1.1.1.

a) Chief challenges faced by tightening hold on Jammu&Kashmir (FEN)

- Development has scared away tourists
- Eighth time that J&K is coming under GR, since 1977

1.1.1.b) Measures in aftermath of GR (FEN)

- Separatists leaders jailed or held in house arrest
- Strong resumption of cordon and search ops
- Political appointees from PDP-BJP resigned from posts
- Govt appointed two key officials involved in naxal ops
- Vohra: priority to restore tranquility to Kashmir; admitted youth are annoyed
- Tougher more security-based approach promoted; experts warn the presence of
homegrown militants could result in backlash
- Of 144 active militants, 133 are locals
- Peopple: Four earlier GRs were based on political exigency not security failure ;
if violence surges devlpmt and edn will take a hit

1.12.1.c) Unease among Valley inhabitants : feared outcomes of thedissolution of

parties in the state

1.12.2.d) What are the chief considerations for a secondary coalition to form,
after the dissolution of a state legislature?
- REASONABLE CHANE TO IMPLEMENT ECON. AND SOCIAL GENDA
- Party manifesto for the state
- Proper voter turnouts; present voter turnout is 7% whih is not ideal
democratically
- As opposition party, chief mandate is to remain articulate and vigilant

3.10.3.a) Background to the political problem and identity politics in the J&k
region; how does it further erode faith in the system?
- demographic variation in J&K (Hindu Jammu Muslim Kashmir - hindu minority in a
muclim majority state in a indu majority country ) = case for identity politics -->
hinders attempts at stability
- Following 1952 declaration, land reforms in Kashmir led to protests by and owners
in jmmu - led to the coining of ek vidhan, ek nishan, ek pradhan - led to the
weakening of the political mech in the stte despite central support and led in the
erosion of jammus trust in new delhi - movement wshed awy all efforts by the govt
to generte goodwill in kashmir
- centra party with a lot of political clout in the country was in prime position
to to find permnent political soution; was gambled away for political opprtunity
instead

3.10.3.b) What o the people of J&K say? What do they want? Are there communal
divides in the stae? On what grounds? How are their differences becoming divides?
What can be done for the issue?
- Peopple: Four earlier GRs were based on political exigency not security failure ;
if violence surges devlpmt and edn will take a hit
3.10.3.c) What is the permanent political situation for J&K

1.1.2.a) Kerala Plantations - special considerations and protections, inclu. need

for the same
- Exempted plantations from the Ecologically fragile lands act; doing away with any
change in status
- Tea, coffee, rubber, coconut, arecanut and cashew do not fall under EFL
- Complaints that the Forest Dept. was taking over and stoppig fn. of plantations
under the act
- Agriculture tax + Plantation tax (before levied only in KL) was scrapped
FEARS:
- That it will lead to ecological ramifications for the state --> Govt. pointed out
that the original act was preserved as it was; there was never any provision for
protection of plantations

1.1.2.b) KL: Moves to protect plantation workers

1.1.2.c) Agriculture income tax, Plantation tax - what are these, what is the
implication for plantation workers/sector?
1.1.2.d) ESI scheme for government employees: benefits, provisions, implementation
- KL:
To consider bringing plantation workers along ESI scheme, revise wages and
prepare plantation policy
Lease of plantations to be renewed without delay
Legislation to take over shut down plantations

