NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same time gives you extra points in the form of background information.
General Studies – 1
Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Chapter 24- India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question:
To give reasons for rise and popularity of socialism among the Indian Nationalists and its impact on the national movement.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin the giving context regarding the rise and subsequent popularity of socialist ideals and ideology socialism among the Indian Nationalists.
Body:
In the first part of the body, write about the detailed reasons therefore. Mention about Bolshevik revolution, ideals of socialism, exploitation faced under Britain, Initial success of Soviet Economy, Economic situation in India, Influence of Mahatma Gandhi etc.
In the next part, mention about the impact of socialism on the National movement. Mention the changes it brought, impact on peasant and worker issues, on revolutionary nationalists, on important leaders within congress, on leaders and organization outside congress, formation of CPI and Economic programme etc.
Conclusion:
Summarize the overall legacy that socialism left on the national movement and the newly independent India.
Introduction
The radicalization of the national movement during the late 1920s and 1930s and the goal of political independence acquired a clearer and sharper social and economic content gave strong support to Socialism. Socialist ideas acquired roots in the Indian soil; and socialism became the accepted creed of Indian youth whose urges came to be symbolized by Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose. Gradually there emerged two powerful parties of the Left, the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Congress Socialist Party (CSP).
Body
Causes for the rising popularity of socialism among the Indian leaders post world war-I:
- The socialist movement began to develop in India with the Russian Revolution in 1917. However, in 1871 a group in Calcutta had contacted Karl Marx with the purpose of organizing an Indian section of the First International.
- Marxism made a major impact in Indian media at the time of the Russian Revolution.
- Of particular interest to many Indian papers and magazines was the Bolshevik policy of right to self-determination of all nations.
- Bipin Chandra Pal and Bal Gangadhar Tilak were amongst the prominent Indians who expressed their admiration of Lenin and the new rulers in Russia.
- The Russian Revolution also affected émigré Indian revolutionaries, such as the Ghadar Party in North America.
- The Khilafat movement contributed to the emergence of early Indian communism. Many Indian Muslims left India to join the defence of the Caliphate. Several of them became communists whilst visiting Soviet territory. Some Hindus also joined the Muslim muhajirs in the travels to the Soviet areas.
- The First World War was accompanied with a rapid increase of industries in India, resulting in a growth of an industrial proletariat.
- At the same time prices of essential commodities increased. These were factors that contributed to the build-up of the Indian trade union movement. Unions were formed in the urban centres across India, and strikes were organised.
- In 1920, the All India Trade Union Congresswas founded.
- The Communist Party of Indiawas founded in Tashkent on 17 October 1920, soon after the Second Congress of the Communist International by M.N.Roy, Abani Mukherji and others.
- The decade of 1930s witnessed the rapid growth of socialist ideas within and outside the Congress.
- In 1929, there was a great economic slump or depression in the United States, which gradually spread to the rest of the world resulting in economic distress and unemployment on a large scale (across the world). But the economic situation in the Soviet Union was just the opposite.
- There was not only no slump, but the years between 1929 and 1936 witnessed the successful completion of the first two Five Year Plans, which increased the Soviet industrial production by more than four times.
- The world depression, thus, brought the capitalist system into disrepute and drew attention towards Marxism, socialism, and economic planning.
- Consequently, socialist ideas began to attract more and more people, especially the young, the workers, and the peasants.
Impact of socialism to the Indian national movement:
- Within the Indian National Congress:
- Congress Socialist party
- It was a socialist group within the INC founded in 1934 by JP Narayan and Acharya Narendra Dev.
- They believed in Marxist Ideas, Gandhian ideals, Liberal and Social democracy of the west.
- Nationalism and Independence was their goal.
- 1936 Faizpur session of INC
- The objectives of the session included reducing land revenue, abolition of feudal levies and dues, cooperative farming, creation of peasant unions etc.
- Civic rights:
- The National Congress supported the states’ people’s struggle and urged the princes to introduce democratic representative government and to grant fundamental civil rights.
- In 1938, when the Congress defined its goal of independence it included the independence of the princely states.
- In 1939, Jawaharlal Nehru became the President of the All India States’ People’s Conference. The States’ people’s movement awakened the national consciousness among the people of the states. It also spread a new consciousness of unity all over India.
- Safeguarding of interests of workers:
- In 1936, INC asked the Congress ministries in provinces to work for safeguarding and promoting the interests of workers.
