

 Applied Materials will build a Semiconductor Centre for Commercialization and Innovation in India to strengthen the two
nations’ semiconductor supply chain diversification.

Critical Minerals Partnership

 India has become the newest partner of the US-led Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) which has been established to
accelerate the development of diverse and sustainable critical energy minerals supply chains globally.

 India’s Epsilon Carbon Limited will invest $650 million in a greenfield electric vehicle battery component factory, which will
be the largest ever Indian investment in the US electric vehicle battery industry.

Quantum, Advanced Computing, and Artificial Intelligence

 The two countries have established a Joint Indo-US Quantum Coordination Mechanism to facilitate joint research between
the public and private sectors across the two countries.

 They have also signed an implanting arrangement to support joint research on quantum, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and
advanced wireless technologies.

Advanced Telecommunications

 India and the US have launched public-private Joint Task Forces on the development and deployment of Open RAN
systems and on advanced telecoms research and development.

38
 India’s Bharat 6G and the US Next G Alliance will co-lead this public-private research. This work will reduce costs, increase
security, and improve the resiliency of telecommunication networks.

Innovation Handshake

 To support the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), the US-India Commercial Dialogue will
launch a new “Innovation Handshake” to connect the startup ecosystems of the two countries.

Fiber Optics Investments

 India’s Sterlite Technologies Limited has invested $100 million in the construction of an optical fibre cable manufacturing
unit near Columbia, South Carolina, which will facilitate $150 million in annual exports of optical fibre from India.

Defence Partnership

General Atomics MQ-9Bs

 India intends to procure armed MQ-9B Sea Guardian UAVs. The drones will increase India’s intelligence, surveillance, and
reconnaissance capabilities.

GE F414 Engine Co-Production

 The Joint Statement welcomed the groundbreaking proposal by General Electric to jointly produce the F414 jet engine in
India.

 The first-of-its-kind initiative to manufacture F414 engines in India will enable greater transfer of US jet engine technology
than ever before.

Service and repair of US Navy ships

 The US Navy has concluded a Master Ship Repair Agreement (MSRA) with Larsen and Toubro Shipyard in Kattupalli
(Chennai) and is finalizing agreements with Mazagon Dock Limited (Mumbai) and Goa Shipyard (Goa). These agreements
will allow mid-voyage US Navy ships to undergo service and repair at Indian shipyards.

Defence “Innovation Bridge”

 The India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) — a network of university, incubator, corporate, think tank, and
private investment stakeholders. This programme will facilitate joint innovation on defence technologies and accelerate
the integration of India’s private sector defence industry with the US defence sector.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

 India and USA have resolved to strengthen undersea domain awareness cooperation, and agreed to place three Indian
liaison officers in US commands for the first time. The US and India have also begun negotiations for a Security of Supply
Arrangement and Reciprocal Defence Procurement Arrangement that will enable the supply of defence goods in the event
of unanticipated supply chain disruptions.

 India and the United States cooperate closely at multilateral organizations, including the United Nations, G-20, Association
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade
Organization.

39
The 2+2 dialogue reflected the shared commitment by India and the US to provide a positive, forward-looking vision for
the India-US strategic partnership and promote synergy in their diplomatic and security efforts. Comment.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about 2+2 dialogue.

 The 2+2 dialogue is a format of meeting of the foreign and defence ministers of India and its allies on strategic and security
issues.

 A 2+2 ministerial dialogue enables the partners to better understand and appreciate each other’s strategic concerns and
sensitivities considering political factors on both sides, to build a stronger, more integrated strategic relationship in a
rapidly changing global environment.

 India has 2+2 dialogues with four key strategic partners: the US, Australia, Japan, and Russia. Besides Russia, the other
three countries are also India’s partners in the Quad.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

India-US (2+2 Dialogue)

 As natural and trusted partners celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and independent
India, with a shared commitment to democracy and pluralism, a multifaceted bilateral agenda, and growing convergence
of strategic interests, both countries seek to continue to promote a resilient, rules-based international order that
safeguards sovereignty and territorial integrity, upholds democratic values, and promotes peace and prosperity for all.

 The first 2+2 dialogue between the two countries was held during the Trump Administration, when then Secretary of State
Michael Pompeo and then Secretary of Defence James Mattis met the late Sushma Swaraj and then Defence Minister
Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi in September 2018.

Global Partnership and Indo-Pacific Cooperation

 The Ministers discussed mutual efforts to respond to Ukraine’s deepening humanitarian catastrophe and assessed its
larger ramifications. They demanded an immediate halt to hostilities. Civilian casualties were categorically condemned by
the Ministers.

Mutual Prosperity, Innovation, and Resilient Supply Chains

 The Ministers underlined the importance of strengthening the commercial and economic pillar of the U.S.-India
partnership to advance economic growth and deliver mutual prosperity for both countries.

Climate, Environment, and Clean Energy

 The Ministers praised the ongoing engagement under the two main tracks of the US-India Climate and Clean Energy
Agenda 2030 Partnership – the Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue (CAFMD) and the Strategic Clean Energy
Partnership (SCEP) – to explore and identify low carbon pathways to develop and undertake joint research and
development projects, mobilize finance, develop and promote green technologies, and enhance technical collaboration
aimed at building on previous achievements.

Science, Technology, Cybersecurity, and Space

 Reflecting on the positive science and technology cooperation between the two countries, the Ministers welcomed the
announcement of a Joint Commission Meeting on Science and Technology in 2022, to discuss future science and
technology collaboration.

Global Health

 The Ministers recognized the pivotal role of the U.S.-India partnership in combating the COVID-19 pandemic and other
contemporary global health challenges.

40
Defence and Security

 The Ministers commended the significant and continuing progress in the U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership.

 India and the US have signed a troika of “foundational pacts” for deep military cooperation, beginning with the Logistics
Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, followed by the Communications Compatibility and Security
Agreement (COMCASA) after the first 2+2 dialogue in 2018, and then the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement
(BECA) in 2020.

Education and People-to-People Ties

 The Ministers also appreciated the contribution of the Fulbright-Nehru program in furthering the exchange of outstanding
academics and professionals between both countries and the special role the four million-strong Indian-American
diaspora play in deepening U.S.-India relations.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short. You may use some of the following points.

 The strengthening of cooperation mechanisms between the two militaries is important in the context of an increasingly
aggressive China, which threatens a large number of countries in its neighborhood and beyond and has challenged
several established norms and aspects of international relations.

 Delhi and Washington are now focused on finding ways to collaborate on the critical technologies of the 21st century and
work with their partners in setting new global rules for managing them.

 The latest political investments in the relationship have benefited both Delhi and Washington significantly. As the regional
and global order shifts, the incentives for Delhi and Washington to maintain and expand the India-US cooperation are
stronger than ever and will persist through the next administration.

41
Discuss how the direct benefit transfer scheme has transformed social welfare in India.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about direct benefit transfer.

 Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) was created with the aim of reforming the Government delivery system by re-engineering
the existing process in welfare schemes for a simpler and faster flow of information/funds and to ensure accurate
targeting of the beneficiaries, de-duplication and reduction of fraud.

 DBT Mission was created in the Planning Commission to act as the nodal point for the implementation of the DBT
programmes.

 This Framework is to be followed by all Ministries/ Departments and their attached Institutions/PSUs. It is applicable on
all Central Sector (CS)/ Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and to all schemes where components of cash is transferred to
individual beneficiaries.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Importance of DBT

 It evolved the Public Finance Management System and created the Aadhaar Payment Bridge to enable instant money
transfers from the government to people’s bank accounts.

 It not only allowed all rural and urban households to be uniquely linked under varied government schemes for receiving
subsidies directly into their bank accounts but also transferred money with ease.

 In rural regions, it has become the backbone for supporting the growth of the agricultural economy by allowing the
government to provide financial assistance effectively and transparently to farmers with lower transaction costs – be it
for fertilisers or any of the other schemes including the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, and PM Krishi
Sinchayi Yojana.

 In urban India, the PM Awas Yojana and LPG Pahal scheme successfully use DBT to transfer funds to eligible beneficiaries.

 There are various scholarship schemes and the National Social Assistance Programme use the DBT architecture to provide
social security.

 DBT under rehabilitation programmes such as the Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers
opens new frontiers that enable social mobility of all sections of society.

 During the pandemic, it aided the government to reach the last mile and support the most deprived in bearing the brunt
of the lockdown.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

 An enabling policy regime, proactive government initiatives and supportive regulatory administration allowed the private
and public sector entities in the financial sector to overcome longstanding challenges of exclusion of a large part of the
population. These are essential elements of the pioneering ecosystem created by the government for the aggressive
rollout of the ambitious DBT programme.

 The DBT approach is expected to expand further in size and structure as it continues to be the major tool of the
government for a more nuanced and targeted intervention towards improving the ease of living.

42
Seen as part of the “checks and balances” the Indian democracy is proud of, the post of a Governor of a state is a very
interesting appointee of our political system. Discuss.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about Governor of the State.

 Article 153 of the Constitution says “There shall be a Governor for each State.” A constitutional amendment in 1956 laid
down that “nothing in this article shall prevent the appointment of the same person as Governor for two or more States”.

 The Governor of a State is appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal and he/she shall hold office
during the pleasure of the President”, but his normal term of office will be five years.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Relationship between the Governor and the State Government

 The Governor is an apolitical head who must act on the advice of the council of ministers. The Governor enjoys certain
powers granted under the Constitution, such as giving or withholding assent to a Bill passed by the state legislature, or
determining the time needed for a party to prove its majority, or which party must be called first do so, generally after a
hung verdict in an election.

 The executive power of the State shall be vested in the Governor and shall be exercised by him either directly or through
officers subordinate to him in accordance with this Constitution.

 The Governor of a State shall have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to
suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence against any law relating to a matter to
which the executive power of the State extends.

 There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister at the head to aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of
his functions, except in so far as he is by or under this Constitution required to exercise his functions or any of them in his
discretion.

 The Chief Minister shall be appointed by the Governor and the other Ministers shall be appointed by the Governor on the
advice of the Chief Minister, and the Ministers shall hold office during the pleasure of the Governor.

 The Governor of each State shall appoint a person who is qualified to be appointed a Judge of a High Court to be Advocate-
General for the State.

 All executive action of the Government of a State shall be expressed to be taken in the name of the Governor.

 The Governor shall from time to time summon the House or each House of the Legislature of the State to meet at such
time and place as he thinks fit, but six months shall not intervene between its last sitting in one session and the date
appointed for its first sitting in the next session.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

 Over the decades, Governors have been seen as acting on the behest of the central government in power at the time, and
have been accused by state governments, especially those in opposition, as acting as “agents of the Centre”.

43
How is a speaker of the Lok Sabha essential in the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India? Discuss.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about speaker of the Lok Sabha.

 The Constitution specifies offices like those of the President, Vice President, Chief Justice of India, and Comptroller and
Auditor General of India, as well as Speakers and Deputy Speakers.

 Article 93 of the Constitution of India provides for Lok Sabha and Article 178 for state Assemblies states that these Houses
“shall, as soon as may be”, choose two of its members to be Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

 The Constitution neither sets a time limit nor specifies the process for these elections. It leaves it to the legislatures to
decide how to hold these elections. In Lok Sabha and state legislatures, the President/Governor sets a date for the election
of the Speaker, and it is the Speaker who decides the date for the election of the Deputy Speaker.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Role of Speaker in the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India

 The final authority for adopting rules for regulating its procedure rests with each House, but a perusal of the rules of the
Indian Parliament would indicate that the Presiding Officers in the two Houses are given vast powers by the rules.

 The presiding officer decides:

a. The admissibility of a Question.
b. When a member shall speak and how long he/she shall speak

 If he/she is satisfied, the Speaker can direct a member to withdraw from the House for a specific period of time.

 The Speaker is the guardian of the rights and privileges of the House, its Committees and members. It depends solely on
the Speaker to refer any question of privilege to the Committee of Privileges for examination, investigation and report.

 It is the Speaker who decides the form and manner in which the proceedings of the House is published.

 He/She also issues warrants to execute the orders of the House, wherever necessary, and delivers reprimands on behalf
of the House.

 When a decision of the House is to be ascertained on a motion made by a member, the question is put by the Speaker
before the House to obtain the decision. On questions of points of order, it is he/she who finally decides whether the
matter raised is in order or not.

 The Speaker also has certain residuary powers under the Rules of Procedure.

 The Speaker issues from time to time directions which are generally treated as sacrosanct as the Rules of Procedure.

 On matters regarding interpretation of constitutional provisions relating to the House or the Rules of Procedure, he/she
often gives rulings which are respected by members and are binding in nature.

 He/She certifies Money Bills and decides finally what are money matters by reason of the Lok Sabha’s overriding powers
in financial matters

 The Speaker does not vote in the House except on those rare occasions when there is a tie at the end of a decision.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

 According to the book Practice and Procedure of Parliament, published by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the Speaker is “the
principal spokesman of the House, he represents its collective voice and is its sole representative to the outside world”.

 The Speaker is the constitutional and ceremonial head of the House. He/She is the principal spokesperson of the House.
It is in him/her that the responsibility of conducting the business of the House in a manner befitting the place of the
institution in a representative democracy is invested.

44
The National Education Policy 2020 is in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (2030). How it will reorient the
education system in India?

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about education and national education policy,
2020.

 Education is fundamental for achieving the potential of humans, developing an equitable and just society, and promoting
national development.

 Access to quality education is the key to India’s continued ascent, and leadership on the global stage in terms of economic
growth, social justice and equality, scientific advancement, national integration, and cultural preservation.

 The global education development agenda reflected in Goal 4 (SDG4) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
adopted by India in 2015 – seeks to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning
opportunities for all” by 2030.

 National Education Policy is a comprehensive framework to guide the development of education in the country.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

National Education Policy (Key Takeaways)

 Ensuring quality early childhood care and education for all children between 3-6 years

 New Curricular and Pedagogical Structure (5+3+3+4)

 Establishing National Mission on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy

 A separate Gender Inclusion fund and Special Education Zones for disadvantaged regions and groups

 It aim to increase the GER to 100 per cent in preschool to secondary level by 2030 whereas GER in Higher Education
including vocational education to 50 per cent by 2035.

 Setting up of National Research Foundation

 Achieving 100% youth and adult literacy.

 The Centre and the States will work together to increase public investment in the Education sector to reach 6% of GDP at
the earliest.

Reorientation of Education in India

 The policy has marked a major positive breakthrough in the form of the National Education Policy 2020 — re-imagining
the educational landscape through equity, inclusion and excellence in education. It is based on the pillars of Accessibility,
Equity, Quality, Affordability, and Accountability.

 The policy emphasises early childhood care and education with universal provisioning and equipping young children to
participate and flourish in the educational ecosystem.

 There is an emphasis on the primacy of the formative years from ages 3 to 8 in shaping the child’s future.

 The focus on instruction in the mother tongue is largely to celebrate the idea of being Indian, globalising Indian thoughts,
eulogising the rich cultural heritage of our country and bringing it to our classrooms.

 The holistic development and a wide choice of subjects and courses are proposed as the new distinguishing feature of
secondary school education.

45
 The schools are aiming to introduce vocational courses with internships.

 The curricular and pedagogical initiatives including the introduction of contemporary subjects such as artificial
intelligence, design thinking, holistic health, organic living, etc, are integrated.

 To ensure the quality of teacher education across all stages, the policy envisions teacher career progression via
meritocracy and 360-degree assessments.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

 The National Education Policy will play a critical role in the entire education system to be reconfigured to support and
foster learning so that all of the critical targets and goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development can be
achieved.

46
The performance of the agriculture and allied sector has been buoyant over the past several years. Discuss

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about Indian agriculture.

 The Indian agriculture sector has been growing at an average annual growth rate of 4.6 per cent during the last six years.
It grew by 3.0 per cent in 2021-22 compared to 3.3 per cent in 2020-21.

 In recent years, India has also rapidly emerged as the net exporter of agricultural products. In 2020-21, exports of
agriculture and allied products from India grew by 18 per cent over the previous year.

 This period of buoyant performance could be ascribed to the measures taken by the Government to promote farmer-
producer organisations, encourage crop diversification, and improve productivity in agriculture through support provided
for mechanisation and the creation of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF).

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 The agriculture and allied activities sector significantly contributed to the country’s overall growth and development by
ensuring food security.

Growth and Initiative in Agriculture

 The interventions of the Government have been in line with the recommendations of the Committee on Doubling Farmers’
Income. The committee had identified improvement in crop and livestock productivity, diversification towards higher
value crops, better resource efficiency, enhanced cropping intensity, improvement in real prices received by farmers and
shift from farm to nonfarm occupations as being significant sources of growth.

 The minimum support price (MSP) secure the price at one and half times the all-India weighted average cost of production.

 As per Fourth Advance Estimates for 2021-22, the production of food grains and oil seeds has been increasing Year-on-
Year (YoY).

 Production of pulses has also been notably higher than the average of 23.8 million tonnes in the last five years.

 Ensuring hassle-free credit availability at a cheaper rate to farmers has been the top priority of the Government of India.

 The Kisan Credit Card is not only limited to agricultural products, it has also been extended to to fisheries and animal
husbandry farmers in 2018-19.

 To ensure that the farmers pay a minimal interest rate to the banks, the Government of India has introduced the Interest
Subvention Scheme (ISS), now renamed Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS), to provide short-term credit to
farmers at subsidised interest rates.

 Farm mechanisation helps increase productivity through timely and efficient use of other inputs and natural resources.
Under the Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM), State Governments are being assisted in training and
demonstrating agricultural machinery and helping farmers procure various farm machinery and equipment.

 A focus on the horticulture sector and the thrust towards allied activities have diversified farmers’ income making them
more resilient to weather shocks.

 Organic and natural farming provides chemical fertiliser and pesticide-free food grains and other crops, improves soil
health and reduces environmental pollution.

47
Other Initiatives in Agriculture

 PM KISAN Scheme
✓ Central Sector Scheme to supplement the financial needs of land-holding farmers.
✓ The financial benefit of ₹6,000 per year is transferred into the bank accounts of farmer families through DBT.

 Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

✓ AIF is a financing facility operational from the year 2020-21 to 2032-33 for the creation of post-harvest management
infrastructure and community farm assets, with benefits including 3 per cent interest subvention and credit guarantee
support.

 Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

✓ It is currently the largest crop insurance scheme in the world in terms of farmer enrolments.
✓ The scheme promises minimal financial burden on the farmer, with farmers paying only 1.5 per cent and 2 per cent of
the total premium for the Rabi and Kharif seasons, respectively, with Centre and State Governments bearing most of
the premium cost.

Conclusion:

Your concluding remark should be short. You may use some of the following points.

 The agricultural sector needs re-orientation in the backdrop of certain challenges like adverse impacts of climate change,
fragmented landholdings, sub-optimal farm mechanisation, low productivity, disguised unemployment, rising input costs,
etc.

 There has been a greater focus on the development of the food processing sector hat can help to reduce wastage/loss
and increase the length of storage, ensuring better prices for the farmers.

 A well-developed food processing sector with improved infrastructure like cold storage and better logistics helps reduce
wastage, improve value addition, ensure better farmers’ returns, promote employment, and increase export earnings.

48
How India’s Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy will be helpful in fighting against climate change? How the
Long-term strategies are different from nationally determined contributions (NDCs)?

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about long-term low emission development
strategy.

 India is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and is home to nearly one-sixth of the world’s population. Its growth
momentum is a vital component of global development and is required to achieve the world’s sustainable development
goals.

 India had submitted its Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy to the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC), during the 27th Conference of Parties (COP27).

 India is the fourth biggest emitter of greenhouse gases after China, the United States and the European Union (EU) if the
contribution of the EU is considered as a block.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 India’s long-term strategy will have details of the key sectoral low-carbon transition pathways till the goal of net zero is
realized by 2070. It is expected to be keenly watched for the plans on the phase-down of coal-based power generation
which often comes under criticism from developed countries and climate NGOs.

 India listed some of the measures planned to take in the coming decades to achieve net-zero status such as:
✓ Decarbonising of electricity and transport sectors
✓ Redesigning of urban spaces
✓ Increase in energy and material efficiency
✓ Revitalisation of forests
✓ Push for climate-oriented research and development.
✓ Features of Long-term Strategy

 Rational utilization of national resources

 Increase in the use of biofuels, especially ethanol blending in petrol, increase in e-vehicle penetration and increase in the
use of green hydrogen fuel.

 Integrated planning of cities for mainstreaming adaptation and enhancing energy and resource efficiency, effective green
building codes and rapid developments in innovative solid and liquid waste management.

 Low-carbon development transitions in the industrial sector should not impact energy security, energy access and
employment.

 The transition to a low-carbon development pathway will entail several costs pertaining to the development of new
technologies, new infrastructure, and other transaction costs.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

 Long-term strategies are different from the NDCs, or nationally-determined contributions. NDCs contain specific actions
or targets that have to be achieved by 2030. The long-term strategies have to reveal estimated low-carbon pathways that
will lead to a country attaining net-zero status, in India’s case, by 2070.

 The 2015 Paris Agreement has asked the countries to prepare and submit two kinds of climate action plans — one for the
short term, and another for long-term.

49
 The short-term climate action plans, also called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), have to be submitted every
five years, with specific actions being taken over 5- or 10-year periods.

 The NDCs of all countries currently contain the actions they are taking till 2030.

 In its NDC, India has promised three main targets for 2030 —
✓ 45 per cent reduction in emission intensity (emission per unit of GDP) from 2005 levels,
✓ 50 per cent share of renewables in electricity generation, and
✓ Creation of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of additional carbon sink through forests.

Conclusion:

Your concluding remark should be short.

 To reach the net-zero destination, India is planning large-scale interventions in five sectors — energy and electricity,
transport, urban design, industries, and forestry. The plan also involves focused research and development efforts aimed
at developing climate-specific technologies, and mobilisation of financial resources, both public and private, domestic and
international.

 In the energy sector, for example, decarbonisation would come mainly through expanding the share of renewable energy,
rationalising the utilisation of fossil fuels, and focusing on demand-side management.

 Low carbon development in the transport sector would be driven mainly by the electrification of both public and private
vehicles, phased transition to cleaner fuels, and the introduction of intelligent traffic systems. Similar focus areas have
been identified for other sectors as well.

50
What are mRNA vaccines and how do they work? How the development of mRNA vaccines was crucial to the development
of Covid vaccines?

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about mRNA vaccine.

 The messenger RNA molecules that direct the body’s cells what proteins to generate are used in mRNA vaccinations. Once
administered, a coronavirus vaccine based on mRNA instructs the body’s cells to produce copies of the spike protein. As
a result, immune cells are anticipated to produce antibodies to combat it.

 These antibodies will remain in the blood and fight the real virus if and when it infects the human body.

Working of mRNA Vaccine

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Development of mRNA Vaccines

 Traditionally, vaccines have depended on introducing dead or weakened viruses into the human body, so it can develop
antibodies against them. Thus, when the actual virus infects someone, their body is prepared to fight it.
 Basically, instead of putting an inactivated virus in the body to activate an immune response, vaccines using this
technology use messenger Ribonucleic Acid, or mRNA, to deliver a message to the immune system.

51
 The large-scale production of such vaccines necessitates cell culture (the controlled growth of cells) and takes time. During
the Covid-19 epidemic, finding a weapon against the lethal and rapidly spreading virus was critical. This is where mRNA
technology proved crucial.

 This technology had been known since the 1980s, but had not been perfected enough to create vaccines at a viable scale.

 Genetically engineered mRNA can instruct cells to make the protein needed to fight a particular virus.

Conclusion:

You conclusion should be short and you many include:

 According to the Nobel Prize website, Karikó and Weissman realised that the problem with lab-grown genetically
engineered mRNA is that the body’s dendritic cells [which have important functions in immune surveillance and the
activation of vaccine-induced immune response] recognise them as a foreign substance, and release inflammatory
signaling molecules against them.

 The scientists Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman have won the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the
development of mRNA vaccines against Covid-19.

52
The link between growth and employment has weakened over time. Discuss the relationship between GDP growth and
employment in India with reference to the State of Working India (SWI) Report.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 In India, GDP growth is viewed as the first and necessary step towards any kind of development and prosperity.

 The fourth edition of State of Working India (SWI) Report focuses on “a long-run view of India’s structural transformation
experience and its implications for three key social identities: caste, gender, and religion.

 The SWI 2023 also emphasises the need of appreciating the quality of employment produced. For example, supplying
“casual labour” at an MGNREGA (National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme) workplace or a construction job site,
or working part-time in one’s family firm without pay (“self-employment”), are both inadequate alternatives for having a
regular wage job.

