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Solved Mains General Studies 2013

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FEBRUARY 2014, XX Year, Issue No.02

GENERAL STUDIES(PAPER–I)Time allowed: Three Hours

Maximum Marks : 250QUESTION PAPER SPECIFICINSTRUCTIONS(Please read each of the following instructionscarefully before attempting questions)There are TWENTY-FIVE questions in Paper.All questions are compulsory. The number ofmarks carried by a question/part is indicatedagainst it. Answers must be written in themedium authorized in the Admission Certifi-cate which must be stated clearly on the coverof this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Bookletin the space provided. No marks will be givenfor answers written in medium other than theauthorized one. Word limit in questions, ifspecified, should be adhered to. Any page orportion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struckoff.Answer questions in NOT MORE than theword limit specified for each in the paren-thesis. Content of the answer is more impor-tant than its length.1. Though not very useful from the point ofview of a connected political history of SouthIndia, the Sangam literature portrays the so-cial and economic conditions of its time withremarkable vividness. Comment. (200 words) Marks 10Answer: The first two Sangams have little his-torical value due to inclusion of both gods andmen as members of the first Sangam; inclu-sion of Agastya in both; inordinate stretchesof time involved (4,400 years and 3,700 yearsrespectively); and almost complete loss of ev-erything produced.Tolkapiyyam discusses orthography, etymol-ogy, contemporary manners and customs,rhetoric, prosody, expression of subjective andobjective experiences like love and war, etc.in encyclopaedic detail.The Third Sangam’s Patthupattu (Ten Idylls)dedicated to the glory and valour of variouskings in a biased manner. But they also vivid-ly describe love affairs of queens and kings,heroes and their beloveds, lives of impover-ished men of letters, contemporary social cus-toms, visions of an ideal king, descriptions ofnature, art of dancing, human emotions, etc.Similarly, the Paditruppattu describes thebloated military prowess of Chera kings, but

more accurately sheds light on social customssuch as women braiding their hair into fiveparts, soldiers wearing garlands of ginger andflowers, burial of dead in urns at the foot oftrees, etc. The Purananuru is an inexhaustiblesource of early Tamil social history.Tiruvalluvar’s Kural describes virtue, wealth,morals, prosperity, happiness, ethics, state-craft, citizenship, art of good living, etc.Manimekalai describes the destruction of Pu-har by the sea along with social information.Source: CST October 2013, page 112, column 1Comment: Students are now expected to knowthe contents and ramifications of literaryworks, not just names and authors so that re-construction of any specific period of historycould be made.Marks: 5 out of CST as social and to some ex-tent economic conditions of Sangam age werecovered, but political conditions were not.2. (a) Discuss the Tandava dance as recordedin the early Indian inscriptions. (100 words) 5Answer: The chaitya-mukha-patti contains anelaborate dancing figure of Siva. The Cholaartists excelled in the casting of metal images,and the bronze images of Nataraja and sever-al other deities rank as some of the finest sculp-tures of India.Source: CST July 2013, page 100, column 2,page 104, column 2; Marks: 5 out of CST.(b) Chola architecture represents a high wa-termark in the evolution of temple architec-ture. Discuss. (100 words) 5Answer: Brahadishvara temple at Thanjavurwas built by Rajarajachola and the second byhis son, Rajendrachola at Gangaikonda-cholapuram. The first has an additional courtin front, square in plan. Near the back end ris-es majestically the sanctum with its mightyvimana with the forward complements of thetemple complex-a large mandapa, a pillaredportico and a Nandi pavilion-combined axial-ly in front. The vertical axis is divided into theupright cube enclosing the sanctum cella withits ambulatory, the lofty and massive pyrami-dal body. Gangaikondacholapuram’s templeis larger horizontally. The impressive mainentrance is in the east wall, while two subsid-iary entrances are flanked by domineeringdvarapalas.Source: CST July 2013, page 101, column 2Marks: 5 out of CST.3. Defying the barriers of age, gender and re-ligion, the Indian women became the torchbearer during the struggle for freedom in In-dia. Discuss. (200 words) 10

CIVIL SERVICES MAIN EXAMINATION 2013General Studies

Paditruppattudescribes the bloatedmilitary prowess ofChera kings, but moreaccurately sheds lighton social customssuch as womenbraiding their hair intofive parts, soldierswearing garlands ofginger and flowers,burial of dead in urnsat the foot of trees, etc.

Brahadishvaratemple at Thanjavurwas built byRajarajachola and thesecond by his son,Rajendrachola atGangaikondacholapuram.The first has anadditional court infront, square in plan.Near the back endrises majestically thesanctum with itsmighty vimana with theforward complementsof the temple complex-a large mandapa, apillared portico and aNandi pavilion-combined axially infront. The vertical axisis divided into theupright cube enclosingthe sanctum cella withits ambulatory, the loftyand massive pyramidalbody.Gangaikondacholapuram’stemple is largerhorizontally. Theimpressive mainentrance is in the eastwall, while twosubsidiary entrancesare flanked bydomineeringdvarapalas.





Answer: Ambika Chakrobarty was a Bengalifreedom fighter and revolutionary. She was apart of the Chittagong Jugantar Party and tookpart in the Chittagong armoury raid. KalpanaDutt was part of a revolutionary brigade inChittagong that led an armed struggle againstBritish between 1930-1934. Anusuiya Behn wasa Gandhian disciple who participated in theKheda movement. She started night schoolsfor mill workers. Basanti Devi was the wife ofC.R. Das who actively participated in the non-cooperation movement and was arrested. BinaDas was a member of Chatri Sangha, a semi-revolutionary outfit of women in Kolkata. Sheattempted to assassinate Stanley Jackson, Gov-ernor of Bengal, in 1932. She later joined Con-gress and became a member of the West Ben-gal legislative assembly. Devi Chaudhraniparticipated in the Bengal Sanyasi rebellion of1763-1800. Kamla Nehru, wife of JawaharlalNehru, earned the title of ‘Pride of Allahabad’as she joined the Civil Disobedience move-ment. Kasturba Gandhi, wife of Mahatma Gan-dhi, was arrested in Quit India movement anddied in prison. Laxmi Sehgal was a leader ofthe ‘Rani Jhansi’ regiment of the Azad HindFauj for ladies. Madam Bhikaji Cama was bornin a Parsi Bombay family and provided basesfor India’s revolutionary terrorists in Europeand USA. Pandita Ramabai established Mahi-la Arya Samaj in Poona to promote women’seducation, discourage child marriage; startedBombay’s Sarda Sadan school-cum-hostel forwidows and Mukti Sadan for rehabilitation offamine victims.Source: Mains 2, page VII.3 column 2, column3; page VII.4, column 3; page VII.7, column 1,page VII.10, column 1; page VII.16, column 2;page VII.17, column 1, column 2; page VII.18,column 2; page VII.19, column 3; page VII.24,column 3; Marks: 10 out of CST.4. Several foreigners made India their home-land and participated in various movements.Analyze their role in the Indian struggle forfreedom. (200 words) 10Answer: Alexander Duff was a social reform-er in Bengal and helped spread of Westerneducation. He assisted Raja Ram Mohan Roy,established Scottish Church in Calcutta and theEnglish School in Calcutta with Roy’s help.Alfred Chatterton tried promoting aluminiumand chrome industries at state initiative, butwas stopped by Morley. Allan Octavian Humewas a liberal British civil servant sympatheticto India’s freedom struggle. He founded andworked for Congress in India till his death. Heis called ‘Father of Indian Ornithology’. An-nie Besant was a prominent theosophist, wom-en’s rights activist, writer and orator. She ledthe ‘Home Rule’ movement with Tilak to re-

C.F. Andrews workedwith Gandhi in theSouth African andIndian independencemovement. He wascalled ‘Deenbandhu’and decried Begari inHimachal. Heorganized reliefoperations for Orissaflood victims (1927)and earthquakes ofBihar and Baluchistan.Daniel Curry inducedRaja Jai NarayanGhosh to open thepioneer school ofEnglish education inU.P. and was veryactive in theSerampore Danishschool.

Dalhousie annexedPunjab, Lower Burmaand Sind outright andSatara, Jaitpur,Sambhalpur, Baghat,Udaipur, Jhansi andNagpur via Doctrine ofLapse and Awadh oncharge of misgovern-ment. Thus, he unitedmost of the Indian sub-continent under acommon and uniformadministrative andlegal system since thedecline of MughalEmpire afterAurangzeb’s death in1707. He appointed aCommissioner overnewly acquiredterritories who weredirectly responsible toDalhousie. It weakenedcaste and classdistinctions oftraditional Indiansociety.

generate Indian politics and culture. Ben Bra-dley actively participated in the Leftist move-ment and was arrested in the Meerut Conspir-acy Case. C.F. Andrews worked with Gandhiin the South African and Indian independencemovement. He was called ‘Deenbandhu’ anddecried Begari in Himachal. He organized re-lief operations for Orissa flood victims (1927)and earthquakes of Bihar and Baluchistan.Daniel Curry induced Raja Jai Narayan Ghoshto open the pioneer school of English educa-tion in U.P. and was very active in the Seram-pore Danish school. David Hair helped estab-lish Hindu College, Calcutta and School BookSociety for printing English and Bengali books.Jonathan Duncan of Banaras established San-skrit College (1782), fought infanticide andserved as Bombay’s governor.Source: Mains 2, page VII.3, column 1, column3; page VII.6, column 2; page VII.7, column 3;page VII.8, column 3; page VII.9, column 3;page VII.15, column 1.Comment: The previous two questions areessentially variations on the theme of ‘Histor-ical Personalities’ which is mentioned as partof the Mains syllabus.Marks: 10 out of CST.5. In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was thefounder of modern India. Elaborate. (200words) 10Answer: Dalhousie annexed Punjab, LowerBurma and Sind outright and Satara, Jaitpur,Sambhalpur, Baghat, Udaipur, Jhansi andNagpur via Doctrine of Lapse and Awadh oncharge of misgovernment. Thus, he unitedmost of the Indian sub-continent under a com-mon and uniform administrative and legalsystem since the decline of Mughal Empireafter Aurangzeb’s death in 1707. He appoint-ed a Commissioner over newly acquired ter-ritories who were directly responsible to Dal-housie. It weakened caste and class distinc-tions of traditional Indian society.His reforms via Wood’s Despatch laid thefoundation of modern education system inIndia through schools, colleges and universi-ties that taught western philosophy, sciencesand engineering in vernacular language forlower classes and English for higher classes.It broadened the outlook of newly-educatedmiddle class Indians in western thoughts ofhumanism, liberty, equality, freedom and de-mocracy. They spearheaded the religious re-form movement and freedom struggle.He introduced the railway network that facil-itated trade, commerce and cultural exchangeacross geographically diverse Indian regions,creating economic, social and political unityamong Indians. He also pioneered the tele-graph system and postal system that greatly





increased communication speed and quanti-ty. He began recruitment into covenanted civ-il services on merit by competitive examina-tions. Thus, a national social spirit on modernprinciples of polity and economy was creat-ed.Source: CST Indian History 8th Edition, page315; Mains 1, page II.5Comment: This questions asks students toidentify different forces that promote nation-alism and the national movement and tracetheir genesis to the achievements and effortsof Dalhousie geared towards imperialism.Marks: 10 out of CST.6. Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodanand Gramdan movements initiated byAcharya Vinoba Bhave and their success. (200words) 10Answer: The objective of the Bhoodan move-ment was to persuade wealthy landowners tovoluntarily give a percentage of their land tothe landless. However, this land could not besold. In effect, landless labourers were beinggiven a small plot of land on which to settle,as well as grow some of their own food, so asto give them an incentive to remain in the vil-lage as a captive labour pool for the richerfarmers and landlords. Later, Gramdan move-ment’s objective was to persuade villagers topool their land, after which the land was reor-ganized under a cooperative system.The enthusiasm for Bhoodan ebbed away af-ter 1957. The Gramdan idea did not prove pop-ular in the non-tribal areas & this partly ac-counted for the decline of the movement at theend of the 1950s.As regards attitudinal transformation, themovement directly influenced the life-style ofthe co-workers, especially the lifelong co-workers & through them many workers & as-sociates or fellow-seekers. By adopting Gan-dhi’s ideas to the solution of the basic econom-ic problem of land collection & equitable re-distribution among the landless, the Move-ment kept Gandhi’s ideas of socioeconomicreconstruction alive at a period when the ten-dency of the educated elite was to overlook, ifnot to reject Gandhi’s ideas as irrelevant.Marks: 0 out of CST as topic not covered.7. Write a critical note on the evolution andsignificance of the slogan “Jai Jawana JaiKisan”. (200 words) 10Answer: Jai Jawan Jai Kisan was a slogan giv-en to India by the Prime Minister of India LalBahadur Shastri in 1965. It means hail the sol-dier and hail the farmer. Soon after Shastri tookover the prime ministership of India after Ne-hru’s death, India was attacked by Pakistan.At the same time there was scarcity offoodgrains in country. Shastri gave the slogan

Jai Jawan Jai Kisan to enthuse the soldiers todefend India and simultaneously cheeringfarmers to do their best to increase the pro-duction of food grains to reduce dependenceon import. It became a very popular slogan.After Pokaran tests in 1998 Atal Bihari Vajpay-ee added Jai Vigyan (Hail Science) to the slo-gan to underline the importance of knowledgein India’ progress. During the acceptancespeech of Sunil Bharti Mittal delivered at TeenMurti Bhavan on 15 December 2009 after re-ceiving 10th Lal Bahadur Shastri NationalAward from President of India, the Directorof Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Manage-ment, Delhi Dr Kailash Chandra Mishra restat-ed the slogan as Jai Jawan! Jai Kissan! Jai Vi-gyan! Jai Vidwan! Jai Vidwan means “hail thelearned” to signify knowledge working as thedriver of India’s current break-away growth.Marks: 0 out of CST as topic not covered.8. Discuss the contribution of Maulana AbulKalam Azad to pre-and post independent In-dia. (200 words) 10Answer: In 1912, he started Urdu weekly Al-Hilal to propagate nationalist ideas. In 1915,he started another weekly Al-Balagh. He par-ticipated in the non-cooperation movement.He was responsible for bringing the ‘No-Changers’ and ‘Pro-Changers’ to a compro-mise. He also presided over the Jamat-al-Ule-ma (1924) and National Muslim Conference(1929). In 1940, he was elected President of theCongress. ‘Quit India’ resolution was passedunder his presidency. As Education Ministerof free India, he worked for secularism andnational unity.Source: Mains 2, page VII.2, column 2Marks: 10 out of CST.9. Analyse the circumstances that led to Tash-kent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlightsof the agreement. (200 words) 10Answer: After the 1965 war of India and Pa-kistan, Russia offered its good offices to thetwo countries for resolving their differences.The Tashkent declaration was signed on Jan11, 1966. The salient provisions included – 1)Reaffirm their obligations in the UN charterand to settle their disputes through peacefulmeans. 2) Both sides shall observe ceasefireterms on ceasefire line. 3) To follow the prin-ciples of non-interference in each other’s in-ternal affairs. 4) Restoration of normal diplo-matic relations. 5) Exchange of prisoners-of-war to prevent exodus of people. 6) Considermeasures for the restoration of economic andtrade relations, communications and culturalexchange.Source: CST Foreign Policy, 4th Edition, page59Marks: 10 out of CST.

The objective of theBhoodan movementwas to persuadewealthy landowners tovoluntarily give apercentage of theirland to the landless.However, this landcould not be sold. Ineffect, landlesslabourers were beinggiven a small plot ofland on which to settle,as well as grow someof their own food, soas to give them anincentive to remain inthe village as a captivelabour pool for thericher farmers andlandlords. Later,Gramdan movement’sobjective was topersuade villagers topool their land, afterwhich the land wasreorganized under acooperative system.

Jai Jawan Jai Kisanwas a slogan given toIndia by the PrimeMinister of India LalBahadur Shastri in1965. It means hail thesoldier and hail thefarmer. Soon afterShastri took over theprime ministership ofIndia after Nehru’sdeath, India wasattacked by Pakistan.At the same time therewas scarcity offoodgrains in country.Shastri gave theslogan Jai Jawan JaiKisan to enthuse thesoldiers to defendIndia and simulta-neously cheeringfarmers to do their bestto increase theproduction of foodgrains to reducedependence on import.It became a verypopular slogan. AfterPokaran tests in 1998Atal Bihari Vajpayeeadded Jai Vigyan (HailScience)





10. Critically examine the compulsions whichprompted India to play a decisive role in theemergence of Bangladesh. (200 words) 10Answer: Pakistan till date holds hurt feelingstowards India regarding the latter’s role in theBangladesh war of liberation in 1971. Therewere some confrontations between West Pa-kistan and East Pakistan. Finally, on 26thMarch, 1971, Bangladesh, with the full moraland material support of India, emerged as anindependent state.India and Bangladesh share a common bor-der of 4,096 km as well as history and socio-cultural heritage. Cultural affinities with In-dia in general and West Bengal in particularand ethnic linkages with India’s North-East-ern states underpin the people-to-people con-tacts. Prior to independence, Bangladesh wasa part of India. In one stroke, it eliminated thethreat of Pakistan aggression on two frontssimultaneously and provided better commu-nication linkages with the North-East thatwere previously limited by the narrow ‘Chick-en’s Neck’ corridor.Source: CST Foreign Policy, 4th Edition, page68, page 231, page 232Comment: This question asks to identify so-cioeconomic and strategic compulsions be-tween neighbouring nations that manifestthemselves in political actions and decisions.Both past, present and future considerationsin bilateral relations can be utilized for justifi-cation.Marks: 10 out of CST.11. “Latecomer” Industrial revolution in Ja-pan involved certain factors that were mark-edly different from what west had experi-enced. (200 words) 10Answer: The industrialization of Japan iscalled ‘walking on one leg’. The Japanese oli-garchs decided that the resources from agri-culture sector would be directly transferredto industry. The historical legacy fromTokugawa society did not permit a socialtransference taking place from below thoughdemocratic or mass revolution process, butonly from above, autocratically. The newstructure was built from the top downwards,upon the ruins of the old. Moreover, the bur-den of this task, as far as government revenuewas concerned, was shouldered by the agri-cultural community at whose expense the ac-cumulation and centralization of capital wascarried out.The Japanese leadership could not expect for-eign aid but it was free to borrow functionalideologies for modernization. The transfer ofrevenues to industrial sector from agrariansector made agricultural technologies stagnantand the development of new industries com-

pletely overshadowed the growth in agricul-tural commerce and traditional forms of man-ufacturing.To withstand the Western menace, the gov-ernment leaders were particularly interestedin developing the strategic industry on whichmodern military power depended.Source: CST October 2013, page 96, column 1Comment: This questions demands awarenessof the variations in key success factors of in-dustrialization in Western Europe vis-à-visJapan. The former was a catalyst for imperial-ism and colonialism while the latter was a re-sponse to safeguard against those phenome-na.Marks: 10 out of CST.12. Africa was chopped into states artificial-ly created by accident of European competi-tion. Analyse. (200 words) 10Answer: The ports of Africa were valuable asnaval bases and ports of call, no less than in-roads for trade and investment. Given the tri-angle of international fears, distrusts in Eu-rope during these years, and the ever-presentmenace of war, no possible strategic or pres-tige-giving advantage could be forfeited. Oncethe scramble for partitioning Africa had be-gun, the powers were confronted with thechoice of grabbing such advantages or seeingthem snatched by potential enemies. The in-ternational anarchy was an impetus to the gen-eral race for colonies. The intensive imperial-ism rivalries were rampant in the absence ofan international organization which exercisedregulations and functioned as a check-and-balance mechanism. Besides, there were oth-er direct political motives of imperialism, suchas the desire to strengthen national securityby holding a strategic base such as Cyprus andthe Cape or to secure additional sources ofmanpower as the French sought in Africa, orto enhance national prestige as the Italians didin Libya. In 1875, less than 1/10th of Africahad been turned into European colonies andby 1895, only 1/10th remained unappropriat-ed.Source: CST December 2013, page 36, column2Comment: Candidates need to know that Af-rica, being the last virgin territory for imperi-alist colonial powers, was divided on the ba-sis of negotiation between powers well-equipped with modern industrial-grade mili-tary power. They were keen to avoid collater-al damage and focus on economic exploitationof Africa with complete disregard to local andregional divisions in their decisions to carvethe continent into separate colonies.Marks: 10 out of CST.13. American Revolution was an economic

The industrializationof Japan is called‘walking on one leg’.The Japaneseoligarchs decided thatthe resources fromagriculture sectorwould be directlytransferred to industry.The historical legacyfrom Tokugawa societydid not permit a socialtransference takingplace from belowthough democratic ormass revolutionprocess, but only fromabove, autocratically.The new structure wasbuilt from the topdownwards, upon theruins of the old.Moreover, the burdenof this task, as far asgovernment revenuewas concerned, wasshouldered by theagricultural communityat whose expense theaccumulation andcentralization of capitalwas carried out.

