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  • What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three of these with suitable examples.(150 words, 10m)

    “Public office is a public trust.” – Grover Cleveland

    Public life refers to the activities and roles individuals undertake in the service of the community, whether as elected representatives, civil servants, or members of public bodies.

    Basic principles of public life

    Nolan Principles

    Selflessness

    Integrity

    Objectivity

    Openness

    Leadership

    Accountability

    Honesty

    Leadership

    Indian constitutional ethos

    Transparency

    Impartiality

    Responsiveness

    Commitment to public interest

    Three basic values and their importance

    Integrity (Honesty and probity in conduct) – Acting truthfully, transparently and consistently with moral and legal standards.

    Importance-

    Prevents corruption and misuse of public office.

    Builds citizens’ trust in institutions.

    Protects fairness in decision-making.

    Strengthens legitimacy of the state.

    Illustration- Sanjiv Chaturvedi (IFS) exposed corruption in AIIMS despite facing harassment.

    Impartiality (Fairness and non-discrimination) – Treating all individuals and groups equally, without bias based on identity, status or political affiliation.

    Importance-

    Upholds equality before law.

    Prevents favouritism and discrimination.

    Stability during Political Transitions

    Impartial officer acts as a trusted mediator in conflict resolution

    Illustration- T.N. Seshan, as CEC, enforcing MCC in fair manner.

    Accountability – Being answerable for decisions and taking responsibility for consequences.

    Importance-

    Feedback Loop- facilitates a two-way communication between state and citizens

    Improves transparency and performance.

    Enables democratic control over bureaucracy.

    Promotes ethical and careful decision-making.

    Illustration – Ashwini Vaishnaw took moral responsibility after the Odisha train accident by personally overseeing relief and restoration.

    These values ensure that “Steel Frame” does not rust or bend under the weight of corruption and bias.

  • What do you understand by the term ‘public servant’? Reflect on the expected role of a public servant.(150 words, 10m)

    A public servant is an individual entrusted by the state to exercise authority and perform functions on behalf of society in order to implement laws, deliver public services and protect citizens’ rights and welfare.

    “A public official is a fiduciary of the public’s interest.” – Paul H. Douglas

    The Expected Role of a Public Servant

    Policy Advisor- Providing “objective and honest” advice to the government.

    Guardian of the Constitution- Ensuring that every administrative action aligns with constitutional values.

    Bridge between State and Citizen by ensuring fair and effective implementation of policies.

    Agent of Social Change- Actively working to dismantle regressive social norms. Eg- S. Shankaran in implementing the Bonded Labour Abolition Act

    Custodian of Public Funds- Practicing “Financial Probity.” Eg- E. Sreedharan – objectivity in the awarding of contracts for the Delhi Metro.

    Upholder of Integrity- Resisting bribes and external pressures to maintain professional standards. Eg- U. Sagayam (IAS) declaring his assets publicly.

    Leader by Example- Inspiring subordinates to work with the same level of dedication and ethics. Eg- Kiran Bedi (IPS) reforming Tihar jail

    Impartial Arbitrator- Resolving disputes between different social or economic groups without bias. Eg- R.N. Ravi, played a pivotal role in the Naga peace talks

    Empathetic Listener- Being accessible to the grievances of the poorest citizens.

    Innovator in Governance- Finding low-cost, high-impact solutions to local problems. Eg- IAS Prashant Nair used crowdfunding for community kitchens

    Protector of the Marginalized- Ensuring that the “last person” (Antyodaya) receives the benefits of the state. Eg- Dr Nidhi Patel pioneering space lab for rural students in Bilaspur.

    Crisis Manager- Providing leadership during natural disasters or civil unrest. Eg- Dr. Rajendra Bharud (IAS) setting up an oxygen plant in tribal Nandurbar before the second COVID wave

    Regulatory Watchdog- Ensuring that private entities follow safety and ethical standards. Eg- Vinod Rai as CAG exposed “presumptive losses” in the 2G Spectrum and Coal block allocations.

    Environmental Steward- Eg- Dr. Hari Chandana building pavements from recycled plastic in Hyderabad.

    “The civil service is not a service of status, but a service of responsibility. It is a commitment to the conscience of the nation.” – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

  • “Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.” – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (150 words, 10m)

    “Righteousness is the foundation upon which the edifice of a peaceful world is built.”

    According to A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, personal ethics is the foundation of social order and global harmony. It outlines a concentric theory of peace.

    Philosophical Basis

    Reflects virtue ethics – character determines moral action.