 Since the 1980s, non-farm output — that is GDP from sectors other than agriculture — consistently grew much faster than
non-farm employment. (See Table below)

 A good way to measure this relationship is to look at employment elasticity of growth — it is the extent to which
employment grows when GDP grows by one unit. It is calculated by dividing the employment growth rate by the output
growth rate.

 The period 2017-2021 stands noteworthy since it saw a significant increase in employment. However, it is worth noting
that employment flexibility has increased dramatically in recent years.

 During 2017 and 2021, there was a slowdown in overall regular wage job creation but formal jobs (with a written contract
and benefits) as a share of all regular wage work rose from 25% to 35%.

Findings of the Report

 During 1983 and 2021, the proportion of regular wage workers belonging to the SC category has increased even though
it is significantly lower than the proportion of regular wage workers belonging to the general caste category.

 In 2021, 32% of general caste workers were in regular wage employment as compared to 22% of SC workers.

 There is also a higher rate of self-employment amongst general caste workers as opposed to SC workers.

53
 The economic intergenerational mobility has been more pronounced for general caste casual wage workers than for
SC/STs.

 The employment type with the highest intergenerational persistence, i.e. the highest probability that a father’s son works
in the same profession as him, is casual wage work.

 During 1983 and 2021, the degree of women’s representation in industries like tobacco, education, health and social work,
and textiles has increased whereas in waste management & sewerage, it has decreased.

 The U-shaped trend of metropolitan women’s labour participation rates as education level rises implies that as growth
continues and female education levels rise, women are offered with employment options with greater earnings, luring
them into the workforce.

 SWI 2023 analyses data from 1983 to 2023 and uses a whole host of official data sources including Periodic Labour Force
Surveys (PLFS), the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS), as well as Census 2011 and Economic Census 2013 among
others.

54
Discuss how Mangrove forests have played a significant role in providing more valued ecological services.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about Mangroves.

 Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees and shrubs typical of estuarine and intertidal regions, meaning they grow in areas
where freshwater and saltwater meet. Mangroves typically have aerial, breathing roots and waxy, succulent leaves, and
are flowering plants.

 Mangroves, marshes, and sandy coral islands form in the low-lying areas flooded and drained by tides.

 The Sundarbans (spread across India and Bangladesh) is the largest contiguous mangrove forest in the world. They are
also found in tropical regions like in southeast Asia, northern Australia, equatorial Africa and low-latitude Americas.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Role of Mangroves

 The mangroves represent a littoral forest ecosystem, which means they thrive in saline or brackish waters in coastal
regions.

 Mangrove forests are ecologically significant as they act as natural coastal guards and protectors.

 They are also known as “bio-shields” because, mostly because of their roots, they protect against coastal and soil erosion
while reducing the effects of high winds and waves.

 Mangroves act as essential carbon sinks (absorb more carbon than they release), are helpful in mitigating global warming
and work as natural water filters.

 They also act as a source of livelihood for coastal communities.

 Fish farming, non-timber forest produce, honey collection, and boating are some local occupations on which locals
depend.

 The World Wildlife Fund’s ‘natural mangrove honey’ project in the Sundarbans has been successful in empowering rural
communities in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district.

 Mangroves also offer tourism opportunities like trekking, nature trails, kayaking, boating, nature walks etc.

Conclusion:

 According to the State of Forest Report, 2023, the top five states with maximum mangrove cover are as follows — West
Bengal (2114 sq km), Gujarat (1175 sq km), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (616 sq km), Andhra Pradesh (405 sq km) and
Maharashtra (324 sq km)

 MISHTI project: It aims to increase mangrove cover along the coast and to conserve biodiversity supported by mangroves
and prevent felling of mangroves.

 The UAE and Indonesia launched the alliance on the sidelines of the UN climate summit COP27 which aims to strengthen
conservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems worldwide. India, Australia, Japan, Spain and Sri Lanka have joined
it as partners.

55
The G20 countries promised to work towards tripling the global renewable energy capacity by 2030. Discuss.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about renewable energy.

 Renewable energy is derived from natural sources that replenish themselves faster than they are depleted. The sun and
wind are two examples of such constantly replenished sources.

 G20 is working towards a commitment to tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030. The tripling of renewable
capacities was also among the lowest-hanging fruits available to the G20 grouping on the climate front, despite some
initial reservations from traditional fossil fuel-producing countries like Russia and Saudi Arabia.

 For countries like India and China, the growth of renewable energy is also the most preferred way to contribute to the
global fight against climate change, and bring down the role of fossil fuels in their economies.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 To triple the total capacity by 2030, the world would have to add nearly 1,000 GW of new capacity every year.

 Tripling renewable capacity by 2030 is an ambitious, yet achievable goal. It can be achieved by the mobilisation of
adequate financial resources and creation of opportunities — infrastructure, policy environment, skill development — in
countries with low penetration of energy access.

 India and China together account for more than 50 per cent of global capacity additions in each of the last five years. In
2022, out of the 295 GW of additional capacity installed throughout the world, China alone added 140 GW, or nearly 48
per cent.

 The tripling target cannot be achieved without the rapid growth in demand from other developing countries, mainly in
Africa. The addition of the African Union to the G20 is expected to provide the right impetus for this.

 There is a need to build the knowledge and capacity of all countries to produce, transport and use low and zero-carbon
hydrogen.

Conclusion:

 According to an IRENA outlook, investments of about 5.3 trillion USD would be required per year, till 2050, to enable the
energy transition that will limit the global rise in temperatures to within 1.5 degree Celsius from pre-industrial times.

 Even if the doubling aim is met by 2030, it would not be enough to meet the 1.5 degree Celsius goal. Current forecasts
indicate that greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 will surpass 1.5 degrees Celsius acceptable levels by around 24 billion
tonnes of CO2 equivalent. If renewable energy were tripled, it would save just 7 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent, or less
than one-third of what is needed.

 The G20 meeting skirted most of the contentious issues — greater emission cuts, phase-out of fossil fuels, massive
mobilisation of financial resources — and stuck to previously stated positions.

56
Earthquakes are by far the most unpredictable and highly destructive of all the natural disasters. Discuss the factor that
causes earthquakes and highlight some recent earthquakes.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about Earthquake.

 Earthquakes may be defined as the shaking of the ground. It is a natural occurrence. It is caused due to release of energy,
which generates waves that travel in all directions.

 Earthquakes that are of tectonic origin have proved to be the most devastating and their area of influence is also quite
large.

 Some of the most vulnerable states are Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and the Darjiling
and subdivision of West Bengal and all the seven states of the northeast.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

What causes earthquakes?

 The surface of the Earth is divided into 7 major plates and several minor ones. They move a few centimetres a year, riding
on semi-molten layers of rock underneath the crust. As the plates move, they pull apart or collide, unleashing the powerful
movements known as earthquakes.

 Most earthquakes are caused by geological or tectonic causes, and are referred as tectonic earthquakes.

 The release of energy occurs along a fault. A fault is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock. Faults
allow the blocks to move relative to each other, causing earthquakes if the movement occurs rapidly.

 The point where the energy is released is called the focus of an earthquake, it is also known as hypocentre.

 The energy waves travelling in different directions reach the surface. The point on the surface, nearest to the focus, is
called epicentre. It experiences the waves first and the point lies directly above the focus.

Recent Earthquakes
 Turkey–Syria earthquake
 Marrakesh-Safi earthquake
 Badakhshan earthquake

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short. You may include:

 A rare, powerful earthquake struck Morocco killing hundreds of people and damaging buildings, including in the historic
city of Marrakech. The epicentre of the quake was the town of Ighil, roughly 70 km south west of Marrakech.

 According to experts, such quakes are generally more dangerous as they carry more energy than when they emerge to
the surface, when compared to quakes that occur deeper underneath the surface. While deeper quakes do indeed spread
farther as seismic waves move radially upwards to the surface, they lose energy while travelling greater distances.

57
Aditya L1 is the first Indian space-based mission to study the Sun. What are the payloads of the mission? Discuss the
objectives of the Aditya L1.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about Aditya L1.

 The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched Aditya L-1, the first Indian space-based mission to study the Sun,
from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

 The solar probe was carried into space by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in ‘XL’ configuration. SLV is one of the
most reliable and versatile workhorse rockets of ISRO.

 The PSLV will initially place the Aditya L-1 in a lower Earth orbit. Subsequently, the spacecraft’s orbit around the Earth will
be raised multiple times before it is put on a path to a halo orbit around the L1 Lagrange point.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Payloads of the Mission

 The spacecraft carries seven scientific payloads for systematic study of the Sun. All payloads are indigenously developed
in collaboration with various ISRO Centres.

Visible Emission Line Coronagraph

 It is designed to study solar corona and dynamics of coronal mass ejections.

 The payload is developed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru in close collaboration with ISRO.

 VELC is the prime payload onboard Aditya-L1, designed as a reflective coronagraph with a multi-slit spectrograph.

 Solar Ultra-violet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) to image the Solar Photosphere and Chromosphere in near Ultra-violet (UV)
and, to measure the solar irradiance variations in near UV.

 The payload is developed by Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune in close collaboration with
ISRO.

 SUIT is a UV telescope to image the solar disk in the near ultra-violet wavelength range.

 Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS) and High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS) are designed to
study the X-ray flares from the Sun over a wide X-ray energy range. Both these payloads are developed at U R Rao Satellite
Centre, Bengaluru.

 SoLEXS is a soft X-ray spectrometer onboard Aditya-L1. The payload is designed to measure the solar soft X-ray flux to
study solar flares.

 Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX) and Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA) payloads are designed to
study the solar wind and energetic ions, as well as their energy distribution.

 Magnetometer payload is capable of measuring interplanetary magnetic fields at the L1 point. The payload is developed
at Laboratory for Electro-Optics Systems, Bengaluru.

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Objectives of the Aditya L-1

 The main objective of the mission is to expand our knowledge of the Sun, and how its radiation, heat, flow of particles,
and magnetic fields affect us. There are various other objectives that the mission will embark upon:
a. To study the upper atmospheric layers of the Sun called chromosphere and corona. While the corona is the outermost
layer, the chromosphere is just below it.
b. To examine coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s
corona.
c. To analyse the corona’s magnetic field and the driver of the space weather.
d. To understand why the Sun’s not-so-bright corona is a million degree Celsius hot when the temperature on the surface
of the Sun is just about 5,500 degree Celsius.
e. To help scientists know the reasons behind the acceleration of particles on the Sun, which leads to the solar wind —
the constant flow of particles from the Sun.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short. You may include:

 According to ISRO, the Sun “emits radiation/light in nearly all wavelengths along with various energetic particles and
magnetic fields. The atmosphere of the Earth as well as its magnetic field acts as a protective shield and blocks a number
of harmful wavelength radiations including particles and fields.”

 The mission hopes to generate user-friendly information that can help safeguard a range of satellite-dependent
operations such as telecommunications, mobile-based Internet services, navigation, power grids, etc.

 Among the five Lagrange points, L1 is the most favoured to get an unhindered view of the Sun. L2 is located behind the
Earth, and thus obstructs the view of the Sun, while L3 is behind the Sun which is not a great position to communicate
with Earth. L4 and L5 are good and stable locations, but are much farther from Earth compared to L1, which is directly
between the Sun and the Earth.

59
Methane is the primary component of natural gas and is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) with a global warming potential
(GWP). How we can reduce methane emissions?

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about Methane.

 Methane is a greenhouse gas, which is responsible for 30 per cent of the warming since preindustrial times, second only
to carbon dioxide. A report by the United Nations Environment Programme observed that over a 20-year period, methane
is 80 times more potent at warming than carbon dioxide.

 There are various sources of methane including human and natural sources. Human sources of methane include landfills,
oil and natural gas systems, agricultural activities, coal mining, wastewater treatment, and certain industrial processes.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Measures to Reduce Methane Emissions

 India has been persistent in its commitment to developing and implementing climate change policies. The following are
ongoing attempts to limit methane emissions:

 National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): It involves climate-resilient practices such as methane reduction in
rice agriculture which helps to significantly reduce methane emissions.

 National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
has developed several technologies with mitigation potential for methane from rice viz.
a. System for Rice Intensification: The technique has potential to enhance rice yield from 36-49% with about 22-35%
less water than conventional transplanted rice;
b. Direct Seeded Rice: The system reduces methane emissions as it does not involve raising nurseries, puddling and
transplanting. Unlike transplanted paddy cultivation, standing water is not maintained in this system and
c. Crop Diversification Programme: Methane emissions is avoided due to diversion of paddy to alternate crops like
pulses, oilseeds, maize, cotton and agroforestry.

 Capacity-building programmes are conducted through Krishi Vigyan Kendras across the country to create awareness on
climate-resilient practices.

 National Livestock Mission: It includes Breed Improvement and Balanced Rationing. Feeding better quality balanced
rations to animals helps to minimise methane emissions from livestock. The Government of India also promotes for green
fodder production, silage making, chaff cutting, and total mixed ration.

 Gobar (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources) –Dhan’ scheme: It supports biodegradable waste recovery and
conversion of waste into resources and reduction of methane emissions.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short. You may include:

 COP28 President Designate Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber called upon the oil and gas industry to phase out methane emissions
by 2030 and align in favour of comprehensive net-zero emission plans by or before 2050.

 According to the Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA), methane emissions are among the top causes of global
warming. Fossil fuel operations generate over one-third of all methane emissions from human activity. Thus, action on
methane is seen as one of the most effective measures the energy sector can take to mitigate climate change.

60
India’s Moon mission Chandrayaan-3 scripted history by successfully landing on the lunar surface. Discuss the new
upgrades in Chandrayaan-3 as compared to Chandrayaan-2.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about chandrayaan-3.

 Chandrayaan-3 has become India’s first spacecraft to make a soft landing on the moon. It is a follow-on mission to
Chandrayaan-2 to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface.

 According to ISRO, the mission’s three objectives were to demonstrate a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface, to
demonstrate a Rover roving on the Moon and to conduct in-situ scientific experiments.

 The spacecraft landed on the region of the moon’s equator during the previous moon mission because it is easier and
safer here. The terrain and temperature are more conducive for a long and sustained operation of instruments. Sunlight
is also present, offering a regular supply of energy to solar-powered instruments.

 The polar regions are different as most parts of it lie in a completely dark region without sunlight and temperatures can
go below 230 degrees Celsius which creates difficulty in the operation of instruments.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Upgrades in Chandrayaan-3

 The software and hardware in Chandrayaan-3 have been equipped with several additional capabilities:

Strengthened legs

 A Lander does not have wheels; instead, it features stilts or legs that are designed to touch down on the lunar surface and
subsequently stabilise. Around 7.2 kilometres from the Moon’s surface, Chandrayaan-2 lost control of its fall. Its
communications system sent data about the loss of control up to 400 metres above the surface.

 The legs of Chandrayaan-3 have been strengthened to ensure that it would be able to land, and stabilise, even at a speed
of 3 m/sec, or 10.8 km/hour.

Bigger fuel tank

 The Chandrayaan-3 Lander is carrying more fuel than Chandrayaan-2. This has been done to ensure that the Lander is
able to make a last-minute change in its landing site, if it needs to.

Sun on all its faces

 The Chandrayaan-3 Lander has solar panels on four sides, instead of only two in Chandrayaan-2. This is to ensure that the
Lander continues to draw solar power, even if it lands in a wrong direction, or tumbles over. At least one or two of its sides
would always be facing the Sun, and remain active.

Multiple stress tests

 The Lander has been subjected to multiple stress tests and experiments, including dropping it from helicopters. ISRO
created several kinds of test beds at one of its facilities to simulate lunar landing conditions.

Updated software

 The hazard detection and avoidance camera and the processing algorithm have been upgraded.

 The navigation and guidance software has also been updated.

 Multiple layers of redundancies have been added to ensure that if one system does not work because of any reason,
something else will.

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More instruments

 Additional navigational and guidance instruments are on board Chandrayaan-3 to continuously monitor the Lander’s
speed, and make the necessary corrections.

 Laser Doppler Velocimeter, which will fire laser beams to the lunar surface to calculate the Lander’s speed.

 New sensors and cameras have also been added.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short. You may include:

 The six payloads on the Vikram lander and rover Pragyan remain the same as the previous mission.

 There will be four scientific payloads on the lander to study lunar quakes, thermal properties of the lunar surface, changes
in the plasma near the surface, and a passive experiment to help accurately measure the distance between Earth and the
Moon.

 There are two payloads on the Rover, designed to study the chemical and mineral composition of the lunar surface and
to determine the composition of elements such as magnesium, aluminium and iron in the lunar soil and rocks.

 India’s Moon mission Chandrayaan-3 scripted history by successfully landing on the lunar surface and became the only
country to have ever done so.

62
What is Micro Irrigation and what are the benefits of Micro Irrigation? Discuss the government’s efforts with reference
to Micro Irrigation.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about micro irrigation.

 Micro Irrigation is a unique and comprehensive process that aims to enhance crop productivity by improving water use
efficiency through Micro Irrigation Systems.

 It is the slow application of continuous drips, tiny streams or miniature sprays of water above or below the soil surface.

 Micro irrigation system is effective in saving water and increasing water use efficiency as compared to the conventional
surface irrigation method.

Benefits of Micro Irrigation

 It helps reduce water consumption, growth of unwanted plants (weeds), soil erosion and cost of cultivation.

 It can be adopted in all kinds of land, especially where it is not possible to effectively use flooding method for irrigation.

 It is useful in undulating terrain, rolling topography, hilly areas, barren land and areas having shallow soils.

 It provides higher crop production and reduces labour costs.

 It reduces the use of fertilizers and benefits by increased soil fertility.

 The judicious use of available water will help in better water management.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Government’s Efforts

Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme

 It is a central government scheme to promote micro-irrigation — drip or sprinkler systems — which is implemented by
the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.

 The scheme was launched in 2006 and was subsumed into the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichai Yojna (PMKSY) in 2015 as one
of its four components.

 The funding is provided by the centre is around 40 per cent and the rest is financed by states and farmers themselves.
The proportion is different in hilly and north-eastern states.

 The main objectives of the scheme are to enhance water-use efficiency and increase productivity, thus bolstering farmer
incomes.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

 The Government of India has been implementing Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Micro Irrigation with the objective to
enhance water use efficiency in the agriculture sector by promoting appropriate technological interventions.

Micro Irrigation Fund

 The scheme is committed to providing access to irrigation for the agricultural farm by prioritising water conservation and
its management.

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 It has several benefits such as higher subsidy on micro irrigation systems, free service for 3 years after installation of
micro irrigation system and water use efficiency.

 States can avail the fund in form of loan from NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) at 3 per
cent below the cost of funds and the 3 per cent being compensated by central government.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short. You may include:

 Farmers are encouraged to participate in the PDMC plan through extensive exposure in the press and print media, the
distribution of leaflets/booklets, the organisation of workshops, exhibits, farmer fairs, and information on
State/Government of India web pages, among other things.

 To encourage farmers to build drip and sprinkler irrigation systems under the PDMC plan, the government gives financial
assistance/subsidies at 55 per cent of the suggested unit cost to small and marginal farmers and 45 per cent to other
farmers.

64
India has added significant photovoltaics capacity over the past decade, achieving over 50 GW by 2022. Discuss the recent
initiatives taken by India in adopting solar energy.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about solar energy.

 India has enormous solar energy potential. Solar photovoltaic electricity may be successfully harnessed, giving enormous
scalability in India. Solar also permits dispersed power generation and quick capacity increase with short lead periods.
Off-grid decentralized and low-temperature applications will be helpful for rural applications as well as addressing other
energy demands for electricity, heating, and cooling in both rural and urban locations.

 Solar energy has had a noticeable influence on the Indian energy landscape in recent years. Millions of people in Indian
communities have profited from solar energy-based decentralized and distributed applications that satisfy their cooking,
lighting, and other energy demands in an environmentally benign manner.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Initiatives taken by India

Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects

 It was rolled out in December 2014 with the objective to facilitate the solar project developers to set up projects
expeditiously.

 The solar parks are developed in collaboration with the State Governments and their agencies, CPSUs, and private
entrepreneurs.

 The scheme’s second phase has an objective to set up solar PV projects through Government Producers using domestic
cells & modules in WTO compliant manner to facilitate national energy security and environmental sustainability for
Government purposes.

 Examples: NTPC Floating Solar Plant Ramagundam (100 MW), NTPC Floating Solar Plant Kayamkulam (92 MW), Rihand
Dam Floating Solar Power Plant (50 MW), etc.

Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Programme

 The objective of the scheme is to achieve a cumulative installed capacity of 40,000 MW from Grid Connected Rooftop Solar
(RTS) projects.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) scheme
The scheme has three components:
 Component-A: For Setting up 10,000 MW of Decentralized Grid Connected Renewable Energy Power Plants on barren
land.

 Component-B: For Installation of 17.50 Lakh stand-alone solar agriculture pumps.

 Component-C: For Solarisation of 10 Lakh Grid Connected Agriculture Pumps.

One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG)

 The idea for the One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative was put forth by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India
Shri Narendra Modi, at the First Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in October 2018.

 In May 2021, the United Kingdom and India agreed to combine forces of the Green Grids Initiative and the One Sun One
World One Grid initiative and jointly launch GGI-OSOWOG at the COP26 summit being hosted by the UK at Glasgow in
November 2021.

65
There are various other schemes launched by the Government of India to encourage generation of solar power in the country
like Solar Park Scheme, VGF Schemes, CPSU Scheme, Defence Scheme, Canal bank & Canal top Scheme, Bundling Scheme,
Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Scheme etc.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short. You may include:

 According to the research by Global Energy Monitor, India plans to add 76 gigawatts (GW) of utility-scale solar and wind
power by 2025 which could save up to $19.5 billion a year (over 15 lakh crore) caused due to the burning of coal.

 India stands 4th in solar PV deployment across the globe as on end of 2021. Solar power installed capacity has reached
around 61.97 GW as on November 30, 2022. Presently, solar tariff in India is very competitive and has achieved grid parity.

66
Discuss how the National Quantum Mission will work towards strengthening India’s research and development in the
quantum arena.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about quantum computers and National
Quantum Mission.

 A quantum computer seeks to exploit the laws that govern the behaviour of atoms and subatomic particles. In a quantum
computer, information is stored in quantum bits, or qubits. And a qubit can be both 0 and 1 at the same time.

 National Quantum Mission (NQM) will help to scale up scientific and industrial R&D, for accelerating Quantum Technology-
led economic growth and leverage India into a leading nation in the area.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 The NQM focuses on indigenously building quantum-based (physical qubit) computers which are far more powerful and
are able to perform the most complex problems in a highly secure manner.

 It will target developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in eight years in various
platforms like superconducting and photonic technology.

 Communications: Satellite-based secure quantum communications between ground stations over a range of 2000
kilometres within India, Long-distance secure quantum communications with other countries and inter-city quantum key
distribution over 2000 km as well as a multi-node Quantum network with quantum memories are among the other
objectives of the mission.

 The mission will help develop magnetometers with high sensitivity in atomic systems and Atomic Clocks for precision
timing, communications and navigation.

 It will also aid in the design and synthesis of quantum materials for quantum device production, such as superconductors,
innovative semiconductor architectures, and topological materials.

 Four ‘Thematic Hubs‘ (T-Hubs) will be established in premier university and national R&D institutes in the fields of quantum
computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices. The hubs
will focus on the development of new knowledge through basic and applied research, as well as the promotion of R&D.

 Single photon sources/detectors and entangled photon sources will also be developed for quantum communications,
sensing and metrological applications.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short. You may include:

 The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved the National Quantum
Mission (NQM) at a total cost of Rs.6003.65 crore from 2023-24 to 2030-31, aiming to seed, nurture and scale up scientific
and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT).

 According to the Department of Science and Technology (DST), “ The National Quantum Mission will help India take a
quantum leap in this area of research. It will have wide-scale applications ranging from healthcare and diagnostics,
defence, energy and data security.”

67
The Waste to Wealth mission brings scientific processing of waste to the forefront to build a zero landfill and zero waste
nation. Elucidate.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 The ‘Waste to Wealth Mission’ of the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC)
aims to identify, develop, and deploy technologies to treat waste to generate energy, recycle materials, and extract
resources of value.

 The mission is working to identify and support the development of new technologies that promise to create a clean and
green environment.

 The objective of the mission is:

1. To identify and support the development of new technologies that can help create a cleaner and greener environment.
2. To boost and augment the Swachh Bharat Mission and Smart Cities Project by leveraging science, technology, and
innovation.
3. To create circular economic models that are financially viable for waste management.
4. To streamline waste handling in India.

 The mission will assist and augment the Swachh Bharat and Smart Cities projects by leveraging science, technology, and
innovation to create circular economic models that are financially viable for waste management to streamline waste
handling in the country.

