NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same
General Studies – 1
Topic: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
Caste and gender are the deepest social cleavages in our society. The intersection of these two social identities plays havoc with the lives of adolescents/young adults in Indian schools and colleges.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about how differences and diversity and inclusivity coexist in and how tradition is imposed.
Directive word:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context regarding various attributes of diversity.
Body:
First, mention the various cultural narratives which bring out sharp distinctions in prejudices. Throw light on homogenous tendencies which ignore diversity. Substantiate with examples.
Next, write about how despite the above shortcomings how inclusion and diversity exist as cornerstones of Indian society. Substantiate with examples.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to achieve inclusivity by overcoming political differences.
Introduction
At its core, diversity signifies the acknowledgment and celebration of the unique attributes that each individual brings to the table. It extends a welcoming embrace to the myriad hues of thought, belief, heritage, and expression that together enrich the mosaic of our global community.
With its vast landmass, diverse climates, and ancient history, India boasts an astonishing array of languages, religions, traditions, cuisines, art forms, and lifestyles. Its diversity is evident in the coexistence of numerous ethnic groups, languages, and religious practices within its borders.
This diversity is deeply rooted in India’s history, where multiple civilizations have flourished and intermingled over millennia. From the Indus Valley Civilization to the Mughal Empire and beyond, India has been a melting pot of ideas, beliefs, and customs, which have influenced its architecture, literature, music, and way of life.
Body
Diversity leading to divisiveness
- Religious Differences and Communal Tensions: India is known for its religious diversity, with Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and other religious groups coexisting. However, this diversity has, at times, led to religious tensions, conflicts, and even communal violence. Disagreements over religious practices, beliefs, and places of worship have resulted in incidents that have strained social cohesion.
- Example: The Ayodhya dispute involving the Babri Masjid and Ram Janmabhoomi has been a longstanding religious conflict between Hindus and Muslims, resulting in communal tensions and violence over the years.
- Delhi riots, KG Halli riots in Karnataka etc.
- Caste-based Discrimination: The caste system, deeply ingrained in India’s social fabric, has led to caste-based discrimination and inequalities. While measures have been taken to address these issues, caste-based conflicts and intolerance continue to exist, particularly in rural areas.
- Eg: Even today instances in rural India have been reported where discrimination is seen against Dalits using public spaces.
- Linguistic Diversity and Regionalism: India’s linguistic diversity is vast, with hundreds of languages spoken across the country. However, linguistic diversity has sometimes fueled regionalism and separatist movements. Differences in language have occasionally led to tensions over language policies, state boundaries, and cultural identities.
- Example: The movement for the separate state of Telangana emerged due to regional disparities and differences in language and culture, leading to protests and demands for the creation of a new state.
- Identity Politics and Reservation: Identity-based politics, such as caste-based reservations, though intended to uplift marginalized communities, have sometimes exacerbated divisions. Competitions for limited resources and opportunities have led to conflicts between different social groups.
- Maratha reservation, Jat reservation issue are case in point.
- Political and Ideological Differences: India’s political landscape is characterized by a range of ideologies and parties representing various interests. These differences can escalate into intolerance and divisiveness, particularly during election campaigns, when rhetoric might target specific communities or groups.
- Ethnic and Tribal Conflicts: Tribal and ethnic diversity has sometimes resulted in conflicts over land, resources, and rights. Tribes and indigenous communities have at times been marginalized, leading to tensions between them and the larger society.
- The Manipur violence and riots between Meiteis and Kukis is a black mark in Independent India’s history.
- Regional Differences and Autonomy: India’s vast geographical expanse encompasses various regions, each with its own distinct culture and identity. Regional differences can sometimes give rise to demands for greater autonomy or even separatist movements, leading to tension with the central government.
- Example: The demand for a separate Gorkhaland state by the Gorkhas in West Bengal has resulted in conflicts with the state government, reflecting regional identity clashes and calls for autonomy.
- Social Media and Misinformation: While social media has connected people from diverse backgrounds, it has also been used to spread misinformation, hate speech, and divisive narratives. False narratives related to religious, ethnic, or cultural issues can easily spread online, exacerbating tensions.
- Historical Conflicts and Narratives: Different communities might have varying interpretations of historical events, which can lead to tensions and disputes. Historical grievances and narratives can contribute to intolerance and divisive attitudes.
