Model Answer for GS Test-7 - xamlibrary.files.wordpress.com€¦ · Bringing new biosimilars to patients, especially for diseases where the cost of existing treatments can be high,

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Model Answer for GS Test-7

1. What are biosimilars, and how are they different from generic medicines? Highlight the

advantages of development of Biosimilars to India. (10 marks)

Answer:

Biologics are medicines made from biological sources, like living cells, through highly complex

manufacturing processes. Biologics are used to prevent, treat, diagnose, or cure a variety of diseases

including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. A Biosimilar is a biologic that is

“similar” to another original biologic drug, and has no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety

and effectiveness from the reference product. These are developed after patent expiration of innovator

biopharmaceuticals and are submitted for separate marketing approval.

How are biosimilars different from generic medicines?

Complexity: Generic medicines refer to the identical generic versions of small-molecule drugs

that are low in complexity, and can be chemically synthesized. Conversely, biologics are larger

and hundreds of times more complex and identical versions cannot be chemically synthesized.

Cost and time: Development of biosimilars is a highly expensive, complex and time-consuming

exercise. A small molecule generic can cost between $10 million and $30 million while a

biosimilar molecule can cost anywhere from $150 million to $300 million.

Trials and approvals: On average, clinical trials and regulatory testing are far more stringent

whereas human trials are not required for small molecule generics.

Advantages:

Cheaper drugs for users: Currently, there is a shift towards diseases such as cardiac

diseases, diabetes and cancer in India that have treatment options with complex biotech drugs.

Bringing new biosimilars to patients, especially for diseases where the cost of existing

treatments can be high, is an important way to help spur competition that can lower healthcare

costs and increase access to important therapies. More than 20 biosimilar drugs have already

been approved by the Indian regulator since 2011.

Opportunity for pharma firms: The top eight biologics in the world lose their patent protection

between 2015 and 2020, which opens up market of hundreds of billions of dollars for Biosimilars

that Indian biopharmaceutical firms can tap into. Indian companies achieved great success in

generics by partnering with larger MNCs. The same can be done in Biosimilars segment. In

fact, Biocon-Mylan has already won approvals for 2 biosimilars in the US.

Way forward:

The uncertainty in clinical trials approvals and regulatory regimes acts roadblock to biosimilars in

India. New clinical trials rules being drafted by India’s Central Drug Standard Control Organization

(CDSCO), when notified, will encourage research in India in Biosimilars. The National Biotech

Regulatory Authority Bill has been pending for a long time, and should be passed soon, to significantly

streamline the approval process, including for Biosimilars.

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2. The emergence of FinTech is disrupting traditional financial services, making them much

more seamless and accessible. What are the factors supporting FinTech growth in India?

How will it help in the development of the country? (10 marks)

Answer:

FinTech, an amalgamation of finance and technology, refers to the cutting edge technology being

leveraged by a new generation of companies to offer financial services, including mobile payments,

money transfers, loans etc., that are significantly more efficient and effective than those provided by

traditional financial institutions. Significant examples in India include UPI for seamless transfers, e-

wallets like Paytm etc.

A range of factors have contributed towards the success of Fintech ecosystem in India:

1. There is tremendous growth in India’s population going digital as the number of internet users in

India are growing at very fast pace.

2. The government is consistently making efforts to promote digital services in India through

programmes like ‘Digital India’. The schemes like ‘Jan Dhan Yojana’ are being capitalised by

FinTech start-ups to offer simplified transaction services.

3. Incentives like tax rebates for traders on electronic payments are providing impetus to cashless

transactions and Fintech services like digital wallet and payment banks are booming in India.

4. The Aadhar system contains information of over 1 billion Indian citizens which is minimising the

effort required for first-level verification of customers for Fintech service providers.

Significance:

UPI revolutionized payments: The introduction of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has

catapulted the country’s payments infrastructure into one of the most advanced, innovative, and

financially inclusive platforms in the world. The JAM (Jan Dhan-Aadhar-Mobile) technology

trinity enabled by real-time payments through the UPI, has made mobile banking simple and

accessible to everyone.

Financial services for users: FinTech is providing alternative solutions to customers and

redefining standards and expectations within the financial services industry. The wide range of

options available like e-wallets, remittances, insurance etc. have benefitted the end customers

with basket of products available to choose from.

Boost for MSMEs: MSME ecosystem is the backbone of our economy. Fintech companies are

using technology to create better financial products, improve customer experience and increase

the speed of loan approvals for MSMEs.

Formalization: FinTech helps in increased cashless transactions and encourages formalization,

and helps strengthen the economy of the country.

Significant growth in capital investments, government policies and an entrepreneurial mindset make

Fintech an emerging industry. This interest is likely to witness a spike with continued participation from

banks and regulatory bodies. In this regard, the Government's decision to constitute a Steering

Committee on Fintech related issues to consider various issues relating to development of Fintech


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space in India is welcome. It is expected to help make Fintech related regulations more flexible and

generate enhanced entrepreneurship in this area where India has distinctive comparative strengths vis-

à-vis other emerging economies.


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3. What do you understand by cryogenic engine? Give an account of the development of

indigenous cryogenic engine in India. How will the use of this technology help India?

Discuss. (10 marks)

Answer:

A Cryogenic engine is more efficient and provides more thrust for every kilogram of propellant it burns,

compared to solid and earth-storable liquid propellant rocket stages. Thus the rockets with Cryogenic

stage (usually the upper or last stage) have a substantial payload advantage (to carry very heavy

satellites or take up manned missions) as they can carry more weight with lesser fuel. However,

cryogenic stage is technically a very complex system as the cryogenic propellants (liquid Hydrogen and

liquid Oxygen) need to be stored at extremely low temperatures and thus causes associated thermal

and structural problems.

Account of development:

By 1980s, ISRO wanted to launch heavier communication satellites and for this they needed

bigger and more efficient rockets, for which Cryogenic engine was seen as the best solution.

India has been working towards development of cryogenic engine since 1984.

In 1986, India launched a programme to develop a one-tonne cryogenic engine to learn how to

handle cryogenic fuels.

The West and Russia denied technology access to India (citing a violation of the international

Missile Technology Control Regime) related to cryogenic engine (as it could be used in missiles

also). Thus, in 1993, India’s space commission approved a project to develop an indigenous

cryogenic engine, the C12.

In 2008, the flight model of indigenous cryogenic engine was first tested.

In 2009, the indigenous cryogenic engine was declared fully qualified for planned GSLV-D3

rocket launch, but the launch failed in 2010 causing a major setback.

In 2014, GSLV D-5, with indigenous cryogenic upper stage, successfully put GSAT 14

communication satellite in orbit.

ISRO is developing a High Thrust Cryogenic Engine (CE20) to be used for the upper stage of its

heavy lift launch vehicle GSLV Mk-III. The first developmental flight (GSLV MkIII-D1) of India's

heavy lift launch vehicle GSLV Mk-III was successfully conducted with CE20 upper stage.

The indigenous cryogenic engine holds following benefits for India:

1. Cryogenic engine is a critical requirement for the success of India’s GSLV programme as it

seeks to place about 2500-3000 kg communication geo-synchronous satellites in 36,000 km

high geo-stationary orbit.

2. ISRO is planning to launch manned space flight in the near future. The cryogenic engine is the

key for this mission owing to their lighter weights.

3. India is known for its efficiency and lower costs in space technology. The cryogenic engine will

further enhance India’s image as a low cost launcher.

4. Cryogenic engine uses Liquid Hydrogen as fuel and Liquid O2 as oxidizer. It gives very high

amounts of energy per unit mass due to which the amount of fuel to be carried aboard the

rockets decreases. Thus, it will improve efficiency of India’s space operations.


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The Indian space programme is geared for the utilisation of space technology for the socioeconomic

development of the country. The indigenously developed cryogenic engine will take us further towards

this objective.


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4. The Indian Government constituted a High Level 5G India 2020 Forum to finalize

roadmaps & action plans for 5G deployment in India by 2020. What is 5G technology?

Listing out the potential benefits of the technology, explain why is it being seen as the

foundation for a smarter and more connected world. (10 marks)

Answer:

Fifth-generation wireless, or 5G, is the latest iteration of cellular technology, engineered to greatly

increase the speed and responsiveness of wireless networks leading to a more smarter and connected

world. 5G is expected to offer connections that are many times faster than current connections, with

average download speeds of more than 100 Mbps to up to 1Gbps expected to soon be the norm. 5G

has been conceived as a foundation for expanding the potential of the Networked Society.