 The Waste to Wealth Mission is one of the nine scientific missions of the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and
Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC).

 In addition, the objective will seek out and assist the development of innovative technologies that promise to build a clean
and green environment.

 The mission will support and supplement the Swachh Bharat and Smart Cities programs by harnessing science,
technology, and innovation to develop circular economic models that are commercially feasible for waste management
in order to simplify trash management in the country.
Note: You can mention about few schemes such as:

GOBAR-Dhan” (Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources-Dhan) initiative has two objectives:

(i) To make villages clean and generate wealth.
(ii) Energy from cattle and other waste.

Houseboat Sewage Management

The Waste to Wealth Mission will assist the Government of Jammu and Kashmir in piloting, verifying, and scaling up
decentralized sewage treatment technology to address the input of untreated sewage from houseboats into Dal Lake.

Decentralized solid and liquid waste management

The Waste to Wealth Mission is engaging with Municipal Corporation Faridabad (MCF) to jointly deploy technologies in solid
and liquid waste management to address Faridabad’s enormous waste challenges.

Swachhta Saarthi Fellowship

The fellowship is a program to empower young innovators participating in community waste management/awareness
campaigns/waste surveys/studies.

Conclusion:
Your conclusion should be short.
 According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, about 4 lakh women are directly engaged in sanitation and waste
management in cities.

 The Waste to Wealth mission acts as a platform for technology providers, government stakeholders, urban local bodies
and users to seek an appropriate solution.

68
What do you mean by bioenergy, and how is it generated? Discuss how it will aid in meeting India’s energy needs.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about bioenergy.

 Biomass has always been an important energy source for the country and it is renewable, widely available, carbon-neutral
and has the potential to provide significant employment in rural areas.

 About 32 per cent of the total primary energy use in the country is still derived from biomass and more than 70 per cent
of the country’s population depends upon it for its energy needs.

 Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has initiated a number of programmes for the promotion of efficient technologies
for its use in various sectors of the economy to ensure the derivation of maximum benefits.

 Biomass materials used for power generation include bagasse, rice husk, straw, cotton stalk, coconut shells, soya husk,
de-oiled cakes, coffee waste, jute wastes, groundnut shells, saw dust, etc.

 For efficient utilization of biomass, bagasse-based cogeneration in sugar mills and biomass power generation have been
taken up under biomass power and cogeneration programme.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Process

 The thermochemical processes for conversion of biomass to useful products involve combustion, gasification or pyrolysis.
The most commonly used route is combustion.

 The cycle used is the conventional Rankine cycle with biomass being burnt in a high-pressure boiler to generate steam
and operating a turbine with the generated steam.

 The exhaust of the steam turbine can either be fully condensed to produce power or used partly or fully for another useful
heating activity.

 In India, cogeneration route finds application mainly in industries. The sugar industry has been traditionally practicing
cogeneration by using bagasse as a fuel.

Aid in meeting India’s energy needs

 The two most common biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel:

Ethanol: It is produced by fermentation of residues of crops like corn and sugarcane. The ethanol after fermentation is
mixed with petroleum, which dilutes the latter and reduces the emissions. Ethanol-10 or E10 is the most common blend
in which 10 per cent composition is Ethanol.

Biodiesel: It is produced from used cooking oil, yellow grease or animal fats. During its production, cooking oil or fat is
burned with alcohol in presence of a catalyst, which produces Biodiesel.

 National Policy on Biofuel, implemented in 2018 aims at promoting the production of biofuels under the “Make in India”
program.

 The main amendments approved to the National Policy on Biofuels:

(i) to allow more feedstocks for the production of biofuels,
(ii) to advance the ethanol blending target of 20 per cent blending of ethanol in petrol to ESY 2025-26 from 2030,
(iii) to promote the production of biofuels in the country, under the Make in India program, by units located in Special
Economic Zones (SEZ)/ Export Oriented Units (EoUs),
(iv) to grant permission for the export of biofuels in specific cases.

69
Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

 The amendment proposal will pave the way for Make in India drive thereby leading to reduction in import of petroleum
products by generation of more and more biofuels.

 Over 800 biomass power and bagasse/Non-bagasse cogeneration projects aggregating to 10205.61 MW capacity have
been installed in the country for feeding power to the grid.

 States which have taken leadership positions in the implementation of bagasse cogeneration projects are Maharashtra,
Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The leading States for biomass power projects are
Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.

70
The year 2023 is the International Year of Millets. Discuss the benefits of including millet as a cereal.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about millets.

 The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Since that was at the initiative of India, which
also accounts for a fifth of the world’s millets production.

 India is the largest producer of millets in the world. India’s two varieties of millets namely Pearl Millet (Bajra) and Sorghum
(Jowar) together contributed approximately 19 per cent in world production in 2020.

 The major millets producing states in India are Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat,
Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Benefits of Millet as a Cereal

 The protein, dietary fibre, iron and calcium contents in millet are 2-10 times higher than staple cereals including wheat
and rice. Therefore, it is always good to consume millet-based foods which are rich in nutrients and have anti-
inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties.

 Millets are often the only crops that can grow in arid regions, requiring only 300– 400 mm of water compared to 1400–
1500 mm for rice cultivation and 1900-2000 mm for sugar cane.

 Millets are the carbon neutral crops by virtue of carbon absorption from the environment equivalent to their carbon
emissions of 0.1–0.2 CO2eq kg per kg of production, compared to 0.4 CO2eq kg per kg of rice production and 0.35 CO2eq
kg per kg of wheat production.

 Millet is a short-duration crop that is good for a farmer. Millet is known as an efficient crop that takes only 60–90 days to
mature while other fine cereals need 100–140 days.

 Millets are the hardiest, most resilient, and climate-adaptable crops in harsh, hot (up to 64 degrees Celsius) and drought
environments.

 Millet contains a lot more nutritional value than rice and wheat which can be able to fulfil our hunger for nutrition.

 Millet releases sugar very slowly in comparison with rice and wheat. Sugar dissolves with blood after a long time of eating,
so you will not get hungry frequently.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

 Multiple varieties of millets are produced in India such as Pearl Millets, Sorghum, Finger Millet, Foxtail, Kodo, Barnyard,
Proso, Little Millet and Pseudo Millets like Buckwheat and Amaranths. Pearl millet (Bajra), Sorghum (Jowar) and Finger
Millet (Ragi) constitutes the largest share in India’s total production of millets.

 The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has bred Pusa-1201, a hybrid bajra that gives an average grain yield of
over 2.8 tonnes and potential of 4.5 tonnes per hectare. It matures in 78-80 days and is resistant to downy mildew and
blast, both deadly fungal diseases.

71
What do you understand by dryland agriculture? List out the problems associated with dryland agriculture.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about agriculture and dryland farming.

 Indian agriculture is regulated by an impossible trinity that asks it to achieve three goals simultaneously – global
competitiveness, social inclusiveness and environmental sustainability.

 Almost 65 per cent of India’s arable land area of around 140 million hectares is classified as rainfed. Farming activities in
such areas are typically marked by low productivity, high risk, and a lack of adoption of current technology/agronomic
methods.

 Drylands are areas with low soil moisture and high evapotranspiration, resulting in water deficit prevailing throughout
the year.

 Dryland farming helps increase the amount of organic matter in the soil, improving its fertility and structure. It also helps
to address the problem of hunger and malnutrition prevailing in society.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Problems Associated with Dryland Agriculture

Soil and Moisture

 In semiarid regions, the alfisols and vertisols predominate, whereas in river basins inceptisols and entisols are seen and
in desert regions.

 Crops grown in alfisols are subjected to severe drought stress, whereas those produced in vertisols have less severity to
drought, due to their better water-holding capacity.

 Soil erosion by water is found to be the primary cause in mountainous areas and in undulating terrains in Central India.

 Salinization has turned out to be a significant cause of the degradation of soils.

 Watershed-based approaches are found to be more productive regarding water and soil conservation.

Environmental changes in water logging and salinity

 Soil degradation has a close link with water logging and salinity problems. Irrigation salinity has a major impact on dryland
crops.

 The major causes of water logging and salinity are overirrigation, poor drainage, improper irrigation for damaged soils
etc.

 These environmental changes result in the reduction of yields and abandonment of lands which has facilities for irrigation.

Dietary habits and nutritional characteristics of crops grown

 The choices of crops that are to be grown in drylands are very limited such as oilseed pulses and coarse grains like bajra
are grown.

 The dryland crops are not much remunerative leading to an economic imbalance. Crop substitution is another alternative.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

 From a larger perspective, dryland farming helps conserve water resources, minimises soil erosion and promotes
sustainable agriculture.

 Several technologies for dryland farming can help to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change by reducing
greenhouse emissions and promoting soil carbon sequestration.

72
What are the different types of cyber-attacks? Discuss steps to strengthen cyber security in India.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about cyber space and cyber security.

 Cyberspace is a global domain within the information environment consisting of the interdependent network of
information technology infrastructures, including the Internet, telecommunications networks, computer systems, and
embedded processors and controllers.

 Cyber Intrusions and Attacks have increased dramatically over the last decade, exposing sensitive personal and business
information, disrupting critical operations, and imposing high costs on the economy.

 India ranks 3rd in terms of the highest number of internet users in the world after the USA and China which makes it more
vulnerable to threats.

 The Cyber & Information Security (CIS) division of MHA deals with matters relating to cybersecurity, cybercrime, national
information security policy and guidelines (NISPG) and its implementation, and the national intelligence grid.

The different types of threats which have been identified are:

▪ Malware – Malicious software to disrupt computers
▪ Viruses and worms
▪ Theft of Intellectual Property or Data
▪ Hacktivism – Cyber protests that are socially or politically motivated
▪ Mobile Devices and applications and their associated Cyber Attacks
▪ Social Engineering – Entice Users to click on malicious links
▪ Spear Phishing – Deceptive Communications (e-mails, texts, tweets)
▪ Domain Name System (DNS) Attacks
▪ Router Security – Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) Hijacking
▪ Denial of Service (DoS) – blocking access to websites

The motives are different for different cyber players such as:

 Cybercriminals seek commercial gain from hacking banks and financial institutions as well as phishing scams.

 Cyber terrorist seeks to penetrate and attack critical assets and national infrastructure.

 Cyber espionage seeks to penetrate both corporate and military data using stealthy IT malware.

 Cyber hacktivists have political agendas that hack sites and servers to virally communicate messages.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Steps to Strengthen Cyber Security in India

 Network Security: Protect your networks against external and internal attacks.

 Malware Protection: Produce relevant policies and establish anti-malware defences that are applicable and relevant to
all business areas.

 Incident Management
Establish an incident response and disaster recovery capability.
Produce and test incident management plans.
Provide specialist training to the incident management team.
Report criminal incidents to law enforcement.

73
 Monitoring: Establish a monitoring strategy and produce supporting policies. Continuously monitor all ICT systems and
networks.

 User Education and Awareness

Produce user policies covering acceptable and secure use of the organisation’s systems.
Establish a staff training programme.

 Home and Mobile Working

Develop a mobile working policy and train staff to adhere to it.
Apply the secure baseline to all devices.

 Secure Configuration: Apply security patches and ensure that the secure configuration of all ICT systems is maintained.

 Removable Media Controls: Produce a policy to control all access to removable media.

 Managing User Privileges: Establish account management processes and limit the number of privileged accounts.

 Information Risk Management Regime: Establish and effective governance structure and determine your risk appetite.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

 The government shall take appropriate steps for enhancing the awareness of citizens and small businesses for
cybersecurity.

 Cybersecurity Capacity building and training for professionals, extending the ISEA program, introducing curricula
academia and organizing conferences.

74
Discuss the role of technologies that can help in sustainable farming.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about sustainable farming.
 Agriculture, with its allied sectors, is the largest livelihood provider in India. It also contributes a significant figure to the
Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
 On the other hand, Sustainable farming is a method that considers the long-term health of the soil, environment and
community. It is critical to meet the demands of rising food while protecting natural resources.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Role of Technology in Sustainable Farming

Precision Farming
 It involves sensors, GPS mapping and data to monitor and optimise crop performance.
 It reduces the use of fertilisers and pesticides. It improves yields and water management.
 In India, the adoption depends on various factors such as the availability of technology, agricultural practice and the
policies of the government.

Vertical Farming
 In his type of farming, crop cultivation takes place in stacked layers usually under controlled conditions.
 It can increase local food production while reducing water consumption which will be beneficial for Indian urban
agriculture.
 This method can reduce the need for pesticides and herbicides. This will also reduce the transportation costs.

Hydroponics
 It allows for efficient water and nutrient use. It reduces the dependence on the traditional agricultural practices.
 It involves growing plants in nutrient-rich water without soil. This approach increases yields and allows for year-round
crop production.

Agroforestry
 It is a land-use integrated management system that combines trees and shrubs with crops and livestock to make
productive and sustainable farming.
 There are various benefits of this approach including soil conservation, biodiversity conservation and carbon
sequestration.

Renewable Energy
 These technologies such as solar power and wind power can be used to operate power farming. It will also reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

 It can help to reduce labour costs, and reduce in use of fertilisers and pesticides.
Note: You may cite an example of AI for Agriculture Innovation (AI4AI) which aims to transform the agriculture sector in India
by promoting the use of AI and other emerging technologies.

Conclusion:
Your conclusion should be short.
 Farmers can develop sustainable farming systems that promote social, economic, and environmental sustainability by
adopting advanced technologies.
 Most of the crops are grown without the use of pesticides, which leads to a positive contribution towards better public
health as well over time; hence consumers can expect zero-pesticide produce, which is also healthy, fresh, and sustainable
for the planet.

75
How is Central Bank Digital Currency different from cryptocurrency? Discuss the need for introducing e-rupee.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about the digital currency launched by Reserve
Bank of India and how is is different from cryptocurrencies.

 Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is a digital legal tender issued by the RBI. It is the same as the fiat currency and is
exchangeable one-to-one with the fiat currency. Only its form is different — it is not paper (or polymer) like physical cash.

 It is a fungible legal tender, for which holders need not have a bank account. CBDC will appear as a ‘liability’ (currency in
circulation) on the RBI’s balance sheet.

 The CBDCs are backed by the RBI, and the e-rupee is not comparable to private virtual currencies like Bitcoin. The
cryptocurrencies are not commodities or claims on commodities as they have no intrinsic value; claims that they are akin
to gold seem opportunistic.

 The cryptocurrencies are not backed by the Central Banks and there is no issuer, they do not represent any person’s debt
or liabilities.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Need for e-rupee

 To reduce the operational costs in managing physical cash and bring efficiency in payment systems.

 To boost innovations in cross-border payments.

 To quell concerns over money laundering, terror financing and tax evasion with private cryptocurrencies.

Benefits

 CBDC has the potential to provide significant benefits such as reduced dependency on cash, higher seigniorage due to
lower transaction costs, and reduced settlement risk.

 According to the RBI, it will reduce the cost of printing, transporting, storing and distributing currency.

CBDC can also enable more real-time and cost-effective globalization of payment systems.

 It will also enhance settlement efficiency and spur innovation in cross-border payments and offer the public the same
uses as any private virtual currency without the risks associated with it.

 The digital rupee based on transparent and efficient technology will provide customers with continuous access to the
payment system, whether wholesale or retail.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

 Central banks around the globe have been studying and working on digital versions of their currencies for retail use to
avoid leaving digital payments to the private sector amid an accelerating decline in cash.

 The introduction of CBDC would also possibly lead to a more robust, efficient, trusted, regulated and legal tender-based
payments option.

76
The E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022 which replaced the 2016 rules. Discuss how the government’s new rules in e-
waste management will formalise the e-waste recycling sector of the country.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about E-waste and E-waste management rules,
2022.

 The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022
and these rules will replace E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016 and are effective from April 1, 2023.

 These rules will launch a new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime for e-waste recycling.

 According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, India recycled only 32.9 per cent of the e-waste
generated in 2021-2022 while 67 per cent of e-waste remained unprocessed.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Features of New E-Waste Management Rules, 2022

 It is applicable to every manufacturer, producer, refurbisher, dismantler and recycler.

 All the manufacturers, producers, refurbishers and recyclers are required to register on portal developed by CPCB.

 Management of solar PV modules /panels/ cells added in new rules.

 The quantity recycled will be computed on the basis of end products.

 Provision for generation and transaction of EPR Certificate has been introduced.

 Provisions for environmental compensation and verification & audit has been introduced.

 Provision for the constitution of Steering Committee to oversee the overall implementation of these rules.

 Provision for reduction of hazardous substances in manufacturing of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) has been
provided.

 The E-Waste (Management) Rules also provide recognition and registration, skill development, monitoring and ensure the
safety and health of workers involved in dismantling and recycling e-waste.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

 Unprocessed e-waste is hazardous to human health and the environment since it contains toxic substances like as lead,
cadmium, mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), etching chemicals, arsenic, and asbestos, which can be dangerous
if not disposed of properly.

 According to the data provided by the ministry in 2021-22, Haryana collected and processed the largest amount of e-waste
at 2,45,015.82 tonnes.

 A 2020 report by the Global E-Waste Monitor notes that India has the highest e-waste generation in South Asia.

 The E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022, which replaced the 2016 rules, make it mandatory for every manufacturer,
producer, refurbisher and recycler to register on an online portal developed by the Central Pollution Control Board.

77
How are Indian farmers utilising emerging technology such as artificial intelligence to boost output in a sustainable
manner?

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about Indian agriculture and AI in agriculture.
 India must feed a growing population while dealing with hazards such as climate change, pandemics, and supply chain
disruptions. The agriculture industry must become more adaptable and efficient to meet these difficulties.

 Technology investments further enhance this growth in agricultural output and productivity. Disruptive technologies like
AI are making significant positive changes across Indian agriculture.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 The Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Agriculture Innovation initiative is transforming the agriculture sector in India by
promoting the use of artificial intelligence and other technologies.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Agriculture in India

 The World Economic Forum’s Artificial Intelligence for Agriculture Innovation (AI4AI) initiative aims to transform the
agriculture sector in India by promoting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies.

 AI applications in agriculture reached a valuation of $852.2 million in 2019 and this is estimated to grow to almost $8.38
billion by 2030, a nearly 25 per cent growth.

 The use of technology in agriculture will improve farmers’ access to markets, inputs, data, advisory, credit and insurance.

 AI can play a catalytic role in improving farm productivity, removing supply chain constraints and increasing market
access.

 Greater use of AI would increase mechanisation of Indian agriculture. It would increase productivity by introducing
precision agriculture.

 In predictive agricultural analytics, various AI and machine learning tools are used to predict the right time to sow seeds,
get alerts on impending pest attacks etc.

 AI in agriculture enables the most efficient use of farming data, allowing equipment such as smart drones, autonomous
tractors, soil sensors, and Agri-bots to work and deliver superior farming efficiency.

 Imaging and AI, traceability solutions are being developed for large scale quality testing and post-harvest produce
handling and monitoring.

 The Saagu Baagu pilot was established in collaboration with the Government of Telangana through AI4AI, making it the
first Indian state to use a framework for scaling up innovative technologies and enhancing productivity, efficiency, and
sustainability in agriculture.

 A startup has used data science, AI and machine learning algorithms, along with data sets from ISRO to assess damage
to crops, compensation payable based on value of the damage that has taken place.

 Another AI startup in India maps farmers’ zones in remote areas, answering questions like who has been farming which
land, what is being grown, what is the quality of soil on the land, with great accuracy.

 Some other Agri-tech startups who are using predictive analytics and machine learning to solve the problem of volatility
in input prices and suboptimal input utilization.

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Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short and should end on positive note.

 India provides a great opportunity for data scientists and AI experts to develop state-of-the-art AI tools and solutions for
agriculture.

 In order to help these AI solutions scale, what is needed is to increase investments – both public and private – especially
from venture capitalists.

 Indian farms and farmers provide vast and rich data to help create AI solutions for the country and the world.

79
What do you understand by urban floods and how they are different from flash floods? Discuss the strategies to tackle
urban flooding.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about floods and urban floods.

 Floods can be defined as ‘the submergence of the usually dry area by a large amount of water that comes from sudden
excessive rainfall, an overflowing river or lake, melting snow or an exceptionally high tide’.

 People living in susceptible locations suffer as a result of flooding, which can sometimes end in fatalities. Not only does
flooding occur, but the secondary consequence of infection also has a cost in terms of human misery, loss of livelihood,
and, in extreme circumstances, loss of life.

 Urban flooding is significantly different from rural flooding as urbanization leads to developed catchments which
increases the flood peaks from 1.8 to 8 times and flood volumes by up to six times.

 For example, Bellandur-Varthur wetland ecosystem located in Bengaluru has been experiencing threat due to the large-
scale catchment alterations with changes in the land use, land cover. This wetland is now being converted for mixed land
use to build both residential and office complexes.

 There has been an increasing trend of urban flood disasters in India over the past several years whereby major cities in
India have been severely affected like in Hyderabad in 2000, Ahmedabad in 2001, Delhi in 2002 and 2003, Chennai in 2004,
Mumbai in 2005, Srinagar in 2014 and Chennai in 2015.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

What are flash floods?

 In India, flash floods are often associated with cloudbursts – sudden, intense rainfall in a short period of time. Himalayan
states further face the challenge of overflowing glacial lakes, formed due to the melting of glaciers, and their numbers
have been increasing in the last few years.

 They can occur in urban areas located near small rivers since hard surfaces such as roads and concrete do not allow the
water to absorb into the ground.

Strategies to Tackle Urban Flooding

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

 The SOP lays down, in a comprehensive manner, the specific actions required to be undertaken by various departments
and agencies in a city/town and also organizations under the district administration as well as State Government for
responding to urban flooding/disaster of any magnitude.

 It covers the following three phases of disaster management for effective and efficient response to urban flooding:

(i) Pre-Monsoon Phase: Preparedness – Planning for Disaster Reduction.

Improving drainage system in the cities, declog existing networks, adopt better solid waste management practices,
and regulate new construction in low-lying areas.

(ii) During Monsoon Phase: Early Warning System, Effective Response and Management and Relief planning and
execution.
The initiative to develop early warning systems will tell civic authorities which areas are likely to be inundated, by
how much, and for how long for a particular rainfall forecast.
Accurate local information from the India Meteorological Department, Central Water Commission and relevant
agencies needs to be passed on to civic authorities in real time.
(iii) Post-Monsoon Phase: Restoration and Rehabilitation.

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Note: You can also cite an example of the Chennai pilot project which has been implemented after the Chennai floods of
2015.

Conclusion:

Your concluding remark should be short. You may use some of the following points.

 Most of these lakes and drains in this series are either encroached or not desilted leading to flooding.

 In order to check the threat of urban flooding, each city should have their Flood mitigation plans (floodplain, river basin,
surface water, etc.) strongly embedded within the overall land use policy and master planning of a city.

81
Discuss the role and contribution of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in rural and agricultural development.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about Primary Agricultural Credit Societies.

 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are village-level cooperative credit societies that serve as the last link in a
three-tier cooperative credit structure headed by the State Cooperative Banks (SCB) at the state level.

 The credit from the Scheduled Commercial Banks is transferred to the district central cooperative banks, or District Co-
operative Central Banks (DCCBs), that operate at the district level. The DCCBs work with PACS, which deals directly with
farmers.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Role and contribution of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies

 They are involved in short-term lending — or what is known as crop loans. At the start of the cropping cycle, farmers avail
credit to finance their requirement of seeds, fertilisers, etc.

 Banks extend this credit at 7 per cent interest, of which 3 per cent is subsidised by the Centre, and 2 per cent by the state
government. Effectively, farmers avail the crop loans at 2 per cent interest only.

 Since these are cooperative bodies, individual farmers are members of the PACS, and office-bearers are elected from
within them. A village can have multiple PACS.

 The attraction of the PACS lies in the last mile connectivity they offer. For farmers, timely access to capital is necessary at
the start of their agricultural activities.

 PACS have the capacity to extend credit with minimal paperwork within a short time.

 PACS can also be employed as drone entrepreneurs for spraying fertilisers and pesticides.

 A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of this effect was signed between the Ministry of Cooperation, Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology, NABARD and CSC e-Governance Services India Limited for providing services
offered by Common Service Centres (CSC).

 PACS are the soul of cooperatives and will increase employment opportunities in rural areas.

 It will ensure speedy disposal of loans, lower transition cost, faster audit and reduction in imbalances in payments and
accounting with State Cooperative Banks and District Central Cooperative Banks.

Conclusion:

Your concluding remark should be short.

 The Union Budget has announced Rs 2,516 crore for computerisation of 63,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)
over the next five years, with the aim of bringing greater transparency and accountability in their operations and enabling
them to diversify their business and undertake more activities.

 It is a win-win” situation for all as it will strengthen both cooperatives and farmers.

