SECURE SYNOPSIS: 01 MAY 2019

insightsonindia.com/2019/05/07/secure-synopsis-01-may-2019

May 7,
2019

SECURE SYNOPSIS: 01 MAY 2019

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 time gives you extra points in the
form of background information.

Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as cyclone.

1) Explain the factors responsible for the origin of Cyclones in Bay of Bengal region.
How do they influence regional climates, fishing and navigation?(250 words)

Reference

Why this question:

The question is in the context of Cyclone Fani that is set to hit Odisha on May 3, causing
extensive damage. Fani, had already intensified into an “extremely severe cyclone”.

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 Key demands of the question:

The answer must evaluate the factors responsible for the origin of cyclones more so specifically
in the Bay of Bengal region and one has to evaluate effects of such cyclonic effect on the
regional climate as well s the navigation and fishing aspects related to the coastal communities
of the region.

Directive word

Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what
is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and
substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction

In a few introductory lines explain the background of the question.

Body

Discuss the following aspects in the answer:

What are the factors responsible for a cyclonic activity?

Why is the Bay of Bengal prone to cyclones? –

BoB water is warmer than Arabian sea water ;landlocked- less heat circulation and less
powerful winds- again lesser heat circulation
fresh water from rivers fall into BoB, making the water as a light thin layer, more prone
to evaporation
easterly jet – causing the windfall in eastern coastal States of India. And in Arabian sea
these winds will steer the windfall towards eastern Africa , not towards western coast of
India .
Discuss the influence of such weather phenomena on the regional climate.
Explain its impact on local community, aspects of navigation, fishing etc.
Highlight the need for managing disasters and need for readiness and preparedness.

Conclusion

Conclude with significance of such geographical phenomena.

Introduction:

Cyclone Fani is only the second severe cyclone in the last 118 years to form in the Bay of
Bengal (BOB) in the month of April and cross over to the Indian mainland, according to
data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

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April cyclones are rare and the track and severity of Fani makes it even rarer. In recent
times, cyclones have either had unusual timing, like Cyclone Pabuk in January, or they
have intensified rapidly before making landfall, like Cyclone Ockhi in 2017 and Cyclone
Titli last year.

Body:

Tropical cyclones—also called typhoons or hurricanes—are intense water-rotating

systems formed by strong winds (of speeds at least 62 kilometres/hour) around low-
pressure areas. They have a spiral, anticlockwise movement.

The factors responsible for the origin of Cyclones in Bay of Bengal region are:

Large sea surface with temperature higher than 27° C.

Presence of the Coriolis force enough to create a cyclonic vortex.
Small variations in the vertical wind speed.
A pre-existing weak low-pressure area or low-level-cyclonic circulation.
Upper divergence above the sea level system.

Reason for concentration of Cyclones in Bay of Bengal:

Since sea surface temperatures and humidity both directly correlate with chances
of cyclone formation, the Bay of Bengal is a more likely target because it gets
higher rainfall, and because the sluggish winds around it keep temperatures
relatively high: about 28 degrees around the year.
Warm air currents enhance this surface temperature and aid the formation of
cyclones.
In addition, the Bay receives higher rainfall and constant inflow of fresh water from
the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers. This means that the Bay’s surface water keeps
getting refreshed, making it impossible for the warm water to mix with the cooler
water below, making it ideal for a depression.
But not all cyclones are formed in the Bay of Bengal. The basin is also host to
cyclones that are formed elsewhere but move towards the water body, especially
those formed in the Pacific Ocean. Cyclones usually weaken if they encounter a
large landmass.
However, due to the lack of any such presence between the Pacific and the Bay,
cyclonic winds easily move into the Bay of Bengal.

Impact on regional climate:

Negative:
Tropical cyclones can quickly change the environment of the affected areas.
They can bring warmer air into hot places.
This makes the atmosphere feel very sticky and muggy and rises the
temperature dramatically.
This can cause heat strokes and other heat related illness to children and the
elderly after the storm which is not good.
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 Positive:
Rain can also help clear some pollutants from air.
Tropical cyclones help maintain the global heat balance by moving warm
tropical air away from the equator, towards the poles.
Also, tropical cyclones prevents heat energy to building up in the tropics and
stops from more storms from forming for a short period of time. Relieve
drought conditions.
Tropical cyclones can bring warmer area into cool places. They can help warm
up the environment surrounding the affected area. In effect, they bring more
appropriate temperatures for.

