Q. Cross-Border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to counter the challenges. (Answer in 250 words)15
Approach:
- Introduce the north east and border Area sensitivity.
- Mention the challenges further
- What are the steps taken by the government.
- Steps to counter these challenges.
Model Answer:
In Indian case borders are quite complex and almost every type of extreme geography is present at different borders viz. deserts, fertile lands, swampy marshes or tropical evergreen jungles. It has 14818 kilometers of land borders and a coast line of 7516.6 kilometers.
All states except Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Telangana, Delhi and Haryana have an international border or a coast line. 92 of India’s 593 districts are border districts in 17 states.
India’s boundary with Pakistan (3323 km), China (3488 km), Nepal (1751 km), Bhutan (699 km), Myanmar (1643 km), and Bangladesh (4096.7 km).
Border management becomes more important for the fact that India is like island of democracy between seas of anarchical or instable states. Probably, no other neighbouring country has experienced uninterrupted democratic regime for more than 15 years.
Additionally, in some countries there is cultural radicalism which is targeted on India, and terrorists and mafia groups are patronized by some of India’s neighbouring states.
There is cross border smuggling problem of drugs, cattle, humans, artifacts, fake currency note etc. Unfortunately, in this scenario our border forces appear to be severely undermanned and under-equipped which is taking heavy toll on economic, social and political stability of our country.
The location of the Indo-Myanmar boundary throws up many challenges for the effective management of the boundary. Though the boundary is properly demarcated, there are a few pockets that are disputed. The rugged terrain makes movement and the overall development of the area difficult.
The internal dynamics of the region in terms of the clan loyalties of the tribal people, inter-tribal clashes, insurgency, and transborder ethnic ties also adversely affect the security of the border areas.
There is practically no physical barrier along the border either in the form of fences or border outposts and roads to ensure strict vigil. Insurgents make use of the poorly guarded border and flee across when pursued by Indian security forces.
Close ethnic ties among the tribes such as Nagas, Kukis, Chin, etc., who live astride the border help these insurgents in finding safe haven in Myanmar. These cross-border ethnic ties have facilitated in creation of safe havens for various northeast insurgent groups in Myanmar.
Various other challenges emanating from Indo-Myanmar border:
- Illegal migration: Myanmar shares a border of 1643 km and the turbulent socio-economic conditions here result in influx of illegal migrants into India. They are perceived by the locals as a threat to their demographic composition. Eg persecution of Rohingyas is driving them into India.
- Smuggling: Being a part of the infamous golden triangle, Myanmar poses threat of drug smuggling into India. Also smuggling of weapons, cattle, fake Indian currency poses a grave threat.
- Trafficking: Vulnerable women from across the border are being trafficked into India.
- Terrorism: Though major threat from international terrorism emanates from Pakistan, terrorists use Myanmar border to get into India as the security set up Indo-Pak doesn’t allow them to infiltrate.
- Misuse of FMR: Due to tribal affiliations among NE and Myanmar people, we have an agreement of Free Movement Regime, where a temporary visa free travel is allowed on both sides. This agreement is being misused by illegal elements.
Steps to counter:
- Border security infrastructure can be strengthened along with deploying more personnel along sensitive spots
- Robust intelligence sharing and cooperation with Myanmar government should be set up
- Engage Myanmar through diplomatic channels to bring a solution to the refugee crisis
- For long term solutions, India should partner with Myanmar to bring in economic development there. Development of Myanmar would also mean long lasting peace on Indian border.
Myanmar is an important country for India’s Act East Policy. Engaging productively with the neighbor is the most viable solution for not only security problems, but socio-economic issues too are intertwined with it.
Q. Indian Government has recently strengthened the anti-terrorism laws by amending the unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA act. Analyze the changes in the context of prevailing security environment while discussing the scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organizations.(Answer in 250 words)15
Approach:
- Introduce UAPA in brief
- Mention the changes that has been added
- Give the reason why human rights organizations are opposing
- Give a balanced conclusion with way forward
Model Answer:
Who is a “terrorist” in the UAPA Bill?
- The words “terror” or “terrorist” are not defined in the UAPA Bill.
- Section 15 of the UAPA defines a “terrorist act” as any act committed with intent to threaten or likely to threaten the unity, integrity, security, economic security, or sovereignty of India or with intent to strike terror or likely to strike terror in the people or any section of the people in India or in any foreign country.