1.1.3.a) Tariff and trade wars between the US and its rivals
- India notifies higher tariffs on agricultural products (apples, almonds,
chickpeas, lentils and walnuts) and ind. inputs (some grades of iron and steel
products) imported from US
- Higher tariffs accountable from August, leaving open room for negotiations,
especially during the upcoming 2+2 dialogue- has indicated India's preference to
dialogue to the WTO
- Follows the govt's notification to WTO that it was imposing tariffs of $240 mil
in retaliation (to the tariffs imposed by teh US worth $241 bn)
- Notification avoids 800 cc+ motorbikes (Harley) which would ffect imports -
already an issue (??)
- Tariffs are a shigh as 50% on 30 goods in total
- US has imposed tarriffs worth $200 bn on Chinese imports; chinese response has
not been ofrthcoming, except to ward the violation of the agreement concluded
earlier between Xi and Trump (Total tariffs on $450 bn; total trade deficit 500 bn)
- US also unveiled tariffs to discourage steel and al imports into US
- India's impact will be miniscule compared to China and EU
- Growth will slow down internally under the burden of additional taxes +
alternatives of indigenous sources to boost mfd must be found
- Gainers include US spcl interest groups (steel ind)
- Lack of endorsement by TRUMP of the G7 communique calling for a rules based
trading system suggests a lack of respite from detente
- IMF Chief economist: Trade restrictions and counter restrictions threatens to
undermine growth prematurely and undermine confidence
1.1.3.b) WTO silence on various trade war issues
1.1.10.c) Tariffs issued so far - negatives of reciprocity in trade
1.1.3.d) What is the basis of such tariff sanctions?
1.10.1.a) Why are tariffs needed? Why are they avoided in a free trade regime? What
is a duty-free?
1.10.1.b) How does the WTO regulate tariffs?
(More on US underminng Intnl. institutions)

1.1.4.a) Missing villages - major reasons behind missing villages

- Bifurcation, trifurcation or carving into other number of districts in the
aftermath of the partition of AP and TL
- Officials report no impact on outreach programmes even though villages have
officially dropped of f the register - however acountability and service delivery
will be suspect

1.6.4.a) Contributory pension scheme for government employees: benefits,

provisions, implementation
1.6.4.b) KL: Spillover project implementation disputes; pros and cons of current
system
Complaint:
- LSGIs being made to use Plan funds from present year for last years projects
- Approval of such projects based on approval from DPCs resulting in delay
- Slow release of funds resulting in delays
Rect:
- Fress DPC nod only for projects that were subsequently amended

1.6.4.c) Walk out demonstration: Intention, efficacy as a dissent mechanism

1.6.4.d) Spillover projects - how are they dealt with by states; what are the
pros/cons of such systems

1.12.1.a) Chief reasons given for the designation of an armed group as a terrorist
group in India, under UAPA
- Al Qaeda in teh Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and IS in Khorasan Province (ISKP)
deignated as terrorist orgs.
- Committed acts of terrorism in neighbouring countries
- Promoting and encouraginf terrorist acts on indian interests in teh subcontinent
- radicalizing youth in the country creating serious concerns for national security
and intl. peace (UP+Odisha; Kerala)
- Committing terrorists by recruiting for global jihad and trying to achieve
caliphate by overthrowing democratically elected leaders
- Consider India and Indian interests as its targets

1.12.1.b) Who classifies a group as terrorist? What is the procedure?

1.12.1.c) Can a group be classified as a terrorist group within the
region/country/state? Or can it only have international sanction?

1.3.1.a) KL: Encouraging results of the BEV Model for KSRTC

- Environmental friendly buses procured on a wet lease basis for the fleet
- Riding comfort + quieter than diesel buses by 17 db + lithium iron batt. can run
upto 350 km in one charging (cycle-4-4 hrs)+ buses can run from 16-18 hours at a
stretch
- KSRTC to float global tenders for wet leasing
- Trial run on wet lease will be cheaper for cash strapped KSRTC

1.3.1.b) How can BEVs serve as alternative measures to environmental

sustainability, cheaper and more efficient public transport? Pros/cons
- Riding comfort + quieter than diesel buses by 17 db + lithium iron batt. can run
upto 350 km in one charging (cycle-4-4 hrs)+ buses can run from 16-18 hours at a
stretch

1.3.1.c) Way forwards and additional infrastructure required for s uch a system:
Case studies from other countries
1.3.1.d) Minimum requirements for efficient public transportation systems
1.3.2.e) On-street parking : a loss of public space
- vEHICLES PARKED FOR MONTHS ALONG ROADS or footpaths TO BE TREATED AS ABANDONED
AND TOWED
- Haphazard parking has worsened traffic issues
Ped/veh conflict and traffic has increased significantly with edn institu. opening
for the academic year
- Car ownership has grown eponentially with no corresponding growth of road space