Impact on fishing:

Negative:
Loss of habitat
Loss of juveniles and brood fishes
Loss of livelihoods of farmers and fishermen: Statistics show that the global
average annual losses from cyclones and storm surges are estimated at US$
80 billion.
Positive:
Sea life benefit greatly by cyclones, mainly through the flushing out of
estuaries and river channels. It provides food and breeding grounds through
this process.
Cyclones have the power to pick up substantial amounts of sand, nutrients
and sediment on the ocean’s bottom and bring it toward those barrier
islands.
Storm surge, wind and waves will often move these islands closer to the
mainland as sand is pushed or pulled in that direction.

Impact on Navigation:

Mariners have a way to safely navigate around tropical cyclones.

They split tropical cyclones in two, based on their direction of motion, and
manoeuvre to avoid the right segment of the cyclone in the Northern Hemisphere
(the left segment in the Southern Hemisphere).
The rules of thumb for ship travel when a tropical cyclone is in their vicinity are to
avoid them if at all possible and do not cross their forecast path (crossing the T).
Ships moving through the navigable semicircle are advised to keep the true wind
on the starboard quarter while making as much headway as possible.
However, small fishermen with no state-of-the-art technology are usually advised
to stay off the seas before and during the cyclones.

Conclusion:

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Natural disaster comes without warning and they are exacerbated by climate change.
India should prepare to mitigate and deflect the destruction caused by Cyclones. India
needs to employ more technology, strict following of command structure and most
importantly the participation and cooperation of local communities in the affected area.

Topic: Social empowerment, Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the
Centre and States.

2) What do understand by the concept of “feminist finance” ? Discuss the role of

State as an enabler of gender equalisation in India.(250 words)

Epw

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 Why this question:

The article highlights by articulating concept of “feminist finance” the emergent non-enabler
role of the state.

Key demand of the question:

The question is to evaluate the concept of Feminist finance and the role of State in making
efforts for gender equalization. The answer must provide for a detailed narration of what you
understand by feminist finance and the role of a state in enabling gender equalization.

Directive word:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through
the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for
both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer

Introduction:

write a few introductory lines about the concept.

Body:

Answers must discuss the following aspects :

A feminist is someone who believes in equality. A ‘financial feminist’ is just about believing in
financial equality of women. Discuss the role of women as both as economic agents and as
citizens. Explain what are the hurdles to women becoming agents of economy in our country,
discuss the societal, political and economic factors associated.

Discuss the need for State to act as an enabler for feminist finance so as to attain gender
equalization and parity.

Conclusion –

Conclude with way forward.

Introduction:

Feminist finance or economics is the critical study of economics and economies, with
a focus on gender-aware and inclusive economic inquiry and policy analysis. Much
feminist economic research focuses on topics that have been neglected in the field, such
as care work, intimate partner violence, or on economic theories which could be
improved through better incorporation of gendered effects and interactions, such as
between paid and unpaid sectors of economies.

Body:
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Salient features of Feminist finance:

Feminist finance is oriented towards the goal of “enhancing the well-being of

children, women, and men in local, national, and transnational communities.”
Feminist economists call attention to the social constructions of traditional
economics, questioning the extent to which it is positive and objective.
It shows how its models and methods are biased by an exclusive attention to
masculine-associated topics and a one-sided favouring of masculine-associated
assumptions and methods.
While economics traditionally focused on markets and masculine-associated ideas
of autonomy, abstraction and logic, feminist economists call for a fuller exploration
of economic life, including such “culturally feminine” topics such as family
economics, and examining the importance of connections, concreteness, and
emotion in explaining economic phenomena.
Many scholars including Ester Boserup, Marianne Ferber, Julie A. Nelson,
Marilyn Waring, Nancy Folbre, Diane Elson and Ailsa McKay have contributed to
feminist economics.

