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: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question:
In 2020, human deaths due to cold waves were 76 times more than those due to heat waves, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Key Demand of the question:
To write about causes and impact of cold waves in north India.
Directive word:
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.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining a cold wave.
Body:
In the first part, write about formation of cold waves – Cold wave conditions form due to lack of western disturbances which are extratropical storms that mostly appear during the winter months, change the wind patterns in the northern parts of India. Presence of an active western disturbance cold winds from the Himalayas continue to blow in to the northern parts of India thereby allowing the prevailing cold conditions to continue and intensify. Parts of the plains of north-west, central and west India encounter cold wave, fog and ground frost conditions etc.
Next, write about its impact on humans, health, agriculture etc
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to deal with cold waves.
Introduction
A cold wave (cold snap or cold spell) is a weather phenomenon that is distinguished by a cooling of the air. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) defines a cold wave qualitatively as “a condition of air temperature which becomes fatal to the human body when exposed.” IMD has predicted a cold wave in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh over the next few days.
Body
Criteria for declaring cold wave
- The IMD records a cold wave when the minimum temperature is equal to or less than 10 degrees Celsius at a weather station in the plains and is 4.5 degrees to 6.4 degrees below the normal temperature for that period.
- For hilly regions, a cold wave is declared when the minimum temperature is less than or equal to 0 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature is 4.5 degrees to 6.4 degrees below the normal.
Reasons for the Cold wave conditions in India:
- Impact of Western disturbance:Cold wave conditions form due to lack of western disturbances. Western disturbances create precipitation and bring down day temperatures, but night temperatures remain steady.
- Snowfall in the upper Himalayas: This creates a wind chill factor for the northern states of India
- Downward subsidence of cold air: The movement of cold air masses brought about by upper-level winds. They can be triggered by strong westerly winds approaching northwest India and transporting cold air towards the southeast direction. .
- Build-up of an extended area of relatively high pressure over northwest Asia can also bring cold waves.
- La Nina is known to favor cold waves in North India. It increases the severity of cold conditions, also the frequency and area covered under the grip of a cold wave become larger e.g. winters of October 2020 were colder than usual (2 degrees Celsius, the lowest since 1962) due to the impact of La Nina in the pacific.
Impact of cold wave conditions:
- Impact on agriculture in North India: It creates a wider gap between day and night temperatures, this creates erratic winter conditions impacting agricultural practices in the Rabi season.
- Impact on Cash crops: It might also affect the productivity of cash cropssuch as coffee (Coffee growth is extremely sensitive to variations in temperatures), which grows mainly in south India.
- Impact on Human life:Cold wave conditions increase the risk of contracting flu, and could also lead to symptoms like nosebleeds and runny nose. It was also said to be responsible for the 2nd wave of COVID 19 in many parts of North India. Most vulnerable are those who are in the susceptible age groups like the very young and the old or the infirm. Weaker sections of the society who cannot afford to ensure protection against the extremes of weather are also among the, easy targets of the extreme weather conditions.
Way forward
- The best way to prevent illnesses is, however, to avoid prolonged exposure to outdoor environment during cold wave conditions.
- Departments involved should be given special responsibilities, in this regard, and at district level a nodal team should be set up which should report to the district magistrate,
- To take care of out door workers working time shall be changed according to regions ie areas where temperature is forecast to be lowered work hours can be changed to late hours.
- The district level disaster management system should be put in alert , and rescue homes and provision of food and water shall be arranged where there is possibilities of heat or cold winds.
- Special health camps, shall be conducted in by the health department involving the AYUSH sector also, and if needed special health volunteers can be recruited for this propose
- Awareness programmes not only through ASHA workers but also through mass media and social media shall be started
- The panchayathi raj institutions must be mobilized to take a special initiative for cleaning their respected areas so that breeding and grooming places of diseases carriers can be reduced,
- All activities should be monitored at the district level, which in turn must be monitored at the state level , with periodic review meetings of functionaries
Topic: urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
Cities across the world contribute about 80% of global gross domestic product. They are drivers of growth and dense labour marketplaces. However, recent developments have highlighted the severe economic, humanitarian and ecological repercussions of the unbalanced and unbridled growth of urban spaces.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the environmental issues faced by cities and mention how local government can help tackle the issue.
Directive word:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into 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. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin the answer by giving context.
