[Mission 2022] SECURE SYNOPSIS: 14 December 2021 – INSIGHTSIAS

 

 

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.

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General Studies – 1

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Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

1. Explain the various features of Nagara style of architecture with a special emphasis on historicity of Kashi. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: New Indian Express , The Hindu

Why the question:

After a dip in the Ganga and rituals inside the temple, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the Kashi Vishwanath corridor that connects the temple to the banks of the river, terming it a “symbol of Sanatan culture of India” and placing it at the centre of the sacred geography of the country

Key Demand of the question:

To write about literary advancement during Vijayanagar period.

Directive word: 

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by writing about the emergency of nagara style in ancient India.

Body:

First, draw a small representative diagram highlighting the important features of Nagara style. Explain the various features of it – Shikhara, Grabhagriha, Mandapa etc. Mention some important temples constructed using Nagara style.

Next, write about historical importance of Kashi.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising the rich heritage of Kashi to cultural heritage of India.

Introduction

Nagara style is one of the styles of temple architecture. It is the temple construction style of North India. Nagara style is associated with the land between the Himalayas and Vindhyas. The Nagara style has its origin in the structural temples of the Guptas period The major example of the temple of Nagara Style is Sun Temple at Modhera, Kandariya Mahadeva Temple at Khajuraho, Jagannath Temple at Puri, etc.

Prime Minister recently inaugurated the Kashi Vishwanath corridor that connects the temple to the banks of the river, terming it a “symbol of Sanatan culture of India” and placing it at the centre of the sacred geography of the country.

Body

 

Various features of Nagara style of architecture

• The cruciform ground plan and curvilinear mountain-peak like tower are the two most fundamental features of Nagara style.
• The temples of Nagara style generally have a square plan with a number of graduated projections in the middle of each face which give the structure a cruciform shape in the exterior.
• In Nagara style, the Shikhara remains the most prominent element of the temple and the gateway is usually modest or even absent.

• In this style, temples have elaborated boundary, less emphasised.
• The entire temple is built on high stone platform called Jagati
• Generally, they do not have large enclosures and entrances.
• The temple has only one peak or shikhara above the Garbagriha.
• There was a Kalasha placed on the Shikara of a temple.
• Sikhara(the tower) slowly bending inwards and capped by a spheroid plate with ribs around the edge (Amalaka) give the height.
• Temples of Nagara styles are categorized on the basis of the shape of the Shikhara. They are – Rekha Prasad, Phamsana, and Valabhi.

Kashi and Nagara Style

Varanasi is said to be the oldest surviving city of the world. Varanasi is also called as Kashi or Benaras. Being the most venerated pilgrim place in Hindu religion, Varanasi is said to be a museum of temples. Also called the city of temples, Varanasi is home to about 2,000 temples and most of them are built in Nagara style of architecture. Some of the most important and famous temples are

• It is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Vishwanath Gali of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
• It is built in Nagara style of architecture.
• There are small temples for Kaalbhairav, Dhandapani, Avimukteshwara, Vishnu, Vinayaka, Sanishwara, Virupaksha and Virupaksh Gauri in the complex.
• Durga temple
  • Commonly called the ‘Monkey temple’, it was built in the 18th century.
  • Although it is one of the best-known temple.
  • There is nice stonework done of the temple , it is the nice example of NAGRA Shilp.

Conclusion

Nagara style is seen from the Himalaya to the north of Bijapur district in the South, from the Punjab in the west to Bengal to the east. Therefore, there are local variations and ramifications in the formal development of the style in the different regions. However, the cruciform plan and the curvilinear tower are common.

 

 

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General Studies – 2

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Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.

2. An online system to file corruption complaints is no doubt a step in in the right direction but the failure to operationalise the Lokpal in an effective manner is a bigger worry. Critically examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Print

Why the question:

An online system that enables people to file corruption complaints with the Lokpal was inaugurated here on Monday by the anti-graft ombudsman Chief Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the need to effectively operationalise Lokpal.

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 writing about the aims and objectives of Lokpal in India.

Body:

First, as per the The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 mention the various roles and responsibility of Lokpal in India.

Next, write about the various issues concerning Lokpal in India – government has not made rules prescribing the form for filing complaints to the Lokpal, rules regarding asset disclosure by public servants, inquiry and prosecution wings are yet to be set up, not appointment of the Director of Inquiry or Prosecution etc.