State of Gender equality in India:

India’s progress towards gender equality, measured by its position on rankings

such as the Gender Development Index has been disappointing, despite fairly rapid
rates of economic growth.
In the past decade, while Indian GDP has grown by around 6%, there has been a
large decline in female labour force participation from 34% to 27%.
The male-female wage gap has been stagnant at 50% (a recent survey finds a 27%
gender pay gap in white-collar jobs).
The women labour force participation rate is about 25% and most of them are in
the unorganized sector where the above legislations don’t apply.
The lack of decision making and no ownership of economic resources hinder
women from economic growth.

The role of state as enabler of gender equalisation in India is:

Gender equality is when women and men enjoy the same rights and opportunities
across all sectors of society, including economic participation and decision-
making, and when the different behaviours, aspirations and needs of women and
men are equally valued and favoured.
The first task of governments is to act as a model of best practice for our
communities. As major employers and service providers, governments can have a
significant impact on women’s lives by using fair employment practices and
ensuring non-discriminatory service provision to citizens.
India was one of the economies which introduced a legislation – Sexual
Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal)
Act to protect women.
The recent Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017 also has helped women to
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 work better during maternity as well as take care of child.
State is on the frontline of tackling violence and harmful practices against women
in both the public and private spheres.
Governments must take action to improve female representation in elected,
administrative and appointed office at the highest levels in our own institutions.
Governments have a duty to ensure women’s equal access to land and economic
and natural resources.
Local authorities can establish mechanisms to make it easier for women to obtain
basic legal documents such as birth certificates, provide legal aid services that
support women in exercising their rights, and guarantee women’s participation in
land governance institutions and policy-making processes.
Governments should fully mainstream a gender perspective into local legislation,
urban planning and policy-making in order to tackle the multiple barriers to
women’s empowerment.

Conclusion:

Economies grow faster when more women work. If governments want to capitalise on
this kind of growth, they must not only remove these impediments but also incentivise
women’s entry into the workforce. The law influences what happens on the ground. With
more women employees and entrepreneurs, societies get to equal, economies become
more resilient. There is a need to recognise women’s unique role as drivers of progress
and powerful agents of change.

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to

Health, Education, Human Resources.

3) The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranking for 2019 highlights
remarkable regional dominance and disparity. Analyse the role played by NIRF in
enhancing the quality of higher education? (250 words)

Indianexpress

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Why this question:

The article provides for deep insights on the highlights brought to us by the National
Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranking for 2019. The NIRF ranking covers
institutions from nine categories, such as overall, university, engineering, college, management,
pharmacy, law, architecture, and medical.

Key demand of the question:

The answer must appreciate the regional dominance and disparity as highlighted by the NIRF,
and one has to evaluate the role played by the NIRF in enhancing the quality of higher
education.

Directive:

Analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of
the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Brief upon the scenario , bring out the highlights of NIRF 2019.

Body:

Body of the answer should discuss the following factors :

Brief about NIRF – framework outlines a methodology to rank institutions across the
country. The methodology draws from the overall recommendations broad understanding
arrived at by a Core Committee set up by MHRD, to identify the broad parameters for
ranking various universities and institutions. The parameters broadly cover “Teaching,
Learning and Resources,” “Research and Professional Practices,” “Graduation
Outcomes,” “Outreach and Inclusivity,” and “Perception”.
Discuss why there is a regional dominance and vis-a-via disparity in the ranking? – quote
from the article ; Of the 860 institutions ranked, 182 institutions (accounting for 21 per
cent) are from Tamil Nadu (TN). An analysis of its performance, welfare and politics
brings out two important insights. First is the “populist” nature of its welfare policies. The
regional parties which have been governing TN since 1960s progressively built a
competitive populist platform. Central to this is a progressive and expanding pool of
welfare programmes, a fair measure of effectiveness in delivery, and a reasonable degree
of commitment to their stability.
Suggest what should be done ?

Conclusion:

Conclude with significance of such ranking framework in improvising the existing education
scenario in India.
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Introduction:

The fourth edition of NIRF Rankings and first edition of ARIIA ranking was announced
recently by the President of India. The results highlighting remarkable regional
dominance and disparity are primarily the products of substantive aspects – policies and
governance.

