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GS I (Urbanisation)(Analytical)(Simplex)

The objective of Smart City Mission is to promote cities that provide core infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to its citizens, a clean and sustainable environment and application of ‘Smart’ Solutions. Discuss. What are the challenges to Smart City mission?

Best answer

Narayana Sarma wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 5.5/10. 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)

Today, a smart and sustainable development of urban sector based on inclusive growth is essential. This is to be realized through the proposed ‘Smart City Mission.’ The deliverables of a smart city should bridge economic and social gap. Some of them are as follows:
-Adequate supply of clean water
-Proper sanitation
-Efficient last mile delivery
-Efficient urban mobility especially in public transportation
-Robust IT connectivity
These can be achieved by applying the so called ‘smart solutions’ such as:
-e-Governance Eg: myGov platform, Common Service Centres (CSCs) to digitize certificate distribution and other activities
-CCTV monitoring in cities to avoid crimes
-Intelligent traffic management Eg: Green Corridor, where a vehicle moving at a speed of, say 40 kmph on road can pass all signals without stopping
-Intelligent parking systems, in which, for instance, warning sensors could be placed on the sides of parking space
-Smart meters for water supply
Though the smart city mission offers attractive solutions and makes people’s life easier, it does face some of the challenges as listed below:
-Huge pumping in of funds is required
-Citizenry participation should be ensured
-Requirement of skilled populace to efficiently utilize the technological solutions
-Smart cities should be climate resilient and also, be capable of withstanding a disaster
-Privacy and security of people’s data acquired for smart solutions should be ensured
Some of the solutions which have been taken and required are as follows:
-myGov platform, though promotes participatory approach, has no effective reach due to lack of awareness among people. Spreading awareness about inclusive decisions could address this
-The funding can be acquired through a Gross Budgetary Support to concerned ministry, levying of cess (as in case of Swachh Bharat), appealing to the goodness of people resulting in their voluntary contribution (as in case of Give it up campaign in LPG), taking loans from Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank (AIIB)
-Following a ‘twin city’ approach to mimic a model city in addressing specific problems/areas. Eg: Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, India and Esslingen in Germany have agreed to be ‘twin cities.’
-Proposed Universal Identity Authority to take care of Aadhar data management & security
The success of Smart City Mission will depend on its ability to transform the lives of people in future, that too, in a sustainable manner.

GS II (Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary)

The decline in political discourse is evident in the language and imagery used by politicians to belittle their rivals. Judiciary has failed to rein in such people. Discuss.

Best answer

Kunal Aggarwal wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4.5/10. 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)

Political discourse has been deteriorating which is evidence from language an imagery used by politicians against each other. The language used by CM of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal while blaming PM Modi and other politicians , BJP MP recently about Sh. Sachin Pilot are at the lowest level or political discourse. The trolls on social media have become common these days.

It impacts the society:
– No discussion on real issues like poverty, food etc.
– Degrades the moral values in society
– Reduces their time to work for administration and work on important issues

There have been recourse to Defamation cases by some politicians against these incidents. However, most of them have not helped to improve the situation. Judiciary has failed to curb this as:
– There are high number of pending cases and it takes time to solve these cases
– No single concrete law on curbing such discourse
– While various sections of IPC like 294, 351 can be invoked, politicians generally escape the system due to their power and connections

Taking the impact in consideration, it is important to take steps to improve situation:
1. RPA Act should be amended to include this kind of discourse as an offence
2. Strengthen judiciary by filling vacancies and increasing posts
3. ECI should be strengthened to take immediate action

GS III ( Economics) (Hattrick)

What is the idea behind adopting Islamic Banking in India? Do you think that Islamic Banking will Strengthen Democracy in India. Critically examine.

GS IV (Attitude) (Simplex) (Analytical)

Every time we force our choices on another individual, every time we make ourselves believe that our point of view is superior to that of another; we are feeding this demon that lies in the darkest corners of our heart, nutrition which might, one fated day, enable it to find expression through our actions. Comment.

Demand-

Open question. Demand is to get away from this attitude and behaviour.

