. Why does IMF need reforms? Critically discuss.

The Twin Bretton Woods institutions came into existence in post world war era gr
ounded on the economic and social restructing of the world.
The objective which IMF was envisioned to fulfill was to promote international m
onetary cooperation,facilate balanced growth of international trade,promote exch
ange rate stability and to help members in times of BOP crisis.
The need of reform of IMF has to be judged on the basis of its performance in fu
llfillment of its stated objective.
- In the contempory world ,the emerging economies contribute nearly half of the
world's GDP but the IMF which is based on the archaic model does not represent the
emerging reality of the world economy.The head of the IMF is invariably drawn f
rom the european country,the selection of whom should not be geographically conf
ined but on the ground of merit.
-IMF in order to stabilise the troubled economies ,impose conditionalites which
are generally anti poor and include various austerity measures which impact most
severely the vulnerable section of society.IMF has many times worked on the ass
umption that the domestic factors are behind the BOP crisis without taking the c
ognizance of the externally generated disequilbrium.
-One of the stated objective of IMF was to prevent any impending global crisis.b
ut IMF failed to even predict ,let alone prevent the global recession of 2008-09
and european crisis.
-The private international flows are huge and in comparison IMF resource base is
small which render it ineffective in playing meaningful role.
-In IMF the major decisions requires a supermajorty (85%).US having an vote shar
e of 17% has the solo power to block any supermajority on her own.
International insitutions such as IMF has played a major role since world war -2
in maintaining orderly exchange arrangement and promoting the international tra
de but the emergent condition warrant a more democratic and reformed IMF to cate
r the need of the current world order.
The international financial institution (IMF) was setup in 1944 to foster global
growth and economic stability but failure to control the 2008 after Lehman cris
is and Asian crisis, the need to reform the IMF was felt.
There is a need to reform the decision-making system in IMF to enhance the parti
cipation of developing countries. The distribution of voting rights among member
states in the IMF, which are weighted according to the ownership of shares in t
he equity, where these shares are allocated according to a system of quotas. A f
ew major developed countries hold a majority of voting rights and therefore are
able to dominate the decision-making process. Experts propose `one vote at a time' t
o increase effective participation of all member countries.
IMF had not responded by the time of the Asian crisis. It is therefore urgent to
review the capabilities and modalities of institution to respond to financial c
rises induced by large capital movements. Another problem is that of painful str
ucture adjustments imposed by IMF. Many countries continue to be weighted down b
y inordinate debt overhangs. These imbalances should be fully addressed.
There is another view that The IMF is a generalist institution for macroeconomic
issues only; its core areas of concern in developing countries are very narrow.
One proposed reform is a movement towards close partnership with other speciali
st agencies to better productivity such as UN specialist agencies like UNICEF, t
he Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the United Nations Development P
rogram (UNDP)
Although there are some who argue against the reforms that problem lies with the
development economies not with the IMF. But the reforms will balance free-marke
t principles and issues facing by emerging markets, considering the need to acco
mmodate the different interests and conditions of individual countries that are
at different stages of development.
Discuss trade relations between India and Sri Lanka. Explain why the Comprehensi
ve Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between two countries has not yet mater
ialized.
India is Sri Lanka's largest trading partner globally, while Sri Lanka is India's se
cond largest trading partner in the SAARC. The India-Sri Lanka FTA has allowed t
he bilateral trade to grow 5 times in the last ten years. The bilateral trade tu
rnover has grown from about US$ 600 million in 2000 to over US$ 3 billion in 200
8. Looking at the success of the agreement both the countries engaged themselves
in negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) which was
finalized in July 2008 but was not signed owing to the protests by some Sri Lank
an entrepreneurs.
The first concern was largely related to the inclusion of trade in services, spe
cifically the movement of natural persons which was understood as a move toward
free movement of labor between the two countries.
The second concern, that the shortcomings in the FTA should be addressed before
CEPA like India's state taxes that vary from state to state, a plethora of non-tar
iff barriers, bureaucratic delays in getting customs clearances in India for the
ir exports.
But the CEPA should be seen as an attempt to manage Sri Lanka's trading relationsh
ip with India. The Agreement provides a legal framework which defines the rules
and regulations under which trade and investment occur between the two countries
. Given these conditions, the continued failure to proceed with the CEPA is unfo