    Emphasises moral causality – small ethical choices accumulate into large social outcomes.

    Aligns with Gandhian philosophy – be the change you wish to see.

    Supports holistic ethics – micro-level morality influences macro-level peace.

    The Ethical Chain Reaction

    Righteousness in the Heart- implies integrity, empathy, and alignment of thoughts with ethical principles. Eg- Mahatma Gandhi’s insistance on Ahimsa.

    Beauty in the Character- When the heart is upright, it manifests in the form of honesty, humility, and courage. Eg- In the age of “social media filters,” true “beauty” is lies in consistency of our values.

    Harmony in the Home- A person of character treats their family with respect and love. It becomes the first laboratory of democracy and peace.

    Order in the Nation- Stable families raise responsible citizens, reducing crime and social unrest. Eg- civic culture in Japan due to focus on “character building” in schools

    A “Righteous Heart” ensures that a bureaucrat uses their power for the Antyodaya – builds social capital and comprehensive national power

    Peace in the World- When nations operate with internal order and external respect, global conflict diminishes, leading to sustainable peace. Eg- Montreal Protocol – nations (acting with a sense of “Global Righteousness”) decided to ban CFCs to save the Ozone layer.

    Thus, “Righteousness in the Heart” is the key to global peace, prosperity and justice.

  • “An unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates (150 words, 10m)

    The above statement made by Socrates during his trial for “corrupting the youth,” suggests that the essence of being human lies in our capacity for self-reflection and the quest for purpose.

    Values involved

    Truth-seeking

    Rationality

    Moral autonomy

    Integrity and courage

    Wisdom of humility

    Freedom of thought

    According to him, examination allows us to identify the difference between opinion (Doxa) and knowledge (Episteme). Socrates used a process of “Elenchus” (logical interrogation) to refine our understanding of the word. In his words,

    “wisdom starts with the realization that I know nothing.”

    For individuals, an examined life helps prevent mindless conformity and harmful habits, thereby protecting personal autonomy, mental health and ethical character. Eg- young person who critically examines online content is less likely to fall for fake news or extremist propaganda.

    For society, collective examination enables reform and moral progress. The anti-caste movement led by thinkers like B.R. Ambedkar emerged from questioning inherited social hierarchies.

    For civil servants, self-examination prevents mechanical obedience and promotes ethical judgement. Officers like Ashok Khemka exemplify how reflective officials act as guardians of legality and justice rather than mere executors of orders.

    For leaders, an examined life restrains the misuse of power and promotes responsible leadership with with foresight, empathy and moral restraint. Eg- Gandhi’s differentiation between evil and evil doer, Nelson Mandela’s efforts for reconciliation.

    For a nation, an examined citizenry prevents turning democracy into “mobocracy”. An unexmined citizens turn into superfluous masses as happened in Germany under Nazi party.

    Without reflection, life becomes passive, society becomes stagnant, power becomes dangerous and democracy becomes hollow. Examination is the foundation of wisdom, justice and freedom.

  • “A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.” – M.K.Gandhi (150 words, 10m)

    Gandhi highlights that human character, behaviour and destiny are shaped fundamentally by one’s thoughts. The external success and failure are reflections of internal belief systems.

    At the Individual Level, a person who harbors thoughts of inadequacy or “helplessness” will live a life of stagnation and fear. On the other hand, someone who maintains a Growth Mindset views failures as lessons. Eg- J.K. Rowling faced multiple rejections for Harry Potter but remained untroubled.

    At the Professional Level, those who their work as a means to earn money, become a mediocre employee. However, those who think of their work as a form of “Karma Yoga”, become a leader who inspires others. Eg- Gandhiji thought of himself not as a politician, but as a seeker of truth.

    At the Social Level, if a society thinks in terms of “us vs. them”, it becomes a fragmented and violent space. Conversely, if the prevailing thought is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” , the society becomes inclusive and peaceful.

    In civil services, civil servant who thinks in terms of service and responsibility will act ethically even under pressure, while one who thinks in terms of personal gain will drift towards corruption. Eg- Ashok Khemka served with integrity despite over 50 transfers.

    In the technological domain, those who adhere to values of honesty, compassion, respect, truth use it in ethical manner while those who view it as a tool to vent out anger do harm to others. Eg- cyberbullying.

    “The mind is the workshop where destiny is made.” Thus, inculcating “GOOD” thoughts is key for developing “beautiful minds.” This can be achieved through

    Ethical parenting

    Value education

    Ethics training for civil servants

    Code of Ethics for organisations

    Inculcating constitutional ideals

  • “Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of against you.” Do you agree with this view? Discuss.