- The original Act dealt with “unlawful” acts related to secession; anti-terror provisions were introduced in 2004.
Designating a terrorist
- The Bill seeks to empower the central government to designate an individual a “terrorist” if they are found committing, preparing for, promoting, or involved in an act of terror.
- A similar provision already exists in Part 4 and 6 of the legislation for organisations that can be designated as a “terrorist organisation”.
How individuals are declared terrorists?
- The central government may designate an individual as a terrorist through a notification in the official gazette, and add his name to the schedule supplemented to the UAPA Bill.
- The government is not required to give an individual an opportunity to be heard before such a designation.
- At present, in line with the legal presumption of an individual being innocent until proven guilty, an individual who is convicted in a terror case is legally referred to as a terrorist.
- While those suspected of being involved in terrorist activities are referred to as terror accused.
- The new Bill does not clarify the standard of proof required to establish that an individual is involved or is likely to be involved in terrorist activities.
What are the other major changes proposed in the UAPA Bill?
The existing UAPA law requires an investigating officer to take prior permission of the Director General of Police of a state for conducting raids, and seizing properties that are suspected to be linked to terrorist activities.
The amendment Bill, however, removes this requirement if the investigation is conducted by an officer of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The investigating officer, under the Bill, only requires sanction from the Director General of NIA.
Central agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are required to obtain prior permission from the state government since law and order is a state subject under the Constitution.
The existing UAPA law specifies that only officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent or Assistant Commissioner of Police of the NIA shall have the power to investigate offences under the UAPA law.
The Bill seeks to allow NIA officers of Inspector rank to carry out investigations.
In its pursuance of ‘zero tolerance’ towards terrorism and any threats to national security, the government tabled major amendments in the legislature to our anti-terror laws. While the need to be vigilant is being felt across all sections, certain amended provisions are also criticized for being in contravention to individual liberties.
The security scenario that warranted these changes:
- The number of terror acts is on the rise in India. Pathankot and Pulwama attacks alarmed us by pointing towards our vulnerabilities.
- Number of individuals being identified as members of terror cells has increased.
- Fast changing global scenario with strengthening of extremist groupings such as ISIS, Indian Mujahideen, Taliban sponsored outfits etc in the middle-east, Pakistan, and Afghanistan will have repercussions in India.
- Separatist activities have also witnessed raise in Kashmir since Burhanwani’s encounter.
Scope of UAPA and NIA Act in handling these challenges:
- It contains special procedures to deal with terrorist activities, individuals and groups that foster terror activities.
- Special provisions are added to deal with individuals, not just groups. This is to nullify the effect of groups forming again with a different name after being banned.
- With powers given to NIA to seize and attach property of accused, it cuts down on financial lifelines to illegal individuals or groups.
- Allowed an officer of rank of inspector of NIA to investigate cases instead of earler provision where DSP rank officer can only do. This removes manpower constraint to some extent in dealing with terror cases.
Concerns raised by human rights activists:
- The provision that allows government to designate any individual a terrorist is the most contentious of all. It is argued that this provision could be misused for political vendetta.
- There are no procedures laid down on how to further with persecution process of such designated individual. Yet, the act of designating itself damages the reputation of individual and goes against right to reputation under article21.
- This can deter any individual from criticizing the government even in a constructive manner. Thus running counter to freedoms under article 19.
- NIA is allowed to go to any state and conduct investigation without the permission of the state government. This goes against the federal principle.
While our constitution has subordinated individual rights to national security concerns, care must also be taken that tools to strengthen security do not become restraints to our democratic principles. Such acts must be passed after due deliberation from all stakeholders with clear cut definitions and well established procedures in order to prevent any misuse of its provisions.
Q. Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will help disaster mitigation in the case of landslides. (Answer in 250 words)15
Approach:
- Introduce with what is disaster preparedness and hazard zonation mapping
- Then explain how it will help in mitigation of landslides
Mention its drawbacks in brief and suggestions with way forward.
Model Answer:
A disaster is any event, natural or man-caused, which creates an intense negative impact on people, goods and services, and/or the environment, and exceeds the affected community’s internal capability to respond, prompting the need to seek outside assistance.
- Preparedness:
During the preparedness phase of the Comprehensive Disaster Management cycle measures are taken to reduce the minimum level possible, of loss in human life and other damage, through the organization of prompt and efficient actions of response and rehabilitation such as practicing earthquake and fire drills.