rtunate and detrimental to Sri Lanka's trade policy.
Explain the scientific and strategic importance, and applications of Geo-synchro
nous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mark III.
Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)-Mark III is a three stage rocket
currently under development in ISRO. It is envisaged to put satellites in Low E
arth, Polar, intermediate-circular and Geo-stationary orbit (GSO).
Scientifically, GSLV-mark III shall bolster India's capability in developing indig
enous cryogenic engine. It shall propel second moon mission of India & help incr
ease scientific payloads on satellite missions. It shall boost research related
to mapping & data collection.
Strategically, it shall make India independent for launching heavy satellites in
GSO. It has capability to put India among handful of countries that have sent a
stronauts to moon. It will strengthen the Low cost & accurate satellite launchin
g history of India. Space presence & reduced dependence on foreign countries for
technology shall definitely cause strategic advantage.
Applications of GSLV mark III include commercial exploitation of satellite as we
ll as scientific payload launching. It is designed to put astronauts on moon for
research & data collection. Putting heavy satellites (up to 5000 tons) in diffe
rent orbits is another application. It has increased accuracy & cost effectivene
ss among peer group, which may draw attractive business in global market.
Thus it has potential to give a fillip to India's space maneuverability. India is
poised to become a space power with the help of missions like GSLV-mark III.
Write a short note on: Tenosynovitis, Nintenditis and WhatsAppitis are diseases
due to the excessive use of handheld devices.
Tenosynovitis is a common problem that causes severe pain in the hand and forear
m area. Specifically, the pain can be located on the inner side of the wrist and
the forearm region near a person's thumb. The primary cause is inflammation of th
e two tendons in the thumbs, which causes pain in the thumb and wrist area. Peop
le who develop tenosynovitis usually use their hands and thumbs in the same repe
ated motion several times a day. Most people fully recover with treatment, but t
here are many examples of tendon is damaged and recovery is slow or incomplete.
Nintendinitis is the video game related health problem as a form of Repetitive S
train Injury. It can be affected to any finger mainly due to the through use of
D-Pads and its symptoms are blistering, paraesthesia and swelling of the thumbs.
It can lead to stress on tendons, nerves and ligaments in the hands, and furthe
r onto lateral tennis elbow.
Whatsappitis is recently identified thumb disease due to the excessive use of me
ssenger applications of Mobiles. It is recently reported in Canada by a lady who
continuously used whatsapp messege Service.
Critically comment on the factors that led to `independence' movement in then East P
akistan. Are some of those lessons still relevant today in India or in neighbori
ng countries? Examine.
Bangladesh liberation war was fought for the independence of East Pakistan from
the West Pakistan. There were many reasons for the demand of the freedom which l
ed to war as-
1) Language controversy In 1948, Jinnah declared `Urdu and only Urdu' as the nationa
l language, people in East Pakistan know and used to speak only Bangla. Protest
against this was suppressed by the police brutally.
2) Despite a large population, East Pakistan did not gain sufficient funds from
the budget. Money exploited from them was used for the development of West Pakis
tan.
3) Political differences- in 1970 national election, Awami league led by Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman from East Pakistan won 167 seats out of total 313 in national ass
embly. It had majority but Julfikar Ali Bhutto, leader of Pakistan Peoples party
(PPP), didn't allow him to become prime minister.
4) The 1970 Bhola cyclone killed nearly 5 lakh people in the coastal area of Eas
t Pakistan, but West Pakistan didn't responded in effective ways and neglected the
relief work.
5) In 1971, Pakistan Army started `Operation Searchlight' to eliminate all political
and military opposition. Large scale of violence, rapes and massacre were done
by the West Pakistan army in the east.
All these events filled the resentment in the Bangla people. Sheikh Mujibur Rahm
an declared independence in 1971 and called people to resist the Pakistan army.
This led to the war and Bangladeshi Mukti Bahini with the aid and support of Ind
ia won the war and this led to creation of the independent nation called Banglad
esh in 1971.
There are many lesions a country can learn from the Bangladesh liberation war. G
ovt. should focus on development in all areas and try to reduce regional dispari
ty as it can lead to separatist movements. India should also focus on developmen
t in North East region, J&K, while Pakistan on the same time on Baluchistan. Sri
Lanka should investigate War crimes and ensure human rights to north provinces.
Bangladesh having no conventional army, won the war with the help of India and i
ts peoples sacrifice. We should learn that maintaining good relations with the n
eighbors is necessary to maintain peace in the area and beneficial in the emerge
ncy period. Recent decision of India to remain abstained from voting against Sri
Lanka on resolution by UNHRC gives signal for increase in trust and good relati
ons in future with the neighbors.
