INTERVIEW GUIDANCE PROGRAM CSE 2024

TOPIC 1: RAT HOLE MINING TRAGEDY

CONTEXT
The January 6, 2025, rat-hole mining tragedy in Dima Hasao, Assam, which trapped nine miners, underscores the dangers of illegal mining, despite a 2014 NGT ban.

WHY ILLEGAL MINING PERSISTS IN THE NORTHEAST DESPITE BANS?

Legal Loopholes and Tribal Land Rights–Rat-hole mining was banned by the NGT in 2014 and upheld by the Supreme Court, yet continues. Meghalaya’s Sixth Schedule allows tribal councils to grant mining licenses, leading to unchecked mining.
Political and Administrative Complicity–Politicians, police, and bureaucrats are complicit, enabling illegal operations. Local governance bodies, including the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, facilitate mining. Government corporations like AMDCL face scrutiny over alleged illegal activities.
Economic and Social Pressures–High coal prices incentivize continued illegal mining. Landless farmers and marginal workers rely on mining for survival despite risks.

WAY- FORWARD

Strict Implementation of Legal Directives – Enforce the Supreme Court’s rulings on the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, ensuring stringent legal compliance.
Special Investigation Team (SIT) for Accountability – Establish an SIT to track administrative complicity in illegal mining and enforce strict penalties for violations.
Tech-Driven Surveillance – Utilize drones and satellite monitoring to detect and prevent illegal mining activities in real time, ensuring immediate intervention.
Sustainable Livelihood Alternatives – Provide financial support for skill training in renewable energy, agroforestry, and eco-tourism to create alternative employment for mining-dependent communities.
Community-Led Governance and Transparency – Strengthen Sixth Schedule councils, introduce cooperative mining models, and promote community-led environmental protection initiatives for sustainable and regulated mining practices.

TOPIC 2: DECLINING FERTILITY RATE & RAPID AGING POPULATION

Context
India faces a rapidly declining fertility rate, with the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) falling from 6.18 in the 1950s to 1.9 in 2021, below the replacement level of 2.1. Projections suggest that by 2100, the TFR may drop to 1.04. States like Kerala are experiencing rapid aging, with the elderly population potentially surpassing children by 2036.

Why Is Fertility Falling?

Social Changes:
- Increased female literacy and workforce participation.
- Women’s empowerment and aspirations have led to later or fewer marriages.
Economic and Lifestyle Choices:
- Preference for careers and financial independence over motherhood.
- Migration for education and jobs contributes to population decline.
Health Factors:
- Rising infertility rates and abortions impact fertility.
Family Planning Initiatives:
- India’s long-standing birth control programs have influenced fertility rates.

What Are the Implications?

Demographic Transition:
- Ageing population and shrinking young workforce.
- Higher demand for healthcare and social security for elderly care.
Regional Impact:
- States like Kerala experience rapid ageing and youth migration.
- Kerala’s aged population may surpass children by 2036 (23%).

What Is Happening in the Southern States?

Fertility Trends:
- Southern States achieved replacement fertility levels earlier than others (Kerala in 1988, others by mid-2000s).
Labour Dynamics:
- Kerala attracts internal migrants to counter a shrinking workforce.
- Migrant labour may reach 60 lakh by 2030 (one-sixth of the State’s population).
Economic Concerns:
- Low economic investments and growth despite high human development indices.
Health Challenges:
- Older mothers face pregnancy-related morbidities.

WAY-FORWARD

Targeted Family Support Policies – Implement tax incentives, subsidized childcare, parental leave, and work-life balance policies, adapting Scandinavian models to India’s socio-economic realities.
Strengthening Elderly Empowerment – Expand pension schemes and reemployment (Silver Dividend) incentives while prioritizing geriatric care training and senior-focused policies.
Region-Specific Strategies – Strengthen healthcare and social security in aging states like Kerala while improving reproductive health services in higher fertility states like Bihar.
Gender Equity for Workforce Growth – Address gender inequality, especially in rural areas, by empowering women through workforce participation and eliminating sex-selective practices.
Skill Development and Migration Planning – Enhance labor force participation and improve urban planning and migration policies to balance regional disparities, learning from China’s demographic challenges.

TOPIC 3: UNREGULATED COACHING INSTITUTES IN INDIA

Context
The tragic death of three civil service aspirants at Rau’s IAS Study Circle in July 2024, due to flooding in the basement, highlighted serious safety violations by the coaching institute. The issue of student suicides in Kota, Rajasthan, further adds to the concerns, with 26 reported suicides in 2023 alone, attributed to extreme academic pressure and inadequate mental health support.