Body:

Highlights of NIRF Rankings 2019:

Indian Institute of Madras (IIT Madras) has topped the list in ‘overall category’.
7 IITs are among the first ten position holders whereas JNU, Delhi has secured the
seventh rank.
Seven Institutes from Karnataka have made it to the top 100.
IISc Bengaluru has topped ‘University category’.
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has retained its third position in the top 10
universities in the country for the third consecutive year.
Miranda House, Delhi has secured the top position in Colleges category, IIT Madras
in engineering category, National Law School of India University, Bangalore in Law
category, IIT Kharagpur in Architecture category, AIIMS in medical category, IIM
Bangalore in management category and Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi in ‘Pharmacy
Category’.

Regional disparity in rankings:

Of the 860 institutions ranked, 182 institutions (accounting for 21 per cent) are
from Tamil Nadu (TN).
The combined contribution of six big states — Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh,
Odisha, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh — is 127 institutions. In relational terms, they
account for about two-thirds of the singular contribution of TN.
The above regional disparity appears from the category of “overall”, which is
generic, denoting nothing novel or nuanced.
“Colleges” would be a better category to scout, as they serve as the backbone of
higher education in India.
Again, of the 200 colleges ranked by the NIRF in 2019, 74 colleges are from TN.
Kerala, with 42 colleges, comes next. Thus, these two states are home to more than
half of the quality colleges in India. Delhi, with 37 colleges, comes third.
Surprisingly, no college from Bihar, MP, UP and Odisha is of a standard to find a
place in the 200 ranked colleges. Even the share of Gujarat and Rajasthan together
is minuscule — five colleges.

Reasons for above results:

A progressive and expanding pool of welfare programmes, a fair measure of

effectiveness in delivery, and a reasonable degree of commitment to their stability.
The welfare policies were fortified with and paved a way for a carefully crafted
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 micropolitics of identity creation and assertion.
Identity-based reservation in education and employment was an important
component.
The above aspects created a critical mass of quality education institutions, which in
turn benefited and empowered the middle and bottom groups, which were
marginalised or ignored by the earlier political regime and its ruling elites.

The role played by NIRF in enhancing the quality of higher education:

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) was launched by the

Minister of Human Resource Development on 29th September 2015.
NIRF outlines a methodology to rank educational institutions across the country.
The parameters used for ranking broadly cover teaching, learning and resources,
research and professional practices, graduation outcome, outreach and
inclusivity, and perception.
From 2017, besides being ranked under specific disciplines, large institutions were
also given a common overall rank.
This year as well, educational institutions across the country were ranked in nine
categories – overall, universities, engineering, colleges, management, pharmacy,
medical, architecture and law.
Ranking promotes competition among the Universities and drive them to strive
for excellence. The rankings assume significance as performance of institutions has
been linked with “Institutions of Eminence” scheme.
It is possible to use the NIRF ranking to draw attention to issues of governance and
quality that blight higher education in India.
Focus on rankings can help to reform and modernise higher education,
encouraging universities to professionalise services and management, and
improve the quality of their programmes and facilities for students and faculty.
Rankings will bring transparency to the education system as the institutes are
funded by the public. It will also increase the level of competition among them.
Idea behind these rankings is to promote quality education and encourage
competition to make the institutes perform better and set new benchmarks of
performance.

Way forward:

A systematic, coherent, and transparent approach is needed to determine the

suitability of universities to pursue objectives of excellence.
The scrutiny of universities before starting programmes or schools should come
down, as they are expected to assume greater responsibility in having self-
regulating mechanisms and internal quality assurance systems.
Taking inspiration from the Project 5-100 initiative, India could consider
empowering 50 of its top universities in every possible manner to seek global
excellence.
RUSA can prove be a real game changer for higher education in the country

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 Government can establish all India educational services which was recommended
by the Subramanian committee.

Conclusion:

Governments should aim to develop a diverse range of universities each with specialist
world-class expertise, to attract high-achieving students and high-skilled labour. Building
such a world-class higher education system would enable countries to mobilise and
leverage the potential of the whole system for the benefit of society at large.

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s
interests. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources.