- Economic Disparities: Socioeconomic disparities between different groups can lead to resentment and intolerance. When economic opportunities are unequally distributed, it can contribute to a sense of inequality and divisiveness.
Diversity in India despite challenges
- Festivals: India’s diverse festivals are a testament to its inclusivity. Diwali, celebrated by Hindus, is also enjoyed by Sikhs and Jains. Eid, observed by Muslims, sees participation from people of various faiths who join in the spirit of celebration. Holi, the festival of colors, is embraced across communities.
- Eg: Initiatives like Ek Bharat Shresht Bharat
- Unity in Crisis: During times of crisis, communities come together irrespective of their differences. Instances like natural disasters or communal tensions often lead to neighbours and strangers helping one another without regard for religious or cultural background.
- Cultural Exchanges: Various art forms and cultural practices are appreciated and shared across communities. Classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak are admired beyond their originating regions. Music genres, culinary traditions, and traditional attire find enthusiasts across the country.
- Interfaith Marriages: In recent times, interfaith marriages are becoming more common, exemplifying individuals’ willingness to embrace love and unity despite religious differences. Such unions often lead to cultural exchanges that enrich families and communities.
- Historical Sites: India’s historical sites and monuments often reflect the synthesis of diverse architectural styles and cultural influences. The Qutub Minar in Delhi, for instance, exhibits both Islamic and Hindu architectural elements.
- Language Bridges: While India has a multitude of languages, English and Hindi serve as bridges between different linguistic groups, enabling communication and interaction across regions.
- Cultural Heritage: UNESCO’s recognition of Indian cultural sites like the Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s cityscape, and Ahmedabad’s historic city center underscores the value placed on preserving and celebrating diverse heritage.
- Education and Workplaces: Educational institutions and workplaces often bring together people from different backgrounds, fostering understanding and cooperation. Students and professionals engage with peers from various regions, cultures, and languages, leading to a broader worldview.
- Cuisine: India’s culinary landscape is a testament to its diverse culture. People from all community relish dishes from across the country, appreciating the variety of flavors and ingredients that different regions offer.
- Constitutional Values: India’s Constitution enshrines the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and freedom of religion. Legal protections exist to ensure that individuals can practice their beliefs and cultures without fear of prejudice.
- Civil Society Initiatives: Various non-governmental organizations and community-driven initiatives work to promote understanding, tolerance, and collaboration among diverse groups. These efforts are visible in community projects, dialogues, and cultural events.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that while diversity can sometimes contribute to intolerance and divisiveness, these issues are not inevitable outcomes. They often arise due to historical, social, economic, and political factors. Efforts to promote understanding, tolerance, and dialogue among diverse communities are crucial for fostering unity and ensuring that diversity remains a source of strength rather than division.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) that parties and governments are expected to follow during election campaigning is well-meaning, but not easy to enforce.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the need to frame a law of model code of conduct to make it more effective.
Directive word:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining model code of conduct.
Body:
First, mention the various features of MCC and its evolution since 1960 – enumerate the 7 Parts of the Code, Public meetings by political parties, Processions by political parties, Poll day conduct etc.
Next, write about the need to bring the MCC under the statute by enacting a law – does not specify the type of punishment, EC’s arbitrariness and individual bias, failure to provide for decisions to be made within a certain time frame etc.
Next, write the reasons for not including MCC in the statute – Election Commission has opposed this, interpretation of laws by the courts will take a lot of time, keeping MCC open ended and organic etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to make MCC more robust and effective.
Introduction
Model code of conduct is the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India for conduct of political parties and candidates during elections mainly with respect to speeches, polling day, polling booths, election manifestos, processions and general conduct. It aims to ensure free and fair elections.
Body
Authority of ECI vis-à-vis MCC:
- Article 324 says the superintendence, direction and control of all elections to Parliament, the State legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President shall be vested in the EC.
- The Article has been interpreted by courts and by orders of the EC from time to time to mean that the power vested in it is plenary in nature.
- In other words, the EC can take any action it deems fit to ensure that elections and the election process are free and fair.
- The EC monitors the adherence of political parties and candidates to the ‘Model Code of Conduct’.
- If the violations are also offences under election law and the criminal law of the land, the EC has the power to recommend registration of cases against the offenders.
- However, for some violations — such as canvassing for votes during a period when electioneering is barred, making official announcements while the MCC is in force, and making appeal to voters on sectarian grounds — the EC has the power to advise or censure candidates, in addition to directing registration of cases.
