Prisoners of violence: On Sri Lanka’s prison riots

Which of the following statements with regard to the persons with disabilities in India is/are correct ?

1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, an Act passed by the Parliament of India in 2018, mandates reservation in education and employment, places a legal duty on Governments to ensure accessibility and non-discrimination.
2. The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan focuses on achieving universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities across three key domains — built infrastructure, transport systems and information and communication technology.
3. The National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) is a public sector organisation set up by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs as a not-for-profit company to promote entrepreneurship among Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

Select the answer using the code given below :

1. A. 1 and 2
2. B. 2 only
3. C. 1 and 3
4. D. 1 only

Which of the following international conventions have **not** been ratified by India?

1. Employment Policy Convention
2. Abolition of Forced Labour Convention
3. International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families
4. Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War
5. Convention on Reduction of Statelessness

Select the answer using the code given below:

1. A. 2 and 4
2. B. 1 and 2
3. C. 3 and 4 only
4. D. 3, 4 and 5

Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)?

1. A. Resident Indian citizens only
2. B. Persons of age from 21 to 55 only
3. C. All State Government employees joining the services after the date of notification by the respective State Governments
4. D. All Central Government employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April 2004

Consider the following statements:
1. ‘Right to the City’ is an agreed human right and the UN-Habitat monitors the commitments made by each country in this regard.
2. ‘Right to the City’ gives every occupant of the city the right to reclaim public spaces and public participation in the city.
3. ‘Right to the City’ means that the State cannot deny any public service or facility to the unauthorized colonies in the city.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct:

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 3 only
3. C. 1 and 2
4. D. 2 and 3

With reference to land reforms in independent India, which one of the following statements is correct?

1. A. The ceiling laws were aimed at family holdings and not individual holdings.
2. B. The major aim of land reforms was providing agricultural land to all the landless.
3. C. It resulted in cultivation of cash crops as a predominant form of cultivation.
4. D. Land reforms permitted no exemptions to the ceiling limits.

With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, consider the following statements:

1. The entry age group for enrolment in the scheme is 21 to 40 years.
2. Age specific contribution shall be made by the beneficiary.
3. Each subscriber under the scheme shall receive a minimum pension of ₹ 3,000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years.
4. Family pension is applicable to the spouse and unmarried daughters.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1,3 and 4
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 2 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 4

Operations undertaken by the Army towards upliftment of the local population in remote areas to include addressing of their basic needs is called:

1. A. Operation Sankalp
2. B. Operation Maitri
3. C. Operation Sadbhavana
4. D. Operation Madad

International Labour Organization's Conventions 138 and 182 are related to -

1. A. Child labour
2. B. Adaptation of agricultural practices to global climate change
3. C. Regulation of food prices and food security
4. D. Gender parity at the workplace

Amnesty International is -

1. A. an agency of the United Nations to help refugees of civil wars
2. B. a global Human Rights Movement
3. C. a non-governmental voluntary organization to help very poor people
4. D. an inter-governmental agency to cater to medical emergencies in war-ravaged regions

Under which Schedule of the Constitution of India can the transfer of tribal land to private parties for mining be declared null and void?

1. A. Third Schedule
2. B. Fifth Schedule
3. C. Ninth Schedule
4. D. Twelfth Schedule

Why is maritime security vital to protect India’s sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward.

Ashok is Divisional Commissioner of one of the border districts of the North East State. A few years back, Military has taken over the neighbouring country after overthrowing the elected civil government. Civil law situation is prevailing in the country especially in last two years. However, internal situation further deteriorated due to rebel groups taking over control of certain populated areas near town border. Due to intense fight between military and rebel groups, civilian casualties have increased manifold in recent past. In the meantime, one night Ashok got 200-250 people, mainly women and children by firing to cross over to our side of the border. There are also about 10 soldiers with their weapons in military uniform part of this group who wants to cross over. Women and Children are also crying and begging for help. A few of them are injured and bleeding profusely need immediate medical care. Ashok tried to contact Home Secretary of the State but failed to do so due to poor connectivity mainly due to inclement weather.

(a) What are the options available with Ashok to cope with the situation?
(b) What are the ethical and legal dilemmas being faced by Ashok?
(c) Which of the options, do you think would be more appropriate for Ashok to adopt and why?
(d) In the present situation, what are the extra precautionary measures to be taken by the Border Guarding Police in dealing with soldiers in uniform?

What are the major challenges to internal security and peace process in the North-Eastern States? Map the various peace accords and agreements initiated by the government in the past decade.

Subash is Secretary, PWD in the State Government. He is a senior officer, known for his competence, integrity and dedication to work. He enjoys the trust and confidence of the Minister in charge of PWD and Programme Implementation. As a part of his job profile, he is responsible for policy formulation, execution of projects relating to infrastructure initiatives in the State. Besides, he oversees the technical and administrative aspects relating to planning, designing and construction etc..

Subash's Minister is an important Minister in the state and significant growth in urban infrastructure development and road network has been registered during his tenure. He is very keen for launching of ambitious road construction project in the near future.

Subash is in regular touch with the Minister and is working various modalities of road construction project. Regular meetings, interactions and presentations are made by him to the Minister before a formal public announcement of the project is made by the Minister. Subash's only son Vikas is in real estate business. His son, from his own sources, is aware that a mega road project is on the anvil and announcement in this regard is expected anytime. He is very keen to know from his father the exact location of the upcoming project. He knows that there would be quantum jump in the prices of land in the vicinity. Buying land at this stage at cheaper prices would pay him rich dividends. He is pleading with him (his father) day in and day out to share him location of the proposed project. He assured him that he would handle the matter discreetly so it would not attract any adverse notice as he in the normal course, keeps on buying land as a part of his business. He feels pressurised because of constant pleadings by his son.