Should internal politics guide India's foreign policy decisions? In the light of r
ecent examples, comment.
In the past few years internal politics has been guiding India's foreign policy de
cisions to some extent. Some recent examples that come to mind are WB's opposition
to Teesta Water Agreement between India and Bangladesh which led to the accord
being put on hold; lack of political consensus on Land Boundary Agreement betwee
n India and Bangladesh which led to the Bill effecting the Agreement pending in
the Parliament; India's voting against Sri Lanka on global fora twice on human rig
hts issue on account of pressure from political parties from TN with a sudden re
versal of stand recently.
Such trends have both positive and negative aspects attached to them. On the one
hand, it seems that foreign policy decisions have been democratized with opposi
tion views being taken care and not being ridden roughshod. States are airing th
eir views on foreign policy matters and even getting them implemented due to the
compulsions of coalition politics.On the other hand, such trends cause loss to
the country as well. First, with India deviating from its commitments, our image
suffers. Second, our relations with the country suffer. For instance, our stanc
e in case of SL's human rights issues has become source of discord between India a
nd Sri Lanka. Third, even our national interests get hurt at times. For instance
, land boundary agreement can harmonize the border between the two countries.
To conclude, it's better that national interests supersede internal politics in te
rms of foreign policy decisions but given the compulsions of coalition politics
it seems hard to attain
Critically discuss the present structure of PDS system in India and various refo
rms needed to make it robust in the wake of recent passage of food security bill
.
Public distribution system, also known as fair prices shops, is used by GoI to d
istribute ration at subsidized rates to poor section of the society. Govt. distr
ibutes `Ration cards' to every household in India.
People having ration card, can purchase a certain amount of Kerosene, sugar, whe
at, rice and other cereals at market prices or subsidized rates depending upon t
he status of the family as Above poverty line (APL), Below poverty line (BPL) or
Antodaya family.
These are many Problems with the current PDS-
1) Identifying poor remains a problem, especially in urban areas.
2) PDS does not cover the full need of household consumption. So it will affect
the food prices for the uncovered people and also to covered section of the soci
ety.
3) Regional disparity (inter-state disparity) remains a challenge for the centre
and state govt.
4) Illegal diversion of commodities and malpractice like holding back and black
marketing by shop owners.
5) Inferior quality of food grains because of lack of infrastructure, cold store
s and poor maintenance of godowns.
6) Illegal Creation of bogus cards by the FPS owners.
Govt. need to make some reforms to improve the quality of the PDS as below-
1) Quality of the commodities should be improved. FCI should procure good qualit
y items.
2) Allocation of Fair Price Shops should be in transparent manner and should be
given to local person only.
3) Community watch system should be developed and Gram Sabha should be given the
responsibilities to check the misconduct and malpractices of the shop owners.
4) Govt. should provide a mechanism to remove all ghost beneficiaries and bogus
ration cards.
5) Margin of profits can be increased to control diversion of items by the shop
owners.
6) More diversification of items required to cover more household budget. Edible
oil, pulses, coarse cereals etc. should be included.
7) Regular supply of items is necessary to maintain availability at the shops.
Recently Govt. introduced UIDAI card system to PDS, which will give more transpa
rency to the system and will be helpful to eliminate ghost beneficiaries. Direct
Benefit Transfer scheme will also control the corruption and diversion of benef
its. Distribution of Food Stamps is also an alternative option to increase the e
fficiency of Public distribution system and to ensure food security guaranteed b
y recently passed National Food Security Act, 2013 to marginalized section of th
e society.
What are the possible applications of artificially engineered new eukaryotic gen
omes? Explain
Artificially engineered eukaryotic genome means the synthetic creation of eukary
otic chromosome in lab using genetic engineering methods. For the first time ,an
eukaryotic chromosome was decoded and developed from Saccharomyces cerevisiae y
east. S.cerevisiae is useful in biofuel production,brewing,baking,winemaking etc
., With artificial genome creation of eukaryotic gene it opened new avenues for
the development of synthetic human gene. It has many applications in medical and
industrial field.
1) It helps to study the evolution of evolution of living organisms.
2) New vaccines and medicines can be developed and tested
3) New body parts can be synthesized
4) Agricultural output can be maximized
5) Large scale production of bio-fuel and ethanol
6)Easy to solve problems regarding fundamental properties of chromosome, gene st
ructure , DNA etc.,
Despite its numerous applications, it might create ethical and legal problems in
society.
Critically examine various problems involved in successfully implementing MGNREG
A scheme. What measures has government taken to address these problems? Explain.