- In some cases, as recent incidents would show, the EC may bar candidates or leaders from campaigning for specified periods.
- Asking individuals to leave a constituency or barring entry into certain areas are other powers that the EC may exercise.
- These powers are not necessarily traceable to any provision in law, but are generally considered inherent because of the sweeping and plenary nature of the EC’s responsibility under the Constitution to ensure free and fair elections.
- Its powers extend to postponing elections to any constituency, cancelling an election already notified, and even to abrogate or annul an election already held.
Why MCC needs to be under statute:
- The EC does not have the power to disqualify candidates who commit electoral malpractices. At best, it may direct the registration of a case.
- The EC also does not have the power to deregister any political party. However, the Constitution empowers the EC to decide whether a candidate has incurred disqualification by holding an office of profit under the appropriate government, or has been declared an insolvent, or acquired the citizenship of a foreign state.
- When a question arises whether a candidate has incurred any of these disqualifications, the President of India or Governor has to refer it to the EC. The poll panel’s decision on this is binding.
Way Forward:
- Under Chief Election Commissioners like T.N. Seshan and J.M. Lyngdoh, the commission has in the past shown the capacity to come up with creative solutions that adhere to both the spirit and the letter of the law.
- MCC should be provided with statutory backing. It should be made a part of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 to make the MCC more powerful.
- Establishment of special fast track courts to solve the MCC violation cases at a faster rate.
- The law commission recommendations should be implemented to save the unnecessary spending of public money during elections.
- Public awareness about MCC needs to be developed. The use of app like cVIGIL should be encouraged to reduce violations during polls.
- Stakeholders including Internet companies should come up with a code for Social Media and Internet.
Conclusion
MCC has an indisputable legitimacy and parties across the political spectrum have generally adhered to its letter and spirit. The immaculate independence of the EC and its uncompromising attitude towards enforcing the code, combined with the perception among parties that following the code far outweighs the costs accrued if violated by other parties, especially the ruling one, have led to the success of the MCC since its inception.
Value addition
Instances of violation of MCC by candidates:
- The recent incident where the Prime Minister made a public announcement on 27 March 2019 about the successful launch of India’s first anti-satellite weapon (ASAT), which made India the fourth nation in the world with anti-satellite missile capabilities, was against the MCC guidelines.
- Former Chief Election Commissioner Dr SY Quraishi also criticised Prime Minister’s speech on India’s Anti Satellite Test capability (ASAT), saying it was not in conformity with ethics and spirit of the model code of conduct for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
- The NaMo TV channel launched on 31 March 2019, which, without any formal approval of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, is propagating the image and views of Shri Narendra Modi.
- The incumbent Governor of Rajasthan has made certain statements that virtually amount to canvassing for a specific political party.
- The present Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh had, at a recent public election meeting, referred to the armed forces as the army of incumbent PM.
- Previously, A law minister was censured by the president after EC filed a complaint against him for violating MCC by announcing a scheme when MCC was in force.
- Election Commission served a show cause notice to Bengal chief minister for announcing a new district during 2016.
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
Today marks 365 days since India assumed the G20 Presidency.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the achievements during the G20 presidency of India.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
Body:
First, in detail, write about the achievements during the G20 presidency of India – Delhi Declaration, Economic growth, tackling climate change, Digital economy, International trade, Global health and demonstrate its leadership on the global stage etc. Cite examples and facts to substantiate.
Next, write about the steps that India must take to continue to build upon the above.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
The G20 is an informal group:19 countries and the European Union, with representatives of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The G20 Presidency rotates annually: according to a system that ensures a regional balance over time. India has assumed the prestigious G20 presidency and will, later this year, convene the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
Today marks 365 days since India assumed the G20 Presidency. It is a moment to reflect, recommit, and rejuvenate the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future.’
Body
Opportunities for India as G20 president
- India is seen as a bright spot in the global economic horizon.It can play a “lighthouse role” by regionalisation and globalising its achievements.
- Just as the ‘Rio principles’ continue to guide climate change, vasudhaiva kutumbakam,or ‘world as one family’, focusing on comparable levels of wellbeing can be the core of a set of universal socio-economic principles for a dialogue between the states.
- The ability to come together and agree on key reformsand means of implementation in the economic, financial and political order could make the difference between the world hurtling into calamity or making exponential progress towards peace, prosperity and environmental sustainability.