Mention the impact of the above.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward to effectively operationalise Lokpal.

Introduction

An online system that enables people to file corruption complaints with the Lokpal was inaugurated recently by the anti-graft ombudsman Chief Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose.

The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act was enacted in 2013 and came into force in 2014. Almost six years after the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, was signed into law, several key provisions needed for the anti-corruption ombudsman to function have still not been operationalised.

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Lokpal and Lokayukta Act: Features

• The Act consists of setting up a team called Lokpal, headed by a chairperson and consisting of eight people
• This committee will have the power to investigate people who might be acquiring money through corrupt means.
  • All categories of public servants will be covered under Lokpal, including the Prime Minister, while the armed forces will be exempted.
• The body will also have the power of confiscating property or assets acquired by corrupt means
• One of the main powers of the Lokpal is that they can protect all the public servants who act as whistle-blowers.
  • They also have a special Whistle Blowers Protection Act established for the same reason.
• Lokpal will also be given the power to conduct trials in a special court if they feel that the trial is of extreme importance
  • They can also fine people for false or inaccurate complaints
  • The fines can amount up to Rs 2 lakh
• The Act also incorporates provisions for attachment and confiscation of property acquired by corrupt means, even while the prosecution is pending.
• The States will have to institute Lokayukta within one year of the commencement of the Act.

Persisting issues with Lokpal operationalisation

• Delay in the appointment of Lokpal due to the legal technicalities and lack of political will is a major issue.
• The Selection committee and the issue of Leader of Opposition is still lingering and the recent selection of Lokpal didn’t have the views of the opposition party, which is against democratic principles.
• The process of constituting the Lokpal’s inquiry and prosecution wings has not yet begun, and regulations for how to conduct preliminary investigations have not been made.
• The Act prohibits Lokpal inquiry if the allegations against the PM in certain circumstances.
  • Thus, Lokpal do not have full authority to investigate PM.
  • Also, complaints against the PM are not to be probed unless the full Lokpal bench considers the initiation of an inquiry and at least two-thirds of the members approve it.
• There is not much protection provided for whistle-blower in the Lokpal Act, 2013.
• All the cases of corruption in which high officials are involved go to the CBI. Lokpal do not have complete control. This is a major issue which dilutes the independence of Lokpal.
• Through an amendment in 2016, the government has done away with the statutory requirement of public disclosure of the assets of public servants’ spouses and dependent children.
  • The vesting of the power of prior sanction with Lokpal has been almost nullified with amendments in Prevention of Corruption Act which strengthen the requirement to seek the government’s permission.
• Judiciary is totally excluded from the ambit of Lokpal. Thus, there is no chance to hold the judiciary accountable.
• The establishment of Lokayukta and any appointment falls within the domain of the States, which is being delayed by the state due to lack of political will.

Conclusion

Looking at the low ranking of India in Corruption on global level, there is a need to check the corruption by strong institutions. Creation of the institution of Lokpal and Lokayuktas by forming its members to function has come up as a welcome step. But it shall function independently of any political influence so that a proper system of checks-and -balance is maintained in the federal and democratic system of India.

 

Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

3. Tribal groups are at different stages of social, economic and educational development, hence one size fits all approach will not work. Evaluate the various policies aimed at the development of tribal communities in India. 250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Down to Earth

Why the question:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a series of welfare schemes for the tribals or adivasis on what is now being called Janajatiya Gaurav Diwas.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the various policy measures for tribal development and its success and limitations.

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: 

Start introduction by giving the diversity of tribes in India. Give statistic of tribal population in India.

Body:

First, elaborate up on tribal groups who are at different stages of social, economic and educational development. Cite examples of PVTG’s etc. Mention various issues that tribals in India face.

Next, Write about the different measures and recent schemes by Govt. for tribal development such as FRA, PESA, Tribal sub plan approach, Van bandhu scheme, Eklavya  scheme, etc. Also add the various recently launched schemes.

Next, evaluate the successes and limitations of the above.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward to achieve better outcomes tribal development.

Introduction

The Scheduled Tribes are notified in 30 States/UTs and the number of individual ethnic groups, etc. notified as Scheduled Tribes is 705. The tribal population of the country, as per 2011 census, is 10.43 cr. constituting 8.6% of the total population. 89.97% of them live in rural areas and 10.03% in urban areas.