Preparedness activities are geared towards minimizing disaster damage, enhancing disaster response operations and preparing organizations and individuals to respond. They also involve planning, organizing, training, interaction with other organizations and related agencies, resource inventory, allocation and placement, and plan testing.
A landslide occurs when part of a natural slope is unable to support its own weight.
For example, soil material on a slope with slippery surface underneath, can become heavy with rainwater and slide down due to its increased weight.
A landslide is a downward or outward movement of soil, rock or vegetation, under the influence of gravity.
This movement can occur in many ways. It can be a fall, topple, slide, spread or flow.
The speed of the movement may range from very slow to rapid. The mass of moving material can destroy property along its path of movement and cause death to people and livestock.
Although landslides usually occur at steep slopes, they may also occur in areas with low relief or slope gradient.
Landslides Hazard Zones
Landslide hazard zonation maps were prepared for selected pilgrim routes in the country. These zones are delineated based on geological, topological and anthropogenic factors.
These factors include lithology, soil, slope, drainage, lineament, landuse, etc.
At present these maps are available for pilgrim routes in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Meghalaya. n addition, event-based and seasonal landslide inventory is also carried out.
The information on landslide inventory and hazard zones help the decision makers for better planning in these areas
USES OF LANDSLIDE HAZARD ZONATION
The LHZ maps have multi uses, some of which are listed below.
- The LHZ maps identify and delineate unstable hazard-prone areas, so that environmental regeneration programmes can be initiated adopting suitable mitigation measures.
- These maps help planners to choose favorable locations for sitting development schemes such as townships, dams, roads and other developments.
- General purpose master plans and landuse plans.
- Discouraging new development in hazard prone areas.
- Choice of optimum activity pattern based on risk zones.
- Quick decision making in rescue and relief operations.
The ultimate goal of landslide hazard mapping studies is to protect the population, the economy and the environment against potential damage caused by landslides.
Q. Define the concept of carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for sustainable development of a region. (Answer in 250 words)15
Approach:
- Introduce with the carrying capacity of ecosystem
- Mention in brief about sustainable development
- Then elaborate how carrying capacity is important for this sustainable development.
- Suggest what need to be done in brief
Model answer:
Carrying capacity is the maximum population size that an ecosystem can sustainably support without degrading th ecosystem. Deaths increase when a population exceeds its carrying capacity. Disease, competition, predator-prey interaction, resource use and the number of populations in an ecosystem all affect carrying capacity.
Understanding this concept is vital for sustainable development.
- Could alert people and authorities of emerging crisis.
If the carrying capacity of a region is reaching its limit, then it’s a sign that grave environmental issues could follow as a consequence. Thus including carrying capacity concept in planning can reduce stress to environment
- Could spur up efforts in reducing environmental degradation.
- Development in an area keeping in mind its carrying capacity reduces risk of adverse weather conditions .Which in turn reduces risk of natural disasters like floods, droughts..
4) Food security- today we have more population that our food resources human feed adequately..we have already passed our carrying capacity, but if it continue further, we are in a danger of widespread food shortage.
What needs to be done.
1)Urban planning should include a study on carrying capacity of the city and adjoining region..
2)Awareness creation among people to reduce wastage(to avert crisis due to carrying capacity)
3) protection of natural forests (which have high carrying capacity)
Q. How can biotechnology help to improve the living standards of farmers? (Answer in 250 words)15
Approach:
It’s a direct question, hence, introducing biotechnology and its role, narrow down its importance in improving the living standards of farmers.
Model Answer:
Biotechnology has proved to be a vital clog in development of our agricultural sector with its widespread applications. Various solutions have been created through biotechnology to improve profits from agriculture and improve living standards of farmers.
What is biotechnology?
At its simplest, biotechnology is technology based on biology – biotechnology harnesses cellular and biomolecular processes to develop technologies and products that help improve our lives and the health of our planet. We have used the biological processes of microorganisms for more than 6,000 years to make useful food products, such as bread and cheese, and to preserve dairy products.
Role of biotechnology in improving living conditions of farmers
- Increasing farm output
New crops developed using biotechnology have the capacity to produce more output per area compared to conventional species. This means that more production from small land and subsequent increase in profits.