5G in India:

For India, 5G provides an opportunity for industry to reach out to global markets, and consumers to

gain with the economies of scale. Recognizing the benefits, the Indian government has constituted High

Level 5G India 2020 Forum to come up with the vision, mission and goals, as well as to evaluate and

approve roadmaps & action plans for 5G India 2020.

Potential benefits of the technology:

Enhanced mobile broadband: Faster speed, lower latency, and greater capacity could enable

on-the-go, ultra-high-definition video, virtual reality, and other advanced applications.

Internet of Things: The advent of 5G will unlock the potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) by

enabling more connections at once (up to one million per square kilometer)

Expansion of advanced technologies: including self-driving cars, streaming virtual reality

services and smart cities.

Economy: The potential gains from the deployment process for such technology are also

significant since telecom operators are expected to invest heavily in infrastructure, which could

create millions of jobs and boost GDP growth.

Foundation for a smarter and connected world:

A digital transformation brought about through the power of connectivity is taking place in almost every

industry. The landscape is expanding to include massive scale of “smart things” to be interconnected.

Therefore, the manner in which future networks will cope with massively varied demands and a

business landscape will be significantly different from today. By bringing enormous boosts in speed and

reliability to mobile devices, and bridging the gap between wireline and wireless broadband speeds, 5G

will enable a new wave of technologies and applications and allow for a smarter and more connected

world.

Way forward:

China had the best combination of wireless carriers committing to the technology, government backing

for research, a clear rollout plan by 2020 and government commitment of spectrum, or the radio

airwaves critical to deliver wireless service. India would go well to follow China's example so as to keep

pace with it in deploying the technology and benefiting from it.


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5. United Nations peacekeeping has evolved into one of the main tools used by the

international community to manage complex crises that pose a threat to international

peace and security. Discuss. Also highlight India's role in the UN peacekeeping

operations. (10 marks)

Answer:

The UN Charter gives the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) primary responsibility for the

maintenance of international peace and security. In fulfilling this responsibility, UNSC may adopt a

range of measures, including the establishment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation. The

essence of peacekeeping is the use of soldiers as a catalyst for peace rather than as the instruments of

war.

United Nations peacekeeping operations:

Peacekeeping is a technique designed to preserve the peace, however fragile, where fighting has been

halted, and to assist in implementing agreements achieved by the peacemakers. Over the past sixty

years, United Nations peacekeeping has evolved into one of the main tools used by the international

community to manage complex crises that pose a threat to international peace and security. In a

recognition of the efforts, UN peacekeeping was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 1988.

Increasing complexity:

Since the beginning of the new millennium, the number of military, police and civilian personnel

deployed in United Nations peacekeeping operations around the world has reached

unprecedented levels. There are currently 14 UN peacekeeping operations deployed on four

continents, with over 1 lakh personnel being deployed.

Beyond simply monitoring cease-fires, today’s multi-dimensional peacekeeping operations are

called upon to

o Facilitate the political process

o Protect civilians

o Assist in the disarmament

o Demobilization and reintegration of combatants

o Support the organization of elections

o Protect and promote human rights, and

o Assist in restoring the rule of law

Peacekeeping has proven to be one of the most effective tools available to the UN to assist host

countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace.

Role of India:

India believes in the philosophy of 'vasudev kutumbakam', which means the whole world is one. And

because of this belief, India has been an active participant in the UN’s key initiatives, including the

peacekeeping operations. India's contribution can be seen from the following:

India has contributed more than 180,000 troops for 50 UN peacekeeping missions. The country

is among the three largest troop contributors, with more than 7000 personnel deployed in 10 of

16 active UN peacekeeping missions.


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India has lost the highest number of peacekeepers in UN peacekeeping's 70 year history. Of the

3,737 peacekeepers who have died since 1948, 163 have been from India, which is the highest

total from any troop contributing country.

The 125-strong women peacekeepers of the Indian Formed Police Unit deployed with the UN

mission in Liberia, is the first ever such contingent.

India also supports countries that send soldiers for United Nations peacekeeping operations by

conducting peacekeeping courses for forces from various countries.

Conclusion:

There is a need for reforms in the manner in which UN peacekeeping missions are established and

operated, including clearer mandates for the forces, more leadership roles for big contributors like India,

timely reimbursements as well as a review of the death and disability compensation package.


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6. India has come to acknowledge that Space may not remain a purely civilian domain & its

weaponization is an emerging threat. In this backdrop discuss the need for a space

security policy. What measures are needed to have a robust and secure space

environment? (10 marks)

Answer:

The immense utility of space technology for civilian and military purposes, and an emerging trend

towards Space militarisation has led to a change in India’s space policy orientation. This calls for a

holistic space security policy. Other nations are taking measures in this regard, including US President

Donald Trump recently ordering to create a Space Force.

Need for a Space Security policy

Threat from China: In January 2007, China conducted its first anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test

and has time and again shown signs of militarization of space.

Outer space is contested and congested and resiliency has to be developed given the criticality

of space assets in governance and commerce.

Space debris or intentionally created space mines or pre-programmed micro satellites could

have an adverse impact on space operations.

Even though India supports complete space demilitarisation, it should be prepared for any attack on its

vital space operation.

Measures for robust space environment:

Institutional structure: India has set up an “Integrated Space Cell” within its Ministry of Defence,

and has been discussing other administrative reforms. A designated “National Authority for

Space Security” can be established for faster coordination.

Space Command: A tri-command under Navy, Army and Air force can be created on lines of

Andaman & Nicobar tri-command.

Global Cooperation: To enhance space security awareness and establish new international

norms against demilitarisation. Recently, India and France have signed agreements on space

security.

Legal Architecture: Presently, India does not have a law or policy guideline to cater to

international treaties on space. Guidelines will also help to respond to any hostile activity in

outer space.

Preventive measures:Preventive measures like satellite hardening and anti-jamming techniques

can be developed. Private players can also be involved in this process.

Counter space capabilities: Anti-satellite weapons or jammers can be developed but with a

voluntary commitment of “no first use”.

Conclusion


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India has always followed international space norms and supported complete demilitarisation of space.

But recent signs of gradual militarisation have compelled India to review its space policy. India should

therefore work on its preventive and counter space capabilities to ensure its national sovereignty and

integrity.


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7. The development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming a national

security concern in recent years. In light of this statement, discuss the merits and

demerits of the use of AI for military purposes. (10 marks)

Answer:

Artificial Intelligence has found its application for military purpose in both combat and non-combat roles.

Countries are investing heavily in AI to gain an edge in their military prowess. Recently, Pentagon has

reportedly dedicated US $18 billion for its Future Years Defence Program, a substantial portion of

which has been allocated for robotics, autonomous systems and human-machine collaboration.

Similarly, India also conducted a seminar to discuss possibilities of AI for military uses.

Various uses of AI for military purpose

Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS): They are AI assisted weapon systems that once

activated, can select and engage targets without further human intervention.

Unmanned Surveillance and intelligence gathering: AI enabled drones can help in border and

maritime patrolling, collect data in difficult terrains and harsh weather conditions and identify

suspects.

Simulated War game and training: Conduct pilot tests, train the staff in simulated environment.

Cyber defence and offense: Gathering Intelligence, identifying malware, deliberate intrusion of

malwares (e.g. Stuxnet to slow down Iran’s nuclear program), autonomous Cyber offense

against critical infrastructure can all be achieved.

Advantages:

Prevent loss of life: Saving own soldiers from the lethality of war would yield rich dividends to

any military force, especially in conventional conflicts.

Faced with the prospect of a two and a half front war, the development of Lethal Autonomous

Weapon Systems (LAWS) by India assumes strategic significance.

Strengthen defence capabilities:Use of AI will enable to pre-empt threats & identify suspects.

This will enhance robustness of security mechanisms.

Concerns

The uses of Artificial Intelligence in weapons leading to ‘autonomous weapons’ raises a number

of difficult questions in international law. For example, whether a machine that has been given

the ability to make life and death decisions on the battlefield can adequately account for

subjective principles of war such as proportionality and precaution.

Similarly, AI machines might not be able to reliably distinguish between combatants and

civilians.

It may lead to an arms raceas seen during the cold war when new missile technologies were

invented.

Conclusion


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Acknowledging the dual nature of technologies involvedstates must ensure accountability for lethal

action by any weapon system used by them in armed conflict. There is a need to keep potential military

applications using these technologies under review under the aegis of the United Nations.


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8. In a move to curb illegal sand mining and for better regulation of the industry, the

Ministry of Mines recently came up with the ‘Sand Mining Framework’. Discuss the

environmental impacts of unregulated sand mining. (10 marks)

Sand mining is the process of removal of sand and gravel. This practice is now becoming a major

cause of concern with the increasing illegal sand mining and consequent environmental impact. The

need to regulate has gained centre stage with increasing population, economic growth and real estate

industry. This has resulted in unscientific and indiscriminate sand mining against the prescribed rules.