WHY DO WE NEED TO REGULATE COACHING INDUSTRIES?

Student Suicides & Mental Health Concerns

High academic pressure leads to student suicides, especially in competitive exam hubs like Kota.
Coaching institutes celebrate toppers, creating stress for those who don’t succeed.

Unsafe Infrastructure & Hazardous Conditions

Many coaching centres operate in unsafe buildings, risking student safety.
A fire incident in Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi, in June 2023 led to 61 students being injured while escaping.

Exorbitant Fees & Malpractices

Institutes charge high fees but fail to provide quality education and student support.
Misleading advertisements create false expectations among students and parents.

Lack of Legal Oversight

The coaching industry operates without strict regulations, leading to unfair practices.
Students lack grievance redressal mechanisms, increasing vulnerability to exploitation.

NEW GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES

Age & Admission Restrictions
- No student below 16 years or without completing secondary education can enroll.
Fair Practices & Fee Regulation
- Institutes must not make misleading claims or false advertisements.
- A fair and reasonable fee structure must be declared.
Student Mental Health & Support
- Institutes must avoid undue pressure and provide sustained assistance to students in distress.
Safety & Infrastructure Compliance
- A minimum of one square metre per student is required in classrooms.
- Coaching centre buildings must adhere to fire and building safety codes.
Legal Framework & Penalties
- Registration is mandatory, and unregistered institutes must comply within three months.
- Penalties for violations:
  - First offence – ₹25,000
  - Second offence – ₹1 lakh
  - Further violations – Registration revocation

WAY FORWARD

Strict Compliance with Education Guidelines – Ensure all coaching institutes register under the new Ministry of Education regulations, adhering to fire safety, building safety, and mental health standards.
Safe and Supportive Infrastructure – Institutes must provide secure buildings, fair and reasonable fees, and real-time monitoring systems to prevent hazardous conditions.
Mental Health and Counselling Support – Mandatory counselling services should be available to help students manage stress, alongside limiting study hours to prevent burnout.
Legal Accountability for Violations – Strict penalties, including fines and potential closure for non-compliance, will enforce responsibility among coaching institutes.
Holistic Student Well-Being – A balanced approach integrating safety measures, psychological support, and fair academic policies will foster a healthier learning environment.

TOPIC 4: SHOULD GOVERNORS HEAD STATE UNIVERSITIES?

Context

The role of Governors as Chancellors of state universities has sparked significant debate, particularly following the introduction of the draft UGC Regulations on the selection and appointment of Vice Chancellors. These regulations have granted extensive powers to Governors, which has raised concerns over the increasing politicisation of university governance.

WHY GOVERNOR’S ROLE AS CHANCELLOR REQUIRES A REVAMP?

Colonial Legacy & Outdated Model
- The role of Governor as Chancellor was introduced in 1857 to maintain British control over universities. This model was adopted post-Independence without reassessment in a democratic and federal framework.
Political Interference & Misuse
- From 1947 to 1967, Governors were largely ceremonial, but post-1967, they became political tools of the Central government. The First Administrative Reforms Commission and Sarkaria Commission criticized the erosion of the office’s dignity. Most Governors come from political backgrounds, raising concerns about impartiality and misuse.
Conflicts Due to Dual Role
- As per Article 163(1), Governors act on ministerial advice for constitutional matters but have discretion as Chancellors. This discretion allows bypassing of State governments in university affairs, leading to tensions, especially in Opposition-ruled States. Delays in appointments and policy decisions affect university functioning.

WAY-FORWARD

Adopt Global Best Practices – Align university governance with models from the UK, Canada, and Australia, where Chancellors are appointed by executive bodies to ensure academic priorities remain central.
Reduce Political Interference – Follow New Zealand and Germany’s approach by insulating university governance from political pressures to enhance academic freedom.
Implement Commission Recommendations – Consider the Rajamannar, Sarkaria, and Punchhi Commissions’ suggestions to reassess the Governor’s role as Chancellor for better transparency and efficiency.
Ensure Transparent Decision-Making – Establish independent university governance structures that prioritize institutional autonomy and reduce external influence.
Move Beyond Colonial Legacies – Reform governance frameworks to support universities’ independent growth, aligning with the government’s vision of breaking free from a “colonial mindset.”