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Government schemes towards Tribal Welfare

• Pradhan Manti Van Dhan Yojana: It is a market-linked tribal entrepreneurship development program for creating clusters of tribals and strengthening them.
• Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojana: Aims at creating enabling environment for need based and outcome oriented holistic development of the tribal people.
• Ekalavya Model Schools: To provide good quality middle and high-level education to Scheduled Tribe students in remote areas, not only to enable them to avail of reservation in high and professional and ensure access to best opportunities in education at par with non ST population.
• Minor Forest Produce: To safeguard fair monetary returns to MFP gatherers for their labours in the collection, primary processing, storage, packaging, transportation etc.
• Vocational Training Centres in Tribal Areas: The main aim of this scheme is to upgrade the skills of the tribal youth in various traditional/ modern vocations depending upon their educational qualification, present economic trends and the market potential, which would enable them to gain suitable employment or enable them to become self-employed.

Shortcomings

• The benefits, have been unsuccessful in reaching the lower strata of the societyand got concentrated in the hands of the upper crust of the tribal community.
• The most important drawback of the tribal in development blocks is that the entireprogram has been carried out depriving the participation of tribal people. The tribals had no predominant say in the programs articulated for their development, nor were their co-operation gained in the implementation of these programs.
• The unchanging bureaucracy has been unsuccessful to fulfil the role of development agency.
• Local politicians and local elite power were also not in the interest of the tribal population.They perpetuated the situation in their self-interest.
• Nutrition and health of the tribal community: It was identified a while ago that sickle cell anaemia is one of the major diseases afflicting the tribal community in the country and a lot of effort is being made to improve the health status of the community.
  • Research by the Indian council of Medical research has further shown that the scheduled tribal community is generally at the lower level of nutrition.
• Tribal Housing: Most of the tribals live in single room houses and faced challenges in accessing potable drinking water, Sanitation and electricity access.

Various initiatives have been taken by the Government of India over the years for the development of tribal people in the country, comprising the Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes Commission, and TRIFED.

Way forward

• Infrastructure facilities like road connectivity will improve   the quality of life in tribal areas, in terms of quick access to health services, better education, and social service. Special focus is also given for repair and maintenance of existing roads in tribal areas.
• The High-Level Committee (Virginius Xaxa committee) has made numerous recommendations such as exclusive mining rights for tribals, greater freedom for tribals to make decisions on land acquisition and other common property resources and, strict implementation of the new land law, Forest Rights Act and strengthening of the PESA.
• It has also proposed a complete overhaul of the legal constitutional regime by recommending that laws and policies enacted by the Parliament and state legislatures shouldn’t be applied automatically in the Fifth Schedule areas.
• State government should be made to obtain permissions from owners and occupiers of land for major minerals, and consult with Gram Sabhain 5th and 6th schedule areas for minor minerals.
• It should be mandated that all clearances (forest and environment) under forest conservation act and wildlife protection act should be taken before a lease was given.
• Tribal cooperatives should be made eligible for grant of license of minor minerals in 5th and 6th schedule areas.

Conclusion

Strengthening of institutions meant for delivery of goods and services with adequate administrative, technical and financial powers such as Tribal Welfare Departments as nodal Department, Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDPs) and creation of new ones where they do not exist etc. Convergence of scattered resources and activities being undertaken under various components is need of the hour.

 

 

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General Studies – 3

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Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

4. What are the potential applications of medicinal plants in India? Analyse the reasons for decline in key species of medicinal plants in India. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy.

Reference: Environment by Shankar

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2022 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the importance of medicinal plants and causes behind their decline.

Directive word: 

Analyse – 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.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by mentioning India is using and repository of medicinal plants since time immemorial.

Body:

First, write about the benefits of medicinal plants – Traditional systems of medicine, used as food, flavonoid or perfume, natural dye, pest control and also in certain spiritual activities. Give examples of some key species.

Next, write the reasons for decline in key species – due to over-collection to supply domestic and foreign medicinal markets, over exploitation, forest degradation etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by stressing on the importance of conserving traditional medicinal plants.

Introduction

Plants have been used for medicinal purposes long before prehistoric period. Ancient Unani manuscripts Egyptian papyrus and Chinese writings described the use of herbs. Medicinal plants such as Aloe, Tulsi, Neem, Turmeric and Ginger cure several common ailments. These are considered as home remedies in many parts of the country. It is known fact that lots of consumers are using Basil (Tulsi) for making medicines, black tea, in pooja and other activities in their day to day life.