    Emotional Intelligence is the capacity to recognise, understand, manage and use emotions constructively in oneself and in others.

    “When awareness is brought to emotion, power is brought to your life.” – Daniel Goleman

    EI making emotions work for you

    Recognising emotions before they control behaviour helps manage anger and frustration

    Understanding emotional triggers helps in better preparation. Eg- Awareness of anxiety before public speaking.

    Realistic self-assessment helps in knowing one’s strengths and weaknesses.

    Self-regulation

    Impulse control – Prevents emotional outbursts and rash decisions. Eg- Not shouting at subordinates during stress.

    Ensures emotional balance – Eg- Calm leadership during disasters.

    Builds adaptability to changing situations. Eg- Accepting e-governance by civil servants

    Motivation

    Positive drive helps turn frustration into determination. Eg- Officers working overtime during elections to ensure fairness.

    Optimism despite setbacks. Eg- ISRO successfully launching Chandrayan 3 after failure of Chandrayan 2

    Empathy

    Understanding others’ feelings and viewpoints helps developing broader outlook and leadership

    Sensitivity to diversity helps civil servants in handling community tensions sensitively.

    Social skills

    Effective communication by expressing emotions constructively. Eg- PM addressing the nation during a pandemic.

    Relationship building – Eg- Operation Sadbhavana of Army in J&K for trust and cooperation with locals

    Counter-arguments- How Emotional Intelligence can make emotions work against you

    Emotional manipulation – Eg- caste politics by leaders

    Emotion-reading skills can enable fake empathy and dishonesty.

    Rationalising wrongdoing. Eg- justifying corruption as “systemic necessity.”

    Emotional burnout due to constant emotional regulation

    High empathy may lead to compromise on objectivity and firmness

    Conflict avoidance instead of necessary confrontation.

    Emotional intelligence without moral compass becomes a tool of self interest

    Thus, EI + Integrity is needed to develop virtues of wisdom and compassion.

  • Elaborate on the policy taken by the government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector.

    Food processing refers to the transformation of raw agricultural commodities into value-added, marketable, and storable products through physical, chemical, or biological methods. India’s FPS is projected to grow from USD $billion (2023) to $700 billion by 2030.

    Challenges of the Food Processing Sector in India

    Low Level of Processing – Only ~10% of total agricultural produce is processed (vs 60-70% in developed countries).

    Post-harvest losses of 15-20% due to shortage of cold-storage, and transport infrastructure.

    Fragmented Supply Chain – 86% of farmers are small/marginal – limits aggregation

    High Logistics Cost of 13-14% of GDP (vs 8-9% in developed countries).

    Delay in project implementation – Eg- only 25 out of 42 approved Mega Food Parks operational

    Regulatory & Compliance Issues – Complex FSSAI norms and licensing delays discourage small processors.

    Micro and small units struggle to access formal credit, collateral, and working capital.

    Skill gap – Only 3% of the food processing workforce is formally trained

    Quality & Safety Gaps – Inconsistent adherence to food safety standards, and limited testing infrastructure. Eg- Rejection of Indian exports by EU.

    Negligible R&D (<0.5% of sectoral GVA) – stall innovation in packaging and product design.

    Policy Measures Taken by the Government of India

    The food processing sector has been recognized as a ‘sunrise sector‘ and a key priority industry under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

    PM-Kisan SAMPADA (2016) – Central Sector Scheme to build a modern processing ecosystem from farm-gate to retail.

    Mega Food Parks Scheme – Provides land, utilities, common facilities, effluent plants, R&D labs.

    PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM-FME) – Provides 40% credit-linked subsidy, branding support, and training for 2 lakh micro units under the One District One Product (ODOP) approach.

    Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLISFPI) to boost domestic manufacturing.

    Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) – A fund for financing warehouses, cold storage, packhouses, and primary processing units.

    Operation Greens (TOP to TOTAL) – Price stabilization fund for tomato, onion, potato, now expanded to all perishable crops

    100% FDI in food processing and 100% FDI under Government route for retail of food produced in India.

    e-NAM Integration – Linking mandis for better price discovery, quality grading, and seamless movement of produce.

    Krishi Udan and Krishi Rail schemes – to ease out freight rates enabling smooth movement of perishables.

    Food processing included under PSL to improve access to affordable credit.

    National Makhana Board to globally position Indian superfoods like makhana.