Issues associated with sand mining –

1. Environmental impact

2. Economic impact –

a. Requirement of sand for construction activities.

b. Used for manufacturing of bricks, glasses etc.

c. No availability of sand – which results in sand import of sand

3. Complete state control, opaque allocation, high prices.

To deal with this situation, the Government of India came with the Sand Mining Framework. Its

objective is to help state arrive at best possible framework to deal with sand mining holistically.

Areas it addresses –

1. Strengthening state regulation since sand is a minor mineral under the control of the states.

2. Demand-supply assessment

3. Measures to ensure sand availability

4. Transport and monitoring mechanism

5. Faster clearance and approval

Environmental consequences of sand mining

Sand is mined from beaches and inland dunes and dredged from ocean beds and river beds. A related

process is the mining of mineral sands, such as mineral deposits like diamond, gold and silver. These

minerals typically occur combined with ordinary sand. The sand is dug up, the valuable minerals are

separated in water by using their different density, and the remaining ordinary sand is re-deposited.

Excessive in-stream sand-and-gravel mining causes the degradation of rivers. In-stream mining lowers

the stream bottom, which may lead to bank erosion. Depletion of sand in the streambed and along

coastal areas causes the deepening of rivers and estuaries, and the enlargement of river mouths and

coastal inlets. It may also lead to saline-water intrusion from the nearby sea. The effect of mining is

compounded by the effect of sea level rise. Any volume of sand exported from streambeds and coastal

areas is a loss to the system. It is also a threat to bridges, river banks and nearby structures. Sand

mining also affects the adjoining groundwater system and the uses that local people make of the river.

In-stream sand mining results in the destruction of aquatic and riparian habitat through large changes in

the channel morphology. Impacts include bed degradation, bed coarsening, lowered water tables near

the streambed, and channel instability. These physical impacts cause degradation of riparian and

aquatic biota and may lead to the undermining of bridges and other structures. Continued extraction

may also cause the entire streambed to degrade to the depth of excavation. Sand mining generates

extra vehicle traffic, which negatively impairs the environment. Where access roads cross riparian


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areas, the local environment may be impacted. In-stream mining can have other costly effects such as

many hectares of fertile streamside land are lost annually, as well as valuable timber resources and

wildlife habitats in the riparian areas. Degraded stream habitats result in loss of fisheries productivity,

biodiversity, and recreational potential. Severely degraded channels may lower land and aesthetic

values.

Further all species require specific habitat conditions to ensure long-term survival. Native species in

streams are uniquely adapted to the habitat conditions that existed before humans began large-scale

alterations. These have caused major habitat disruptions that favored some species over others and

caused overall declines in biological diversity and productivity. In most streams and rivers, habitat

quality is strongly linked to the stability of channel bed and banks. Unstable stream channels are

inhospitable to most aquatic species. Example: Mining of sand banks is destructive for ghariyal

population as sand banks are essential for nesting and basking.

The complete removal of vegetation and destruction of the soil profile destroys habitat both above and

below the ground as well as within the aquatic ecosystem, resulting in the reduction in faunal

populations

Way Forward –

Alternatives like fly-ash for construction purposes

Manufactured sand – advantages like its cheap and consistent in quality

Periodic assessment on how much sand to be sustainably mined

Use of technology to curb illegal mining (eg Odisha and Telangana using Drones)

Forming a state level monitoring committee

Community participation

Conclusion –

Sand mining framework is a tool to assist states to arrive at the best possible statute, without

compromising the livelihood of fishermen and coastal community. Achieving economic growth and

sustainable development requires that we urgently reduce our ecological footprint.

(Additional Info – Pravin Gedam model in Solapur district, Maharashtra)


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9. Management of solid waste is one of the biggest challenges facing our fast growing

cities, and if not collected, treated and disposed of safely, it can cause serious

environmental and health hazards. Discuss. (10 marks)

Solid waste management for cities is complete cycle of generation, segregation, disposal,

transportation and treatment, processing of waste, recycling and then uses for specific energy or

fertilizer etc. In this defined process if chain is broken any where or bypassed the solid waste

management cannot be successful. SWM is one of the biggest challenges faced by our fast growing

cities as reported by the MoEFCC around 377mn people living in urban India generating 62mt/year

municipal solid waste. Of that, only 42mt is collected, 11.9mt of that is treated and 31mt is dumped in

landfill sites.

Why this is a challenge

No monitoring/regulation done by municipalities/pollution board in case of waste like e-waste,

medical waste etc

Treatment is not scientific in most of the cases

Segregation at collection point is not done

Lack of technical expertise and appropriate institutional arrangement

Lack of civic sense among citizens

Cities lack waste-to-energy plants, incinerators etc (infrastructure)

Environmental Hazard –

Methane release accentuating greenhouse effect

Heavy metals like lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, chromium, CFC etc can cause soil, water

pollution, air pollution in the form of fumes due to burning.

Reduction in overall biological productivity

Pollution of land air and water

Garbage mounds leading to disastrous situations

o Ghazipur garbage mound

o Fire in Okhla, Delhi

o Devnar landfill in Mumbai

Health Hazard –

WHO Report says that 22 diseases including cancer, asthma, emphysema (lung disease) are

caused due to poor solid waste management (non communicable disease burden in urban

India)

Foul odor, mental distress

It spreads diseases, breeds vermins and disease vectors

Bioaccumulation- accumulation of substances, such as pesticides, or other chemicals in an

organism.

Some measures to address this situation are–

Empowering local bodies to levy fines. Increase accountability of municipal corporations


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Awareness about economic, environmental, health impact. Educate and mobilize people for

treatment of waste within their own house hold.

Use technologies like Composting, vermin composting

Extended Producers Responsibility (SWM Rules)

Kasturirangan as well as Isher Judge Ahluwalia Reports – highlights the need for an integrated

approach

o Reduction and segregation at source

o Motivate RWAs/NGOs to take up community awareness and door to door collection

o Set up common regional sanitary landfill facility to reduce land requirement

Integrate the ideas of Smart City, AMRUT, Swach Bharat Abhiyan

Reduce Recycle Reuse policy should be promoted

Conclusion

Solid waste management has become a major cause of concern and to manage this issue NITI Aayog

in its 3 years draft action agenda suggested setting up an authority which will take up installation of

“waste to energy” plant in PPP model to clean up municipal solid waste, which it said has become a

serious threat to public health.

Also the management of solid waste is essential to fulfill the SDG, i.e SDG 12 and 14. Life on land and

life below water both SDGs which are threatened by non-scientific waste management. Therefore,

participatory waste management with strict regulatory oversight and enforcement can help us realize

the mission of Clean India.


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10. The National Disaster Management Policy encourages the use of technology in disaster

mitigation and preparedness as well as disaster relief. Explain how modern technology

can be harnessed for effective disaster management in the country. (10 marks)

NDMA vision is to build a safer and disaster resilient India by a holistic, pro-active, technology driven

and sustainable development strategy that involves all stakeholders and fosters a culture of prevention,

preparedness and mitigation.

Effective disaster management needs data collection, data management, translation integration and communication. IT pays crucial role in this respect. The advanced techniques of information technology such as remote sensing, satellite communication, GIS, etc. can help in planning and implementation of disaster management.

GIS and remote sensing

The specific GIS application in the field of Risk Assessment are:- Hazard Mapping to show earthquake, landslides, floods or fire hazards, Threat Maps, Disaster Management and Records Management.

Example Tropical Cyclone Threat Maps are used by meteorological departments to improve the quality of the tropical storm warning services and quickly communicate the risk to the people likely to get affected by the cyclone.

GIS can also be used in carrying out search and rescue operations in a more effective manner by identifying areas that are disasters prone and zoning them accordingly to risk magnitudes.

One such recent initiative is Google crisis map. The online maps include the latest satellite imagery and available information like storm paths, flood zones, evacuation routes, shelter locations, and power outages.

Internet

It provides a new and potentially revolutionary option for the rapid, automatic, and global dissemination of disaster information.

In post disaster management, social networks can play a key role in helping the individuals in locating their families which will also reduce the instances of women and child trafficking in the affected areas.

Warning and forecasting system

IMD provides cyclone warnings from the Area Cyclone Warning Centers (ACWCs).

IMD also has made operational a satellite based communication system called Cyclone Warning Dissemination System for direct dissemination of cyclone warnings to the cyclone prone coastal areas.

Long-term drought proofing programmes have been greatly helped by the use of satellite data obtained by National Remote Sensing Agency(NRSA)

High power Cyclone Detection Radars (CDRs) that are installed along the coastal belt of India have proved to be a very useful tool to the cyclone warning work.

