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Model Answer of GS Paper-3
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Model Answer of General Studies Paper -3

1) Examine the pattern and trend of public expenditure on Social Services in the post-reforms period in India. To what extent this has been in consonance with achieving the objective of inclusive growth? (150 words) 10 Marks

Model Answer 

In the post-reforms period, India has witnessed a significant shift in public expenditure patterns, particularly on social services such as education, healthcare, and rural development. The share of social services in total public expenditure has gradually increased, reflecting the government’s commitment to welfare and inclusive growth. From around 6% of GDP in the early 1990s, public expenditure on social services has increased to over 8% by the mid-2010s. This increase has been driven largely by programs like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, National Rural Health Mission, and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

However, despite this rise in expenditure, the allocation still lags behind the requirements needed to address deep-rooted inequalities. For instance, India’s healthcare expenditure, at less than 2% of GDP, remains far below international standards. Similarly, education spending has hovered around 3-4% of GDP, lower than the recommended 6%.

Inclusive growth, a key objective of the reforms era, has been moderately achieved, with improvements in access to basic services for marginalized sections. However, regional disparities and inequality in the quality of services provided continue to undermine these achievements. Thus, while public expenditure on social services has increased, it has not fully aligned with the goal of achieving equitable and inclusive growth.

Model Answer 

Persistent high food inflation in India can be attributed to several factors. Supply-side bottlenecks, such as inadequate agricultural infrastructure, erratic monsoons, and poor storage and transportation facilities, have led to frequent disruptions in the availability of essential commodities. Rising input costs, including fertilizer prices, labor, and fuel, have further exacerbated the situation. Moreover, the structural shift in dietary patterns, with increasing demand for protein-rich foods like pulses, dairy, and meat, has outpaced the growth in supply. Additionally, hoarding and speculative trading have often contributed to price volatility.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has employed monetary tools like raising interest rates and managing liquidity to control inflation. However, these measures have limited effectiveness in controlling food inflation, as it is largely supply-driven rather than demand-driven. While monetary policy can curb overall inflation by reducing consumer demand, addressing food inflation requires structural reforms in agriculture, improved supply chain management, and enhanced food storage and distribution networks.

Model Answer 

The successful implementation of land reforms in certain parts of India, such as West Bengal and Kerala, can be attributed to a combination of political will, strong leadership, and grassroots mobilization. In West Bengal, the Left Front government played a key role, with initiatives like “Operation Barga” which empowered tenant farmers and protected their rights. Kerala’s success was driven by progressive leadership that implemented laws to redistribute land and end exploitative tenancy systems, benefiting landless laborers.

Another critical factor was effective land redistribution policies, which provided land titles to tenants and landless farmers, giving them security and access to credit. Social movements and mass mobilization by political parties, such as the CPI(M) in West Bengal and socialist groups in Kerala, helped in raising awareness and pushing for reforms. Additionally, effective land record management and legal frameworks ensured transparency and minimized disputes, facilitating smoother implementation.

Overall, the success of land reforms hinged on a combination of political commitment, social mobilization, and strong administrative mechanisms.

Model Answer 

Millets play a crucial role in ensuring health and nutritional security in India due to their high nutrient density and resilience in various climatic conditions. Millets like ragi (finger millet), jowar (sorghum), and bajra (pearl millet) are rich in essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, vitamins (especially B-complex), and minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. Their low glycemic index makes them suitable for people with diabetes and helps in managing weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Millets are gluten-free and promote better digestive health, making them ideal for those with gluten intolerance. They also contribute to improving food security, particularly in drought-prone regions, due to their ability to grow in arid and semi-arid conditions with minimal water and inputs.

Given the rising incidence of malnutrition and lifestyle diseases in India, mainstreaming millets in diets can ensure nutritional diversity and bolster national efforts toward achieving food security and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Model Answer 

The global scenario of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) concerning life materials, such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and genetically modified organisms, has become increasingly complex. Developed countries, particularly the US and EU, dominate patent filings, protecting innovations in life sciences. However, concerns over biopiracy, unequal access to patented life-saving drugs, and ethical issues surrounding patenting life forms persist, particularly in developing countries.