82
What is the reusable launch vehicle (RLV) of the Indian Space Research Organisation? Highlight the advantages and
limitations of reusable launch vehicles.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about the reusable launch vehicle launched by
ISRO. The definition of RLV can be taken from authentic sources such as website of ISRO.

 The reusable launch vehicle has a two-stage engine to propel the vehicle in the low-earth orbit.

 Reusable Launch Vehicle – Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) is one of the most technologically challenging endeavors
of ISRO towards developing essential technologies for a fully reusable launch vehicle to enable low-cost access to space.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 The configuration of RLV-TD is similar to that of an aircraft and combines the complexity of both launch vehicles and
aircraft.

 The winged RLV-TD has been configured to act as a flying test bed to evaluate various technologies, namely, hypersonic
flight, autonomous landing and powered cruise flight.

Advantages

 It is essentially a space plane with a low lift-to-drag ratio.

 It is based on localised navigation systems.

 The RLVs are cost-effective.

 It can be used multiple times.

 They have a low burn rate

 It features symmetrically placed active control surfaces called Elevons and Rudder.

Disadvantages

 Fuel cannot be reused.

 Crafting of its parts is very complex and demands highly skilled manpower.

 They emit carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

 The RLVs are restricted to low-earth orbit.

Conclusion:

Your concluding remark should be short.

 ISRO first demonstrated its winged vehicle RLV-TD re-entry in its HEX Mission in May 2016. During that experiment, the
vehicle had landed on a hypothetical runway over the Bay of Bengal as “precise landing” on a runway was an aspect not
included in the HEX mission.

 The LEX mission achieved the final approach phase that coincided with the re-entry flight path exhibiting an autonomous,
high-speed (350 kmph) landing.

83
World Environment Day, hosted under the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), marks a day to raise
awareness and action about the environmental catastrophes of the modern world. Discuss its genesis and relevance.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about the World Environment Day.

The industrial revolution, growing urbanisation, and population, as we know, have led to the steady disintegration of our
natural world. A major initiative of the World Environment Day is to encourage people to live sustainable lifestyles. This year,
it is the 50th anniversary of the World Environment Day.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 This year’s World Environment Day (June 5) has the theme of #BeatPlasticPollution, calling for global solutions to combat
the pandemic of plastic pollution.

 From raising awareness about environmental issues to making significant changes in global environmental policies –
UNEP’s World Environment Day has seen historic importance. With our depleting natural resources, highly politicised
environmental approaches, and slow impactful plans, our world is on the verge of ecological collapse.

 The 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm was the first world conference to make
the environment a significant issue.

 The participants adopted a series of principles for sound management of the environment including the Stockholm
Declaration and Action Plan for the Human Environment and several resolutions.

 The Stockholm Declaration, which contained 26 principles, placed environmental issues at the forefront of international
concerns and marked the start of a dialogue between industrialised and developing countries on the link between
economic growth, the pollution of the air, water, and oceans and the well-being of people around the world.

 The Action Plan contained three main categories:

(a) Global Environmental Assessment Programme.
(b) Environmental management activities.
(c) International measures to support assessment and management activities carried out at the national and
international levels.

 One of the major results of the Stockholm conference was the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP).

 World Environment Day, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has been held annually on June 5,
since 1973. The UN General Assembly chose the date during the historic 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human
Environment – considered to be the first world conference to make the environment a significant issue.

 It has grown to become the largest global platform for environmental outreach, with millions of people from across the
world engaging to protect the planet.

 Stockholm+50 was a commemoration of 50 years since the 1972 Conference on the Human Environment. It was a moment
of reflection; a time to focus on ways to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to
tackle the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

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 Stockholm+50 brought together member states, the UN and a broad set of stakeholders to discuss solutions to issues of
crucial global significance.

 Stockholm+50 provides new ideas, new models of engagement and new possibilities for strengthening environmental
governance.

 Stockholm+50 was a unique moment when the global community, including youth and other groups, came together in
determination to call for intergenerational responsibility and equity, and for systemic shifts in our economy towards
achieving a healthy planet for all.

Conclusion:

You may end your answer by some general yet impactful statements. For example:

 World Environment Day, for over 50 years, has served as a platform for environmental activists to help common people
understand and help our nature.

 In the face of these environmental disasters, World Environment Day stands as a mouthpiece for several
environmentalists. It is a day marking and reminding global citizens of the continuous negative impact of global warming
and climate change. Loss of life, property, biodiversity, and even resources are just some of the effects of climate change
as a result of environmental ignorance.

 From raising awareness about environmental issues to making significant changes in global environmental policies –
UNEP’s World Environment Day has seen historic importance. With our depleting natural resources, highly politicised
environmental approaches, and slow impactful plans, our world is on the verge of ecological collapse.

85
How are the Committees constituted, and how are their chairpersons chosen? Discuss the functions of the estimate
committee.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about Parliamentary Committees, their
formation and their origin.

 Parliamentary Committees have their origins in the British Parliament. They draw their authority from Article 105, which
deals with the privileges of MPs, and Article 118, which gives Parliament authority to make rules to regulate its procedure
and conduct of business.

 A Parliamentary Committee is a panel of MPs that is appointed or elected by the House or nominated by the Speaker, and
which works under the direction of the Speaker. It presents its report to the House or to the Speaker.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 The Committees work closely with multiple Ministries and facilitate inter-ministerial coordination. Lok Sabha and Rajya
Sabha panels are headed by members of these respective Houses.

 There are other Standing Committees for each House, such as the Business Advisory Committee and the Privileges
Committee. The Presiding Officer of each House nominates members to these panels.

 Presiding Officers use their discretion to refer a matter to a Parliamentary Committee, but this is usually done in
consultation with leaders of parties in the House.

 The appointment of heads of the Committees is done by convention in which the main Opposition party gets the post of
Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman.

 The chairperson presides over the meetings and can decide who should be summoned before the panel.

 The members of parliament typically have a one-year tenure on Parliamentary Committees. Usually, the composition of a
committee remains more or less the same in terms of representation of the various parties.

Functions of Estimates Committee

 To report what economies, improvements in organisation, efficiency, or administrative reform, consistent with the policy
underlying the estimates may be effected;

 To suggest alternative policies in order to bring about efficiency and economy in administration;

 To examine whether the money is well laid out within the limits of the policy implied in the estimates; and

 To suggest the form in which the estimates shall be presented to Parliament.

Conclusion:

Your concluding remark should be short and should encapsulate both parts of the answer.

 The reports of departmentally related standing committees are recommendatory in nature. They are not binding on the
government, but they do carry significant weight. In the past, governments have accepted suggestions given by the
Committees and incorporated them into the Bill after it has come back to the House for consideration and passage.

 However, suggestions by the Select Committees and JPCs — which have a majority of MPs and heads from the ruling party
— are accepted more frequently.

86
Discuss the consequences of China’s expanding strength in the Indian Ocean region. Why is it important for India?

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a basic fact such as:

 The Indian Ocean serves as a conduit for Sea Lanes of Communications (SLOCs) traveling from east to west.

 China’s engagement with Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Seychelles is primarily based on infrastructure development
and the strengthening of diplomatic connections allowing it to take advantage of the opportunities for extending its “Look
West Policy.”

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Consequences of China’s expanding strength

 China has increased its military presence in the Indian Ocean to match its interests abroad. The Chinese economy is highly
reliant on trade routes that pass through the Indian Ocean.

 China needs reliable access facilities in the Indian Ocean region to project its power. China has military bases in Djibouti,
Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. China is using its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to fund many of these
projects.

 The China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), an organisation connected with the Chinese Foreign
Ministry held a meeting of the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation. India was reportedly not
invited.

 China seeks to conduct training and exercises in the region, potentially in partnership with other militaries.

 Chinese trade routes would be particularly vulnerable because the sea lines of communication from the Middle East to
China run near the Indian coast.

Importance of the Indian Ocean Region for India

 Indian Ocean Region can emerge as an area of conflict. Therefore, India should be prepared for the possibility of a conflict.

 The undersea mapping features would be beneficial in preparing for a potential wartime scenario.

 China has proposed to establish a marine disaster prevention and mitigation cooperation mechanism between China and
countries in the Indian Ocean region. So, India should think something to counter it like the Indian Navy-backed ‘Indian
Ocean Naval Symposium’ (IONS) seeks to increase maritime cooperation among navies of the region.

 India’s strong influence in the Indian Ocean region where India-backed organisations like the Indian Ocean Rim
Association, (IORA) have strong roots and can be beneficial for Indian and Indian Ocean Region.

Conclusion:

Your concluding remark should be short and should encapsulate both parts of the answer.

 Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean Region has caused apprehensions among the regional countries and has led to a
situation where the region is becoming increasingly securitised. The region is becoming an increasingly contested space,
with security balances in the region looking uncertain

 Indian Government launched Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR) in 2015 for active cooperation among the
littoral countries of the Indian Ocean region.

 The Indian Navy-backed ‘Indian Ocean Naval Symposium’ (IONS) seeks to increase maritime cooperation among navies of
the region.

87
What is Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)? Why a regional navigation system matters to India?

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a basic fact such as:

Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) is a regional navigation satellite developed by the Indian Space Research and
Organisation (ISRO) to meet the nation’s positioning, navigation and timing requirements. (Add a sentence more here, to
make it a proper introduction.)

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 NavIC is designed with a constellation of seven satellites and a network of ground stations operating 24 x 7.

 Three satellites of the constellation are placed in geostationary orbit at 32.5°E, 83°E, and 129.5°E, respectively, and four
satellites are placed in inclined geosynchronous orbit with an equatorial crossing of 55°E and 111.75°E, respectively, with
an inclination of 29° (two satellites in each plane).

 The ground network consists of a control centre, a precise timing facility, range and integrity monitoring stations, two-
way ranging stations, etc.

 NavIC offers two services: Standard Position Service (SPS) for civilian users and Restricted Service (RS) for strategic users.

 The NavIC coverage area includes India and a region up to 1500 km beyond the Indian boundary.

Why it is important for India?

 India is the only country that has a regional satellite-based navigation system. There are four global satellite-based
navigation systems: the American GPS, the Russian GLONASS (GLObalnaya NAvigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema), the
European Galileo, and the Chinese Beidou.

 NavIC open signals will be accurate up to 5 metres and restricted signals will be even more accurate. GPS signals, by
contrast, are accurate up to around 20 metres.

 NavIC provides coverage over the Indian landmass and up to a radius of 1,500 km around it. In this region, NavIC signals
will likely be available in even hard-to-reach areas. Unlike GPS, NavIC uses satellites in a high geostationary orbit — the
satellites move at a constant speed relative to Earth, so they are always looking over the same region on Earth.

 NavIC signals come to India at a 90-degree angle, making it easier for them to reach devices located even in congested
areas, dense forests, or mountains.

The usage of NavIC system has increased in India. NavIC finds utilisation in national projects like public vehicle safety, power
grid synchronisation, real-time train information system and fishermen safety. Other upcoming initiatives (such as) common
alert protocol-based emergency warning, time dissemination, geodetic network and unmanned aerial vehicles are in the
process of adopting NavIC system. (Union Minister of State for the Department of Space Jitendra Singh in a written reply in
Parliament)

 With an aim to promote the civilian use of NAVigation with the Indian Constellation (NavIC), L1 frequency is being
introduced in all its future satellites.

The seven satellites in the NavIC constellation so far use two frequencies for providing positioning data — L5 and S band. The
new satellites NVS-01 onwards, meant to replace these satellites, will also have L1 frequency that can be used by devices that
run on low power, single-frequency chips such as smart watches and security systems.

NOTE: Do not make the body overloaded with facts and data. Select points which you think are most essential.

88
Conclusion:

Your concluding remark should be short and should encapsulate both parts of the answer or you may gain some impressive
marks by the examiner on going beyond and giving an international angle, for example:

ISRO plans to set up ground stations in Japan and France to better triangulate the entire area under NavIC coverage – the
system is likely to become more accurate than GPS. The satellites placed directly over India also ensure better availability of
signals in varied geographical regions compared to GPS, which India receives at an angle making it difficult to access in dense
forests or valleys.

89
What are Biofuels? Discuss the government’s efforts for promoting its uses.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a basic fact such as:

 Biomass can be converted directly into liquid fuels, called “biofuels,” to help meet transportation fuel needs. The two most
common types of biofuels in use today are ethanol and biodiesel, both of which represent the first generation of biofuel
technology.

 Ethanol is an alcohol used as a blending agent with gasoline to increase octane and cut down carbon monoxide and other
smog-causing emissions.

 Biodiesel is a liquid fuel produced from renewable sources, such as new and used vegetable oils and animal fats and is a
cleaner-burning replacement for petroleum-based diesel fuel.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 The National Biofuel Policy was introduced in 2018 and is aimed at reducing dependence on imports by encouraging fuel
blending. With bioethanol, biodiesel, and bio-CNG in focus, its key parts include the Ethanol Blending Programme (EPB),
production of second-generation ethanol (derived from forest and agricultural residues), increasing capacity for the
production of fuel additives, R&D in feedstock, which is the starting material for ethanol production, and financial
incentives for achieving these goals.

 After initially setting a 20 per cent blending target for 2030, the government has advanced by five years its target for
achieving 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol. The amended National Biofuel Policy-2018 has now set the new target
for 2025–26 instead of 2030.

 The National Biofuel Coordination Committee (NBCC), with the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas as its head,
is the agency to coordinate this blending programme.

 The policy’s goal is to enable biofuels’ availability in the market, thereby increasing their blending percentage. A target of
20 per cent blending of ethanol in petrol is proposed by the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025–26. An indicative target of 5
per cent blending of biodiesel in diesel /direct sale of biodiesel is proposed by 2030. This goal is to be achieved by:

(a) reinforcing ongoing ethanol/biodiesel supplies through increasing domestic production

(b) setting up Second Generation (2G) biorefineries.

(c) development of new feedstock for biofuels.

(d) development of new technologies for conversion to biofuels.

(e) creating a suitable environment for biofuels and their integration with the main fuels.

Conclusion:

Your concluding remark should be short and should encapsulate both parts of the answer or you may gain some impressive
marks by the examiner by quoting sentences some report, for example:

The National Policy on Biofuel aims at promoting the production of biofuels under the “Make in India” program and was also
included in the excise duty exemption to promote their production. The policy also allows the use of excess rice or damaged
food grains as feedstock for ethanol production. As per a report by the government, from 38 crore litres of ethanol procured
during 2013–14, it jumped nearly eight times to 322 crore litres in 2021–22.

90
What do you understand by a public-private partnership (PPP)? Discuss the role of PPP in economic development.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about public-private partnership. The definition
of PPP can be taken from authentic sources such as website of world bank.

 Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are a mechanism for the government to procure and implement public infrastructure
and/or services using the resources and expertise of the private sector.

 PPPs combine the skills and resources of both the public and private sectors through sharing of risks and responsibilities.
This enables governments to benefit from the expertise of the private sector and allows them to focus instead on policy,
planning and regulation by delegating day-to-day operations.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:
Role of PPP in Economic Development
Redevelopment of Railway Stations through Public-Private Partnership
 NITI Aayog has been working closely with the Ministry of Railways to accelerate the renovation of railway stations around
the country.
 A self-sustaining PPP-based approach for developing world-class stations has been completed.

Eco-Tourism Facilities through Public-Private Partnership

 NITI Aayog’s initiative for holistic development of islands and sustainable eco-tourism projects in seven islands of
Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep.

There are various other developments taken towards economic development such as:
 To address the absence of trained healthcare providers, general practitioners, and specialists, the Vertical has designed a
PPP strategy for linking an existing district hospital to a medical college.
 Concerns have been raised about the viability of social infrastructure initiatives. As a result, the Ministry of Finance
approved an increase in viability gap funding (VGF) allocation for social sector projects in the current fiscal year to
encourage private investment in social sector facilities such as schools and hospitals.

 NITI Aayog has created a model concession agreement for the operation and maintenance of electric buses in cities via
public-private partnerships (PPPs) on operating expenses (OPEX).

 NITI Aayog assisted the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in developing the ‘Guiding Principles for Resolution of
Stuck Projects’ under execution by MoRTH/NHAI/NHIDCL through BOT (Toll/Annuity/HAM), EPC, Item Rate.

 In light of the Department of Commerce’s planned multimodal logistics parks strategy, NITI Aayog developed a model
concession framework for the “development of multimodal logistics parks (MMLPs) through PPP.”

Conclusion:

Your concluding remark should be short.

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the private sector to collaborate with the government on infrastructure development
as part of the PM Gati Shakti initiative, which aims to coordinate infrastructure development in order to cut logistical costs
in line with industrialized countries.

 He also urged the private sector to make use of the Gati Shakti portal’s 400 layers of geospatial data, which includes
information on existing and planned infrastructure, forest land, and industrial estates.

 In order to achieve a successful PPP, a careful analysis of the long-term development objectives and risk allocation is
essential. The legal and institutional framework in the country also needs to support this new model of service delivery
and provide effective governance and monitoring mechanisms for PPPs. A well-drafted PPP agreement for the project
should clearly allocate risks and responsibilities.

91
Discuss the importance of natural farming. Give suggestions to scale up chemical-free farming.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about natural farming.

 Natural Farming is a chemical-free farming system with a modern understanding of ecology, recycling, and on-farm
resource optimization.

 It is a diversified farming system based on agroecology that mixes crops, trees, and animals with functional biodiversity.

 It is primarily focused on on-farm biomass recycling, with a focus on biomass mulching, the use of on-farm cow dung-
urine formulations, soil aeration, and the avoidance of any synthetic chemical inputs.

 It is considered a cost-effective farming practice with scope for increasing employment and rural development.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Importance of Natural Farming

 Improves the yield of the farms as compared to conventional farming.

 It does not use synthetic chemicals and hence ensures better health. It eliminates health risks and has higher nutrition
density.

 Ensures better soil, improved agro-biodiversity and use of water with lesser carbon and nitrogen footprints.

 Increases the income of farmers and helps in cost reduction.

 It leads to employment generation when done on a commercial level.

Suggestions to scale up chemical-free farming

 The focus should be on promoting natural farming in rainfed areas such as beyond the Gangetic basin, which is home to
half of India’s farmers. The rainfed regions use only a third of the fertilisers per hectare compared to the areas where
irrigation is prevalent.

 Enable automatic enrolment of farmers transitioning to chemical-free farming into the government’s crop insurance
scheme like PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

 Promote microenterprises that produce inputs for chemical-free agriculture.

 Evolving the curriculum in agricultural universities and upskilling the agriculture extension workers on sustainable
agriculture practices.

 The government should facilitate an ecosystem in which farmers learn from and support each other while making the
transition.

 Support monitoring and impact studies which would ensure an informed approach to scaling up sustainable agriculture.

Conclusion:

You may end your answer by some general yet impactful statements.

 In India, Natural farming is promoted as Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati Programme (BPKP) under a centrally
sponsored scheme- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY).

 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to natural, chemical-free, organic and zero-
budget farming. It is the third time in the last four budget speeches that (zero budget) natural farming finds a mention.

 NITI Aayog along with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare had convened several high-level discussions with
global experts on Natural farming practices.

92
What do you understand by land subsidence? Discuss the factors that are responsible for land subsidence.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a basic definition from a reliable source for example:

 According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), subsidence is the “sinking of the ground
because of underground material movement”.

 Land subsidence occurs when large amounts of groundwater have been withdrawn from certain types of rocks, such as
fine-grained sediments. The rock compacts because the water is partly responsible for holding the ground up. When the
water is withdrawn, the rocks fall in on itself.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Factors Responsible for Land Subsidence

 Removal of groundwater, oil, or natural resources.

 Mining activities

 Earthquakes

 Soil erosion

 Soil compaction

Note: In this question, for every factor just write two-three sentences. Do not elaborate on any one or two factors. The word
limit should be strictly followed as these types of questions have a lot of data available. Strict your answer to the demand of
the question.

Conclusion:

Your concluding remark should be short and end on a positive note such as:

 The government needs to work on well-preparedness and strong climate change mitigation policies that can reduce the
effect of land subsidence.

 The government is working in collaboration with scientists from the National Disaster Management Authority, Geological
Survey of India, and National Institute of Hydrology to develop a “risk-sensitive urban developmental plan”.

93
What do you understand by sustainable development? How India is using tourism to achieve sustainable development
goals?

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a basic fact such as:

According to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), sustainable development is defined
as “Development that meets the need of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generation
to meet their own needs”. The use of the concept of ‘needs’ in the definition is linked to the distribution of resources.

or

According to the seminal report – Our Common Future, sustainable development is defined as “meeting the basic needs of
all and extending to all the opportunity to satisfy their aspirations for a better life”.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 The year 2015 has been a milestone for global development as governments have adopted the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development, along with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The bold agenda sets out a global
framework to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and fix climate change until 2030.

 Tourism has the potential to contribute, directly or indirectly, to all of the goals. In particular, it has been included as a
target in Goals 8, 12 and 14 on inclusive and sustainable economic growth, sustainable consumption and production (SCP)
and the sustainable use of oceans and marine resources, respectively.

 India is focused on using tourism as a vehicle to achieve Sustainable Development Goals during the G20 presidency.

 Indian villages are getting global recognition for rural tourism. For example, Pochampli village in Telangana has been
declared one of the best tourism villages by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

 Tourism has the potential to generate the maximum number of employment with minimum investment and thus tourism
can be a positive force for economic transformation, rural development and community well-being.

 Tourism could be used to enable sales of local products and services, youth to become entrepreneurs; provides a channel
for employment of women and non-advantaged communities like tribals and thus leads to community empowerment and
poverty alleviation.

Conclusion:

Your concluding remark should be short and should encapsulate both parts of the answer. You can use quotes to maximise
your score such as:

 Mahatma Gandhi said “The soul of India resides in its villages… Thus, by showcasing our villages, the way of life, the
spiritual and cultural heritage, the natural beauty of the country are being showcased. and self-reliant villages will lead to
a self-reliant India”

 Sustainable tourism is firmly positioned in the 2030 Agenda. Achieving this agenda, however, requires a clear
implementation framework, adequate financing and investment in technology, infrastructure and human resources.

 Rural tourism has led to community empowerment and poverty alleviation. It has also resulted in women’s empowerment
through homestay and community-based eco-tourism.

94
Discuss the security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a basic fact such as:

 The Indian Ocean has emerged as a critical conduit for trade, commerce, and energy. The waters of the Indian Ocean
Region (IOR) have become a home for economic developments, disputes, conflicts, and competition for regional influence
by regional and extra-regional powers.

 The Indian Ocean remains a pivot, being the world’s busiest trade route. Around 80 percent of the world’s maritime oil
trade passes through the IOR.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Security Challenges

 The Indian Ocean region faces many traditional and non-traditional safety and security challenges including piracy, armed
robberies at sea, terrorism, human trafficking, irregular movement of persons, drugs trafficking, illicit trafficking in
wildlife, trafficking of weapons, crimes in the fisheries sector such as IUU fishing, degradation of ocean health, unlawful
exploitation of marine resources and climate change with its related repercussions on environmental security.

 The rise of China across the maritime region has compelled nations (including India) to reshape their maritime strategies.

 India’s geographical location in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) is crucial from strategic and economic points of view. The
long coastline with deep-water ports, a prosperous Exclusive Economic Zone and islands at both ends present a unique
position.

 The IOR accounts for more than two-thirds of the world’s oil shipments. One-third of bulk cargo and more than half of
container traffic pass through it. The safety of these sea routes is not only directly connected to our economic interests,
but it also establishes India as a net security provider in the IOR.

Conclusion:

Your concluding remark should be short and the endpoint should be positive.

 All major powers, such as the United States, Australia, Japan, United Kingdom, India, and China have sought stakes in the
security of the IOR.

 You can also cite the efforts of India and other nations that are working for establishing peace in the Indian Ocean Region.
For example: Colombo Security Conclave and Indian Ocean Region Association.

 The Colombo Security Conclave was formed in 2011 as a trilateral maritime security grouping of India, Sri Lanka and
Maldives. The roadmap of activities was expanded in 2022 and adopted by the member countries – India, Sri Lanka,
Maldives, and Mauritius – with Bangladesh and Seychelles participating as observer countries. The Conclave underlines
regional cooperation and shared security objectives concerning all littoral nations in the Indian Ocean Region

 The Indian Ocean Region Association aims at building upon existing national, regional and multilateral measures to
support more effective utilization of resources for enhanced cross-border cooperation and sharing of knowledge,
experiences and best practices to secure the Indian Ocean as an ocean-strengthening maritime cooperation for a
peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.

95
India has assumed the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. How will it help India to fulfill its
interests?

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a basic fact such as:

 The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is an intergovernmental organisation founded in 2001. It comprises eight
member states (China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan).

