Chanakya Mains Test Series (CMTS) - 2017
Chanakya Mains Test Series (CMTS) - 2017
Chanakya Mains Test Series (CMTS) - 2017
MOCK TEST - 3
(WITH MODEL ANSWERS)
Answer all the questions in NOT MORE THAN 200 words each. Contents of the answer are more important
than its length. All questions carry equal marks. 12½ × 20 = 250
1. What do you understand by the term ‘Renaissance’? Why did Renaissance first emerged in Italy?
2. Industrial Revolution was a harbinger of change not just in the social and economic sphere, but it also had a
profound effect on the ideology. Elucidate.
3. Compare and contrast the American Declaration of Independence and France’s Declaration of Rights of Man
and Citizen.
4. ‘Both Fascism and Nazism resembled each other in important ways, and differed in an equally significant
measure’. Explain. How Japanese Militarism was different from both these ideologies?
5. The system of Collective Security, established by the League of Nations, was a lost battle. Critically comment.
6. The First World War was believed to be ‘a war to end all wars’. However, the peace treaties failed to ensure
this. Comment.
7. What do you understand by the ‘Appeasement Policy’ as followed by Britain and France post First World
War? Elucidate with examples. To what extent was it responsible for the Second World War?
8. ‘Socialism emerged as a reaction to Capitalism’. Explain. How Socialism adopted by Russia, post Russian
Revolution, was different from Marxian Communism?
9. ‘The Indian Diaspora is contributing to India’s interest in significant ways, but at the same time it is facing
innumerable threats.’ Examine.
10. Bretton Woods institutions have often been criticized as the agents of western countries. To what extent will
the setting up of New Development Bank overcome the shortcomings of these Institutions? Critically analyse.
11. What issues, in your view, plague SAARC’s progress as an effective regional grouping? Discuss the potential
of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) to emerge
as a successful alternative sub-regional grouping in the Indian sub-continent?
12. The recent visit of Indian Prime Minister to Israel marked the maturing of India-Israel ties that have gradually
blossomed over the years. Discuss the importance of growing ties between the two countries and the road
blocks in development of strong ties between India and Israel.
13. India’s membership of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has come with new opportunities as well
as new challenges. Examine.
14. The global fulcrum of power is fast shifting from Atlantic – Pacific to Indo-Pacific. Examine the reasons for
such a shift. What steps have been taken by India to deal with this newly emerging regional scenario?
15. Despite ‘Connectivity’ being at the heart of Indian foreign policy, India has decided to remain outside the ‘One
Belt One Road’ initiative. Critically analyse the implications of India’s stand on China-led OBOR initiative?
Suggest the way forward for India.
16. The Government’s decision to revive NATGRID (National Intelligence Grid) is a welcome move in the fight
against terrorism, but it calls for caution and nuanced planning. Critically examine.
17. In view of the recent ATM security breach, evaluate India’s preparedness to become a complete digital economy.
What measures would you suggest to strengthen cyber security infrastructure in India?
18. The advent of new technologies has opened a Pandora box of security challenges, thus, necessitating an
overhaul of the internal security structure. Discuss in the context of the rising internal security challenges in
India. Suggest some innovative measures on tackling these threats.
19. What is a National Security Doctrine? In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in India, discuss the need to
evolve India’s National Security Doctrine and the challenges therein.
20. To tackle the problem of terror, it is important that the world must speak in one voice and act in unison against
terrorism. With reference to the given statement, discuss the importance of Comprehensive Convention on
International Terrorism. Highlight the challenges in its implementation.
2. Industrial Revolution was a harbinger of change not just in the social and economic sphere, but it also had
a profound effect on the ideology. Elucidate. 12½
Approach:
l In the introduction, write briefly about the major social and economic changes brought about by the Industrial
Revolution.
l Highlight, with suitable examples, how Industrial Revolution brought about an ideological change in the society.
l Conclude with how the various ideologies influenced by Industrial Revolution, eventually, got metamorphosed
in the 20th century, and impacted the other nations.