TOPIC 5: STAMPEDE AT THE MAHA KUMBH IN PRAYAGRAJ

Context

A stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, triggered by poor crowd management and overcrowding, led to 30 deaths and over 60 injuries.

HOW DID THE STAMPEDE HAPPEN?–A barricade collapsed on Akhara Marg, triggering panic and a massive rush. A sudden surge of devotees at the ghats overwhelmed crowd management efforts. VIP movement and poor planning worsened the situation.

Concerns Regarding the Stampede

Crowd Control Failure
- Over 36 million people gathered by 10 a.m., surpassing safe capacity despite road closures.
Lack of Transparency
- Delayed disclosure of casualties raised concerns about crisis management and accountability.
Recurring Stampedes
- This is the sixth Kumbh Mela stampede in 70 years, highlighting persistent safety failures.
Infrastructure Strain
- The 65 km temporary setup struggles to accommodate the massive gathering at the small confluence area.

WAY- FORWARD

Scientific Crowd Control Measures – Implement staggered entry times, increase entry/exit points, and establish strong sectoral partitions to regulate crowd density.
Enhanced Real-Time Surveillance – Utilize AI-enabled CCTV, facial recognition, Kumbh Sah’AI’yak, and drone monitoring to detect crowd surges and respond proactively.
Disaster Preparedness and Evacuation Plans – Conduct regular drills, establish well-defined evacuation strategies, and ensure rapid response mechanisms.
Timely and Transparent Communication – Ensure swift dissemination of information through digital platforms like Kumbh Sah’AI’yak to prevent panic and confusion.

Adopting Global Best Practices – Learn from models like the Times Square crowd segmentation method to manage large gatherings effectively.

TOPIC 6: RISING DIGITAL ARREST SCAMS

Context

India is witnessing a surge in “Digital Arrest” scams, where fraudsters impersonate police officers, officials, or judges to extort money. Victims are falsely accused of crimes like money laundering or drug trafficking and pressured into making payments to avoid arrest. The increasing frequency of such cases has prompted the Ministry of Home Affairs’ cyber security arm, Cyber Dost, to issue a public advisory on October 5, warning citizens to stay alert and avoid falling prey to these sophisticated frauds.

HOW DOES IT OPERATE?

Impersonation
- Scammers pose as officials (CBI, TRAI, police) using spoofed numbers and official-looking logos.
False Accusations
- Victims are falsely accused of serious crimes with fabricated evidence to create panic.
Psychological Manipulation
- Threats of arrest or public humiliation pressure victims into compliance.
- Scammers declare the interaction a “national secret” to isolate victims.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF DIGITAL ARREST SCAMS

Impersonation of Government Officials
- A criminal offense under Section 204 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
- Punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine, or both.
Extortion & Conspiracy
- Extortion (threats for financial gain) is punishable under Section 308 of BNS with up to seven years imprisonment and a fine.
- Collaborators in such crimes can be charged with conspiracy under Section 61 of BNS, facing similar penalties.
Cyber Fraud & Identity Theft
- Fraud through impersonation and identity theft fall under Sections 66C and 66D of the IT Act.
- Each carries a punishment of up to three years in prison, a fine, or both.

WHY PEOPLE ARE FALLING FOR IT

Fear of Law Enforcement
- Many people, especially the elderly, fear police cases and prolonged legal proceedings.
- The mention of central agencies like CBI, ED, or NCB heightens panic.
Distrust in the Legal System
- Courts are seen as slow and ineffective, making people want to avoid legal trouble at any cost.
- Police may dismiss small fraud complaints, discouraging victims from seeking help.
Realistic Impersonation
- Scammers effectively mimic law enforcement behavior, making it hard to distinguish real from fake.
- They exploit high-profile news events, posing as officials from agencies currently in the spotlight.
Targeting Vulnerable Groups
- Older individuals, industrialists, and bureaucrats with substantial bank balances are prime targets.
- Younger people unfamiliar with police procedures are also at risk of being deceived.

WAY-FORWARD

Strengthening AI-Driven Fraud Detection – Telecom providers and financial institutions should integrate AI-based fraud detection systems, complementing TRAI’s pre-call warning messages to flag suspicious calls and transactions in real time.
Enhanced Law Enforcement Coordination – Establish dedicated cybercrime units at district levels while leveraging the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and the Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC) for real-time coordination among banks, telecom providers, and law enforcement.
Mandatory Caller ID Authentication – Require official institutions to authenticate caller IDs, integrating with the ‘Report and Check Suspect’ feature on the cybercrime portal to help citizens verify suspicious callers.
Continuous Public Awareness Initiatives – Expand cyber awareness campaigns through newspapers, social media, radio, and public transport, while incorporating cyber hygiene education in schools and corporate training.
Expanding Technological and Legal Measures – Strengthen verification systems, improve fraud tracking with the Samanvaya platform and suspect registry, and enforce stricter regulations against scammers by blocking fraudulent SIM cards and IMEIs.