 The SCO Secretariat, based in Beijing, is the main permanent executive body of the SCO. It focuses on cooperation with
international and regional organisations.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

India and SCO

 In 2015, Russia pushed for India’s membership in the SCO grouping. It was around the time that China’s Xi Jinping
launched his Belt and Road Initiative in Kazakhstan (Fact). Moscow sees India’s presence in the SCO as a potential
countervailing force to Chinese dominance of Central Asia. Just as much as Russia needs India in the SCO, with relations
between India and China rough since the Doklam episode in 2017 and worsening steadily after the Chinese incursions in
eastern Ladakh, the group has provided Delhi a forum to play up its proximity to Moscow (Analysis).

 The recent visit of the Indian Prime Minister to the Central Asian countries opened the doors to collaborating and working
together in the fields of connectivity, energy security and combating terrorism.

 As India does not have direct access to the Central Asian countries, permanent membership in the SCO will help India
improve its bilateral ties with the Central Asian countries.

 As the Chair, India has set up new pillars of cooperation within the bloc, such as startups and innovation; traditional
medicine; digital inclusion; youth empowerment; and shared Buddhist heritage.

 India has named the upcoming summit ‘Towards a SECURE SCO’. “SECURE”, an acronym coined by Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modi at the 2018 SCO Summit. It stands for Security, Economy and Trade, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for
Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity, and the Environment.

 SCO can also be seen as an exercise of true multipolarity. If the SCO is a bipolar China-Russia platform, it offers several
multipolarities within as other members leverage their strengths to get the best deal for themselves. At last year’s foreign
ministers’ meeting in Tashkent, India was the only country that did not sign a joint statement calling for the strengthening
of the Biological Weapons Convention.

Conclusion:

Your concluding remark should be short and should encapsulate both parts of the answer. You may have a suggestive tone
to conclude. For example:

 India has worked towards fostering more significant people-to-people ties that celebrate the historical and civilisational
bonds between the nations. SCO veterans describe the forum as a “diplomatic battlefield”. The challenge for India is to
use both the SCO and the Quad to further its own interests instead of getting trapped in an either-or proposition.

You may talk about ‘double presidency’ this year and get an extra edge. For example:

 The coincidence of the double presidency (G20 and SCO) — of an expanding regional group and an international prestige
club with some overlapping membership but different power centres — is an opportunity for Delhi to demonstrate it has
the goodwill and clout cutting across geopolitical fault lines to convene high profile international gatherings at a time of
global turbulence.

96
Describe the Basic Structure of the Constitution. Highlight its importance in the strengthening of democracy.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a basic fact such as:

 The Doctrine of Basic Structure is a form of judicial review used by the courts to test the legality of any legislation. It was
evolved by the Supreme Court in the landmark ruling in Kesavananda Bharti State of Kerala, in 1973.

 In a 7-6 verdict, a 13-judge Constitution Bench ruled that the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution is inviolable and could
not be amended by Parliament.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Importance in Strengthening Democracy

 The Doctrine of Basic Structure is a form of judicial review that is used to test the legality of any legislation by the courts.

 In the Kesavananda ruling, the Supreme Court cited several aspects of the Constitution that could be identified as “basic
features” of the document but added that it was not an exhaustive list. For example, judicial review, rule of law, secularism,
separation of powers, an independent judiciary, and free, fair, and periodic elections, federalism, and democratic republic
structure are identified as basic features. In the 2015 ruling where the Supreme Court struck down the National Judicial
Appointments Commission Act and the related Constitutional Amendment, “judicial independence” was identified as a
basic feature of the Constitution.

 If a law is found to “damage or destroy” the “basic features of the Constitution”, the Court declares it unconstitutional.

 The test is applied to constitutional amendments to ensure the amendment does not dilute the fundamentals of the
Constitutional itself.

 It helps to strengthen democracy through the separation of powers, where the judiciary is independent of the other two
organs of the government. The test is widely regarded as a check on majoritarian impulses of the Parliament since it
places substantive limits on the power to amend the Constitution.

Conclusion:

Your concluding remark may hint towards the debate or criticism (very briefly) but return to the original tone of the question.
For example:

 Basic structure doctrine is criticized on many grounds such as it is not found in the text of the Constitution itself. By
evolving a test, which is not a textual application of judicial review, an argument is made that the judiciary is encroaching
on the Parliament’s powers. Some critics of the doctrine have argued that the power of unelected judges to strike down
amendments to the Constitution on the basis of this doctrine is anti-democratic and counter-majoritarian. However, legal
scholarship opine that doctrine rests on a sound structural interpretation of the Constitution or it is India’s strongest
shield against any autocratic government which continues to keep any riotous misadventure or authoritarian impunity at
bay.

97
Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent
examples.
Introduction

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around basic facts such as:

 A cloudburst is a localised but intense rainfall over a small geographical area that can cause widespread destruction,
especially in hilly regions where this phenomenon is most common.

 According to the Indian Meteorological Department, if 10 cm of rainfall is received at a station in one hour, the rain event
is termed a cloud burst. Predicting the cloud bursts is difficult due to their very small scale in space and time.

Body

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 In India, cloudbursts often occur during the monsoon season, when the southwesterly monsoon winds bring copious
amounts of moisture inland.

 The moist air that converges over land gets lifted as it encounters the hills. The moist air reaches an altitude and gets
saturated, and the water starts condensing out of the air, forming clouds.

 This is how clouds usually form, but such an orographic lifting together with a strong moisture convergence can lead to
intense cumulonimbus clouds taking in huge volumes of moisture that are dumped during cloudbursts.

 Tall cumulonimbus clouds can develop in about half an hour as the moisture updraft happens rapidly, at a pace of 60 to
120 km/hr.

 A single-cell cloud may last for an hour and dump all the rain in the last 20 to 30 minutes, while some of these clouds
merge to form multi-cell storms and last for several hours. Cloudbursts occur mostly over the rugged terrain of the
Himalayas, Western Ghats, and northeastern hill states of India.

 The heavy spells of rain on the fragile steep slopes trigger landslides, debris flows, and flash floods, causing large-scale
destruction and loss of people and property.

Recent Cloudburst Events

 On July 8, 2022, flash floods occurred in the Lidder Valley en route to Amarnath Temple in Jammu and Kashmir, taking the
lives of several pilgrims.

 Himachal Pradesh (2003), Ladakh (2010) and Uttarakhand (2013)

Conclusion
Your conclusion should be short and to the point. Try to keep it factual. You may highlight the problem with capturing the
cloudbursts, for example:

 Ground monitoring stations can hardly capture the characteristics of cloudbursts due to their highly localised and short
occurrences. Hence, most of these events go unreported due to the lack of monitoring mechanisms in the region,
weakening our ability to understand them from a complete perspective.

98
Discuss India’s interests in Central Asia as well as its diplomatic engagement with the region.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about Central Asia and the relations between
Indian and Central Asia.

 The dissolution of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s led to the establishment of the Central Asian countries that gained
independence.

 India was one of the first countries in the region to establish diplomatic relations with all five countries. Over the last three
decades, the two sides’ diverse engagement has steadily improved.

Body:
You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 The Silk Route connected India with Central Asia from the 3rd century BC to the 15th century AD. From the export of
Buddhism to the lasting influence of Bollywood, India has shared old and deep cultural ties with the region.

 In 1955, during a 16-day visit to the erstwhile Soviet Union, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru travelled to Almaty, Tashkent,
and Ashgabat, all of which became capitals of newly-independent countries after the 1991 collapse of the USSR.

 Central Asia is extremely rich in mineral and natural resources. For example:

▪ Kazakhstan has one of the biggest reserves of uranium, besides stores of coal, lead, zinc, gold, and iron ore.

▪ The Kyryz Republic is rich in gold and hydro-power.

▪ Turkmenistan has one of the world’s largest reserves of natural gas.

▪ Tajikistan has huge hydro-power potential.

▪ Uzbekistan has gold, uranium, and natural gas.

 India has strategic partnerships with all countries in the region except Turkmenistan, which pursues a policy of ‘permanent
neutrality’. India has strong cultural presence in the region and traditionally enjoys immense goodwill among the people.

 The first India-Central Asia Summit took place in 2022 which marked the 30th anniversary of the two countries diplomatic
relations. India has deepened its strategic engagement with the region’s republics.

 India, engagement with the Central Asian countries is important because

▪ Security cooperation after the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan;

▪ To counter China’s influence in the region;

▪ plans for connectivity with Europe including the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC);

▪ To meet its energy needs (Turkmenistan is part of the proposed TAPI gas pipeline).

Conclusion:

You may add following lines to the conclusion:

 Indian leader and the five Central Asian leaders decided to:

▪ Hold a leaders’ summit every two years; regular meetings among their foreign and trade ministers;

▪ A joint working group on Afghanistan;

▪ Joint counter-terrorism exercises between India and interested Central Asian countries; and

▪ Group to operationalise the use of Chabahar port by all five countries.

 There have been suggestions that India should provide connectivity for people and trade in Central Asia through “air
corridors”, as it had done for Afghanistan. New Delhi’s leadership of the SCO this year may provide it an opportunity to
diversify relations with this strategic region.

99
Judiciary has taken a proactive role in ensuring India’s development into a vibrant democracy. Discuss.

Introduction:

 Department of Justice is a part of the Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India. The functions of the Department
of Justice include the appointment, resignation and removal of the Chief Justice of India, Judges of the Supreme Court of
India, Chief Justices and Judges of the High Courts and their service matters.

 A reliable and speedy judicial system is essential for a healthy and self-confident society, as well as for the development
of the country. When justice is seen being served, the faith of the common man in the constitutional institutions gets
strengthened and continuous improvement of law and order becomes possible

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Role of Judiciary in Ensuring India’s Development

 The judiciary in India holds a highly important position as the protector and custodian of the Constitution. It not only acts
as a watchdog against violations of fundamental rights provided by the Constitution, protecting all persons, Indians and
aliens alike, from discrimination, abuse of State power, arbitrariness, and so on.

 The delay in justice delivery is one of the biggest challenges being faced by the country and the judiciary is seriously
working to solve this problem.

 The Indian Constitution unites us all as ‘we the people’ with its aims and objectives forming the fundamental features of
our democracy.

 It is the foundation of our democracy, and it is supported by three pillars. These pillars must operate within their own
domains to bring prosperity, transparency and harmony in the society.

 Liberty and Equality have well survived and thrived in India due to the pro-active role played by the Indian judiciary.

 The rule of law, one of the most significant characteristics of good governance prevails because India has an independent
judiciary.

 The use of technology in the judicial system can ensure transparency, productivity and efficiency.

 The inclusion of modern technology has made the functioning of the judiciary accelerated and during the Covid-19
pandemic, virtual hearings had proved a boon for all, which saved both money and time of the people.

Conclusion:
 The framers of the Constitution made accountability an integral element with respect to the Legislature and Executive.
However, they consciously decided to keep the Judiciary on a different pedestal.

 The Executive and the Legislature must work in conjunction with the Judiciary to ensure complete justice as envisaged
under the Constitution.

 The Executive and the Legislature must work in conjunction with the Judiciary to ensure complete justice as envisaged
under the Constitution. Any deviation by the Legislature or Executive from the path prescribed by the Constitution will
only lead to additional burden on the Judiciary.

100
What are the different types of industries? List out the factors responsible for the location of industries.

Introduction:
A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about industries and their classification.

 Generally, industry refers to a unit or organizations involved in economic activities dealing with the production of goods,
extraction of minerals or the provision of services.

Body:

The body will have two parts. You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 Classification of Industries
Basis Classification
Size, capital investment and labour force
Ownership
Use of their products
Raw materials used by them
Nature of the manufactured products

 There are various factors responsible for the location of industries such as:
Factors Points to consider
Raw Materials Industries based on perishable raw materials
Industries using weight-losing raw materials Iron and steel industries

Power Pre-requisite for industry establishment

Power intensive industries

Market Location of heavy machines, non-weight-losing raw material, Iron and Steel industries location, Petroleum refineries
location and Ports.
Transport Industries in major cities
Railways facilitating industries

Labour Population
Mobility and migration

Skill

Mention examples wherever needed.

101
How Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioner are appointed? Discuss with reference to the recent
changes through Supreme Court Order.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about the Election Commission, CEC and EC.

 The Election Commission shall consist of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and such number of other Election
Commissioners (EC), if any, as the President may from time-to-time fix and the appointment of the Chief Election
Commissioner and other Election Commissioners shall, subject to the provisions of any law made in that behalf by
Parliament, be made by the President.

 The conditions of service and tenure of office of the Election Commissioners and the Regional Commissioners shall be
such as the President may by rule determine.

 The Chief Election Commissioner shall not be removed from his office except in like manner and on the like grounds as a
Judge of the Supreme Court and the conditions of service of the Chief Election Commissioner shall not be varied to his
disadvantage after his appointment.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Appointment of CEC and EC

 The Constitution does not lay down a specific legislative process for the appointment of the CEC and ECs. The President
makes the appointment on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.

 The Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991 (EC Act)
requires that the EC and CEC must hold the post for a period of six years. This law essentially governs the conditions of
service of the CEC and ECs.

Supreme Court Order Regarding Appointment of CEC and EC

 A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a high-power committee consisting of the
Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India must pick the Chief Election
Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs).

 This is a very significant judgment that seeks to change the way in which India’s top election officials are appointed, and
can potentially have far-reaching implications.

Conclusion:

Your concluding remark should be short.

 All three Commissioners now had equal decision-making powers. The amendment also introduced sections that
envisaged that the CEC and the ECs would act unanimously and, in case there was a difference of opinion on any issue,
the majority view would prevail.

102
There is much more between India and Nepal than the sum of their treaties and agreements. Discuss how the current
progress has enhanced India-Nepal bilateral relations.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about India-Nepal relations.

 Nepal and India have strong bilateral ties that are based on a shared history, culture, tradition and religion.

 These ties are close, comprehensive, and multifaceted, with a focus on political, social, cultural, religious, and economic
engagements.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Development Partnership

 India is providing financial and technical assistance for the construction of two broad gauge cross-border railway links
viz., Jaynagar-Bardibas and Jogbani-Biratnagar.

 A MoU was signed between India and Nepal for the construction of a motorable bridge across the Mahakali River
connecting Dharchula (India) with Darchula (Nepal), under Indian grant assistance.

Cooperation in Water Resource

 There are three-tier bilateral mechanism (with Ministerial meeting at the apex) has been established in 2008 to discuss
issues relating to cooperation in water resources, flood management, and inundation. These specialized committees are:

1. Joint Team of Experts (JTE) on Saptkosi and Sunkosi projects;

2. Joint Committee on Inundation and Flood Management (JCIFM) and

3. Joint Committee on Kosi and Gandak Projects (JCKGP).

Trade and Economic Ties

 India remains Nepal’s largest trade partner, with bilateral trade crossing US$ 7 billion in FY 2019-20.

 India provides transit for almost the entire third country trade of Nepal. India’s export to Nepal has grown over 8 times in
the past 10 years while exports from Nepal have almost doubled.

 In FY 2021-22, it constituted 2.34% of India’s exports. The exports from India constitute almost 22% of Nepal’s GDP.

Power Cooperation

 A total of about 600 MW of power is currently being supplied by India to Nepal through different transmission lines,
assisting Nepal to overcome power shortage in the country.

 Cross-border transmission lines that were completed with Government of India assistance:

▪ 400 kV Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar line (2016).

▪ 132 kV Kataiya-Kusaha and Raxaul-Parwanipur lines (2017).

 There was also an MoU between Sutlej Jala Vidyut Nigam, a Himachal government subsidiary, and Nepal Electricity
Authority for a 695 MW Arun-4 power project under which Nepal will receive 152 MW of free electricity under a sharing
arrangement.

103
Defence and Security Cooperation

 Historically, both armies have shared excellent and harmonious relationship, and since 1950, India and Nepal have been
awarding honorary rank of General to each other’s Army Chief.

 The security agencies of both sides also share close cooperation including exchange of information.

 Law enforcement agencies hold regular bilateral meetings at various levels to discuss security issues of mutual concern
including border management in institutionalized bilateral mechanisms.

 India-Nepal Joint Military Training, Exercise Surya Kiran between Indian Army and Nepali Army is conducted annually.

Educational and people-to-people exchanges

 Visa-free entry

 India-Nepal Ramayana Circuit: Sister city agreements signed (Kathmandu-Varanasi, Lumbini-Bodhgaya, Janakpur-
Ayodhya) to strengthen people to people exchanges and India-Nepal Ramayana Circuit.

Cultural Exchange

 The assistance provided to several India-Nepal Friendship Organizations : to promote Indian culture and India-Nepal
bilateral relations

 MoUs/Agreements have been signed between:

1. Sahitya Kala Akademi (India) and Nepal Academy

2. Doordarshan (India) and Nepal TV

3. Government of India and Government of Nepal for cooperation on youth affairs,

 Foundation stone India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage: It is the first centre to be established by
India in Lumbini, where several of the world’s major countries, including the US and China, have centres dedicated to
Buddhism

 Dr Ambedkar Chair for Buddhist Studies in Lumbini Buddhist University;

 ICCR Chairs of Indian Studies in Tribhuvan University and Kathmandu University

 A joint master’s degree programme between IIT-Madras and Kathmandu University.

Conclusion:

You may add the following lines in your conclusion:

 The intention of Nepal to build and foster warm and friendly relations with its surrounding countries is evident in its long-
standing policy of not allowing its territory to be utilized by elements hostile to India. The open border between the two
countries is a unique feature in maintaining good relations.

104
How inter-state border disputes are resolved? Discuss in the context of recent border disputes that took place in India.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about the inter-state council which provides for
resolution of disputes between states.

 Article 263 of the Constitution of India gives powers to the President to set up an Inter-state Council for the resolution of
disputes between states. The Council is envisaged as a forum for discussion between the states and the Centre.

 In 1988, the Sarkaria Commission suggested that the Council should exist as a permanent body, and in 1990 it came into
existence through a Presidential Order.

 The Inter-state council was set up to:

(a) Inquiring into and advising upon disputes which may have arisen between States;

(b) Investigating and discussing subjects in which some or all of the States, or the Union and one or more of the States,
have a common interest; or
(c) Making recommendations upon any such subject and, in particular, recommendations for the better coordination of
policy and action with respect to that subject, it shall be lawful for the President by order to establish such a Council
and to define the nature of the duties to be performed by it and its organisation and procedure.

 The Supreme Court in its original jurisdiction decides imputes between states. Article 131 of the Constitution of India
provides for original jurisdiction in any dispute

(a) between the Government of India and one or more States; or

(b) between the Government of India and any State or States on one side and one or more other States on the other; or

(c) between two or more States.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Recent Border Disputes in India

Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute

 The border dispute over Belagavi, Karwar and Nipani in North Karnataka is long-standing, when state boundaries were
redrawn on linguistic lines as per the States Reorganisation Act of 1956.

 Belagavi became part of the erstwhile Mysore state while Maharashtra claims that parts of Belagavi, where Marathi is the
dominant language, should remain in Maharashtra.

 In October 1966, the Centre set up the Mahajan Commission, led by former Chief Justice of India Mehr Chand Mahajan,
to resolve the border dispute in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala. The Commission recommended that Belgaum and
247 villages remain with Karnataka. Maharashtra rejected the report, and in 2004, moved the Supreme Court.

Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border dispute

 The two states share a roughly 800-kilometre-long border and the disputed areas the MoU signed by these two states
deals with are 123 border villages, which span 12 districts of Arunachal Pradesh and 8 districts of Assam.

 When Arunachal was made a Union Territory in 1972, it contended that several forested tracts in the plains that had
traditionally belonged to hill tribal chiefs and communities were unilaterally transferred to Assam.

105
Assam- Mizoram border disputes

 Assam and Mizoram issued a joint statement expressing a resolve to end the boundary dispute between the two states
and maintain peace.

 The two northeastern states had agreed to promote, maintain and uphold peace, and prevent any untoward incident
along the inter-state boundaries.

You may also add other border disputes such as:

 Assam-Meghalaya

 Odisha-West Bengal

 Himachal Pradesh-Uttarakhand

Conclusion:

Your concluding remark should be short.

 There are several attempts made to resolve inter-state disputes with the cooperation of both sides, with the Centre
working as a facilitator or a neutral mediator.

 If issues are resolved amicably, Parliament can bring a law to alter state boundaries, such as the Bihar-Uttar Pradesh
(Alteration of Boundaries) Act of 1968 and the Haryana-Uttar Pradesh (Alteration of Boundaries) Act of 1979.

106
What are the expectations from digital and technological applications in the education sector?

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about digital education.

 In India, digital education is the future of learning and gaining information via the use of technology and digital gadgets.

 The Government of India is committed to ensuring equitable learning for all students at all levels of education and in all
geographical locations, including the most remote parts of the country so that the convenience of accessing any service
with the click of a button is no longer limited to the wealthy.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Expectations from digital and technical applications in education

 It expects the applications to help students overcome different constraints and divides of access, distance, availability of
time, language, finances, choices and preferences, learning styles, learning pace and learning paths etc.

 Digital and technology applications have the ability to provide teaching-learning materials for teachers as well as
management tools for administrators. Technology has enabled people to undertake jobs and education in parallel.

 Digital and online learning is helping overcome several divides and has also brought down the cost of education.

 Applications for managing attendance, assessments, student tracking, facial recognition, 3-D modeling and 3-D printing,
QR coding of books, as well as assistive technologies for students with special needs have all helped in different areas in
the education sector.

 There has been increase in application of digital and technology which has created some challenges such as:

▪ Widening of the divide between those with access to digital learning and others.

▪ Reduced physical exercise, group work, play time and

▪ Less in-person interactions among students and the implications.

 You can also highlight some of the digital and online School Education schemes in India such as:
▪ PM eVidya is launched as a part of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Programme, which unifies all efforts related to
digital/online/on-air education to enable coherent multi-mode access to education.
▪ DIKSHA is the ‘One Nation One digital platform’ for school education in India. The Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge
Sharing (DIKSHA) portal and mobile app created by the Ministry of Education is a storehouse of a large number of
eBooks and e-Contents created by States/UTs and National level organizations.
▪ SWAYAM
▪ National Digital Library
▪ National Educational Alliance for Technology

Conclusion:

Your concluding remark should be short.

 National-level initiatives like UDISE+, Divyan, SWAYAM, Diksha are excellent programs. However, there is a need to
integrate them to enhance their functionality, ease of use, awareness about them and their scope.

 There is also a need for further development of technology-based solutions for skill development, for learning socio
emotional skills, for career counselling, and for single window applications to institutions and for student’s scholarships,
examinations etc.

107
Examine the potential of solar energy in India. Highlight the government’s initiatives in the field of solar energy.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about solar energy in India.

 The Sun has been worshiped as a life-giver to our planet since ancient times. India is endowed with vast solar energy
potential. Solar photovoltaic power can effectively be harnessed providing huge scalability in India.

 The installed solar energy capacity is 56.6 GW (as of June 2022). Over the last eight years, it has multiplied 19.3 times.

Potential of Solar Energy in India

 India has also set an ambitious aim of producing 175 GW of renewable energy by the end of 2022, with a target of 500
GW by 2030.

 India ranked third globally and second in Asia for new solar PV capacity. In terms of overall installations, it came in at
number four (60.4 GW), passing Germany (59.2 GW) for the first time.

 Rajasthan and Gujarat, which accounted for 53 per cent and 14 per cent, respectively, of installations as of June 2022, were
the top states for large-scale solar, followed by Maharashtra with 9 per cent.

You may also highlight some challenges faced by the country such as:

 The land is the most expensive part of solar projects and is scarce in India.

 India has no manufacturing capacity for solar wafers and polysilicon ingots and currently imports 100 per cent of silicon
wafers and around 80 per cent of cells even at the current deployment levels.

 India remains dependent on the import of solar modules for field deployment.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Initiatives of Government related to Solar Energy

 The Solar Park Scheme intends to construct a number of solar parks with a combined capacity of roughly 500 MW in
various states.

 Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY) is for the installation of solar street lighting (SSL) systems in states with less than 50 per cent of
homes connected to the grid.

 The Rooftop Solar Scheme puts solar panels on the roofs of homes in an effort to harness solar energy.

 Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan covers grid-connected Renewable Energy power plants (0.5 – 2 MW)/Solar
water pumps/grid-connected agriculture pumps.

 SRISTI (Sustainable Rooftop Implementation of Solar Transfiguration of India) Scheme was launched to encourage rooftop
solar power projects in India.

 National Solar Mission was launched by the Government of India and State Governments to encourage environmentally
friendly growth while addressing India’s energy security issue.