4) Indian policy story needs a serious national technology strategy as a part of its
development policy. comment.(250 words)

Indianexpress

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 Why this question:

The article discusses in detail the concept of techno-nationalism, it highlights the relationship
between Technology and nationalism. How technology has often been an instrument of national
power; and the quest for national power has, in turn, led to the investments in, and the creation
of, different models of scientific organization.

Key demand of the question:

The question expects one to assert the need for national technology strategy as a part of its
development policy for furthering the benefits of technology in policies and programmes.

Directive word:

Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an
overall opinion thereupon.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin with brief introductory lines stating what you understand by techno-nationalism.

Body:

Discussion should include the following aspects –

Explain how and why technology and nationalism are interrelated and interlinked?
Discuss the role of technology in policy making, what differences does it bring in policy
front?
Explain who are the carriers of new front of techno-nationalism ? – nexus of big
companies, state power and consumerist populism.
One can take examples from the article and justify the need for technological strategy as
part of national policy making.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a reassertion of significance of National technology strategy and its need.

Introduction:

Technological nationalism is a way of understanding how technology affects the

society and culture of a nation. One common example is the use of technology as
the key subject in a Nationalist project, with the goal of promoting connectedness
and a stronger national identity. This idea establishes the belief that the success of a
nation can be determined by how well that nation innovates and diffuses technology
across its people. Technological Nationalists believe that the presence of national R&D
efforts, and the effectiveness of these efforts, are key drivers to the overall growth,
sustainability, and prosperity of a nation.
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Body:

Technology and nationalism are interrelated and interlinked:

Technology and nationalism have always had a very intimate relationship.

Technology and science as a source of nationalistic pride was suggested by
Christopher Freeman in his 1980s seminal work on national systems of innovation
Technology has often been an instrument of national power; and the quest for
national power has, in turn, led to the investments in, and the creation of, different
models of scientific organisation.
The one common thread that we will see emerge in global discourse is the more
open reassertion of techno-nationalism.
A techno-nationalist imagination will be more ascendant in political discourse, and
this will shape the course of economic reform as well. India’s politics is too
distracted to focus attention on this.

Need for National technological strategy in India:

Rise of Private behemoths:

The current wave of techno-nationalism is the association of private
companies with the techno-nationalist imaginary.
States have often aligned to promote the interests of national companies.
But in this techno-nationalist moment, many see the presence of big
companies as a sign of being able to harness national technology prowess.
For eg: India doesn’t have any big companies like Amazon or Google or
Alibaba.
Stringent Regulatory measures:
Indian companies could use a lot of help in many areas. But the underlying
premise is less about regulation or development; it is more about creating
large private sector icons as signs of national capabilities.
There is open talk in many circles that what India will need is a couple of
behemoth private companies that can leverage scale to rival global giants.
Small players sidelined:
The new techno-nationalist imagination, the issue is not protecting small
producers or indigenous technology etc.
The focus is on creating what people believe to be the carriers of national
power in the form of large companies.
India’s regulatory flip flops on globalisation in recent months (most notably in
e-commerce), are in part driven by this temptation that we need to create big
Indian private companies that are also national icons.
Public Sectors discouraged:
The nexus of big companies, state power and consumerist populism might be
the new carriers of techno-nationalism, instead of the old public sector.
So one of the oddest manifestations of techno-nationalism will not just be
conventional arguments for investing in more R&D.

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 They will be arguments for the subtle promotion of a few big companies, now
positioned in their nationalist avatar.

Way forward:

The government should be a facilitator rather than a promoter of the particular

private enterprises.
Emphasis should be given to more Research and Development which could open
up more avenues and innovations.
The PSUs which are doing well should be further prodded and their best practices
must be emulated in the other PSUs which are sick.
An equal pedestal should be provided to all private players – small and big;
Government should encourage the players who are in line with the policies like
Make in India.

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources.

5) Is regional inequality in India actually a problem of economic geography?

Discuss. Suggest how economic growth can help do away with regional
inequalities. (250 words)

Livemint

15/24
 why this question:

The article captures in detail how Economic geography is central to India’s regional inequality
distresses. It emphasises the need for issue to be looked through the prism of economic
geography—density, distance, division by the policy makers.