    Infrastructure Status (HLIS) – Food parks are included in Harmonized List of Infrastructure – enables concessional loans.

    Collaboration with Invest India for FDI facilitation, market access, regulatory assistance.

    Budgetary Push – MoFPI budget 2024-25 increased by 30.19%, reflecting policy priority.

    Way Forward

    Develop Smart Food Processing Hubs using IoT, AI, and blockchain

    Zero-Waste Processing using circular economy models. Eg- converting fruit peels to bio-plastics

    Cluster-Based Development under One District One Product (ODOP) model

    Regulatory Simplification – Create a single-window clearance system

    Develop export-oriented zones with plug & play infra, market intelligence systems & customized packaging

    Effective implementation of these interventions can position India as a global food processing hub.

  • 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.

    The instability following the 2021 Myanmar military coup has transformed 1,643 km India-Myanmar border into a ‘high-risk zone’

    Security Challenges Emanating Across the India-Myanmar Border

    Parallel government by insurgent groups. Eg- charging 1% to 2% “revolutionary tax” on legal infrastructure projects and “safe passage fees” from drug mafias

    Refugee Crisis & Demographic Shifts- Since the 2021 coup, over 95,000 refugees (primarily Chin and Sagaing residents) have entered Mizoram and Manipur.

    “The Golden Triangle” Spillover- Myanmar’s civil war has led to a surge in poppy cultivation. Profits are used to fund ethnic militias, creating a “narcotics-insurgency nexus.”

    Arms Smuggling- The border town of Moreh (Manipur) has become a primary transit hub for weaponry smuggled from China.

    With the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) losing control of nearly 86% of its territory, rebel groups like the Chin National Army (CNA) and PDFs operate freely in “ungoverned spaces”

    China’s deep investments in Myanmar (CMEC) creates threat to India’s “Chicken’s Neck” corridor

    Misuse of FMR- Although the government scraped it in 2024, enforcing the new “Regulated Border Pass System” remains a challenge due to local opposition.

    Overburdened security forces – The Assam Rifles is dual-tasked with border guarding and counter-insurgency.

    Steps Taken to Counter the Challenges

    Shift to “Security-First” border management strategy

    Abolition of FMR (visa-free travel up to 16 km) in 2024

    Push for the completion of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Project and the Trilateral Highway by 2027

    Operation Sunrise – Joint operation by Indian and Myanmar Army against insurgent groups

    Biometric Documentation of all refugees and border-crossers

    15 BSF battalions deployed to aid Assam Rifles.

    Steps Required to Counter the Challenges

    Strict Implementation of the New Pass System

    Federal coordination through North-East zonal council

    Accelerate the Smart Fencing System (SFS) using laser walls and sensors.

    Creation of strictly monitored 10 km “Buffer Zone” to curb spontaneous illegal crossings.

    Intelligence Fusion- Set up real-time data-sharing hubs to track the movement of “Golden Triangle” narcotics and arms shipments.

    Humanitarian Infrastructure- Build refugee camps near the border to prevent undocumented migrants from blending into local populations.

    Engage with local Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) in Myanmar that control the border to secure Indian infrastructure projects.

    Extend Vibrant Villages Programme to the eastern border for better infrastructure

    Upgrade Outposts (BOPs) with drones and satellite imagery for 24/7 surveillance of forested infiltration routes.

    “3C Strategy”of Containment, Cooperation and Connectivity is need to transform the region from a “conflict zone” to an “economic corridor.”

  • 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.

    In response to the evolving internal security threat posed by terrorism, GoI amended the UAPA, 1967 and NIA Act in 2019 to strengthen ‘zero tolerance for terrorism’ strategy.

    Amendment to UAPA,1967

    The central government can designate an individual as a terrorist (under Schedule IV of the Act)

    Empowers the NIA officers of the rank of Inspector or above to investigate cases of terrorism

    Adds the International Convention for Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (2005) to the schedule

    Empowers the Director-General, NIA to grant approval of seizure of property when the case is being investigated by the agency.

    Amendment to NIA Act

    Widen the authority of the NIA – Includes human trafficking, counterfeit currency, manufacture or sale of prohibited arms, cyber-terrorism, and offences under the Explosive Substances Act.

    Extends the NIA’s jurisdiction outside India

    Constitution of special courts by the Centre in order to conduct trials

    Significance of the changes in the context of the prevailing security environment

    Shifts counter-terror strategy from reactive to preventive – Enables early disruption of terror ecosystems.