Once the scramblefor partitioning Africahad begun, the powerswere confronted withthe choice of grabbingsuch advantages orseeing them snatchedby potential enemies.The internationalanarchy was animpetus to the generalrace for colonies. Theintensive imperialismrivalries were rampantin the absence of aninternational organiza-tion which exercisedregulations andfunctioned as a check-and-balance mecha-nism. Besides, therewere other directpolitical motives ofimperialism, such asthe desire tostrengthen nationalsecurity by holding astrategic base.





revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate. (200words) 10Answer: The American Revolution was a re-flection of the development of new attitude inthe colonies. The Americans were becomingincreasingly unwilling to accept a subordinateposition within the British Empire whereas theBritish government, especially after 1763,adopted new policies designed to control thecolonies even more stringently. England fol-lowed laissez faire for herself and mercantil-ism for the colonies. The economic conflict rest-ed upon the theory of mercantilism whichcalled the subservience of colonies to the po-litical and economic welfare of the home coun-try. Manufacturing of products in the colonieswhich competed with English products werediscouraged. The colonial efforts to ease thefinancial situation by issuing paper moneywere forbidden. Colonial law to curtail Brit-ish slave trade was vetoed and every possibleattempt was made to centre colonial trade inthe home market so that British capital wouldreap the advantage of carrying trade, insur-ance and commissions to the detriment of co-lonial economic interests.The Americans, unlike other colonial residents,were aware of these facts and had developedremarkable cultural and material progress tobecome fully capable of governing their do-minions. They wanted equalitarian partner-ship with England. The middle class, mer-chants, bourgeoisie and industrialists realizedthat their expanding business was restrictedby British policies of trade. Thus, Americancapitalism revolted against mercantilism ofBritish capitalism.Source: CST August 2013, page 27, column 1,column 2Comment: This question tests the candidate’sclarity of linkages between economic and po-litical movements and how USA was a differ-ent colony in terms of economy, culture andpolitical awareness compared to the rest of theBritish colonies.Marks: 10 out of CST.14. What policy instruments were deployedto contain the great economic depression? (200words) 10Answer: 1) National Industrial Recovery Act(NIRA) to revive business enterprise by stabi-lizing price protection. Businesses were askedto provide concessions to labourers. The Actsetup the National Recovery Administrationto draft for each industry a code of fair com-petition that could have force of law. The codeprovided for shorter hours and higher wageswhile preventing competitive price-cutting. 2)Wager Act reaffirmed the right of workers tocollectively bargain for better pay and work-

ing conditions. 3) Agricultural Adjustment Actsought to reduce farm production and raisefarm price by compensating farmers for reduc-tion in acreage through government tax funds.4) Soil Conservation and Democratic Allot-ment Act subsidized farmers for using part oftheir land for soil conservation instead of com-mercial crops. 5) Reconstructing Finance Cor-poration continued lending money to corpo-rations. A farm credit administration took overlarge number of farm mortgages. Creditorswere paid off, debtors enjoyed lower interestrates and total debt was greatly reduced. 6)Securities and Exchange Act and governmentcontrol of national banking system restoredpublic confidence in financial institutions. 7)Tennessee Valley Authority built seven damsthat electrified and irrigated several villages.8) Civilian Conservation Corporation andWorks Progress Administration provided tem-porary works to unemployed. 9) Social Secu-rity Act provided unemployment insurance tohalf of working population.Source: CST August 2013, page 38, column 2;page 39Marks: 10 out of CST.15. Discuss the various social problems whichoriginated out of the speedy process of urban-ization in India. (200 words) 10Answer: 1) Population explosion in cities dueto massive rural-urban migration. Neither isthere sufficient space to handle the huge in-flux, nor are there enough jobs to employ them.This has led to huge congestion, leading toslum life and shanty settlements. 2) Threat tohealth and environment – the unplanned ur-banization has given rise to problems such asovercrowding, contaminated water, poor san-itation, air pollution etc. that are favourablefor the spread of various diseases. 3) Issue of‘urban sprawl’ – it is a major effect of rapidurban growth that results in scattered devel-opment which increases traffic, saps local re-sources, destroys open space, changes thephysical environment and the spatial organi-zation of cities. 4) High real estate prices –Overpopulation has put a lot of pressure onlimited urban land area. People are desperateto get a home in the cities and this has result-ed in skyrocketing real estate prices. 5) Lackof job opportunities in urban areas is increas-ing poverty and inequality. 6) Increase in pol-lution levels – wetlands, forests and farmlandsare destroyed to make way for roads and hous-es. Smog and air pollution are rising exponen-tially. Wildlife is losing its home and is forcedto compete with human habitations.Source: CST October 2013, page 57, column 2,page 58, column 1Comment: Candidates need to link the social

The Americans,unlike other colonialresidents, were awareof these facts and haddeveloped remarkablecultural and materialprogress to becomefully capable ofgoverning theirdominions. Theywanted equalitarianpartnership withEngland. The middleclass, merchants,bourgeoisie andindustrialists realizedthat their expandingbusiness wasrestricted by Britishpolicies of trade. Thus,American capitalismrevolted againstmercantilism of Britishcapitalism.

1) Populationexplosion in cities dueto massive rural-urbanmigration. Neither isthere sufficient spaceto handle the hugeinflux, nor are thereenough jobs to employthem. This has led tohuge congestion,leading to slum life andshanty settlements. 2)Threat to health andenvironment – theunplanned urbaniza-tion has given rise toproblems such asovercrowding,contaminated water,poor sanitation, airpollution etc. that arefavourable for thespread of variousdiseases. 3) Issue of‘urban sprawl’ – it is amajor effect of rapidurban growth thatresults in scattereddevelopment whichincreases traffic, sapslocal resources,destroys open space,changes the physicalenvironment and thespatial organization ofcities.





ramifications of the great rural-urban econom-ic and political divide that has created prob-lems in urban areas.Marks: 10 out of CST.16. Male membership needs to be encouragedin order to make women’s organization freefrom gender bias. Comment. (200 words) 10Answer: Male membership will play a two-fold role. Firstly, it will highlight to the malecommunity the problems faced by women atthe hands of men in personal, social and eco-nomic settings. It will lead to introspection,corrective action and a spirit of self-policingamong the men to safeguard and respect wom-en’s rights. Secondly, it will present the expec-tations and opinions of the male communityin front of the women as well, leading to a moreinclusive, honest and fruitful dialogue whereideological and practical differences are ironedout and settles amicably without sufferingfrom communication gaps and misinterpreta-tions. It will help both communities to learnand appreciate the stresses and strains thatdominate their respective lives and how andwhen they need each other’s support to suc-cessfully dispense with their responsibilitiesas productive and progressive citizens of In-dia. It will reduce the tendencies of extrememale chauvinism or feminism that offer dead-locks instead of mutual agreements. Ultimate-ly, it will make both communities realize thatprogress of women or men is not at the cost ofthe other party. It is not a zero-sum game, buta means of mutual cooperation for higher so-cial, cultural, economic and political achieve-ments.Comment: This question tests the intellectualand gender sensitivity of the candidate. It ex-pects them to empathize with both men andwomen’s point of view and delegate equal re-sponsibility for generating greater consensusand rapprochement between the genders, atleast on social issues of everyday life.Marks: 0 out of CST as specific question notcovered. It is more application-oriented.17. Critically examine the effects of globaliza-tion on the aged population in India. (200words) 10Answer: The impact of globalization is feltwhen the tools of monetary control becomeineffective in modulating the rate of inflation.It erodes domestic savings that are critical re-tirement safety nets for the aged. Globaliza-tion is also seen as the destroying distinct na-tional cultures, widening socioeconomic equal-ities and worsening the lot of the impover-ished. The nuclear family’s scope is restrictedin the absence of economic security and frag-mentation of landholding fails to sustain thejoint family format. So, a family member’s de-

cision-making power is severely jeopardizedand he becomes estranged from society. In thisprocess, the older members of the family arethe most adversely affected. It imbibes a senseof insecurity among the aged as they can nolonger hope to depend on the younger gener-ation. Industries rapidly lose competitiveness.Changing one’s line of work requires exten-sive reorientation and retraining, which mayinvolve significant expenditure. Changing jobsmay require a physical relocation that involvesthe emotional cost of leaving family andfriends behind and starting over in a new com-munity. These challenges are insurmountablefor the mentally and physically exhaustedaged citizens of the nation.Moreover, states are dismantling welfare sys-tems and cutting back on expenditure withunrestricted and unregulated capitalist exploi-tation. Employment generation and social se-curity are no more seen as essential state re-sponsibilities.Source: CST Contemporary Issues, 7th Edi-tion, page 576, page 578; CST December 2013,page 131, column 1Comment: This questions asks candidates toanalyse the social, economic and cultural im-pact of globalization on a specific segment ofthe Indian population. It needs accurate un-derstanding of the various forces at work thatbring about social challenges for the aged in atransitional economy like India.Marks: 10 out of CST.18. Growing feeling of regionalism is an im-portant factor in the generation of demand fora separate state. Discuss. (200 words) 10Answer: Political leaders and bureaucratsmaintain distance from the common man tothe point of anonymity. They don’t know thepeople’s problems and the people don’t knowthem. They are inaccessible aliens and strang-ers for the electorate. Finally, the common mangoes to the most powerful person in his areawho may be a communalist, casteist or a crim-inal. The latter solves the common man’s im-mediate problem and provides him both phys-ical and emotional protection. Thus, he per-forms all the functions that a state should per-form. To the common man, he is the nation.This is the biggest nemesis to the feeling ofnationalism. The common man is a mere fol-lower of examples, not an analyser. Thus, peo-ple are divided on many parochial lines oncaste, region, religion etc. It boosts sectarianpolitics. A political party cares only for its nar-rowly demarcated vote-bank. The fracturedmandate fails to protect and promote all sec-tions of society and the state’s basic duty re-mains unfulfilled. People solve their problemsby creating their own leaders for their own

The impact ofglobalization is feltwhen the tools ofmonetary controlbecome ineffective inmodulating the rate ofinflation. It erodesdomestic savings thatare critical retirementsafety nets for theaged. Globalization isalso seen as thedestroying distinctnational cultures,widening socioeco-nomic equalities andworsening the lot of theimpoverished. Thenuclear family’s scopeis restricted in theabsence of economicsecurity and fragmen-tation of landholdingfails to sustain the jointfamily format. Itimbibes a sense ofinsecurity among theaged as they can nolonger hope to dependon the youngergeneration.

Political leaders andbureaucrats maintaindistance from thecommon man to thepoint of anonymity.They don’t know thepeople’s problems andthe people don’t knowthem. They areinaccessible aliens andstrangers for theelectorate. Finally, thecommon man goes tothe most powerfulperson in his area whomay be a communalist,casteist or a criminal.The latter solves thecommon man’simmediate problemand provides him bothphysical and emotionalprotection. Thus, heperforms all thefunctions that a stateshould perform. To thecommon man, he isthe nation. This is thebiggest nemesis to thefeeling of nationalism.





cause that is very different from the cause ofothers. This lack of uniform interest breedsregionalism and demands for separate statesin the hope of better social, political and eco-nomic management by local elements.Source: CST Contemporary Issues 7th Edition,page 141, page 142.Comment: It is a relatively straightforwardquestion that tests the candidate’s understand-ing of how an essentially social phenomenonlike regionalism takes root due to administra-tive and economic factors and results in polit-ical demands.Marks: 10 out of CST.19. (a) What do you understand by the theo-ry of continental drift? Discuss the prominentevidences in its support. (100 words) 5Answer: This theory was propounded byWegner that the continents broke away fromthe Pangaea super-continent in two differentdirections. The equator-bound movement tookplace due to gravitational differential force andforce of buoyancy. The westward movementwas caused by the tidal force of the sun andmoon. Supporting evidence includes the sym-metry of the continental coasts on each side ofthe Atlantic Ocean; presence of coalfields intemperate regions when they could only beformed in tropical regions; evidence left bypast glacial flows; evidence of fossil fuels andsimilarity in lithology of rock structure onopposite coasts of the Atlantic Ocean.Source: CST Geography, 8th Edition, page 53Marks: 5 out of CST.19. (b) The recent cyclone on the east coast ofIndia was called “Phailin”. How are the trop-ical cyclones named across the world? Elabo-rate. (100 words) 5Answer: Tropical cyclones are officially namedto facilitate communications between forecast-ers and the public. Names also reduce confu-sion about what storm is being described, asmultiple storms can simultaneously occur inthe same region. The official practice of nam-ing tropical cyclones started in 1945 within theWestern Pacific and was gradually extendedout until 2004, when the Indian Meteorologi-cal Department started to name cyclonicstorms within the North Indian Ocean. Namesare drawn in order from predetermined listsand are usually assigned to tropical cycloneswith one, three, or ten-minute sustained windspeeds of more than 65 km/hour dependingon which area it originates. However, stan-dards vary from basin to basin.Marks: 0 out of CST as topic not covered.20. (a) Bring out the causes for the formationof heat islands in the urban habitat of theworld. (100 words) 5Answer: Short-wave radiation within con-

Tropical cyclonesare officially named tofacilitate communica-tions betweenforecasters and thepublic. Names alsoreduce confusionabout what storm isbeing described, asmultiple storms cansimultaneously occur inthe same region. Theofficial practice ofnaming tropicalcyclones started in1945 within theWestern Pacific andwas graduallyextended out until2004, when the IndianMeteorologicalDepartment started toname cyclonic stormswithin the North IndianOcean. Names aredrawn in order frompredetermined lists

Fronts are character-ized by layers oftemperature inversiondue to ascent of warmair mass over a wedgeof colder and denserair mass. Thus,atmospheric tempera-ture rises withincreasing altitude,which is the oppositeof the usual phenom-enon of temperaturedecreasing 6.5 0C per1,000 metre ascent.Depending on theinstability of theoverrunning warm air,convective clouds oreven thunderstormsmay occur along theleading edges of thecold front. Fog isassociated withtemperature inversionand occurs in morninghours but may continuelonger. Smog isproduced from amixture of smoke andfog that causesrespiratory diseases.

crete, asphalt and buildings absorbed duringthe day, unlike suburban and rural areas, isslowly released during the night, making cool-ing a slow process. Decreased vegetation re-sults in loss of shade and cooling effect of treesand removal of carbon dioxide. Materials usedfor pavement and roofs (concrete, asphalt etc.)have different thermal bulk properties andsurface radiative properties than surroundingareas, leading to higher temperatures. Tallbuildings provide multiple surfaces for thereflection and absorption of sunlight andblocking of wind, which inhibits cooling byconvection and pollution from dissipating.Waste heat from automobiles, air condition-ing, industry, and other sources also contrib-ute.Marks: 0 out of CST as topic not covered.20. (b) What do you understand by the phe-nomenon of temperature inversion in meteo-rology? How does it affect the weather andthe habitants of the place? (100 words) 5Answer: Fronts are characterized by layers oftemperature inversion due to ascent of warmair mass over a wedge of colder and denserair mass. Thus, atmospheric temperature ris-es with increasing altitude, which is the op-posite of the usual phenomenon of tempera-ture decreasing 6.5 0C per 1,000 metre ascent.Depending on the instability of the overrun-ning warm air, convective clouds or even thun-derstorms may occur along the leading edgesof the cold front. Fog is associated with tem-perature inversion and occurs in morninghours but may continue longer. Smog is pro-duced from a mixture of smoke and fog thatcauses respiratory diseases.Source: CST Geography, 8th Edition, page 124,page 132Marks: 5 out of CST.21. Major hot deserts in northern hemisphereare located between 20-30 degree north andon the western side of the continents. Why? (200 words) 10Answer: They are found in the in the sub-trop-ical high-pressure belts along the Tropic ofCancer in the trade wind region that are notfavourable regions for rainfall. The winds blowout of these regions towards lower pressurezones, carrying whatever moisture away withthem. Consequently, no moisture-bearingwinds from other regions also appear due tohigh pressure. Thar of India, Arabian Desert,Kalahari and Sahara deserts of Africa, LowerCalifornia and Arizona deserts of USA are themajor examples.Source: CST Geography, 8th Edition, page 193Marks: 10 out of CST.22. (a) Bring out the causes for more frequentlandslides in the Himalayas than in Western





Ghats. (100 words) 5Answer: Himalayas are seismically very ac-tive due to plate tectonics. They have not yetattained isostatic equilibrium and are still ris-ing. The resulting earthquakes cause land-slides and change directions of river flows. Onthe other hand, the Western Ghats are a partof the Peninsular Plateau, the oldest and moststable landmass of the Indian subcontinent.They are not seismically active and are of muchlower altitude. Thus, landslides are not com-mon.Source: CST Geography, 8th Edition, page 378,page 390Marks: 5 out of CST.22. (b) There is no formation of deltas by riv-ers of the Western Ghat. Why? (100 words) 5Answer: The western rivers like Narmada andTapi flow swiftly into the Arabian Sea withsteep gradient and narrow gorge-like valleysthat form a number of waterfalls. Thus, therivers don’t get a chance to reduce their speedand deposit heavier sediments across theirbanks to form deltas. The required gentle gra-dient is absent in the Western Ghats.Source: CST Geography, 8th Edition, page 391Marks: 5 out of CST.23. (a) Do you agree that there is a growingtrend of opening new sugar mills in the South-ern states of India ? Discuss with justification.(100 words) 5Answer: Due to better conditions, sugar in-dustries are shifting from North India to Pen-insular India. In the past, North India contrib-uted 90% to sugar production which has nowreduced to 35%-40%. Peninsular India hastropical climate which gives higher yield perunit area as compared to North India. The su-crose content is also higher in the tropical cli-mate. The crushing season of 7-8 months islonger in peninsular India, compared to 4months in North India. The cooperative sugarmills are better managed in peninsular Indiathan North India. Most of the mills in penin-sular India are new which are equipped withmodern machinery.Source: CST Geography, 8th Edition, page 665Marks: 5 out of CST.23. (b) Analyse the factors for highly decen-tralized cotton textile industry in India. (100words) 5Answer: First modern textile mill was setupat Calcutta (1818), followed by Bombay (1854)and Ahmedabad (1861). Cotton textiles con-tribute 17% to export earnings and 35 milliondirect jobs. Despite the scattered nature of thecotton textile industry, spread across Maha-rashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal,Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka etc. dueto specialized nature of local labour and mar-

ket tastes, easy transportability of lightweightraw cotton and availability of electricity as wellas suitable humid climate to ensure non-break-age of cotton thread, 40% of mill cloth and 11%of yarn is produced in Maharashtra, withMumbai, ‘Cottonopolis of India’, owning 63out of 122 mills in the state.Source: CST Geography, 8th Edition, page 677Marks: 5 out of CST.24. With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, theatomic energy is gaining more and more sig-nificance in India. Discuss the availability ofraw material required for the generation ofatomic energy in India and in the world. (200words) 10Answer: After the synchronization of 220 MWKaiga-4 reactor, India’s nuclear power capaci-ty has increased to 4,780 MW with a total of 20reactors in operation. The 12th Five-year Planestimates another 2,800 MW to be added by2017. Six additional indigenous projects areplanned to commence during the 12th Plan inHaryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh andTamil Nadu for an estimated capacity of 6,900MW. Foreign technical cooperation is beingutilized for projects in Tamil Nadu, Maharash-tra, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, totalling10,500 MW in capacity. By 2032, India’s nucle-ar capacity is expected to reach 63,000 MW andreach 25% share of total energy production by2050 to reduce dependence on thermal coal-generated power.India’s uranium reserves are meagre as sim-ply better fuel availability raised nuclear en-ergy production by 39% in 2011. Nuclear Sup-pliers Group has granted India a waiver from2008 to access nuclear fuel for power genera-tion in the global market despite not signingNPT. Tummalapalle, Andhra Pradesh, hasconfirmed uranium reserves of 49,000 tonnes.New deposits have also been found in Megha-laya and Gulbarga, Karnataka.63% of global uranium production comes fromKazakhstan, Canada and Australia. US has 6%share. India has signed civil nuclear deals withUS, Russia, France, Kazakhstan, Namibia,Mongolia, Argentina, Canada, South Korea etc.to import nuclear fuel, reactors, pressurizedheavy water, etc.Source: CST December 2013, page 42, column1; CST Science & Technology, 9th Edition, page276 - 285; Marks: 10 out of CST.25. It is said the India has substantial reservesof shale oil and gas, which can feed the needsof country for quarter century. However, tap-ping of the resources doesn’t appear to be highon the agenda. Discuss critically the availabil-ity and issues involved. (200 words) 10Answer: US has allowed the export of shalegas to countries that are not partners in free

Due to betterconditions, sugarindustries are shiftingfrom North India toPeninsular India. In thepast, North Indiacontributed 90% tosugar production whichhas now reduced to35%-40%. PeninsularIndia has tropicalclimate which giveshigher yield per unitarea as compared toNorth India. Thesucrose content is alsohigher in the tropicalclimate. The crushingseason of 7-8 monthsis longer in peninsularIndia, compared to 4months in North India.The cooperative sugarmills are bettermanaged in peninsularIndia than North India.

Nuclear SuppliersGroup has grantedIndia a waiver from2008 to access nuclearfuel for powergeneration in theglobal market despitenot signing NPT.Tummalapalle, AndhraPradesh, hasconfirmed uraniumreserves of 49,000tonnes. New depositshave also been foundin Meghalaya andGulbarga, Karnataka.63% of global uraniumproduction comes fromKazakhstan, Canadaand Australia. US has6% share. India hassigned civil nucleardeals with US, Russia,France, Kazakhstan,Namibia, Mongolia,Argentina, Canada,South Korea etc. toimport nuclear fuel,reactors, pressurizedheavy water, etc.





trade agreements. India has been pushing forthis decision and has shown interest in an ex-clusive partnership with USA to tap domesticshale gas reserves, a rich source of energywhere USA is the global technology leader.The gas producers in USA are facing a pricedepression due to the slower growth in theeconomy. But India badly needs support in theenergy field. India has allowed full foreignownership of companies in the oil and naturalgas sector, including exploration, pipeline in-frastructure and trading. The Petroleum Min-istry has decided to seek a 7-year tax holidayfrom the Finance Ministry on the profits fromshale gas business. Private sector player Reli-ance Industries, the first Indian firm to acquireUS shale gas equity, is also eventually likelyto bring shale-LNG to India for marketingthrough its joint venture with BP.The shale gas formations are spread over sev-eral sedimentary basins such as Cambay,Gondwana and Krishna-Godavari delta onland and Kaveri river. Gas production fromKG-D6 basin began on April 1, 2009. The cur-rent gas production from KG-D6 field is about53 MMSCMD and planned to reach 80 MMSC-MD by 2012-13.Source: Foreign Policy, 4th Edition, page 544,Box; CST Economy, 8th Edition, page 445Marks: 7.5 out of CST as shale oil not covered.