Demand of the question:

This question seeks to examine the interlinkages between economic geography and the regional
inequalities and disparities.

Directive word:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through
the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for
both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction

Start with brief introduction of the prevalent inequalities and disparities in the country.

Body

Discuss the following points in detail:

What is regional inequality?

What is regional disparity in India?
The causes of regional disparities in India? What are the major causes of inequality in
India?
Take cues from the article and explain how the World Bank repeatedly identified the key
dimensions of economic development—density, distance and division to deal with
inequalities that are regional in nature.
Provide for a comparison of regional inequalities – say north and south and then justify
how economic geography aspects in the policy making can help resolve the issue.

Conclusion

Conclude with significance of the economic geography in policy making.

Introduction:

India, as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, may well be catching up with the
richer economies in terms of absolute size. But economic convergence within the
country remains a distant dream as poorer States continue to lag behind the richer ones
in economic growth.

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 A report from the rating agency CRISIL found that the inter-State disparities
have widened in recent years even as the larger economy grows in size and influence on
the global stage.

Body:

Many low-income States have experienced isolated years of strong economic growth
above the national average. But they have still failed to bridge their widening gap with
the richer States since they have simply not been able to maintain a healthy growth rate
over a sustained period of time. The Economic geographical factors are leading to
regional inequality as discussed below

Geographical Factors:
River plains, fertile areas, cool climate, arable lands, mines etc. are
economically beneficial areas and are developed quickly. Example: Northern
plains,
The difficult terrain surrounded by hills, rivers and dense forests leads to
increase in the cost of administration, cost of developmental projects,
besides making mobilisation of resources particularly difficult. Example:
Himachal Pradesh, Northern Kashmir.
Adverse climatic conditions like regions prone to flood, drought are also
responsible factors for poor rate of economic development of different
regions of the country as reflected by low agricultural productivity and lack of
industrialisation.
Location Advantages:
The World Bank had said in 2009 that the hierarchy when it came to regional
inequality is that distance is the most important factor, followed by density
and finally division.
While determining the location of iron and steel projects or refineries or any
heavy industrial project, some technical factors included in the location
advantage are getting special considerations.
Due to some location advantages, some regions are getting special favour in
respect of site selections of various developmental projects. Example: Ports
in the coastal areas.
Human Capital:
The population in the Gangetic plain is too large—nearly a fourth of the
entire Indian population—for mass migration to be a viable option.
Economic Overheads:
Economic overheads like transport and communication facilities, power,
technology, banking and insurance are considered very important for the
development of a particular region. Example: Gujarat, Maharashtra
New investment in the private sector has a general tendency to concentrate
much on those regions having basic infrastructural facilities.
Policy & Governance Issues:
The poor policies also lead to imbalanced growth in regions.
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 The benefit of green revolution was very much restricted to the states like
Punjab, Haryana and plain districts of Uttar Pradesh leaving the other states
totally in the dark about the adoption of new agricultural strategy.
States like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu have excelled due to industrial
development policies, attraction of FDI from foreign investors, tax holidays,
tax sops to industries attract them.

Way Forward:

Goods and Service Tax is a game changer and provides a level-playing field for all
states. This makes all states equally attractive to set up industries.
Flagship projects like Bharatmala, Sagarmala concentrate on the hinterland
development too thereby providing infrastructure to underdeveloped areas.
Schemes like Aspirational Districts Program are curated to target the under-
developed areas and bring on par with good socio-economic development.
Bolstering the State-level institutions, as gauged by their ability to uphold the
rule of law and create a free, competitive marketplace for businesses to
thrive, and the quality of public spending could be crucial determinants of the
long-run growth prospects of States.
Bottom-up development, competitive and co-operative federalism should be
implemented in true letter and spirit to reduce the regional disparities.

Conclusion:

Reducing the regional disparity is imperative as the demographic potential of

states are different. The states with poor developmental indices are the youngest ones
and must be developed to reap the demographic dividend and a sustained development
of India.

Topic: Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and
social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-
laundering and its prevention.

