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Author: Explains

  • 20 Oct 2016 | GS2 | The government is promoting Make in India, and companies like Netflix are looking to invest in India. In such a situation exposing artists to regressive, archaic laws is short-sighted. Comment in the light of the recent censor board controversy.

    GS2 (Polity and Governance)

    The government is promoting Make in India, and companies like Netflix are looking to invest in India. In such a situation exposing artists to regressive, archaic laws is short-sighted. Comment in the light of the recent censor board controversy.

  • 20 Oct 2016 | GS1 | What do you understand by hydro fluorocarbons? Why are they considered harmful? Do you think the recent agreement in Kigali will help curb the menace of this gas? What challenges will India face in implementing the provisions of Kigali Accord?

    GS1 (Changes in critical geographical features (including waterbodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes)

    What do you understand by hydro fluorocarbons? Why are they considered harmful? Do you think the recent agreement in Kigali will help curb the menace of this gas? What challenges will India face in implementing the provisions of Kigali Accord?

  • 19 Oct 2016 | GS4 | You are the president of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The WFI is planning to convene a selection panel shortly under your chairmanship for selection of the best athlete/wrestler to represent India in the upcoming Rio 2016 Olympics in 74kg freestyle wrestling championship. A few days before the final selection, you get a call from the Personal Secretary (PS) of a senior government minister seeking your intervention in favour of the selection of a close relative of the minister for this particular category. There are only two contenders for this category.

    GS4 (Case Study)

    You are the president of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The WFI is planning to convene a selection panel shortly under your chairmanship for selection of the best athlete/wrestler to represent India in the upcoming Rio 2016 Olympics in 74kg freestyle wrestling championship. A few days before the final selection, you get a call from the Personal Secretary (PS) of a senior government minister seeking your intervention in favour of the selection of a close relative of the minister for this particular category. There are only two contenders for this category.

    The first contender is the only Indian to win two individual Olympic medals. He has been also awarded with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna – India’s highest honour for sportspersons. Whereas the second contender (relative of the minister) belongs to the constituency of the minister and has only won championships at State levels. The PS also informs you that he is aware of the long pending and urgent proposals of your federation for grant of funds for modernization, which are awaiting the minister’s approval. He assures you that he would get these proposals cleared. 

    (a) What are the options available to you?

    (b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.

    GS4 question powered by mitrasias.com

    Best answer

    Aman Chauhan wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4.5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    The given case highlights the dilemma of a selector to secure funds needed for modernisation and future of sports in the country and at same time select the best possible representative for olympics to bring our country a good name and repute.
    I have following choices –
    Option 1-Heed to ministers demand (select his relative )
    Pros
    -brownie points in front of the minister
    -funds will be easily cleared for
    Cons
    -shows non accountability and erosion of integrity on my part
    -promotes nepotism
    -takes away a brighter prospect or medal contender

    Option 2-deny the minister of a biased selection
    Pros
    -strengthens the value of courage in me and sets a precedent
    -fosters trust of athletes in the selection process
    Cons
    -might hamper disbursal of much needed funds
    -may even lead to interference from other politicians thereby increasing pressure
    -might even affect my position in the federation in future

    Option 3-Give a fair trial to both to select best talent possible (unbiased selection)
    Pros
    -will give a fair trial to only 2 contenders for the category (justice to both)
    -selection of best talent which is good for the nation
    -a clear justification to the minister and others about ability and credibility as criteria of selection process irrespective of loss or win for his relative
    -won’t hamper the fund disbursal as the relative of minister was given an equal chance (securing much needed funds for future of sports )

    I will choose the option 3 and go with a fair trial because only 2 contenders are there and best talent should represent the nation . Yes,one is Arjuna award winner and other a state champion .But ,sometimes medals don’t tell the real story and may lead us to overlook vast talent pool in our society .
    A fair trial to both will garner legitimacy in eyes of all athletes and the media and will fulfil my duty to let the best go through to represent the nation.

  • 19 Oct 2016 | GS3 | The successful testing of Reusable Launch Vehicle by ISRO is a great achievement for the Indian space sector. What is a Reusable Launch Vehicle? What is the significance of RLV for India’s space sector?