GENERAL STUDIES(PAPER–II)Time allowed: Three Hours Maximum Marks : 250QUESTION PAPER SPECIFICINSTRUCTIONSPlease read each of the following instructionscarefully before attempting questions :There are TWENTY-FIVE questions in Paper.All questions are compulsory. The number ofmarks carried by a question/part is indicatedagainst it. Answers must be written in themedium authorized in the Admission Certifi-cate which must be stated clearly on the coverof this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Bookletin the space provided. No marks will be givenfor answers written in medium other than theauthorized one. Word limit in questions, ifspecified, should be adhered to. Any page orportion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struckoff.Answer questions in not more than the wordlimit specified for each in the parenthesis.Content of the answer is more important thanits length.1. The role of individual MPs (Members ofParliament) has diminished over the years and

as a result healthy constructive debates on pol-icy issues are not usually witnessed. How farcan this be attributed to the anti-defection law,which was legislated but with a different in-tention? (200 words) 10Answer: Anti-defection law forces MPs to toethe line of argument supported by the majori-ty of the party. They don’t have recourse toleaving their party for another rival party incase of difference of opinion. They will sim-ply be expelled from the party and will losetheir parliamentary seat as well. Anti-defec-tion law permits wholesale defection, not re-tail defection. It was introduced to ensure pol-iticians do not take advantage of opportunis-tic defections after winning elections with oneparty and then switching to a rival offeringmore lucrative terms. Only if 1/3rd of the par-ty members collectively defect and form an-other party together, it will not be a violationof anti-defection law. As a result, individualMPs cannot present opinions that run contraryto the dominant view, even if they are secular,nationalist and development-oriented.Other factors include growing specializationand technical nature of bills under discussionthat require frequent references to specialistparliamentary committees. Generalist MPs areneither educationally nor temperamentally ad-equately equipped to initiate and contributeto constructive debates on these issues. Risingcoalition politics also discourage non-partisanthought and discussion.Marks: 0 out of CST as application-orientedquestion not specifically covered.2. Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with refer-ence to its alleged violation of Article 19 of theConstitution. (200 words) 10Answer: Freedom of speech and expression tothe Indian citizens doesn’t come without anyrestrictions. Article 19 (2) puts some restric-tions on rights conferred under section 19 (1),but section 66 A of IT Act allegedly puts re-striction on freedom of expression. Constitu-tion puts certain restrictions on free speech innational interest. However, section 66A of ITAct is putting far more restrictions on onlinefree speech and the same is ultra vires to theConstitution. The use of some vague words inthe section 66 (A) criminalize communicationon the ground that it is grossly offensive, ofmenacing character, causing annoyance, orinconvenience. This section has unleashed aregime of arbitrary enforcement — which iswhat the country has witnessed in recent past.Every word used under this section is subjec-tive and has been kept wide open for inter-pretation, which leaves a lot of room for itswanton abuse and attacks freedoms guaran-teed under Article 14, 19, and 21 of our consti-

US has allowed theexport of shale gas tocountries that are notpartners in free tradeagreements. India hasbeen pushing for thisdecision and hasshown interest in anexclusive partnershipwith USA to tapdomestic shale gasreserves, a rich sourceof energy where USAis the global technol-ogy leader. The gasproducers in USA arefacing a pricedepression due to theslower growth in theeconomy. But Indiabadly needs support inthe energy field.

Section 66A of ITAct is putting far morerestrictions on onlinefree speech and thesame is ultra vires tothe Constitution. Theuse of some vaguewords in the section 66(A) criminalizecommunication on theground that it is grosslyoffensive, of menacingcharacter, causingannoyance, orinconvenience. Thissection has unleasheda regime of arbitraryenforcement — whichis what the country haswitnessed in recentpast. Every word usedunder this section issubjective and hasbeen kept wide openfor interpretation.





tution. In sum, it can be said that the mainproblem is that the definition of free speechunder Section 66 (A) goes beyond the defini-tion as envisaged in the Indian Constitution.This makes Section 66 (A) ultra vires of theConstitution.Source: CST February 2013, page 134Comment: This question needs accurateknowledge of the Act as well as Article 19 soas to compare its provisions against the free-doms guaranteed by the latter.Marks: 10 out of CST.3. Recent directives from Ministry of Petro-leum and Natural Gas are perceived by the‘Nagas’ as a threat to override the exceptionalstatus enjoyed by the State. Discuss in light ofArticle 371A of the Indian Constitution. (200words) 10Answer: The Centre objects saying that thestate, under the Constitution, could not regu-late mining of natural wealth under theground as this was a Central subject. It arguedthat Article 371A only gives the state the rightagainst implementing Central Acts in certainareas, and not to make new laws or regula-tions on these subjects. The Naga People’sFront government insists that Article 371Amakes it clear that “no Act of Parliament inrespect of Naga customary laws, administra-tion of civil and criminal justice involving de-cisions according to customary law, ownershipand transfer of land and its resources shallapply to the state of Nagaland unless the Leg-islative Assembly of Nagaland by a resolutionso decides”.On the legal front, the Centre’s interpretationof Article 371A is that it provides the state“negative power” as in the right to reject a Par-liamentary Act in any of the areas mentionedin the provision. However, according to theCentre, it does not provide the state govern-ment the “positive power” to legislate or reg-ulate aspects of the areas that may fall underCentral control. Thus, Nagaland can retain sta-tus quo on any issues including mining but itcannot seek to change it on its own terms.Marks: 0 out of CST as topic not covered.4. The Supreme Court of India keeps a checkon arbitrary power of the Parliament inamending the Constitution.’ Discuss critical-ly. (200 words) 10Answer: The power of judicial review overconstitutionality of legislative action vested inSupreme Court under Article 32 is an integraland essential feature of the Constitution. Itchecks the competency of the legislature topass the law, infringement of any fundamen-tal right and impact on public interest. Parlia-ment cannot divest the Supreme Court of itspower of judicial review. Article 368 does not

empower Parliament to change Constitution’sbasic structure. Moreover, ‘basic feature’ isundefined, which empowers Supreme Courtto widely interpret its suitability on a case-to-case basis.Section 28 of Administrative Tribunal Act wasdeclared void due to ‘exclusion of jurisdiction’clauses. All laws included in 9th Schedule af-ter April 24, 1973 will be open to judicial re-view due to overexploitation of a one-timeexemption for abolishing zamindari system.Judges enjoy security of tenure and can be re-moved only on ‘proven misbehaviour or in-capacity’ by a difficult impeachment process.Article 121 forbids discussion on conduct ofjudges in legislature. Article 50 directs Stateto separate judiciary from executive in publicservices. Article 138 allows Parliament to in-crease but not reduce Supreme Court’s juris-diction. Salary of judges is fixed and not sub-ject to vote of legislature.Thus, an independent Supreme Court guardsagainst Parliament’s unconstitutional actionsfrom substantive and procedural standpoint.Source: CST Government & Politics, 8th Edi-tion, page 259, page 261; CST December 2013,page 117, column 3, page 119, column 2, page124, column 3Comment: This question tests candidates’knowledge of separation of powers betweenlegislature and judiciary and various steps tak-en by judiciary to safeguard that separationand its independence.Marks: 10 out of CST.5. Many State Governments further bifurcategeographical administrative areas like Dis-tricts and Talukas for better governance. Inlight of the above, can it also be justified thatmore number of smaller States would bringin effective governance at State level? Discuss.(200 words) 10Answer: After independence, the role of gov-ernment has changed from a pure law andorder-maintaining agency to a development-sponsoring organization. It requires moreelaborate government machinery, makingsmaller states more viable. The popular andmore homogeneous needs, demands andproblems of the people could be articulatedand paid attention by the government, muchmore than in past. Smaller states would bemore effective for fiscal management. It willfoster greater competition among states aswell as experimentation and innovation. The11th Plan document mentions that Uttarak-hand and Chhattisgarh grew faster than theirparent states U.P. and M.P. during 2004-2009.The quality of governance would rise due tofewer hierarchies that would improve qualityof information received by decision-makers

On the legal front,the Centre’s interpreta-tion of Article 371A isthat it provides thestate “negative power”as in the right to rejecta Parliamentary Act inany of the areasmentioned in theprovision. However,according to theCentre, it does notprovide the stategovernment the“positive power” tolegislate or regulateaspects of the areasthat may fall underCentral control. Thus,Nagaland can retainstatus quo on anyissues including miningbut it cannot seek tochange it on its ownterms.

The power of judicialreview over constitu-tionality of legislativeaction vested inSupreme Court underArticle 32 is an integraland essential featureof the Constitution. Itchecks the compe-tency of the legislatureto pass the law,infringement of anyfundamental right andimpact on publicinterest. Parliamentcannot divest theSupreme Court of itspower of judicialreview. Article 368does not empowerParliament to changeConstitution’s basicstructure. Moreover,‘basic feature’ isundefined, whichempowers SupremeCourt to widelyinterpret its suitabilityon a case-to-casebasis.





and smaller horizontal spans of control thatwould allow greater focus.But they will also cause greater regional im-balances with states like Jharkhand havingonly mineral deposits while Bihar having onlyfarmland; Uttarakhand surviving mainly ontourism income etc. In a heterogeneous Indi-an society, it will lead to unlimited demandsfor new states, adding wasteful expense inconstructing capitals and buildings. New fric-tion may arise in Centre-state relations. Small-er states cannot use economies of scale andsuffer more from restrictions on interstatetrade.Therefore, a proper techno-economic surveyof the area, socio-cultural homogeneity andpolitical manageability of the area should besimultaneously considered before carvingnew, smaller states.Source: CST Contemporary Issues, 7th Edi-tion, page 777 – page 779Comment: Candidates need to display theirunderstanding of the distinction between along centralized chain of command and decen-tralized governance.Marks: 10 out of CST.6. Constitutional mechanisms to resolve theinter-state water disputes have failed to ad-dress and solve the problems. Is the failure dueto structural or process inadequacy or both?Discuss. (200 words) 10Answer: Article 262 does not itself lay downany specific machinery for adjudication ofwater disputes. It only lays down that Parlia-ment may by law decide any dispute or com-plaint with respect to use, distribution or con-trol of the waters of, or in, any inter-state riveror river valley. Accordingly, Parliament enact-ed Inter-state Water Disputes Act 1956. Sec-tion 4 empowered the Centre to setup a WaterDispute Tribunal. These tribunals have failedto solve the problems and the purpose hasbeen defeated. On recommendations of Sarkar-ia Commission, the Water Disputes amend-ment bill 2001 was introduced in Lok Sabhato setup inter-state tribunals and ensure theirreport submission in a time-bound manner.But, Article 131 includes inter-state water dis-putes under Supreme Court’s original juris-diction. Thus, Articles 131 and 262 have creat-ed dual mechanisms for resolving disputes,leading to confusion, delay and revision.River Boards Act 1956 does not clearly definethe constitution, jurisdiction and regulatorypowers of River Boards.Water, basically subject to the provisions ofEntry 56 in Union List, is also enumerated inEntry 17 of State List in 7th Schedule.Source: CST December 2013, page 120, column2, column 3

Comment: Candidates not only need to high-light the deficiencies, but also need to segre-gate them into structural and process deficien-cies. Needs understanding of difference be-tween structure and process.Marks: 10 out of CST.7. Discuss the recommendations of the 13thFinance Commission which have been a de-parture from the previous commissions forstrengthening the local government finances.(200 words) 10Answer: The 13th Finance Commission hasmade a departure from its predecessors whichrecommended a specific quantum of grant. Ithas mandated grants as a percentage of the netproceeds of the Union taxes of the previousyear which should be converted into grant-in-aid under Article 275 while transferring to lo-cal bodies. The grants will have a basic com-ponent and a performance-based component.The basic grant is 1.5% of previous year’s netUnion tax proceeds, while performance grantis 0.5% in 2011-12 and 1% thereafter. Whilebasic grant is available to all states, the per-formance grant is contingent on meeting thefollowing conditions –1) All local bodies are required to maintain andpresent accounts as recommended by theCommission. State governments should placea supplement consolidating local body bud-gets with the state budget showing plan andnon-plan transfers to ULBs and PRIs. 2) Stategovernment must put in place an audit sys-tem for all local bodies and report should beplaced before state legislature. 3) States shouldplace an Ombudsman for local bodies to in-vestigate complaints of corruption and mal-administration against elected and appointedfunctionaries. 4) Electronic fund transfer tolocal bodies must be completed within 5 daysof receipt from Centre. 6) Local bodies musthave power of levying property tax. 7) Insti-tute standards of delivery for essential servic-es provided by local bodies.Source: CST Government & Politics, 8th Edi-tion, page 374, page 375Marks: 10 out of CST.8. The product diversification of financial in-stitutions and insurance companies, resultingin overlapping of products and servicesstrengthens the case for the merger of the tworegulatory agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA.Justify. (200 words) 10Answer: Different regulators for different fi-nancial services leave room for regulatory ar-bitrage as distributors for these different prod-ucts are the same. Distributors sell all prod-ucts – life or non-life insurance, mutual funds,bank products or security market products.Different regulators and different rules framed

Article 262 does notitself lay down anyspecific machinery foradjudication of waterdisputes. It only laysdown that Parliamentmay by law decide anydispute or complaintwith respect to use,distribution or controlof the waters of, or in,any inter-state river orriver valley. Accord-ingly, Parliamentenacted Inter-stateWater Disputes Act1956. Section 4empowered the Centreto setup a WaterDispute Tribunal.These tribunals havefailed to solve theproblems and thepurpose has beendefeated.

The 13th FinanceCommission has madea departure from itspredecessors whichrecommended aspecific quantum ofgrant. It has mandatedgrants as a percentageof the net proceeds ofthe Union taxes of theprevious year whichshould be convertedinto grant-in-aid underArticle 275 whiletransferring to localbodies. The grants willhave a basic compo-nent and a perfor-mance-basedcomponent. The basicgrant is 1.5% ofprevious year’s netUnion tax proceeds,while performancegrant is 0.5% in 2011-12 and 1% thereafter.





by them only create confusion for investorsand customers. The unified regulatory modelwould help remove inter-regulatory disputesand would also ensure greater transparencyand accountability. The decision-makingwould become more effective and holistic. Anintegrated planning and execution could bemore feasible.Thus, the overlapping features of insuranceand securities products present a strong casefor the merger of IRDA and SEBI to reducecompliance costs and complexities of productproviders and simplify regulations for moreeffective customer education and protection inan already fragile financial market fraughtwith loss of confidence and negative investorsentiment.Source: CST June 2013, page 24;Marks: 10 out of CST.9. The concept of Mid-Day Meal (MDM)scheme is almost a century old in India withearly beginnings in Madras Presidency in pre-independent India. The scheme has again beengiven impetus in most states in the last twodecades. Critically examine its twin objectives,latest mandates and success. (200 words) 10Answer: It has led to increased school enrol-ment and higher girls’ enrolment. It has four-fold impact on school attendance, child nutri-tion, social equity and gender equality. Thiscentrally sponsored scheme aims at improv-ing enrolment, attendance and retention whilesimultaneously improving nutrition status ofstudents in primary classes. Cooked or pro-cessed mid-day meals are served in all gov-ernment and government-aided primaryschools. Karnataka and Rajasthan have faredthe best while poor states like Bihar and Jhark-hand are yet to implement it. The cooking costnow includes the cost of vegetables, pulses,oils and fats, salt and condiments and fuel. Aseparate provision for payment of an honorar-ium to a cook-cum-helper at Rs. 1,000 / monthhas been made. Transportation assistance for11 special category states – Assam, Arunachal,Himachal, Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur, Me-ghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Uttarakhand andTripura – has been revised to the rate preva-lent under the PDS in these states in place ofthe existing flat rate assistance of Rs. 125 /quintal from December 1, 2009. The cost ofkitchen-cum-store has been revised. The cook-ing cost, honorarium and cost of constructionof kitchen-cum-store are shared between Cen-tre and North-east states on a 90:10 basis andother states / UTs on a 75:25 basis.Source: CST Economy, 8th Edition, page 314,page 490Marks: 10 out of CST.10. Pressure group politics is sometimes seen

as the informal face of politics. With regardsto the above, assess the structure and function-ing of pressure groups in India. (200 words) 10Answer: Pressure groups enhance and threat-en pluralistic profile of democratic setup. Theyhelp in overcoming democratic deficit thatbuilds up between 5-yearly elections as theelectorate has little influence. They organizeminorities into larger groups via interest ag-gregation and defend them in the political are-na via interest articulation. Acting as a link be-tween the government and the governed, theykeep administration responsive and account-able.Structure: Pressure groups are interest groupsthat try to safeguard and promote the commoninterests of its members. They can be based oninstitutions (bureaucracy, army), associations(caste, minority, religion, farmer, student,trade union etc.), anomic groups (ULFA, Nax-als), professions (Indian Medical Association,India Bar Association), etc.Functions: 1) Representation – Pressure groupsprovide a mouthpiece for groups and intereststhat are not adequately represented throughthe electoral process. 2) Political participation– They seek to exert influence on lawmakersand public officials by mobilizing popular sup-port through petitions, marches, demonstra-tions and other forms of political protest. 3)Education – They utilize media to educatedpeople, raise political consciousness and com-ment on government policy. 4) Policy Formu-lation – They give generalist government spe-cialist ideas, information and advice for for-mulating effective policies. 5) Policy Imple-mentation – They shape the content of publicpolicy and play a role in putting it into prac-tice.Source: CST December 2013, page 52– page 54Comment: This questions tests the candidate’sknowledge of the impact as well as the gene-sis of pressure groups on politics, despite hav-ing motivations and interests in diverse sec-tors of human endeavour.Marks: 10 out of CST.11. The legitimacy and accountability of SelfHelp Groups (SHGs) and their patrons, themicro-finance outfits, need systematic assess-ment and scrutiny for the sustained success ofthe concept. Discuss. (200 words) 10Answer: SHGs are playing a vital role in alle-viating rural poverty. People are engaged insavings and credit management via formal in-stitutions. Women enjoy greater financial free-dom and quality of life with easy credit accessfacility. They experience greater confidenceand self-respect that has changed the mentali-ty of rural male population towards womenfor the better. Members’ access to amenities

Mid-day Mealscheme has led toincreased schoolenrolment and highergirls’ enrolment. It hasfourfold impact onschool attendance,child nutrition, socialequity and genderequality. This centrallysponsored schemeaims at improvingenrolment, attendanceand retention whilesimultaneouslyimproving nutritionstatus of students inprimary classes.Cooked or processedmid-day meals areserved in all govern-ment and government-aided primary schools.Karnataka andRajasthan have faredthe best while poorstates like Bihar andJharkhand are yet toimplement it.

Pressure groupsenhance and threatenpluralistic profile ofdemocratic setup. Theyhelp in overcomingdemocratic deficit thatbuilds up between 5-yearly elections as theelectorate has littleinfluence. Theyorganize minorities intolarger groups viainterest aggregationand defend them in thepolitical arena viainterest articulation.Acting as a linkbetween the govern-ment and the gov-erned, they keepadministrationresponsive andaccountable.





like medical aid, sanitation, education, watersupply, transport and markets has improvedmarkedly. Thus, the SHG programme has hugesocial and economic implications that are in-trinsically tied to each other, which needs de-tailed research and analysis on qualitative andquantitative levels to replicate success storiesacross diverse geo-ethnic realities and learnfrom mistakes as well.NABARD supports regional rural banks, dis-trict central cooperative banks, urban cooper-ative banks, farmers’ clubs etc. that provide mi-crocredit and savings facilities to SHGs. It alsoprovides grant assistance for training, capaci-ty-building, skill upgradation, exposure visitsetc. to SHG members and other stakeholders.It is implementing a scheme for promoting vi-able and self-sustainable Women’s SHGsacross 150 Naxal-affected districts by provid-ing credit linkage with banks. Centre is plan-ning to expand SHG movement to cover issueslike rural sanitation, gender equality and wom-en’s empowerment. Such diverse social andfinancial goals need close monitoring and feed-back systems to ensure mid-course correctionsand maintain private investor interest.Source: CST November 2013, page 122Comment: This question wants candidates tohighlight the importance of feedback and cor-rection mechanisms in any system and how itcan be grafted successfully onto SHGs and mi-crofinance units whose critical success factorsare difficult to quantify and track with tradi-tional models of investment and returns.Marks: 10 out of CST.12. The Central Government frequently com-plains on the poor performance of the StateGovernments in eradicating suffering of thevulnerable sections of the society. Restructur-ing of Centrally sponsored schemes across thesectors for ameliorating the cause of vulnera-ble sections of population aims at providingflexibility to the States in better implementa-tion. Critically evaluate. (200 words) 10Answer: More financial autonomy should begranted to states so that the blame-game ofmismanagement can be eliminated and basicaccountabilities can be established. The statemust be given more economic autonomy sothat they also cannot blame Centre for failure.For this, certain provisions of the 7th Scheduleand Articles 264-281 should be amended. Thesystem of alternative devolution of taxes mustbe implemented so that the states can havebetter access to fixed revenue. The asymmet-ric assignment of functions and finance andresulting vertical imbalance has widened andreflected in sharp increase in pre and post-dev-olution deficits of states in recent years.It appears that the basic constitutional foun-

dation of having a Finance Commission is di-luted not only due to the multiplicity of trans-fers through alternative channels, but also theway Terms of References have been framedof successive Commissions. The transfer sys-tem has various deficiencies but it does notrequire corrections on the basis of tied andconditional grants, but via an approach thatensures equity, efficiency and autonomy of therecipient state governments. Without thesemeasures, all attempts of restricting benefitschemes for the weak will fall flat as the rootcause of the problem – finance – is not beingaddressed.Source: CST December 2013, page 111, col. 2Comment: Candidates need to understandthat blame-game between Centre and stateson all issues – economic, social or political – isprimarily due to mismatch between respon-sibilities and resources.Marks: 10 out of CST.13. Electronic cash transfer system for thewelfare schemes is an ambitious project tominimize corruption, eliminate wastage andfacilitate reforms. Comment. (200 words) 10Answer: The Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT)plan was introduced on January 1, 2013 with7 schemes in 20 districts. Benefits such asscholarships, pensions, MGNREGA wages etc.will be directly credited to bank or post officeaccounts of identified beneficiaries. It will notsubstitute entirely for delivery of public ser-vices for now. It will neither replace food andkerosene subsidies under TPDS nor fertilizersubsidies. DBT is designed to improve target-ing, reduce corruption, eliminate waste, con-trol expenditure and facilitate reforms. Elec-tronic transfer of benefits is a simple designchange and transfers that are already takingplace through paper and cash mode will nowbe done through electronic transfers. This hasbeen enabled by rapid rollout of Aadhar nowcovering 200 million and rapidly growing tocover 600 million, with the National Popula-tion Register covering the other half of thepopulation. DBT in tandem with unique iden-tification will ensure that benefits reach thetarget groups faster and minimize inclusionand exclusion errors as well as corruption as-sociated with manual processes.Source: CST November 2013, page 112, col. 3Marks: 10 out of CST.14. The basis of providing urban amenitiesin rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establish-ing connectivity. Comment. (200 words) 10Answer: PURA , a project of former PresidentAbdul Kalam, had first been implemented ona pilot basis from 2004-05 for a period of threeyears in seven clusters – Andhra, Assam, Bi-har, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Orissa and U.P.