6) Cyber-frauds have grown in terms of sophistication and reach in the recent

times with increasing influence of social media. Critically analyse.(250 words)

Livemint

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 Why this question:

The article brings us highlights of a report- Current State of Cybercrime – 2019″ white paper,
released by RSA Security, that states cyber criminals are increasingly relying on social media
platforms to sell stolen identities, credit card numbers and other ill-gotten gains. Fraud from
mobile apps rose 680% between 2015 and 2018.

Key demand of the question:

Analyse in detail the issues around cyber security, the root causes of Cyber fraud and what
needs to be done to handle the menace.

Directive word:

Critically analyze – When asked to analyze, you have to examine methodically the structure or
nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole 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 fair judgement.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

In a few introductory lines discuss the highlights of the report.

Body:

First explain what you understand by cyber frauds – cyber fraud is any crime that is
committed with the use of a computer or to computer data. This can look like many
things, such as: Identity theft. Stolen bank account numbers.
Due to the incredibly rapid advances in technology and electronic communications, a
steadily increasing proportion of total fraud is

being perpetrated with the use of computers, the Internet, and sophisticated software and
programming techniques.

Discuss the impact, reach and expanse – not only are individuals victimized by cyber
fraud, but companies suffer from the costly effects of cyber fraud within their networks.
Explain while some of the detection and prevention methods for managing these cyber
risks will be technological, a human element in the fight against cyber fraud will always
be central to the war on such crimes.
explain with the aid of recent examples.

Conclusion:

Conclude with what needs to be done, suggest way forward.

Introduction:

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The “Current State of Cybercrime – 2019” white paper, released by RSA Security says that
cyber criminals are increasingly relying on social media platforms to sell stolen identities,
credit card numbers and other ill-gotten gains. Fraud from mobile apps rose 680%
between 2015 and 2018, says the study.

Body:

Cyberfraud refers to any type of deliberate deception for unfair or unlawful gain that
occurs online. The most common form is online credit card theft. Other common forms
of monetary cyberfraud include non-delivery of paid products purchased through online
auctions and non-delivery of merchandise or software bought online. Cyberfraud also
refers to hacking, phishing, cyber-stalking, data break-ins, identity theft and cyber-
bullying, all of which are seriously damaging.

Reasons for increasing cyber-frauds:

Hardware Cyber Security Concerns: Most equipment and technology for setting up
Cyber Security infrastructure in India are currently procured from global sources.
These systems are vulnerable to cyber threats just like any other connected
system.
Skill gaps: Globally, India ranks second in terms of the number of Internet users
after China (Internet World Stats, 2017). However, India has a negligible base of
cyber security specialists, when compared to internet user base.
Internet of Things as a weak link: Often internet connected devices lack basic
security features, or they aren’t properly configured and rely upon default
passwords that can give attackers easy access. This in turn is giving rise to botnets,
which can be used for volumetric attacks.
Digital Data Threat: Growing online transactions have generated bigger incentives
for cybercriminals. Besides, establishments looking to mine data (customer
information, results of product surveys, and generic market information), they also
create treasured intellectual property that is in itself an attractive target.
Lack of robust Legal and law enforcement mechanisms: India’s approach to cyber
security has so far been ad hoc and unsystematic. Despite a number of agencies,
policies and initiatives, their implementation have been far from satisfactory.
Lack of Coordination between stakeholders: Due to the existence of too many
agencies with overlapping functions in the field of cyber security, coordination
between these agencies is poor
Lack of awareness: There is a lack of awareness about cyber security threats and
preventive measures at both organizational level as well as individual level.

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Importance of cyber security in India:

Cyber security is an important arena of internet when the country is moving

forward towards a cashless society and digitization.
Till 2013, India did not even have a cyber security policy in place. It is of paramount
concern to take cyber security seriously in India with most of the transactions going
online and cashless.
Security becomes a challenge as now privacy is a fundamental right as per SC
verdict and the rise in cybercrimes can lead to violation of private space and liberty
of expression.
Cyber security becomes a vital law of cyber law today. There is need of new tools;
capacity building must be done in various departments and a mechanism in place
to address these challenges.
The Indian government has embarked on a programme to turn the country into a
digital economy. It has unveiled a series of initiatives—from introducing Aadhaar,
MyGov, Government e-Market, DigiLocker, Bharat Net, Startup India, Skill India and
Smart Cities to propel India towards technological competence and
transformation.