- Global agenda: India will have the opportunity to assume centre stage in proposing and setting the global agenda and discourse.
- Global economic growth: The G20 holds a strategic role in securing global economic growth and prosperity as it represents more than 80% of the world’s GDP.
- Leadership potential: India’s leadership potential and diplomatic foresight in organizing such a big event and in arriving at meaningful outcomes will be tested.
- PM’s LiFE initiative: global high-level principles and the creation of an ecosystem of government and businesses covering demand, supply, policy signals and economic framework could be envisaged.
- Assessing and securing low-cost funding(public and private)for the future trajectory of climate-friendly/green development and clean energy technologies could be game changing.
- India’s robust, inclusive and interoperable digital public infrastructure model, which has driven inclusion across finance, health and education, would be of immense value if it were replicated in the Global South.
- PM seeks to drive a veritable “Jan Andolan: A people’s movement based on being “One India” as much as “One Earth, One Family, One Future”.
- India’s G20 presidencyoffers a ray of hope by not just articulating the voice of the “Global South” but by providing leadership.
- India can offer proven solutions and be a transformer of the Global South: From social justice projects, digital transformation, climate and environmental activism to pandemic and disaster relief etc
- Voice of the Global South Summit’ under the theme – ‘Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose: It essentially envisages bringing together countries of the global south and share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform across a whole range of issues,”
- India’s own domestic experience in lifting a huge mass of people out of poverty and food insecurity adds credible experience to its global efforts in this direction.
Way forward and Conclusion
- The G20 presidency is a watershed moment in India’s history, the history of G20 too will script a new chapter by moving away from a “protocol-driven G20” to a “People’s G20”.
- India needs to promote its specific priorities related to domestic and regional issues such as economic recovery, trade and investment etc
- A clear roadmap and financial resources to bring the world back on a definitive path to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) is the need of the hour.
- India can build on the decisions and mechanisms of previous summits.
- Greater cooperation with many G20 members: such as the European Union, the U.K., and Canada, thereby accelerating their coordination on realizing free trade agreements.
- Invite and engage countries from Africa and South America: To ensure better and more balanced representation at the G20.
- India can find a common ground for setting its G20 agenda by addressing issues of global concern by Mobilizing global solidarity for solutions to pressing problems of humanity.
- India’s multi-alignment can be leveraged to bridge systemic and ideological differences and spark a “mindset change”.
- India can drive consensus on key reforms of the UN, World Bank, IMF etc.
- India has to be central in outlining key priority areas and in ensuring that the forum does not remain just a ‘talk shop’ but translates into a ‘walk shop’ in terms of meaningful actions and outcomes.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable (revision).
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the role of RBI especially as part of monetary policy and impediments it faces in achieving it.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining the monetary policy.
Body:
First, in brief, write in brief about the various objectives of monetary policy.
Next, write about the impediments it faces by RBI in achieving monetary policy objectives – Price Stability, high inflation, particularly in food and fuel prices, delicate balance between stimulating growth and controlling inflation etc. Substantiate by citing statistics.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to overcome the above-mentioned limitations.
Introduction
Monetary policy refers to the policy of the central bank ie Reserve Bank of India, in matters of interest rates, money supply and availability of credit.
In short, Monetary policy refers to the use of monetary instruments under the control of the central bank to regulate magnitudes such as interest rates, money supply and availability of credit with a view to achieving the ultimate objective of economic policy.
Body
Monetary policy committee performance
- Beginning in May 2022, when it held an unscheduled meeting, the MPC has raised interest rates in every meeting to tackle inflation.
- MPC increased this rate from 4% in April 2022 to 4.4% in May 2022, to 4.9% in June 2022, to 5.4% in August 2022, and to 5.9% in September 2022.
- Now in December, RBI raised the repo by 35 basis points.
- But since January this year, inflation has remained above the upper threshold of the RBI’s inflation targeting framework, as the RBI is mandated to keep inflation at 4 plus/minus 2 per cent.
- Inflation targeting has been successful till 2019 on the grounds that the inflation rate has remained within the band agreed to between the government and the RBI, and whether it has been achieved by “anchoring inflation expectations”.
- However, Inflation in India entered the prescribed band of 2% to 6% two years before inflation targeting was adopted in 2016-17.
- In fact, inflation had fallen steadily since 2011-12, halving by 2015-16.