More financialautonomy should begranted to states sothat the blame-game ofmismanagement canbe eliminated andbasic accountabilitiescan be established.The state must begiven more economicautonomy so that theyalso cannot blameCentre for failure. Forthis, certain provisionsof the 7th Scheduleand Articles 264-281should be amended.The system ofalternative devolutionof taxes must beimplemented so thatthe states can havebetter access to fixedrevenue. The asym-metric assignment offunctions and financeand resulting verticalimbalance haswidened and reflectedin sharp increase inpre and post-devolution deficits ofstates in recent years.

DBT is designed toimprove targeting,reduce corruption,eliminate waste,control expenditureand facilitate reforms.Electronic transfer ofbenefits is a simpledesign change andtransfers that arealready taking placethrough paper andcash mode will now bedone throughelectronic transfers.This has been enabledby rapid rollout ofAadhar now covering200 million and rapidlygrowing to cover 600million, with theNational PopulationRegister covering theother half of thepopulation.





The objective of the scheme is to provide live-lihood opportunities and urban amenities inrural areas to bridge the rural-urban divide.The scheme envisions holistic and accelerateddevelopment of areas around a potentialgrowth centre in a gram panchayat or a groupof gram panchayats in a PPP framework. Theframework of bringing together public fundsand private capital for creation of infrastruc-ture in rural areas and leveraging upon pri-vate sector expertise to manage and maintainthe same during the concession period, formsthe essence of the restructured PURA scheme.Source: CST Contemporary Issues, 7th Edition,page 427Comment: Connectivity has to be understoodin terms of relieving stress on overpopulatedcities due to rural-urban migration by reduc-ing the gap between social and economicamenities and opportunities. The intent is tobind cities and villages into mutually benefi-cial synergy rather than parasitism.Marks: 10 out of CST.15. Identify the Millennium DevelopmentGoals (MDGs) that are related to health. Dis-cuss the success of the actions taken by theGovernment for achieving the same. (200words) 10Answer: Goals related to health include im-proving maternal health, reducing child mor-tality, combating HIV/AIDS, Malaria and oth-er diseases, and eradicating extreme hunger.Malnourishment could decline to 40% by 2015,below the target of 28.6%, despite programmeslike Antodya Ann Yojana, food subsidies forBPL and APL population etc.Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) will declineto 139 per 100,000 live births by 2015, againstthe target of 109, despite programmes likeIGMSY, anganwadi support systems etc. Childmortality rate will decline to 70 per 1,000 livebirths by 2015, against target of 42, despite pro-grammes like ICDS, Mid-day Meal scheme etc.Decline in HIV and AIDS can be attributed togreater awareness and increasing condom use.Adult prevalence has come down to 0.34% in2007 from 0.45% in 2002. Malaria, both in termsof prevalence and death has declined. Malariadiagnosis has declined from 1.75% in 2005 to1.52% in 2009. Further, malaria prone statessuch as the north- eastern states, Gujarat, Kar-nataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Oris-sa, Rajasthan and West Bengal have recordedfewer malaria deaths since 2006.Treatment success rates of tuberculosis haveremained steady at 86%-87% over the five yearsand its prevalence has steadily declined.Marks: 0 out of CST as topic not covered.16. Though Citizen’s charters have been for-mulated by many public service delivery or-

ganizations, there is no corresponding im-provement in the level of citizens’ satisfactionand quality of services being provided. Anal-yse. (200 words) 10Answer: As long as government fails to insti-tute reform of political funding, the positioncannot improve significantly by mere laws andcodes. India has an onerous procedure and aninsular bureaucracy because the political classhas suborned the civil service and made it un-accountable by using it to mobilize campaignfinance. Indian democracy is funded by theproceeds of corruption, in which the civil ser-vice colludes at the instance of its politicalmasters. Unless India develops a transparentsystem to fund political parties and elections,it will be impossible to make the civil serviceefficient or functional.Citizen’s charters are not backed by legal sanc-tions. They can at best exert moral pressureupon bureaucrats.Source: CST September 2013, page 90, col. 3Comment: Candidates need to succinctly iden-tify the root cause of corruption in public ser-vice delivery due to indifference of govern-ment officials to public demands and theirgrowing reliance on corrupt goals of the po-litical executive. Marks: 10 out of CST.17. ‘A national Lokpal, however strong it maybe, cannot resolve the problems of immorali-ty in public affairs’. Discuss. (200 words) 10Answer: The foundations of corruption liedeep and beyond the pale of mere law-mak-ing and implementation process. Two hun-dred years of British rule could be regardedas the basis of the spread and mass conver-sion of people’s mentality towards principlesof manipulation, divide and rule, suppression-cum-conciliation. Corruption was made a wayof life. British colonial apparatus was designedto promote the wrong people, wrong policiesand wrong actions. It assimilated into the workculture and mental faculties of the youngergeneration which had to compromise to sur-vive in parochial governance.The British created a sense of insecurity amongpeople for their future and their children’s ca-reer. This fear psychosis manifests itself todaywith people accumulating wealth for manyfuture generations. British never tried to findsustainable solutions to long-term problemsand preferred to delay and bury issues underreports of committees and commissions, apractice that is emulated to this day. The Brit-ish ‘divide and rule’ policy created a crisis ofmutual suspicion and then pretended to solveit. Thus, the practice of creating havoc to le-gitimize vested interest began, which breedsand sustains corruption even today. The Brit-ish civil service was designed for unquestion-

As long as govern-ment fails to institutereform of politicalfunding, the positioncannot improvesignificantly by merelaws and codes. Indiahas an onerousprocedure and aninsular bureaucracybecause the politicalclass has suborned thecivil service and madeit unaccountable byusing it to mobilizecampaign finance.Indian democracy isfunded by theproceeds of corruption,in which the civilservice colludes at theinstance of its politicalmasters. Unless Indiadevelops a transparentsystem to fund politicalparties and elections, itwill be impossible tomake the civil serviceefficient or functional.Citizen’s charters arenot backed by legalsanctions. They can atbest exert moralpressure uponbureaucrats.

The foundations ofcorruption lie deep andbeyond the pale ofmere law-making andimplementationprocess. Two hundredyears of British rulecould be regarded asthe basis of the spreadand mass conversionof people’s mentalitytowards principles ofmanipulation, divideand rule, suppression-cum-conciliation.Corruption was made away of life. Britishcolonial apparatus wasdesigned to promotethe wrong people,wrong policies andwrong actions.





able power without accountability. They gov-erned with a sense of domination, superiorityand cynic intelligence, which continues eventoday.So, Lokpal alone cannot change habits, atti-tudes and behavioural patterns that breed im-morality in public affairs.Source: CST Contemporary Issues, 7th Edition,page 728 – page 732Comment: Candidates need to highlight theusual futility of attempts at bringing about be-havioural changes through structural reforms.Marks: 10 out of CST.18. The proposed withdrawal of InternationalSecurity Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghan-istan in 2014 is fraught with major security im-plications for the countries of the region. Ex-amine in light of the fact that India is faced witha plethora of challenges and needs to safeguardits own strategic interests. (200 words) 10Answer: India has to ensure a viable politicalsystem is established in Afghanistan before theISAF withdrawal. If not, regional peace wouldbe jeopardized and Indian interests would suf-fer. A new terrorist network between Afghan-istan and Pakistan could emerge that wouldthreaten India. If reconciliation with Talibaninvolves moves that lead to the Taliban takingcontrol over part or whole of Afghanistan, withbacking from China and Pakistan’s ISI, Af-ghanistan will once again become a venue ofanti-India activities. Taliban has already forgedclose links with Lashkar-e-Toiba and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. China had invited leaders fromAfghanistan and Pakistan for an unprecedent-ed trilateral meeting to discuss reconciliationwith Taliban.India’s strategic interests include bidding forcopper, gold, iron, oil and gas deposits in Af-ghanistan. India supports the geopoliticallysignificant ‘New Silk Road’ vision of connec-tivity between South and Central Asia, withAfghanistan at its core. Afghanistan is the gate-way to Central Asian markets and energy re-sources which India has been unable to tap dueto Pakistan’s no-transit policy of all land trans-port from and to India via its territory. Indiahas built a 218 km road connecting Afghani-stan with Iran’s Chabahar port to counterbal-ance China’s ‘string of pearls’-driven controlof Pakistan’s Gwadar port.Source: CST December 2013, page 23, column2, column 3, page 24, column 1Comment: This question tests the candidates’knowledge of India’s relations with multipleneighbouring nations and how they will playout from a security and terrorism point of viewin absence of US armed presence in Afghani-stan. Marks: 10 out of CST.19. What do you understand by The String of

Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly out-line the steps taken by India to counter this.(200 words) 10Answer: Chinese chequebook diplomacy hasnot only changed the equations in the PacificOcean, but also fuelled the entire policy of‘string of pearls’. Over the last 15 years, Chi-na has moved to become the largest aid do-nor to the 14 Pacific Island Forum nations af-ter Australia and Japan in the form of devel-opmental aid and soft loans. China is increas-ing her access to ports, airfields, military forcesand diplomatic relations in the arc extendingfrom South China Sea through the Straits ofMalacca, across the Indian Ocean and to theArabian Gulf. It includes countries like My-anmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka,Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius and Pakistanthat have encircled India.To counter this policy, India has tried tostrengthen its presence by diversifying its re-lations in the Indian Ocean Rim which in-cludes Mauritius, Maldives, Seychelles andMadagascar and the rim states of South Afri-ca, Tanzania and Mozambique, following itstraditional value-based policy of Panchsheelwithout dilution. India has signed a StrategicPartnership with Afghanistan to train, equipand build capacity of Afghan security forcesto enhance India’s presence in the region. In-dia is collaborating with Vietnam on oil andgas exploration in South China Sea whichChina claims as sovereign territory. India issupporting freedom of navigation in interna-tional waters to counter China.Source: CST Foreign Policy, 4th Edition, page195 – page 197Comment: Question demands extensive andsuccinct coverage of key economic and mili-tary concerns of both India and China withrespect to exercising influence over neighbour-ing countries to indirectly halt each other’sprogress towards geopolitical domination.Marks: 10 out of CST.20. Economic ties between India and Japanwhile growing in the recent years are still farbelow their potential. Elucidate the policy con-straints which are inhibiting this growth. (200words) 10Answer: After signing CEPA, India’s tradedeficit with Japan has risen sharply from $3.6billion to $6.3 billion. India wants more mar-ket access for its exporters in sectors like agri-culture, marine products and pharmaceuti-cals. Japanese pharmaceutical market is ex-pected to touch $100 billion and Indian gener-ics can play a key role in affordable health-care. India has asked Japan to remove all non-tax obstacles like tedious registration processand language barriers to help domestic indus-

India has to ensure aviable political systemis established inAfghanistan before theISAF withdrawal. If not,regional peace wouldbe jeopardized andIndian interests wouldsuffer. A new terroristnetwork betweenAfghanistan andPakistan could emergethat would threatenIndia. If reconciliationwith Taliban involvesmoves that lead to theTaliban taking controlover part or whole ofAfghanistan, withbacking from Chinaand Pakistan’s ISI,Afghanistan will onceagain become a venueof anti-India activities.Taliban has alreadyforged close links withLashkar-e-Toiba andHarkat-ul-Mujahideen.

Chinesechequebook diplomacyhas not only changedthe equations in thePacific Ocean, but alsofuelled the entire policyof ‘string of pearls’.Over the last 15 years,China has moved tobecome the largest aiddonor to the 14 PacificIsland Forum nationsafter Australia andJapan in the form ofdevelopmental aid andsoft loans. China isincreasing her accessto ports, airfields,military forces anddiplomatic relations inthe arc extending fromSouth China Seathrough the Straits ofMalacca, across theIndian Ocean and tothe Arabian Gulf.





try take advantage of the FTA. Japanese Re-tailers Association wants the Indian govern-ment to relax FDI norms in various sectors.The lack of a civil nuclear agreement is stop-ping Japanese giants like Hitachi, Toshiba andMitsubishi from exporting nuclear reactorsand technology to India who wants to increasenuclear capacity from 4,780 MW to 63,000 MWby 2032. India’s restrictive bran export policyis hampering export of rice bran oil to Japan.Source: CST December 2013, page 27, column1, page 28, column 1, column 2Marks: 10 out of CST.21. The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhakain Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split insociety between the nationalists and Islamicforces. What is its significance for India? (200words) 10Answer: The Bangladesh Parliament has ap-proved amendments in the nation’s war crimeslaw to allow prosecutors to appeal sentencesgiven to defendants convicted of war crimesduring 1971 war of independence. Previous-ly, only defendants could appeal. It will nowallow state prosecutors to appeal the life sen-tence of Abdul Qauder Mollah for his role inkilling 381 civilians during the war. The pros-ecution seeks death penalty for Mollah and isbeing supported by mass protests at ShahbaghSquare and other parts of the country. Mollahis the leader of Bangladesh’s largest Islamicparty, the extreme right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami,whose ban is being demanded by protestorsas it was opposed to the nation’s indepen-dence.India needs to safeguard its borders againstany outbreak of sectarian violence in Bang-ladesh. Its spill-over effects include higherprobability of violence on similar lines withinIndia due to ethnic and cultural similaritiesand mass exodus of refugees from strife-tornareas of Bangladesh into ethnically volatilestates of North-east and West Bengal. It willraise competition for livelihoods and lead toethnic tensions. Terrorist, secessionist and in-surgent forces in India will have an easier timefor smuggling, gun-running, drug trafficking,currency counterfeiting along disturbed bor-der regions. The possibility of a fundamental-ist Islamic government coming to power willtrap India militarily on two fronts between Pa-kistan and Bangladesh.Source: CST April 2013, page 125Marks: 10 out of CST.22. Discuss the political developments inMaldives in the last two years. Should they beof any cause of concern to India? (200 words) 10Answer: Maldives’ first democratically elect-ed President Mohammad Nasheed, widely

credited for bringing democracy to the nation,resigned after a mutiny by the police force thatamounted to a coup. He handed over powerto Vice President Mohammad Waheed to heada national unity government and avoid usingforce against its own people. Nasheed lostfavour due to soaring prices; demands of Is-lamic activists for more conservative policiesand to stop direct flights to Israel; orderingarrest of Abdullah Mohammad, Chief Judgeof Criminal Court. The Supreme Court an-nulled the results of the first round of presi-dential elections held on September 7, 2013(won by Nasheed) and ordered new electionsby October 20, 2013, despite being endorsedby UN and Commonwealth observers as ‘freeand fair’. Now, the Election Commission hascalled off the fresh October 20 polls after po-lice prevented it from going ahead with con-troversy-ridden revote at the last minute,making it difficult to meet the constitutionaldeadline of November 11, 2013 to install a newgovernment.Rising Islamic fundamentalism led to destruc-tion of priceless Buddhist artefacts in Male’sNational Musuem and may threaten 30,000 In-dians residing in Maldives. ISI-Lashkar com-bine is turning Maldives into a staging groundfor terrorism against India. Cancellation ofcontract with India’s GMR to develop Male’sinternational airport despite Singapore HighCourt upholding GMR’s case is another wor-ry.Source: CST Foreign Policy, page 303; CSTDecember 2013, page 24, column 3, page 25,column 2Comment: Question tests linkage of political,religious and economic strife in Maldives withstrategic and internal security conditions ofIndia and the Indian community in Maldives.Marks: 10 out of CST.23. In respect of India — Sri Lanka relations,discuss how domestic factors influence foreignpolicy. (200 words) 10Answer: India’s foreign policy for Sri Lankarepresents a big contradiction between inter-nal political exigencies and national interests.Yielding to the pressure of coalition partnersfrom the Tamil community, Indian centralgovernment’s vote against Sri Lanka on hu-man rights violations is a major departurefrom the past. National interest has becomesubservient to domestic political compulsionsand has set a wrong precedent. Reconciliationprocess between Lankan Tamils and Sinhalesemay get further jeopardized.Sri Lanka increased import duties on Indianautomobiles in retaliation. It is refusing to signthe CEPA. It has withdrawn the on-arrival freevisa facility for Indian nationals. It is even con-

India has askedJapan to remove allnon-tax obstacles liketedious registrationprocess and languagebarriers to helpdomestic industry takeadvantage of the FTA.Japanese RetailersAssociation wants theIndian government torelax FDI norms invarious sectors. Thelack of a civil nuclearagreement is stoppingJapanese giants likeHitachi, Toshiba andMitsubishi fromexporting nuclearreactors and technol-ogy to India who wantsto increase nuclearcapacity from 4,780MW to 63,000 MW by2032.

Maldives’ firstdemocratically electedPresident MohammadNasheed, widelycredited for bringingdemocracy to thenation, resigned after amutiny by the policeforce that amounted toa coup. Nasheed lostfavour due to soaringprices; demands ofIslamic activists formore conservativepolicies and to stopdirect flights to Israel;ordering arrest ofAbdullah Mohammad,Chief Judge ofCriminal Court. TheSupreme Courtannulled the results ofthe first round ofpresidential electionsheld on September 7,2013 (won byNasheed) and orderednew elections byOctober 20, 2013,despite beingendorsed by UN andCommonwealthobservers as ‘free andfair’.





sidering a nuclear pact with Pakistan. It willnaturally gravitate towards China, which hasalready established major economic and po-litical presence through the Hambantota portand financial aid worth $1.4 billion. India willget further isolated from Sri Lanka, which sitsacross major shipping routes in the IndianOcean, and get further encircled by China’s‘string of pearls’ policy. Thus, domestic polit-ical mileage is being gained at the sacrificialaltar of national issues of defence and econom-ic sovereignty.Source: CST November 2013, page 25, column3; CST December 2013, page 10, column 1, col-umn 2; Marks: 10 out of CST.24. What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Doesit have any relevance today? Discuss. (200words) 10Answer: The policy of positive unilateralismwas initiated by PM Gujral to firstly improverelations between India and Nepal. The Gujraldoctrine effectively promises all of India’sneighbours (especially Nepal) a bilateral rela-tionship based on non-reciprocity. It involved‘coming up with positive proposals and uni-lateral gesture without waiting for response’.Gujral practised this diplomacy with all neigh-bouring countries of India, barring Pakistanand China, in a bid to secure its remainingborders and focus concentration on threatsfrom the North and North-west. Gujral an-nounced policies like greater access for Nepal’scivil aviation sector; free movement and ac-cess to jobs in India permitted for Nepalesecitizens; provision of corridor through Chick-en’s neck to Bangladesh; etc.This policy was extended to Pakistan to restorerelations to normalcy, especially after the 26/11 terrorist attacks on Mumbai. But it has metwith general failure, exacerbated with relent-less LoC insurgencies and ceasefire violations.The policy is still relevant today as India at-tempts to counter Chinese influence overneighbours like Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal,etc. through its ‘string of pearls’ policy of eco-nomically and militarily encircling India; Pa-kistan influence over Afghanistan and India’sNorth-west frontier that are used as staginggrounds for terrorist activities in India; andChina-Pakistan cooperation to destabilize In-dia through internal movements like Naxal-ism, Jihad etc. India needs friendly and coop-erative neighbours for stable borders.Source: CST Foreign Policy, page 277, page292, page 1095; Marks: 10 out of CST.25. The World Bank and the IMF, collective-ly known as the Bretton Woods Institutions,are the two inter-governmental pillars sup-porting the structure of the world’s economicand financial order. Superficially, the World

Bank and the IMF exhibit many common char-acteristics, yet their role, functions and man-date are distinctly different. Elucidate. (200words) 10Answer: World Bank’s mandate is to end ex-treme poverty within a generation after its for-mation on December 27, 1945 and boost sharedprosperity. It is a part of the UN system butits governance system is different. It works toturn rich country resources into poor countrygrowth. ‘World Bank’ is used for the IBRD (In-ternational Bank for Reconstruction and De-velopment) and IDA (International Develop-ment Association), IFC (International FinanceCorporation) and MIGA (Multilateral Invest-ment Guarantee Agency).They provide low-interest loans, interest-freecredit and grants to developing countries. IDAhelps the world’s poorest countries in reduc-ing poverty by providing interest-free creditsand grants for programmes that boost eco-nomic growth, reduce inequalities and im-prove people’s living conditions. It also pro-vides grants to countries at risk of debt dis-tress. It complements IBRD which providesmiddle-income countries with capital invest-ment and advisory services.IFC promotes private sector investment forsustainable economic growth in developingcountries by providing people opportunitiesto escape poverty. MIGA supports FDI in de-veloping countries to reduce poverty and im-prove quality of life. IMF is an internationalorganization that oversees the global financialsystem by observing exchange rates and bal-ance of payments. It aims to foster global mon-etary cooperation, secure financial stability,facilitate international trade, promote highemployment and sustainable economicgrowth and reduce poverty.Source: CST Mains 2, page II.29, column 2;page II.53, column 2, page II.54, column 1Marks: 10 out of CST.

GENERAL STUDIES(PAPER–III)Time allowed: Three Hours

Maximum Marks : 250QUESTION PAPER SPECIFICINSTRUCTIONSPlease read each of the following instruc-tions carefully before attempting questions:There are TWENTY-FIVE questions in Paper.All questions are compulsory. The number ofmarks carried by a question/part is indicatedagainst it. Answers must be written in themedium authorized in the Admission Certifi-cate which must be stated clearly on the cov-er of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Book-

The policy of positiveunilateralism wasinitiated by PM Gujralto firstly improverelations between Indiaand Nepal. The Gujraldoctrine effectivelypromises all of India’sneighbours (especiallyNepal) a bilateralrelationship based onnon-reciprocity. Itinvolved ‘coming upwith positive proposalsand unilateral gesturewithout waiting forresponse’. Gujralpractised thisdiplomacy with allneighbouring countriesof India, barringPakistan and China, ina bid to secure itsremaining borders andfocus concentration onthreats from the Northand North-west.