Recently, India’s highest medicinal garden was inaugurated at an altitude of 11,000 feet at Mana village, located near the Indo-China border in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.

Body

Potential of medicinal plants

• As per data available over three-quarters of the world population relies mainly on plants and plant extracts for their health care needs.
• More than 30% of the entire plant species, at one time or other were used for medicinal purposes.
• It has been estimated, that in developed countries such as United States, plant drugs constitute as much as 25% of the total drugs, while in fast developing countries such as India and China, the contribution is as much as 80%.
• Thus, the economic importance of medicinal plants is much more to countries such as India than to rest of the world.
• These countries provide two third of the plants used in modern system of medicine and the health care system of rural population depend on indigenous systems of medicine.
• Recently, WHO (World Health Organization) estimated that 80 percent of people worldwide rely on herbal medicines for some aspect of their primary health care needs.
• According to WHO, around 21,000 plant species have the potential for being used as medicinal plants.
• Medicinal plants are considered as a rich resource of ingredients which can be used in drug development either pharmacopeial, non- pharmacopeial or synthetic drugs.
• Apart from the medicinal uses, herbs are also used in natural dye, pest control, food, perfume, tea and so on.
• In many countries different kinds of medicinal plants/ herbs are used to keep ants, flies, mice and flee away from homes and offices. Now a days medicinal herbs are important sources for pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Threats to medicinal plants

• Increasing risk from destruction of their habitats
  • Habitats are being destroyed more quickly than scientists can investigate them.
  • At current extinction rates, experts estimate that the Earth is losing at least one potential major drug every two years.
  • Human-caused biodiversity losses are affecting medicinal plants and associated traditional knowledge too.
  • Degradation of forests and loss of species make some plant species unavailable for the use of local communities. As a result, traditional methods of use including sustainable methods of collection are being lost.
• Bioprospecting for new sources
  • A situation where indigenous knowledge of nature, originating with indigenous people, is used by others for profit, without permission from and with little or no compensation or recognition to the indigenous people themselves.
  • Developed countries are exploiting developing countries genetic resources and indigenous communities traditional knowledge in the name of patents on the inventions derived from those genetic resources.
  • Increased commercialization of medicinal plant resources also brings in issues of access to this wealth and equitable sharing of benefits.
• Overharvesting of known medicinal species
  • In addition to the loss of access to traditional remedies by indigenous peoples, overcollection of species poses a significant threat to some commercially valuable wild species and to their habitats as well.
  • According to the World Conservation Union (IUCN), about 15,000 medicinal plant species may be threatened with extinction worldwide from overharvesting
  • Increasing use of medicinal plants as raw materials by different pharmaceutical companies has pushed many of these species to the stage of extinction.
• Climate change threats
  • Climate change is likely to affect peoples’ access to medicinal plants.
  • Small taxa such as herbaceous plants, especially in temperate areas, would be some of the first to be affected by climate change.
  • For instance, in answer to questionnaire surveys, traditional healers in Uttarakhand claimed that many of the species they use now flower and fruit earlier than before, which affects their traditional times of plant harvests.
  • Some species are now found at higher elevations.
• Illegal trade
  • There has been the organized smuggling of medicinal plants from Gandhamardan.
  • It is an open secret that big Ayurvedic companies have their agents around the hills, who collect rare plants illegally.
  • Not only do they smuggle these plants, they cause severe damage to the species.
• No transfer of knowledge
  • The traditional knowledge of communities is fast eroding as there is no transfer of knowledge across generations and younger generations are no longer interested

Conclusion

As our lifestyle is now getting techno-savvy, we are moving away from nature. While we cannot escape from nature because we are part of nature. As herbs are natural products, they are free from side effects, they are comparatively safe, eco-friendly and locally available. Traditionally there are lot of herbs used for the ailments related to different seasons. There is a need to promote them to save the human lives.