Approach-

– Take examples of day to day lives and impact of this demon on the society, individual, surroundings, etc.

– Corrective steps on these, listening to opinion of others (Dalai lama quote) etc.

Best answer

Mission IAS wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 5/10. 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)

“When someone’s imposing something upon you, they’re trying to remove your choice (and overstepping your boundaries).”
We live in a society where we often find people imposing their thoughts, beliefs, ideas, habits etc over other considering themselves as superior one. In particular Indian society is best in giving free advice to anyone, in any field irrespective to their knowledge base and past experience. Some common example of such experiences are debates over religions, which one is better Hindu/Muslim, Vegetarian life vs Non-vegeterians, North Indians vs South Indians, choices of career options, social and political issues (people’s different opinion in response to recent Uri incidents) etc.

Why it is wrong?
Just because we see something a particular way does not make it so. We can be so insistent sometimes that our way of seeing something is more right than someone else’s way. In this way we often get far away from the right direction. Every coin has two sides so does the perception. When we see from our point of view, often we can see only one side of the coin remaining the other side untouched and this hamper the outcome of our decisions. For eg. You give advice someone to pursue Engineering career which is most common and valuable advice in India, but the next person is interested in art and culture domain. Now if you are engineer then from your perspective your advice ia superior and best but for that individual it’s not. Maybe after getting in college that fellow drop out or may not perform upto expectation.

How to overcome this?
Keep an open mind at all times and remember that a point of view is always valuable to each individual. Before considering your opinion superior try to discuss with other people and find out how many contradict with that. And with contradictory persons discuss more and find out the point where you might be thinking wrong. All the decisions can not be based on majority, sometimes the minority decisions are such a realistic and practical that they have ability to change the entire scenario.

I am looking forward to appear for UPSC exams in 2018. Please can anyone give me a detailed plan on how should I plan my studies to cover the entire portion. Please help. Have started with ncert books. Please try to reply soon.

GS I (Globalisation) (Hattrick)

From a global perspective, globalization’s most important impacts are often highly localized. Discuss. Also explain globalization with respect to its impact on Indian Culture.

Best answer

Vidyarthi Mishra wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4.5/10. The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of Day 34 only involves those given on Day 34, later answers may not have been checked)

Globalization has come to the fore in the past two-three decades with the advancement of connected trade and commerce. While Globalization signifies inter-connection and inter-dependence on national levels, its effects have indeed been localized to micro levels.

Localized impact of globalization – Economic and social
1. Thanks to globalization, the world has become a connected commercial sphere. A rise of demand of handicrafts in USA can be exploited by the village craftsmen in Jammu and Kashmir.
2. With the set up of a global market, local hubs have emerged. E.g. India is the largest exporter of IT services in the world.
3. A global market also means certain areas have emerged as the prime suppliers of goods. E.g. demand of Indian cotton for world’s best apparel brands
4. Flexibility of movement of people from one part to another has led to specialization. E.g. movement of people from southern states to Middle-East in mid-level positions and Indian doctors to developed nations.
5. People who benefitted most from globalization were those who came together to utilize the opportunities. E.g. Gujarati traders helped set up the gems and jewellery export business and dominate it.

Impact on Indian culture
1. Has helped Indians learn from people of various cultures and respect differences
2. Enrichment of Indian culture by Indian diaspora who settled abroad and still maintain values and traditions.
3. Conversely, there has also been erosion of Indian culture since people took to new societies and gave up their old practices
4. With access to global media and film industry, there has been a seeping-in of blind adoption of western styles and ideology.
5. The younger generation seems particularly vulnerable to the dangers of foreign culture.

Thus, we see that globalization affects everyone and at all levels and has its own share of positives, however, there’s a stark need to ensure it doesn’t erode the cultural beliefs of people.

GS II (Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests)

Nepal’s signing of transit and other agreements with China has been regarded by some in India as a significant loss of India’s influence in Nepal. Discuss why India’s relationship with Nepal is important.  What are the challenges in recent times & solutions to its relationships?