Way forward:

Technology:
It is important to define minimum security features for the hardware and
software to be deployed in the government ecosystem
There is an urgent need to build capabilities and capacity for application,
equipment and infrastructure testing through the deployment life cycle to
detect any vulnerability and backdoors in the product/technology.
Security Operations Centre should be developed for the government
organizations with capabilities to detect, respond and recover from any
breaches and attacks
Human resource: Immediate attention has to be given to human resource
development which would increase the number of experts who can effectively
manage the cyber security of the country
R&D: Investments should be made on R&D to develop more innovative
technologies to address increasing cyber security threats

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 Policy and Governance: It is important to bring a robust policy and effectively
implement the same. Further, duties and responsibilities should be defined clearly
for smooth functioning and better coordination among departments and
stakeholders
Strengthening Private Partnership: It is important to strengthen the public-
private partnership on cyber security.

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.

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.

Topic : Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in
human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships.

7) Explain the essence of ethics in private and public relationships. (250 words)

Ethics by Lexicon

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 Why this question:

The question is intended to evaluate the kernel of ethics in private and public relationships.

Key demand of the question:

The answer is direct and straightforward, one must discuss the significance of ethics in private
and public relationships.

Directive word:

Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what
is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and
substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

In a few introductory lines appreciate the concept of ethics.

Body:

First differentiate what you understand by private relationship, public relationship, how
the two are different from each other. – Ethics in private relationship are generally
directed by individual virtues, universal human values, religion, social norms and law of
land. Therefore they comprise limited influencing factor.
On the other hand Public relationship are more instrumental such as organizational
colleagues, politicians, strangers, and other outside of one’s relatively narrow circle of
intimacy. Public Relation is a management function that engages monitoring and
evaluating public attitudes and maintaining mutual relations and understanding between
an organization and its public. Public could include shareholders, government,
consumers, employees and the media. It is the action of getting along with people we
constantly come in touch with.
Discuss how the two differ from each other and thus the ethical aspects applied to them
also vary accordingly.

Conclusion:

Conclude with importance of ethics in private and public relationship.

Introduction:

Humans have diverse role in society. The role playing defines their role in society. With
each social role, one adopts one’s behaviour changes befitting the expectation of one’s
own self and of others. Ethics is related to the concepts like right or wrong, or good or
bad human behaviour in different social and organizational settings.

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Body:

Essence of ethics in private and public relationships

Each private and personal relationship has its own irreplaceable value. Each of it
has its own unique history, character, and set of implicit and explicit
understandings about what is to be expected of the parties to it.
The governing factors for ethics in private relationships include individual virtues,
universal human values, religion, social norms and law.
The private relations are obviously more intimate than public relations. They are
generally inherited, relatively permanent; accommodate more tolerance for
imperfections, and are full with expectations of love and affection.
In contrast, public relations may or may not be inherited, are often temporary; with
people who are different from us or even strangers, are likely to be instrumental,
engaged in due to mutual benefits (quid pro quid), full with expectation of respect,
and accountability and are guarded.
Many a times, they comprise complex situations, contradictory values and conflict
of role and interest. Seven principles of public life are selfless, integrity, objectivity,
accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
At times, Public servants play conflicting role due to conflict in private life and
public life.
The private relationships demand individual’s responsibilities towards the role
played in private life such as father, mother, husband, etc. These are self-imposed
and voluntary and are backed by sanctions of one’s obligations towards self, family
and society since ancient times.
For example, in India, the Dharmashastras provide moral codes to regulate the
private relations. However, in public relationships, the public servant needs to cope
with several roles altogether. This includes – role in private life, role in personal and
family sphere, role as a professional, role for job, role towards his / her area of
jurisdiction, role towards seniors and society / humanity at large.
The public service role invokes legal and constitutional obligations, which when
violated invite legal sanctions and penalties.

Conclusion:

Thus, a public servant needs to cope with these different roles which many a times
conflict with each other. The question is – how to survive while playing such conflicting
roles. The key to this is “personal integrity”. Personal integrity is simply taking a sincere
and ethical stand.

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