World Bank’smandate is to endextreme poverty withina generation after itsformation on Decem-ber 27, 1945 and boostshared prosperity. It isa part of the UNsystem but itsgovernance system isdifferent. It works toturn rich countryresources into poorcountry growth. ‘WorldBank’ is used for theIBRD (InternationalBank for Reconstruc-tion and Development)and IDA (InternationalDevelopmentAssociation), IFC(International FinanceCorporation) and MIGA(Multilateral InvestmentGuarantee Agency).They provide low-interest loans, interest-free credit and grantsto developingcountries.





let in the space provided. No marks will begiven for answers written in medium otherthan the authorized one. Word limit in ques-tions, if specified, should be adhered to. Anypage or portion of the page left blank in theQuestion-cum-Answer Booklet must be clear-ly struck off.Answer questions in NOT MORE than theword limit specified for each in the paren-thesis. Content of the answer is more impor-tant than its length:1. With a consideration towards the strategyof inclusive growth, the new Companies Bill,2013 has indirectly made CSR a mandatory ob-ligation. Discuss the challenges expected in itsimplementation in right earnest. Also discussother provisions in the bill and their implica-tions. (200 words) 10Answer: Companies Bill 2013 seeks to improvetransparency, accountability and self-regula-tion in companies and make 2% mandatorycontribution from net profits towards CSR in-itiatives if net worth is over Rs. 500 crore, turn-over is over Rs. 1,000 crore or net profit is overRs. 5 crore. It limits number of companies anauditor can serve to 20. It brings more clarityon auditors’ criminal liability. It includes an-nual ratification of appointment of auditors for5 years. It introduces a new clause related tooffence of falsely inducing banks for obtain-ing credit. Companies need to disclose ratio ofremuneration of each director on the board tothe average of employees’ salary. It encourag-es appointment of women directors. It empow-ers investors against frauds committed by pro-moters through class action lawsuits. It putsemphasis on shareholder protection after the2009 Satyam scandal. The merger and amal-gamation provisions have improved transpar-ency and broad-based accountability whileprotecting minority interests in a company. TheNational Company Law Tribunal will fast-track grievances against a company withoutsuffering from lengthy process of a court deci-sion. The Serious Frauds Investigation Orga-nization has been strengthen with powers toconduct searches and seizures on companypremises on suspicion of fraud.Industry has appreciated the Bill as it is com-mensurate with global standards of disclosurerequirements, shareholder rights, restrainedpowers of promoters, etc.Source: CST December 2013, page 89, column1, column 2; Marks: 10 out of CST.2. What are the reasons for introduction of Fis-cal responsibility and Budget Management(FRBM) Act, 2003? Discuss critically its salientfeatures and their effectiveness. (200 words) 10Answer: The original plan by the Centre un-

der the FRBM Act was to rein in its fiscal def-icit to 3% of GDP by 2007-08. It was later de-ferred to 2008-09, when the estimated fiscaldeficit was 2.5%, but the deepening global re-cession disturbed the plan. As the Centre gavea booster dose of Rs. 1.8 lakh crore, fiscal def-icit rose to 6%. On the other hand, Centreplanned to achieve zero revenue deficit by2007-08, which was deferred by a year earlier.Realizing the difficulty in achieving this tar-get, it came out with a new concept of effec-tive revenue deficit which does not includecapital expenditure given in assistance tostates. This revised deficit is expected to reachzero by 2015-16 and targeted at 2% in the in-terim. In 2013-14 Budget, the government hasproposed to contain fiscal deficit to 5.3% inthe current year and bring it down to 4.8% in2013-14. Both targets have been met so far. Asper the fiscal consolidation roadmap outlinedby the Finance Ministry, fiscal deficit will belowered to 3% by 2016-17. It will be contin-gent on rising tax receipts and disinvestmentproceeds. Share of states is 2.5% of GDP, leav-ing the remaining fiscal deficit with Centre,the prime culprit.Source: CST Economy, 8th Edition, page 134Marks: 10 out of CST.3. What is meaning of the term tax-expendi-ture? Taking housing sector as an example,discuss how it influences budgetary policiesof the government. (200 words) 10Answer: Tax expenditure is the revenue a gov-ernment foregoes through the provisions oftax laws that allow deductions, exclusions, orexemptions from the taxpayers’ taxable expen-diture, income, or investment; deferral of taxliability; preferential tax rates etc. It is a meth-od to promote certain social goals, industriesetc.For the housing sector, specific tax exemptionsare given for deduction of house rent allow-ance, medical insurance premium payments,housing loan repayments etc. The 2013 Bud-get allowed an addition deduction of Rs. 1lakh for the first home loan up to Rs. 25 lakhfrom a bank or a housing finance corporation.As a result of these policies, homeownershipreceives a boost and allows citizens to spendmore on goods and services that drive indus-tries and sectors allied to housing, like furnish-ings, furniture, housekeeping etc.Marks: 0 out of CST as topic not covered.4. Food security bill is expected to eliminatehunger and malnutrition in India. Criticallydiscuss various apprehensions in its effectiveimplementation along with the concerns it hasgenerated in WTO. (200 words) 10Answer: The Food Security Bill will expandexisting coverage of population with subsi-

Companies Bill 2013seeks to improvetransparency,accountability and self-regulation in compa-nies and make 2%mandatory contributionfrom net profitstowards CSR initiativesif net worth is over Rs.500 crore, turnover isover Rs. 1,000 crore ornet profit is over Rs. 5crore. It limits numberof companies anauditor can serve to20. It brings moreclarity on auditors’criminal liability. Itincludes annualratification of appoint-ment of auditors for 5years. It introduces anew clause related tooffence of falselyinducing banks forobtaining credit.Companies need todisclose ratio ofremuneration of eachdirector on the board tothe average ofemployees’ salary.

The original plan bythe Centre under theFRBM Act was to reinin its fiscal deficit to 3%of GDP by 2007-08. Itwas later deferred to2008-09, when theestimated fiscal deficitwas 2.5%, but thedeepening globalrecession disturbed theplan. As the Centregave a booster dose ofRs. 1.8 lakh crore,fiscal deficit rose to6%. On the other hand,Centre planned toachieve zero revenuedeficit by 2007-08,which was deferred bya year earlier. it cameout with a new conceptof effective revenuedeficit which does notinclude capitalexpenditure given inassistance to states.





dized food via Targeted PDS and other wel-fare schemes at an additional cost of Rs. 23,800crore per annum, totalling about 1.35% ofGDP. But India’s fiscal deficit continues to bea problem. The bill does not answer whatspending will be cut to keep the deficit man-ageable. Moreover, assistance to states formeeting expenses on transportation, handlingand FPS dealer margins, etc. will be an addi-tional Rs. 22,000 crore for the first year. Thesecosts are expected to rise annually.Most concerning fact is how much of the foodwill actually reach those who need it the mostand how much will be siphoned off along theway.WTO concerns stem from the fact that heavyprice subsidy on wheat, rice and coarse grainsfrom India’s bill will distort world agricultur-al markets. Measures that support prices orsubsidies directly related to production quan-tities fall in amber box. They are subject to 10%limit for developing nations. WTO feels Indiamay be in violation of the 10% limit with thenew bill.Source: CST November 2013, page 87, column2; CST Economy 8th Edition, page 236, page244Comment: Question tests dual knowledge ofIndia’s internal food security debate as wellas the global WTO debate on agricultural pro-tectionism. Marks: 10 out of CST.5. What are the different types of agriculturesubsidies given to farmers at the national andstate levels? Critically analyze the agriculturesubsidy regime with the reference to the dis-tortions created by it. (200 words) 10Answer: 1) Fertilizer subsidy – deregulatingnon-urea fertilizers, while keeping urea regu-lated and heavily subsidized has increased theprice gap between urea and non-urea fertiliz-ers. The result is unbalanced use of fertilizers,a skewed NPK ratio of 6.5 : 2.9 : 1 v/s idealratio of 4 : 2 : 1 that is causing soil degradationand lower return per unit of fertilizer use. Fer-tilizer consumption has risen 300 times from1950 to over 23 million tonnes. High level ofglobal crude oil prices significantly impact fer-tilizer subsidies because not only is it a keyinput as feedstock, but also because of inade-quate pass-through in urea prices. 2) Foodsubsidy – Food inflation has risen because con-sumer preference has shifted towards protein-rich food items and fruits while governmentpolicy focuses on input subsidy and minimumprice support to boost cereal production. It hasdistorted cropping patterns to the neglect ofoilseeds and pulses. 3) Fuel subsidy – the farmsector consumes only 12% of the subsidizeddiesel. The transport sector consumes 68% asdiesel subsidy is available for all consumers

who are using it for luxury cars and SUVs. 4)Electricity & irrigation subsidy – states likePunjab provide cheap or free electricity andirrigation. This has led to over-irrigation, soilsalinity, depleting groundwater due to over-use of electric tubewells, rising debts of stateelectricity boards etc.Source: CST November 2013, page 112, page113, column 1Marks: 10 out of CST.6. India needs to strengthen measures to pro-mote the pink revolution in food industry forbetter nutrition and health. Critically elucidatethe statement. (200 words) 10Answer: India needs setting up state of the artmeat processing plants; developing technolo-gies to raise male buffalo calves for meat pro-duction; increasing the number of farmersrearing buffalo under contractual farming; andestablishing disease-free zones for rearing an-imals.It means industrializing the meat productionprocess through specialization; different work-ers or tools are concentrated on completingcertain tasks, mechanization; the replacementof human and animal labour with machines,and standardization of the finished product;accomplished through specialized facilitiesthat work together more effectively by adopt-ing uniform practice to create products of stan-dardized size, weight and consistency to pro-cess them quickly and consumers know whatto expect and how much to pay.Other aspects include new technology and in-puts. For example, in the poultry industry,formulated feeds and breeding techniques areoften used to help animals reach their marketweight. Inputs may include hormones, antibi-otics and agricultural chemicals in the feed –all of which carry their own risks to consumerhealth, which need strict regulatory and mon-itoring mechanisms.It is critical to India’s nutrition and health se-curity as production of pulses has failed toprovide adequate protein content in Indiandiet. Meat contains ‘more complete’ proteincompared to pulses that is more effectivelyabsorbed by the body. India’s large livestockprovides a strong base that needs investmentto improve meat quality.Marks: 0 out of CST as topic not covered.7. Examine the impact of liberalization oncompanies owned by Indians. Are the com-peting with the MNCs satisfactorily? (200words) 10Answer: The 1991 liberalization abolished thesystem of licensing except in 18 industries suchas petroleum, sugar, paper, drugs etc. Thenonwards no approval was required to setupan industry. The era of license raj was finally

The Food SecurityBill will expand existingcoverage of populationwith subsidized foodvia Targeted PDS andother welfare schemesat an additional cost ofRs. 23,800 crore perannum, totalling about1.35% of GDP. ButIndia’s fiscal deficitcontinues to be aproblem. The bill doesnot answer whatspending will be cut tokeep the deficitmanageable. More-over, assistance tostates for meetingexpenses on transpor-tation, handling andFPS dealer margins,etc. will be anadditional Rs. 22,000crore for the first year.These costs areexpected to riseannually.

Fertilizer subsidy –deregulating non-ureafertilizers, whilekeeping urea regulatedand heavily subsidizedhas increased the pricegap between urea andnon-urea fertilizers.The result is unbal-anced use of fertilizers,a skewed NPK ratio of6.5 : 2.9 : 1 v/s idealratio of 4 : 2 : 1 that iscausing soil degrada-tion and lower returnper unit of fertilizeruse. Fertilizerconsumption has risen300 times from 1950 toover 23 million tonnes.High level of globalcrude oil pricessignificantly impactfertilizer subsidiesbecause not only is it akey input as feedstock,but also because ofinadequate pass-through in urea prices.





over and the private sector could now pursueexpansion without any impediments. Privatesector was allowed into fields like fertilizers,automobiles, machine tools, heavy engineer-ing etc. MRTP Act was scrapped and indus-tries were allowed to grow to an optimum sizeand enjoy economies of scale. Foreign invest-ment was opened in industrial sector with au-tomatic approval for up to 51% stake for cer-tain industries. Phased manufacturing pro-gramme, which forced domestic manufactur-ers to increase domestic input-content of theirproducts within a specified period, was alsoscrapped. Items reserved for micro and small-scale industries were reduced from 836 (1989)to 20. FERA was replaced by FEMA that per-mitted external commercial borrowings byIndian firms that currently forms 31% of totalexternal debt stock.Companies like Tata, Godrej, Reliance etc.have successfully competed and even madeoverseas acquisitions like Tetley Tea, JaguarLand Rover etc. Indian IT companies are serv-ing as BPOs and KPOs to global MNCs. Lag-gards like Onida, BPL etc. who could not re-main technologically competent vanished.Source: CST November 2013, page 105–page109Comment: Question needs theoretical knowl-edge of effects of liberalization on Indian in-dustry as well as current awareness of perfor-mance of major Indian firms in domestic andinternational settings.Marks: 8 out of CST as specific examples ofIndian firms not covered.8. Establish the relationship between land re-form, agriculture productivity and eliminationof poverty in Indian Economy. Discuss the dif-ficulty in designing and implementation of theagriculture friendly land reforms in India. (200words) 10Answer: Land reforms entail abolition of in-termediaries to identify land ownership withland operation and management; tenancy re-forms to secure occupancy rights and regulaterent; ceilings on land holdings to redistributeland and remove inequalities in the agrarianstructure; consolidation of holdings to facili-tate agriculture on modern, scientific and ef-ficient lines; and cooperative farms due to un-favourable land-man ratio and economies ofscale.Since land is a state subject, each state tookvarious approaches to abolish the intermedi-ary system. It allowed zamindars to form theirdefence. They moved courts of law to delayimplementation of reforms. Under the pretextof the “personal cultivation” clause, manywere able to hold onto their lands. States couldnot stop benami and malafide transfers of land

within zamindari families. Tenants lost theirland on the vaguely defined basis of “person-al cultivation” clause which allowed landlordsto resume lands. Tenants’ low purchasingpower and social empowerment forces depen-dence on landlords and negates tenancy re-forms. Basic socioeconomic relationships havebeen uprooted with both landlords and ten-ants resorting to violence due to half-heartedimplementation of land reforms. Consolida-tion failed as land has sentimental value andit proved difficult to replace a piece of landwith another piece with equivalent fertility.Lack of updated land records compoundedproblems further. Cooperative farming facesissues of rural folk setting aside their social,ethnic and personal differences.Source: CST November 2013, page 115, page116Comment: Relatively straightforward ques-tion of analysing cause-effect relationshipsbetween the factors mentioned in the question.Marks: 10 out of CST.9. (a) Discuss the impact of FDI entry intomulti-trade retail sector on supply chain man-agement in commodity trade pattern of theeconomy. (100 words) 5Answer: It would lower prices and providemore choices to Indian consumers due to great-er availability of products. It would lead togreater investment and technology advance-ment in supply chains which would establishbackward linkages and infrastructure withfarm and primary production centres. Directcontact with farmers would eliminate middle-men and increase farmer incomes. Better stor-age facilities would preserve agricultural pro-duce longer and reduce wastage. Reducedtransportation costs would lower retail agri-cultural prices and food inflation. It wouldstimulate allied sectors like textile manufac-turing and food processing. It will provide em-ployment of higher quality, remuneration andskill development.Source: CST Economy, 8th Edition, page 227 -page 229; Marks: 5 out of CST.9. (b) Though India allowed foreign directinvestment (FDI) in what is called multi brandretail through joint venture route in Septem-ber 2012, the FDI even after a year, has notpicked up. Discuss the reasons. (100 words) 5Answer: There is significant opposition. Suchreforms should be avoided during times ofstagflation and double-digit food inflation. The‘kirana’ retail sector provides 7% of total em-ployment, will not be able to compete withMNC retail giants. MNCs can hike retail pric-es at will and arm-twist suppliers for lowerprices. It is tantamount to placing India’s foodchain system in foreign hands.

The 1991 liberaliza-tion abolished thesystem of licensingexcept in 18 industriessuch as petroleum,sugar, paper, drugsetc. Then onwards noapproval was requiredto setup an industry.The era of license rajwas finally over andthe private sector couldnow pursue expansionwithout any impedi-ments. Private sectorwas allowed into fieldslike fertilizers,automobiles, machinetools, heavy engineer-ing etc. MRTP Act wasscrapped andindustries wereallowed to grow to anoptimum size andenjoy economies ofscale. Foreigninvestment wasopened in industrialsector with automaticapproval for up to 51%stake for certainindustries.

Since land is a statesubject, each statetook various ap-proaches to abolish theintermediary system. Itallowed zamindars toform their defence.They moved courts oflaw to delay implemen-tation of reforms.Under the pretext ofthe “personal cultiva-tion” clause, manywere able to hold ontotheir lands. Statescould not stop benamiand malafide transfersof land withinzamindari families.Tenants lost their landon the vaguely definedbasis of “personalcultivation” clausewhich allowedlandlords to resumelands.





Minimum 30% sourcing is to be done fromIndian MSMEs. A strong legal framework ex-ists against predatory pricing. Locations arelimited to cities with million-plus populationthat have high real-estate prices. Governmenthas first right to buy agricultural produce.State are free to implement independent leg-islations or opt out altogether.Source: CST Contemporary Issues, 7th Edi-tion, page 374, page 375, page 747; CST Janu-ary 2012, page 111, column 2;Marks: 5 out of CST.10. Discuss the rationale for introducingGoods and Services Tax in India. Bring outcritically the reasons for delay in roll out forits regime. (200 words) 10Answer: To avoid double taxation and cascad-ing tax and have a simple and progressive tax-ation system for goods as well as services, acombined national level goods and services tax(GST) has been proposed. It is similar in con-cept to state VAT for goods. It provides forinput tax credit at every stage for tax alreadypaid till the previous transaction. It will alsoattempt to provide a rational system by sub-suming several state and central indirect tax-es on goods and services. Some goods, likecrude petroleum, diesel, petrol, natural gas,aviation turbine fuel and alcohol are not un-der its purview.GST is experiencing delays in implementationas states are unwilling to give up their tax col-lection powers at the state level, which givesthem financial autonomy and flexibility. Astrong IT infrastructure is also needed for GST.A pilot project of NSDL, technology partner,in collaboration with 11 states is underwayprior to national rollout. Three Joint WorkingGroups of officials have also been constitutedcomprising officials from the central govern-ment, state governments and an empoweredcommittee of state finance ministers to workon legislation, business procedures and IT in-frastructure respectively. These groups requiretime for policy formulation and coordinationamongst numerous stakeholders.Source: CST Economy, 8th Edition, page 166Marks: 10 out of CST.11. Write a note on India’s green energy cor-ridor to alleviate the problems of convention-al energy. (200 words) 10Answer: The Government plans to roll out aRs 43,000-crore ‘green energy corridor’ projectto facilitate the flow of renewable energy intothe national grid. For implementation, theproject would be split into intra-state and in-ter-state levels. The ‘green energy corridor’ isaimed at synchronising electricity producedfrom renewable sources, such as solar andwind, with conventional power stations in the

grid. Germany has committed developmentaland technical assistance of €1 billion for inte-grating renewable energy into the nationalgrid. After the massive grid failure that leftthe entire North, East and North-East on July30-31 last year, the Government is aiming atstrengthening the distribution network acrossthe country making it ‘smart’ to handle fluc-tuations. Currently, the grid faces difficulty inabsorbing renewable electricity because ofvarying voltage and supply. The intra-stategrid upgradation would be taken up by Pow-erGrid, while the inter-state network wouldbe developed by state utilities.At present, India has 27,541.71 MW of installedrenewable capacity out of total installed ca-pacity of 2,23,625.60 MW as on April 30, ac-cording to the Central Electricity Authority. Itwill relieve pressure on struggling coal-basedthermal and nuclear power generation due tolack of fuel linkages, ageing plant technologyand falling domestic mining production of coaland uranium.Marks: 0 out of CST as topic not covered.12. Adaptation of PPP model for infrastruc-ture development of the country has not beenfree from criticism. Critically discuss the prosand cons of the model. (200 words) 10Answer: PPP is like outsourcing of publicgoods and services with cost effectiveness. Itcombines accountability of public agencieswith managerial skills of private companies.PPP promotes competition among privatecompanies as well as among government agen-cies, increasing quality of service. It alleviatescapacity constraints and bottlenecks in theeconomy through higher productivity of la-bour and capital resources. Private companieshave dedicated departments for R&D to pro-mote innovation. State becomes facilitator andenabler by outsourcing activities to the gener-ally more efficient, economical and effectiveprivate sector. As private sector assumes riskof non-performance of assets and realizes itsreturns if the asset performs, the PPP involvesfull scale risk appraisal.Demerits - PPP can create burden on the cus-tomer with higher tariffs compared to publicsector. Accountability suffers as neither theprivate company nor the government take theresponsibility for delays. The governmentneeds to strengthen its regulatory and assess-ment mechanism as the men and machinesinvolved entirely belonging to the private firmwithout much government influence and in-spection. It is generally observed that suchprojects overrun their time and cost limits, es-pecially in India. Since most of the PPP projectsare high scale infrastructure projects that at-tract media and public attention, various po-

Minimum 30%sourcing is to be donefrom Indian MSMEs. Astrong legal frameworkexists againstpredatory pricing.Locations are limited tocities with million-pluspopulation that havehigh real-estate prices.Government has firstright to buy agriculturalproduce. State are freeto implement indepen-dent legislations or optout altogether.