- Outside Congress:
- Peasants and Workers Unions:
- The economic depression also worsened the conditions of the peasants and workers in India. The prices of agricultural products dropped by over 50 per cent by the end of 1932.
- The employers tried to reduce wages. The peasants all over the country began to demand land reforms, reduction of land revenue and rent, and relief from indebtedness.
- Workers in the factories and plantations increasingly demanded better conditions of work and recognition of their trade union rights. Consequently, there was rapid growth of trade unions in the cities and the Kisan Sabhas (peasants’ unions) in many areas, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Punjab.
- The first all-India peasant organization, the All-India Kisan Sabhawas formed in 1936. The peasants also began to take a more active part in the national movement.
- In his presidential address to the Lucknow Congress in 1936, Nehru urged the Congress to accept socialism as its goal and to bring itself closer to the peasantry and the working class.
- Global affairs:
- During the period of 1935-1939, Congress actively participated for the development of world affairs. It had gradually developed a foreign policy based on opposition to the spread of imperialism.
- In February 1927, Jawaharlal Nehru on behalf of the National Congress attended the Congress of oppressed nationalities at Brussels organized by political exiles and revolutionaries from the countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, suffering from economic or political imperialism.
- In 1927, the Madras session of the National Congress warned the Government that the people of India would not support Britain in any war undertaken with its imperialist aims
- Peasants and Workers Unions:
- Congress Socialist party
Conclusion:
After India’s independence in 1947, the Indian government under Prime ministers Nehru and Indira Gandhi oversaw land reform and the nationalisation of major industries and the banking sector. However, when a global recession began in the late 1970s, economic stagnation, chronic shortages and state inefficiency left many disillusioned with state socialism. In the late 1980s and 1990s, India’s government began to systematically liberalise the Indian economy by pursuing privatisation, aiming to attract foreign investment. Nevertheless, the Congress party continues to espouse some socialist causes, and other major parties such as the Communists, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and several others openly espouse socialism.
Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Chapter 26- India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the 28 of Congress rule in the province. Its successes and failures.
Directive word:
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning the backdrop of formation of Congress ministries and wide and varied expectations of different sections of people from it.
Body:
Elaborate further on expectation from the diverse group of people. Their demands and expectations from INC. Briefly, mention the major demands from the various provinces.
In the next part, bring out the performance of congress in its 28 month short rule. In detail analyse how congress performed with respect to land reforms, labour reforms, Civil Liberties, Release of Political Prisoners, Press and Constructive work undertake by the Congress.
In the final part, mention the impediments to Congress rule and mention the shortcomings of it. Internal bickering, failure
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarizing the biggest achievements of Congress ministries.
Introduction
The 28 month congress rule based on the provisions of Government of India Act, 1935 was significant. During July 1937, it formed Ministries in six provinces: Madras, Bombay, Central Provinces, Orissa, Bihar and U.P. Later, Congress Ministries were also formed in the North-West Frontier Province and Assam.
Body:
Paradigm shift witnessed in the Indian politics between 1936-1939:
- There was an immense increase in the prestige of the Congress as an alternative power that would look after the interests of the masses, especially of the peasants.
- It was a novel experiment because a party which was committed to liquidate British rule took charge of administration under a constitution which was framed by the British and which yielded only partial state power to the Indians;
- This power could moreover be taken away from the Indians whenever the imperial power so desired.
- The Congress was now to function both as a government in the provinces and as the opposition vis-a-vis the Central Government where effective state power play.
- It was to bring about social reforms through the legislature and administration in the provinces and at the same time carry on the struggle for independence and prepare the people for the next phase of mass struggle.
- Thus, the Congress had to implement its strategy of Struggle-Truce-Struggle (S-T-S’) in a historically unique situation.
Evaluation of the 28-month long rule of Congress in the provinces:
Congress ministries tried to bring a lot of reforms in their sphere of jurisdiction. The reforms brought in with the achievements and limitations are as follows:
- Civil liberty:
- Achievements:
- Emergency powers related laws repealed.
- Restrictions and ban on press, certain books, newspapers, and illegal organisations was lifted.
- In Congress provinces, police powers were curbed and the reporting of public speeches and the shadowing of political workers by CID agents stopped.
- Thousands of political prisoners were released and many revolutionaries involved in kakori & other conspiracies released
- Limitations:
- Yusuf Meherally and S.S.Batliwala were arrested for inflammatory and seditious speeches.