3. Compare and contrast the American Declaration of Independence and France’s Declaration of Rights of
Man and Citizen. 12½
Approach:
l Briefly mention the about American Declaration of Independence and France’s Declaration of Rights of Man and
Citizen, their timelines, circumstances leading to their drafting, and broad objectives.
l Bring out key similarities and differences between the two documents
l Conclude suitably
Answer:
History was created in 1776 when the thirteen colonies of America united to defend their mother country against
tyrannical British rule, and penned the Declaration of Independence. A few years later the French masses revolted
in a similar fashion against the prevailing social order, and drafted the Declaration of the Rights of man in 1789.
On the surface of it, both documents were inspired by an objective to overthrow an oppressive rule, but a deeper
examination brings out important differences.
However, both the documents were products of different circumstances under which they were drafted, thus, differed
in following ways:
l American Declaration of Independence focused more on freedom and independence from a foreign rule ie.
British. Whereas, the Declaration of Rights of Man focused on equality and fairness to correct the prevailing
iniquitous social order and to inspire the third estate of to rebel against the first and second.
l The Rights of Man and Citizen pointed out specific individual rights while the Declaration of Independence
stated that rights were self-evident, and it did not list them. They were enlisted later in the Bill of Rights.
l Americans wanted to throw the yoke of colonial monarchical rule, thus, the declaration aimed at establishing a
new political system based on republicanism. Whereas, France did not aim at abolishing monarchy, but wanted
a redefined national government based on consent of people and limited powers of monarchy.
l In America, rights were seen as negative things for government—to be protected by the government and, in many
instances, from the government. For eg. protection against unreasonable search and seizures, double jeopardy,
cruel and unusual punishment, etc.
In France, they were seen as positive— as an enshrined ideals of humanity—which the government was instituted
to create and enforce.
l Locke’s ideas had greater bearing on America’s Declaration ie. Inalienable rights of man – life, liberty, property,
establishment of a constitutional government to protect these rights, and with powers defined and restricted by
law. Whereas, French revolution was impacted more by ideology of Rousseau – ie. A strong State with complete
control over society
Thus, the United States Declaration of Independence and French declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen both
stood for freedom and equality, however, they were written at different times and with different priorities.
4. ‘Both Fascism and Nazism resembled each other in important ways, and differed in an equally significant
measure’. Explain. How Japanese Militarism was different from both these ideologies? 12½
Approach:
l Define Fascism and Nazism, briefly mentioning the reason for their emergence and key leaders associated with
them.
l Explain the key points of similarities as well as differences between Fascism and Nazism
l Briefly describe the nature of Japanese Militarism and its differences with Fascism and Nazism.
l Conclude suitably
Answer:
The word ‘Fascism’ was first used for the political movement which started in Italy under Mussolini around 1919,
while ‘Nazism’ (National Socialism) was a German version of Fascism that took shape under Hitler during 1920s.
Both these ideologies emerged as a reaction to the disastrous economic effects of World War I, rising unemployment,
political instability, social unrest etc., and promised a strong decisive government.
However, despite these similarities, Nazism was different from Fascism in following respects:
l Extreme Racism: Nazism laid uncommon importance on racial superiority of the Germans, who were considered
as destined to rule the world. This concept was absent in Fascism
l More brutal and ruthless: Nazism was more brutal towards other races, especially Jews, subsequently leading to
“Holocaust” in which around 6 million Jews were mass exterminated. Mussolini focused on territorial expansion
rather than creation of ethnically ‘clean’ Italian state.
l Absence of accountability: In Fascism, Mussolini was questioned and controlled to some extent by the monarch
or the Pope, but under Nazism there was no authority above Hitler.
l View on State: While Fascism glorified the State as the highest ideal, the Nazis viewed the State as Lebensraum
(living space) of “the master race“ which needs to incorporate the entire geopolitical area inhabited with ethnic
Germans.
l Degree of success: Nazism was more deep rooted and more efficient than Fascism in terms of dealing with
economy, unemployment etc.