1.3.4.a) Role of the KIIFB in infrastructure creation

- Development of world class roads has been possible through funcing mech.
1.3.4.b) How can State-run external funding for departments help in accountability
and provision of quality services?
- KL:
KIIFB has been able to trigger infra generation
iNSPECTION AUTHORITY TO BE SET UP SOON FOR QUALITY CHECKS
Development of world class roads has been possible through funcing mech.
1.3.4.c) Funding mechanisms for states and countries
1.3.4.d) How do banks, like World bank and infrastructure boards funding states get
their money?
3.4.1.a) What is social literacy?

3.5.1.a) Aided/Unaided/government schools: the difference in setup, system and

learning outcomes
3.5.1.b) Chief role of politics in student life. What are the pros and cons of such
a system?
- KL:
Legislation for student orgs ad greater representation across academic
boards, university syndicates and academic councils (similar move for recent KTU
restructure)
Attempt to bring positive changes in higher education by converting govt.
institutions into centres of ecellence (comes in the backdrop of Central criticism
regarding the lack of credit rated institutions under the govt system
Added student intake to govt and unaided schools s govt has 'blocked' move to
pvt. inst.
3.5.1.c) Need for student institutions/representation in educational sphere

3.6.1.a) KL: Govt. fines on misuse of piped drinking water - Provisions of Act
- KL:
Plan to prohibitively fine/tax those who pollute water or illegally divert
treated water for other purposes
Brazen wastage of water occurring for washing cars and watering lawns
Govt spent money on harvesting water from resource, making it fit for human
consumption and supplying it; therefore had the duty to conserve and regulate its
use
Govt defined as oath-bound to restore lagoons, rivers and ponds
Bill to help reverse water pollution and preseve water bodies
To use barrages and dykes to regulate the flow of water + improve efficiency
of distribution by cementing leaky pipes, etc
Request to make water free of cost to dialysis centres that offer free
service to kidney treatment patients
Suggests not less than three yrs of imprisonment and min of 2 lakh for those
who foul water bodies
3.6.1.b) Chief tenets involved in the aspirations of the act; Pros and cons
3.6.1.c) Exclusions suggested to the act, and the moral grounds for these.

3.8.2.a) AADHAR role in solving crimes

- NCRB requested ltd access to UIDAI database to help investigators conduct probes
into inter-state criminals using fingerprint data
- 80-85% who are 1st time offenders are not in database
- 40k unidentified bodies every year; access to AADHAR could resolve id issues
- AFIS presently has only 11.5 lak fingerprints; states totally hve about 50 lakh
-Need for a national AFIS pointed out by NCRB director

3.8.2.b) Chief problems hindering the present AFIS system

- AFIS presently has only 11.5 lak fingerprints; states totally hve about 50 lakh
-Need for a national AFIS pointed out by NCRB director

3.8.2.c) How are fingerprints registered under AFIS?

3.9.1.a) World hungry statistics rise again - Chief reasons/burdens/worries

- Risen for the first time in a decade
- 38 mil more undernourished people (777 in 2015 - 815 in 2016)
- Conflict is a major source of food insecurity in 18 countries
- Conflict, climate change-related disasters nd drought have forced displcementof
68.5 mil. in 2017
- Economis lsses ttrib. to disasters = $ 300 bn
- S.asia has seen girl child marriages plung dropping to 40% chances
- water stress levels re at an all time high (70%) indicating fast approaching
water scarcity
- 9/10 people in urban areas breathe polluted air (s.asia scores worst)
- electricity and snitation deficits in s.asia still poor - but efforts to imporve
noted
- UN mooted collaborative partnerships between govts and NGOs and ll stakeholders -
change beyond BaU scenario required.