- M.Munshi used CID against communist and leftist.
- Agrarian Reforms:
- Achievements:
- Legislated a number of laws relating to land reforms, debt relief, forest grazing fee, arrears of rent, land tenure sect.
- In Bihar, Congress signed pact with Zamindars regarding the provisions of the Tenancy Bill .
- Kisan Sabha launched number of movements at regional level to remind congress to implement Faizpur Agrarian Programme
- In Bombay, They were able to restore lands to original owners which were confiscated due to no rent campaign of congress
- Limitations:
- Most of these benefits went to statutory and occupancy tenants while sub-tenants did not gain much.
- Agricultural labourers did not benefit as they had not been mobilised.
- Social welfare reforms:
- Achievements:
- Measures for welfare of Harijans taken-temple entry, education, etc.
- Encouragement was given to khadi and indigenous enterprises.
- In 1938 national planning committee set up under congress president Subhash Chandra Bose.
- Reforms in education, public health, sanitation as well as in prisons were undertaken.
- Economic Reforms:
- Encouragement given to indigenous enterprises
- Develop planning through National Planning Committee set up under Congress President Subhash Bose in 1938.
- Labour:
- Achievements:
- Goodwill sought to be created between labour and capital with mediation of ministries.
- Efforts were made to improve workers condition and secure wage increase for them.
- Labour Committee appointed by Congress accepted a programme with Holidays with pay, Employment insurance, to devise a way to fix minimum wage, leave with pay during sickness.
- Limitations:
- Ministries failed in Bombay as mediator.
- Leftist critics were unsatisfied.
- Ministries took recourse to section 144 and arrested the leaders.
- Achievements:
- Achievements:
- Achievements:
- Achievements:
Conclusion:
Congress ministries resigned in October 1939 after the outbreak of the Second World War. Indian self-government was necessary for radical social transformation got confirmed. It weakened the myth that Indians were not fit to rule. It did good work with minimum financial resources.
Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
On Monday, Hurricane Ida knocked out power in all of New Orleans and inundated coastal Louisiana communities on a deadly path through the Gulf Coast that was still unfolding, promising more destruction.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about classification of cyclones and explain their formation.
Directive word:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by defining what a cyclone is and the characteristics of a tropical cyclone.
Body:
First, explain the various categories of tropical cyclones based on the speed of the wind.
Draw a schematic map indicating directions of cyclones in the Atlantic- North-eastern Pacific Ocean region focussing on the phenomena of thermal differences in different hemispheres and the consequent pressure variations. Also mention the necessary conditions for the formation of a cyclone and factors strengthening it leading to a hurricane or a typhoon.
Conclusion:
Summarise the above points.
Introduction
Tropical Cyclone is any large system of winds that circulates about a centre of low atmospheric pressure in a counter-clockwise direction north of the Equator and in a clockwise direction to the south. Cyclonic winds move across nearly all regions of the Earth except the equatorial belt and are generally associated with rain or snow.
On Monday, Hurricane Ida knocked out power in all of New Orleans and inundated coastal Louisiana communities on a deadly path through the Gulf Coast that was still unfolding, promising more destruction.
Body
Classification of tropical cyclone in the Atlantic-North eastern Pacific Ocean region:
They are classified as follows:
- Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots) or less.
- Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34 to 63 knots).
- Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher. In the western North Pacific, hurricanes are called typhoons; similar storms in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific Ocean are called cyclones.
- Major Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 111 mph (96 knots) or higher, corresponding to a Category 3, 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
Conditions favourable for the formation of a tropical cyclone:
- Large sea surface with temperature higher than 27° C;
- Presence of the Coriolis force;
- Small variations in the vertical wind speed;
- pre-existing weak low-pressure area or low-level-cyclonic circulation;
- Upper divergence above the sea level system.
Mechanism of formation of a tropical cyclone:
- The energy that intensifies the storm comes from the condensation process in the towering cumulonimbus clouds, surrounding the centre of the storm.
- With continuous supply of moisture from the sea, the storm is further strengthened. The more time they spend over the seas, the stronger they become.
- On reaching the land the moisture supply is cut off and the storm dissipates. The place where a tropical cyclone crosses the coast is called the landfall of the cyclone.
- The cyclones, which cross 20oN latitude generally, re-curve and they are more destructive.
- A mature tropical cyclone is characterized by the strong spirally circulating wind around the centre, called the eye. The diameter of the circulating system can vary between 150 and 250 km. The eye is a region of calm with subsiding air.