Japan was also ruled by the Military, prior to the Second World War, more or less on the same lines as Fascism and
Nazism ie. Ruthless suppression of communism, assassination of opponents, tight control over education, a build-up
of armaments and an expansionist foreign policy. But, it was distinct from both these ideological systems in following
aspects:
l It did not revolve around a particular personality, like Hitler under Nazism or Mussolini under Fascism.
l It was not racial where others were discriminated on the basis of race, except during Second World War when
Japanese forces discriminated against war prisoners.
l It differed from the Fascism in Italy and Germany in its intellectual roots. Ie. Japanese Fascism was imposed
from above by the military rather than associated with a mass movement from below.
Howsoever similar or distinct these ideologies might have been, but the unprecedented aggression inflicted by these
dictatorial powers eventually led to destruction, not only for their own countrymen, but also for the whole world,
dragging it into another world war.
The Collective Security looked most impressive on paper, but right from the start, it was rather weak, and was fighting
a losing battle to maintain peace and security. This was because of the following reasons:
l Absence of major nations – for Collective Security to be effective, the League needed to include all the Great
Powers for a united action to deter any aggressor. However, it was deprived of three of the world’s most important
powers – USA, USSR and Germany.
l Self-interest of leading members – Interest of all States were not identical, hence, each State gave primacy to its
own self-interest rather that support the League’s cause of Collective Security. For eg. Britain was more interested
in rebuilding British trade and economy and avoiding a war, rather than in being an international police force.
l Failure of economic sanctions - The League lacked the muscle to enforce economic and other sanctions because:
- the member countries were unwilling to stop trading with an aggressor as it would harm their own trade
- without USA, sanctions would be ineffective
- Even when imposed, they were easily broken.
- Diplomatic sanctions were limited to statements of disapproval only
l Lack of power to enforce decisions – with no independent army at its disposal to enforce Collective Security and
military sanctions, the League relied entirely upon the cooperation of its members. However, powerful members
like Britain and France were unwilling to commit their troops due to prohibitive war cost and their weakened
economic position after the First World War
6. The First World War was believed to be ‘a war to end all wars’. However, the peace treaties failed to ensure
this. Comment. 12½
Approach:
l In Introduction, explain the term “a war to end all wars”
l Then comment on how the peace treaties, which were meant to prevent the outbreak of another war, eventually
became one of the prime reasons for the Second World War.
l Conclude suitably
Answer:
Europe, in the pre First World War years, was marked by the Great European Powers engaging in competitive militarism,
secret alliances, enmity, war mongering and hyper nationalism. This was further compounded by the various Balkan
crisis before the war. Thus, there was an increased demand for a major war to end the continuing recurrence of small
conflicts in the public space, that is,“a war to end all wars”.
However, the massive destruction caused by the First World War created an anti-war sentiment amongst the Europeans,
who wanted peace and security. This prompted prolonged negotiations and various treaties such as
l Treaty of Versailles,
l Treaty of St Germain (1919),
l Treaty of Trianon (1920) and
l Treaty of Sevres.
But, rather than end the war, the harsh terms of the treaties, particularly, Treaty of Versailles became the prime cause
for the start of World War II.
7. What do you understand by the ‘Appeasement Policy’ as followed by Britain and France post First World
War? Elucidate with examples. To what extent was it responsible for the Second World War? 12½
Approach:
l Define the Policy of Appeasement.
l Give some concrete instances where it was followed.
l Explain why it was considered as responsible for Second World War.
l Also present justification for why this policy cannot be solely held responsible for the Second World War.
l Conclude accordingly.