Body:
First, write about the impact of unplanned urbanisation and environmental shocks witnessed due to it – urban flooding, air pollution, water scarcity etc.
Net, how local governments can help play a part in solving this issue – Empowered city-elected representatives and legislative structure; Empowered city administration; Empowered citizens; Fiscal empowerment and technology.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
Cities across the world contribute about 80% of global gross domestic product. They are drivers of growth and dense labour marketplaces. However, recent developments have highlighted the severe economic, humanitarian and ecological repercussions of the unbalanced and unbridled growth of urban spaces.
This ‘cost’ of urban growth is evident in floods that occur in several parts of India. Unbalanced development has made cities more vulnerable to environmental shocks that get more frequent and intense
Body
Background
- From a population of 377 million in 2011, Indian cities are projected to house 870 million people by 2050, according to the UN’s projections — by far the highest among all nations.
- Delhi is likely to become the world’s most populous urban agglomeration by 2030, surpassing Tokyo.
- India is home to 11% of the total global urban population.
- By 2027, India will surpass China as the most populous country in the world.
- Unplanned urbanization, however, exerts great strain on our cities.
- In fact, the Covid-19 pandemic has revealed the dire need for the planning and management of our cities.
- The existing urban planning and governance framework is complex, which often leads to ambiguity and lack of accountability.
Challenges faced by urban centres
- Risks to cities from climate change: A World Resources Institute India report notes temperature rise and flooding as two key risks to Mumbai, with possibility of 70-80% submergence of key parts of the city by 2050.
- Extreme flooding events and droughts are becoming frequent. Eg: Chennai floods in 2021.
- Pandemic and distress migration: The pandemic itself threw light on the implications of a systemic health shock—an exodus of city residents who moved to the safety of their homes. This mass movement of labour paralysed industrial units, apart from civic and other services in cities.
- Inadequate affordable housing has meant that almost one-sixth of the urban population lives in slums.
- High population density: On the one hand, the rural-urban migration accelerates the pace of urbanisation, on the other, it creates excessive population pressure on the existing public utilities.
-
- Consequently, the cities suffer from the problems of slums, crime, unemployment, urban poverty, pollution, congestion, ill-health and several deviant social activities.
- Water supply is unreliable. Groundwater has been exploited unabated, without proper measures to recharge the water table.
- Mountains of solid waste sit on the fringes of our cities. Even today, waste segregation and recycling are poor due to lack of implementation and behaviour of people.
- Poor drainage, congested roads and deteriorating air quality are other challenges.
- Estimates by a high-powered expert committee and by the McKinsey Global Institute indicated in 2011-12 that nearly Rs 39-60 lakh crore are to be invested in urban infrastructure in the next 30 years.
- These amounts are outside the range of what the public budget can support.
For our growth ambitions to succeed, not only do these gaps have to be filled, but even greater needs, necessitated by the growing population, have to be accommodated.
Local governments and their role in urban areas
- Praja’s Urban Governance Index offers some insights. According to its framework, an empowered city government is the first step towards building equitable and sustainable cities.
- The index consists of four themes: 1) Empowered city-elected representatives and legislative structure; 2) Empowered city administration; 3) Empowered citizens; and 4) Fiscal empowerment.
- Institutionalizing this at scale may need a combination of structural changes, fiscal incentives and active citizen participation.
- First, Centre could invest in building capacity of those empowered to make decisions on our behalf.
- Municipal councillors are critical in this journey, given their structured participation in city processes and better understanding of available resources and citizen needs.
- Next, one must enhance the understanding citizens have of a city’s working and their ability to be a part of local governance.
- Finally, technology can be the connective tissue that enables a data-based dialogue between local governments and the citizenry.
- This can be turned into a city data hub that is easily accessible to citizens and municipal employees for grievance redressal, or for sharing information on government services.
- A “phygital” layer and involvement of the Central Statistics Office will be critical to drive adoption.
Conclusion
Our health and environment emergencies have helped reiterate an urgent need to invest in resilience that urban elected representatives, the bureaucracy and citizens must take note of. There is also a realization that elected local governments, citizens and technology can work together, like they did for vaccine rollouts and to tackle the spread of covid. Resiliency can be built if citizens and local councillors together work towards sustainable living in the cities.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
3. What is good governance? Discuss the various dimensions of good governance in India. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy.