India, ranked second globally in patent filings, faces challenges in the commercialization of these patents. Key reasons include the lack of infrastructure for innovation, inadequate industry-academia collaboration, and insufficient funding for scaling up research. Additionally, weak enforcement of IPR laws and bureaucratic delays in regulatory approvals discourage industries from taking research to the market. The high cost of commercialization and lack of a robust technology transfer ecosystem further limit the potential of patent utilization.

Thus, despite India’s strong patent filings, low commercialization rates are driven by a combination of economic, infrastructural, and regulatory hurdles.

6) What is the technology being employed for electronic toll collection on highways. What are its advantages and limitations? What are the proposed changes that will make this process seamless? Would this transition carry any potential hazard? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Model Answer 

The technology used for electronic toll collection (ETC) on highways in India is RFID-based FASTag. Vehicles are equipped with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, which is linked to a prepaid account. When a vehicle passes through the toll plaza, scanners read the FASTag, and the toll is automatically deducted, eliminating the need for manual transactions.

Advantages of FASTag include reduced traffic congestion, quicker toll processing, fuel savings, and transparency in toll payments. It also helps in reducing environmental pollution by minimizing idling at toll booths and enhances the efficiency of highway management.

However, limitations include connectivity issues in remote areas, RFID tag malfunction, and inadequate infrastructure at some toll plazas. Some users face difficulties in recharging the tag or resolving disputes.

Proposed changes involve GPS-based tolling systems that could eliminate physical toll booths, ensuring seamless travel. While the transition might face privacy concerns or system malfunctions, it is expected to improve overall efficiency.

Model Answer 

Industrial pollution of river water in India is a major environmental concern, contributing to water contamination, ecosystem degradation, and public health issues. Various mitigation measures are necessary to address this challenge:

  1. Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs): Industries should be mandated to install ETPs to treat wastewater before discharging it into rivers.
  2. Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD): This approach ensures that industries recycle and reuse water, preventing any liquid waste from reaching water bodies.
  3. Strict enforcement of pollution norms: Strengthening regulations like the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and ensuring compliance through penalties.
  4. Use of cleaner technologies: Encouraging industries to adopt eco-friendly technologies and processes.

The Indian government has launched initiatives like the Namami Gange Programme, aimed at cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga River, and establishing Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) for small-scale industries.

However, effective implementation, continuous monitoring, and strong public-private collaboration are essential to mitigate river pollution sustainably.

Model Answer 

Environmental NGOs and activists play a critical role in shaping Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes by raising awareness, conducting independent assessments, and advocating for sustainable development. They act as watchdogs, ensuring that major projects comply with environmental regulations and that the voices of affected communities are heard.

  1. Narmada Bachao Andolan: This NGO led by Medha Patkar opposed the Sardar Sarovar Dam, highlighting displacement issues and ecological damage. The movement influenced the EIA process, leading to revisions in resettlement and rehabilitation plans.

  2. Greenpeace India: Greenpeace campaigned against coal mining in Mahan forests, Madhya Pradesh. Their activism led to the cancellation of proposed mining, citing threats to biodiversity and tribal livelihoods.

  3. Kalpavriksh: This group raised concerns about the Lavasa Hill City Project, emphasizing water resource strain and ecological disruption. Their efforts prompted stricter environmental reviews and regulatory scrutiny.

  4. Goa Foundation: This NGO successfully challenged illegal mining in Goa, leading to the Supreme Court halting mining operations based on environmental damage assessments.

Such actions demonstrate how NGOs and activists strengthen the EIA process by ensuring accountability and environmental protection.

Model Answer 

Narco-terrorism refers to the nexus between drug trafficking and terrorism, where terrorist organizations use profits from the illegal drug trade to finance their activities. In India, it has emerged as a serious threat, especially in regions like Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and the Northeast, where drug networks and terrorist groups collaborate to destabilize the country. The porous borders with Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Myanmar facilitate the smuggling of drugs like heroin and synthetic opioids into India. Terrorist outfits exploit this trade to fund arms, recruit members, and spread violence.

To counter narco-terrorism, several measures are essential:

  1. Strengthening border security: Enhanced surveillance using technology like drones, sensors, and coordinated intelligence-sharing among agencies.
  2. Effective law enforcement: Strengthening the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and providing specialized training to police forces.
  3. International cooperation: Collaborating with neighboring countries to dismantle drug networks.
  4. Public awareness campaigns: Educating citizens about the dangers of drug abuse and the links to terrorism.