- Around the eye is the eye wall, where there is a strong spiralling ascent of air to greater height reaching the tropopause. The wind reaches maximum velocity in this region, reaching as high as 250 km per hour. Torrential rain occurs here.
- From the eye wall rain bands may radiate and trains of cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds may drift into the outer region.
Conclusion
Warming of the surface ocean from anthropogenic climate change is likely fuelling more powerful Tropical Cyclones. The destructive power of individual Tropical Cyclones through flooding is amplified by rising sea levels, which very likely has a substantial contribution at the global scale from anthropogenic climate change. Thus, adaptive and mitigative measures must be taken at the earliest to reduce the damages caused.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
As we are in the third decade of the twenty-first century, it is clear that the international liberal order is facing a moment of crisis as highlighted by recent events.
Key Demand of the question:
To explain rules based international order, the threats to it and ways to make it more multilateral and participatory.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining rules based international order/ Liberal international order.
Body:
Further Elaborate upon the core components on the rules based international order especially in the current times.
Next, in detail, bring out various geopolitical, economic, security, social and environmental factors that pose a threat to rules based international order. Cite examples to substantiate your points.
Bring out the impact of the threats to rules based international order and suggest steps to achieve balance of power, make it more multilateral and inclusive.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
The phrase ‘rules based international order’, according to the West, is the body of rules, norms, and institutions that govern relations. Among those are treaties, international law, formal structures and institutions and values that have developed around and through these such as support and promotion of democracy, equality, and human rights.
The post-World War II, rules-based international system, led by likeminded allies and partners, has produced unprecedented levels of peace, prosperity, and freedom, but it is coming under increasing strain.
Body
Threats to the rules based international order:
- International commentators and contemporary leaders have observed ongoing geostrategic tensions as well as shifting global power relationships, breeding uncertainty and potential instability in the global system.
- Multilateral order is experiencing its perhaps gravest crisis since its emergence after the Second World War. It can no longer be taken for granted that an international rules-based system is seen by all as the best guarantor of our security and prosperity.
- For instance, the fate of the Appellate Body, the highest dispute settlement organ of the World Trade Organization (WTO), is a cautionary tale in this regard. It was rendered dysfunctional in December 2019 by the persistent refusal of the U.S. government to appoint new members.
- The return of great-power competition with revisionist, autocratic states—especially China, seeks to disrupt or displace the system.
- Regional powers pursuing nuclear and missile programs.
- Terrorism and global threats posed by fundamentalist groups such as ISIS, Taliban etc.
- Populist movements challenge global economic integration.
- g.: Ex- US President Donald Trump signed out of many agreements due to populism, Brexit is another example.
- There are increasing questions about the United States’ willingness and ability to continue to lead the system.
- For instance, the recent botched exit from Afghanistan after the seize by Taliban.
- The current management of climate and related global environmental risks is another compelling threat to international order.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated these negative trends and unleashed additional shocks to the system.
Way forward:
- A key strategic measure of the international community needed over the next decade is the enhancement of the international rule of law in order to reinforce multilateralism and enhance global governance capabilities.
- UN75 should be a moment of critical self-reflection and stock-taking for the international community, and the starting point for the pursuit of ambitious new plans in harmony with the values upon which the Charter and the United Nations were founded.
- For India, a strong institutional structure is one of the basic requirements for its assertion of multilateralism and a rules-based order.
- India could use her current presidency of UNSC to push forward for reforms in the multilateral institutions to bring in a global peaceful order.
Value addition:
Rules- based global system:
- The rules-based international system was constructed mostly by leading democratic allies at the end of World War II, and was deepened and expanded by many other countries over time.
- The system is predicated on a set of norms and principles pertaining to global security, the economy, and governance.
- It consists of: a set of rules encouraging peaceful, predictable, and cooperative behavior among states that is consistent with liberal values and principles; formal institutional bodies, such as the United Nations (UN) and NATO, that serve to legitimize and uphold these rules, and provide a forum to discuss and settle disputes; and the role of powerful democratic states to help preserve and defend the system.
- In the security realm, the system is characterized by formal alliances in Europe and Asia, in addition to rules that protect state sovereignty and territorial integrity, and place limits on the use of military force and the spread of weapons of mass destruction.
- In the economic domain, the rules-based system has served to promote an interconnected global economy based on free markets and open trade and finance.