    GS3 (Science and Technology)

    The successful testing of Reusable Launch Vehicle by ISRO is a great achievement for the Indian space sector. What is a Reusable Launch Vehicle? What is the significance of RLV for India’s space sector?

  • 19 Oct 2016 | GS2 | WHO has reported that India has the highest number of TB patients across the globe. Examine if India has failed to provide minimal health care to its citizens.

    GS2 (Polity and Governance)

    WHO has reported that India has the highest number of TB patients across the globe. Examine if India has failed to provide minimal health care to its citizens.

    Best answer

    Ayushi wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 5/10 (the best answer is an image, and it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see it). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

  • 19 Oct 2016 | GS1 | What are the reasons for increasing demand of reservation by middle castes such as Jats, Kapus, Marathas and Patidars? In this context, discuss problems with Indian reservation policy and analyse if India needs to review its reservation policy?

    GS1 (Indian society)

    What are the reasons for increasing demand of reservation by middle castes such as Jats, Kapus, Marathas and Patidars? In this context, discuss problems with Indian reservation policy and analyse if India needs to review its reservation policy?

    Best answer

    Kunal Aggarwal wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4.5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    We have increasingly seen demand of reservation by middle castes. Jats agitation in Haryana, Patidars in Gujarat, Kaputs in AP, Marathas recently in Maharashtra are demanding reservation for their communities.

    The demand for reservation has increased because:
    – Lack of employment opportunities in private sector
    – Less growth of agriculture and rural economy in recent years couples with droughts
    – Increasing pressure on educational institutions and limited seats expansion

    Reservation in India was given to socially deprived communities who were mistreated by majority for years before Independence. This was proposed to bring them on equal footing with other communities. Initially proposed for 10 years, reservation has continued for decades of Independence.

    Problems with existing policy:
    – It is being used by well-off with in deprived communities
    – Politicisation for electoral gains
    – Economically deprived people are not considered for reservation

    India needs to review its policy. Reservation should be a temporary measure to improve the situation and should not be a permanent solution to discrimination.
    – Phase out should be planned starting from the economically well-off (as in case of creamy layer OBCs) in already reserved communities
    – The decision of reservation should be handed over to constitutional bodies rather than ministers

  • 18 Oct 2016 | GS4 | There was a fire at Central Ammunition Depot (CAD), Pulgaon recently which claimed the lives of two Army officers, one Army jawan and 13 civilian firefighting staff. You are the Director General of Military Operations. The investigation by Army’s Court of Inquiry reveals no evidence of sabotage or a short circuit causing the fire. The investigation documents claim that some of the decisions taken by you in the past were not altogether correct.

    GS4 (Case study)

    There was a fire at Central Ammunition Depot (CAD), Pulgaon recently which claimed the lives of two Army officers, one Army jawan and 13 civilian firefighting staff. You are the Director General of Military Operations. The investigation by Army’s Court of Inquiry reveals no evidence of sabotage or a short circuit causing the fire. The investigation documents claim that some of the decisions taken by you in the past were not altogether correct. There were others also who were party to these decisions. If these documents are made public it will lead to disciplinary action with possibility of punishment against you as well as your colleagues. However, these documents can be camouflaged to mislead the public resulting into no punishment for you.

    Otherwise you are an honest and conscientious officer. But this particular decision turned out to be wrong.

    The following are the courses of action available to you. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each option.

    1. You can refer the matter to your superior and seek his advice and act strictly in accordance with the advice, even if you are not completely in agreement with the advice of your superior.

    2. You could proceed on leave and leave the matter to be dealt by your successor in office or request for transfer.

    3. You can weigh the consequences of disclosing the information truthfully, including the effect on your career, and reply in a manner that would not place you or your career in jeopardy, but at the same time a little compromise can be made on the contents of the information.

    4. You can consult other colleagues who are party to the decision and take action as per their advice.

    Also please indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options) what you would like to advise, giving proper reasons.

    GS4 question powered by mitrasias.com

    Best answer

    Simran Bains wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4.5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    The given situation gives an opportunity to the official to reflect upon his PROBITY and HONESTY.