These measures, coupled with stringent action against organized crime, are critical in curbing narco-terrorism.

Model Answer 

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, was enacted in response to the growing need for safeguarding personal data in India, especially with increasing digital activities and concerns around privacy. The act aims to create a robust framework for data protection while balancing the needs of innovation, business, and individual privacy rights.

Salient Features:

  1. Consent-based Data Processing: Personal data can only be processed with the individual’s consent, which must be specific, clear, and revocable.
  2. Data Fiduciary and Principal: The act introduces the concepts of Data Fiduciary (entities processing data) and Data Principal (individuals whose data is being processed), ensuring transparency and accountability.
  3. Right to Data Portability and Erasure: Individuals have the right to access, correct, and erase their data.
  4. Cross-border Data Transfer: The government will regulate the transfer of personal data outside India to ensure protection.
  5. Penalties: Non-compliance can lead to penalties up to ₹250 crore depending on the violation.
  6. Data Protection Board: A regulatory body is established to address grievances and oversee the implementation of the law.

This act addresses privacy concerns in a digital economy, aligning with global standards like GDPR.

11) Discuss the merits and demerits of the four Labour Codes’ in the context of labor market reforms in India. What has been the progress so far in this regard? (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Model Answer 

The four Labour Codes—the Code on Wages, 2019, Industrial Relations Code, 2020, Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020, and Social Security Code, 2020—were introduced as part of labor market reforms in India to simplify and consolidate over 40 labor laws, aiming to improve ease of doing business while protecting workers’ rights.

Merits:

  1. Simplification: The codes consolidate numerous labor laws into four, reducing complexity and improving compliance.
  2. Ease of Doing Business: The reforms make it easier for companies to hire and fire employees, particularly for firms with fewer than 300 workers, promoting flexibility.
  3. Social Security: The Social Security Code expands coverage to include gig and platform workers, ensuring broader social protection.
  4. Formalization of Labor: Provisions like universal minimum wages and emphasis on formal employment aim to bring more workers into the formal sector, benefiting both workers and employers.
  5. Dispute Resolution: The Industrial Relations Code simplifies dispute resolution processes, reducing industrial conflicts.

Demerits:

  1. Worker Rights: Critics argue that relaxed retrenchment rules may lead to job insecurity, particularly in smaller firms.
  2. Inadequate Social Security: While social security is extended, concerns remain about effective implementation, especially for informal and gig workers.
  3. Compliance Burden: Although simplified, the codes still require significant administrative compliance, which could burden small businesses.
  4. Trade Union Concerns: The threshold for requiring government permission for layoffs has been raised, weakening trade unions’ bargaining power.

Progress So Far:

While the codes were passed by Parliament, implementation has been delayed due to resistance from states, businesses, and labor unions. Several states are in the process of framing rules under the new codes, but uniform application across India is still pending. The challenge lies in balancing economic growth with workers’ welfare.

Model Answer

Expanding regional air connectivity is crucial for India’s economic growth, development, and accessibility, particularly for remote and underserved regions. It enhances economic integration, promotes tourism, provides business opportunities, and helps in the balanced regional development by reducing the travel time and facilitating easier movement of people and goods. It also supports the government’s goal of inclusive development by making air travel more affordable and accessible for the general public.

Need for Expanding Regional Air Connectivity:
  1. Economic Growth: Improved air connectivity boosts trade, tourism, and investment, leading to regional economic development.
  2. Balanced Regional Development: It connects underserved and remote areas with larger urban centers, helping bridge the urban-rural divide.
  3. Tourism Development: Improved accessibility to tourist destinations contributes to the growth of the hospitality and tourism sectors.
  4. Job Creation: Expansion of airports and regional airlines creates employment opportunities in aviation, hospitality, and related industries.

UDAN Scheme:

The Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) Scheme was launched in 2016 by the Government of India to enhance regional air connectivity and make air travel affordable. The key features include:

  • Viability Gap Funding (VGF): Financial incentives are provided to airlines to make regional routes economically viable.
  • Reduced Operating Costs: Lower airport fees and tax exemptions for airlines operating under UDAN.
  • Increased Connectivity: Small airports are being revived and developed to connect remote regions.