 International Solar Alliance is an Indian initiative that was launched by the Prime Minister of India and the President of
France on November 30, 2015, in Paris, France on the side-lines of the Conference of the Parties (COP-21), with 121 solar
resource-rich countries lying fully or partially between the tropic of Cancer and tropic of Capricorn as prospective
members.

 One Sun, One World, One Grid has been taken up under the technical assistance program of the World Bank. Its objective
is to aid in developing a worldwide grid through which clean energy can be transmitted anywhere, anytime.

108
Conclusion:

 Although India has made significant progress in the deployment of solar PV modules for power generation, the country’s
route to becoming a manufacturing centre for the technology involves more than simply removing tax obstacles and
providing commercial incentives in the form of PLI programmes.

 In the short term, this could involve collaborating with the industry to provide it with trained labor, process learnings, and
root-cause analysis through appropriate testing, and in the long run, it could mean the creation of indigenous
technologies in India.

109
Examine the influence of Indian art and culture on the neighbouring countries of the Indian Subcontinent.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about culture with respect to India.

 Culture plays an important role in the development of any nation. It represents a set of shared attitudes, values, goals
and practices.

 India had been in trade communication with the outside world since the middle of the third millennium B.C. Despite India
being bordered by oceans on three sides and the Himalayas on the north, Indians continue to communicate with the rest
of the world.

 However, the most notable component of this encounter has been the expansion of Indian culture and civilisation
throughout the world.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Indian Culture in Central Asia

 Central Asia is a landmass bound by China, Russia, Tibet, India and Afghanistan. India has maintained commercial contact
with these countries since 2nd century B.C.

 Traders to and from China regularly crossed the region which later became famous as the Silk Route. Along the way, there
were rest stops for monks and missionaries, pilgrims and merchants, and these eventually became well-known centres of
Buddhist learning.

 The cultural interactions between India and Central Asian countries can be seen in the findings of ancient stupas, temples,
monasteries, pictures, and paintings in all of these countries.

 Among the Central Asian kingdoms, Kuchi was a vital and flourishing core of Indian culture. It was the kingdom where the
Silk Route split and rejoined at the Dun-huang caves in China.

 A continual migration of instructors and monks from India to Khotan has witnessed the history of the Indo-Khotanese
friendship. Khotan was well-known for its silk industry, dancing, music, literary pursuits, economic operations, and
exports of gold and jade.

 A great number of Sanskrit manuscripts, translations, and transcriptions of Buddhist writings in Sanskrit were recovered
from the buried monasteries.

Indian Culture in East Asia

 The Sanskrit, Buddhist, and Jain texts indicate that interactions between the two regions go back more than two thousand
years ago

 The classical Sanskrit and Pali texts from India carry references of the region using various names such as Kathakosha,
Suvarnabhumi (the land of god) or Suvarnadvipa (the golden island), indicating that this was a region that attracted Indian
merchants.

 Translation of Sanskrit books into Chinese language.

 With the rise of Buddhism, China began to build large-scale cave temples and monastic complexes.

 The ‘dhyana yoga’ philosophy reached Korea in the eighth to ninth century AD.

 Sanskrit was accepted as the sacred language in Japan. Monks were given special training to write the Sanskrit syllables
and mantras.

 Trade in spices, aromatic wood and most importantly gold is known to have flourished.

110
Indian Culture in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia

 Sri Lanka became a Buddhist stronghold and is so to this day. Pali was adopted as their literary language. Buddhism has
a significant impact on Sri Lankan culture. The Dipavansa and Mahavamsa are well-known Buddhist sources in Sri Lanka.

 With Buddhism, Indian Art forms also reached Sri Lanka, where the themes, styles and techniques of paintings, dance,
folklores and art and architecture were taken from India.

 In Burma, Pagan was a great centre of Buddhist culture from the eleventh to the thirteenth century.In the third and fourth
centuries AD, Brahminical images and Buddhist temples began to be built. The earliest images discovered in Thailand are
of Lord Vishnu.

 Brahmanism and Buddhism existed alongside each other in Thailand in the pre-Sukhothai period of the 13th century.

 A Tamil inscription found in Takua-pa testifies trade links between the Pallava region of South India and southern Thailand.

 The kings of Indian heritage controlled the famous kingdoms of Champa (Annam) and Kamhuja (Cambodia). They built
massive monuments and adorned them with sculptural depictions of Shiva and Vishnu. Buddha and other deities from
the Indian Epics and Puranas.

NOTE: You can cite examples of various temples or monasteries built outside India wherever required.

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

 You can write about the efforts of India that has been taken with respect to maintaining the relations with the countries.
For example:

Any treaty between India and neighbouring country

111
Mahatma Gandhi was one of the most influential figures of the 20th century and lead India to freedom. Discuss how
Gandhi’s struggle in South Africa inspired the Champaran Satyagraha.

Introduction:

 Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869. He was one of the most influential figures of the twentieth
century, leading India to independence on the back of one of the greatest mass movements in history.

 Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Champaran, a district in North Bihar, has left an indelible mark on the history of our national
movement. The Champaran Satyagraha is remembered as an uprising of Indian farmers against colonial planters and
Indian policies.

Body:

 Mahatma Gandhi led a similar movement in South Africa for the Indian farmers suffering on the sugar plantations
overseas.

 It was the anti-indenture movement.

 The indenture system (also known as girmit pratha) was established in 1834 to address the shortage of plantation labour
caused by the British empire’s abolition of slavery.

 More than 1.3 million Indian farmers left their homeland between 1834 and 1917 to work on sugar plantations in
Mauritius, Trinidad, Demerara, Guyana, South Africa, Surinam, Fiji, and many other smaller islands.

 The indenture system was still in use, with minor changes made from time to time. However, the system was abolished
in March 1917, when Indian nationalist leaders led by M K Gandhi achieved a mass agitation followed by an anti-indenture
resolution in the Imperial Legislative Council.

 It was Gandhi’s effort and public mobilisation, which compelled then Governor General of India Lord Hardinge to
announce termination of the indenture system.

 According to historian K I Gillion, the anti-indenture movement “enlisted more public support than any other movement
in modern Indian history, including the independence movement.” Surprisingly, such a significant mass movement is
rarely mentioned in popular histories of the national movement.

 Gandhi’s Champaran movement in India was heavily influenced by his experiences in South Africa and his Satyagraha for
equal rights for Indians there. Gandhi criticised the colonial policy of indentured labour emigration in 1915.

 The colonial critique of Gandhi was so powerful that it compelled the governor general of India, Lord Hardinge to
announce the termination of emigration of Indian farmers under the indenture system.

 The South African activism and a successful anti-indenture movement made Gandhi a special person amongst the
oppressed population of India.

Conclusion:

 On February 27, 1917, Raj Kumar Shukla on behalf of tenants of Champaran sent a letter to Gandhi requesting him to visit
them and see the deplorable condition in which they were compelled to live in.

 Gandhi accepted Rajkumar Shukla’s invitation and arrived in Patna on April 10. Although the Champaran Satyagraha did
not achieve its ultimate goal, Gandhi’s visit instilled new energy and awakening among Indian farmers, quickly elevating
Gandhi to the status of ‘Mahatma’ among India’s general masses.

112
Women’s empowerment is crucial in ensuring food security and sustainability. Discuss in the context of STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields.

Introduction:

 Women are the agricultural workforce’s backbone, working tirelessly to feed nations. Women’s empowerment in STEM
allows them to better explore applications of new and emerging technologies in the delivery of various rural practises,
mostly centred on agriculture.

 To realise the dream of a progressive India, we must prioritise empowering women farmers. This includes giving them
equal access to land ownership, financial resources, modern farming techniques, and agricultural education on
sustainable practices.

Body:

 WISE (Women in Science Engineering from Rural Parts of India) is an outreach initiative launched by IIT-Bombay to combat
the skewed gender ratio in STEM courses.

 The initiative aims to introduce STEM courses and includes a periodical mentorship structure through which student
volunteers at IIT Bombay will follow up with the girls.

 According to recent data from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), women made up 28% of participants in
extramural Research and Development (R&D) projects in 2018-19, up from 13% in 2000-01.

 The proportion of women primary investigators in R&D increased more than four times — from 232 in 2000-01 to 941 in
2016-17. The proportion of women researchers rose from 13.9% in 2015 to 18.7% in 2018.

 In a video message to the G20 Ministerial Conference on Women’s Empowerment in Gandhinagar, the Prime Minister
emphasised that President Droupadi Murmu is setting an inspiring example. “She leads the world’s largest democracy
and serves as the commander-in-chief of the world’s second-largest defence force though she comes from a humble tribal
background.”

 The PM highlighted the pivotal roles played by women as the backbone of rural agricultural families and as small traders
and shopkeepers.

 “Women in India have also served as brand ambassadors for ‘Mission LiFE – Lifestyle for Environment,'” Modi said,
emphasizing their traditional wisdom to reduce, reuse, recycle, and repurpose.

 According to the PM, women are actively being trained in the production of solar panels and lights through various
initiatives.

Conclusion:

 The PM emphasized the importance of creating a level-playing field where women achievers become the norm, as well as
working to remove barriers that limit their access to markets, global value chains, and affordable finance, while also
ensuring that the burden of care and domestic work is appropriately addressed.

 The number of women in technical education in industrial training institutes has doubled since 2014, nearly 43 per cent
of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates in India are women and about one-fourth of
space scientists in India are women.

113
What is the link between flash droughts and climate change? Highlight some recent examples.

Introduction:

 Drought is caused by rainfall variability, which results in rainfall insufficiency and water scarcity.

 In India, the South West Monsoon Period (June-September) receives over three-fourths of the annual rainfall, and the
irregular character of the monsoon (South West Monsoon), with lengthy dry spells and high temperatures, is mostly
responsible for drought.

 The various state governments declare drought depending on rainfall, agricultural growth, and other variables.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 According to new research, flash droughts are growing more prevalent and faster to develop worldwide, and human
caused climate change is a significant factor.

 The study found that flash droughts occurred more often than slower ones in tropical places like India, Southeast Asia,
sub-Saharan Africa and the Amazon basin.

 Flash droughts are more common in the humid tropics than gradual droughts. The rainy seasons are generally enough
to keep the ground and plants moist. However, if the rains fail suddenly, the tropical heat can dehydrate the earth to
disastrous effect.

 According to a recent World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) assessment, Asia is the world’s most disaster-prone area,
with 81 weather, climate, and water-related disasters expected in 2022. According to the research, these disasters directly
impacted more than 50 million people, with about 5,000 people dead and $36 billion in economic loss.

 This rise in temperatures has had some severe fallouts, including an uptick in the occurrence of extreme weather events.

Recent Examples

 According to government data of Karnataka, the state has faced drought in 16 of the 23 years since 2001.

 This year’s drought is the worst yet, with the state declaring drought in 195 taluks, including those in the Bengaluru Urban
district, because to a poor South West (SW) monsoon.

 The Amazon rainforest is reeling from an intense drought. Numerous rivers vital for travel have dried up. As a result, there
is no water, food, or medicine in villages of Indigenous communities living in the area.

 Amazon rainforest covers nearly seven million square kilometres, or about the area of Australia, and stores more than
150 billion metric tonnes of carbon.

114
India and the UAE have signed a pact on use of local currencies in cross-border transactions. How will the agreement
boost bilateral trade?

Introduction:

 India and the United Arab Emirates signed pacts on use of local currencies for cross-border transactions and setting up a
campus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology in Abu Dhabi.

 The “UAE-India relations have witnessed tremendous progress on all fronts”.

 The pacts signed include:

1. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a framework to promote the use of local currencies
(INR-AED) for cross-border transactions by Governors of the respective Central Banks.

2. MoU on interlinking payment and messaging systems by Governors of the respective Central Banks was also inked.

3. MoU for planning to establish an IIT-Delhi campus in Abu Dhabi.

Body:

How will the agreement boost bilateral trade?

 It paves the way for enhanced economic collaboration and will make international financial interactions simpler.

 The leaders expressed their interest in strengthening cooperation in the payment systems area by enabling integration
between their instant payment systems to process cross-border transactions between the UAE and India more efficiently.

 The cooperation will also include the mutual acceptance of domestic card schemes by interlinking national card switches.

 India and the UAE had signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). India-UAE trade rose to USD
85 billion in 2022, making the UAE India’s third-largest trading partner for 2022-23 and India’s second-largest export
destination.

 Under the MoU on ‘Payments and Messaging Systems’, the two central banks agreed to cooperate on

(a) linking their Fast Payment Systems (FPSs) – Unified Payments Interface (UPI) of India with Instant Payment Platform
(IPP) of UAE;

(b) linking the respective Card Switches (RuPay switch and UAESWITCH); and

(c) exploring the linking of payments messaging systems (Structured Financial Messaging System (SFMS) of India with the
messaging system in the UAE)

Conclusion:

 They agreed to further deepen their bilateral cooperation in the fight against terrorism, terrorist financing, and
extremism.

 The leaders agreed to strengthen their bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, encompassing renewables, natural gas,
and oil. Both parties will advance their collaboration in grid connectivity, solar energy, and green hydrogen. Additionally,
both parties decided to boost energy-related investments overall, including in India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve
Programme.

115
The equitable distribution of natural resources is the fundamental spirit of the Indian Constitution. Highlight various
water dispute tribunals of India.

Introduction:

 Addressing the valedictory session of the 7th India Water Week, the Vice-President of India, Dhankar highlighted that
equitable distribution of natural resources is the fundamental spirit of the Indian Constitution.

 It is the fundamental spirit of the Indian constitution. It is reflected in the Directive Principle of the State policy. There shall
be equitable distribution of natural resources.

 The Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Act, 2019 provides for the adjudication of disputes relating to waters
of inter-state rivers and river valleys.

 Under the Act, a state government may request the central government to refer an inter-state river dispute to a Tribunal
for adjudication.

 Disputes Resolution Committee (DRC) comprise of a chairperson, and experts with at least 15 years of experience in
relevant sectors, to be nominated by the central government.

 The central government will set up an Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal which consist of a Chairperson, Vice-
Chairperson, three judicial members, and three expert members.

Body:

Water dispute tribunals of India

▪ Vansadhara River Water Dispute Tribunal — Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

▪ Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal — Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha

▪ Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-I — Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka

▪ Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal — Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra

▪ Ravi & Beas Water Tribunal — Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan

▪ Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal — Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

Conclusion:

 The Cauvery dispute has flared up again, the first time after 2018 when the Supreme Court (SC) re-adjudicated the dispute
after a tribunal gave its award. The Court also directed the creation of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA)
to implement the decision.

116
What does the Constitution say about the Governor’s role in giving assent to Bills?

Introduction:

 Article 200 specifically deals with the issue of granting assent to Bills.

 When a Bill is passed by the Legislative Assembly of a State or, in the case of a State with a Legislative Council, by both
Houses of the Legislature of the State, it is presented to the Governor, who must declare whether he assents to the Bill,
withholds assent, or reserves the Bill for consideration of the President.

Body:

 When a Bill passed by the legislature of a state is presented to the Governor, the Governor has four options:

(1) grant assent to the Bill;

(2) withhold assent to the Bills;

(3) return the Bills for reconsideration; or

(4) reserve the Bill for the consideration of the President.

 However, the Article contains an important caveat. It states that the Governor “may, as soon as possible” return Bills other
than money Bills with a message requesting that the House reconsider it in part or in whole. However, if the Legislative
House reconsiders the Bill and sends it back to the Governor, he “shall not withhold assent therefrom.”

Can a Governor in practice actually sit on a Bill forever?

 An indefinite timeline in deciding on Bills can in effect amount to paralysing the elected government. At the same time,
giving assent to Bills is one of the few areas in which the Governor can exercise his discretion. But again, this discretion
cannot be used arbitrarily or based on a personal preference, but only in Constitutional terms with cogent reasons.

 Furthermore, the word “shall” is used in Article 200, indicating that the framers of the Constitution intended a mandatory
tone for the Governor on this issue.

Conclusion:

 Tamil Nadu’s Governor R N Ravi’s decision to withhold assent to 10 pending Bills has raised fresh legal questions on the
powers of the Governor.

 Apart from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, and Punjab too, have sought the intervention of the Supreme Court on the
issue.

 Kerala in its plea has argued that three Bills have been pending with Governor Arif Mohammad Khan for more than two
years, and three Bills for more than a year.

117
How does mandatory reporting provision work under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO)? Discuss
the recent Supreme Court rulings on POCSO Act.

Introduction:

 Section 19 of the POCSO states that anyone having “apprehension” that an offence under POCSO is likely to be committed,
or knowledge that such an offence has been committed, “shall” provide such information to the Special Juvenile Police
Unit (SJPU) or the police. The term “any person” also includes a child who may report an offence.

 This reporting provision becomes binding due to Section 21 of the POCSO Act, which prescribes punishment for failing to
report the commission of an offence under Section 19.

 Imprisonment of six months to one year, or a fine, or both is prescribed under Section 21.

 However, children cannot be held liable for failing to report the commission of a sexual offence. Similarly, children making
false complaints or giving false information are also exempt from punishment under Section 22 of the Act.

Body:

Supreme Court Rulings

 In a series of decisions, the Supreme Court has held that failure to report such cases amounts to a serious crime.

 In Shankar Kisanrao Khade vs. State of Maharashtra, a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court ruled in 2013 that “the non-
reporting of the crime by anybody, after having come to know that a minor child below the age of 18 years was subjected
to any sexual assault, is a serious crime.”

 In this ruling, the Supreme Court imposed an even greater obligation on certain categories of professionals, such as
doctors and those in charge of educational institutions, to report cases of child sexual abuse to the nearest Juvenile Justice
Board or Special Juvenile Police Unit.

 In September 2022, a three-judge Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud attempted to strike a balance
between the mandatory reporting provision under POCSO and the confidentiality provision under the Medical
Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971.

 The court said that by insisting on disclosing the minor’s name in the report under Section 19(1) of POCSO, minors may
be reluctant to seek out RMPs for safe termination of their pregnancies under the MTP Act.

 In reference to Rule 3B(b) of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Rules 2003, as amended on October 12, 2021, which
allows minors to terminate their pregnancy up to 24 weeks, the court stated that “it is necessary to harmoniously read
both the POCSO Act and the MTP Act” to ensure its benefit to minors engaging in consensual activity.

118
India’s vote for the UN resolution on the war in Gaza signals a shift in Middle East policy towards realism. Discuss

Introduction:

 India was among 145 countries which voted in favour of a United Nations resolution that condemned Israeli settlement
activities in “the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan”.

 Earlier, On October 28, India had abstained on the Jordanian-drafted resolution that called for an immediate, durable and
sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 The UN draft resolution, titled “Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the
occupied Syrian Golan”, was passed with overwhelming majority on November 9.

 While seven countries — United States, Canada, Hungary, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia and
Nauru — voted against the resolution, 18 abstained from voting.

 With the resolution, the UN condemned settlement activities in the areas, and any activities involving the confiscation of
land, disruption of livelihood of protected persons, forced transfer of civilians, and annexation of land, whether de facto
or through national legislation.

 The Indian vote on November 9 reflects Delhi’s traditional stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, in which it has supported
a negotiated two-state solution leading to the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state
living within secure and recognised borders in peace with Israel.

 The resolution had also demanded the immediate, continuous, sufficient and unhindered provision of essential goods
and services to civilians throughout the Gaza Strip.

 India had said that terrorism is a “malignancy” and knows no borders, nationality or race and the world should not buy
into any justification of terror acts.

 India’s challenge is not with the nature of its UNGA vote that is non-binding and, in any case, ineffective.

 Delhi has underlined the primacy of its concerns on international terrorism without abandoning its demand for a two-
state solution in Palestine.

119
How Chief Information Commission is constituted and what are the eligibility criteria for appointment of information
commissioners and chief information commissioner? Discuss the powers and functions of Information Commissions
with respect to complaints.

Introduction:

 Section 12 of the RTI Act of 2005 provides that the Central Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette,
establish a body to be known as the Central Information Commission.

 The Central Information Commission shall consist of the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and such number of
Central Information Commissioners not exceeding 10 as may be deemed necessary.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Eligibility Criteria

 Section 12(3) of the RTI Act 2005 provides as follows:

(a) The Prime Minister, who shall be the Chairperson of the committee;
(b) The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha; and
(c) A Union Cabinet Minister to be nominated by the Prime Minister.

 Section 12(5) of the RTI Act 2005 provides that the CIC and IC shall be persons of eminence in public life with wide
knowledge and experience in law, science and technology, social service, management, journalism, mass media or
administration and governance.

 Section 12(6) of the RTI Act 2005 provides that CIC and IC shall not be a Member of Parliament or Member of the
Legislature of any State or Union Territory as the case may be, or hold any other office of profit or connected with any
political party or carrying on any business or pursuing any profession.

Powers and Functions of Information Commissions with respect to Complaints

 It shall be the responsibility of the Central Information Commission or the State Information Commission, as the case may
be, to receive and investigate any complaint, —

(a) Who has been unable to submit a request to a Central Public Information Officer or State Public Information Officer.

(b) Who has been refused access to any information requested under this Act;

(c) Who has not been given a response to a request for information or access to information within the time limit specified
under this Act;

(d) Who has been required to pay an amount of fee which he or she considers unreasonable;

(e) Who believes that he or she has been given incomplete, misleading or false information under this Act; and

(f) In respect of any other matter relating to requesting or obtaining access to records under this Act.

Conclusion:

 Heeralal Samariya was appointed as the chief of the Central Information Commission (CIC) by President Droupadi Murmu.
The top post of the transparency panel was lying vacant after Y K Sinha’s term.

 The Chief Information Commissioner, or Information Commissioners shall hold office for a period of three years from the
date on which he enters upon his office.

120
2023 marks a decade of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). What was the idea behind the BRI and how did its goals evolve
over the years? Also, comment on India’s view on BRI.

Introduction:

 President Xi Jinping first unveiled the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China’s ambitious infrastructure funding project, ten
years ago this year. extending from Asia to Africa.

 The major focus has been to build ports, bridges, industry corridors and other infrastructure throughout South East Asia
and the Indian Ocean.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Idea behind BRI and how did its goals evolve over the years

 The ‘Belt’ plan was to revitalise a series of trading and infrastructure routes between Asia and Europe. Connectivity
through Central Asia was a key element of the initiative.

 China announced the ‘Road’ sea trade infrastructure. This maritime ‘Road’ would connect China to Southeast Asia, Europe,
and Africa via the sea.

 Initially, the BRI was based on five principles:

(1) policy coordination

(2) infrastructure connectivity

(3) trade

(4) financial integration

(5) people-to-people connections.

 Later, the sixth principle of ‘Industrial cooperation’ was also added.

 China wanted to address two major issues: capital surplus and industrial overcapacity. It was also about increasing
Chinese political influence in other parts of the world.

 Originally, the initiative proposed six international Economic Corridors (EC):

(1) New Eurasia Land Bridge;

(2) China-Central Asia-West Asia-EC;

(3) China-Mongolia-Russia-EC,

(4) China-Indochina Peninsula-EC,

(5) China-Pakistan-EC (CPEC); and

(6) Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM)-EC

 A list of 35 major corridors/projects was released at the second BRI Forum in 2019. Because a large number of BRI projects
are being implemented in nearly every region of the world, they have an impact on all major economies, even those that
are not participating in the initiative.

How does India view the BRI?

 India has refrained from endorsing the BRI and has not taken part in any BRI Forums.

 India had reservations about the BRI – mainly due to sovereignty-related issues, as the CPEC goes through the Pakistan-
occupied Kashmir (PoK), and geopolitical implications of projects in the Indian Ocean.

121
 The importance of the Indian Ocean for China has increased significantly due to its expanding trade, energy transport
and investments.

 It started expanding its footprints in India’s neighbourhood through investments in various ports in Bangladesh, Pakistan,
Sri Lanka and Myanmar.

Conclusion:

 Recently, China has also included several other subjects under the BRI-fold. It has envisioned a Digital Silk Road that will
showcase its advances in hi-tech communication technologies, the Green Silk Road to reverse emissions and even a Polar
Silk Road expanding the BRI to the Arctic.

 With Italy’s support, the BRI received a huge boost. The Belt refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt, which connects China,
Central Asia, Russia, and Europe via three overland routes.

122
How will the digital regulatory framework, the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2023, govern India’s digital economy?
Discuss.

Introduction:

 The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023 (DPDP) is the Indian Government’s second attempt at drafting privacy-
related legislation.

 The main objective of the Data Bill is to regulate the processing of personal data along with ensuring a person the right
to protect their data.

 The new bill has been welcomed by India Inc with many hailing it as a remarkable step towards ushering in India’s
‘techade’.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 The bill once enacted, the bill enables individuals (referred to as Data Principals) to govern their own personal (digital)
data and will drive enterprises (referred to as Data Fiduciary) to process the personal data of individuals lawfully.