Answer:
The Appeasement Policy refers to the policy followed by Britain, and later France, of avoiding wars with aggressive
powers such as Germany, Italy and Japan by giving in to their demands, provided they were not unreasonable. From
1920 onwards, this policy was invoked many times as can be seen from the following instances:
l Anglo-German Naval Agreement: It allowed German naval rearmament up to 35% of British naval force. It
was in violation of “Treaty of Versailles”.
l Half-hearted or No action against illegal invasions: For example Italian invasion of Abyssinia, German occupation
of Rhineland, Japan’s invasion of Manchuria etc.
l Failure of League of Nation: League of Nation failed to check German rearmament, remilitarization of Rhineland,
and aggression.
l Munich Agreement: Was the last major act of appeasement where Germany’s unfair demand on annexation of
Sudetenland (Czechoslovakia) was accepted at Munich.
However, the Appeasement Policy cannot be made exclusively responsible for the Second World War:
l Last attempt to restore peace: Many experts held an opposite view that Appeasement was the last attempt to
avoid a possible war.
l Genuine Grievances: “Versailles treatment” was considered as unjust, thus, many thought that Germany and
Italy had genuine grievances.
l Fear of Communism: Communism was spreading rapidly and taking aggressive forms at some places, prompting
Britain and France to cooperate with Non-Communist countries.
l Ineffectiveness of League of Nation (LoN): LoN had restricted membership with major powers not being a part
of it eg. USA and Russia. Thus, disputes needed to be solved bilaterally through diplomacy and negotiation.
l Imminent nature of War: The extremist ideologies like Nazism, Fascism etc convinced many historians that the
war was imminent and putting blame on “Policy of Appeasement” is unjustified.
Thus, the outbreak of the Second World War was a culmination of multiple factors; discontent arising out of Versailles
Treaty, inaction of League of Nations, greed of fascist power, lack of foresight on the part of allies, weakness in checking
rise of aggressive powers, etc. “Policy of Appeasement” may have been considered as a reason of war, but looking at
this policy as last attempt to resolve disputes through negotiation also cannot be rejected.
8. ‘Socialism emerged as a reaction to Capitalism’. Explain. How Socialism adopted by Russia, post Russian
Revolution, was different from Marxian Communism? 12½
Approach:
l Introduce by highlighting the fundamental socio economic changes brought about Industrial Revolution and the
capitalist mode of production
l Explain how Socialism emerged out of this new social reality
l Differentiate between Marxian Communism and the actual Communism adopted by Russia.
Answer:
The Industrial Revolution was driven by a capitalistic model of the economy. This phenomenon of the 19th century
resulted in various socio-economic changes which laid the groundwork for the emergence of Socialism. These changes
were: division of society into a working class and capitalist class, rapid urbanization which led to cities with inhabitable
living conditions, low wages of the working classes leading to deprivation and poverty etc.
These dichotomies between the bourgeoisie (Capitalist) and the proletariat (Working class) were compounded
by a laissez faire model of economics,which called for a minimal intervention of the State. This led to the following:
l Ownership of the means of production, and reaping of its benefits solely by the bourgeoisie, exacerbated income
inequality between the two classes.
l It led to alienation of the workers from his/her work.
However, the Russian socialism had fundamental differences from the Marxian idea.
The effects of the Industrial revolution were far reaching. In the political sphere the rise of socialist ideas were the
most prominent. These ideas dominated a large portion of the world from the Russian Revolution up until the fall of
the Soviet Union. Today, even though Socialism has been relegated to the background, but it has forced Capitalism to
change and reinvent itself to incorporate socialist aims of worker welfare, social security, and reduction of inequality.
9. ‘The Indian Diaspora is contributing to India’s interest in significant ways, but at the same time it is facing
innumerable threats.’ Examine. 12½
Approach:
l Briefly mention about Indian Diaspora and their status and composition
l Write down the contribution of Indian Diaspora.
l Explain various challenges faced by them.
l Write the steps taken by the government, and further steps required for Diaspora's protection and welfare.