Ex: Green revolution in India. - Reducing pest menace
Pests are major threat to farm economy than other sources. To eliminate major threats to crops, scientists have come up with innovative methods using biotechnology to help in elimination of pests.
Ex: Development of sterile pests that poses less threat to crops. - Discovery of new varieties
New variety of species always have more demands in comparison to existing ones. By biotechnology new species are created that can create more profits for farmers.
Ex: New varieties of Basmati rice fetch more prices. - Climate resilient crops
Sometimes it is necessary to develop crops that can sustain in adverse climatic conditions. This will enable farmer to save himself from losses that occur due to crop losses.
Ex: Water resistant paddy can tackle incessant rains. - Nutritional capacity enhancement
Crops can be developed that are nutritionally fortified. This will ensure that micronutrients can reach all the consumers and benefits their health. These crops are created with the help of biotechnology.
Ex: Golden rice.
Way forward
Biotechnology has to be better integrated in modern farming especially in areas where growing specific type of crop becomes necessary.
Thus, we can conclude that biotechnology has indeed helped in improving lives of farmers upto a certain extent but to be universally acceptable, still a long distance has to be covered.
Biotech is helping to heal the world by harnessing nature’s own toolbox and using our own genetic makeup to heal and guide lines of research by:
- Reducing rates of infectious disease;
- Saving millions of children’s lives;
- Changing the odds of serious, life-threatening conditions affecting millions around the world;
- Tailoring treatments to individuals to minimize health risks and side effects;
- Creating more precise tools for disease detection; and
- Combating serious illnesses and everyday threats confronting the developing world.
Q. How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (Answer in 250 words)15
Approach
Introduce with what is traditional medicine.
Steps taken by the government to protect traditional knowledge
Issues with the steps taken and suggest way forward.
Model Answer:
- India wants the World Trade Organization (WTO) to address issues related to exploitation of traditional knowledge, food security and access to affordable medicine going ahead.
In its reforms proposal, that it plans to submit to the organisation, India has also sought amendment of laws on unilateral action by members on trade issues and resolution of the WTO’s dispute settlement system that is rendered unproductive with the US blocking the appointment of judges for more than two years.
- India has been trying to revive talks to strengthen global norms to protect traditional knowledge from reckless patenting by corporates through commercial exploitation of natural products by obtaining patents without fairly compensating the communities from which these originate.
- The proposal has been formulated in the wake of various proposals made by Canada, EU, China, African group and the USEU-Japan trilateral to reform the multilateral trade body.
- Focused on strengthening the multilateral trading system and safeguarding development concerns, India has also sought the WTO’s attention to address asymmetry in its agreements.
- The proposal assumes significance in the light of the US not only unilaterally crippling the dispute settlement mechanism but also accusing emerging economies including
- India and China of eating into the development rights of poorer nations, and insisting on penalising countries if they introduce or increase subsidies for domestic industry without reporting to the organisation.
More than what we say in the paper, it is important to build collations because there are only a handful of countries who are talking of reforms.
Q. Elaborate the policy taken by the Government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector. (Answer in 250 words)15
Approach: This is a direct question, have to introduce with food processing sector in India and then detail it with challenges and then the steps taken by the government.
Model Answer:
- The food sector is a key part of a larger picture. World leaders gathered at the UN this week to review progress on the SDGs and the Paris agreement.
- They must keep in mind one crucial fact: the world’s people are demanding change.
- Most countries have the know-how and wealth to achieve a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable world.
- The food processing industry in India is increasingly seen as a potential source for driving the rural economy as it brings about synergy between the consumer, industry and the farmer.
Failing on many fronts
- While many companies purport to pursue sustainable development, too few report on the healthfulness of their product.
- Too few recognize that they are part of the environmental crisis, either directly in their own production, or as buyers of products produced in environmental hotspots such as the Amazon or Indonesia.
- In short, the food industry’s commitment to sustainability is still too often more high-minded sentiment than actual reporting and monitoring to ensure alignment with the global goals.
Steps taken by the government
1) XI Five Year Plan: Govt. recognized the potential of this sector and launched Mega Food Park. It also adopted various measures such as modernization of Abattoir (Slaughter houses), modernization of meat shops, upgradation of street food, effective implementation of Food Safety and Standards Act 2006,
2) Mega Food park-cluster based approach to leverage the economies of scale and better forward and backward linkages.