In the era of growing globalization and rising inequality, MNREGA stands out as
an unique attempt to enhance the social security net via a massive public works
programme. This scheme provides at least 100 days of wage employment in a year t
o the adult members of an household who are willing to take unskilled manual wor
k.MNREGA takes the government's policy of employer of last resort toa new realm be
cause of its massive reach, universal nature and it's initiation during a period o
f rapid economic growth.
But it has also been marred by several shortcomings, for instance,
a. Planning commission finds shortage of coverage in states like Bihar and Uttar
Pradesh.
b. Payments to workers are being delayed as the is a late measurement of work.
c. Another issue is of fake muster rolls and bills being generated.
d. There is widespread corruption in implementing the programme and no real asse
ts are being created.
e. Workers are moving away from their main activity, agriculture, and are diggin
g pits in the name of work under NREGA.
f. There is discrepancy between data available on the MNREGA website and that fo
und in NSSO and NCAER surveys. while the former claim the coverage of the scheme
to be 36 percent, the latter found it to be actually 25 percent.





The government had taken following steps for address the problems associated wit
h MGNREGA
a)Issue of various new guidelines and government order for removing ambiguity as
sociated with act.
b)Implementation of Business correspondence model and streamlining of payment cy
cle. Proposal for implementation of core accounting principal for expenditure on
basis of credit limit. Further, efforts is being made for timely adherence of c
onditions for release of funds like submission of utilization report and audit r
eport.
c)MIS for tracking delay in payment and measurement of work is being implemented
.
d)Indexing of wages to inflation so that even if SOR are not revised, wages to b
e increase.




Reforms are needed to make the scheme truly demand-based, besides addressing iss
ues of fraud, misuse of funds, corruption and structural problems like delayed p
ayments. Issues like uneven coverage across states and districts also need to be
addressed. There is a need to involve more IT based services in the disseminati
on of wages, enrollment of workers and better coverage of the programme which wi
ll help in increasing transparency and accountability of this pertinent flagship
programme.Effective levels of awareness and sustained public pressure are also
important to ensure that the implementation problems are addressed and objective
s met.




Write a critical note on the impact of globalization on the rural industries of
India, especially after 1990.




After 1990, pace of globalisation, the process of global-interconnected-ness, is
becoming more and more pervasive. The more we interconnect, the we interact and
thus more we get-influenced or influence. The impact of globalisation on rural
industry post 1990 can be examined under the following
Firstly, the globalisation brought increased investment, skill, technical mechan
isation etc. It helped to establish several modern industries particularly in ur
ban and sub-urban areas. But this replaced rural industries which are mostly bas
ed on traditional practices due to competetive quality and price.
As a result most rural craftsmen lost their livelihood. For ex., China-Korea sil
k arrival led to loss of livelihood of Bihar silk artisans, Sudan Gum had simila
r effect on Gujarat tribal gum.
The artisans and others who lost their livelihoods were forced to migrate. The U
NESO report on `Social inclusion of Internal Migrants in India' confirm increased ru
ral migration for jobs in hazardous, socially demeaning and dangerous work.
On the other hand, some rural industries benefitted because of increased exports
, better prices and thus more profits. For ex., export of agricultural products
to europe. India adopted concept of cooperativisation from ernst-while USSR in
white-revolution.
Some other initialtives like FDI in multi-retail could help rural industry per s
e agri-buisness, tribal produce by filling post harvest processing where there i
s lot of wastage in transit of agricultural products like vegetables etc.
Thus, impact on globalisation on rural industry is mixed some benefited others w
ho could not outperform were replaced. It is ultimately the govt thru its polici
es inline with provisions like Art 43(Promotion of rural industry), 48(Organisat
ion of agri and animal husbandry in scientific lines) could march rural industry
towards prosperity.
Critically comment on the Rohingya issue in Myanmar. Does it have any implicatio
ns on India? Examine.




Rohingya is an ethnic Muslim community tagged as one of the most persecuted mino
rities in the world by UN.
Rohingya's whose origin is dubious resided in Myanmar. But, in Myanmar's first censu
s, officials denied citizenship to Rohingya if they don't register themselves as B
engalis. Earlier in 2012 also, a wide clash occurred between Buddhists Rakhine s
tate and Rohingya Muslims, forcing the latter to flee from their homes. No optio
n was left with them but to seek refugee in Bangladesh. But now, due to speculat
ions of terrorists hiding in Rohingya refugee camps, Bangladesh does not seem to
have the ability to continue providing safety to Rohingya community. And now Ro
hingya are stateless.