Answer:
As per the report of United Nations, in 2016, India had the largest Diaspora in the world, with over 20 million people
living outside the country as NRIs and PIOs. They reflect the rich social, ethnic, religious and cultural tapestry of the
land of its origin. Largest population resides in Gulf, US, UK, South East Asia and Nepal.
Challenges:
l Rising instability and terrorism: Shia-Sunni conflict and rise of ISIS is not only threatening the life of Indian
Diaspora but it also presenting challenges of sudden evacuation of people from turbulent regions. Eg, Iraq, Syria,
Yemen etc.
l Fierce competition with skilled workforce: The unskilled and semi-skilled people of India are losing jobs to a
better skilled workforce from other countries. For eg. Competition from Filipinos in the Gulf region.
l Exploitation from local employer: There have been numerous cases of harassment, exploitation, forced labour,
and unjustified imprisonment of Indians diaspora by local employers, with little support from local law enforcement
agencies. This is most prominent in the Kafala system in Gulf countries
l Racism and religious discrimination: In western countries, Indians still face racial discrimination whereas in
some other countries they face Religion based discrimination. For e.g. recent killing in US of Indian origin people.
l Creating Foreign policy Dilemma for Indian Government: Indian diaspora also influences the foreign policy
of India. Sometimes government needs to take harsh steps to safeguard the interests of its people living in other
countries. For example: India’s abstention at UNHRC vote on Sri Lanka in 2014 due to Tamil issue in Sri Lanka.
l Marital issues faced by Indian Nationals: Ministry of External Affairs is receiving several petitions, grievances,
and complaints pertaining to marital issues faced by Indians, especially women, married to overseas Indians.
l Protectionism: Due to the global slowdown and rise in unemployment worldwide various countries are restricting
immigration from other countries, including Indians. For e.g. hike in Visa fees by the USA, “Nitaqat” policy of
Saudi Arabia etc.
However, to improve the conditions of Indians abroad, government has taken various steps like setting up of Indian
Community Welfare Fund, Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Skill Banks to train workers emigrating abroad,
Pravasi Suraksha Yojna, Operation Raahat and Sankat Mochan for evacuation of people stuck in conflict zones etc.
For better engagement with diaspora steps like organising Bi Annual Pravasi Bhartiya Divas convention, Town hall
in various countries by PM, easing procedure to obtain OCI and PIO cards, Know India Programme, Tracing Roots
etc have been taken.
The reserves of goodwill amongst its Diaspora are deeply entrenched and waiting to be tapped if the right policy
framework and initiatives are taken by India. They should not be seen as the forgotten children of India, but as an
objective lobby which wishes to see the prosperity of India and of their respective countries.
11. What issues, in your view, plague SAARC’s progress as an effective regional grouping? Discuss the potential
of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) to emerge
as a successful alternative sub-regional grouping in the Indian sub-continent? 12½
Approach:
l Introduce by briefly writing about SAARC.
l Discuss the issues that are adversely affecting SAARC’s effectiveness as a regional grouping
l Comment on BIMSTEC’s potential to emerge as an alternative to SAARC. Write about its relevance, significance
and challenges
l Conclude by suggesting ways to resolve ongoing issues in SAARC.
Answer:
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an economic and geopolitical organisation of
8 countries, primarily located in South Asia. SAARC has the 3rd largest combined economy in the world, comprise
3% of the world’s area, 21% of the world’s total population, and 9% of the Global economy, as of 2015.
However, SAARC’s progress as an effective regional grouping has not been in consonance with the immense potential
that it holds. Some of the reasons are:
l Indo Pak disaccord: SAARC has become a hostage to Indo-Pak disputes, with Pakistan following an obstructionist
approach. For eg: Pakistan’s reluctance to curb cross border terrorism, pursue greater bilateral trade liberalization,
sign the South Asian Motor Vehicle Agreement, etc.
l Inadequate Regional Integration: As per the World Bank, SAARC is the least economically integrated region
in the world with only 5% intra-regional trade, as compared to nearly 60% between NAFTA members. SAARC
FTA is still deadlocked.
l Asymmetrical structure: India’s big size and clout have potential to make the other SAARC neighbours
apprehensive. Members of the group have often raised the issue of micromanagement and political interference
by India. India’s big brotherly image has been compounded by tensions with Nepal, water and border issues with
Bangladesh, surgical strikes by Indian forces in Mayanmar, etc.