- The MPC has mostly continued with the accommodative policy stance, where the balance of the growth-inflation dynamic has tilted more towards growth.
- Post-pandemic, the accommodative policy stance was needed given the rough ride because of the pandemic and is consistent with the overarching objective of the RBI to maintain price stability keeping in mind growth.
- Trend inflation had fallen from above 9% before flexible inflation targeting (FIT) to a range of 3.8-4.3 % during FIT, indicating that 4% is the appropriate level of the inflation target.
- However, NPAs have grown since 2016, and the cases of IL&FS, PMC Bank, PNB, and YES Bank suggest that poor management and malfeasance in the financial sector could escape scrutiny when the central bank hunkers down to inflation targeting.
Impediments faced by RBI
- Tighter money policy undermining growth: From May 2022 onward, the RBI started raising the interest rate because by then it was clear that inflation could no longer be ignored, and that, if not contained, it would undermine India’s economic recovery.
- It is noteworthy that the RBI’s main legal mandate is to maintain price stability. It must, by law, keep inflation at 4% with a leeway of two percentage points either side in any particular month.
- But then, these actions by the RBI — and more rate hikes are in store — will drag down economic growth.
- Unemployment and poor man’s inflation: The government is struggling to deal with massive and widespread unemployment. While in percentage terms GDP growth rates look rosy, the truth is that in real terms the economy is barely out of the contraction it witnessed during the Covid pandemic.
- Unemployment has been a concern since 2017, when it hit a four-decade high.
- Dilemma: If RBI continues to tighten monetary policy, it will weaken economic recovery at a time when growth is already faltering and unemployment is already quite high.
- If RBI ignores inflation then it hits the poor immediately without necessarily guaranteeing that growth and unemployment will be resolved.
Conclusion
A looming economic recession in many parts of the world, geopolitical tensions, policy rate hikes across world to control unprecedented inflation, and commodity price fluctuations are bound to catch up at some stage and impact India. So far, we have navigated the external threats through smart fiscal and monetary policy moves. The price of crude oil and currency depreciation are two added variables that India has to navigate.
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable (revision).
Key Demand of the question:
To write about national income, its importance and methods to compute it.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining national income.
Body:
First, write about the importance of national income as a macroeconomic parameter and it indicates.
Next, write about the various methods of computation of national income – Product Method, Income Method and Expenditure Method.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
National Income is the total value of all final goods and services produced by the country in certain year. The growth of National Income helps to know the progress of the country. In other words, the total amount of income accruing to a country from economic activities in a year’s time is known as national income. It includes payments made to all resources in the form of wages, interest, rent and profits. However, National income is not the sum of all incomes earned by all citizens, but only those incomes which accrue due to participation in the production process.
Body
The Net National Product at factor cost is known as National Income.
NNP @Factor Cost = National Income = NNP @Market Price – Taxes + Subsidies
However, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation defines National Income of India as Net National Income at Market Price.
Major methods of National Income Calculation
- Production Method
- This method is also called as Output Method or Value Added Method
- The production method gives us national income or national product based on the final value of the produce and the origin of the produce in terms of the industry.
- All producing units are classified sector wise.
- Primary sector is divided into agriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry.
- Secondary sector consists of manufacturing.
- Tertiary sector is divided into trade, transport, communication, banking, insurance etc.
- Then, the net value added by each productive enterprises as well as by each industry or sector is estimated.
- Income Method
- Different factors of production are paid for their productive services rendered to an organization.
- The various incomes that includes in these methods are wages, income of self employed, interest, profit, dividend, rents, and surplus of public sector and net flow of income from abroad.
- Expenditure Method
- The various sectors – the household sector, the government sector, the business sector, either spend their income on consumer goods and services or they save a part of their income.
- These can be categorized as private consumption expenditure, private investment, public consumption, public investment etc.
Conclusion
In India, National Income is calculated by the combined method. It combines two methods i.e product or output method and the income method. This is done to overcome the problem of deficiency of statistics. The product method endeavours to find out the net contribution to national income of all producing units. The income method adds up income and payments accruing of factors of production. This method is used in the tertiary sector like government services banking etc and also in the commodity sector if output data is not available.
Topic: basics of cyber security;
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
A terror attack like 26/11 is unlikely to be repeated. Instead, cyber warfare is the reality which governments and police must accept and take measures against
Key Demand of the question:
To write about cyber warfare and India’s preparedness in tackling cyber warfare challenges.