The clashes between Buddhist Rakhine state and the minorities Rohingyas have bee
n growing in number recently. A massive riot in 2012 displaced a large number of
Rohingya muslims, with several people being killed and property being looted. A
lso, recently, in Myanmar's first census after 2013, Buddhists vowed to boycott th
e census, if Rohingyas are officially allowed to register as `Rohingyas', as this wi
ll lead to their official recognition. Thus, Myanmar had to succumb to this pres
sure and they are now allowed to register as `Bengalis' but not as `Rohingyas'. This tak
es away their ethnic identity from them.
This dispute is of great concern to India as it is struggling with the large inf
lux of Rohingya refugees in West Bengal via north-east as Bangladesh has closed
its door to them. These refugees are detained under Foreigners Act 1946 and supp
ort will be provided to them by U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. But the hig
h number of refugees poses a security risk to India. Also, around 1500 Rohingyas
are camping in makeshift camps in the city of Hyderabad and living in precariou
s conditions. India doesn't have the resources to support this huge number of refu
gees. Thus, a solution is required at this stage to rehabilitate these refugees.
Thus various stakeholders including Bangladesh, Myanmar and India should meet a
nd discuss the situation keeping in view geographic, economic and historical fac
tors. Another solution is to take the matter to United Nations for ultimate reso
lution which should be acceptable to all;




Discuss the nature of USA and Saudi Arabia relations and its implication on the
regional security.




Saudi Arabia has remained strong diplomatic ally of US since 1933 and the relati
ons of both nations have meta-morphed but remained resilient over the years from
the arab israel conflict to the war of terror. Having said that , US relations
with Saudi have been experiencing frost due to recent developments.
US's nuclear deal with Iran post US's decision not to launch a military intervention
in syria has left Saudi seething. Saudi on its part has elicited frowns from th
e west by its its intervention in bahrain and supporting the military coup in Eg
ypt. This has left the air tense with a probable US- Saudi rift.
Though US relations with saudi are viewed to be purely economic and there has of
ten been a barter for mutual interest , their efforts maintaining regional stabi
lity, moderating the global oil market, and pursuing terrorists shouldn't be downp
layed. Saudi is well aware that US military might is irreplaceable at present an
d extremely vital for the regional security of the middle east. US on its part s
hould recognize the field of influence that Saudi wields over the rest of the ar
ab nations.
Saudi's relation with US however should reform with context to modern times. The f
oundations it has been built on is no longer significant with US proceeding towa
rds an energy independent nation. Whatever step both these nations decide to tak
e would inadvertently alter the geopolitics and regional scenario of the entire
middle east.
Please review my answer !! Any suggestion at all to improve my answer would be w
elcome .
p.s . i'm a newbie but have been following this site regularly writing the answers
down in my notebook
1 Like
Reply
DG
March 30, 2014 at 7:27 pm
nice answeru could also mention Saudi Arabia's decision to deny UN temporary seat i
n protest of US policies in middle East and as it did not want to be a pawn in U
S hands in the UN.
In long term, growing irrelevance of Saudi Arabia for US may lead Saudi Arabia t
o play a more constructive role in the middle east problems like Syria crisis an
d Iran issueplease correct me if I am wrong
Nearly 70 years of glorious Independence later it is shameful that we are still d
iscussing manual scavenging. Critically comment.




The mannual scanvenging of insanitary latrines, in India, mostly done by downtro
dden and that too with bare hands. This violates Art 14(Equality), Art 15(No dis
crimination) and then Art 21(dignified life).
Govt in 1993 established National Commission for Safai Karmacharis which bans pr
actice of mannual scavenging. It also enacted Emplyment of Mannual scavengers an
d contruction of dry latrines act 1993. The act prohibits mannual scavenging and
contruction/continuation of dry latrines.
The problem was that the law was enacted wrto sanitation perspective by Ministry
of Housing and poverty alleviation. The problem was , as Public Sanitation comes
under State list, that it did not fix State's liability. State govts did not enfor
ce rules regarding the conversion of dry lattrines. Another problem, since centu
ries several families involved in this practice, provide them alternative means
of livelihood can only stop this practice. This was not dealt.
The govt recently passed Prohibition of Emplyment of Mannual Scavengers and thei
r rehabilitation Act 2013 wrto human dignity rather than earlier sanitation conc
ept. The law penalises those not converting insanitary latrines. But the law see
m to turn blind eye if violators are state bodies particularly Railways, and def
ence authorities.
Social activism forced Railways and defence authorites to adopt modern practices
like vacuum cleaners, bio-tiolets etc. But the major issue involved here is cos
t. This is payable for human dignity.
The core of the issue is Rehabilitation alternative livihoods of those mannual sca
nvengers and their families. Unless the govt takes appropriate measures for reha
bilitation, the inhumane practice persists. As ensuring human dignity comes unde
r Union govt and Public sanitation under state list, there needs to coordinated
approach for complete elimination of this inhumane practice.