TOPIC 7: SEXUAL HARSSMENT AT WORKPLACE

Context: The tragic rape and murder of a PG trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata has raised urgent concerns over the enforcement of workplace safety laws, particularly the POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Act. Similarly, revelations from the Hema Committee Report in Kerala on workplace harassment in the Malayalam film industry have brought attention to issues like power imbalances, couch casting, and lack of basic facilities.

WHY DOES SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT THE WORKPLACE EXIST DESPITE LEGAL PROVISIONS?

Lack of Awareness & Training

Many employees are unaware of the law.
Insufficient training for Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) members reduces effectiveness.

Underreporting & Fear of Retaliation

Victims fear retaliation from employers or colleagues.
Stigma and confidentiality concern further discourage complaints.

Failure of Companies & Law Enforcement

A study found that while reported cases increased, resolution rates remained low.
Larger companies report more cases, but small and medium-sized firms often neglect complaints.

Power Hierarchies & Silence Culture

Harassment is often a way of displaying power and control in workplaces.
Silence is sometimes rewarded, discouraging victims from speaking out.

Lack of Protection in the Unorganized Sector

Domestic helpers, Asha, and Anganwadi workers remain outside the effective scope of the Act.
Many working women’s movements demand better implementation, but systemic barriers persist.

WAY-FORWARD

Mandatory ICCs Across All Sectors – Ensure the formation of Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs) in every workplace, including all production units in the entertainment industry, as per the POSH Act and Supreme Court guidelines.
Certification of Gender Justice in Films – Implement a certification process similar to animal welfare disclaimers, ensuring that no film glorifies gender injustice.
Enhanced Gender Sensitization Initiatives – Strengthen awareness campaigns and mandatory training programs for the film industry and workplaces to challenge gender biases and promote equality.
Strengthening the POSH Act – Shift focus from redressal to prevention, simplify the conciliation process for victims, and enforce strict penalties for non-compliance by employers.
Establishing a Central Monitoring Authority – Create a centralized body to oversee POSH Act implementation, ensuring accountability and effective enforcement across industries.

TOPIC 8: KOREAN WAVE IN INDIA: CULTURAL EXCHANGE OR CULTURAL DOMINANCE?

Context

The rapid spread of Korean culture in India, driven by K-pop, K-dramas, K-beauty, and Korean cuisine, reflects the growing influence of the Hallyu wave. While this cultural exchange fosters global connections and economic opportunities, concerns arise regarding the overshadowing of Indian traditions, unrealistic beauty standards, and economic dependence on foreign brands.

TRENDS OF THE KOREAN WAVE IN INDIA

BTS’s music resonates deeply with Indian youth, leading to fan clubs and active social media communities.
Korean cuisine, including kimchi, Korean fried chicken, and ramyeon, is growing in popularity.
South Korean cosmetics are in high demand, with nearly 40% of Indian women incorporating them into their skincare routines.
Korean noodle brands like Nongshim and Samyang are widely available, even in tier-2 cities and North Eastern states.
The “All India K-POP Contest”, organized annually by the Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI), reflects the rising popularity of K-pop.

WHY THE KOREAN WAVE IS INCREASING IN INDIA?

Growing middle-class exposure through travel, education, and technology has increased demand for South Korean products.
Pandemic lockdowns led to a surge in Hallyu (Korean Wave) fans as people binge-watched K-dramas on OTT platforms.
Consumption patterns shifted after 2020, with Korean food seeing a 162% growth in 2020 and projected 178% growth in 2021 (Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India).
Social media and celebrity endorsements have fueled interest in Korean culture, especially after the film Parasite gained global recognition.
Emotional relatability – K-dramas, with high emotional intensity and dramatic twists, resemble Indian soap operas, making them appealing.
- Example: “It’s Okay Not to Be Okay” became a hit in India as it addressed themes of healing, mental health, and overcoming trauma, resonating deeply with Indian audiences.
Localization efforts by Indian platforms like Zee5 and MX Player, which dub K-dramas in Indian languages, have widened their reach.