Value addition

DWINDLING NUMBERS

14 Himalayan medicinal plants, which stave off diseases from worms to anorexia and, potentially, cancer, face very high risk

Significance of medicinal plants in India

• Treatment with medicinal plants is considered very safe as there is no or minimal side effects.
• These remedies are in sync with nature, which is the biggest advantage. The golden fact is that, use of herbal treatments is independent of any age groups and the sexes.
• Recipes for the treatment of common ailments such as diarrhoea, constipation, hypertension, low sperm count, dysentery and weak penile erection, piles, coated tongue, menstrual disorders, bronchial asthma, leucorrhoea and fevers are given by the traditional medicine practitioners very effectively.
• Herbs such as black pepper, cinnamon, myrrh, aloe, sandalwood, ginseng, red clover, burdock, bayberry, and safflower are used to heal wounds, sores and boils.
• Basil, Fennel, Chives, Cilantro, Apple Mint, Thyme, Golden Oregano, Variegated Lemon Balm, Rosemary, Variegated Sage are some important medicinal herbs and can be planted in kitchen garden. These herbs are easy to grow, look good, taste and smell amazing and many of them are magnets for bees and butterflies.
• Many herbs are used as blood purifiers to alter or change a long-standing condition by eliminating the metabolic toxins. These are also known as ‘blood cleansers’. Certain herbs improve the immunity of the person, thereby reducing conditions such as fever.
• Indian sages were known to have remedies from plants which act against poisons from animals and snake bites.

 

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

5. An invasive alien species is an agent of change and threatens native biological diversity and the consequences can be catastrophic. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Environment by Shankar

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2022 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To explain the major causes for rising cases of man-animal conflict.

Directive:

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: 

Start by explaining the term invasive alien species.

Body:

First, Explain the various threats posed by them. Provide examples and present the scenario of harm posed by invasive species in India – threaten cultivable land and wildlife habitats alike, may lead to the conversion of marshy wetlands into dry land. E.g.: water hyacinth, spread into the forests through the corridors created by landslides, affect the soil and destroy the microhabitat of that area

Next, Write about the various government policies and programmes in this direction.

Conclusion:

Conclude with solutions to address the issue.

Introduction

Invasive alien species are plants, animals, pathogens and other organisms that are non-native to an ecosystem, and which may cause economic or environmental harm or adversely affect human health. In particular, they impact adversely upon biodiversity, including decline or elimination of native species – through competition, predation, or transmission of pathogens – and the disruption of local ecosystems and ecosystem functions. Examples: Needle Bush, Goat weed, Prickly Poppy, Black Mimosa.

Since the 17th century, invasive alien species have contributed to nearly 40% of all animal extinctions for which the cause is known (CBD, 2006).

Body

Threats posed by Invasive alien species:

Threats to Environment:

Biodiversity is essential for the functioning of the ecosystems that provide vital resources such as food, water, fuel, building material and traditional medicines for millions of people. Invasive species alter and degrade the environment, and have a negative effect on both native species and the people who live and work there. The impacts of invasive species include:

• Reduced biodiversity
• Decreased availability and quality of key natural resources
• Water shortages
• Increased frequency of wildfires and flooding
• Pollution caused by overuse of chemicals to control infestations

Threats to native species:

• India is endowed with 2,319 species of finfish.
• Studies from several parts of the country show that the diversity of freshwater fish is depleting at an alarming pace due to the invasion of commercially important and ornamental exotic fish species
• Many native species, especially Indian major carps in various riverine systems, have been affected because of the invasion of exotic fish species such as Nile tilapia, African catfish, Thai pangus and common carp.
• Apart from commercially important exotic species, ornamental fishes such as guppy, piranha, suckermouth, blue perch, goldfish and platy have been recorded in rivers, lakes, traditional village ponds and other inland freshwater bodies. These also accelerate the extinction of natural varieties from local water bodies.
• The exotic ornamental Amazon sailfin catfish poses a serious threat to the native fish species of Vandiyur Lake, Madurai.
• The biomass of the Amazon sailfin catfish is statistically significant compared to the indigenous varieties. This clearly shows the negative impact of this exotic aquarium fish on inland aquaculture in terms of diminished production/catch of edible fish.
• Thus more than 15 exotic ornamental species have successfully established a reproductive population in our freshwater bodies and still don’t know the magnitude of the impact of this species on the native diversity of fish.