3.9.1.b) Methods to counter food security issues: Case studies and research
findings
- mooted collaborative partnerships between govts and NGOs and ll stakeholders -
change beyond BaU scenario required.

3.9.1.c) Curbing the hungry through proper rehabilitation, and humanitarian efforts
: How does India's refugee policy fall into this?

3.9.3.a) Farm loan waivers : How to institutionalise the mechanism, and what are
the pros/cons of such a method?
- OD:
PM suggest institutionalized framework to relieve farmer distress in place of
d hoc moves that do not consider the central govt. stance and election campaigns
letting down people in the absence of funds to implement waiver
'Agrarian distress and addressing it is beyond partisanship'
Questioned access to larger institutional credit which is still lacking to
the sharecropper who depends on private moneylenders, since they lack ownership of
land. (Amartya Sen, 1981) The landless labourer will be employed in exchange for a
wage, while the share-cropper will do the cultivation and own a part of the
product.
Suggested etting up of a CGT for Ag. along lines of that for MSME: to give
collateral free loans of upto 50 lakh and collateral free crop loans of upto 2 lakh
backed only by CGTA GUARANTEE
- Farm loan waivers have crucial impacts on a states fiscal helth, which is why
central govt has mae it clear to avoid funding; eve party rules states have been
told that they will be on their own

3.9.3.b) Chief reasons behind farmer distress

3.9.3.c) Private moneylenders and their hold on sharecroppers - Turning to private
funds as public fund remain inaccessible
3.9.3.d) Public government security for agricultural failure/losses/disaster
3.9.3.e) MSP

Extension of Indo-Maldives talks (FEN)

- Ambassador meets Foreign Sec. + high level meeting of diplomats and defence
officials schedueld
- Maldive hs insisted on returning two helicopters tht india operates via the coast
guard and navy stationed at addu aand lamu atolls (strategic points) + unwilling to
renew visas for In. nationals stationed there
- - India working on offer of dornier ircaft in sted: LOE to be revived in this
case to include visas for 30 ind. personnel pilot, engg and consturtion team with
cluse as is common for any time cancellation
- Maldives hope to replace indin with their pilots
- Maldives looks to be estranging from indi over its dispproval of emergeny nd
sttements made by ndi during the period; it seems to be making overtures to china

3.13.2.a) More ethnic confusion in Mizoram - Boycotting of Yoga Day

- Christian majority state were instructed by churches to not take part in ancient
form of exercise dipped in hinduism
- yogic exercise incompatible with Mizo and Christian belief
3.13.2.b) The association of Yoga with Hinduism, and the undermining of Indian
culture
3.13.2.c) Divisive forces in politics

US-India relations : 2+2 Dialogue and chief areas of discussion (FEN)

- Dialogue ot look at sharing perspectives on strategic security ties strengthening
and exchanging views on blateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest
- Comes in the aftermath of trade tariffs and passing of the NDA which did not
allow for waivers in the bsence of significant scaling back - India is under
pressure to scale down its russian defence agreements
- Long term strategic goals not likely
- India has already discussed the modification of the text for COMCASA approving
the sale of Guardian drones which it found too intrusive

US ends separation policy (FEN)

- Trump directed agencies to begin process of reuniting children with parents
seprated at us-mexico border
- does not end the ero tolerance policy that calls for prosecution of immigrants
crossing border illegally
- permanent legislation sought, but bills unlikely to pass as it has garnered
controversy over bilding a wall with mexico to reuce legal migration, ad non-issual
of visas to some relatives of us residents and citizens living abroad (chain
migration)
US-Nkorea negotiations at ending nuclear testing and denucearization of the
pensinsula (FEN)

3.14.3.a) Ensuring electoral fairness in war-torn areas: Cases from Iraq,

Afghanistan
- ecount mandated by court whose decision is final has ratified parliament request
for re-count foll allegations of fraud by old political guard
- parliament has decided to remove 9-member election commission nd instead appoint
judges to post
- manual recount ordered to ensure violation of constitution didnt occur = includes
ballot of residents, people broad, dsplced and security forces
- intelligence services reported tht tests of EVMs (use for the first time)
produced varied results backing claims

3.14.3.b) What are chief hindrances to free/fair elections in a global scenario

(with chief focus on emerging democracies or unexpanded democracies)

3.16.1.a) What are coal linkages and coal blocks?