National Disaster Information System (NDIS) is a multilingual disaster alert system that will transmit Tsunami and cyclone warning through mobile phones in the form of SMS.


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Satellite radio can play a key role during both the disaster warning and disaster recovery phases. Its key advantage is the ability to work even outside of areas not covered by normal radio channels or when the transmission towers of the normal radio channels are damaged in a disaster.

Recently, Central Water Commission (CWC) has entered into a Collaboration Agreement with Google for flood forecasting. This initiative is likely to help crisis management agencies to deal extreme hydrological events in a better manner.

However, despite recent advances in using ICT for disaster response and humanitarian assistance, many desirable solutions do not yet exist. Global disaster management and humanitarian assistance requires a multifaceted approach that leverages the skills, resources and commitments of corporations, government agencies, intergovernmental organizations, nongovernmental organizations and individuals.


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11. What are neutrinos and why has the field of neutrino physics attracted much world-wide

attention in the recent years? What benefits will accrue to our country from the India-

based Neutrino Observatory (INO)? (15 marks)

Answer:

A neutrino is a subatomic particle just as tiny as an electron, but more than a million times lighter than

an electron, and has no electrical charge. Neutrinos change from one type to another as they travel

(called as neutrino oscillation). For a long time, according to the standard model of particle physics,

neutrinos were assumed to be massless. But scientists Takaaki Kajita and Arthur B. McDonald

discovered that neutrinos have mass, for which they were jointly awarded the 2015 Nobel Prize in

Physics.

Significance of studying neutrinos:

Studying the universe: Because neutrinos interact so weakly with matter, they can travel

immense distances while remaining unaffected by magnetic fields in space. This means they

can help understand places of their origin. Questions about evolution of the universe, energy

production mechanism in the Sun and why the universe is made up of matter (not antimatter)

etc. can be answered.

Understanding of Physics: Understanding the fact that neutrinos have mass has implications on

the current understanding in sciences like Nuclear Physics, Particle Physics, Astro Physics and

Cosmology. A neutrino with mass indicates that standard model of particle physics cannot be

complete, and there is new physics remaining to be discovered.

Despite the difficulties in detecting them, scientists have devised methods to detect these particles and

to study them. The Super-Kamiokande neutrino observatory in Japan, IceCube Neutrino Observatory in

the South Pole are some of the existing neutrino laboratories. A few years ago, an initiative began to

take shape leading to the idea of the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO), a modern world class

laboratory in India for studying neutrinos.

About INO (Indian Neutrino Observatory)

The objective of INO is to conduct basic research on the neutrino. INO project is jointly

supported by Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Department of Science & Technology

(DST) with DAE acting as the nodal agency.

In the first phase INO will construct a detector to detect neutrinos that are naturally produced in

the atmosphere.

The INO's neutrino detector called the Iron Calorimeter (ICAL) is being built in a 1,300-m deep

cavern at the base of a monolithic hill in the Bodi West Hills in Tamil Nadu.

Benefits for India:

The INO project will benefit the entire country by enhancing its scientific manpower.

INO requires and employs state-of-the-art technologies in its design and development. This

would produce a generation that would be building up a technologically stronger nation.


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The detectors used in INO also find use in fields such as Medical Imaging.

INO is expected to galvanise interest in basic science research in the whole country. Science

students across the country will have opportunity to pursue cutting edge research in the field of

particle physics while being located in India.

A number of universities and research institutes in India are already part of the INO

Collaboration to prepare manpower needed to run the INO.

Discovery of the fact that neutrinos have mass has reinvigorated the field of particle physics and gave

new tools to study of the universe. India's INO will mean that India will also be well positioned to take

part in this deeply purposeful subject.


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12. What is "evergreening" in the context of product patents? How far has the Indian patent

regime been successful in thwarting this practice? (15 marks)

Answer:

A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention, which is a product or a process that provides a

new way of doing something, or offers a new technical solution to a problem.

In the case of product patent, it gives an exclusive right given to the original inventor of a product for

fixed years (usually 20 years), to exclude other persons from manufacturing, using or selling the

product.

Evergreening:

When brand-name companies patent “new inventions” that are really just slight modifications of old

products, it’s called evergreening. It is mostly used in the context of pharmaceuticals, as the practice is

rampant in the industry. This is because once the patent protection expires after 20 years, generic

versions of the drugs enter the fray with cheaper versions and compete in this lucrative marketplace to

drive prices down. Innovators instead seek to reset the 20-year clock by subsequently filing patents that

are minor variants of the parent compound, called secondary patents. This practice is known as

evergreening, and seeks to extend monopolistic production of the drug.

Indias patent regime

In India, patents are granted for a maximum term of 20 years (provided it is maintained by

paying yearly fees). After the expiry the patent, the invention is free for use, manufacture, sell or

import. In India, The Patents Act, 1970, later updated with 2005 amendment, is the legislation

covering patents.

India's patent law has provisions to guard against unethical practices such as evergreening.

Section 3(d) of the Patent Act, 1970, which was introduced in 2005, does not allow

mere discovery of a new form of a known substance (without enhanced efficacy)

mere discovery of any new property for a known substance

mere discovery of new use for a known substance

discovery of mere use of a known process, machine or apparatus

As per Section 2(1)(ja) of the Patents Act, the product in question must feature a technical

advance over what came before that’s not obvious to a skilled person.

Section 3e and 3(i) also prevent evergreening.

Impact of Indian patent regime on evergreening:

Success:

The Indian patent law, especially through the application of section 3(d), makes evergreening of

patents difficult in India (in contrast to many other developed countries). The most famous case

was that of the rejection of patent of the 'evergreened' drug by the name Glivec used in

leukemia treatment.

Secondary patents for several blockbuster medicines have been rejected by the Indian Patent

Office, dramatically lowering prices and expanding access to medicines for important health

problems such as cancer, AIDS, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. More than 1700 such

patent were rejected in the last decade.


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India as the pharma of developing world: Preventing evergreening allows generic drug

manufacturing in India to prosper.

Failures:

High error rate: A study led by an IPR chair professor at IIT Madras found that evergreening

practices may be rampant in India despite the law and the watch. Based on patents for drugs

granted between 2009 and 2016, the study found that almost 72% of those who got secondary

patents could have been avoided.

Loopholes in the law: While Section 3(d) sets the bar high for secondary patents with the

mandated requirement for clinical evidence, others such as Section 3(e) set less well-defined

thresholds. Demonstrating requirements under Section 3(e) is relatively easier and companies

take this route to avoid section 3 (d).

In order for blockbuster medicines to be accessible, there can be no surer way than to enact strong

standards that reject bad patents, which is done through section 3 (d). Hence, it is important for to plug

any loopholes in the laws or the award of patents to maintain the integrity of Indian patent regime.


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13. India has recently unveiled two High Performance Computing (HPC) Systems, Pratyush

and Mihir. What is High Performance Computing (HPC) and what are its applications?

Describe the salient features of Indian Government’s National Supercomputing Mission.

(15 marks)

Answer:

High Performance Computing (HPC) is the practice of aggregating computing power in a way that

delivers much higher performance than one could get out of a single desktop. It evolved to meet

increasing demands for processing speed. Machines capable of HPC are also called as

Supercomputers. High-performance computing is typically used for solving advanced problems and

performing research activities through computer modeling, simulation and analysis. Supercomputers

are important, as scientific breakthroughs will increasingly be powered by advanced computing

capabilities that help researchers manipulate and explore massive datasets.

India dedicated India’s fastest and first multi-petaflops supercomputer (4.0 peta flops), Pratyush, to the

nation in January, 2018 at Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune. Another HPC System

(2.8 peta flops) named ‘Mihir’ was set up at the National Centre for Medium Range Weather

Forecasting (NCMRWF) at Noida. They would help improve the quality of forecasts of monsoon,

extreme events, cyclones and earthquakes as well as air quality, lightning, fishing, hot and cold waves

and flood and drought.