Another significant aspect of the matter pertained to the extra/undue interest in the above project by the Minister PWD. His nephew was also having big infrastructure project company. In fact, the Minister has also introduced his nephew to him and indicated to him to take care of his nephew's business interest in the forthcoming project. The Minister encouraged him to act fast in the matter as early announcement and execution of mega road project would enhance his status in the party and public life.

In the above backdrop, Subash is in a fix as to the future course of action.

(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.
(b) Critically examine the options available to Subash in the above situation?
(c) Which of the above would be most appropriate and why?

In line with the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Indian Constitution, the government has a constitutional obligation to ensure basic needs – "Roti, Kapda aur Makan (Food, Clothes and Shelter)" – for the under-privileged. Pursuing this mandate, the district administration proposed clearing a portion of forest land to develop housing for the homeless and economically weaker sections of the society.

The proposed land, however, is an ecologically sensitive zone densely populated with age-old trees, medicinal plants and vital biodiversity. Besides, these forests help to regulate micro-climate and rainfall; provide habitat for wildlife, support soil fertility and prevent land/soil erosion and sustain livelihoods of tribal and nomadic communities.

In spite of the ecological and social costs, the administration argues in favour of the proposed initiative by highlighting that this very initiative addresses fundamental human rights as a critical welfare priority. Besides, it fulfils the government's duty to uplift and empower the poor through inclusive housing development. Further, these forest areas have become unsafe due to wild animal threats and recurring human-wild life conflicts. Lastly, clearing a forest-zone may help to curb anti-social elements allegedly using these areas as hideouts, thereby enhancing law and order.

(a) Can deforestation be ethically justified in the pursuit of social welfare objectives like, housing for the homeless?
(b) What are the socio-economic, administrative and ethical challenges in balancing environmental conservation with human development?
(c) What substantial alternatives or policy interventions can be proposed to ensure that both environmental integrity and human dignity are protected? (Answer in 250 words)

Vijay is the Deputy Commissioner of a remote district of Himachal Pradesh. For the last two years, he has been in this region. In the month of August, heavy rains lashed the complete state followed by cloudbursts in the upper reaches of the said district. The damage was very heavy in the complete state, especially in the affected district. The complete road network and telecommunication were disrupted and the buildings were damaged extensively. People's houses have been destroyed and they were forced to stay in open. More than 200 people have been killed and about 5000 were badly injured. The Civil Administration under Vijay got activated and started conducting rescue and relief operations. Temporary shelter camps and hospitals were established to provide shelter and medical facilities to the homeless and injured people. Helicopter services were pressed in for evacuating sick and old people from remote areas. Vijay got a message from his hometown in Kerala that his mother was seriously sick. After two days, Vijay received the unfortunate message that his mother has expired. Vijay has no close relative except one elder sister who is a US citizen and has been staying there for the last several years. In the meantime, the situation in the affected district deteriorated further due to resumption of heavy rains after a gap of five days. At the same time, continuous messages were coming on his mobile from his hometown to reach at the earliest for performing the last rites of his mother.

(a) What are the options available with Vijay?
(b) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Vijay?
(c) Critically evaluate and examine each of these options identified by Vijay.
(d) Which of the options, do you think, would be most appropriate for Vijay to adopt and why?

According to the 2024 Auditor General’s Report cited in the article, Sri Lanka’s prisons were operating at what approximate capacity relative to their approved limit?

1. A. Half their approved capacity
2. B. At their approved capacity
3. C. Nearly twice their approved capacity
4. D. Nearly thrice their approved capacity

The article links the immediate trigger for the recent deadly prison riots in Sri Lanka primarily to which of the following?

1. A. A sudden protest against new prison regulations.
2. B. An alleged drug operation within the prison premises.
3. C. A mass escape attempt by high-profile inmates.
4. D. Shortage of essential supplies like food and water.

Regarding the deaths that occurred during the recent prison riot, what was the stance taken by the Sri Lankan Justice Minister, Harshana Nanayakkara, as reported in the article?

1. A. He denied any government responsibility, attributing deaths solely to inmate violence.
2. B. He stated that the government accepts responsibility for deaths of people in state custody.
3. C. He announced immediate punitive action against the prison guards for failing to control the riot.
4. D. He called for international intervention to investigate the incident.

The recent deadly prison riots in Sri Lanka have brought to light severe issues within its correctional system. Discuss the multifaceted challenges highlighted by such incidents and suggest comprehensive reforms that governments can undertake to improve prison conditions and administration, drawing parallels where applicable.

Introduce the context of prison riots, elaborate on challenges like overcrowding, drug menace, and mismanagement, then suggest reforms covering infrastructure, human resources, legal aspects, and rehabilitation.

The Sri Lankan Justice Minister's acceptance of responsibility for deaths in state custody following the prison riots is a significant step. Analyze the importance of governmental accountability in such incidents and outline the institutional and policy measures necessary to prevent the recurrence of similar tragedies in correctional facilities.

Begin by explaining the significance of state accountability, discuss measures like independent investigations, judicial oversight, capacity building, and addressing root causes like overcrowding and drug networks.