Way Forward:
While India must continue to put greater diplomatic and political capital behind BIMSTEC, the relevance of SAARC,
in shaping cooperation and prosperity within South Asia, cannot be ignored. Thus, India must follow all approaches
to make SAARC relevant ie. Regional (Mekong Ganga Cooperation, BIMSTEC), sub regional (BBIN), Unilateral
(Gujral doctrine), Bilateral, Trans regional (RCEP) etc.
India must continue to develop policy approaches that take into account the political and economic complexities of
SAARC – ie. developmental priorities of the less developed countries, boosting physical and soft connectivity, faster
implementation of SAFTA, BBIN agreement, SAARC Motor vehicle agreement etc.
Way Forward
India’s limited immediate benefits of joining SCO will be more than compensated for by improved diplomatic access
to Central Asia.
l To raise its standing in the SCO in a more meaningful way, India should rope in one or more SCO countries,
preferably Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, in its effort to project Chabahar as India’s gateway to Eurasia.
l India’s should move towards an early conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union
which will be an added advantage to make SCO partnership more fruitful
l India should use the SCO for building better convergences with China and Russia and to minimise China-
Pakistan alignment, which actually undercuts India’s direct access to Eurasia
l Given the trilateral competition between the US, Russia and China in Central Asia, India will have to carefully
navigate its foreign policy path to suit its own national interests
l India must continue to increase its economic footprint in the region by contributing to fields like healthcare,
agriculture, space, information and technology etc.
l In the meantime, it should seek to benefit from maintaining a regional presence, tracking regional trends in security,
energy, trade, connectivity and cultural interests
Thus, India’s membership to SCO offers opportunities as well as challenges to it. Sustained engagement between India
and China-Pakistan, speedy implementation of connectivity projects like North-South corridors, energy cooperation
etc might help in emergence of SCO as catalyst for making this century as Asia’s Century.
14. The global fulcrum of power is fast shifting from Atlantic – Pacific to Indo-Pacific. Examine the reasons for
such a shift. What steps have been taken by India to deal with this newly emerging regional scenario? 12½
Approach:
l Briefly define the Indo Pacific region and its geographical extent
l Give reasons for the recent strategic shift in the global nerve centre from Atlantic – Pacific to Indo-Pacific
l List out steps taken by India to respond to this changing global dynamics
l Conclude, giving a way forward.
Answer:
The Indo Pacific region refers to maritime space stretching from the littorals of East Africa and West Asia, across
the Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean, to the littorals of East Asia.
Way Forward:
l Boosting internal connectivity: To gain the advantages of any external project India should expedite its internal
infrastructure projects like Dedicated Freight Corridor, DMIC, Bharatmala, Sagarmala etc.
l Engagement with neighbors: India should expedite projects like Kaladan project, Chabahar port, Project Mausam,
Trilateral Highway project etc. to increase trade, economic and cultural relations.
16. The Government’s decision to revive NATGRID (National Intelligence Grid) is a welcome move in the fight
against terrorism, but it calls for caution and nuanced planning. Critically examine. 12½
Approach:
l Briefly mention about NatGrid and it objectives
l Bring out its advantages as a significant intelligence reform
l Highlight various challenges in establishment/revival of NatGrid in India
l Suggest a way forward, emphasizing the caution and planning required in setting up of NatGrid.
Answer:
NatGrid is a framework which uses Information Technology to connect various Security and Law enforcement
agencies with data providers like airlines, banks, SEBI, railways, telecom etc., with a view to enhance the country’s
counter terrorism capability.