Application areas of supercomputing:

Understanding Nature

o Climate Modelling (impact of climate change)

o Weather Predictions (cyclone warnings etc.)

o Seismic Analysis

o Disaster Simulations and Management

Fundamental Science Research

o Atomic Energy Simulations

o Molecular Dynamics

o Discoveries beyond Earth (Astrophysics)

o Computational Chemistry

o Computational Material Science and Nanomaterials

Solving 21 st century Problems

o Computational Biology (growing food which can withstand drought)

o Discovery and extraction of new energy sources including oil, natural gas

Improve technology

o Large Complex Systems Simulations and Cyber Physical Systems

o Aerospace Engineering

o Vehicle Design

o Infrastructure

Improve inferences from data

o Deep learning and Artificial Intelligence

o Big Data Analytics


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o Finance

o Information repositories/ Government Information Systems

o National Security/ Defence Applications

National Supercomputing Mission (NSM):

India launched the National Supercomputing Mission in 2015 to make India a world leader in

HPC. NSM has the objective to achieve a self-reliant supercomputing platform in the country and to

develop and expand the scope of using HPC systems to solve complex problems of national

importance in different fields of science and technology. It is implemented by Department of Science

and Technology and Department of Electronics and Information Technology in three phases over

7 years with an outlay of Rs 45,000:

Phase One: Some supercomputers will be imported (First one installed under NSM is in IIT

Kharagpur), and some will be manufactured abroad but assembled in India

Phase Two: Subparts like high-speed Internet switches, compute nodes and network systems

will be manufactured in India

Phase Three: Entire system will be built in India

The Mission will develop

National Supercomputing grid over the National Knowledge Network (NKN) which is another

government programme which connects academic institutions and R&D labs over a high speed

network.

HPC aware Human resources

Way forward:

Going forward, to build evermore faster HPCs, India needs to look beyond mere applications of HPC

and focus on the fundamental sciences of it, specifically quantum physics and the electrodynamics of

semiconductors. For this, we must leverage technological expertise of the global network of Indian and

Indian-origin scientists and engineers and also encourage participation from the private sector.


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14. Bring out the details of Government’s recent decision to redraw the contours of red

corridor. Enumerate the reasons for this decision and analyse its impact on tackling left

wing extremism. (15 marks)

Answer:

Red Corridor refers to the region in the eastern, central and western part of India that experiences

considerable Naxalite insurgency. Recently Ministry of Home Affairs has undertaken a comprehensive

exercise in consultation with the States to review the affected districts and redraw the red corridor.

Changes in the recent decision

44 districts have been excluded and 8 new districts have been added to the list of Security

Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme districts. 90 districts in 11 States will now be covered by the

Scheme, down from 126.

The list of ‘Most Affected Districts’ has been pruned to 30, down from 36.

Three districts of Kerala have been included in the list of SRE Districts, despite the fact that

there is hardly any violence in the new districts.

Reasons for the changes:

Sustained efforts in tackling Left Wing Extremism has led to a 20% decline in LWE activities

with a 34% reduction in related deaths in 2017 as compared to 2013. Therefore, a current and

realistic picture of Left Wing Affected Areas was required.

The recent carving of new districts from those already affected by LWE in

Telangana necessitated shedding of unaffected areas. Therefore, Telangana shed

maximum 19 districts from the red corridor.

Addition of new areas especially at Trijunction of states as seen in Kerala has been done to

focus on the ‘hot spots’ of Naxalite shelters and uproot them completely. The areas at

trijunction of states generally face policy uncertainty and become a safe haven for

fleeing Naxalites.

Potential Impact of the decision

Positive Impact:

Focused Action: The revised categorization gives a more realistic picture of LWE areas. This

will ensure better allocation and focussed spending on affected areas.

Better deployment of forces: In last four years, 4 districts of WB did not report any Maoist-

related activity but 2 battalions of Central armed police continued to be deployed. With

redrawing of borders, these forces can be deployed in needful areas.

Shift from reactive to pre-emptive policy making: The inclusion of 3 districts in Kerala lying

at trijunction of states, despite non-prevalence of Maoist activity show a proactive approach by

the government to curb LWE completely.


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Unintended consequences:

Resurgence of LWE due to lack of focus: The withdrawal of funds through SRE scheme

from removed districts might slow down development work in these areas and may prepare

ground for re-emergence of Naxalism.

Conclusion

The redrawing of the red corridor and reduction of LWE affected districts show the success of

government’s effort against the Maoists.The implications of this move would lead to a more proactive

and focussed approach in tackling this problem. However, the recently removed districts should

continue with the development works along with periodical reviews to ensure that Naxalism is weeded

out completely.


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15. The Islamic State (IS) has made limited inroads into India but the threat continues to

exist. Discuss the vulnerabilities faced by India in relation to the IS. What suitable

measures can prevent the spread of ISIS in India. (15 marks)

Answer:

The Islamic State (IS or ISIS) has seen very limited success in India. It does not yet have any direct

organisational presence in India. Till 2017, only about 142 Indian citizens have been confirmed to be

affiliated to ISIS in some way. This has been because of strict vigilance by the security agencies and

overall tolerant and liberal outlook of India which has checked indoctrination. However, recent

happenings show efforts by ISIS to build its ground in India. Therefore, some threats and vulnerabilities

have to be taken care of.

Vulnerabilities and Threats

Perceived alienation and radicalism: Incidents like violence in the name of religion, targeting a

particular religious minority etc create a sense of alienation among the youth and they get drawn

to indoctrination by radical bodies like ISIS. Three cells of youth indoctrinated by the ISIS have

been exposed by Indian investigation agencies.

Spread of misinformation through Social media: Morphed images, and false information have

been spread to lure the youth to join ISIS. It is also being used to identify and indoctrinate the

susceptible youth.

Affiliates: Recently, Indian affiliate of ISIS called ‘Janood-ul-Khalifa-e-Hind’ has surfaced.

Members of other terrorist organisation like Indian Mujahideen and SIMI have sympathizers and

affiliates of ISIS. They can help ISIS in building its base in India.

Illegal Immigrants & porous borders: The porous borders between Bangladesh and India and

the rising tensions in refugee camps related to the Rohingya refugee crisis are particularly

concerning.

Lone wolf attacks: Various intelligence agencies have identified this as a possible threat. Eg.

Arrest of individuals planning lone wolf attacks, including a few busted in Hyderabad, show such

attacks can’t be negated.

Measures to check ISIS

Counter radicalisation and de radicalisation programs: Government can run awareness

campaigns showing ISIS as a threat. Families, neighbourhood and influential groups should be

involved to de radicalise indoctrinated youth.

Ban on affiliate groups and other terrorist bodies: The Union Home Ministry has banned not only

the Islamic State but also its new offshoots Islamic State of Iraq and the Sham-Khorasan (ISIS-

K) under the anti-terror Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The vigilance must be

continuously maintained to ban any groups under UAPA so as to use its stringent provisions,

including to check illegal funding of these organizations.

Prevent alienation of youth: Any action that fuels hatred must become a cognisable offence and

be dealt with severely, irrespective of its short-term impact. E.g.mob lynching in the name of

religion etc.


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Surveillance & vigilance on social media: New tools like Big Data Analysis and Artificial

Intelligence can check spread of fake news and help investigating agencies identify recruiters

and susceptible people early.

Coordination among agencies: All agencies including at State and Central level should have

proper coordination for seamless information sharing and effective action. This will help in

checking lone wolf attacks as well.

International Cooperation: Recently, a multi-nation intelligence operation involving the United

States, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates and India has successfully foiled an alleged

Islamic State bid to carry out a terror attack in New Delhi. Such international cooperation should

be continuously built upon.

Conclusion

Indian security forces have till now done a commendable effort to check the growth of ISIS in India at

the organisational level. However, its affiliates and sympathisers still pose a threat to the security of

India. Therefore, it is important to focus on both preventive and curative measures to ensure no Indian

joins ISIS and the indoctrinated ones are deradicalized.


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16. Coastal security is an indispensable part of our National Security. In light of this

statement, enumerate the steps taken to strengthen coastal security in India. Also

examine the shortcomings that continue to undermine coastal security, and suggest

remedial measures. (15 marks)

Answer:

Coastal security plays a very important part in the security of the nation. It prevents the nation from

threats like smuggling of arms, drug trade and influx of terrorists etc. For e.g. 26/11 blasts were carried

out by terrorists entering via sea route. Therefore, a number of steps have been taken to strengthen

coastal security.

Steps to strengthen coastal security

Designated agencies:

o The Indian Navy has been the lead agency in this regard and is assisted in this task

by the Indian Coast Guard, Marine Police and other Central and state agencies.

o At the apex level the National Committee for Strengthening Maritime and Coastal

Security (NCSMCS), headed by the Cabinet Secretary, coordinates all matters

related to Maritime and Coastal Security

Inter – Agency Coordination:

o Regular exercises have been conducted for interagency coordination.Nationwide,

over 100 such exercises have been conducted till date since 2008, and this has

strengthened coastal security markedly.

Use of modern techniques:

o Modern technical measures have also been implemented for coastal surveillance, by

way of a chain of 74 Automatic Identification System (AIS) receivers, for gapless

cover along the entire coast

o Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) comprising of Chain of Sensors having radar,

Automatic Identification System (AIS), Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT),

day / night cameras have been installed.

o Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) radars in ports also facilitate surveillance

of port areas.