Directive word:
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining cyber-warfare.
Body:
In the first part, mention the various kinds of cyber weapons – Viruses, phishing, computer worms and malware, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, hacking, spyware or cyber espionage, ransomware and propaganda or disinformation campaigns etc.
Next, write about the various mechanisms and organisation to deal with cyber-warfare. Write about their strengths and limitations.
Next, write about vulnerabilities of India to cyber warfare.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to overcome the above-mentioned vulnerabilities.
Introduction
Cyber warfare is computer- or network-based conflict involving politically motivated attacks by a nation-state on another nation-state. In these types of attacks, nation-state actors attempt to disrupt the activities of organizations or nation-states, especially for strategic or military purposes and cyber espionage.
The probe into the cyberattack on some servers at AIIMS in the national capital has found that the IP addresses of two emails, which were identified from the headers of files that were encrypted by the hackers, originated from Hong Kong and China’s.
Body
It involves the actions by a nation-state or international organization to attack and attempt to damage another nation’s computers or information networks through, for example, computer viruses or denial-of-service attacks.
India’s vulnerabilities to cyber threats:
India’s preparedness and challenges faced:
- The attacks can be more tangible causing damage to physical or digital infrastructure.
- This includes a country’s water system or electric grid.
- Cyber tentacles can spread to political parties, universities and private businesses and Citizens.
- Potentially worrisome cyber incidents include interference in political affairs, leaks and espionage and the compromising of critical national infrastructure.
- A 2017 study conducted by Symantec found that India ranked fourth in online security breaches, accounting for over 5 per cent of global threat detections. In the beginning of 2017, the newly launched Bharat Interface for Money application (BHIM app) reportedly faced spam threats.
- The real danger to India lies in targeted cyber-attacks coming from adversarial nation states.
- Countries like China can bring immense assets to bear in carrying out sophisticated cyber-attacks. The success of Stuxnet, which damaged the Iranian centrifuge facility at Natanz is an example.
- Cyber warfare is characterized by an absence of clarity.
- India can never be certain about the capability of the other side and also the chances of success if we launch a cyber counterstrike.
- There is a push towards greater digital dependence with demonetization a cashless system is being propagated. Aadhaar and the wider platforms such Digital India and Smart Cities will push things further along. India is the world’s second largest digital nation with more than 350 million Indians are online and millions more will be getting connected in the years to come.
- India is not even a signatory to some of the basic international frameworks on Cybersecurity like the Convention of Cybercrime of the Council of Europe which not only European nations but Japan, US, South Africa have become signatories to, except India.
- Indian laws are not in tandem with the ever-changing global cyberspace.
- The laws are old and hence need to be more dynamic in nature to deal with issues like cyber-espionage, data theft and so on.
- The Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act 2000) is the sole law that deals with cyberspace in India and was passed way back in 2000.
- Also, the Cyber Law of India has been subject to amendments on various occasions but hasn’t served the changing dynamics and the growing threats and manifestations of cyberwar.
Measures needed:
- A Defence Cyber Agency could be the first step the government plans to for critical infrastructure and military networks that are increasingly becoming dependent on the Internet, thus increasing vulnerabilities.
- The Defence Cyber Agency will work in coordination with the National Cyber Security Advisor. It will have more than 1,000 experts who will be distributed into a number of formations of the Army, Navy and IAF. According to reports, the new Defence Cyber Agency will have both offensive and defensive capacity.
- Equally important is cyber propaganda. During the Doklam conflict, China tried its best to unleash cyber propaganda on India and indulged in complex psy-ops
- Critical cyber infrastructure needs to be defended and the establishment of the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre(NCIIPC) is a good step in this direction
- Individual ministries and private companies must also put procedures in place to honestly report breaches. It is only then that the NCIIPC can provide the requisite tools to secure these networks. This partnership must be transparent and not mired in the usual secrecy of intelligence organisations.
- The upgrading of the Defence Cyber Agency to a Cyber Command must be implemented at the soonest.
- A robust ecosystem must be built to secure India from acts of state and non-state actors, including protocol for grievance redressal in international forums.
- Better capabilities must be built to detect and deflect attacks.
- The computer emergency response team (CERT) must be strengthened and aligned with military and foreign affairs operations.
- Building a joint task force between the government and key technology players will be crucial.
- The government should push for the creation of a global charter of digital human rights.