Achievements:

  • As of 2023, 480 routes have been operationalized under UDAN, connecting over 75 airports.
  • UDAN has significantly increased air connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities, contributing to regional growth.
  • The scheme has made air travel affordable for common citizens, fulfilling the motto of “Sab Uden, Sab Juden.”

However, challenges remain in terms of sustaining routes and ensuring profitability for airlines on low-demand routes.

Model Answer 

India’s irrigation system faces multiple challenges in recent times, affecting agricultural productivity and water resource sustainability. These issues have significant implications for food security, rural livelihoods, and water management.

Challenges:

  1. Water Scarcity: Overexploitation of groundwater, which accounts for 60% of irrigation, has led to a steep decline in water tables, especially in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
  2. Inefficient Water Use: Flood irrigation, which is widely practiced, leads to significant water wastage. Only around 35-40% of irrigation water is used efficiently.
  3. Aging Infrastructure: Many existing canals and irrigation systems are outdated, with poor maintenance leading to water losses and inefficiency.
  4. Climate Change: Erratic rainfall patterns and frequent droughts due to climate change have disrupted traditional irrigation schedules, reducing water availability.
  5. Inequitable Water Distribution: Marginal and small farmers often face water scarcity due to inequitable access to irrigation water, while larger farms benefit disproportionately.
  6. Salinization and Waterlogging: In poorly drained areas, excessive irrigation has led to soil salinization and waterlogging, reducing land productivity.

Measures Taken by the Government:

  1. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Launched in 2015, PMKSY aims to enhance water-use efficiency through micro-irrigation technologies like drip and sprinkler irrigation under the motto “Har Khet Ko Pani” (Water for Every Field).
  2. Per Drop More Crop: This initiative promotes efficient water usage, especially in drought-prone areas, by encouraging farmers to adopt micro-irrigation techniques.
  3. Jal Shakti Abhiyan: A campaign for water conservation and efficient use of irrigation water, focusing on rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.
  4. Command Area Development Program: Focuses on improving canal irrigation and ensuring that water reaches the tail-end users efficiently.
  5. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Encourages water-efficient technologies and sustainable farming practices to counteract water scarcity and climate change impacts.

By promoting efficient water use technologies, infrastructure improvement, and better water management practices, the government aims to address these challenges and ensure sustainable irrigation.

Model Answer

Buffer stocks are crucial for stabilizing agricultural prices in India. The government maintains these reserves of essential commodities like rice, wheat, and pulses to protect farmers from price crashes during bumper harvests and to ensure food security during lean seasons or in times of crisis like droughts, floods, or pandemics.

Importance of Buffer Stocks:

  1. Price Stabilization: Buffer stocks help control price volatility by releasing stocks during shortages to check inflation and procuring excess produce during surplus to support farm incomes.
  2. Food Security: In times of natural calamities, buffer stocks ensure food availability to vulnerable populations, preventing food crises.
  3. Public Distribution System (PDS): The stocks are crucial for maintaining the supply of food grains through the PDS, helping provide subsidized food to millions.
  4. Support to Farmers: The government procures food grains at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), ensuring that farmers get a fair price, especially during bumper harvests when prices may fall.

Challenges Associated with Buffer Stock Storage:

  1. Inadequate Storage Capacity: India’s existing storage infrastructure, especially in rural areas, is insufficient to handle large buffer stocks. This leads to wastage and spoilage of grains.
  2. Poor Storage Conditions: Many storage facilities lack modern infrastructure such as climate control, resulting in pest infestation, moisture damage, and spoilage.
  3. High Cost of Maintenance: The cost of maintaining large buffer stocks, including transportation and preservation, is significant, leading to increased fiscal pressure on the government.
  4. Inefficient Management: Delay in the movement of stock due to bureaucratic inefficiencies often leads to losses, affecting food security programs.
  5. Overstocking: Often, the buffer stock exceeds the optimal level required, leading to storage problems and unnecessary wastage.

Conclusion:

Buffer stocks are vital for price stability and food security in India, but their effectiveness is hindered by storage limitations and inefficiencies. To address these challenges, the government must invest in modern storage facilities, improve supply chain management, and adopt technology-driven solutions to reduce wastage.