Best answer

Badal Yadav wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 5/10. The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of Day 34 only involves those given on Day 34, later answers may not have been checked)

India and Nepal shared a good relationship since both the countries signed a treaty of PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP and treaty of TRADE and COMMERCE in 1950.
Indian policy towards Nepal is determined by the following considerations: (i) the geopolitics of Nepal makes it a landlocked country sandwiched between India and China. Access to Nepal is easier from the Indian side; (ii) historically, both countries have shared a common security perception; (iii) there exists a great deal of cultural affinity between the two countries; Nepal is not only the birth place of Gautam Buddha but is also the only Hindu kingdom in the world.
with the recent incidents of Madeshi protest against Nepal’s new constitution and india also showing its concerns about it, india is lossing its position in NEPAL.
the main concerns associated with these starangles in relations are :-
1) India is losing trust among Nepalese public. The Maoists in Nepal are using this as an opportunity to carry out anti-India propaganda.
2) In absence of Indian exports from India especially in the fuel and oil, Nepal is threatening to look forward to many other options like resorting to Road trade with China, This may ultimately hit long term India- Nepal trade.
3) The India- Nepal tension may accelerate into deadlock in SAARC, and may disrupt the fulfillment of trade, political interests and regional integration.
4) The political vacuum provided by India in Nepal may ultimately be filled by China, and this may further strengthen the resolve of the Maoist party and the other upper caste parties of Nepal, which are supported by China.
5) Also Nepal’s constitution has got a tacit consent of certain countries which find its standards acceptable. If India resorts to tough measures it may end up inviting international criticism.
Thus India should try to follow its principle of non-interference in the internal matters of a country and try to resolve the disputes amicable. India is known as a soft power and should retain its reputation. It should not lose trust among the public and international media due to its “Big Brother diplomacy”. Rather it should put its point forward with reasons, keeping International opinion in its favor and use its soft power and track II diplomacy to reach a solution.

GS III ( Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment) (Hattrcik)

India has convinced a lot of people and the world is making big bets on its stature as a manufacturing and economic powerhouse. However, there are many challenges that lie ahead. Critically comment. Do you think that China is feeling pressure from Indian manufacturing sector?

Best answer

Narayana Sarma wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 5/10. The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of Day 34 only involves those given on Day 34, later answers may not have been checked)

India’s rank in ease of doing business index jumped four places to 130. Also, it is expected that India would be at 5th position in Global Manufacturing Competitiveness Index by 2020, thanks to the efforts taken by government of India. However, the Indian manufacturing sector accounts only for 17% of GDP compared to that of 33% in China. Some of the challenges faced by foreign investors in manufacturing sector are:
-Shortfall in resources and inrastructure
-Lack of skilled labour to absorb transferred technology & low spending (R&D) in creating new technologies
-Problems of land acquisition and difficult environmental clearances
-Outdated labour regulations which mandate minimum work benefits and conditions
-Highly complex tarriff structure
-Enforcement of legislations like Industrial Disputes Act and Trade Unions Act which allow employees to strike legally and have multiple unions within an organization
-Little focus on industrial/vocational education which is responsible for unskilled populace
-Frequent usage of protectionist measures such as Anti-Dumping Duty under Special Safeguard Mechanism of WTO, which limits import of raw materials of investors’ choice
In order to make India a sweet spot for foreign investors and make India a manufacturing and economic powerhouse, the Government has taken follwing steps:
-Skill Development Programme, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Apprentice Protsahan Yojana which hone the skill of unemployed populace
-Liberalization and opening up of India’s economy by allowing FDI even to the extent of 100% under automatic route through Make in India initiative
-Proposed implementation of GST would reduce the complex structure of taxation
-Proposed bill of bankruptcy, which would allow easy exit of ventures/start-ups
-Frequent bilateral/multilateral talks with other nations, especially SAARC and BRICS in attracting investors

While these pro-manufacturing reforms have diverted foreign investors from China to our country, it has done little to boost the domestic manufacturing sector. In my opinion, though this level of liberalization is necessary in creation of jobs, growth and development, the domestic sector is not yet ready to digest the competition offered by their foreign counterparts.