    Allows designation of individuals like Masood Azhar as terrorist

    Brings Clarity and uniformity by removing inter-state jurisdictional constraints

    Addresses evolving terror threat landscape – Responds to decentralised, module-based and lone-wolf terrorism.

    Targets terror support networks – Focuses on financiers, facilitators, propagandists and over-ground workers. Eg- NIA Raids on separatist leaders in J&K

    Improves investigation of transnational terror networks. Eg- Khalistan movement in Canada

    Extend powers of NIA to investigate terrorist-organised crime linkage

    Alignment with Global Counter-Terror Norms. Eg- Action against terror financing and international networks.

    Ensures timely and speedy prosecution of terrorists through special courts

    Criticism and Opposition by Human Rights Organisations

    Violation of Personal Liberty – Stringent bail provisions and prolonged detention (180 days) affect Article 21.

    Risk of Misuse – Broad definitions allow targeting of activists, journalists and dissenters.

    Absence of Prior Judicial Oversight – Individual can be designated as terrorist without conviction or trial.

    Departure from criminal jurisprudence norm of innocent until proven guilty – Burden of proof shifts to accused.

    Low conviction rate for UAPA cases between 2019 and 2023 (only 3.1%)

    Vague Definitions – Terms like “unlawful activity” and “terrorist act” are broadly defined

    Lack of procedural safeguards – The government is not required to provide grounds for arrest or detention.

    Against the federal structure – amendment has made the NIA “a parallel police structure”

    Way Forward

    Strengthen Procedural Safeguards

    Clear Legal Definitions

    Periodic review

    Time-Bound Investigations and Trials

    A law and institution as powerful as UAPA and NIA respectively, must be wielded with precision, accountability, and a deep commitment to constitutional values.

  • Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will help in disaster mitigation in the case of landslides.

    As per UNDRR, disaster preparedness refers to the knowledge and capacities developed by governments, institutions, communities and individuals to effectively anticipate, respond to and recover from disasters.

    Importance of Disaster preparedness

    Reduces Loss of Life and Property – Eg-Zero casualties during Cyclone Biparjoy (2023) due to preparedness.

    Strengthens Community Capacity – Training local communities in early response, evacuation routes, and safe zones, reduces panic and damage. Eg-Aapda Mitra volunteers.

    Enables Early Warning and Timely Decision-Making

    Minimises Economic Disruptions – Preparedness plans protect critical infrastructure like roads, power lines and bridges. (TĂŒrkiye earthquake (2021) resulted in a loss of 4% of GDP.)

    Ensures continuity of critical services such as healthcare, transportation, and communication during disasters

    Role of hazard zonation mapping in landslide risk mitigation

    Identifies Risk areas based on geology, slope angle, rainfall, land use and soil type.

    Guides Land-Use Planning and Regulation- Eg-Building restrictions in Munnar and Wayanad based on hazard maps.

    Helps Design Safer Infrastructure – Eg-Stabilisation measures on NH-44 (Uttarakhand-Himachal) based on zonation inputs.

    Mitigation Measures – Eg- slope strengthening, terracing, afforestation, and drainage correction.

    Integrates with Early Warning Systems (EWS) – Hazard zones combined with rainfall thresholds enable real-time warnings.

    Build community resilience – Locals identify unsafe slopes, evacuation routes and shelter locations using simplified maps.

    Resource allocationNational Landslide Risk Mitigation Programme targets mapped hotspots first.

    Assists in Environmental Regulation – Eg- Quarrying, mining, ban in Western Ghats (Madhav gadgil committee recommendation)

    Hazard zonation mapping in India

    National Landslide Susceptibility Mapping (NLSM) by GSI

    National Landslide Inventory created with 80,000+ mapped landslides.

    ISRO “Landslide Atlas of India” (2023).

    State-level LHZ mapping by SDMAs (Kerala, Uttarakhand, Himachal, Sikkim, Meghalaya).

    LiDAR, UAV & DEM-based mapping in critical areas (Joshimath, Munnar, Gangtok, Nilgiris).

    Rainfall threshold modelling (IMD + IITs) integrated with zonation maps for landslide triggers.

    Earthquake Zonation Map of India (Zone II to Zone V) by BIS/IMD.

    Flood Hazard Atlas for 15+ states by CWC-NRSC (ISRO)

    Drought Vulnerability Atlas of India (IMD + NRSC).

    To prevent a catastrophe like the Wayanad Landslide of 2024, engineering as well as nature-based solutions along with early warning systems, and effective land use practices are essential.