Model Answer

The global shortage of clean and safe freshwater is becoming a critical challenge due to population growth, industrialization, climate change, and unsustainable water use. To address this, innovative technologies are being developed to provide alternative freshwater sources and ensure water security.

1. Desalination Technology:

  • Key Merits:
    • Converts seawater into drinkable freshwater, providing an abundant supply.
    • Especially useful for arid regions with limited freshwater resources.
    • Advanced technologies like reverse osmosis and multi-stage flash distillation have improved energy efficiency.
  • Key Demerits:
    • High energy consumption, leading to increased carbon emissions unless renewable energy is used.
    • Disposal of concentrated brine can harm marine ecosystems.

2. Wastewater Treatment and Recycling:

  • Key Merits:
    • Recycles sewage and industrial wastewater, reducing freshwater demand.
    • Produces clean water for non-drinking purposes like agriculture and industry.
    • Reduces pollution and protects water bodies from contamination.
  • Key Demerits:
    • High capital and operational costs.
    • Public acceptance and confidence in the quality of recycled water remain low, particularly for drinking purposes.

3. Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG):

  • Key Merits:
    • Extracts water from ambient air through condensation or absorption, offering an alternative source in water-scarce regions.
    • Requires no water source other than humidity in the atmosphere.
  • Key Demerits:
    • High energy consumption, particularly in areas with low humidity.
    • Limited water generation capacity compared to large-scale needs like agriculture or municipal supply.

Conclusion:

While these technologies provide viable solutions to the freshwater crisis, each comes with specific challenges such as energy usage, environmental impact, and scalability. Integrating renewable energy with water technologies, improving efficiency, and increasing public awareness will be essential to overcoming these barriers and ensuring sustainable freshwater access.

16) what are asteroids? How real is the threat of them causing extinction of life? What strategies have been developed to prevent such a catastrophe? (Answer in 250 words) 15

Model Answer 

Asteroids are rocky, airless remnants from the early solar system, primarily found in the Asteroid Belt between Mars and Jupiter. They vary in size, ranging from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers in diameter. Some asteroids have orbits that bring them close to Earth, known as Near-Earth Objects (NEOs). These NEOs can pose a potential threat if they collide with Earth.

Threat of Extinction from Asteroids:

  • The impact of a large asteroid can cause massive destruction. The most famous example is the Chicxulub impact 66 million years ago, which is believed to have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs and many other species due to the global climate effects from dust, fires, and tsunamis.
  • While the probability of such an event is low, even a smaller asteroid impact could have catastrophic regional consequences, with potential for massive loss of life, tsunamis, or environmental devastation.

Strategies to Prevent an Asteroid Catastrophe:

  1. Early Detection Systems: Space agencies like NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have developed programs such as NEO surveillance and Pan-STARRS to detect and track potentially hazardous asteroids.

  2. Deflection Techniques:

    • Kinetic Impact: This involves sending a spacecraft to collide with an asteroid to change its trajectory. NASA’s DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) mission successfully demonstrated this by impacting the asteroid Dimorphos in 2022.
    • Gravity Tractor: A spacecraft orbits near an asteroid, using its gravitational pull to alter the asteroid’s course over time.

  3. Nuclear Deflection: In case of large, imminent threats, nuclear explosions near or on the asteroid could be used to change its trajectory. However, this method carries risks of fragmentation and needs precise implementation.

Conclusion:

The threat of asteroid-induced extinction, while real, is relatively rare. With advancements in detection and deflection technologies, humankind is better prepared than ever to mitigate this existential risk. International collaboration and continued research remain critical to safeguarding Earth from asteroid impacts.

Model Answer 

Disaster resilience refers to the ability of individuals, communities, and systems to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and adapt to disasters and hazards. A disaster-resilient society can mitigate risks, minimize damage, and rebuild more effectively after disasters occur. It is a proactive approach focused on reducing vulnerability and enhancing the capacity to cope with disaster events.

Determination of Disaster Resilience:

Disaster resilience is determined by multiple factors, including:

  1. Preparedness: The degree of awareness, planning, and readiness to face disasters.
  2. Infrastructure: Robust infrastructure that can withstand disasters or be restored quickly.
  3. Adaptive Capacity: Ability to adjust and improve systems based on lessons learned from past events.
  4. Community Participation: Involvement of local communities in disaster risk reduction measures.
  5. Institutional Mechanisms: Effective governance structures and policies that promote resilience.