    The COURSE OF ACTIONS available are,

    1. SEEKING SUPERIOR’S ADVICE.

    MERITS

    •Following proper channel by bringing the matter to superior. Following Code of conduct.

    •Since I’m seeking his help and obeying his advice, chances are bright that he might save me.

    •Avoid of conflict of interest as I’ll abide by advice.

    DEMERITS

    •Might go against my concise.

    •Conflict of opinions may arise.

    2.GOING ON LEAVE,

    MERITS

    •I’ll be saved from punishment and outrage.

    •Job will be secured.

    •No blot on my image of an HONEST OFFICER.

    DEMERITS

    •Running away from my duties and responsibilities.

    •Not being able to present my case effectively and properly.

    •Evasion of accountability.

    3.DISCLOSING TRUTH BY COMPROMISING ON CONTENT OF INFORMATION

    MERITS

    •My image will not be battered.

    •I won’t face punishments.

    •Good for career progression.

    DEMERITS

    •Compromising on the pledge that I’ve taken for the services to uphold the principles of upholding honesty, transparency and integrity.

    •Tampering with evidences and information is itself a crime.

    •Lack of peace of mind because of the wrong doings.

    4.CONSULTING WITH COLLEAGUES

    MERITS

    •Burden of decision making will be shared.

    •Consulting others provides a wider view on the issue.

    DEMERITS

    •Chances of influence on the authenticity of the information.

    •Unethical decision might be taken up as everybody will try to save themselves.

    MY COURSE OF ACTION WILL BE,

    To prepare a report on the decision I took, which went wrong. The reason behind taking such decisions. And openly ADMITTING of the mistakes on my part. It was an honest mistake that was committed and as an honest officer it becomes my responsibility to boldly accept my mistake without tampering the information. Once the report is prepared, I’ll present it to my seniors for further enquiry. Though doing such thing might have implications on my career but that does not deviate me from the right path. My past work profile clearly tells about my integrity and dedication, and now it is upto the enquiring committee to consider my decisions and my intentions behind those decisions.

  • 18 Oct 2016 | GS3 | The human population boom is the biggest drain on the planet’s resources. So if we don’t consider culling humans, we do not have the right to cull other species. Critically comment in the context of current debate on culling of animals.

    GS3 (Issues related to Conservation)

    The human population boom is the biggest drain on the planet’s resources. So if we don’t consider culling humans, we do not have the right to cull other species. Critically comment in the context of current debate on culling of animals.

    Best answer

    Nitish Singh wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4.5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    The Environment Ministry’s declaration of some wild animals as “vermin” – thereby allowing their culling has spurred a debate on whether killing of animals can be considered ethical, profitable, or the need of the hour.
    The following are arguments given FOR the culling :

    a) Economic : Some wild animals are seen to transmit communicable disease to their domestic counter-parts which leads to a kind of en epidemic, causing loss of lives as well as economic loss. Ex : Bovine tuberculosis transmitted by Badgers.

    b) Utilitarianism : Killing of these vermins would bring in greater good for a large number.

    c) Structural : Prevent crop-raiding by adopting non-invasive measures, building fences has not been effective in the past. Culling remains the last resort.

    d) Legally Guaranteed : Wildlife Protection Act clearly gives an exception for vermins exclusively.

    Arguments against it :
    a) Increase in population of a particular species is not driven by nature but by Human interference. (Using interbreeding, injections for hormonal dis balance to provoke for reproducing)

    b) Ethical aspect : The method adopted to kill is against animal ethics and morally wrong.

    c) Constitutional : Article 48 of the DPSP prohibits killing of wildlife, Article 51 (Fundamental Duties) prescribes protection of wildlife as one of the duties.

    d) Intervening in a natural process may go against laws of nature.

    e) May increase the incident of illegal trade and trafficking of the animals declared vermin.

    The solution lies in bringing both the parties on board and an extensive debate happens on every minute aspect. While culling isn’t a solution, farmers economic condition cannot be overlooked. Alternative solutions may be looked for, to strike the balance between the two.