3) XII Five Year Plan: There was significant shift in govt. policy towards this industry in XII FYP, as it allocation to the tune of 4-times as compared to XI FYP, with an outlay of Rs. 15000 crore.
4) SAMPADA Jana-integraring the approaches and policy for a robust development of this industry.
5) 100 percent FDI under automatic route to this sector.
6) MUDRA yojana- financing small food processing industry like flour mills, packaging industry.
Hence a multi sectoral approach has been adopted..,
However we still have a long way to go Compared to our immediate neighbor china we are far behind. we need to focus on the quality of our food products so as to make them truly competitive and reap the dividends.
Q. What are the reformative steps taken by the Government to make food grain distribution system more effective? (Answer in 250 words)15
Approach: This is a direct question, introduce it with food grain system in India and then the challenges faced by it.
Mention the steps taken by the government to make the food grain system more effective.
Conclude it with proper way forward.
Model Answer:
Objectives
During September 2013, Parliament passed the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013. The NFSA seeks to make the right to food a legal entitlement by providing subsidised food grains to nearly two-thirds of the population.
The Act relies on the existing Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) mechanism to deliver these entitlements. This note describes the functioning of the existing TPDS mechanism and the role played by the centre and states.
It also explores challenges in the effective implementation of TPDS and alternatives to reform the existing machinery.
Back end process
The existing TPDS operates through a multi-level process in which the centre and states share responsibilities.
The centre is responsible for procuring or buying food grains, such as wheat and rice, from farmers at a minimum support price. It also allocates the grains to each state on the basis of a formula.
Within the total number of poor in each state, state governments are responsible for identifying eligible households.
The centre transports the grains to the central depots in each state. After that, each state government is responsible for delivering the allocated food grains from these depots to each ration shop. The ration shop is the end point at which beneficiaries buy their food grains entitlement.
Challenges
Analyses of TPDS have revealed several gaps in implementation. These challenges pertain to the inaccurate identification of households and a leaking delivery system.
Expert studies have shown that PDS suffers from nearly 61% error of exclusion and 25% inclusion of beneficiaries, i.e. the misclassification of the poor as non-poor and vice versa. Another challenge is the leakage of food grains during transportation to the ration shop and from the ration shop itself into the open market.
Steps taken by the government to make PDS efficient
- Linking with Aadhaar card
Making Aadhaar card mandatory for PDS has allowed government to keep a watch on the transaction taking place in PDS. With centralised Aadhaar based service in place, the government aims to reduce fake beneficiaries in the scheme. - Biometric system integration
The problem of dummy individuals collecting ration on behalf of beneficiaries is rampant. In order to eliminate this practice the government introduced biometric authentication for PDS. This system ensured that the actual beneficiaries receive the ration instead of middle men. - Portable ration card
The portable ration card scheme is a work in progress under One Nation One Ration Card.Under this initiative, beneficiaries can avail their share of ration in any part of the country and from any authorised distributor. This aims to remove the problems faced by poor migrant workers. - Home delivery system
This initiative has been tried in some states with fair amount of success. The door to door delivery ensures that citizens do not have to waste their fruitful time in waiting at the ration shop.
Way forward
The initiatives are in the right direction but some things need redressal. Steps needs to be taken to ensure that beneficiaries are not denied ration if their details do not match.
Ex: Jharkhand tribal girl, who died due to hunger, as ration was denied to her for mismatch of biometric data.
Thus, we need to make better implementation of plans that works in favour of citizens. If PDS system turns efficient, then it will be one of the best achievement of our government in recent times.
Q. The public expenditure management is a challenge to the Government of India in context of budget making during the post liberalization period. Clarify it. (Answer in 250 words)15
Approach:
Introduce with public expenditure in India.
Detail on the challenges in the context of budgeting takin it to the post liberalization and relating it to now.
Brief about the government policies and initiatives.
Conclude it with way forward.
Model Answer:
Public Expenditure Issues in India It is convenient to group the public expenditure issues into one of the five categories that relate to five important aspects of the topic at hand:
First, the macroeconomic questions relating to public expenditures and their sustainability; the issues here are often empirical and even the questions (certainly the answers) can vary from time to time.
The second set of issues has to do with the normative questions that often cross the boundaries of economics; these have to do with the appropriate size of the public expenditures, or, by implication, the role of the government.
The third set of issues relates to the priorities in public expenditure on different services or different groups of people. This obviously connects with the distributional issues.