It is believed to be a significant intelligence reform, undertaken in the wake of the Mumbai attacks in 2008, as it can
help in:
l Providing a National level database with consolidation and analysis of sensitive information from different sources
l Overcoming the handicap of security agencies for the want of data due inefficient and insufficient policing wing
in the country.
l Increasing efficiency of security agencies as no time will be consumed in coordinating with police of different
states.
l Crackdown on terrorist locations, camps and sleeper cells;
l Tracking and Preventing any imminent terror attack;
l Checking online radicalization of youth;
l Cracking financing of terrorists by identifying sources of funding.
Way Forward:
Large-scale, unfettered government surveillance with weak safeguards can be dangerous. Thus, adequate caution and
nuanced planning is imperative
l Center-State coordination: Terrorism is not a subject matter of one state alone. Thus, to fight against terrorism
center- state and interstate coordination and cooperation is a must for better flow of information.
l Formulation of detailed SOPs: Detailed SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) should be formulated and their
violation should be punishable by law.
l Cyber security: Since, NatGrid is based on “Big Data Analytics” and a digitally operated system, thus, cyber
security assumes immense significance
l Leadership: A proper framework should be established to avoid any conflict among different security agencies
for leadership or hindrance to proper functioning of the system.
l Capacity Building: Adequate training of personnel, adequate human and financial resources should be provided
with so that NatGrid can give best of its performance.
l Accountability: The NatGrid should be made accountable to Parliament through annual report system.
l Checking political abuses: Politicization of the system should be checked at different levels as it will defeat the
core motive of the system.
Thus, adequate safeguards and deliberation among all stakeholders must precede the establishment of NatGrid to
effectively tackle the menace of terrorism in India. Further, a clear leadership, capacity building, center-state coordination
and political maturity are required for its effective functioning.
17. In view of the recent ATM security breach, evaluate India’s preparedness to become a complete digital
economy. What measures would you suggest to strengthen cyber security infrastructure in India? 12½
Approach:
l Briefly explain the meaning of digital economy, linking it with crucial role of the banking system in securing it
l Mention how the recent ATM security breach raises concerns over security of financial/digital transactions
l Evaluate India’s preparedness in becoming a digital economy, giving both pros and cons
l Suggest the measures to strengthen cyber security infrastructure in India.
l Conclude appropriately.
The exponential growth in digitization and internet connectivity has resulted in digital transformation of global economy.
Digital economy refers to the economic activity resulting from billions of everyday online connections among people,
businesses, devices, data, and processes.
Indian government, especially post demonetization, has also been encouraging cashless transactions in order to transform
India into a complete digital economy, with the banking system forming its strategic core.
However, the recent unprecedented ATM security breach,inflicting several public and private sector banks, has
exposed the vulnerability of the Indian banking system to the threat of cyber attacks and digital frauds.
l Cyber security policy, 2013 was formulated to articulate the government’s vision with respect to cyber security.
l Government has created the position of the National Cyber Security Coordinator in 2014.
l Formation of Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) as a nodal agency for responding to
computer security incidents.
l Mission mode implementation of JAM trinity ie. Jandhan, Aadhar, and Mobile.
l Government initiatives like Digital India, Bharatnet Programme, GSTN, digital wallets and payments (BHIM,
AEPS, etc.)
l Setting up of Ratan Wattal Committee on Digital Payment
l Bharat QR code has been developed by NPCI to ensure interoperability
l In Budget 2017-18, Payment regulator board has been setup under the RBI to regulate digital payments
l Pay.gov.in is being envisaged as an Amazon for government products.