WAY- FORWARD

Fostering Cultural Exchange Through Glocalisation – Encourage mutual enrichment by integrating Korean and Indian cultural elements, ensuring both traditions thrive without overshadowing each other.
Leveraging ‘Make in India’ to Complement Hallyu’s Economic Impact – Strengthen Indian beauty, entertainment, and food industries to coexist with Korean brands, boosting employment and local business growth.
Enhancing Language Learning With a Cultural Perspective – Expand the National Education Policy’s Korean language initiative, integrating comparative studies to deepen understanding of both cultures.
Encouraging Positive Social Influence from K-content – Promote the themes of resilience, self-love, and positivity seen in K-dramas and K-pop, aligning them with Indian storytelling to inspire youth.
Balancing Beauty Standards Through Awareness Campaigns – Address unrealistic ideals by promoting diverse beauty representations in Indian media while embracing K-beauty innovations that suit local preferences.

TOPIC 9: REGULATING INDIA’S INFLUENCER ECONOMY

Context

India’s influencer economy has tripled in five years, reaching ₹55 billion. A study by the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) found that 69% of the top 100 digital influencers failed to comply with disclosure guidelines, misleading followers about brand partnerships. The rise of financial influencers (finfluencers) has made investing more accessible, but unchecked advice raises concerns about financial misinformation. In response, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced strict guidelines to regulate finance-related content.

WHY REGULATION IS NEEDED FOR SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS?

Promoting risky products – Influencers like Lakshay Chaudhary and TheFinancialYogi have faced criticism for endorsing crypto platforms without mandatory risk disclaimers.
Blurring the line between ads and opinions – Influencer reviews on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn can strongly impact consumer choices, but often lack clear disclosure about whether content is sponsored or genuine.
Lack of accountability – Anyone with a smartphone can become an influencer, and without regulations, they can shape consumer decisions without responsibility.
Unfair competition for advertisers – Unlike traditional media, social media influencers are not bound by strict advertising regulations, creating an uneven playing field.
Potential for misinformation – Without mandatory due diligence, influencers may promote products or services without verifying their quality or safety, leading to uninformed consumer choices.

WAY- FORWARD

Strict Compliance with ASCI Guidelines: Ensure top influencers adhere to the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) norms for transparent brand disclosures.
SEBI Regulations for Finfluencers: Implement SEBI’s new guidelines, restricting real-time stock price discussions and prohibiting unverified investment advice.
Encouraging Independent Decision-Making: Promote critical thinking by advising individuals to consult qualified professionals instead of blindly following influencers.
Combating Disinformation on social media: Strengthen IT Ministry regulations to prevent platforms from becoming hubs for financial misinformation and scams.
Balanced Social Media Use: Encourage digital detox strategies while recognizing social media’s role in financial learning when used responsibly.

TOPIC 10: Addressing the Rising Cancer Burden in India

India’s cancer burden is rising, with the National Library of Medicine estimating new cases to increase from 1.46 million in 2022 to 1.57 million in 2025, a 5% rise. Lung and breast cancer remain the most prevalent forms among men and women, respectively.

WHY CANCER BURDEN IS INCREASING IN INDIA?

Lifestyle and metabolic risk factors – Tobacco use, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, alcohol consumption, high blood sugar, and obesity contribute significantly to cancer risk. Smoked tobacco is linked to lung, mouth, gastrointestinal, bladder, and pancreatic cancers.
Environmental and socioeconomic factors – High pollution levels and lifestyle choices play a crucial role in increasing cancer incidence.
Tobacco consumption – Around 40% of cancer cases in India are due to tobacco use, which increases the risk of lung, oral, and throat cancers.
Poor diet and lack of physical activity – These factors account for nearly 10% of cancer cases in India.
Healthcare inequalities – Uneven distribution of healthcare infrastructure and medical professionals leads to disparities in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

WAY- FORWARD

Enhancing Drug Affordability – Extending import duty cuts to include advanced branded cancer drugs to lower treatment costs.
Mass Screening Initiatives – Investing in AI-based mass screening technologies to improve early detection rates.
Leveraging State-Level Subsidies – Encouraging more states to replicate Delhi, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Kerala’s medical subsidy programs.
Affordable Transport Facilities – Expanding Indian Railways and Air India’s discounted fares and state-level free bus travel for cancer patients.
Encouraging Philanthropy & CSR Contributions – Directing more corporate and individual donations toward cancer research, treatment, and patient support.