  • 18 Oct 2016 | GS2 | With few achievements in its pocket, BRICS has largely remained a dormant association. In the light of the above statement discuss what major issues/challenges are being faced by this multilateral forum and what should be done to make BRICS a genuine powerhouse.

    GS2 (International Relations)

    With few achievements in its pocket, BRICS has largely remained a dormant association. In the light of the above statement discuss what major issues/challenges are being faced by this multilateral forum and what should be done to make BRICS a genuine powerhouse.

    Best answer

    Nitish Singh wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    BRICS as a multi-forum association was started with much enthusiasm with world’s fastest growing economies coming on board to have better economic cooperation, as well as strategic cooperation on worldly issues. However, barring few achievements, BRICS continues to remain dormant and faces following challenges :

    a)Economic : All other major powers except for India are going through an economic slowdown.
    b) Delay in decision making has been an issue. This mainly stems due to the bilateral differences between India-China in some issues. (Example : India’s push to isolate Pakistan on grounds of terrorism while China ignoring any such statement)
    c)Formation of the Contingency Fund wasn’t taken very well by US. Also, USA-Japan were a bit skeptic about National Development Bank’s push and feared it being a counter for IMF.
    d) Influence of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) in the forum is feared by the NATO allies. India joined it in the recent past too.
    e) The forum feels more like an East-burgeoning bloc to counter the hegemonic forces of west.

    What should be done instead :
    a) Forum should be focused more on economic and social pressing issues like terrorism and loans sanctioning from NDB. Recent talks pushed about Comprehensive Cooperation on International Terrorism are right steps in this direction.
    b) Potential of sharing of resources and technology among BRICS members e.g. extension of the Russia-China gas pipeline to India would further.
    c) NDB should be pushed to issue bonds in member currencies in order to mitigate the foreign currency risk of funded infrastructure projects and help develop local currency fund- raising markets.
    d) Cooperate better to bring in stability in Afganistan region, hold peace talks, which could be a good move to push for better connectivity with the west and resources for Middle East.

    BRICS gives India the room to continue being an important player in the liberal international order. India should infact push to make BRICS a more coordinated forum as an alternative to the recently partially dumped SAARC.

  • 18 Oct 2016 | GS1 | Despite Schemes like Nirmal Bharat Abhiyaan and Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, why do people in India still defecate in the open? What measures are required to make India defecation free?

    GS1 (Indian Society)

    Despite Schemes like Nirmal Bharat Abhiyaan and Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, why do people in India still defecate in the open? What measures are required to make India defecation free?

    Best answer

    Nitish Singh wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    October 2nd 2014 marked the launch of a new scheme called the Swacch Bharat Abhiyan, focused on fulfilling Gandhi’s dream of seeing a clean India. The mission aims at eradicating open defecation till 2019, thus restructuring the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan.

    Although such schemes and steps have been taken place by the consecutive governments, little has changed on the ground level with a major chunk of the population still defecating in the open. Following are the reasons :

    a) Social : There is mindset problem among people who consider having a toilet at home, where apparently we also have a kitchen and a temple a “sin”. Also, manual scavenging is forced upon the lower caste people and the upper caste don’t appreciate doing the same work, but instead defecate in the open as an option.

    b) Economic : Some households wish to have a toilet but don’t have the amount of investment required to have a toilet at home.

    c) Behavioral : Some have a false notion that defecating in open is actually good for health and is a better practice.

    d) Structural : Problem with construction and designing of toilets. Most toilets under Swacch Bharat have small pits which gets filled easily and people stop using it hence.

    e) Gender-bias : Question on why should the women use the same toilet as men also is prevalent. This patriarchy also publicizes open defecation.

    Measures required :
    a) Structural : Better running-water and properly designed toilets should be prioritized.
    b) Economic : Assistance to households wanting to build a toilet.
    c) Mindset change : Information, Education and Communication(IEC), advertsiments, Nukkad Nataks, engaging NGO’s and Civil society for changing the behavior and mindset of the people must be done.
    d) Centralized water system should be the focus so that toilets get the required amount of water.

    The message of the health conditions by not having a toilet does not go down to people. We can target school children, community and SHGs to send across the message in a stronger way.