- The international economic system crafted at Bretton Woods in 1944 opened markets and increased trade, thereby bringing consumers more goods and services at lower prices, while creating jobs for millions.
- Finally, in the realm of governance, the rules-based system advanced democratic values and human rights.
- The system has never been fixed, but has evolved over time, with major periods of adaptation and expansion at major inflection points after World War II and at the end of the Cold War.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
At the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, India was the only G20 nation compliant with the agreement
Key Demand of the question:
To form a critical analysis of India’s performance with respect to its Paris Agreement targets and suggest steps to improve it.
Directive word:
Critically analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by writing about India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) with respect to Paris Climate Deal.
Body:
In the first part, form a detailed analysis as to India’s performance with respect to its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). Mention the steps in terms of policies, laws, rules and orders that have been taken in this regard. Compare its performance to other major powers. Write about the shortcomings of the same.
Next, suggest further policy changes on part of the government as well as mass behavioural changes on part of the citizens that are needed further so that India not only achieves its targets but goes very much beyond it.
Conclusion:
Summarise the need to think and act logically and ecologically to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Introduction
India was the only G20 nation compliant with the Paris agreement on the occasion of the Climate Ambition Summit 2020. It will mark the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement, and will provide a platform for government and non-governmental leaders to demonstrate their commitment to the Paris Agreement and the multilateral process.
Body
India’s commitment to Paris agreement
In 2015, ahead of the UN significant climate conference in Paris, India announced three major voluntary commitments called the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC):
- Improving the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33–35% by 2030 over 2005 levels
- Increasing the share of non-fossil fuels-based electricity to 40% by 2030 and
- Enhancing its forest cover, thereby absorbing 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide
Performance of India in achieving its commitments
- India is on track to meet and exceed the NDC commitment to achieve 40% electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based sources by 2030; this share is 38.18% (November 2020).
- Similarly, against the voluntary declaration for reducing the emission intensity of GDP by 20%-25% by 2020, India has reduced it by 24% between 2005-2016.
- More importantly, we achieved these targets with around 2% out of the U.S.$100 billion committed to developing nations in Copenhagen (2009), realised by 2015.
- As part of its mitigation efforts, India is implementing one of the most extensive renewable energy expansion programmes to achieve 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022 and 450 GW by 2030.
- India has also coupled its post-pandemic revival with environmental protection.
- As part of the fiscal stimulus, the Government announced several green measures, including a $26.5-billion investment in biogas and cleaner fuels, $3.5 billion in incentives for producing efficient solar photovoltaic (PV) and advanced chemistry cell battery, and $780 million towards an afforestation programme.
Measures taken by India to Control Emissions
- Bharat Stage (BS) VI norms: These are emission control standards put in place by the government to keep a check on air pollution.
- National Solar Mission: It is a major initiative of the Government of India and State Governments to promote ecologically sustainable growth while addressing India’s energy security challenge.
- National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy 2018: The main objective of the policy is to provide a framework for promotion of large grid connected wind-solar photovoltaic (PV) hybrid systems for optimal and efficient utilization of wind and solar resources, transmission infrastructure and land.
- All these and many other initiatives helped India in cutting CO2 emissions by 164 million kg.
Conclusion
To sum up, India has indeed walked the talk. Other countries must deliver on their promises early and demonstrate tangible results ahead of COP26. In any case, we can always Suo motu revise the NDC for the first stocktake (2023) while simultaneously protecting our interests. The responsibility of sustaining the entire planet does not rest on a few countries; everyone has to act.
Value-addition
Paris Agreement and Nationally Determined Contributions
- The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. It was adopted by 196 Parties at COP 21 in Paris, on 12 December 2015 and entered into force on 4 November 2016.
- Its goal is to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.
- To achieve this long-term temperature goal, countries aim to reach global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible to achieve a climate-neutral world by mid-century.
- It is a landmark process because, for the first time, a binding agreement brings all nations into a common cause to undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its effects.
- In their NDCs, countries communicate actions they will take to reduce their Greenhouse Gas emissions in order to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement.
- Countries also communicate in the NDCs actions they will take to build resilience to adapt to the impacts of rising temperatures.
Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
Navies of the four member nations of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or the Quad — India, the United States, Japan, and Australia — are participating in the 25th edition of the Malabar Exercise, which began off the coast of Guam in the Pacific Ocean
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the geo-political significance of Malabar exercise by Quad members.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of the recently held Malabar 2021.