The Governmentplans to roll out a Rs43,000-crore ‘greenenergy corridor’ projectto facilitate the flow ofrenewable energy intothe national grid. Forimplementation, theproject would be splitinto intra-state andinter-state levels. The‘green energy corridor’is aimed atsynchronisingelectricity producedfrom renewablesources, such as solarand wind, withconventional powerstations in the grid.Germany hascommitted develop-mental and technicalassistance of €1 billionfor integratingrenewable energy intothe national grid.





litical parties in power have now started in-terfering in the functioning of these projects.Marks: 0 out of CST as topic not covered.13. Bring out the circumstances in 2005 whichforced amendment to section 3(d) in the Indi-an Patent Law, 1970. Discuss how it has beenutilized by Supreme Court in its judgment re-jecting Novartis patent application for“Glivec”. Discuss briefly the pros and cons ofthe decision. (200 words) 10Answer: India was forced to amend section3(d) in 2005 to comply with the TRIPS agree-ment under WTO membership obligations andprovide patent protection to pharmaceuticals.It managed to pass an amendment which bal-anced the concerns of Opposition MPs withrespect to abuse of product patents for phar-maceuticals and agricultural chemicals.Supreme Court utilized it to reject Novartis’spatent application for Glivec. Section 3(d) pro-hibits ‘evergreening’ to extend the patent lifeof drugs by making minor changes to the ex-isting drug. Novartis contended that it hasupdated the drug with a component that in-creases its absorption rate in the body. TheCourt decreed it was a trivial change and doesnot meet the parameters of a ‘new invention’to merit monopoly patent protection.The judgment is a serious blow to Westernpharmaceutical majors increasingly focusingon India to drive sales when traditional de-veloped markets have slowed down. But it isa boon for domestic generic drug manufactur-ers who supply cheap medicines to poor peo-ple across the developing world. It will alsoset a precedent for ‘Patent Cliff’ – a phrase usedto describe the expiry of pharmaceutical pat-ents across a range of blockbuster drugs.Source: CST June 2013, page 194Marks: 7.5 out of CST as circumstances of 2005amendment not covered.14. What do you understand by fixed dosedrug combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their mer-its and demerits. (200 words) 10Answer: Combination products, also knownas fixed dose drug combinations (FDCs), arecombinations of two or more active drugs in asingle dosage form. Fixed ratio combinationproducts are acceptable only when the dosageof each ingredient meets the requirement of adefined population group and when the com-bination has a proven advantage over singlecompounds administered separately in thera-peutic effect, safety or complianceMerits - Greater efficacy compared with high-er dose monotherapy; reduced risk of adversereactions relative to higher dose monothera-py; lower overall costs; improved medicationconcordance.Demerits - Dosage alteration of one drug is not

possible without alteration of the other drug;differing pharmacokinetics of constituentdrugs pose the problem of frequency of admin-istration of the formulation; by simple logicthere are increased chances of adverse drugeffects and drug interactions compared withboth drugs given individually.Unfortunately, many FDCs being introducedin India by usually irrational marketing men-tality of ‘buy 1 get 1 free’ for potentially in-compatible drug combinations. The mostpressing concern with irrational FDCs is thatthey expose patients to unnecessary risk ofadverse drug reactions. Such injudicious useof antibiotic FDCs can rapidly give rise to re-sistant strains of organisms, which is a matterof serious concern to the health care situationin our resource poor country.Marks: 0 out of CST as topic not covered.15. What do you understand by Umpire deci-sion review in cricket? Discuss its various com-ponents. Explain how silicon tape on the edgeof a bat may fool the system? (200 words) 10Answer: The DRS is a new technology basessystem currently being used on an experimen-tal basis in cricket. The sole purpose of the DRSis to review the controversial decisions madeby the on-field umpires in case of batsmanbeing dismissed or not. The new review sys-tem was officially launched by InternationalCricket Council during the first Test match be-tween New Zealand and Pakistan. It was firstused in One Day Internationals in January2011, during England’s tour of Australia. Un-der the DRS each team is allowed to make twounsuccessful review requests per innings dur-ing a match. A fielding team may use the sys-tem to dispute a “not out” call and a battingteam may do so to dispute an “out” call. Thefielding team captain or the batsman beingdismissed invokes the challenge by signallinga “T” with the arms. Once the challenge is in-voked, acknowledged, and agreed, the ThirdUmpire reviews the play using Hotspot to de-tect faint edges, ‘Snickometre’ to hear faintedges and a ball-trajectory-tracking system tocheck LBW decisions.Silicone tape interferes with the infra-red sys-tem of ‘Hotspot’ for detecting faint edges offthe bat.Source: CST June 2012, page 95, column 1, col-umn 2Marks: 6.5 out of CST as silicone tape issuenot covered.16. (a) What is digital signature? What doesits authentication mean? Giver various salientbuilt in features of a digital signature. (100words) 5Answer: A digital signature is a mathematicalscheme for demonstrating the authenticity of

India was forced toamend section 3(d) in2005 to comply withthe TRIPS agreementunder WTO member-ship obligations andprovide patentprotection to pharma-ceuticals. It managedto pass an amendmentwhich balanced theconcerns of OppositionMPs with respect toabuse of productpatents for pharmaceu-ticals and agriculturalchemicals.Supreme Court utilizedit to reject Novartis’spatent application forGlivec. Section 3(d)prohibits ‘evergreening’to extend the patent lifeof drugs by makingminor changes to theexisting drug.

Unfortunately, manyFDCs being introducedin India by usuallyirrational marketingmentality of ‘buy 1 get1 free’ for potentiallyincompatible drugcombinations. Themost pressing concernwith irrational FDCs isthat they exposepatients to unneces-sary risk of adversedrug reactions. Suchinjudicious use ofantibiotic FDCs canrapidly give rise toresistant strains oforganisms, which is amatter of seriousconcern to the healthcare situation in ourresource-poor country.





a digital message or document. A valid digi-tal signature gives a recipient reason to believethat the message was created by a knownsender, such that the sender cannot deny hav-ing sent the message (authentication and non-repudiation) and that the message was not al-tered in transit (integrity). Digital signaturesemploy a type of asymmetric cryptography.When ownership of a digital signature secretkey is bound to a specific user, a valid signa-ture shows that the message was sent by thatuser. The importance of high confidence insender authenticity is especially obvious in afinancial context.Marks: 0 out of CST as topic not covered.16. (b) How does the 3D printing technologywork? List out the advantages and disadvan-tages of the technology. (100 words) 5Answer: 3D printing is a process of making athree-dimensional solid object of virtually anyshape from a digital model. 3D printing isachieved using an additive process, where suc-cessive layers of material are laid down in dif-ferent shapes.Merits – rapid prototyping; wide variety ofcustomizations; manufacturing speed; bettermedical prosthetics, etc.Demerits - fewer manufacturing jobs with au-tomation; limited manufacturing materials;easy copyright violations; small size limita-tions; easy manufacture of dangerous itemslike guns etc.Marks: 0 out of CST as topic not covered.17. (a) What is an FRP composite material?How are they manufactured? Discuss their ap-plications in aviation and automobile indus-try (100 words) 5Answer: Fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) (alsofibre-reinforced polymer) is a composite ma-terial made of a polymer matrix reinforcedwith fibres. FRP involves two distinct process-es, the first is the process whereby the fibrousmaterial is manufactured and formed, the sec-ond is the process whereby fibrous materialsare bonded with the matrix during moulding.Fibre-reinforced plastics are best suited for anydesign program that demands weight savings,precision engineering, finite tolerances, andthe simplification of parts in both productionand operation. They are used in rudders ofcommercial airplanes, engine intake manifoldsof cars, automotive gas and clutch pedals etc.Marks: 0 out of CST as topic not covered.17. (b) What do you understand by run ofthe river hydroelectricity project? How is itdifferent from any other hydroelectricityproject? (100 words) 5Answer: Run-of-the-river hydroelectricityprojects use little or no water storage. Theyare dramatically different in design and ap-

pearance from conventional hydroelectricprojects. Traditional hydro-dams store enor-mous quantities of water in reservoirs, neces-sitating the flooding of large tracts of land. Incontrast, most run-of-river projects do not re-quire a large impoundment of water, whichis a key reason why such projects are oftenreferred to as environmentally friendly, or‘green power’. Substantial flooding of theupper part of the river is not required. As aresult, people living at or near the river don’tneed to be relocated and natural habitats andproductive farmlands are not wiped out.Marks: 0 out of CST as topic not covered.18. How important are vulnerability and riskassessment for pre-disaster management. Asan administrator, what are key areas that youwould focus in a disaster management (200words) 10Answer: Disaster management is the disci-pline of dealing with and avoiding risks. Itinvolves preparing for a disaster before it hap-pens, disaster response (emergency evacua-tion, quarantine, mass decontamination etc.)as well as supporting and rebuilding societyafter natural or man-made disasters have oc-curred. It is thus a continuous process bywhich all individuals, groups and communi-ties manage hazards in an effort to avoid orameliorate the impact from disasters result-ing from hazards. The pre-disaster phase fo-cuses on prevention, mitigation, prepared-ness, capacity building and community-baseddisaster management, including public aware-ness, as ‘prevention is better than cure’. So,vulnerability and risk assessment are key com-ponents for effectively formulating preventionand mitigation strategies in the pre-disasterphase.As an administrator, I will ensure that dedi-cated disaster management cells are setup andmanned by technically qualified personnel atdistrict-level. I will focus on ICT solutions tohelp government organizations engaged indisaster management with knowledge-shar-ing, situational analysis and collaboration.Knowledge about disaster management mustbe provided in schools with greater practical-ity. I will encourage and fund R&D activitiesamong various stakeholders. I will try initiat-ing a culture change whereby people stop put-ting off things for the future until disaster af-fects them directly. Lastly, I will clearly de-fine the role of armed forces in disaster re-sponse, rescue and relief efforts.Source: CST August 2013, page 54 – page 57,column 1Marks: 10 out of CST.19. What are the consequences of illegal min-ing? Discuss the ministry of environment and

A digital signature isa mathematicalscheme for demon-strating the authenticityof a digital message ordocument. A validdigital signature givesa recipient reason tobelieve that themessage was createdby a known sender,such that the sendercannot deny havingsent the message(authentication andnon-repudiation) andthat the message wasnot altered in transit(integrity). Digitalsignatures employ atype of asymmetriccryptography.

Fibre-reinforcedplastics are best suitedfor any design programthat demands weightsavings, precisionengineering, finitetolerances, and thesimplification of parts inboth production andoperation. They areused in rudders ofcommercial airplanes,engine intakemanifolds of cars,automotive gas andclutch pedals etc.





forests’ concept of “GO AND NO GO” zonesfor coal mining. (200 words) 10Answer: Illegal mining has strengthened ma-fia-politician nexus in several areas, resultingin major losses to the state exchequer. It isthreatening the regenerated tiger populationin Panna reserve, along with wanton environ-mental destruction by flouting all norms ofEnvironment Protection Act, Forest Rights Actetc. It direct harms the health, environment,livelihood surrounding communities withhuman rights violations. Drinking watersources are destroyed. Rivers are choked wasterock and mining waste, threatening agricul-tural productivity. Fine mineral dust depositsover plants and houses increase incidence ofrespiratory diseases.‘No go’ zones are ecologically sensitive areas(ESA) where highly polluting activities likemining, quarrying, thermal power plants etc.are banned. Building and construction projectsof 20,000 sq meters area and above and town-ship and area development projects with anarea of 50 hectares and above or with built-uparea of 1,50,000 sq meters and above are pro-hibited. Hydro-electric power projects andwindmills are allowed in the ESA under strictgreen norms and monitoring. ‘Go’ zones areexempt from these restrictions and coal min-ing is permitted. The debate is primarily be-tween defending forested areas to prevent ir-reversible ecological degradation and expand-ing coal mining activities in the same areas forfeeding starving thermal plants running withlow plant load factors of 0.75 in an energy-deficient country.Marks: 0 out of CST as topic not covered.20. Enumerate the National Water Policy ofIndia. Taking river Ganges as an example, dis-cuss the strategies which may be adopted forriver water pollution control and management.What are the legal provisions for managementand handling of hazardous wastes in India?(200 words) 10Answer: The National Water Policy envisag-es that each state shall formulate its own stateWater Policy backed with an operational Ac-tion Plan in a time-bound manner to increasewater availability and efficiency. To mitigateriver water pollution of Ganga, SAFF (sub-merged aerated fixed film reactor) has beenintroduced by waste water management divi-sion of Thermax in place of what is termed asactivated sludge process. SAFF reactor hasvarious advantages like – lower power re-quirement, less maintenance, low operatingcost, reduction in overall volume of plant.Common Effluent Treatment Plants are facingmany problems which need to be addressed –Significant variation in composition of efflu-

ents discharged by industrial units; most us-ers do not give the technically required pri-mary treatment before discharging waste wa-ter into the common discharge line; improperplanning at design stage leading to inadequatecapacity addition; lack of adequate training;very expensive for small-scale industries whoare the worst polluters such as sugar mills, dis-tillery units, tanneries etc. They end up bypass-ing the waste water management normswholesale using political influence.Legal provisions for hazardous wastes includeE-waste (Management & Handling) Rules;Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handlingand Trans-boundary Movement) 4th Amend-ment Rules; Batteries (Management and Han-dling) Rules; Manufacture, Storage and Importof Hazardous Chemicals Rules; Chemical Ac-cident (Emergency Planning, Preparednessand Response) Rules etc.Source: CST January 2013, page 46 column 2,page 50, page 51; CST India 2012, page 139,column 2; Marks: 10 out of CST.21. Money laundering poses a serious threatto country’s economic sovereignty. What is itssignificance for India and what steps are re-quired to be taken to control this menace? (200words) 10Answer: Money laundering is a process thatconverts the proceeds of crimes, such as coun-terfeiting Indian currency, transnational orga-nized crime, illegal arms sale, smuggling, drugtrafficking, prostitution rings, embezzlement,insider trading, bribery, computer fraudschemes, terrorist activities etc. into legitimatemoney. As a result, a parallel undergroundeconomy develops which negatively impactsthe socioeconomic progress and political sta-bility of India. India stores nearly $2 trillion inSwiss banks, more than rest of the world puttogether. It is 13 times larger than India’s cu-mulative foreign debt. It is a major factor ingalloping inflation because it misallocates re-sources and shifts them from investment toconsumption. It worsens income distributionand undermines moral fabric of fixed incomesalary class. The big unreported segment ofeconomy handicaps correct analysis and poli-cy formulation. India becomes a lender of cap-ital to wealthier nations. It robs the state ex-chequer of its due share, increases economicinequality and hampers programmes of eco-nomic development.India has setup the Financial Intelligence Unit(FIU) that reports to the Economic IntelligenceCouncil (EIC) headed by the Finance Minis-ter. The Prevention of Money-Laundering Act(PMLA) allows authorities to investigate allsizes of money laundering offences. Taxesshould be lowered to discourage evasion;

‘No go’ zones areecologically sensitiveareas (ESA) wherehighly pollutingactivities like mining,quarrying, thermalpower plants etc. arebanned. Building andconstruction projects of20,000 sq meters areaand above andtownship and areadevelopment projectswith an area of 50hectares and above orwith built-up area of1,50,000 sq metersand above areprohibited. Hydro-electric power projectsand windmills areallowed in the ESAunder strict greennorms and monitoring.

Money laundering isa process that convertsthe proceeds ofcrimes, such ascounterfeiting Indiancurrency, transnationalorganized crime, illegalarms sale, smuggling,drug trafficking,prostitution rings,embezzlement, insidertrading, bribery,computer fraudschemes, terroristactivities etc. intolegitimate money. As aresult, a parallelunderground economydevelops whichnegatively impacts thesocioeconomicprogress and politicalstability of India. Indiastores nearly $2 trillionin Swiss banks, morethan rest of the worldput together. It is 13times larger thanIndia’s cumulativeforeign debt. It is amajor factor ingalloping inflationbecause it misallocatesresources





DTAAs should be signed with more nations;agricultural income should be taxed; KYCnorms should be strictly enforced to curbround-tripping etc.Source: CST July 2013, page 6, column 1, page8, column 1; CST Contemporary Issues, 7thEdition, page 650 – page 656Comment: Question tests how money laun-dering renders economic forces, monetary pol-icy, fiscal policy etc. ineffective in meeting thegoals of equitable income distribution, produc-tive investment and infrastructure develop-ment.Marks: 10 out of CST.22. What are social networking sites and whatsecurity implications do these sites present?(200 words) 10Answer: Social networking is he grouping ofindividuals into specific groups, like smallrural communities or a neighbourhood sub-division. Although social networking is pos-sible in person, especially in workplaces, uni-versities, schools etc. it has become most pop-ular online, where social networking sites arecommonly used. They function like an onlinecommunity of Internet users. They facilitatespread of information and advertisements atminimal cost. They have brought people to-gether across boundaries of nation, culture,religion, language etc. in the globalized worldof 21st century. Popular sites include Face-book, Myspace, Twitter, etc.Security implications included risks of identi-ty theft and fraud. Personal information ofusers can be exploited for dubious activitiesand online crimes. Many prepare fake profileswith false information to dupe unsuspectingusers who don’t know their real identity. On-line harassment and stalking is also on the risedue to poor regulations on such sites. Mali-cious humour and anti-national sentiments canbe broadcast to a wide audience in a short time-span, as witnessed during the exodus of North-east people from various parts of India afternews of ethnic strife and ethnic hatred in As-sam was heavily publicized on social media.Fake images of communal violence have beenused to start ‘real’ communal riots on theground by malicious social elements.Source: CST Contemporary Issues, 7th Edi-tion, page 597 – page 601Marks: 10 out of CST.23. Cyber warfare is considered by some de-fence analysts to be a larger threat than evenAl Qaeda or terrorism. What do you under-stand by Cyber warfare? Outline the cyberthreats which India is vulnerable to and bringout the state of the country’s preparedness todeal with the same. (200 words) 10Answer: Cyber warfare refers to data theft,

hacking and cyber terrorism from state/stateactors, corporates and terrorists. It uses mas-querading techniques and hidden servers tohide the identity of the actual systems fromwhich the attacks are being launched. It makesthe task of attributing cyber-attacks to a par-ticular country difficult. Sophisticated virus-es like ‘Stuxnet’ target industrial control sys-tems. They have potential of disrupting allpower, communication, transportation andcivic services that can bring India to a stand-still. It will make the follow-up conventionalmilitary invasion much easier for the enemy.Number of hacked websites of governmentministries and departments has risen from 201(2009) to 294 (2012). CERT-In (Computer Emer-gency Response Team – India) reports thatdefacement of Indian websites has tripledsince 2007. It has led to huge financial loss ofover Rs. 72 crore in e-frauds during 2009-2012,despite allocation of Rs. 45 crore towards cy-ber security by Department of Electronics andIT (Deity) in 2012-13. Out of about 7,000 gov-ernment websites, only 3,192 have been audit-ed for IT security. CERT-In is setting up early-warning systems and conducting mock cybersecurity drills, workshops and training pro-grammes. National Cyber Security Policy 2013aims to create a workforce of 5 lakh cyber se-curity professionals, develop indigenous se-curity technologies through research, formu-late a dynamic legal framework to address newsecurity challenges arising out of technologyadvancements etc.Source: CST August 2013, page 107, column2, page 108Comment: Question tests candidate’s under-standing of the gravity of cyber warfare andhow it is infinitely more effective than conven-tional warfare in devastating any nation’s eco-nomic and military machine.Marks: 10 out of CST.24. Article 244 of Indian Constitution relatesto Administration of Scheduled areas and trib-al areas. Analyze the impact of non-implemen-tation of the provisions of fifth schedule on thegrowth of Left Wing Extremism. (200 words) 10Answer: Nine states have 5th schedule areasunder Article 244 – Andhra Pradesh, Chhatis-garh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand,Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa and Ra-jasthan. While all nine states have enacted req-uisite compliance legislations by amending therespective Panchayati Raj Acts, certain gapscontinue to exist. Further, some states are alsoyet to amend the subject laws, like those relat-ing to moneylending, forests, excise etc. Con-sequently, the compliance remains incomplete.Vital issues like the ownership of minor forest

Security implicationsincluded risks ofidentity theft and fraud.Personal information ofusers can be exploitedfor dubious activitiesand online crimes.Many prepare fakeprofiles with falseinformation to dupeunsuspecting userswho don’t know theirreal identity. Onlineharassment andstalking is also on therise due to poorregulations on suchsites. Malicioushumour and anti-national sentimentscan be broadcast to awide audience in ashort time-span. Fakeimages of communalviolence have beenused to start ‘real’communal riots on theground by malicioussocial elements.

Out of about 7,000government websites,only 3,192 have beenaudited for IT security.CERT-In is setting upearly-warning systemsand conducting mockcyber security drills,workshops and trainingprogrammes. NationalCyber Security Policy2013 aims to create aworkforce of 5 lakhcyber securityprofessionals, developindigenous securitytechnologies throughresearch, formulate adynamic legalframework to addressnew security chal-lenges arising out oftechnology advance-ments etc.





produce, planning and management of minorwater bodies, prevention of alienation of trib-al lands etc. which have been duly recognizedin PESA as the traditional rights of tribal peo-ple living in the Scheduled Areas are still inurgent need of resolution.Indiscriminate acquisition of land without anycommensurate compensation and rehabilita-tion has emerged as the single largest cause ofinvoluntary displacement of tribals and othermarginalized sections of population that hasbeen turning them landless and eventuallylawless. Their existing sources of income areeliminated and alternatives are not provided,relegating them to sub-human existence. Theareas affected by LWE have concentration oftribal population, hilly topography and roughterrain, where failure to provide infrastructureand services as per national norms, resultingin regional disparities in public health, nutri-tion, livelihood security etc.Source: CST July 2012, page 123 – page 125;CST Government & Politics, page 376Marks: 10 out of CST.25. How far are India’s internal security chal-lenges linked with border management, par-ticularly in view of the long porous borderswith most countries of South Asia and Myan-mar? (200 words) 10Answer: The internal security of India is main-ly influenced by events in South Asia becauseof historical, geographical and demographicimperatives. Over the years, we have wit-nessed the disappearance of convergence ofinterests and synergies rooted in common co-lonial experience of South Asian nations. In-dia had become a cauldron of merging insur-gent movements that have developed perni-cious internal networks which are creating hor-rendous logistical repercussions. Indian seces-sionist groups are using neighbouring coun-tries as sanctuaries for trans-border immigra-tion, gun-running, narcotics etc. that affectIndia’s internal security. The presence of hos-tile neighbours gives internal conflicts, borneout of sectarian politics, external support inarms, finance and safe havens.Problems of national assimilation and integra-tion of border areas of North and heteroge-neous North-East has led to secessionist move-ments, ethnic violence and involvement of for-eign intelligence agencies. Porous borders withNepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh and SriLanka enable illegal trans-border smugglingof arms, drugs and immigrants that lead toethnic and communal violence. Border fenc-ing and policing is expensive and cannot beconstructed over difficult terrain, rendering itonly partially effective. Highly trained Kash-mir insurgents find gaps on the LoC while re-

ceiving covering fire from the Pakistan Army.Pakistan has also been flooding India withcounterfeit currency to subvert Indian econo-my and fund terrorist activities in differentparts of India.Source: CST December 2013, page 93–page 95Marks: 10 out of CST.