- A national gold standard should be created, which ensures that Indian hardware and software companies adhere to the highest safety protocols
- Impart cybercrime investigation training and technological know-how to the various law enforcement agencies.
- Cyber awareness must be spread and there should be multi-stakeholder approach- technological inputs, legal inputs, strengthening law enforcements, systems and then dealing with transborder crime involves lot of international cooperation.
Conclusion
Most of the Indian banking industry and financial institutions have embraced IT to its full optimization. Reports suggest that cyber-attacks are understandably directed toward economic and financial institutions. With innovative, technology led programmes such as AADHAAR, MyGov, GeM, Digital Locker the new India is the land of technological prowess and transformation. Government and the private sector jointly have to give cyber security some priority in their security and risk management plan.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.
Key Demand of the question:
To write how private sector meritocracy can be used as a yardstick for civil service reforms and its limitations.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context regarding private sector’s achievements in meritocracy with examples.
Body:
Next, mention the valuable lessons that can be emulated in civil services from private sector’s achievements in meritocracy. Argue as to how these will help improve the performance and effectiveness of civil services.
Next, mention the limitations and hindrances of such emulations.
Conclusion:
Conclude by giving a balanced opinion on civil service reforms.
Introduction
The virtues of meritocracy have been paraded all over the world for centuries and many prominent thinkers since Confucius and Plato have backed it with arguments. In the context of India and its bureaucracy, there have been repeated comparisons with meritocracy, especially with China and Singapore.
Unfortunately, while meritocracy, in theory, makes great sense, there have been innumerable examples that have shown that meritocracy does not seem to be equipped to take care of human weaknesses. The conversion of India’s flexible Varna system into a rigid caste system grounded on birth that wreaked great social havoc and injustice has been there for all to see.
Body
Meritocracy in private sector: Valuable lessons for civil services
- Meritocracy in the private sector provides a lesson for civil service reforms that governments should emulate.
- For example, three meritocracy revolutions recently happened in the country,
- The IPL for cricketers
- Streaming platforms for actors, and
- Private equity for entrepreneurs.
- The reason behind these revolutions was the shift of power from vertical hierarchies to horizontal networks that value talent.
- While meritocracy in civil service selection is uncontroversial, the lack of a proper performance management system allowed no differentiation based on performance. As a result, low productivity individuals continued to hang on in the service.
Steps in this regard
- The Karmayogi mission is aimed at overhauling the current post-recruitment training mechanism of the officers and employees and ready them for future challenges.
- The Capacity Building Commission, set up in 2021, was charged with the responsibility of achieving that transformation.
- The Commission envisions life-long learning and wishes to create ‘optimal learning opportunities for each civil servant with the objective to build an agile and future-ready public service’.
- This, it hopes, will transform the learning ecosystem of the Indian civil services and make it a ‘smart, accountable, citizen centric and effective public service’.
Limitations of such emulations
- The private and public sectors are vastly different areas driven by dissimilar objectives. The former works in an environment of open competition.
- It must, therefore, attain great efficiency, meet emerging challenges in the external environment, make quick decisions, and deliver profits.
- Whereas seeking greater efficiency and countering challenges are common threads running across both sectors, the monopolistic nature of governments makes these challenges less life-threatening.
- The distinction gets even more pronounced when we take into account the great stress on the purity of process that governmental organisations must follow.
- Every decision of the government can be accessed by any citizen through an application under the Right to Information Act, and is subject to challenge in the courts of law in the form of public interest litigation (PILs).
- All decisions must, therefore, be made with due caution. Furthermore, every policy decision by the public authorities must be weighed on the platform of equity and must pass the test of universality and non–discrimination.
- Whereas governmental decisions must factor in changes in technology, management processes and the like; they cannot forget that governments are also there to provide stability.
- Invariably, meritocracies have been seen to get transformed into coteries that protect their self-interest and keep others out.
- Meritocracy argues the case of the concept of survival of the fittest and throws out the concepts of justice, equality, and fraternity that were established through celebrated national revolutions.
- It is for this reason that nations across the world adopted democracy as the mode of governance, because meritocracy was so unreliable in delivering justice to all.
Conclusion
The objectives of efficiency, professionalism, and commitment are served when the purity of the working environment is promoted by the masters—the political class. In a political atmosphere that has disincentivised learning and professionalism and has been progressively destructive of good governance. In this backdrop, meritocracy may not be a solution.
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