 The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2023 was passed by Parliament. This law was brought in by the government to
govern the digital economy in India.

 The other elements of this bill are the draft India Telecommunication Bill 2022 and a policy to govern non-personal data.

 The extraterritorial coverage and enterprises based outside India serving individuals in India will also be expected to
adhere to the provisions of this Bill.

 Businesses will need to reevaluate how they currently operate, particularly with regard to the personal information of
individuals, including their workers, clients, suppliers, and merchants. This will allow them to respect the rights that people
have, including the ability to access, amend, and delete their personal information.

 Non-adherence of obligations listed in the bill may attract sanctions and commercial penalty.

 The emphasis on free and informed consent reinforces citizens’ fundamental right to privacy.

 The DPDP Bill strikes an important balance in protecting users’ rights and promoting innovation in digital businesses. Its
key business-friendly provisions include eliminating criminal penalties for non-compliance, facilitating international data
transfers, etc.

 It also provides for a comprehensive set of rights guaranteed to data principals which aims to create a transparent and
accountable data governance framework going forward.

Conclusion:

 The DPDP bill is seen as a significant milestone toward addressing the data protection concerns that have been a matter
of contention for a long time.

 The creation of a data protection board reinforces the law by guaranteeing adherence, corrective action, and fines when
required. Enhancing the efficiency and transparency of the entire process is the Board’s empowerment to act as a digital
office, managing complaints, assigning cases, and reaching decisions through the use of techno-legal methods.

123
Discuss the advantages and drawbacks of having simultaneous elections for both the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 The government has constituted a committee headed by former president of India Ram Nath Kovind to explore the
possibility of “one nation, one election”.

Advantages

 Reducing the cost of holding elections.

 Smooth operation of the government machinery.

 It will ensure continuity in central and state government policies and programmes.

 If elections are not held annually, the government does not need to entice the public with lucrative schemes or create
caste and religion-based programmes.

Drawbacks

 There would also be logistical issues, requiring about twice as many electronic voting machines and Voter Verifiable Paper
Audit Trail machines.

 The simultaneous polls would benefit the nationally dominant party at the cost of regional players.

 There is a chance that regional parties will be unable to effectively raise local issues.

 If elections are held in a single time frame, the results will be announced much later.

Previous Efforts

 The idea of simultaneous elections, or “One Nation, One Election”, was first formally proposed by the Election Commission
of India in its 1983 report.

 The commission suggested that conducting simultaneous Lok Sabha (parliamentary) and state legislative assembly
elections could reduce the frequency and associated costs of elections.

 The Law Commission of India also examined the issue and submitted several reports suggesting measures to synchronise
the terms of the state legislatures with those of the Lok Sabha.

 In 2017, the Niti Aayog released a paper titled ‘Election Time Table’, discussing the feasibility of simultaneous elections. It
suggested a practical roadmap for implementing the concept.

Conclusion:

 Over the years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pushed for the idea of simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly
polls.

 Assembly polls are due in five states in November-December of 2023 and they will be followed by the Lok Sabha elections
in May-June next year. However, the recent moves by the government have thrown open the possibility of advancing the
general elections and some state polls, which are scheduled after and with the Lok Sabha contest.

 From the first elections in 1952 until 1967, elections were held simultaneously across the country. But since the Lok Sabha
and Assemblies can be dissolved before their tenures end, over time the state and national elections became misaligned.

124
India-South Korea relations have made great strides in recent years and have become truly multidimensional. Discuss
in the context of recent developments.

Introduction:

 The relations between India and South Korea are spurred by a significant convergence of interests, mutual goodwill and
high-level exchanges.

 After Korea’s independence in 1945, India played an important and positive role in Korean affairs. Mr K P S Menon of India
was the Chairman of the nine-member UN Commission established in 1947 to hold elections in Korea. Bilateral consular
relations were established in 1962 and elevated to Ambassador level in 1973.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Recent Developments

 India and South Korea made “substantive progress” in the special strategic partnership between the two countries during
the two-day visit of South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin.

 South Korea is willing to share technology on submarines and missile systems with India to strengthen defence
cooperation.

 Both leaders from India and South Korea agreed to strengthen defence cooperation, referring to K9 Vajra, a 52-calibre
tracked self-propelled howitzer designed by a South Korean company.

 South Korea will provide USD 4 billion to India as a line of credit over the next three years for “high-value” projects.

 Every year, the Government of India awards scholarships and fellowships to Korean nationals for a variety of programmes
and disciplines, including research and non-formal education.

 Direct flights operated by Air India and Korean Air have established good air connectivity between the two countries.

Conclusion:

 “The upcoming meeting is the first one between the two ministers as they mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment
of diplomatic relations between Korea and India this year.”

 India, Japan and South Korea share a global vision of peace, stability and shared prosperity, based on sustainable
development, shared democratic values and commitment to human rights, pluralism, open society, and the rule of law.

 India’s role in the Indo-Pacific and the consolidation of the QUAD makes New Delhi a formidable force.

125
How the United Nations (UN) has evolved? Discuss the achievements and the failure of the UN.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about United Nations.

 On October 24, 1945, the United Nations (UN) was founded amid a period of turmoil in international relations. The UN
was primarily tasked with the goal of maintaining world peace and saving future generations from the evils of war.

 The United Nations sprang from the ashes of yet another international institution founded with the goal of preventing
conflict. The League of Nations was established in June 1919, following World War I, as part of the Treaty of Versailles.
However, when World conflict II broke out in 1939, the League was forced to cease down, and its headquarters in Geneva
remained vacant throughout the conflict.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 The United States joined the war in December 1941, and for the first time the term ‘United Nations’ was coined by President
Roosevelt to identify those countries which were allied against the axis powers – Germany, Italy and Japan. On January 1,
1942, representatives of 26 allied nations met in Washington DC to sign the declaration of the United Nations, which
basically spelt out the war objectives of the Allied powers.

 India, which was under British colonial rule at the time, was also among these nations. According to a Ministry of External
Affairs release, “Independent India viewed its membership at the United Nations as an important guarantee for
maintaining international peace and security.”

 The United Nations finally came into existence on October 24, 1945, after being ratified by 51 nations, which included five
permanent members (France, the Republic of China, the Soviet Union, the UK and the US) and 46 other signatories. The
first meeting of the General Assembly took place on January 10, 1946.

Achievements and the failure of the UN

 In the previous 75 years, the United Nations has accomplished several noteworthy things. It has also broadened its focus
to include a wide range of global concerns like as health, the environment, and women’s empowerment, among others.

 In 1946, it passed a resolution committing to the abolition of nuclear weapons. It established the World Health
Organisation (WHO) in 1948 to cope with communicable illnesses like as smallpox, malaria, and HIV. At the moment, the
WHO is the primary body dealing with the coronavirus epidemic.

 In 1950, the UN created the High Commissioner for Refugees to take care of the millions who had been displaced due to
World War II.

 In 2002, the UN established the UN criminal court to try those who have committed war crimes, genocide, and other
atrocities.

 The United Nations has also been criticised. For example, in 1994, the group failed to prevent the Rwandan tragedy. In
the Republic of Congo, UN peacekeeping operations were accused of sexual assault in 2005, and similar charges have
also surfaced from Cambodia and Haiti. The UN peacekeeping operation in South Sudan was unable to end the violence
caused by the civil conflict that erupted in 2013.

Conclusion:

 A proclamation was approved at a high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly in 2020 to commemorate the UN’s 75th
anniversary, as well as its aspirations for the next decade.

 “The next ten years, dubbed the decade of action and delivery for sustainable development, will be the most critical of our
generation.”

126
The Office of the Speaker occupies a pivotal position in our parliamentary democracy. Discuss the role and responsibility
of the Speaker

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

 The speaker of the Lok Sabha symbolises the dignity and power of the House over which he/she is presiding. Article 93
for Lok Sabha and Article 178 for state Assemblies state that these Houses “shall, as soon as may be”, choose two of its
members to be Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

 Speaker holds Office from the date of his/her election till immediately before the first meeting of the Lok Sabha after the
dissolution of the one to which he/she was elected. He/She is eligible for re-election. On the dissolution of the Lok Sabha,
although the Speaker ceases to be a member of the House, he/she does not vacate his/her Office.

 In Lok Sabha and state legislatures, the President/Governor sets a date for the election of the Speaker, and it is the Speaker
who decides the date for the election of the Deputy Speaker.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Role and responsibility of the Speaker

 According to the book Practice and Procedure of Parliament, published by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the Speaker is “the
principal spokesman of the House, he represents its collective voice and is its sole representative to the outside world”.

 The Speaker presides over the House proceedings and joint sittings of the two Houses of Parliament.

 It is the Speaker’s decision that determines whether a Bill is a Money Bill and therefore outside of the purview of the other
House.

 The Deputy Speaker is independent of the Speaker, not subordinate to him, as both are elected from among the members
of the House.

 The final authority for adopting rules for regulating its procedure rests with each House, but a perusal of the rules of the
Indian Parliament would indicate that the Presiding Officers in the two Houses are given vast powers by the rules.

 The Speaker is the guardian of the rights and privileges of the House, its Committees and members. It depends solely on
the Speaker to refer any question of privilege to the Committee of Privileges for examination, investigation and report. It
is through him/her that the decisions of the House are communicated to outside individuals and authorities.

 It is the Speaker who decides the form and manner in which the proceedings of the House is published.

 The Committees of the House function under the overall direction of the Speaker. All such Committees are constituted by
him/her or by the House.

 The Speaker has certain other functions to perform as the head of the Lok Sabha.

Conclusion:

 The Office of the Speaker in India is a living and dynamic institution which deals with the actual needs and problems of
Parliament in the performance of its functions.

 The Constitution neither sets a time limit nor specifies the process for these elections. It leaves it to the legislatures to
decide how to hold these elections. In Lok Sabha and state legislatures, the President/Governor sets a date for the election
of the Speaker, and it is the Speaker who decides the date for the election of the Deputy Speaker.

127
The ferry service between India and Sri Lanka has restarted after a gap of 40 years. Discuss the opportunities and
challenges.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about India-Sri Lanka.

 India and Sri Lanka have had a relationship for over 2,500 years. Both nations share a history of intellectual, cultural,
religious, and linguistic exchange. Close contacts at all levels have characterised the partnership in recent years.

 Significant success in the implementation of developmental aid initiatives for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and
underprivileged parts of the population in Sri Lanka has helped to strengthen the two nations’ friendship.

 The opening of a passenger ferry service from Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu to Kankesanthurai in Jaffna, Northern Sri
Lanka, has revitalised an age-old maritime link between India and Sri Lanka.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Ferry Service

 The initiative is aimed at bolstering bilateral ties, boosting tourism, and increasing people-to-people relations. It is
expected to benefit local traders on both shores.

 The name of the vessel, a High Speed Craft, is ‘Cheriyapani’.

Earlier Route

 The Indo-Ceylon Express or Boat Mail ran between Chennai and Colombo via the Thoothukudi port from the early 1900s
up until 1982. However, the civil war in Sri Lanka resulted in the halting of these services.

 A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning passenger transportation by sea was signed in 2011 and a similar
service was launched. However, it did not last for more than six months due to poor response.

Impact of the new service

 Transportation and Tourism: It can amplify religious tourism

(i) Travellers can access significant religious sites in Colombo and the southern parts of Sri Lanka

(ii) Indian pilgrim centres such as Nagapattinam, Nagore, Velankanni, Thirunallar, and temple towns such as Thanjavur,
Madurai, and Tiruchi are expected to see an influx of Lankan tourists.

 Commerce and trade: The service would boost regional commerce and trade.

 Infrastructure and planning: Anticipating the influx of travellers, the state government of Tamil Nadu is ramping up
infrastructural developments. E V Velu, the Minister for Public Works, said the state is in touch with multiple departments
of the Union government, such as Customs, External Affairs, Shipping, and Immigration, to ensure a smooth experience
for passengers.

Challenges

 Frequency: Shipping Corporation of India’s (SCI) initial plan to run services every day for 10 days has been rescheduled to
operate thrice a week.

 Poor ticketing systems: The onset of the northeast monsoon is one of the reason for high price at approximately Rs 7,670.
If the service is to be successful, ticket prices should be decreased and reservations made available on prominent travel
websites.

128
Conclusion:

 The Indian government has prioritised India-Sri Lanka relations as part of its Neighbourhood First strategy. During Sri
Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to India in July, the two governments released a vision paper emphasising
marine connectivity, including the expansion of ports in Colombo, Kankesanthurai, and Trincomalee, as well as the
revitalization of sea routes.

 Besides improving business ties between the Indian Ocean neighbours, Cheriyapani is likely to bring pilgrims to religious
centres in southern Sri Lanka and temple towns in south India.

129
The relationship between India and the Maldives is founded on tangible actions rather than hypothetical tales. Discuss

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about India-Maldives relations.

 A number of concerns, some dating back more than a decade, have come to the forefront of bilateral ties between India
and the Maldives, notably in the run-up to this year’s presidential elections.

 The long-running dispute over the two Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALF) based in Addu Atoll and Hanimaadhoo,
which were given to the Maldives by India in 2010 and 2015, respectively, and used for maritime weather surveillance,
ocean search and rescue operations, and airlifting patients between islands.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 According to the terms of bilateral agreements between the two countries, Indian officers had been sent to the Maldives
to train the Maldives National Defence Force, under whose command these helicopters operate.

 The Maldives asked India to return these helicopters in 2016 while the Yameen administration was in power, and they
refused to extend the terms of the agreement that would have extended their stay and use in the nation. Domestic fervour
against the perceived military presence of Indian forces in the country peaked at that time.

 In a report published in 2022, the World Bank has said that although the Maldives was not at immediate risk of a crisis,
the country needs to raise revenues and implement several expenditure and debt reforms to avoid an economic crisis in
the future.

 The relationship between India and Maldives is time immemorial, and the main foundation of the relationship is based
on people to people contact that is both civilizational and traditional in nature.

 The fear and concern are exaggerated or unwarranted depends on several factors, including the nature and objectives of
the various agreements concluded between our two countries during the past five years and how both countries wish to
navigate their diplomatic relationship moving forward.

 According to the Maldives, “clear and open communication channels” between the two nations would be one method to
do this and maybe restart bilateral relations.

 India and the Maldives allege that despite the campaign’s claim to be a protest against Indian military presence, the name
“India Out” was taken as a personal attack on India. This had a domino effect on all facets of bilateral relations.

Conclusion:

You conclusion should be short and you many include:

 India undoubtedly plays a big influence in influencing security dynamics due to its size and strategic location in the Indian
Ocean area. It is crucial to understand that collaboration and engagement among countries in the region are often more
successful than exclusion or boycott in the context of cross-border and regional security as well as geopolitics.

 Therefore, encouraging communication, building confidence, and cooperating with India and other bilateral and
multilateral partners would undoubtedly result in more secure regional dynamics.

130
What is rat hole mining? Discuss the environmental and safety concerns associated with rat hole mining.

Introduction:

 Rat hole mining is a method of extracting coal from narrow, horizontal seams, prevalent in Meghalaya.

 The term “rat hole” refers to the narrow pits dug into the ground, typically just large enough for one person to descend
and extract coal.

 Miners descend into the pits using ropes or bamboo ladders to reach the coal seams. The coal is then extracted manually
with primitive tools such as pickaxes, shovels, and baskets.

Body:

 In the other type of rat-hole mining, known as box-cutting, a rectangular opening ranging from 10 to 100 sqm is made,
and a vertical pit 100 to 400 feet deep is dug through it. Once the coal seam is discovered, horizontal rat-hole-sized tunnels
are dug through which workers can extract the coal.

Environmental and safety concerns

 The mining poses significant safety and environmental hazards, the mines are typically unregulated, lacking safety
measures such as proper ventilation, structural support, or safety gear for the workers.

 The mining process can cause land degradation, deforestation, and water pollution.

 This mining method has been heavily criticised for its hazardous working conditions, environmental damage, and
numerous accidents that resulted in injuries and fatalities.

 The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned the practice in 2014, and retained the ban in 2015.

Recent Example

 The Silkyara-Barkot tunnel under construction on the Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district,
where 41 workers have been trapped since November 12.

 However, because large metal fragments are impeding the machine’s drilling and breaking the auger, the rescuers are
now planning to drill through the remaining few metres using the rat-hole mining technique.

131
How has Indian agriculture developed despite having few ‘factors of production’? Discuss

Introduction:

 In agriculture, there are four “factors of production”: Land, water, labour and energy.

 These factors or inputs are used by farmers to produce crops. The quantity of inputs used determines the amount of
output produced by them at a given level of technology.

Body:

Land

 The quality of agricultural land is determined by soil fertility and water availability. The most fertile soils are found in the
Indo-Gangetic plains and the eastern coast’s Kaveri, Krishna, Godavari, and Mahanadi deltas, followed by the black cotton
soils of the Deccan, Malwa, and Saurashtra plateaus.

Water

 Water availability is determined by rainfall as well as access to irrigation from rivers, lakes, tanks, and ponds. The great
ancient civilisations arose primarily in river valleys that could support thriving agriculture.

Labour and Energy

 The more farm hands and bullocks there were to work the land in traditional agriculture, the more produce was harvested.
Bullocks were the primary source of energy in farms prior to the introduction of tractors, threshers, harvester combines,
and electric/diesel engine-driven tubewells. They ploughed the fields and treaded the crops to separate the grain from
the chaff, as well as powered the Persian wheels, which drew water from wells for irrigation.

Conclusion:

 There are four “factors of technology” in agriculture, just like there are four “factors of production.” Technology-related
factors make it possible to use production-related factors more effectively. In addition to better utilising water resources
and substituting mechanical and electrical power for animal and human labour, they lead to higher yields, or more
produce from the same acre of land or number of labourers.

 The four “factors of technology” are genetics, crop nutrition, crop protection and agronomic interventions.

132
Aditya L1 solar probe mission has captured its first high-energy solar flare in X-ray. What are the payloads of Aditya L1?
Discuss the effect of solar flares on Earth.

Introduction:

 The Indian Space Researcher Organisation’s (ISRO) Aditya L1 solar probe mission has completed an important milestone—
it captured its first high-energy solar flare in X-ray.

 The High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS) on board Aditya-L1 recorded the impulsive phase of solar flares
during its first observation period.

Body:

Payloads of Aditya L1
 Magnetometer: It is a dual triaxial magnetic sensor which is installed on a 6m, 5-segment deployable boom, mounted on
the Sun facing deck of Aditya L1. The primary objective of MAG is to measure the magnitude and direction of the
Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF).
 Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC): It is the prime payload onboard India’s first space solar mission Aditya L1. It is
designed as an internally occulted reflective coronagraph to meet the observational requirements.
 High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS): It is one of the instruments of Aditya L1 mission which aims to
study the phenomenon occurring during the solar flares.
 Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT): It is a UV telescope to image the solar disk. It uses narrow band (NB) and broad
band (BB) spectral filters in the range of 200-400 nm, with low stray light and high contrast.
 Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS): It is a soft X-ray sun as a start spectrometer. The main objective of SoLEXS
is to continuously measure solar soft X-ray flux from the Sun-Earth Lagrangian point L1.
 Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX): It comprises of low and high energy particle spectrometers to carry out in-
situ measurements of solar wind particles at the first Sun-Earth Lagrange point, L1.
 Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA): It aims to study the composition of solar wind and its energy distributions. It
has two sensors, SWEEP (Solar Wind Electron Energy Probe) and SWICAR (Solar Wind Ion Composition Analyser).

Effect of solar flares on Earth

 Solar storms are classified into four types: B, C, M, and X. Solar flares, like the Richter scale, are classified on a logarithmic
scale. So a C-class storm is ten times more powerful than a B-class storm, and so on.
 While the X-class denotes the flare’s strength, the number following it denotes their strength on a finer scale. As a result,
each class is subdivided into nine subdivisions. For example, X1 to X9.
 Radiation and high energy particles from solar flares are harmful to living things. Fortunately, the Earth’s magnetic field
and atmosphere shield us from the effects of solar flares when we are on the surface.
 The most dangerous emissions from flares are energetic charged particles (primarily high-energy protons) and
electromagnetic radiation (primarily x-rays).
 The X-rays from flares are stopped by our atmosphere well above the Earth’s surface. They do disturb the Earth’s
ionosphere, however, which in turn disturbs radio communications.
 They heat the Earth’s outer atmosphere and release intense UV radiation, which causes the atmosphere to expand.
Because of this, satellites orbiting Earth experience increased drag, which shortens their orbital lifetime. Degradation of
satellite communications can also result from intense radio emissions from flares and atmospheric variations; for
instance, the accuracy of GPS measurements can be affected.

Conclusion:

 Studying solar flares and other space weather phenomena is important because they can affect life here on Earth. They
can affect power systems, satellite communication systems and radio communications. During worst-case scenarios, they
can cause blackouts that affect large parts of the Earth for hours. Studying solar flares and solar activity can help prepare
for and insulate against such risks.

133
What is deepfake and how can it be spotted? What is the Centre’s advisory to social media platforms over deepfakes?

Introduction:

 The term “deepfake” is a combination of “deep learning” and “fake.” This software uses artificial intelligence (AI) to overlay
a digital composite over an already-existing video (or audio).
 Deepfakes are created by machine learning models, which use neural networks to manipulate images and videos.
 Deepfakes constitute fake content — often in the form of videos but also other media formats such as pictures or audio
created using powerful artificial intelligence tools.
 They are called deepfakes because they use deep learning technology, a branch of machine learning that applies neural
net simulation to massive data sets, to create fake content.

Body:

How Deepfakes can be spotted?

Unnatural Eye Movements

 Deepfake videos often exhibit unnatural eye movements or gaze patterns.

Mismatches in Color and Lighting

 Deepfake creators may have difficulty replicating accurate colour tones and lighting conditions.

Compare and Contrast Audio Quality

 Deepfake videos often use AI-generated audio that may have subtle imperfections.

Strange Body Shape or Movement

 Deepfakes can sometimes result in unnatural body shapes or movements.

Artificial Facial Movements

 Deepfake software may not always accurately replicate genuine facial expressions.

Unnatural Positioning of Facial Features

 Deepfakes may occasionally exhibit distortions or misalignments in these features, which can be a sign of manipulation.

Awkward Posture or Physique

 Deepfakes may struggle to maintain a natural posture or physique.

Centre’s advisory to social media platforms over Deepfakes

 The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has sent advisories to social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram
and YouTube, to take down misleading content generated through artificial intelligence – deepfakes – within 24 hours.

 As per government sources, the advisory has reiterated existing legal provisions that platforms have to follow as online
intermediaries. It has mentioned Section 66D of the Information Technology Act, which entails punishment for cheating
by personation by using computer resources with imprisonment up to three years and fine up to Rs 1 lakh.

 The advisory has mentioned Rule 3(2)(b) of the Information Technology Rules, under which social media platforms are
required to take down content in the nature of impersonation, including artificially morphed images of an individual,
within 24 hours of the receipt of a complaint.

 The Centre is also looking to invoke a controversial law that would require WhatsApp to share details about the first
originator of a message on account of rising AI-led misinformation on the messaging platform.

Conclusion:

 The technology involved in creating deepfakes holds promise for various domains, including entertainment, education
and healthcare.
 However, one must also acknowledge the associated risks, particularly the alarming threat it poses to the personal
security and privacy of millions through audio-visual manipulation tactics.

134
What do you understand by stubble burning? Discuss how baler machines would help in managing stubble burning.

Introduction:

 In late-October and November, farmers in northern India burn off crop debris, a practice known as stubble burning.

 Many farmers burn the leftover plant debris after harvesting rice to prepare their fields for the wheat crop quickly. It is
referred to as “paddy stubble burning.”

Body:

Managing Stubble Burning.

 The paddy crop leaves behind stubble on the ground after harvest. Before the next crop is sown, farmers must remove
this stubble. Around this time of year, farmers burn their stubble, releasing smoke into the air that ranks among the worst.

 More environment-friendly methods include incorporation of the stubble into the soil using machines such as super
seeders (in situ management). However, farmers say this leaves fields vulnerable to insect attacks, necessitating the use
of toxic insecticides.

 Balers compress agricultural residue into manageable, transportable bales. Farmers use a tractor-mounted cutter to trim
the crop residue prior to using a baler machine. A rake is used to arrange the stubble in straight lines after it has dried for
two days. The stubble is then compacted into bales by a tractor-mounted baler machine using netting. These bales are
shipped to landfills or factories.

 In fields where balers are used, farmers can immediately plough the field and sow the next crop.

 According to data from Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Punjab has recorded around 50% less stubble
burning incidents compared to the same period in 2022.