GENERAL STUDIES(PAPER–IV)Time allowed: Three Hours Maximum Marks : 250QUESTION PAPER SPECIFICINSTRUCTIONS(Please read each of the following instruc-tions carefully before attempting questions)There are FOURTEEN questions divided intwo Sections in Paper. All questions arecompulsory.The number of marks carried bya question/part is indicated against it. An-swers must be written in the medium autho-rized in the Admission Certificate which mustbe stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space pro-vided. No marks will be given for answerswritten in medium other than the authorizedone. Word limit in questions, if specified,should be adhered to. Any page or portion ofthe page left blank in the Question-cum-An-swer Booklet must be clearly struck off.Answer questions in NOT MORE than the

word limit specified for each in theparenthesis. Content of the answer is moreimportant than its length:

SECTION – A1. What do you understand by ‘values’ and‘ethics’? In what way is it important to be eth-ical along with being professionally compe-tent? (150 words) 10Answer: Ethics could be defined as moral lawsthat govern a person’s behaviour or the con-duct of an activity related to each and everysphere of life. They are the individual’s stan-dard of conduct or as a body of social obliga-tions and duties. They carry the legitimacy ofsociety to determine the demarcation betweenright and wrong and between need and greed.Ethics rationalize personal desires and makethem compatible with societal aspirations.Being determinants of ethics, values are gen-eral ideas about what is desirable, but suchgeneral ideas do not specify how one shouldact in particular situations. Values bring legit-imacy to rules.Professional competence is always evaluatedwithin the ethics and norms associated withthe profession. In fact, a set of guidelines for aspecific purpose specified by society createsthe need and existence for a profession. Thus,

Indiscriminateacquisition of landwithout any commen-surate compensationand rehabilitation hasemerged as the singlelargest cause ofinvoluntary displace-ment of tribals andother marginalizedsections of populationthat has been turningthem landless andeventually lawless.Their existing sourcesof income areeliminated andalternatives are notprovided, relegatingthem to sub-humanexistence. The areasaffected by LWE haveconcentration of tribalpopulation, hillytopography and roughterrain, where failure toprovide infrastructureand services as pernational norms,resulting in regionaldisparities in publichealth, nutrition,livelihood security etc.

Border fencing andpolicing is expensiveand cannot beconstructed overdifficult terrain,rendering it onlypartially effective.Highly trained Kashmirinsurgents find gaps onthe LoC while receivingcovering fire from thePakistan Army.Pakistan has also beenflooding India withcounterfeit currency tosubvert Indianeconomy and fundterrorist activities indifferent parts of India.





unethical conduct will erode the roots of theprofession itself, harming clients in short-termand practitioners in long-term.Source: CST August 2013, page 6, column 1,page 14 column 1, column 2; CST October 2013,page 14, column 2Comment: The difference between ethics andvalues is emphasized, along with their appli-cations. It clarifies the complete dependenceof professional excellence and progress on thefoundation of ethics determined by society.Marks: 10 out of CST.2. (a) What do you understand by the fol-lowing terms in the context of public service?(250 words) 3 × 5 = 15(i) IntegrityAnswer: Integrity ensures that the public ser-vant’s mental and emotional faculties are pos-itively harnessed for constructive purposes. Itprovides a moral compass to govern actions.Its deficit has led to plummeting standards ofaccountability, efficiency and rising corrup-tion. Officials deliberately misconstrue bothvoters’ needs and government policies for per-sonal gain.Source: CST October 2013, page 14, column 3Marks: 3 out of CST.(ii) PerseveranceAnswer: This quality encompasses commit-ment, intellectual integrity, empathy and cour-age to pursue difficult challenges with indom-itable vigour, unwavering focus, patience,stamina and confidence against all odds. Offi-cials need perseverance to maintain the disci-pline of balancing politically neutrality andpublicly responsiveness while disregardingpersonal conveniences and moods.Source: CST October 2013, page 16, column 1Marks: 3 out of CST.(iii) Spirit of serviceAnswer: It is the highest motivating factor ofrendering goodness towards mankind. It im-bibes high ethical standards, work culture,accountability, inner motivation to perform atthe very best level for others, self-control andself-direction towards committed objectivesand enthusiastic voluntary cooperation to en-sure excellence while maintaining anonymityin civil services.Source: CST October 2013, page 16, column 3Marks: 3 out of CST.(iv) CommitmentAnswer: Commitment is antidote to publicalienation from bureaucracy. It forces bureau-crats to eschew political neutrality for politi-cal responsiveness by participating intellectu-ally in political discussions while remainingphysically and emotionally detached. It is apromise to the public to defend the philoso-phy of the Constitution by ensuring others

don’t suffer what officials themselves sufferedwhen they were commoners as well.Source: CST October 2013, page 17, column 1Marks: 3 out of CST.(v) Courage of convictionAnswer: Administrators must be morally cou-rageous to accept the brickbats in their stridewhile having the conviction to make decisionsfor the greater, sustainable, long-term good ina country as fractious and divided as India.He must not hold personal grievances as hisprimary task is to enlighten both the electedexecutive and the electorate about mutual de-mands and expectations.Source: CST September 2013, page 17, col. 2Marks: 3 out of CST.(b) Indicate two more attributes which youconsider important for public service. Justifyyour answer. (100 words) 10Answer: Empathy is an amalgamation of emo-tional and intellectual reasoning that allowsofficials to ‘step into the shoes’ of others. Bu-reaucrats need to solve dilemmas from diversesocial, economic and political backgroundswith shrinking resources and rising publicexpectations. Through empathy, they can de-liver public services in customer-orientedmanner while remaining humble and flexibleto change with evolving public needs.Bureaucratic neutrality ensures continuity,develops expertise and institutional memory.It ensures enough flexibility to serve govern-ment of any complexion. It reposes faith ofboth electors and elected in bureaucracy. It en-sures a value-free approach towards long-termdevelopment and counterbalances politicalexecutives looking for short-term politicalgains.Source: CST October 2013, page 15, column 2,column 3, page 17, column 3, page 18, col. 1Comment: Empathy and neutrality are twinpillars to enable administrators formulate anddispense with services and resource allocationin an equitable and sustainable manner in con-gruence with secular public requirements.Marks: 10 out of CST.3. Some people feel that values keep chang-ing with time and situation, while othersstrongly believe that there are certain univer-sal and eternal human values. Give your per-ception in this regard with due justification.(150 words) 10Answer: Multiple, overlapping and sometimeseven opposing value systems exist in complexsocieties. By and large, religion has been giv-en the highest place in the human value sys-tem. But in the communist philosophy, reli-gion has been regarded as opium and tool ofexploitation. Despite these differences, religiontalks about magnanimity and mutual toler-

Professionalcompetence is alwaysevaluated within theethics and normsassociated with theprofession. In fact, aset of guidelines for aspecific purposespecified by societycreates the need andexistence for aprofession. Thus,unethical conduct willerode the roots of theprofession itself,harming clients inshort-term andpractitioners in long-term.

Empathy is anamalgamation ofemotional andintellectual reasoningthat allows officials to‘step into the shoes’ ofothers. Bureaucratsneed to solvedilemmas from diversesocial, economic andpolitical backgroundswith shrinkingresources and risingpublic expectations.Through empathy, theycan deliver publicservices in customer-oriented manner whileremaining humble andflexible to change withevolving public needs.





ance.Throughout history, a flourishing civilization’snon-material dimensions of culture (technicalskills, norms, knowledge, beliefs, attitudesetc.) are outplayed and undermined by mate-rial dimensions concerned with external, me-chanical and utilitarian objectives. It creates‘cultural lag’, according to William F. Ogburn.This results in modification of existing values.The Industrial Revolution in Western Europechanged social, economic and political goalsand expectations towards individualism on amassive scale, while enduring periods ofanomie.Not all societies have the same values andmorals, but some actions like theft, murder etc.seem to be universally considered wrong anddiscouraged by both formal and informalmeans of social control.Source: CST August 2013, page 14, column 3Comment: Nothing is absolute and permanentin this world, other than change itself. There-fore, relativism is the cornerstone of humanexistence and progress. Even Jainism admitsthe limitation of knowledge and postulatesthat all dimensions of any entity can never beknown or understood. Therefore, economicand social change in societies necessitatesmodification of prevalent values and princi-ples. Their main aim is to facilitate smoothfunctioning of society, not hinder it in the back-ground of changing material and political cir-cumstances.Marks: 10 out of CST.4. What is ‘emotional intelligence’ and howcan it be developed in people? How does ithelp an individual in taking ethical decisions?(150 words) 10Answer: Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the de-gree of an individual’s proficiency of under-standing, regulating, manipulating and adapt-ing to different social, cultural and profession-al environments. EI supplies the will-powerto defend, fight, sustain and prevail over op-erational, ideological and interpersonal diffi-culties. Officials with high EI are more awareof their emotions, strengths, weaknesses, per-sonal biases and environmental factors thatmanipulate their emotions. It empowers themto accurately distinguish between cause andeffect for identifying the core issues behindconvoluted problems and take ethical deci-sions that promote long-term societal interestsover lucrative, but ultimately damaging short-term temptations of personal avarice.EI represents the potential of an individual fordeveloping his emotional faculties. This po-tential is converted into ability by individu-al’s interaction with the social environment,initially provided by parents or primary care-

givers. Various processes of the external en-vironment – reward and punishment, posi-tive reinforcement, childhood care, socializa-tion of self-consciousness into societal con-sciousness – and their effectiveness play a pro-gressive or regressive role in harnessing EI’spotential.Source: CST November 2013, page 6, column1, page 8, column 1Comment: The answer should cover all di-mensions that are involved in administrativedecision-making for public benefit. Their link-age to EI should be clearly spelt out. Lastly,learning to exploit EI is a combination of in-dividual and environmental factors.Marks: 10 out of CST.5. (a) What do you understand by the term‘voice of conscience’? How do you prepareyourself to heed to the voice of conscience?(150 words) 10Answer: ‘Voice of conscience’ is our attitudethat decides the extent of optimal and consis-tent behavioural pattern towards an entity orsituation, learnt from our traditions, ethicsand values. It is a socio-psychological concept.Initially, it is socially acquired through theprocess of socialization and retained with psy-chological predisposition, giving it twin pil-lars of endurance and longevity. It never de-velops in complete isolation. It acts as a me-dium of expression of our identity to othersand vice versa, when reinforced by commen-surate actions.We prepare ourselves to heed it by using itsreal-world connections and applications forour acquired knowledge. By bridging the gapbetween theory and practice, it gives us a cog-nitive framework to preferentially absorb ourexperiences, perceptions and interpretationsof the outside world in a manner compatiblewith our aspirations and value systems. Ego-expression is facilitated by attitude in bring-ing out our individual personality traits andestablishing our unique identity, which pro-vides bandwidth for the rise of leaders, pio-neers etc.Source: CST October 2013, page 6, column 1,page 8, column 2Comment: Other interpretations of ‘voice ofconscience’ can also be considered, like per-sonal moral compass etc. I have chosen atti-tude as it is synonymous to our personal iden-tity, and hence our conscience. Attitude needscertain inputs for development and confi-dence in order to pay heed to it, which areduly explored in the answer.Marks: 10 out of CST.(b) What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’?Narrate one incident in your life when youwere faced with such a crisis and how you

Multiple, overlappingand sometimes evenopposing valuesystems exist incomplex societies. Byand large, religion hasbeen given the highestplace in the humanvalue system. But inthe communistphilosophy, religion hasbeen regarded asopium and tool ofexploitation. Despitethese differences,religion talks aboutmagnanimity andmutual tolerance.

Emotional Intelli-gence (EI) is thedegree of anindividual’s proficiencyof understanding,regulating, manipulat-ing and adapting todifferent social, culturaland professionalenvironments. EIsupplies the will-powerto defend, fight, sustainand prevail overoperational, ideologicaland interpersonaldifficulties. Officialswith high EI are moreaware of theiremotions, strengths,weaknesses, personalbiases and environ-mental factors thatmanipulate theiremotions. It empowersthem to accuratelydistinguish betweencause and effect foridentifying the coreissues behindconvoluted problemsand take ethicaldecisions that promotelong-term societalinterests over lucrative,but ultimatelydamaging short-termtemptations of personalavarice.





resolved the same. (150 words) 10Answer: Ego-defence is the mechanism ofpreservation and even survival of ego and self-image in adverse crises of social, professionalor existential nature. On the positive side, ithelps us face failures and resist slipping intoterminal depression. On the negative side, itmanufactures rationale to defend our corrupt,inhuman and morally deficient goals and ac-tivities. It leads to a complete denial of realityand rise of demagogues as socially, political-ly and economically influential people aggres-sively pursue ego-defence policies to whettheir vested interests and defend morally un-tenable positions. It subverts public values todemagogues’ diametrically opposite valuesfor the latter’s personal benefit. The public failsto realize or protest against them, or both. Thisis a ‘crisis of conscience’.I handled a similar situation by speaking outagainst immorality by opposing re-election ofa long-time president of our RWA who hadbeen taking bribes for allowing unauthorizedsale of liquor inside the colony premises.Source: CST October 2013, page 8, column 3Comment: Other interpretations are also pos-sible, such as any moral or ethical dilemma. Ihave interpreted it as a lack of attitudinal willand strength to protest against moral wrong-doings and support/promote ethical workethic and empathetic governance.Marks: 10 out of CST.6. Given below are three quotations of greatmoral thinkers/philosophers. For each ofthese quotations, bring out what it means toyou in the present context:a. “There is enough on this earth for everyone’s need but for no one’s greed.” MahatmaGandhi. (150 words) 10Answer: The decline of agriculture and frag-mentation of landholdings led to the disinte-gration of joint families. It had been replacedby individualistic nuclear families. Individu-als feel that only making money will save themfrom all odds as family relations can’t be re-lied upon anymore to withstand emotional,mental and physical vicissitudes of life.Uncertainty has increased manifold in mod-ern, fast-paced lifestyles regarding security ofincome, life, health, etc. Money accumulationgains relevance as a necessary asset for vagar-ies of future.The need for money becomes unending andhuge misunderstandings develop betweencravings and requirements. Desires start driv-ing requirements whose costs are difficult tosustain through genuine means, leading tocorruption, bribery, embezzlement and crim-inal activities.Everyone wants to relentlessly succeed and

never fail in life. Money is seen as a perma-nent and essential symbol of success in termsof material assets. It serves as a temporarymark of social identity and respect that needsconstant monetary replenishment.Even globalization and diplomatic relationshave become mainly economic in nature.Source: CST Contemporary Issues, 7th Edition,page 733 – page 736Comment: Answer focuses on effects of glo-balization, rising corruption and materialismin contemporary society that has blurred thefine line between need and greed.Marks: 10 out of CST.b. ”Nearly all men can withstand adversity,but if you want to test a man’s character, givehim power.”—Abraham Lincoln (150 words) 10Answer: In the case of a bureaucrat, it involveshonouring the reminiscences and solemnpromises taken to help those who sheltered,nurtured and supported him – both people andinstitutions- in the past days when the personwas not a bureaucrat, struggling to make amark and completely dependent on family,society, government and their associated sup-port ecosystems for his education, growth andvery survival. It also tests the will and dedica-tion of not letting others suffer what the bu-reaucrat himself had suffered as a commoner.Whatever problems he faced before becomingan administrator, and whatever ideas that hegenerated as potential solutions at that time,must be vigourously pursued, optimally en-hanced, substantiated, diligently implement-ed and meticulously maintained as soon as heacquires the ability to do so as a bureaucrat. Itis a test of commitment and character of fol-lowing through with difficult promises in theface of easier, more lucrative, non-action op-tions.Source: CST October 2013, page 17, column 1Comment: Answer focuses on the temptationof people once devoid of power to amass per-sonal fortunes once they get hold of power. Itreveals the strength of their character whicheither resists this temptation to serve the com-mon good or succumbs to it.Marks: 10 out of CST.c. “I count him braver who overcomes hisdesires than him who overcomes his ene-mies.”—Aristotle (150 words) 10Answer: Only those individuals can sustainthe pressure to perform in a demanding envi-ronment of civil services or any other globallycompetitive occupation if they have risen be-yond their need, greed, feelings, desires, prin-ciples, aspirations, and even themselves. Sincethey have no vested interests, they have noenemies to defeat. They follow the principles

Ego-defence is themechanism ofpreservation and evensurvival of ego andself-image in adversecrises of social,professional orexistential nature. Onthe positive side, ithelps us face failuresand resist slipping intoterminal depression.On the negative side, itmanufactures rationaleto defend our corrupt,inhuman and morallydeficient goals andactivities. It leads to acomplete denial ofreality and rise ofdemagogues associally, politically andeconomically influentialpeople aggressivelypursue ego-defencepolicies to whet theirvested interests anddefend morallyuntenable positions. Itsubverts public valuesto demagogues’diametrically oppositevalues for the latter’spersonal benefit. Thepublic fails to realize orprotest against them,or both. This is a ‘crisisof conscience’.

It also tests the willand dedication of notletting others sufferwhat the bureaucrathimself had suffered asa commoner. Whateverproblems he facedbefore becoming anadministrator, andwhatever ideas that hegenerated as potentialsolutions at that time,must be vigourouslypursued, optimallyenhanced, substanti-ated, diligentlyimplemented andmeticulously main-tained as soon as heacquires the ability todo so as a bureaucrat.





of law and good governance which automati-cally delivers fair treatment to the righteousand punishes the guilty without any personalor vindictive motive behind either outcome,which neither creates sycophants nor enemies.The individual dissociates his self-identityfrom his professional responsibilities thatboost impartiality, value-free judgment andoptimal resource allocation.Hedonistic material lust has swept away so-cial relations, perverted human wisdom andrationality, pinned individual worth solely onmaterial assets etc. Therefore, achieving thisstate of detachment has become much moredifficult in today’s world of materialistic glo-balization compared to that of Aristotle, whichwill increase his appreciation manifold.Source: CST Contemporary Issues, 7th Edi-tion, page 170, page 733Comment: The answer brings out the verynecessity to overcome desires to be successfulin today’s cut-throat world full of distractions.Overcoming desires has been the greatest chal-lenge of humanity right from the times of LordKrishna and Arjun in Bhagavadgita. Lack ofdesires means lack of weaknesses. Lack ofweaknesses translates into fearlessness andconsequent lack of enemies as they are notcompeting for anything.Marks: 10 out of CST.7. “The good of an individual is contained inthe good of all.” What do you understand bythis statement? How can this principle be im-plemented in public life? (150 words) 10Answer: We have only two options – eithermake ourselves strong to help others or makeothers strong enough to help us. An individu-al cannot be strong forever if his society is notstrong. It is not judicious to sell all 24 hoursfor self-requirements. One must make time forothers also. The benefit of oneself can be sus-tained only when it is beneficial to society. Theneed for balancing the private and public com-mitment is now being put at the top of theagenda. It needs complete synchronization ofself and society. A strong sense of ethics atworkplace, at home etc. can build a strongnation. Memorable history is created by thosewho have strongly internalized societal ethicsand have contributed to its perpetuation.It can be implemented in public life throughsensitivity in resource allocation for weakersections; impartial work ethic with persever-ance and integrity; empathy and flexibility inmoulding public service delivery to evolvingpublic demands; ensuring public participationin governance; honouring commitments.Source: CST August 2013, page 25, column 2;CST September 2013, page 16, column 2; CSTOctober 2013, page 14 – page 18

Comment: This answer focuses on the realitythat ‘you are as strong as your weakest link’.It emphasizes social and economic responsi-bility of the privileged class to help the lowerclasses improve their lot in life. It can be ex-panded to governance with the realization thatonly secular, broad-based and nationalist pol-icies of development over sectarian doles andbenefits will strengthen the country in social,political and economic spheres.Marks: 10 out of CST.8. It is often said that ‘politics’ and ‘ethics’ donot go together. What is your opinion in thisregard? Justify your answer with illustrations.(150 words) 10Answer: Ethics are not antagonistic to politics.India’s founding fathers gave an entire gener-ation of ethical and nationalist politicians. Butethics are tossed out of politics the momentwe vote on parochial lines like caste, creed,community, region etc. It can only produce sec-tarian leaders and parties that are antitheticalto national interests. Criminalization, commu-nalization and casteization of politics is a nat-ural corollary of a myopic, truncated and mor-ibund sense of perception of voters. It discour-ages ethical people from entering politics. Mis-takes committed at the time of voting cannotbe rectified and the entire system has to paythe indemnity.Mafia and crime syndicates support corruptpoliticians with money and muscle power towin elections and prosper in their nefariousactivities under the willing connivance and co-operation of the latter. Honest officials are rel-egated and corrupt are promoted.Fragmentation of landholdings, failure of com-munication, infrastructural bottlenecks etc. aredeliberately left unattended to continually im-poverish and render the disenchanted elector-ate completely dependent upon pre-electiondoles.Source: CST Contemporary Issues, 7th Edi-tion, page 12, page 107, page 109Comment: Gandhiji had decried the dissocia-tion of ethics from politics during the highnoon of Machiavellian politics of 1930s and1940s. Means must justify the ends to makethe ends sustainable and durable in the longrun. This objection is extremely relevant eventoday as politicians engage in diplomatic one-upmanship under the mistaken belief of ‘zero-sum game’ that they can only benefit to thedetriment of others. The answer explores theroot of cause of separation of ethics from pol-itics in India and demonstrates that it is everycitizen’s responsibility to eradicate this differ-ence.Marks: 10 out of CST. SECTION – B

We have only twooptions – either makeourselves strong tohelp others or makeothers strong enoughto help us. Anindividual cannot bestrong forever if hissociety is not strong. Itis not judicious to sellall 24 hours for self-requirements. Onemust make time forothers also. Thebenefit of oneself canbe sustained onlywhen it is beneficial tosociety. The need forbalancing the privateand public commitmentis now being put at thetop of the agenda. Itneeds completesynchronization of selfand society.

