Syllabus: Linkages between development and spread of extremism. Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
Q1. How does the lack of socio-economic development in certain regions of India contribute to the rise of extremist ideologies and activities? Illustrate with examples. (10M)
Q2. What are the implications of cyber threats and disinformation campaigns orchestrated by external state and non-state actors on India’s internal security? Suggest measures to address them. (15M)
Ethics
Syllabus: Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information
Q3. Explain the ethical necessities that makes information sharing a crucial aspect in a democratic country such as India. Also, elucidate some of the steps taken by the government in recent times to encourage information sharing (10M)
Case study
Q4. Mr. X was the Secretary of Ministry of Defence. He is an intelligent dealmaker and he secured a deal with a foreign country for weapons purchase, along with transfer of technology. In order to secure the deal, he makes some compromises upon oral orders from your Minister viz. Minister of Defence. The pricing of the weapons is over-invoiced and the surplus amount will accrue to the defence company which supplies weapons. The amount is not exorbitant but Rs. 5 Crores only. This information is kept out of public access using Official Secrets Act by Mr. X.
Mr. X is transferred to Personnel Ministry now. Interestingly, a whistle-blower has disclosed the over-invoicing done by him but she lacks any evidence. She files RTI to access pricing details of defence deal. Chief Information Commissioner concluded that under the present RTI Act, the information is ought to be disclosed. The Personnel Minster and Defence Minister have decided to amend the RTI law to reduce powers of CIC and create loopholes such that some compromises made for securing national interest by any Ministry is kept in dark.
As a Secretary of Personnel Ministry, Mr. X is supposed to give green signal to weaken the RTI law by amendments and Personnel Minister asks him to do so. What should Mr. X do in this case?
(20 marks, 250 words)
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