Body:
In first part, write about the convergence of views – an opportunity for like-minded countries to share notes and collaborate on projects of mutual interest.
Next, write about the Indo-Pacific- development of economic projects as well as in promoting maritime domain awareness and maritime security.
Next, talk about the aspect of Indo-China vis-à-vis and the amidst alignment and re-alignment of global powers in the recent events
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising the geo-political significance of these exercises.
Introduction
Malabar, which began as a bilateral exercise, is now one of the cornerstones of military interoperability of the Quad forces. Such complex exercises have further enhanced synergy and mutual understanding among the four navies in undertaking joint maritime security operations, and will go a long way in further strengthening their already close strategic partnership.
This upholds convergence of views on Indo-Pacific and maritime challenges faced by Quad especially from China.
Body
Convergence of views of Quad nations on Indo-Pacific
- The prime context behind Quad 2.0 is Beijing’s Maritime Silk Road (MSR), which is an integral part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) under Xi Jinping.
- Countering BRI: The BRI promises economic security but not human security by providing funds to developing countries with a debt trap.
- Herein, the Quad can play a vital role as it is a group of democratic countries.
- It should provide a choice to the nations as to where they want to borrow the money for development purposes from and also be a part of the supply chain.
- Free and open navigation: Quad members can frequently venture into South China sea to ensure international free and open navigation is upheld.
- Military exercise: A number of joint naval and air exercises have been undertaken by regional countries not only amongst themselves, but also with other powers specially the US and the UK.
- The aim is to practise inter-operability of fighting equipment and manpower against a common enemy along with joint tactics and cooperation to meet a common military goal.
- The aim is to send a firm message to China, that its days of expansionism are coming to an end.
- The opportunity to discuss emerging regional issues, from piracy to maritime pollution and disaster management, through such a platform should be seen as a positive.
- At the same time, assuring ASEAN of its role and relevance to Indo-Pacific, including through established dialogue mechanisms like the EAS, could reinforce notions of inclusivity, build support for the key rules shaping behaviour, and mitigate against the threat of strategic drift within the region.
- In a virtual address at a meeting of the East Asia Summit recently, India’s external affairs minister S. Jaishankar stressed that any Code of Conduct in the South China Sea should be fully consistent with the relevant UN convention.
Formal revival and re-invigoration of the Quad is the need of the hour
- In the current scenario, given Chinese intransigence and our misreading of their imperialist-expansionist intent, Sino-Indian tensions are likely to persist.
- If India is not to cede ground physically or diplomatically, it must muster all elements of its “comprehensive national power”, including the maritime, and create a strong negotiating position.
- Apart from the balance of forces on land favouring China, there is also the Beijing-Islamabad Axis that awaits activation.
- Keeping tensions confined to the Himalayan arena is, therefore, not only militarily advantageous to China but a continental focus also helps to keep India contained in a “South-Asia box”.
- It is also time to seek an enlargement of this grouping into a partnership of the like-minded.
- Other nations feeling the brunt of Chinese brawn may be willing to join an “Indo-Pacific concord” to maintain peace and tranquillity and to ensure observance of the UN Law of the Seas.
- News of Australia being re-invited to participate in the Malabar deserves a conditional welcome, given Canberra’s past inconsistency and political flip-flops.
Conclusion
As China’s presence continues to grow in the Indian Ocean region, much to India’s discomfiture, New Delhi is waking up to the challenge by trying to increase its presence and influence in China’s backyard—the western Pacific. This will annoy Beijing, but rattling China is necessary if India is to suitably protect its interests from the Himalayas to the maritime domain. Such a move also requires players like USA, Japan and Australia to reign in any aggression from Chinese and ensure free and open Indo-Pacific.
Value addition
- The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) of four countries, Japan, the US, Australia and India, was formed in 2007 with the initiative coming from Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. It is touted as an alliance to contain China’s expansionist policies and aggression in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The Quad first emerged as a cooperative response to the devastation of the 2004 tsunami, with the navies of India, Australia, Japan, and the US engaged in the coordinated delivery of humanitarian and disaster relief.
- In 2007, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, an early advocate of the Indo-Pacific, took steps to formalise the grouping through an initial summit and joint naval exercises in the Bay of Bengal.
- Underscored by principles of openness, freedom of movement, and respect for the rules-based international order, the Quad builds on a complex and overlapping web of bilateral and trilateral alliances and partnerships between the four nations.