Economic threats:

Agriculture, forestry and fishing are of huge importance to the economies of developing countries. Invasive species affect the productivity of these systems, and limit the ability of producers to access export markets. This hinders sustainable economic growth and development. The impacts of invasive species include:

• Value and quality of land degraded
• Lower crop productivity
• High cost of controlling pests, weeds and diseases
• Routes to domestic and global markets blocked
• Livestock forced into marginal, sub-optimal grazing lands

Social threats:

Invasive species are a major threat to the livelihoods of the people who live in the areas they colonize. Through disrupting ecosystems, invasive plants, insects and diseases impair many of the things humans need to sustain a good quality of life – including food and shelter, health, security and social interaction. The impacts of invasive species include:

• Livelihood options narrowed
• Food security decreased
• Recreational and social opportunities limited
• Risks to human and animal health
• Increased social challenges

Way forward

• The most cost-effective measure to address the impacts from IAS is to prevent their introduction.
• This can be achieved by establishing effective and well-resourced biosecurity measures to manage priority pathways of introduction, supported by early warning systems and rapid eradication capacity.
• Control, containment and – where feasible – eradication, also need to be undertaken to mitigate the impacts from established IAS, including those whose impacts are likely to increase due to climate change.
• It is essential that a cross-sectoral approach is taken in IAS prevention and management measures. This needs to include the environment, human health, agriculture, fisheries, customs and transport government departments, along with key private sector bodies and civil society.
• Governments, donors and agencies that fund and implement projects, including projects supporting the SDGs, must ensure that current and potential impacts of IAS are understood so that relevant prevention and management measures can be incorporated into projects.

Conclusion

Ecosystems need to be prioritized according to their vulnerability to climate change and IAS, making it possible to establish measures that will prevent IAS introduction. This should include establishing effective biosecurity measures to manage priority pathways of introduction, supported by early warning and rapid eradication to tackle alien species before they become invasive.

 

Topic: basics of cyber security.

6. For ‘new India’ to reach greater heights, cyber risks must be identified and managed effectively along with promoting cyber-responsible businesses, government, and citizens. Elucidate. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:

In the wee hours of Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Twitter account was hacked and a false tweet sent out.

Directive word: 

Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by context of ‘new India’ which with ushering in a digital revolution.

Body:

In the first part, begin by various cyber-attacks in India. Give statistics to show the increasing trend in cyber-attacks.

Next, mention the various way to identify and neutralise cybersecurity threats at citizen, government and business levels.

Next, write about the need for inculcating a responsible behaviour and cyber awareness at all levels.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

The integrated digital footprint created by Digital India is likely to bring formidable and increasing demand on resources to defend against the multiplying threat levels and entry points. While Digital India will create new economic and social opportunities, it will also be creating an increasingly large attack surface for criminals to exploit as an initial foothold or vector into otherwise well-protected IT environments. The government initiative that seeks to transform the country into a connected economy can be successful only when security of the connected devices is assured.

Body

Background

• Recently, the Prime Minister’s twitter account was hacked and false tweet was published.
• India is the 5^th most vulnerable nation to cybersecurity breach as per Symantec report.
• India stands 47/175 in ITU’s Global cybersecurity index.
• Cyber-attacks nearly cost $4 billion USD per year for India. India accounted for 5.09% of all cyberattacks in 2017.
• Increasing e-governance and delivery of services online make cybersecurity even more important. E.g.: Aadhar based banking, Digilocker, DBT etc.

Issues of cyber security

• Digital illiteracy in India makes citizens susceptible to cyber frauds.
• Using legacy software with security vulnerabilites. E.g.: ATM’s with windows XP became vulnerable to network spoofing.
• Anonymity: Even advanced precision threats carried out by hackers is difficult to attribute to specific actors, state or non- state.
• Slow adoption of new technologies. For example Banking sector most vulnerable to cloning of magnetic strip debit/credit cards.
• Rampant use of unlicensed and pirated software that are easy targets for malware. E.g.: Saposhi attack leading to Denial of Service.
• Import dependence: Majority of electronic devices from cellphones to equipments used in power sector, defense and other critical infrastructure puts India into a vulnerable situation.
• Lack of uniform security protocol and standards used across various electronic devices.