Elements of a Resilience Framework:

  1. Risk Identification and Assessment: Identifying hazards, vulnerabilities, and risks through mapping, data collection, and analysis.
  2. Capacity Building: Training communities, enhancing institutional capabilities, and promoting knowledge sharing.
  3. Disaster Preparedness and Response: Developing early warning systems, evacuation plans, and disaster response mechanisms.
  4. Infrastructure Resilience: Ensuring that critical infrastructure like transport, healthcare, and communication networks are resilient to disasters.
  5. Recovery and Reconstruction: Developing long-term recovery plans that include reconstruction of livelihoods, infrastructure, and economic systems.
Sendai Framework Global Targets (2015–2030):

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), adopted by the UN, aims to reduce disaster risks globally. Its seven global targets are:

  1. Substantially reduce global disaster mortality.
  2. Substantially reduce the number of affected people.
  3. Reduce direct disaster-related economic losses in relation to GDP.
  4. Reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and basic services.
  5. Increase the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies.
  6. Enhance international cooperation to developing countries for disaster risk reduction.
  7. Increase access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information.

Conclusion:

Building disaster resilience requires a comprehensive framework that includes risk assessment, preparedness, and post-disaster recovery. The Sendai Framework provides a global strategy to strengthen disaster resilience, emphasizing proactive risk management and international cooperation.

Model Answer 

Urban flooding has emerged as a major climate-induced disaster in India, exacerbated by unplanned urbanization, changing rainfall patterns, and poor infrastructure. Flooding in cities not only disrupts livelihoods but also leads to immense economic and human losses.

Causes of Urban Flooding:

  1. Climate Change: Intense and erratic rainfall, driven by climate change, leads to waterlogging and floods in cities ill-equipped to handle such downpours.
  2. Unplanned Urbanization: Rapid construction, encroachments on water bodies, and poor planning have led to reduced drainage capacity.
  3. Poor Drainage Systems: Outdated and insufficient drainage infrastructure, incapable of handling sudden heavy rainfall, leads to frequent waterlogging.
  4. Loss of Natural Waterways: Encroachment and pollution of lakes, rivers, and wetlands that traditionally absorbed excess water have increased urban flooding.
  5. Solid Waste Blockage: Poor waste management results in clogging of drainage channels, worsening flood situations.

Major Floods in the Last Two Decades:

  1. Mumbai Floods (2005): Mumbai experienced 944 mm of rainfall in a single day, leading to severe flooding. This event caused over 1,000 deaths, paralyzed the city for days, and exposed the inadequacies of urban drainage systems.

  2. Chennai Floods (2015): Triggered by the heaviest rainfall in over a century, Chennai’s drainage systems failed, leading to massive water logging, power cuts, and disruptions in transportation. The floods caused more than 500 deaths and displaced thousands.

Policies and Frameworks:

  1. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Guidelines (2010): NDMA’s guidelines for urban flooding emphasize strengthening early warning systems, urban planning, and improving drainage infrastructure.

  2. Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): This scheme focuses on urban renewal, especially improving basic services like storm water drainage, thereby addressing issues of water logging.

  3. Smart Cities Mission: Encourages cities to integrate climate-resilient infrastructure, with a focus on creating sustainable drainage and flood management systems.

Conclusion:

Urban flooding is a multifaceted problem caused by a combination of climate change and poor urban management. India’s response through policy frameworks like NDMA guidelines, AMRUT, and the Smart Cities Mission aims to mitigate urban flood risks by improving urban planning, infrastructure, and resilience.

Model Answer 

India’s borders with China and Pakistan are fraught with contentious issues and security challenges, rooted in historical disputes, territorial claims, and strategic rivalries. These borders witness frequent military tensions, territorial violations, and attempts to alter the status quo.

Conflicting Issues and Security Challenges:

  1. China:

    • Territorial Disputes: The primary issue is the undefined border between India and China, known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Key disputes include China’s claims over Arunachal Pradesh and India’s objections to China’s control over Aksai Chin.
    • Frequent Standoffs: The recent Galwan Valley clash (2020) exemplifies the security volatility along the LAC. The Chinese buildup and aggressive posturing in areas like Ladakh remain a major challenge for India.
    • Infrastructure Development by China: China’s rapid development of roads, airstrips, and other military infrastructure along the LAC has heightened tensions and increased the potential for conflict.