1. Ratan Watal l Relaxation of KYC norms for point of sale devices to ensure incorporation by
Committee informal sector.
l Service tax exemptions on digital services to ensure viability of adoption of
digital payments.
l Separate regulator for Digital transactions
l Rs 1 lakh crore saved from subsidies leakages due to DBT must be placed in
a separate DIPYAN fund to promote digital transactions.
l Carrot and stick approach to promote use of digital transactions. This includes
lotteries and upper limits on Cash
2 Chandrababu Naidu l 0% Merchant discount rate (MDR) for government bodies
Committee l Subsidies on smart phones and biometric devices
l Development of UPI
19. What is a National Security Doctrine? In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in India, discuss the need
to evolve India’s National Security Doctrine and the challenges therein. 12½
Approach:
l Introduce by explaining the meaning of National Security Doctrine.
l Explain the need to evolve the National Security Doctrine in India.
l Discuss the challenges in its formulation.
l Conclude appropriately.
Answer:
National Security Doctrine (NSD) is a stated principle of government policy which specifies the country’s vision,
objectives and broad framework of the action to be taken to ensure the security of its people and territory against all
kinds of crises.
NSD encompasses the totality of a particular country’s military, diplomatic, economic and social policies that will
protect and promote country’s national security interests. It helps the government to identify and prioritize the
country’s geopolitical interests.
However, despite being affected by various terrorist attacks, India does not have any such ‘doctrine’ yet.
Most recently, the uncoordinated nature of the response to the Pathankot attacks has raised the debate of formulating
National Security Doctrine in India.
Challenges:
l Building consensus among all security agencies: As was seen during Pathankot attack, there is no established
hierarchy among security agencies. Hence it will be difficult to build the consensus among them.
l Political consensus: Similarly, it is difficult to build consensus among different political parties. For example,
there is no consensus on how to treat challenges from Pakistan and China.
l Changing geo-political realities: In recent years, it is seen that geo-political realities are changing at much
faster rate compare to past. With change in regime, political alliances and alignment of the countries also change.
Considering this, it is difficult to formulate NSD.
Despite these challenges,the immediate requirement for the government is to put together a National Security Doctrine
that should have political consensus, is publicly transparent and should reflect the complex challenges facing the
country. The doctrine must be accompanied by a national security strategy so that emerging and existing security
challenges can be aptly handled.
20. To tackle the problem of terror, it is important that the world must speak in one voice and act in unison against
terrorism. With reference to the given statement, discuss the importance of Comprehensive Convention on
International Terrorism. Highlight the challenges in its implementation. 12½
Approach:
l Introduce by writing about the importance of tackling the problem of terror at international level.
l Highlight the importance of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
l Discuss the challenges in its implementation.
l Conclude by suggesting the measures to implement the convention.
Answer:
Terrorism is becoming an endemic across the World, aided by new age technologies, especially in communication.
There is rise in the number of attacks by more than 25% every year. Its Global character is reflected in the terrorist
attacks in Paris, Brussels, UK, Australia, Bangladesh, and in India (Pathankot and Uri attack). Hence, in order to tackle
terrorism, it is imperative that world speaks in one voice and act collaboratively against it.
To deal with the unique challenges of terrorism, there is an urgent need to restructure the international legal framework.
Adoption of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) is an important step in this direction:
Importance of CCIT:
CCIT is a draft proposed by India, in 1996 that is yet to be adopted by the UN general assembly. Adoption of CCIT
will help in following ways:
l Facilitate arriving at a universally accepted definition of terrorism.
l Clarity of definition of terrorism will help in delinking terror and religion.
Way Forward
Hence, to accommodate concerns of the countries, following changes should be incorporated in the draft:
l Draft should clarify that “the activities of armed forces during an armed conflict” will not be governed by
the present convention.
l The word “peoples” should be inserted when speaking of rights, in order to “acknowledge the right of self-
determination”.
l Efforts should be made for creation of Informal groupings of like minded countries for issuing sanctions against
terror financing nations.
Adoption of CCIT is in the favour of the whole humanity and to save the world from the threat of terrorism. World
leaders should demonstrate their proactiveness in early adoption of CCIT and try to resolve the areas of concern with
constructive discussion and debates.