3.16.1.b) What is the auction mechanism for allotting coal linkages? How does it
resolve earlier issues in the allocation of coal?
- Transparent mech aimed at enabling user sectors to secure coal linkges iresp. of
size of industry or geographic location throug ha market mechanism
- follwoed the logic of e-auctions of coal mines after cancellation of allocation
of 204 coal blocks in 2014
- seeks to extend non-discretionary allocation to coal linkages as well
3.16.1.c) Who all are allocated coal under this mechanism? How do they benefit?

3.11.2.a) SEL Schools and the reasoning behind them

3.11.2.b) The way ahead to implement yoga in the school curriculum
3.11.2.c) Happiness curriculum

3.11.4.a) Citizenship Amendment Bill: A critical analysis of the reasons behind the
bill, and the basis of the worries it has generated
3.11.4.b) Is the Citizenship amendment bill a threat to ethnic societies of the
North east?
- Drops period of nationalization from 12 to 6 yearsin addition to last 12 months
of residence within country.
- law does not cover muslims which is alleged to be a communal issue
- fear that non-muslim migrants will become citizens leading to influx of
refugeesfrom assam with rights to land ownership etc. which is against assam
accords of 1971
- also seen in conflict with the national registry of citizen exercise which only
allows citien up until 1971
- bill states that aim is to help PIO from minorities in three countries who are
unable to provide proof while applying for citizenship under NRC by registration
- attempts to do away with the long waiting period that would deny thembenefits
accrued as citizens
3.11.4.c) Humanitarian considerations of the Citizenship Amendment Bill
3.11.4.d) Citizenship Amendment Bill - provisions

3.11.1.a) Must Dilli be given statehood? For/Against?

AGAINST
HQ od intelligence appratus and civil service core
unique securitychalleneges being the capital region: CAG UPSC and CVC fall
within delhi; SC and judges + security of visiting heads
several points of friction incl funds and contracts between cm and ltg
State will be left bereft of finances if two govts were instituted due to the
loss of chandni chowk daryganj in and around red fort
eMBASSIES GRANTED IMMUNITY UNDER INTL CONVENTIONS
Problems in the usage of a common airport facility located outside the
'state'
FOR
Govt at centres mercy
bureaucratic grey areas where lack of info is made vilble to the elected govt
due to dpet of services confientility which comes under the central govt (cannot
respond to the queries of two govts)
when the legislation occurred elhi ws a smller city; two crore people are
being repreented by a curtailed govt implies a failure od democracy
the use of uts was to create a flexible transitional model (incoked by goa,
tripure, hp and manipur) but delhi has been ignored
3.11.1.b) Background information on the Special Status of Delhi

3.10.2.a) Lynch mobs in India : problems, chief reasons

- cow protection vigilantes and social/moral policing in the case of north east
concern was heightened by fake warning circulated via social media; impossible to
supsend services such as these in modern democracies
- crime of murder and lynching must not be treated with same equanimity; security
measures and stringent punishment must be put in place.
- locl communities must be kept in loop to check trouble makers that conveys
sufficient fith so that individuls will leave peae keeping to the police
3.10.2.b) The role of social media in exacerbating lynch mobs
3.10.2.c) Fake news and authentication mechanisms (a need of the hour : solutions
toard the same)
3.10.2.a) Security response to lynch mobs : principle of proportionality?

3.14.4.a) Human Rights violations by volunteer organizations in wart-torn and

epidemic hit places: Cases in highlights
- HIV patients and whistleblowers in C.Africa insinuated that MSF violunteers were
in the habit of using prostitution services trading medicines for sex