Measures being taken

• CERT-IN is the national nodal agency to respond in crisis situation. For example, In October 2017, CERT had issued alert about Reaper which is highly evolved malware capable of hacking devices like Wi-Fi routers and security camera.
• CERT-fin has also been launched exclusively for financial sector.
  • Cert-Fin will work closely with all financial-sector regulators and stakeholders on issues of cyber security.
  • It will collect, analyze and disseminate information on cyber incidents across financial sectors. It will forecast and send alerts on cyber security incidents. Cert-Fin will contribute to strengthening of the cyber security of the country.
• CERT-in is also operating Cyber Swachhata Kendra, a Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre
• National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) to battle cyber security threats in strategic areas such as air control, nuclear and space.
• Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative to strengthen Cybersecurity ecosystem in India. It is first public private partnership of its kind and will leverage the expertise of the IT industry in cybersecurity.
• National cyber coordination centre (NCCC) is set up to scan internet traffic coming into the country and provide real time situational awareness and alert various security agencies.
• Cyber Forensic Lab set up in Bangalore, Pune, Kolkata in collaboration with NASSCOM.

Conclusion

Despite all the cyber security risks, the movement towards Digital India is inevitable. The government and enterprises realize this and efforts are on for developing better systems for maintaining security while also taking advantage of the plethora of technological applications that have exploded during the last few years.

 

 

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General Studies – 4

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Topic: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world to the concepts of morality;

7. What is a Conflict of Interest in public service? What are the ways to manage it? (150 Words)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Conceptual Tuesdays’ in Mission-2022 Secure.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about conflict of interest and ways to manage it.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by defining conflict of interest. Give example to substantiate.

Body:

Next, mention the ways to address conflict of interest – create a culture of ethics and trust, define stakeholders, enhance transparency, promote fairness and objective decision making and fix accountability mechanisms.

Conclusion:

Conclude by stressing on the need to avoid conflict of interest.

Introduction

A “conflict  of  interest”  involves  a  conflict  between  the  public  duty  and  private  interests  of  a  public  official,  in  which  the  public  official  has  private-capacity  interests which could improperly influence the performance of their official duties and responsibilities.

Body

In such a situation, judgement of an individual could be impaired. A conflict of interest can exist in many different situations. Conflict of interest is seen  as a moral issue and not strictly a legal one accompanied by criminal culpability in India so it is hardly surprising that blatant violations are virtually seen every day.

Example: a public official whose personal interests conflict with his/her professional position. Instances of the largest shareholder appointing himself as CEO, deciding his salary and then appointing his son to a key post and higher royalties to the parent company are some of the serious conflict of interest issues in India which don’t  receive necessary attention.

A judge giving judgement in a case involving his own family member is a case of conflict of interest.

Public servants faces Conflict of Interest due to the nature of their work-

• Personal vs Professional
  • This is the most common type of conflict of interest arising due to the conflict between personal and professional life.
  • Say, if a public servant is incharge of giving out contracts for a certain project and one of the applicant is relative or friend.
• Conflicting Responsibility
  • Sometimes public servants are given additional charge, which might sometimes create a conflict of interest with the original line of duty.
• Conflicting Organisations
  • Sometimes public servants are part of two separate organisations with apparently conflicting objectives and this might put them in certain conflict of interest.
  • Many public servants also volunteer for NGOs during their service. NGOs and governmental organisation sometimes come at odds with each other.

Getting into a situation of conflict of interest is sometimes unavoidable and not a crime in itself if properly handled:

• Transparency
  • Declaring one’s conflict of interest to the concerned authorities is the best way.
  • It helps civil servant to come clean and concerned authorities can decide further.
• Assure integrity
  • The concerned authority should be assured of integrity and willingness to serve no matter what the decision is made on the declaration.
• Maintain objectivity
  • If given the chance to continue working on that case, work with objectivity.
• Reduce discretion and codify procedure
  • There is a need for legislation to make non-disclosure of a conflict of interest punishable.
  • A private member’s bill (The Prevention and Management of Conflict of Interest Bill, introduced in 2012), the legislation ought to cover all arms of governance, including the judiciary, the legislature and the executive.
  • The recommendation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Department of Personnel and Training, calling for early retirement if interested in post-retirement private service is established, needs to be implemented, besides increasing the mandatory cooling period to five years so that no undue influence can be exerted by the retired bureaucrat.
  • Also, the reasons for declining their requests for joining such firms need to be laid out clearly, to limit political concerns.
  • An open, public data platform enlisting all post-retirement appointments of civil servants will increase transparency

Conclusion

The priority must be to frame a modern law relating to conflict of interest, along the lines of what exists in the statute of the other countries like the United States and also ensure them to their work ensures ethical governance.

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