  2. Pakistan:

    • Kashmir Issue: The unresolved status of Jammu and Kashmir remains the biggest bone of contention. Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism, especially in Kashmir, continues to be a serious security challenge.
    • Frequent Ceasefire Violations: Pakistan regularly violates ceasefire agreements along the Line of Control (LoC), which leads to civilian and military casualties on both sides.
    • Terrorism: Pakistan-backed terrorist organizations, infiltrating through the LoC, target Indian security forces and civilians, exacerbating tensions and hindering peace efforts.

Development under BADP and BIM:

  1. Border Area Development Programme (BADP):

    • Initiated in 1986, BADP aims to promote socio-economic development in border areas by improving basic infrastructure, health services, and education.
    • Focus areas include the creation of roads, health centers, schools, and drinking water facilities, thereby integrating border regions into the national mainstream and reducing outmigration.
    • This program also strengthens local administrative capacities, making border areas more resilient and stable.

  2. Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme:

    • BIM is designed to improve infrastructure like roads, fencing, and floodlighting along international borders.
    • The scheme aims at enhancing mobility for security forces, improving border surveillance, and preventing infiltration from hostile neighbors.
    • The construction of all-weather roads and installation of modern equipment are part of this scheme, which directly contributes to better management of border security.

Conclusion:

The borders with China and Pakistan continue to present significant security challenges for India. While both countries engage in territorial disputes and military confrontations, India is investing in the development of border areas through the BADP and BIM schemes. These initiatives aim to strengthen not just security but also the socio-economic integration of border populations, creating a more secure and developed frontier region.

Model Answer

Social media and encrypted messaging services have emerged as significant security challenges due to their potential misuse for spreading misinformation, radicalization, and facilitating illegal activities such as terrorism, cybercrime, and financial fraud. These platforms, while enhancing communication, also pose risks to national security, privacy, and public order.

Measures Adopted to Address Security Implications:

  1. Legal Framework:

    • Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021: The Indian government introduced these rules to regulate social media intermediaries, requiring them to appoint grievance officers, comply with takedown requests, and ensure accountability.
    • Intermediary Liability: Platforms must now trace the originator of unlawful content in cases related to national security, child exploitation, or public order. This enforces responsibility on platforms to monitor content.

  2. Strengthening Cybersecurity:

    • CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team): This nodal agency tracks and responds to cybersecurity incidents, including those involving social media.
    • National Cyber Security Policy: Emphasizes capacity building, public-private partnerships, and securing the cyberspace infrastructure to mitigate threats originating from social media platforms.

  3. Collaboration with Social Media Companies:

    • Government-Social Media Collaborations: The government works with companies like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp to remove harmful content and tackle misinformation.
    • Reporting Mechanisms: Users are encouraged to report unlawful content, and social media platforms are expected to act on such reports promptly.

  4. Public Awareness:

    • Digital Literacy Campaigns: To combat the spread of misinformation, the government promotes digital literacy to help users identify fake news and avoid online manipulation.

Suggested Remedies:

  1. Stronger Encryption Regulation: While encryption safeguards privacy, it also impedes investigations into criminal activities. Authorities should have controlled access to encrypted data in national security cases through regulated backdoor mechanisms, ensuring due process and judicial oversight.

  2. Advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) Monitoring: AI tools can be employed to monitor and flag suspicious activities in real-time, helping identify hate speech, radicalization attempts, and misinformation campaigns early.

  3. Cross-border Cooperation: Given the global nature of social media, countries must collaborate on intelligence sharing, and work towards international regulatory standards to mitigate security risks effectively.

  4. User Accountability: Implement stricter penalties for users misusing social media for illegal activities and creating robust verification processes to ensure authenticity of users.

Conclusion:

While measures like IT Rules 2021 and collaborations with social media companies have been steps in the right direction, further regulation, technological upgrades, and user awareness are essential to address the growing security implications of social media and encrypted messaging services. Balancing privacy with security will be key to maintaining a safe digital environment.

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