Ethics are notantagonistic to politics.India’s founding fathersgave an entiregeneration of ethicaland nationalistpoliticians. But ethicsare tossed out ofpolitics the moment wevote on parochial lineslike caste, creed,community, region etc.It can only producesectarian leaders andparties that areantithetical to nationalinterests





In the following questions, carefully studythe cases presented and then answer thequestions that follow:9. A Public Information Officer has receivedan application under RTI Act. Having gath-ered the information, the PIO discovers thatthe information pertains to some of the deci-sions taken by him, which were found to benot altogether right. There were other employ-ees also who party to these decisions were.Disclosure of the information is likely to leadto disciplinary action with possibility of pun-ishment against him as well as some of hiscolleagues. Non-disclosure or part disclosureor camouflaged disclosure of information willresult into lesser punishment or no punish-ment. The PIO is otherwise an honest and con-scientious person but this particular decision,on which the RTI application has been filed,turned out to be wrong. He comes to you foradvice.The following are some suggested options.Please evaluate the merits and demerits of eachof the options:(i) The PIO could refer the matter to his su-perior officer and seek his advice and act strict-ly in accordance with the advice, even thoughhe is not completely in agreement with theadvice of the superior.Answer: Merit - It will ensure orders are fol-lowed down the chain of command, strength-ening the institution with greater two-waycommunication. Demerit – It is overburden-ing superior officers with a decision that thePIO is himself capable of taking. It smacks ofescapism that tries to delay proceedings in thehope of getting a reprieve.(ii) The PIO could proceed on leave and leavethe matter to be dealt by his successor in of-fice or request for transfer of the applicationto another PIO.Answer: Merit – the PIO is ensuring that thematter is investigated by an unbiased 3rd par-ty which may be better equipped to take a non-partisan decision. Demerit – The PIO is goingagainst spirit of service, commitment and theorganization’s charter by withholding infor-mation he readily possesses and delaying ser-vices that are public rights.(iii) The PIO could weigh the consequences ofdisclosing the information truthfully, includ-ing the effect on his career, and reply in a man-ner that would not place him or his career injeopardy, but at the same time a little compro-mise can be made on the contents of the infor-mation.Answer: Merit – The PIO is saving his reputa-tion while addressing the majority of the RTIrequest. He is dispensing with his duties. De-merit – He is merely following regulations in

letters, not in spirit. Not only is he withhold-ing information from public for personal de-fence instead of national concerns, but alsomisleading the disciplinary machinery.(iv) The PIO could consult his other colleagueswho are party to the decision and take actionas per their advice. Also please indicate (with-out necessarily restricting to the above op-tions) what you would like to advise, givingproper reasons. (250 words) 20Answer: Merit – The PIO is basing the deci-sion on a collective basis in sync with the col-lective action that had been taken, which trig-gered the RTI request. Demerit – He is notexercising his duty of answering the RTI de-spite being fully capable of doing so. He isevading personal culpability behind the shieldof collective wrongdoing.My Advice: Give full disclosure in RTI, ex-plaining in detail the available facts and opin-ions considered and processes employed forarriving at the decision. Highlight the poten-tial reasons why the decision reached was pos-sibly sub-optimal or wrong. Any worthwhilepublic service is a difficult task and mistakesare preferable to inactivity. Disciplinary com-mittee will be duly considerate to honest mis-takes of an upright officer.10. You are working as an Executive Engi-neer in the construction cell of a MunicipalCorporation and are presently in-charge of theconstruction of a flyover. There are two Jun-ior Engineers under you who have the respon-sibility of day-to-day inspection of the site andare reporting to you, while you are finally re-porting to the Chief Engineer who heads thecell. While the construction is heading to-wards completion, the Junior Engineers havebeen regularly reporting that all constructionis taking place as per design specifications.However, in one of your surprise inspections,you have noticed some serious deviations andlacunae which, in your opinion, are likely toaffect the safety of the flyover. Rectificationof these lacunae at this stage would require asubstantial amount of demolition and reworkwhich will cause a tangible loss to the con-tractor and will also delay completion. Thereis a lot of public pressure on the Corporationto get this construction completed because ofheavy traffic congestion in the area. When youbrought this matter to the notice of the ChiefEngineer, he advised you that in his opinionit is not a very serious lapse and may be ig-nored. He advised for further expediting theproject for completion in time. However, youare convinced that this was a serious matterwhich might affect public safety and shouldnot be left unaddressed. What will you do insuch a situation? Some of the options are giv-

Merit – The PIO issaving his reputationwhile addressing themajority of the RTIrequest. He isdispensing with hisduties. Demerit – He ismerely followingregulations in letters,not in spirit. Not only ishe withholdinginformation from publicfor personal defenceinstead of nationalconcerns, but alsomisleading thedisciplinary machinery.

Give full disclosurein RTI, explaining indetail the availablefacts and opinionsconsidered andprocesses employedfor arriving at thedecision. Highlight thepotential reasons whythe decision reachedwas possibly sub-optimal or wrong. Anyworthwhile publicservice is a difficulttask and mistakes arepreferable to inactivity.Disciplinary committeewill be duly considerateto honest mistakes ofan upright officer.





en below. Evaluate the merits and demerits ofeach of these options and finally suggest whatcourse of action you would like to take, giv-ing reasons. (250 words) 20(i) Follow the advice of the Chief Engineerand go ahead.Answer: Merit – maintains dignity of organi-zational hierarchy and protocol. His greaterexperience and knowledge of practical con-struction techniques may be more dependable.Flyover gets completed on schedule. Demerit– Shirking personal, organizational and ad-ministrative commitment to public safety.Abetting bribery and corruption among em-ployees and contractors. Setting wrong prece-dent for future projects.(ii) Make an exhaustive report of the situa-tion bringing out all facts and analysis alongwith your own viewpoints stated clearly andseek for written orders from the chief Engi-neer.Answer: Merit – completes your duty of put-ting all aspects of the case and your own opin-ion on the ideal way forward on record, keep-ing public safety paramount, and absolvesyourself of any blame in future. Demerit –leaves your power to swiftly act to save pub-lic life to bureaucratic hierarchy’s decisionwhich robs precious time.(iii) Call for explanation from the Junior Engi-neers and issue orders to the contractor fornecessary correction within targeted time.Answer: Merit – Sends unequivocal messagethat bribery and shoddy work will not be tol-erated within the organization. Contractor isforced to correct mistakes in flyover withinstipulated deadline. Demerit – Disciplinaryaction is not taken on Junior Engineers for bla-tant violations of duty. Contractor may takefurther shortcuts to meet deadline without ad-ditional funds and personal oversight.(iv) Highlight the issue so that it reaches su-periors above the Chief Engineer.Answer: Merit – manoeuvres around dishon-est or incapable superiors to present groundreality to upper bureaucratic circles. Demerit– decisions may get further delayed with in-creasing levels of hierarchy. You are display-ing lack of conviction in your analysis andcommitment in discharging your powers toreadily solve a problem in front of you.(v) Considering the rigid attitude of the ChiefEngineer, seek transfer from the project or re-port sick.Merit – saves you from aiding and abetting acrime against public safety. Demerit – Disho-nours your commitment and spirit of servicetowards public with lack of perseverance.My choice: Take disciplinary action againstJunior Engineers. Provide additional time to

contractor to rectify mistakes under personalsupervision and blacklist him in all govern-ment organizations to ensure public safety andestablish zero organizational tolerance for cor-ruption.11. Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu is known for itsmanufacturing clusters on firecrackers andmatches. The local economy of the area islargely dependent on firecrackers industry. Ithas led to tangible economic development andimproved standard of living in the area. Sofar as child labour norms for hazardous indus-tries like firecrackers industry are concerned,International Labour Organization (ILO) hasset the minimum age as 18 years. In India,however, this age is 14 years. The units in in-dustrial clusters of firecrackers can be classi-fied into registered and non-registered enti-ties. One typical unit is household-based work.Though the law is clear on the use of child la-bour employment norms in registered/non-registered units, it does not include household-based works. Household-based work meanschildren working under the supervision oftheir parents/relatives. To evade child labournorms, several units project themselves ashousehold-based works but employ childrenfrom outside. Needless to say that employingchildren saves the costs for these units lead-ing to higher profits to the owners.On your visit to one of the units at Sivakasi,the owner takes you around the unit whichhas about 10-15 children below 14 years of age.The owner tells you that in his household-based unit, the children are all his relatives.You notice that several children smirk, whenthe owner tells you this. On deeper enquiry,you figure out that neither the owner nor thechildren are able to satisfactorily establish theirrelationship with each other. (300 words) 25(a) Bring out and discuss the ethical issuesinvolved in the above case.Answer: The most basic ethical issue is ensur-ing the right of children to education, nutri-tion and health, which will undoubtedly en-tail their leaving jobs at the firecracker units,thus, depriving them and their families a ma-jor or only source of livelihood. Children’srights cannot be safeguarded by reducing theirincome security. Secondly, the issue of fire-cracker unit owners violating basic principlesof family relations to employ children belowthe age of 14 with low remuneration and es-cape illegality, but which has also raised thegeneral prosperity of the area. It is a classicdilemma of whether to accept exploitation foreconomic development, especially if the ex-ploited have little recourse to other means ofsustenance. Thirdly, it brings the role of par-ents as caregivers into sharp focus. It questions

Merit – maintainsdignity of organiza-tional hierarchy andprotocol. His greaterexperience andknowledge of practicalconstruction tech-niques may be moredependable. Flyovergets completed onschedule. Demerit –Shirking personal,organizational andadministrativecommitment to publicsafety. Abetting briberyand corruption amongemployees andcontractors. Settingwrong precedent forfuture projects.

Take disciplinaryaction against JuniorEngineers. Provideadditional time tocontractor to rectifymistakes underpersonal supervisionand blacklist him in allgovernment organiza-tions to ensure publicsafety and establishzero organizationaltolerance for corrup-tion.





the foundation of human society in whichwhether parents should strive for ensuringchildren’s economic and emotional security orvice versa.(b) What would be your reaction after yourabove visit?Answer: I would immediately mobilize cen-tral and state resources to provide alternateemployment opportunities to the adult mem-bers of the area’s families through schemes likeMGNREGA, SJGSJY, Svawalamba etc. It willincrease income of parents and reduce theirpressure to send children to earn in firecrack-er units. I will establish primary schools withthe mid-day meal scheme and Sarva ShikshaAbhiyan project to provide education andnutrition security to the children without ad-ditional economic burden on parents.I will commence legal action against errantfirecracker unit owners masquerading theirworkshops as household units. They will beshut down as soon as my alternative employ-ment schemes are sufficiently compensatingfor loss of income from firecrackers.I will petition lawmakers to increase the ageof hazardous employment from 14 to 18 years,in consonance with international standards, asan urgent matter of dignity of the nation.12. You are heading a leading technical insti-tute of the country. The institute is planningto convene an interview panel shortly underyour chairmanship for selection of the post ofprofessors. A few days before the interview,you get a call from the Personal Secretary (PS)of a senior government functionary seekingyour intervention in favour of the selection ofa close relative of the functionary for this post.The PS also informs you that he is aware ofthe long pending and urgent proposals of yourinstitute for grant of funds for modernization,which are awaiting the functionary’s approv-al. He assures you that he would get theseproposals cleared. (250 words) 20(a) What are the options available to you?Answer: I can agree with the PS and hire thefunctionary’s relative. I can disagree with thePS and hire only on the basis of merit. I canhire on basis of merit and file a complaintagainst the PS and the functionary for wrong-doing to the appropriate tribunal. I can removemyself from the interview panel and allowsomeone else to make the decision of heedingor ignoring the PS. Lastly, I can hold the PS ‘srequest in abeyance and conduct the inter-views on the basis of merit. If per chance, thefunctionary’s relative is the most successfulcandidate, then I hire him on the basis of mer-it and then ask the PS to honour his promiseof getting the institute’s request for grant offunds approved from the functionary in an ex-

peditious manner.(b) Evaluate each of these options and choosethe option which you would adopt, giving rea-sons.Answer: I would choose the last option as itbalances both the honesty of the hiring pro-cess on the basis of merit and the institute’surgent need of funds for modernization thatwill prove critical for imparting quality edu-cation for many young generations of studentswhich will decide the future course of ourcountry. The other option of agreeing to thePS’s demand outright is not morally and eth-ically conscionable with respect to my collec-tive responsibilities towards the institute, stu-dents and selection process. Simply rejectingthe PS’s request and filing a complaint againsthim also smacks of simply taking the moralhigh ground in return for inaction and statusquo regarding the institute’s developmentneeds. Removing myself from the selectionpanel is tantamount to transferring my respon-sibilities and the associated dilemmas onsomeone else’s head. It is akin to shirking com-mitment and spirit of service. It displays lackof courage, conviction and perseverance indischarging my duties.13. As a senior officer in the Finance Minis-try, you have access to some confidential andcrucial information about policy decisions thatthe Government is about to announce. Thesedecisions are likely to have far-reaching im-pact on the housing and construction indus-try. If the builders have access to this infor-mation beforehand, they can make huge prof-its. One of the builders has done a lot of qual-ity work for the Government and is known tobe close to your immediate superior, who asksyou to disclose this information to the saidbuilder. (250 words) 20(a) What are the options available to you?Answer: Listen to the superior and discloseinformation to the builder. Refuse the superi-or’s request. Agree with the superior but notdisclose information to the builder. Directbuilder to all publicly available information.Ask builder to conduct his own research onthe industry and draw his own conclusions.Report the superior to the disciplinary com-mittee and issue a formal warning to the build-er.(b) Evaluate each of these options and choosethe option which you would adopt, giving rea-sons.Answer: I will choose the last option of ask-ing the builder to conduct his own researchon the industry as any government policy willbe inherently designed to promote industry,facilitate its sustainable expansion and miti-gate any problems and drawbacks that are

The most basicethical issue isensuring the right ofchildren to education,nutrition and health,which will undoubtedlyentail their leaving jobsat the firecracker units,thus, depriving themand their families amajor or only source oflivelihood. Secondly,the issue of firecrackerunit owners violatingbasic principles offamily relations toemploy children belowthe age of 14 with lowremuneration andescape illegality. It is aclassic dilemma ofwhether to acceptexploitation foreconomic develop-ment, especially if theexploited have littlerecourse to othermeans of sustenance.

I would immediatelymobilize central andstate resources toprovide alternateemployment opportuni-ties to the adultmembers of the area’sfamilies throughschemes likeMGNREGA, SJGSJY,Svawalamba etc. I willestablish primaryschools with the mid-day meal scheme andSarva Shiksha Abhiyanproject to provideeducation and nutritionsecurity to the childrenwithout additionaleconomic burden.I will commence legalaction against errantfirecracker unit ownersmasquerading theirworkshops ashousehold units.





proving to be obstacles in the industry’sgrowth path. Since the builder has done qual-ity work, he must be intelligent and well-versed with the industry’s intricacies to makea well-informed decision. This way, not onlywill I retain the builder’s goodwill and con-tinued dedication to delivering excellent workfor the government, but I will also save himfrom any potential legal repercussions of hav-ing ‘inside information’, if it is discoveredthrough other channels beyond my superior’scontrol, as well as stop the government fromlosing a trusted builder. I will also retain thefaith of my superior as the builder will mostlikely not complain to him against my well-meaning and far-sighted advice for the build-er’s own well-being.The other options, like agreeing or disagree-ing to disclose information, estrange my rela-tions with my commitment and intellectual in-tegrity or with my superior and the builder,without achieving anything concrete and con-structive in return. Directing builder to pub-licly available information also serves no pur-pose as he most likely already has that infor-mation and deprives him of sage counsellingand advice.

14. You are the Executive Director of an up-coming InfoTech Company which is makinga name for itself in the market. Mr. A, who is astar performer, is heading the marketing team.In a short period of one year, he has helped indoubling the revenues as well as creating ahigh brand equity for the Company so muchso that you are thinking of promoting him.However, you have been receiving informa-tion from many corners about his attitude to-wards the female colleagues; particularly hishabit of making loose comments on women.In addition, he regularly sends indecent SMS’sto all the team members including his femalecolleagues.One day, late in the evening, Mrs. X, who isone of Mr. A’s team members, comes to youvisibly disturbed. She complains against thecontinued misconduct of Mr. A, who has beenmaking undesirable advances towards her andhas even tried to touch her inappropriately inhis cabin. She tenders her resignation andleaves your office.(a) What are the options available to you?Answer: Firstly, I would simply direct the mat-ter to the Internal Complaints Committee,which has jurisdiction over all matters pertain-

Paper 11 52a 52b 53 104 105 106 07 08 109 1010 1011 1012 1013 1014 1015 1016 017 1018 1019a 519b 020a 020b 521 1022a 522b 523a 523b 524 1025 7.5Total 202.5

Paper 21 02 103 04 105 106 107 108 109 1010 1011 1012 1013 1014 1015 016 1017 1018 1019 1020 1021 1022 1023 1024 1025 10Total 220

Paper 31 102 103 04 105 106 07 88 109a 59b 510 1011 012 013 7.514 015 6.516a 016b 017a 017b 018 1019 020 1021 1022 1023 1024 1025 10Total 162

Paper 41 102 (a)(i) 32 (a)(ii) 32 (a)(iii) 32 (a)(iv) 32 (a)(v) 32b 103 104 105a 105b 106a 106b 106c 107 108 10Total 125

This is our 10th consecutive Mainswhen we have managed to score

more than 80 per cent, direct from theCST Magazine. It seems that this yearthe paper was general but it neededa lot of practice and references of spe-cific facts. Considering the fact thatin 2014 exams candidates shouldequally focus on both CSAT or Pre-lims and Mains papers. CST wouldcontinue to publish all the relevantmaterials pertaining to both the ex-aminations and would try to main-tain the unsung glorious traditions ofour newsmagazine.GS I: CST performance: 202.5/250 i.e. around 81%. The paper wasgeneral and questions were expect-

ed but questions related to art and culture needsbetter revision. The questions related to worldhistory was relatively easier but one should beready to face more complex and subtle questions.GS II: CST performance: 220/250 i.e. around88 per cent. This segment was a good one for CST.We did well in almost all the segments.GS III: CST performance: 162/250 i.e. 100%.In this paper, we saw some unexpected questionsand we must confess that there are some specificareas we have failed to control the current sec-tion, especially the science and technology.

At the preparationlevel, the important

aspect is the review ofthe previous question

papers of the last thirtyyears. This gives a lot

of ideas about thechanging trends of thepaper and also yourrequirement of the

material and its qualityto meet the standardsof the question. This

will enable you toassess your prepara-tion level will discour-age a 'touch and go

approach' of thecandidates and theircoaching institutes. A

complete self-preparation is neededunder the guidance of

newspapers andnewsmagazines.

NOTEOnce again, the recenttrend of UPSC paperindicates that days ofclassroom teaching is

over. The roles ofprepared materials arelimited. Besides, them

one has to go forbroad-based opinion

on any subject-matter.There should not be

any inconsistencies ordiscrepancies at the

perception level. A veryclear and relevant

perception has to beevolved in course of

time. The UPSCbelieves that the

candidates must havea sense of properawareness and

originality..

GS IV: CST performance: 125/125 i.e. 100 per cent. An immaculate per-formance from CST and the questions were also very much expected.





ing to complaints of sexual harassment at theworkplace, as per law. I could speak with bothMr. A and Mrs. X with utmost sensitivity andconfidentiality to receive as authentic versionof the sequence and gravity of transpiredevents as possible. I can try cross-checking rel-evant facts from other employees and sourcesat my disposal.(b) Evaluate each of these options and choosethe option you would adopt, giving reasons.(250 words) 20Answer: I will select the first option becauseany complaint of sexual harassment at work-place must necessarily be investigated by theInternal Complaints Committee, regardless ofwhether the complainant or the accused arecurrent or past employees of the organization.Mrs. X’s resignation has no bearing on this pro-

cedure. Any other option would be akin to tak-ing the law into my own hands, which is nei-ther permissible nor in alignment with mycommitment and integrity towards the spiritof service with which I carry out my publictransactions and employee welfare. It will beeven more damaging to the company’s brandequity as well, if a law is violated right afterdamaging allegations of sexual harassment.Other options like speaking privately withboth parties and cross-checking facts via in-dependent sources can easily interfere with theinvestigations of the Internal Complaints Com-mittee. Despite my humanitarian and profes-sional concern for both parties, I must refrainfrom directly involving myself with the caseand let the law take its own substantive andprocedural course.

CST has been toldby some people that

we give too muchemphasis on interna-tional developments

and internationalrelations.

In an era of globaliza-tion and economicdriven world, the

politics and policies aredeeply governed by

imperatives ofeconomic relations.

For this, Foreign Policyof India of CST mayprovide a strategicbase to your knowl-

edge level from whereyou can develop your

own understanding andstart co-relating with

the contemporary andcurrent developments.In this section specialemphasis should be

made on neighbouringcountries and shiftingIndian foreign policyespecially 'Look East

Policy', Look WestPolicy' and South-south cooperation.

For internationalrelations Hindu

newspaper is may beregarded as a veryauthentic source tokeep pace with the

current development ofthe events. Theeditorials of the

newspaper must beread and summaryshould be written in200 words. This will

enhance your power ofcomprehension.

Analysis of GS Paper IV ofCivil Services Main Exam, 2013The UPSC has completely overhauled the pattern and scheme of Mains examination of theCivil Services. In the 2013 Mains examination for the coveted Civil Services, it was first timethat the students attempted the GS paper IV, which contained questions on 'ethics, integrityand aptitude'. The aim of the UPSC by introducing this paper is to focus on the core areas ofethics in administration, that includes - (a) Ethics (b) Attitude (c) Aptitude for the CivilServices (d) Emotional intelligence (e) Contribution of major thinkers (f) Values and integri-ty (g) Honesty and probity in public life.The 2013 Mains GS Paper IV: The Paper IV of the GS was divided into two sections i.e.Section A and Section B. There were 8 question in Section A and 6 questions in Section B. Thequestions in Section A were of quite general nature like some definitions, quotes of somemajor thinkers of the world, on emotional intelligence etc. In Section B, there were six com-prehensive case studies and questions were asked from those case studies only. Questionsasked all possible options (ethical or not) as well as the suggesting the most ethically appro-priate amongst the same. Another noteworthy point in GS Paper IV was that some questionswere either exactly the same or very similar to the questions asked in the sample paper of'Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude', issued by UPSC. It was also noticed that the word limitfollowed by the UPSC in GS Papers I, II, and III was not followed in this paper. Also, theword limit within the paper did not follow a specific pattern and was different for eachquestion, hence was different with respect to previous General Studies papers. A new wordlimit of 150 words and 250 words were introduced with some of the 150 words carrying 10Marks and some 250 words questions carried 15 Marks and some 10 Marks question had theword limit of 100 words.What the examiners are expecting from candidates? The main aim of introducing this pa-per and going by the nature of the questions asked in the 2013 examination, it can be con-cluded that the UPSC is now trying to attract the brightest candidates who can perform thefunctions with full integrity and ethics. The nature of the question is to select the peoplewith right attitude who can carry forward the complex and diverse agenda to meet challeng-es that arise in the daily functioning of a civil servant. Another aim of this paper is to checkthe situational character of the probable civil servants.Thus, the objective of the UPSC is to analyse the personal attributes of the candidatesincluding leadership qualities, decision making abilities, emotional stability of the candi-dates, moral skills, and his/her capabilities to take professional stand in case of conflict ofinterests. Although it's not possible to judge the ethical approach of a person on the basisof a written examination, but this paper aims at only judging the ethical approach of aspir-ant towards real-time situations.The similar section is asked in the CSAT paper also, wherein multiple choice questions areasked against case studies similar to Part B of this paper.

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