Data collection and Analysis:

o National Command Control Communication and Intelligence Network has been

established to collate data about ships, fishing boats etc from multiple sources.

Regulating Fisherman:

o Issue of ID cards to all fishermen with a single centralised database has been

undertaken.

o Registration of over 2 lakh fishing vessels operating off our coast and equipping

fishing boats with suitable equipment, to facilitate vessel identification and tracking

are some of the other steps taken.

Training:

o Periodic maritime training to marine police in all coastal states is being taken

up. Marine Police training institutes in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat have been approved

by the Government recently


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Loopholes in coastal security architecture:

Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit report pointed out that the littoral waters suffer

from systemic debilities, ranging from underutilisation of patrol boats, to delays in the creation

of shore-based infrastructure and unspent funds.

Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Maharashtra legislature criticised the state

government for its tardy pace in upgrading coastal security

There is also acute shortage of manpower, including “persons in position” in police stations

(only 25 percent of the sanctioned). Further, there is inadequate training for marine police.

Delays in land acquisition and lack of support infrastructure, such as barracks and staff

quarters, at several locations.

Way Ahead:

The government must promulgate a National Commercial Maritime Security Policy

Document, to articulate its strategic vision for maritime security.

Centralized monitoring of the steps by all states and central agencies must be established.

Improved surveillance and interagency coordination

Stronger involvement of coastal police

Conclusion

Our national security architecture can never be complete without defending our maritime borders. The

government has taken positive and concerted action in this direction but some shortfalls have to be

addressed soon to ensure a robust national security paradigm.


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17. Land degradation has accelerated during the second half of 20th century due to

increasing pressures on land and unsustainable human activities. Discuss the impact of

land degradation on environment and the need to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality.

(15 marks)

Intro:

o Why Land is important as a resource?

Approach:

o What is land degradation?

o Show reasons (natural and anthropogenic) for accelerated land degradation in a

diagram.

o Discuss how anthropogenic reasons are mainly responsible for accelerated degradation

of land.

o Discuss the impact of land degradation on environment.

o Define ‘Land Degradation Neutrality’. Explain the need to achieve it.

Conclusion:

o Frame around earth’s natural resources and 21st century challenges

PART A: ANSWER

The nation’s strength, be it social, economic or political depends mostly on available resources. Land

resource is one such resource which forms the most important natural wealth of any country and its

proper utilization is a matter of great significance.

Due to various natural and unsustainable anthropogenic activities, the issue of land degradation has

aggravated over the years and is being exacerbated by the adverse impacts of climate change.

Land degradation is the process of deterioration of soil quality or loss of fertility of soil. It is a

global phenomenon with 78% of total degraded land located in terrestrial ecosystems other than

drylands. When degradation occurs in arid, semi‐arid and dry sub‐humid areas where productivity is

constrained by water availability, it is called desertification.

Global assessments indicate that the percentage of total land area that is already degraded or being

degraded has increased from 15% in 1991 to 24% in 2008. The causes are as follows:

Natural Causes:


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Climatic variations such as prolonged droughts and floods contribute to degradation. Various

natural agents of erosion like air, water, etc play a key role in such process of degradation.

Anthropogenic Causes (Mainly responsible for Accelerated Rate of Land Degradation):

a) Unsustainable Human Activities:

o Over-Cultivation ( from same piece of land )

Increased application of fertilizers and pesticides are needed to increase farm

output. But imbalance in use of chemical fertilizers and non adoption of

recommended crop rotation has drastically reduced the fertility of soil and its

quality.

o Over-Grazing

Overgrazing and animal tracks causes soil erosion, especially in steep terrain or

in areas with much vulnerable vegetation and great seasonal differences in

precipitation (i.e arid and semi arid regions).

o Adverse Irrigation Practices

As per available estimates, about 1.73 million ha. of areas in the States of

Haryana, Punjab & Uttar Pradesh are affected by alkalinity and salinity. Main

reason of such problem is excess use of ground water irrigation.

o Over-Exploitation

Mining and quarrying activities especially, the open cast mining disturbs the soil

profile and subsequent stages of ecological succession.

b) Pressure On Land:

Urbanization:

o Change in natural land use

patterns and encroachment over

natural landscape in order to

address the challenges of

population explosion have

adversely affected the

availability of quality land

resource.

Deforestation:

o Deforestation due to growing

agricultural, industrial activities

or urbanization; has reduced

vegetation cover. Due to this,

increased surface run-off occurs

together with increased soil

erosion.

Reduction in the Fallow Period:

o The attitude among farmers to

gain more profit per season has

led to reduction in the fallow

period. This has led to


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reduction in time for the rejuvenation for soil. Thus, top soil gets damaged through

nutrient depletion.

PART B: IMPACT OF DEGRADATION ON ENVIRONMENT:

Environment Problems:

Atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere are all interconnected with each other through land. Any

imbalance in lithosphere will have an adverse effect on others also. Some of the negative impacts of

land degradation on environment are as follows:

Soil Perspective:

Removal of land’s topsoil, which takes centuries to build up.

Loss of soil organic matter and nutrients > Affects vegetation growth

Loss of soil diversity > Affects bio-diversity ( Flora hence fauna )

Loss of water holding capacity and water infiltration > Causes soil erosion and decrease in ground water table

Soil pollution> Solid Waste> Methane > Air Pollution

Climate Perspective:

Reduces ability to adapt to climate change.

Makes land areas flood-prone and causes silting of rivers, streams and reservoirs.

Crop Perspective:

Reduced yields of crops and hence Impact on food security.

Unsustainable irrigation practices can dry the rivers that feed large lakes; the Aral Sea and Lake Chad have both seen their shorelines shrink dramatically in this way.

The impacts of land degradation are not limited to environment aspects only. They create various

socio-economic and political problems also.

Socio-Economic Problems:

Poverty: Land degradation is both the cause and consequence of poverty. The land’s loss of

productivity exacerbates poverty in the drylands.

Food security: According to UNCCD, annual land lost could produce 20 million tonnes of grain.

Land also supports livestock, which will be affected by land degradation.

Displacement: Loss of land’s productivity, forces farmers to seek a way of living in more fertile

lands or cities. According to UNCCD (data in June 2017) some 60 million people are expected

to eventually move from the decertified areas in Sub-Saharan Africa towards northern Africa

and Europe in the next 20 years.

Political Problems:

Displacement of millions of people to other regions/countries may contribute to anti-migrant and

xenophobic feelings among the host community leading to fight over scarce resources. .

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (lCAR) conducts survey from time to time for assessing the extent of soil erosion and land degradation. As per available estimates (ICAR-2010), out of a total geographical area 37% is subjected to various kinds of land degradation.

In the next 25 years, land degradation may lead to a decline in global food production by up to 12 per cent, which might trigger a rise in food price by 30 per cent.

By 2030, water scarcity in arid and semi-arid places may lead to displacement of up to 700 million people.

Nearly 24 billion tonnes of fertile soil and 27, 000 bio-species are lost every year.


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Thus, the

adverse

impacts of land degradation don’t respect the borders of a nation. These challenges of land degradation

are very complex and adoption of the concept of ‘Land Degradation Neutrality’ can be of a great help to

address them.

Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) has been defined as: A state whereby the amount and quality of

land resources, necessary to support ecosystem functions and services and enhance food security,

remains stable or increases within specified temporal and spatial scales and ecosystems.

The need of 'Land degradation neutrality (LDN)' can be judged from its contribution to sustainable

development in following ways:

Managing land degradation can contribute simultaneously to climate change mitigation,

adaptation, and the protection of biodiversity.

Interventions for LDN (sustainable land management practices and land

rehabilitation/restoration/reclamation) enhance soil organic matter levels and often increase

biomass, sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.

Reducing land clearing is a key component of LDN, contributing to protection of carbon stocks

and forest biodiversity.

Building soil organic matter in agricultural systems supports soil biodiversity, and enhances the

resilience of ecosystems, through improved retention of nutrients and water.

LDN addresses the key environmental concerns that threaten ecosystem functions. Avoiding,

reducing and reversing land degradation thereby underpin the maintenance and enhancement

of land-based ecosystem services, key to meeting the sustainable development goals.

The land-based indicators identified for LDN monitoring are relevant to the United Nations

Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity. There is

potential for synergies through coordinated monitoring and reporting to the three Rio

conventions.

LDN monitoring can also contribute to reporting on SDG target 15 “Proportion of land that is

degraded over total land area”.

Land is central to the linkages between food, water, and environmental health which form an

interdependent loop. By 2030, the demand for food, energy, and water is expected to increase by at

least 50%. These needs will not be met sustainably unless we preserve and restore the productivity of

our land. Also, conservation and enhancement of earth’s natural resources is essential for meeting

biodiversity and climate change targets.