- Its revival, albeit at officials level only, offers a constructive platform for embedding core principles into the narrative of the emerging regional order, while building the trust and confidence needed to support cooperative initiatives between the nations involved, and other stakeholders
General Studies – 4
Topic: social influence and persuasion.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: A Practical Approach to Ethics Integrity and Aptitude by D.K Balaji.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Conceptual Tuesdays’ in Mission-2022 Secure.
Key Demand of the question:
A straightforward question to distinguish between persuasion and influence and to justify if persuasion is more effective than force.
Directive word:
Justify – When you are asked to justify, you must pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of the statement in question using suitable case studies or/ and examples.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by clearly defining Persuasion and Influence In your own words.
Body:
Through suitable illustrations, highlight the contrasting approaches of a Persuasion and Influence. Use examples to clearly outline the difference between the two.
Next, bring out the relative effect of force and persuasion. Write as to the various emotions associated with force and persuasion. Use examples to substantiate your argument.
Conclusion:
Mention how Persuasion is a stronger tool as opposed to Influence.
Introduction
Persuasion is symbolic process in which communicators try to convince other people through transmission of a message to change their attitudes or behaviours. While influence is the change in behaviour that one person causes in another, intentionally or unintentionally. It occurs when a person’s emotions, opinions, or behaviours are affected by others.
Body:
Persuasion vs Coercion:
- Persuasion is one form of social influence on attitude; in fact it represents the intersection of social thinking and social influence of everyday life.
- Persuasion can occur through appeals to reason or appeals to emotion. For example, school-based substance abuse prevention programs using the social influences model consistently produce better results than programs emphasizing only health information.
- The government has also utilized this tool of persuasion for the success of the initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan- cleanliness drives; Ujjwala Yojana’s Give it up campaign; Disclosing excess income campaign; Beti Bachao Beti Padhao by making parents understand it is necessary to protect and educate a girl child.
- The “dark” side of persuasion is coercion – which is all about making other people do things they don’t want to do. It is forcing someone to do something against their will. It employs threat power so that one person feels they have no option but to surrender.
- Coercion at times could violate the rights of an individual. E.g., Compulsory sterilization for individuals, forced collection of private details/information from citizens.
- It causes resentment and grows distrust – meaning you might achieve your short-term goal but longer-term relationships are damaged.
- Although the process of persuasion may take more time, it is less likely to lead to a cycle of retaliation or revenge. By using persuasive means instead of coercive ones, the positive effects of a nonviolent action are much more durable. When bullied into submission, it is human nature to fight back at the earliest opportunity.
- For instance, Gandhiji’s non-violent Salt satyagraha persuading British to give in to his demands was successful in mobilising people vis-a-vis British coercion and suppression. It exposed the myth of British benevolence.
- With the right leverage, there is no doubt that coercion will get you what you want. In fact, it is sometimes necessary. For example, a dictator cannot be persuaded to simply give up his power.
- The line between persuasion and coercion is whether you’re acting within your authority and fulfilling your responsibility.
Conclusion
Persuasion can bring a lasting change in people’s behaviour and is highly effective in implementation of public policies provided the tools are used in a right way. It acts as a nudge to encourage people to act in a good manner and achieve certain goals or to remove certain social evils. Understanding these shortcuts and employing them in an ethical manner can significantly increase the chances that someone will be social influenced and persuaded by the public policy.
Value addition:
Civil servants and persuasion
- Effecting social change: To deal with issues like girl child education, inter caste marriage, temple entry for women, persuasion may be the only solution because change has to be brought keep intact the dignity and respect of all stake holders. E.g.: The advertisements for polio drops for children are a form of persuasion, the gudda-guddi board increased sex ratio in Maharashtra.
- Public policy formulation and implementation: Sometimes persuasion works better than coercion; success of the initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan- cleanliness drives and Ujjwala give it up campaign can be attributed to persuasion.
- Following rules: It helps in making people follow rules which bring inconvenience to them, like District collector visiting houses in the morning to persuade people for waste segregation before disposal.
- Moral conditioning: Persuasion can bring change in attitude of people. In Delhi Metro various signboards on certain seats asks passengers to offer that seat to needy people. Similarly, regular announcements to keep the station clean persuade people to change their behaviour.
- Incentivising good behaviour: For instance, in income declaration scheme a window was open to declare black money with some fine and no legal action that incentivized people instead of penalizing them.