The fourth set of issues involves the form of public expenditure. Given the priorities in terms of target groups or services, the production/provision of the relevant service can normally be made in different ways with different combinations of inputs; how, why, and which combinations are chosen would obviously be an important set of questions.
The fifth and final set of considerations relates to the mechanics of public expenditure control and the political economy questions. Institutional setup is an important ingredient in the determination of public expenditure; how exactly it works in a particular context forms the subject matter of a number of erudite enquiries across the world.
Public expenditure management is prudent management if govt expenditure so as to keep fiscal deficit in check.
However it has been a challenge for India to rationally manage the expenditure after 1991 reforms.
1) The fiscal deficit of India had touched unmanageable level at 8.4 per cent of GDP in 1991 and it was panned to bring it down to 4.5 per cent by 1996. Indian government was able to contain the fiscal deficit to the stipulated level in 1996. But after this, once again there was a divergence between the receipts and expenditure and fiscal deficit continuously increased
2) Global Uncertainty- of the kind witnessed in 2008(sub prime crisis) compelled govt to pump more money, overlooking fiscal considerations..
3) there is uncertainty in tax collection estimates- ex GST collection for previous fiscal was much lower than expected.Making expenditure management a difficult task
4) Populism- the 2009election was a classic example.When ruling party won election in promise of subsidies and farm loan waivers.All these was not accounted in the interim budget, leading to fiscal uncertainty.
5) Crude oil and externalities-such as monsoon determines to a large extent the course of Indian economy, making public management a difficult task.
6) Unchecked subsidies especially in agriculture and fertilizer sector, drag govt resources and makes management difficult task.
Thus prudent management, by rationalizing subsidies, sticking to a fiscal path, and strategic divestment , as suggested by the expenditure management commission(Bimal Japan committee) can go a long way in reforming public expenditure management.
Q. What is CyberDome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet crimes in India.(Answer in 150 words) 10
Approach:
Model Answer:
About Cyberdome
- Cyberdome is a technological research and development centre of Kerala Police Department, conceived as a cyber centre of excellence in cybersecurity, as well as technology augmentation for effective policing.
- It envisages as a high tech public-private partnership centre of collaboration for different stakeholders in the domain of cybersecurity and handling of cyber crimes in a proactive manner.
- The IT industry will contribute in terms of expertise, manpower, hardware, software, training, etc on a pro-bono basis.
- It is a motley crew of ethical hackers, expert coders, youth prodigies skilled in software, law enforcers and civilian volunteers who huddle behind flickering computer terminals at the office, with most of them offering their services for free.
- They are State law enforcement’s first line of defence against a range of online threats.
Objectives and aims
- The primary objective of Cyberdome is to prevent cyber crimes and ensure that our cyber resources are secured.
- It is to prevent cybercrimes through developing a cyber threat resilient ecosystem in the state to defend against the growing threat of cyber attacks by synergizing with other departments and nodal agencies of the state.
- Cyberdome makes collective coordination among the Government departments and agencies, academia, research groups, non-profitable organizations, individual experts from the community, ethical hackers, private organizations, and other law enforcement agencies in the country with the aim of providing a safe and secure cyber world for each and every citizen in the state.
- This centre is envisaged to perform following activities
- Internet Monitoring
- Virtual Policing
- Social Media in Virtual Policing
- Automated threat intelligence in near real-time
- Cyber Forensics
- Virtual Courts
- Tracking System for Protecting Children
- Criminal Apprehension Software
- Safe Surfing online Web Application
- Child ID Application
- Image Analysis Software
- Online Network Investigation Application
- Access Blocking Application
- Stolen Vehicle Database
- Cyber Security Awareness, etc
- The Cyber Dome will have a research division with the following areas of research, development and analysis
- New avenues of cyber forensic including those using mobile technology
- New methods in approaching cyber crimes and other crimes using IT
- Increasing efficiency of Police Department using IT infrastructure
- Neural analysis
Q. Vulnerability is an essential element for defining disaster impacts and its threat to people. How and in what ways can vulnerability to disasters be characterized? Discuss different types of vulnerability with reference to disasters.
Approach:
Introduce with disaster vulnerability.
Next mention the impact and then its various threats.
How it can be characterised in brief and the proper measures to be taken. Conclude it with your suggestions.