Indian Schemes to check soil degradation: Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), National

Food Security Mission (NFSM), Soil Health Card Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana

(PKSY), Per Drop More Crop, Swacch Bharat mission, Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP) and National Rural

Drinking Water Programme.

Indian Success Stories: Sustainable land, water and biodiversity conservation and management for

improved livelihoods in Uttarakhand watershed sector. Sustainable Rural Livelihoods Security through

Innovations in Land and ecosystem management in India.

Nearly 30 per cent of the world’s population lives in dry areas.

8 out of 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are in drylands.


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Success stories of other nations: Sahel Integrated Lowland ecosystem Management (SILeM) in

Burkina Faso. The Capacity and Management Support for combating land degradation in dryland

ecosystems in China.

NOTE: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) 1996. It is the first and only

internationally legally binding framework set up to address the problem of desertification.


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18. Various efforts at combating air pollution in Indian cities have failed to yield results, with

a recent WHO report finding that 14 of the top-20 polluted cities in the world were in

India. What are the reasons for this failure? Discuss how the National Clean Air

Programme (NCAP) aims to plug the gaps in maintenance of air quality in the country.

(15 marks)

Intro:

o Frame around ‘WHO Report – India’ link?

Approach:

o Provide key summary points of report

o Discuss the steps taken by government in the past to control air pollution

o Provide reasons why such efforts failed

o Discuss what is NCAP and its unique features which will plug the gaps

Conclusion:

o Take a positive outlook for NCAP and regulation of air pollution

World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises air pollution as a critical risk factor for non-communicable

diseases. Recently, it has called upon member-countries in its Southeast Asia region to aggressively

address the double burden of household and ambient (outdoor) air pollution.

Findings of recently released ‘WHO Global Report on Air Pollution’:

Southeast Asia region, which comprises India, accounts for 34% or 2.4 million of the seven

million premature deaths caused by household and ambient air pollution together globally every

year.

India had 14 out of world’s 20 most polluted cities in terms of PM2.5 levels in 2016.

Delhi and Varanasi are among the 14 Indian cities that figure in a list of 20 most polluted cities.

Such grave situation in India persists despite many initiatives taken by government for controlling air

pollution. Some of these steps are as follows:

Notification of National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009, envisaging 12 pollutants;

Issuance of directions under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and Air (Prevention and

Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

Setting up of monitoring network for assessment of ambient air quality;

Introduction of cleaner/alternate fuel like CNG, LPG etc.

Promotion of public transport network of metro, buses, e-rickshaws and promotion of car

pooling, Pollution Under Control, lane discipline, vehicle maintenance

Taxing polluting vehicles and incentivizing hybrid and electric vehicles

Creation of infrastructure for industrial pollution control incorporating cleaner production

processes, setting up of common pollution control facilities

Implementation of Bharat Stage IV norms (now VI) in the 63 selected cities and Bharat Stage

III norms in rest of the country

Banning of burning of leaves/ biomass, municipal solid waste

Notification of Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules

Revision of existing environmental standards and formulation of new control of pollution

from industries.


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REASONS FOR FAILURE:

Poor Governance: An efficient governance mechanism is central to the success of any anti-

pollution effort. In India, many agencies are currently involved in the implementation of pollution

control plan. Some are under the control of the Union government and some under the state

government. Very often, these agencies are ruled by fierce political rivals, and there is no

apparent effort to promote coordination among them. Consequently, policy measures are not

effectively enforced.

Poor governance is a major factor in pollution due to lax enforcement of standards for car

exhausts, crop burning, or dust from construction sites, which cause more particulates in the air.

Fossil fuels were the biggest contributors to the particulate matter. A diesel-powered public

transport system and power plant were to be blamed for the persistent air pollution.

Delhi’s air pollution is a regional problem. A study conducted by the International Institute for

Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) and the National Environmental Engineering Research

Institute (NEERI) in Nagpur, India, showed that about 60% of the PM2.5 burden in Delhi is due

to the neighbouring states. No policy is likely to work unless it takes regional considerations into

account. So, Delhi’s pollution needs to be treated as a regional, if not national, problem, and

inter-agency efforts need to be controlled and coordinated by a central source.

There are anti-pollution laws in India but they aren’t enforced well, so while major cities can

ban pollution sources like brick kilns from within their boundaries, they can’t stop exhaust from

blowing over from the perimeter.

Rural and urban politicians in India have vastly different constituencies, making it difficult for

urbanites to convince farmers to use less polluting practices or for rural people to ask city

dwellers to drive less.

Various ‘Source Apportionment Studies’ have been done on direct sampling method. While

sources of emissions remain same in all the studies, the contribution from different sources to

pollution varies greatly. This only underscores both the unreliability of existing studies as well

as the difficulty in making accurate estimates.

Lack of infrastructure in terms of public transport. These gaps in public infrastructure

undermine public confidence in the city’s ability to address the worsening air pollution problem.

Traffic exhaust, factory emissions, and construction dust. It can also get trapped by inland

features like hills and mountains or big congested city buildings.

Due to the Himalayas and the cooler weather as well as big industrial clusters, the levels of

pollution are higher in the North. Southern India has the benefit of the mixing of sea breeze.

A lot of the smaller cities have poor waste management; there is a lot of burning, solid fuel

use.

Considering above bottlenecks, the government has formulated National Clean Air Programme

(NCAP) as a medium term national level strategy to tackle the increasing air pollution problem across

the country in a comprehensive manner.

The overall objective is to augment and evolve effective ambient air quality monitoring

network across the country besides ensuring comprehensive management plan for

prevention, control and abatement of air pollution.


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The NCAP focuses on collaborative and participatory approach covering all sources of

pollution and coordination between relevant Central Ministries, State Governments, local

bodies and other stakeholders.

In order to ensure use of new technologies to combat the rising challenge of air pollution in

India, a separate component on ‘Technology Assessment Cell’ has been envisaged under

NCAP to evaluate the technologies for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution.

Initiatives under NCAP

Augmenting Air Quality Monitoring Network : National air quality monitoring network to be

revisited, past data to be analyzed for rationalization of monitored parameters, and monitoring

needs be reassessed for augmenting the monitoring network adopting optimum blending of

techniques such as manual, continuous, sensor & satellite based techniques.

Air Quality Management Plan for 100 Non-Attainment Cities: The city action plans need to

be guided by a comprehensive science based approach involving

o identification of emission sources

o assessment of extent of contribution of these sources

o prioritizing the sources that need to be tackled

o evaluation of various options for controlling the sources with regard to feasibility and

economic viability

o formulation of action plans

Indoor Air Pollution Monitoring & Management: It refers to the physical, chemical, and

biological characteristics of air in the indoor environment within a home, building, or an

institution or commercial facility.

National Emission Inventory: An emission inventory is an accounting of the amount of

pollutants discharged into the atmosphere. An emission inventory usually contains the total

emissions for one or more specific air pollutants, originating from all source categories in a

certain geographical area and within a specified time span, usually a specific year. Emissions

and releases to the environment are the starting point of every environmental pollution problem.

Network of Technical Institutions: Knowledge Partners Network of highly qualified and

experienced academicians, academic administrators and technical institutions in the area of air

pollution will be created to provide holistic services for the establishment and operation of

policies and programmes of Government of India on air pollution.

Technology Assessment Cell: Technology Assessment Cell is being envisaged to evaluate

the technologies having significance in reference to prevention, control and abatement of

pollution. The cell is expected to focus on both indigenous and international monitoring and

abatement technologies. It is also expected to contribute towards evaluating the technology and

devising the mechanism of technology transfer under various bilateral and multilateral

agreements.

Institutional Framework: An effective institutional framework which basically refers to formal

organisational structures is the precondition for the successful implementation of pollution

specifically air pollution related intervention tools and therefore needs to be considered in

particular.

Three tier mechanism for review of monitoring, assessment and inspection for implementation

International Cooperation including sharing of International Best Practices on Air Pollution


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Extending source apportionment studies to all non-attainment cities: Source

apportionment study, which is primarily based on measurements and tracking down the sources

through receptor modelling, helps in identifying the sources and extent of their contribution.

Source apportionment studies which have been initiated in six major cities viz. (i) Delhi; (ii)

Mumbai; (iii) Chennai; (iv) Bangalore; (v) Pune; and (vi) Kanpur at present is planned to be

extended to all 94 non-attainments.

Apart from NCAP, to control air pollution government is making efforts through various schemes like

Ujjwala Yojana scheme, which provides women living below the poverty line with LPG (liquefied

petroleum gas) connections to replace dirty cooking fuels.