Conclusion:

 A single baler costs about Rs 14.5 lakh without subsidies — the costs of the rake and cutter are extra, around Rs 2.5-3 lakh.

 Approximately 2,000 baler machines are in use in Punjab and have been for the past ten years. 1,268 of these are heavily
subsidised (between 50 and 80 percent) by the Crop Residue Management (CRM) programme of the Centre.

135
Millets are considered to be “powerhouses of nutrition”. Discuss how climate change has transformed pearl millet
cultivation zones in India.

Introduction:

 The word millets is used to describe small-grained cereals like sorghum (jowar), pearl millet (bajra), foxtail millet (kangni/
Italian millet), little millet (kutki), kodo millet, finger millet (ragi/ mandua), proso millet (cheena/ common millet), barnyard
millet (sawa/ sanwa/ jhangora), and brown top millet (korale).

 Among the first crops to be domesticated were millets. Millets have been consumed by people living in the Indus Valley
as early as 3,000 BC, and many of the varieties currently grown worldwide originated in India. There are native varieties
of the crop in China, Japan, and West Africa.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

How climate change has transformed pearl millet cultivation zones in India?

 According to a new study, published in April this year in the Agronomy Journal, India’s core pearl millet or bajra production
zone has shifted to 18 districts spread across eastern Rajasthan and Haryana between 1998 and 2017.

 The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and the Indian Council of Agricultural
Research – All India Coordinated Research Project on Pearl Millet (ICAR-AICRP) collaborated on the research.

 Increase in rainfall triggered by human-induced climate change has led to this development.

 India classifies pearl millet cultivation zones based on rainfall patterns and soil types.

(i) Zone A1 – Arid Zone of Rajasthan (less than 400 mm rainfall)

(ii) Zone A – Semi-arid regions in north and central India (more than 400 mm rainfall) – Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat and
Uttar Pradesh

(iii) Zone B – (southern India and central western India)

 The paper divided ‘A’ into three subzones: ‘G’, ‘AE1’, and ‘AE2’. Zone ‘G’ saw an average increase in Gujarat, while Zone AE1
witnessed an increase in eastern Rajasthan and Haryana. Zone ‘AE2’ includes 12 districts in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya
Pradesh.

Conclusion:

 In India, millets are mainly a kharif crop. During 2018-19, three millet crops — bajra (3.67%), jowar (2.13%), and ragi (0.48%)
— accounted for about 7 per cent of the gross cropped area in the country, Agriculture Ministry data show.

 Millets are considered to be “powerhouses of nutrition”. The two pseudo millets, buckwheat (kuttu) and amaranth
(chaulai), which have “high nutritive value” are now regarded as “Nutri Cereals” for the purposes of production,
consumption, and trade.

 On March 3, 2021, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution to declare 2023 as the International
Year of Millets. The proposal was moved by India, and was supported by 72 countries.

136
What is geo-spatial intelligence? How geospatial solutions will address National Priorities and Sustainable Development
Goals?

Introduction:

 The gathering and combining of data from a variety of technological sources, such as satellites, mobile sensors, ground
control stations, and aerial photography, is known as geospatial intelligence.

 Real-time maps and simulations are created using the data to assist predict when, where, and how much of a threat is
likely to materialize. This knowledge can be used by individuals, government representatives, or both to make well-
informed decisions.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and National Developmental Priorities (SDRR, rural development, urban
governance, operationalization and maintenance of NSDI/State SDI Data Nodes by covering all States and UTs, and
provision of geospatial data, products, services, and solutions to potential stakeholders/beneficiaries of the ecosystem up
to the level of panchayats and wards, among other levels—are addressed through research and development projects
and operational scale initiatives.

National Programme on Spatial Disaster Risk Reduction (SDRR)

 An integrated national program on spatial disaster risk reduction (SDRR) has been developed by division on the initiative,
using the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) as a guide. Landslide hazard mitigation and Coastal hazard risk
assessment & reduction are the two sub-programs that the division has already started in this approach.

Landslide Hazard Mitigation (LHM)

 As part of the integrated landslide programme, efforts were made to develop forewarning system to monitor the critical
landslides in different geo-environmental areas. The project has been supported for the development of an early warning
system covering areas (States) like Sikkim, Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu), Manikaran, Kotropi, Mandiand Darmashala (Himachal
Pradesh), and Uttarakhand.

Coastal Hazard, Risk Assessment and Reduction (CHRAR)

 To develop S&T enabled geospatial techniques for coastal disaster studies, including disaster genetics, propagation,
vulnerability mapping, and the identification of causative factors and mitigation measures, CHRAR was launched to cover
the nation’s coastal areas. The program’s objective is to produce quantifiable and actionable outputs that state
governments and stakeholders can easily utilise for relief, restoration, and rehabilitation during disasters. Since the
program’s beginning, R&D projects have been supported in the areas of coastal erosion, tsunamis, cyclones, floods, and
land subsidence and sea level rise.

Geospatial Solutions for Urban Governance

 Proposals under this sub-program are encouraged to focus on core R&D areas that emphasise emerging technologies
related to city development using Geo-ICT, as well as applications related to city governance. The numerous R&D projects
are supported, with a focus on the following areas: IoT and GIS technologies; smart parking management systems with
sensors; flood mapping frameworks and/or early warning systems for potential flooding events; city GML-based 3D
models for smart cities; Indoor navigation systems based on geomagnetism, industrial indoor asset positioning and
navigation systems using geospatial analysis, etc.

137
Conclusion:

 India and United States signed the crucial Indo-US Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA), which pertains to
geo-spatial intelligence, sharing information on maps and satellite images for defence purposes.

 The signing of BECA allows India to use US geospatial intelligence and enhance accuracy of automated systems and
weapons like missiles and armed drones. It gives access to topographical and aeronautical data and advanced products
which will aid navigation and targeting.

 The cooperation also includes sharing of high-end satellite images, telephone intercepts, and data exchange on Chinese
troops and weapons deployment along the 3,488-km India-China LAC.

138
What is the significance of the Gaganyaan Mission? Discuss about the Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1).

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 Gaganyaan project envisages demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching crew of 3 members to an orbit
of 400 km for a 3 days mission and bring them back safely to earth, by landing in Indian sea waters.

 The project is accomplished through an optimal strategy by considering inhouse expertise, experience of Indian industry,
intellectual capabilities of Indian academia & research institutions along with cutting edge technologies available with
international agencies.

 The Gaganyaan mission requires the development of many critical technologies, including a human-rated launch vehicle
capable of safely transporting crew to space, a Life Support System capable of providing an earth-like environment to
crew in space, crew emergency escape provision, and evolving crew management aspects for crew training, recovery, and
rehabilitation.

Significance

 The primary mandate of Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) is to spearhead ISRO’s Gaganyaan programme through co-
ordinated efforts and focus all the activities that are carried out in other ISRO centres.

 The Gaganyaan Programme envisages undertaking the demonstration of human spaceflight to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in
the short-term and will lay the foundation for a sustained Indian human space exploration programme in the long run.

 The objective of Gaganyaan programme is to demonstrate indigenous capability to undertake human space flight mission
to LEO.

 The Human spaceflight programme has both tangible and intangible benefitsfor the nation, which includes:

 Progress towards a sustained and affordable human and robotic programme to explore the solar system and beyond.

 Advanced technology capability for undertaking human space exploration, sample return missions and scientific
exploration.

 Future potential to actively participate in global space station construction and conduct scientific research of national
significance.

 Create a comprehensive framework for broader Academia-Industry collaboration in undertaking national development
tasks.

 There is a lot of room for job creation and human resource development in advanced scientific and R&D activities.

 Unique opportunity to inspire and excite Indian youth and steer many students toward careers in science and technology
towards challenging jobs that encourage knowledge, innovation and creativity.

 The project will promote international alliances and global security by sharing difficult and peaceful aims. Having a strong
human spaceflight project may be used as a powerful foreign policy instrument.

139
Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1)

 The Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1) demonstrates the performance of the Crew Escape System of the
Gaganyaan project. The flight will be the first of two abort missions to test the safety mechanisms that will allow the
Gaganyaan crew to leave the spacecraft in an emergency.

 The test exercise saw the rocket rise to an altitude of almost 17 km before an abort signal was triggered, leading to the
separation of the crew module, which descended using a parachute for a splashdown in the Bay of Bengal.

 The test demonstrated a basic version of the crew module — the capsule in which the astronauts will be seated during
the Gaganyaan human space flight.

 The test checked the functioning of systems for separating the crew module from the rocket in case of a mid-flight
emergency (abort mission) and the escape of astronauts.

Conclusion:

 While the full-fledged test flight of the crew module into orbit and return will take place in 2024 on the human-rated LVM3
rocket (an improved version of the heavy lift GSLV Mk III rocket), ISRO will employ a low-cost basic rocket constructed
exclusively for system testing for the TV-D1 mission.

 This Test Vehicle will employ existing liquid propulsion technology, but will include innovations such as the throttleable
and restartable L110 Vikas engine (which serves as the primary second stage of the LVM3 rocket) that can manage fuel
utilisation.

140
How Viability Gap Funding Scheme aid in financial support to infrastructure projects? Give some recent examples.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 The Viability Gap Funding scheme is a Central Sector Scheme of the Government of India.

 The Scheme is administered by the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance and provides financial support in
the form of grants, one time or deferred, to economically desirable but commercially unviable infrastructure projects
undertaken through PPPs with a view to make them commercially viable.

 The revamped scheme includes higher VGF support of upto 60 per cent of the Total Project Cost (maximum up to 30 per
cent by the Central and State Governments each) for the social sectors i.e. Water Supply, Waste Water Treatment, Solid
Waste Management and Health, Education, and upto 80 per cent of the Total Project Cost (maximum up to 40 per cent by
the Central and State Governments each) for Pilot/Demonstration Projects in Health and Education sectors.

Recent Examples

 Scheme for Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for development of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for the development
of 4,000 MWh of BESS projects by 2030-31.

 Hydro-electricity Project

 Viability gap funding for sub-20 seater planes flying to unserved and under-served airports under the regional connectivity
scheme.

 Viability gap funding (VGF) to solar power developers under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM).

 Setting up Medical Colleges

141
How does the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) help in a seamless working platform for users of climate
information and services?

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 The National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) launched by India Meteorological Department (IMD), envisions to
bring a seamless working platform for users of climate information and services, and help decide and mitigate climate
risks for key sectors — agriculture, energy, disaster management, health and water.

 The Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) is a global partnership of governments and groups dedicated to the
development and improved use of climate information and services.

 The GFCS intends to bring together academics and consumers of climate information and services to make educated and
decisive decisions for long-term improvement.

 The announcement to establish a GFCS was announced in 2009 during the third World Climate Conference in Geneva. It
was headed by their respective National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS), and it involves active
participation of policymakers, planners, investors, and vulnerable populations or sectors.

 GFCS intends to generate high-quality data on temperature, rainfall, wind, soil moisture, ocean conditions, and other
critical weather factors from national and international databases.

 It will result in long-term historical averages of these parameters, maps, risk and vulnerability studies, assessments, and
long-term predictions and scenarios.

 The five major components under GFCS are:

1. Observations and Monitoring

2. Research

3. Modelling and Prediction

4. Climate Services Information System

5. User Interface Platform and Capacity Building

 At present, the priority sectors where the GFCS focuses upon are agriculture and food security, energy, health, water and
disaster risk reduction.

 The national framework will be based on country-specific weather and stakeholder needs. Unlike the GFCS, the nodal
agency for the formulation and implementation of the national framework in India will be the IMD.

 The NFCS will attempt to bridge operational gaps among the numerous entities that demand climate services. These
include hydrological, electricity, renewable energy, transportation, dams and irrigation, as well as health organisations at
the federal, state, and local levels.

142
How did the Green Revolution help India to achieve food security?

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about green revolution.

 Monkomb Sambasivan Swaminathan played a major role in the set of changes introduced in farming in the 1960s and
‘70s that helped India achieve food security.

 Swaminathan’s research carried him to educational institutions in Europe and the United States, and in 1954, he began
working on transferring genes for fertiliser response from Japonica kinds to Indica varieties at the Central Rice Research
Institute in Cuttack.

 It was the first attempt to develop high yielding varieties which can respond to good soil fertility and good water
management.

 Agriculture in India was not particularly productive. Years of colonial administration had a negative influence on its
growth, and the country lacked the means to upgrade the industry.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 Green Revolution involved the provision of high-yielding variety seeds, adequate irrigation facilities and fertilisers to
Indian farmers in regions of Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, which changed this dramatically.

 When India attained independence in 1947, we were producing around 6 million tonnes of wheat per year. Wheat output
has increased to almost 10 million tonnes per year by 1962. However, between 1964 and 1968, yearly wheat output
climbed from around 10 million tonnes to almost 17 million tonnes.

 The problem with the traditional wheat and rice varieties was that they were tall and slender. These ‘lodged’ – fell flat on
the ground — when they grew and their earheads were heavy with well-filled grains produced in response to high fertiliser
doses.

 Swaminathan’s research on rice, a reduction in plant height was sought to make them less lodging-prone.

 The developing semi-dwarf wheat varieties using mutagenesis — exposing plants to chemicals or radiation to introduce
desirable modifications in their DNA — did not, however, work: The lowering of plant heights led to a simultaneous
reduction in the size of the grain-bearing panicles.

 In his pursuit for the optimum variety, he contacted American scientist Orville Vogel. He was involved in the development
of Gaines, a ‘dwarf wheat’ with a high yield. It contains dwarfing genes from the Norin-10 dwarf wheat. Vogel concurred,
but was sceptical about the wheat’s prospects in the Indian environment.

143
What is Open market operations (OMO)? How are OMOs used to manage liquidity in the system?

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

 The RBI uses Open market operations (OMOs) in order to adjust the rupee liquidity conditions in the market on a durable
basis.

 When the Reserve Bank believes there is excess liquidity in the market, it sells government securities, drawing out rupee
liquidity.

 When the liquidity conditions are tight, the central bank buys securities from the market, thereby releasing liquidity into
the market.

 Open Market Operations are used as a tool to rein in inflation and money supply in the system. However, when liquidity
is sucked out, it can lead to a spike in bond yields as the RBI will release more government securities into the market and
bond buyers demand more interest rate on these securities.

 The RBI governor in the post-policy press conference emphasized the bank’s intent for “active liquidity management.” This
shows the RBI’s inclination towards tighter liquidity conditions in the future, influenced by both inflation risks and financial
stability concerns.

 According to Amnish Aggarwal, head of research at Prabhudas Lilladher Pvt Ltd., the RBI’s approach is clear: merely
keeping inflation below the upper band of the target range (at 6 per cent) is insufficient, a more proactive approach is
essential.

 The central bank wants to use liquidity management to achieve the target. Historically, the October-May period is
observed to have high cash withdrawals due to the festive and wedding seasons.

Conclusion:

 The RBI governor hinted that the RBI could opt for an OMO sales auction of government securities to mop up any build-
up of excess liquidity. The RBI has been conducting OMO sales in the secondary market over the past month, with net
sales amounting to Rs 6,200 crore in September.

 The yield on the benchmark 10-year government bonds shot up by 12 basis points to 7.34 per cent as the market
anticipates an OMO shortly, which is expected to tighten liquidity in the system.

144
What is the relationship between climate change and floods? Discuss the factors which cause deluge in a Mediterranean
region.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about floods and climate change.

 Climate change is inducing floods directly, with higher temperatures, there is more evaporation from land, oceans and
water bodies, which means a warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture.

 According to the experts, for every 1-degree Celsius rise in average temperature, the atmosphere can hold about 7 per
cent more moisture.

 It makes storms more dangerous as it leads to an increase in precipitation intensity, duration and/or frequency, which
ultimately can cause severe flooding.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Factors causing Deluge

 A recent study, published by the journal Nature, showed that since 2002, precipitation extremes have been closely
correlated with rising temperatures.

 According to the report by the Grist magazine, “Warmer air can suck moisture out of the soil, amplifying droughts. On the
flipside, warm air can also hold more moisture, meaning that it can transport more water into an already wet region”.

 Higher global temperatures have resulted in the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, leading to an increase in sea levels,
which puts coastal regions at higher risk of flooding. According to a 2022 report by NOAA Climate, the global mean sea
level has risen about 21–24 centimetres since 1880.

There are some other factors that affect flooding such as —

 Topography

 Weather patterns

 Blocking high pressure pattern

 Deforestation

 Inadequate maintenance of infrastructure

 Human encroachment into floodplains

Conclusion:

 Parts of central Greece, northern Turkey, southern Brazil, central and coastal Spain, southern China, Hong Kong, and the
southwestern United States were swamped by heavy rain. While a Mediterranean storm named Daniel caused flooding in
Libya, Greece, and Turkey, a cyclone devastated Brazil, and Typhoon Haikui produced flooding in Hong Kong and China.

145
What is Green Credit Programme? Discuss its objectives and how it will help in carbon emission reductions.

Introduction:

 The Green Credits Programme, launched by the Environment Ministry in October of this year, aims to create a market-
based incentive for a variety of environmental-friendly actions other than carbon emission reductions.

 The Government of India has launched ‘LiFE’-‘Lifestyle for Environment’-a grass-roots, mass movement for environmental
protection and conservation, as well as other environmental and climate gains, by enhancing environmental actions that
promote a healthy and sustainable way of life based on traditions and values of conservation and moderation, and for
sustainable and environmentally friendly development.

Body:

Objectives of Green Credit programme

 It will use a market-based mechanism to incentivise environmentally positive actions and generate green credit, which
will be tradable and available for trading on a domestic market platform.

 It shall encourage industries, companies, and other entities to meet their existing or other obligations under any law
currently in force, as well as encourage other individuals and entiHties to take voluntary environmental measures.

How it will help in carbon emission reductions?

 Sustainable building and infrastructure—to encourage the construction of environmentally friendly buildings and
infrastructure.

 Sustainable agriculture aims to advance regenerative and natural farming methods as well as land restoration to raise
crop yields, soil health, and food quality.

 Water management to encourage water harvesting, conservation, and efficiency in water use, including wastewater
treatment and reuse.

 Waste management aims to promote circularity, sustainable, and improved waste management practices, such as
collection, segregation, and environmentally sound management.

 Air pollution reduction, mangrove conservation and tree plantation.

Conclusion:

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched an initiative to generate Green Credits by planting trees on degraded wasteland.

 During a high-level event at the ongoing climate talks, or COP28, in Dubai, he stated that the Green Credits Initiative
outperforms carbon credits in terms of commercial viability.

 At COP28, PM Modi offered the concept to the international community, in the hope to create a market for green credits
at an international level, just like the one on carbon credits exists.

146
India will continue to rely on coal for foreseeable future. Discuss

Body:

 According to a recent report by Reuters, power demand in India is increasing. In 2022, the requirement grew about 8% —
or at nearly double the pace of the Asia Pacific region, around more than 149.7 terawatt-hours (TWh) in comparison to
the previous year.

 The primary reason for this increase is higher economic activity. (Industrial and commercial activity are among the biggest
consumers of energy in the country)

 According to the report, in recent years, homes have accounted for one-fourth of India’s power consumption, while
agriculture has accounted for more than a sixth.

 Furthermore, according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) latest World Energy Outlook, India will have the highest
growth in energy demand of any country or region in the world over the next 30 years.

 The staggering levels of power demand have turned India into a formidable challenge. As a result, it has increased its coal
production by double. According to the coal ministry, it increased by 14% from 778 million tonnes in 2021-22 to 893 million
tonnes in 2022-23.

 India has also set a target of 1.31 billion tonnes of coal production for 2024-25 and aims to increase it to 1.5 billion tons
by 2030.

 Coal is the only viable option for the country right now because of various reasons:

1. According to a recent report by Wood Mackenzie, a global research and consultancy group, only 22% of the total
energy produced in the country comes from renewable sources. According to the report, fossil fuels, primarily coal,
still provide 75% of India’s power supply.

2. Energy sources like solar and wind are variable as they rely on natural factors like sunlight, wind and water availability.

3. Numerous hydropower projects are under construction or in the planning stages in the Himalayan region, including
in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.

4. The country’s plans to generate energy through nuclear power plants have not taken off. During 2021-22, the plants
produced approximately 3.15% of India’s total electricity generated.

Conclusion:

 With coal use expected to be a key topic at the ongoing COP28 summit, India said it would continue to rely on coal for
electricity generation for the foreseeable future, even as it rapidly expanded its renewable energy sources.

 India aims to reach 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, about three times the current capacity of about 180
GW. However, given the constraints regarding renewable energy, it will continue to fall back on coal-generated electricity.

147
Over the last decade, India’s edible oil imports have increased nearly 1.5 times and more than doubled in rupee terms.
Discuss.

Body:

 Imports of vegetable oils (as opposed to petroleum fuels) reached a record 16.5 million tonnes (mt) in the fiscal year ended
October 2023, according to data from the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA).

 In the last ten years, India’s edible oil imports have increased from 11.6 million tonnes (valued at Rs 60,750 crore) in 2013-
14 to 16.5 million tonnes (Rs 138,424 crore) in 2022-23, with the increase being most pronounced in the last three years.

 In 2022-23, India’s edible oil production from domestically grown oilseeds and alternative sources such as cottonseed,
rice bran and maize/corn amounted to around 10.3 mt.

Data on India’s edible oil imports and production over time. Additionally, data on inflation in vegetable oils domestically and
globally.
 As with cotton, there have been spillover effects from increased rice and maize output in terms of byproducts. Oils
extracted from bran (the outer brown layer of rice after husking and before polishing/whitening) and germ (the inside
endosperm of maize grains separated during milling) have seen significant growth in production in the last decade or so.
Oil from domestically grown palm trees has also been used, albeit at a low level.

 Only mustard has kept its sheen among conventional oilseeds. Even though the amount of groundnut oil produced has
increased, about half of the kernels are now exported or used directly for table use. Crushing and oil extraction take up
very little of that remaining. It changes groundnut’s status from oilseed to more of a dry fruit.

 The other oils — coconut, sesame, sunflower and safflower — have all registered declines in domestic output.

 The 16.5 mt of edible oil imports in 2022-23 included palm (9.8 mt; from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand), soyabean (3.7
mt; from Argentina and Brazil) and sunflower (3 mt; from Russia, Ukraine and Argentina).

 Being highly dependent on imports has several negative effects, one of which is that producers and consumers are more
susceptible to changes in global prices. India’s edible oil inflation has largely followed the global inflation rate.

 The UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s vegetable oils price index (base period value: 2014-2016=100) soared from
98.7 points in August 2020 to an all-time-high of 251.8 points in March 2022, the month that followed Russia’s invasion of
Ukraine.

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Why did Mahatma Gandhi oppose caste-based separate electorates? What are the differences in the views of Mahatma
Gandhi and B.R Ambedkar?

Introduction:

 India has a system of caste-based reservations that reserves a certain number of seats for members of castes that have
historically faced social and economic discrimination.

 Reservations are applicable in a range of settings, such as higher education, government jobs, and even political office.

 There are a certain number of seats reserved for scheduled castes (SCs) and (STs) in all legislative bodies, including
Parliament.

 In the early 1930s, the issue of separate electorates for lower castes became a source of major debate between Dr
Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi.

Body:

Ambedkar’s views on caste

 Dr. Ambedkar took a more radical stance, rejecting the institution of caste itself. He saw contemporary upper caste Hindu
reformism as insufficient to undo millennia of discrimination. According to him, any revolt against the caste system would
be possible only after the oppressed rejected their condition and oppression as divinely ordained.

 Ambedkar’s political platform emphasised the attainment of political power by lower castes. Separate electorates were
proposed as a form of affirmative action to empower lower castes.

 Separate electorates with double vote – one for SCs to vote for an SC candidate and the other for SCs to vote for in the
general electorate

Mahatma Gandhi’s opposition to caste-based separate electorates

 He advocated for reforming the caste system by abolishing untouchability.

 Mahatma Gandhi maintained that lower castes ought to strive to rule “the kingdom of the whole world,” as opposed to
being confined to this pitiful portion of seats.

 Gandhi’s opposition also stemmed from the fear that separate electorates would “destroy Hinduism” by driving a wedge
within the community.

 Mahatma Gandhi took fast unto death in Yervada Jail against the British decision to create separate electorates based on
caste.

Conclusion:

 On the one hand, Ambedkar opposed Gandhi’s political alternative (reservations), believing that even with reserved seats,
upper castes would numerically outnumber lower castes, dampening the possibility of more radical social change by
determining which lower caste candidate to vote for. On the other hand, Gandhi was the nation’s most beloved political
leader, and if something happened to him, the fledgling Dalit movement could face serious consequences, including
upper caste violence against defenceless Dalits.

 Poona pact secured reservations for lower castes but put the question of separate electorates to bed.

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