Model Answer
Vulnerability is formally defined as “the characteristics of a person or group and their situation that influences their capacity to anticipate, cope with, resist, and recover from the impact of a natural hazard.” Implicit here is “differential vulnerability”; that is, different populations face different levels of risk and vulnerability.
Increasing disaster threats not only reflect the onset of events such as earthquakes or floods, but also the changing demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the population.
The “vulnerability” perspective in disasters, which is rapidly emerging as a dominant view in the field, assumes that a real disaster occurs when it strikes an underprivileged population.
Disaster risks in India are compounded by increasing vulnerabilities related to changing demographics and socio-economic conditions, unplanned urbanization, development within high-risk zones, environmental degradation, climate change, geological hazards, epidemics and pandemics.
Different type of vulnerabilities
- More than 58.6 per cent of the landmass is prone to earthquakes of moderate to very high intensity
- Over 40 million hectares (12%) of its land is prone to floods and river erosion.
- Close to 5,700 kms, out of the 7,516 kms long coastline is prone to cyclones and tsunamis.
- 68% of its cultivable area is vulnerable to droughts.
- Hilly areas are at risk from landslides and avalanches.
India is also vulnerable to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) emergencies and other man-made disasters.
Q. The banning of ‘Jammat-e-Islami’ in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize influence of OGWs.
Approach:
This question has various sections to be answered. Ans hence each question must be answered with proper weightage.
Introduce answer with Jammat-e-islami in Jammu and Kashmir and the role of OGWs.
Role of OGWs in assisting terrorists organizations.
Suggest with way forward and conclude.
Model Answer:
Over-ground workers acts as spinal cord for terrorist organizations as are able to function and carry out actions against the state with the help of these individuals known as OGWs, they provide them with necessary over ground support.
ROLES PLAYED BY OGWs
- POLITICAL SUPPORT
They collect enough support through local elections and mobilize resource and officials to help terrorists and insurgent organisations.
- SOCIAL SUPPORT
They collect masses support for implementing their work, masses are brain washed and mobilised for terror support
- FINANCIAL SUPPORT
They provide monetary support to terror organisations for executing their intentions.
- INTERNAL DETAILS
OGWs provides insurgent groups and terrorist organisations with internal security details and strength of different security agencies.
- HIDE OUTS
OGWs provides hide out and escape routes, as they are well aware of local geography, etc.
Measures to neutralize influence of OGWs
- FUNDING
Government need to control and restrict funding sources for these OGWs specially from foreign lands.
- CONTROL SOCIAL INETRACTION
Security agencies and government should control their social interactions including digital interactions, especially with local youth and political parties, to control influence.
- ACADEMIC CLEANSING
It is necessary to create a academic system of universities and colleges devoid of such radical ideologies. If the influence of PGWs is reduced among academician, there are great chances of dying down of the movement in the future.
Q. It is argued that the strategy of inclusive growth is intended to meet the objectives of inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment on this statement.
Approach:
Introduce with inclusive growth in brief.
Detail in the objectives of inclusive growth and sustainability and the steps taken by the government towards this.
Model Answer:
Inclusive growth is a concept in development dynamics, that seek to achieve economic, social, political as well as environmental development of all.
Inclusive growth refers both to the pace and pattern of growth, which is considered interlinked, and therefore in need to be addressed together.
It focus not only on high economic growth, but also a growth in social indicators ( low level if inequality, health and educational outcomes), This it seeks to achieve without jeopardizing environmental concerns.
The inclusive growth approach takes a longer-term perspective as the focus is on productive employment rather than on direct income redistribution, as a means of increasing incomes for excluded groups.
Policies for inclusive growth are an important component of most government strategies for sustainable growth.
Strategy of inclusive growth bridges the gap between inclusiveness and environment consideration.
- ENERGY: availability of cheap affordable and clean energy for poorest and poor (ex-Ujjwal yojana), provides energy security to lowest strata of society ensures inclusiveness and sustainable development
- UNLIFMENT OF SARVODAYA– inclusive growth imbibes this spirit of Mahatma Gandhi upliftment of poorest of poor could mean protection of tribal and their way of life. This, type of inclusive growth indeed helps in environmental protection as tribal live in harmony with nature
- Inclusive growth addresses the structural and fundamental problem in society and economy. EX- current strategy to empower women, empowering lowest with easy redistribution of resources. These, strategies build strong foundation which are more sustainable for long term transformations.