Air pollution does not recognise borders. Improving air quality demands sustained and coordinated

government action at all levels. NCAP is a step in right direction to address the concerns raised by

WHO Health Report.


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19. India, due to its physiographic and climatic conditions, is one of the most natural

disaster prone regions of the World. Give an account of the disaster vulnerability profile

of India. (15 marks)

The concept of vulnerability implies a measure of risk combined with the level of social and economic

ability to cope with the resulting event in order to resist major disruption or loss.

The physiographic and climatic characteristics of each region in India make it susceptible to

different types of disasters. In recent times, floods, drought, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides and

avalanches are some of the major natural disasters that repeatedly and increasingly affect India.

Natural hazard vulnerability of india

58.6% of land is vulnerable to Earthquakes

8.5% of land mass is vulnerable to Cyclones

12% of land (40 million hectares) is vulnerable to Floods

28% is vulnerable to Drought.

Out of 7516 km coast line, approximately 5700 km is prone to Cyclones/high wind velocity

Hilly regions of North and NE are prone to Landslides/avalanches. West coast is also

vulnerable to Landslides.

13 Coastal States/UTs are vulnerable to Tsunamis.

Among 29 States and 07 Union territories in the country, all except 3 are prone to various

natural disasters

Disasters due to physiographic factors

Earthquake

More than half of India’s total area is vulnerable to seismic activity of varying intensities. The most vulnerable regions are located in the Himalayan, Sub-Himalayan belt and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The Himalayan ranges are among world’s youngest fold mountains so the subterranean Himalayans are geologically very active. The Himalayan frontal arc, flanked by the Arakan Yoma fold belt in the east and the Chaman fault in the west make one of the seismically active regions in the world.

Tsunami

Tsunami refers to the displacement of a large volume of a body of water such as Ocean. Most Tsunamis are seismically generated, result of abrupt deformation of sea floor resulting vertical displacement of the overlying water.

The Tsunami waves are small in amplitude and long wavelength (often hundred of kilometers long). The east and west coasts of India and the island regions are likely to be affected by Tsunamis generated mainly by subduction zone related earthquakes from the two potential source regions, viz. the Andaman-Nicobar-Sumatra Island Arc and the Makran subduction zone north of Arabian Sea.


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Landslides

Landslides are common in India in Himalayan region as well as Western Ghats. The Himalayan ranges are among the youngest fold mountains of world. They comprise a series of seven curvilinear parallel folds running along a grand arc of around 3400 kilometers. The landslides in this region are probably more frequent than any other areas in the world. The Western Ghats, particularly Nilgiri hills also are notorious for frequent landslides.

Disasters due to climatic factors

Floods

Floods can be caused by heavy rainfall, inadequate capacity of rivers to carry the high flood discharge, inadequate drainage to carry away the rainwater quickly to streams/ rivers, ice jams or landslides blocking streams, typhoons and cyclones etc. Further, flash floods occur because of high rate of water flow particularly in areas with less permeability of soil.Over 40 million hectare of landmass in India is prone to floods. Flood problem is chronic in at least 10 states. Most devastating floods in recent times have been the 2013 Assam floods, 2013 Uttarakhand Floods, 2012 Brahamputra Floods and the recent Kerala floods etc.

Cyclones

India has a very long coastline which is exposed to tropical cyclones arising in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. Indian Ocean is one of the six major cyclone-prone regions in the world. In India cyclones occur usually in April-May, and also between October and December. The Eastern coastline is more prone to cyclones as about 80 percent of total cyclones generated in the region hit there. The worst hitting cyclones have been the Andhra Pradesh cyclone of November 1977 and the super cyclone of Odisha in the year 1999.

The impact of the cyclones is mainly confined to the coastal districts, the maximum destruction being within 100 Km. from the centre of the cyclones and on either side of the storm track. The principal dangers from a cyclone include the gales and strong winds; torrential rain and high tidal waves (storm surges). Most casualties are caused by coastal inundation by tidal waves and storm surges.

Heat Waves and Cold waves

Heat waves refer to the extreme positive departure from the maximum temperature in summers. The fatalities caused by heat waves have increased in recent decades. The problem of heat wave is compounded by a decrease in diurnal temperature Range (DTR). In urban areas, the heat wave is increasing gaining notoriety for more and more fatalities.

Cold waves occur mainly due to the extreme low temperature coupled with incursion of dry cold winds from north-west. Most affected areas of country due to the cold waves include the western and north-western regions and also Bihar, UP directly affected by the western disturbances.

Thunderstorm, Hailstorm, Dust Storm etc


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India’s central, north-eastern, north-western and northern parts are generally affected by these. The southern coastal areas are less prone to thunderstorms, hailstorms and dust storms. The hailstorms are more frequent in Assam, Uttarakhand and some parts of Maharashtra. Dust storms are common in Rajasthan, MP and Haryana. Tornadoes are rare in India.

Droughts

Drought refers to the situation of less moisture in the soil (which makes the land unproductive) and scarcity of water for drinking, irrigation, industrial uses and other purposes, usually caused by deficient/less than average rainfall over a long period of time. Some states of India feature the perennial drought such as Rajasthan, Odisha, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh etc.

Sixteen percent of the country’s total area is drought-prone and approximately 50 million people are affected annually by droughts. In India about 68 percent of net sown area in the country is drought-prone. Most of the drought-prone areas identified by the Government of India lie in arid, semi-arid and sub-humid areas of the country. In the arid and semi-arid zones, very severe droughts occur once in every eight to nine years.

-

Over the past decade, government has brought about a paradigm shift in the approach to disaster management. The new approach proceeds from the conviction that development cannot be sustainable unless disaster mitigation is built into the development process. Another corner stone of the approach is that mitigation has to be multi-disciplinary spanning across all


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sectors of development. The new policy also emanates from the belief that investments in mitigation are much more cost effective than expenditure on relief and rehabilitation.


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20. India's vast coastline is prone to cyclones of various intensities. Discussing the reasons

for tropical cyclones, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk

during such events. (15 marks)

According to various studies conducted, there has been an increasing trend in the cyclone frequency during November and May primarily due to the significant positive trends over the Bay of Bengal, where the majority of north Indian Ocean cyclones develop. Thus the coastal regions of Bangladesh, India and Myanmar have indeed become more prone to the incidence of severe cyclones during these months.. There has been a two-fold increase in the tropical cyclone frequency over the Bay of Bengal during November in the past 122 years.

Reasons for Tropical Cyclones- There are certain conditions which when get fulfilled leads to the formation and intensification of Tropical Cyclone. These are:

A warm sea temperature in excess of 26 degree centigrade, to a depth of 60 meters, which

provides abundant water vapour in the air by evaporation.

High relative humidity (degree to which the air is saturated by water vapor) of the atmosphere to

a height of about 7000 meters, facilitates condensation of water vapor into droplets and

clouds, releases heat energy and induces drop in pressure.

A location of at least 4-5 latitude degrees from the Equator allow the influence of the force due

to the earth’s rotation (Coriolis force) to take effect in inducing cyclonic wind circulation around

low pressure centers.

Atmospheric instability (an above average decrease of temperature with altitude) encourages

considerable vertical cumulus cloud convection when condensation of rising air occurs.

Small differences in the vertical wind speed

Upper divergence above the sea level system

Possible Risk Reduction Measures :

Coastal belt plantation - green belt plantation along the coastal line in a scientific interweaving pattern can reduce the effect of the hazard. Forests act as a wide buffer zone against strong winds and flash floods

Hazard mapping – Cyclones can be predicted several days in advance. A hazard map will

illustrate the areas vulnerable to cyclone in any given year. It will be useful to estimate the

severity of the cyclone and various damage intensities in the region.

Land use control designed so that least critical activities are placed in vulnerable areas.

Location of settlements in the flood plains is at utmost risk. Siting of key facilities must be

marked in the land use. Policies should be in place to regulate land use and building codes

should be enforced.

Engineered structures – structures need to be built to withstand wind forces.

Flood management – Torrential rains, strong wind and storm range leads to flooding in the

cyclone affected areas. There are possibilities of landslides too. Flood mitigation measures

could be incorporated

Improving vegetation cover – The roots of the plants and trees keep the soil intact and

prevent erosion and slow runoff to prevent or lessen flooding. The use of tree planted in rows


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will act as a windbreak. Coastal shelterbelt plantations can be developed to break severe wind

speeds.

Way forward:

As learnt from tackling of cyclone phaillin in Odisha, a graded approach of evacuation added to

scientific accumulation of data in real time should be done.

Drill practices and bunkers to protect people in case of emergency should be undertaken in

every coastal state.

International cooperation is also needed.


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