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The Government refrained from commenting on a Supreme Court notice issued to it on a petition that seeks directions to the respondents to take steps to remove anomalies on the grounds of divorce, maintenance and alimony.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about good governance and its various dimensions.
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 defining good governance.
Body:
First, elaborate up on the various components of good governance.
Next, discuss in detail various dimensions of good governance in India – administration, g-governance, finances, infrastructure, welfare and people’s happiness etc.
Next, suggest reforms to achieve it.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stressing on the importance of good governance to India.
Introduction
Governance comprises all of the processes of governing – whether undertaken by the government of a state, by a market or by a network – over a social system (Family, tribe, formal or informal organization, a territory or across territories) and whether through the laws, norms, power, or language of an organized society. Good governance is a means to serve the people, by fulfilling their aspirations within the constitutional framework.
Body
According to the United Nations Development Programme, Governance has been defined as the rules of the political system to solve conflicts between actors and adopt decision (legality). It has also been used to describe the “proper functioning of institutions and their acceptance by the public” (legitimacy). And it has been used to invoke the efficacy of government and the achievement of consensus by democratic means (participation)
In this context, 2nd ARC suggested various measures to improve governance, therefore the word ‘good governance’ implies:
- Responsive, accountable, sustainable and efficient administration at all levels.
- Further, transparency, accountability, rule of law, principle of subsidiarity and citizen first form basics of good governance.
- For ex.- delivery of services like PDS shall be quick, devoid of middlemen, reach even the most marginalised at minimum cost.
Components of Good Governance (according to the World Bank):
- Capacity and efficiency in public sector management
- Accountability
- Legal framework for development
- Information and transparency
Some of the good governance measures undertaken in India
- The breaking of governance silos through better coordination among various ministries with initiatives like PM Gatishakti, PRAGATI, capacity building through Mission KarmYogi, focused emphasis on simplifying procedures and reducing the compliance burden on businesses, individuals, and other stakeholders are ensuring better delivery of public services.
- The implementation of GST, labour codes, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, New Education Policy, Mudra, PM Awas Schemes, PM Kisan, and seamless faceless resolution of tax disputes are initiatives that have strengthened transparency, responsiveness and other dimensions of good governance.
- India’s Ease of Doing Business rank has risen from 145 in 2015 to 63 in 2020.
- Similarly, the Global Innovation Index ranking has improved from 81 (2015) to 46 (2021).
Way forward
- Measures to enhance good governance, such as the Right to Information Act, social audits, and public service guarantee acts in various States is necessary.
- Need for a fresh perspective from the outside–for example, bringing in a consultant who specializes in type of change with your type of organization–to encourage people to see that workable alternatives are possible.
- Top-Down approach: The bosses at the top should lead by example. Changes will automatically trickle down to the lowest level.
- An effective multi-generational team will work within an environment that doesn’t intimidate and allows for ownership of the vision at all levels.
- The process of change within a bureaucracy to be slower than you might like. Create a phased implementation that the organization can digest change a little at a time.
- The changes will encounter some resistance, and it needs to be combated gradually through constant and clear communication at all levels.
- Make technology employee-friendly, increase their ease of use and educate employees about the advantages and benefits of how technology eases work.
- Transparent and objective performance assessment system to keep the staff motivated.
- Accountability towards decision making to be instilled in the organization.
- Social audits need to be strengthened by educating and make people aware.
- During policy formation and implementation, civil society members should be consulted so that the measures should be taken properly.
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Indian Express
Why the question:
RBI Monetary Policy Highlights: In line with expectations, the RBI MPC keeps key rates unchanged. This is the ninth consecutive time since the rate remains unchanged
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 writing about aims and objectives of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).
Body:
In the first part, write about the achievements of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).
Next, write about the various impediments like affordability, administrative issues, low value for women’s labour etc poor face while accessing LPG which causes them to continue to use firewood and cow dung as fuel.
Write the measures that need to be taken to enhance and promote the usage of LPG. Mention the aspect of integrating other forms clean energy apart from LPG which is accessible and affordable.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
The sustained rise in the price of LPG cylinders has been burning a hole in many a household budget for more than a year now. The price of LPG refills has risen by more than 50% to over ₹900 per cylinder in November 2021 compared to around ₹600 over the past year.
With no refill subsidies in place since May 2020, there is genuine concern about many households now slipping back to using polluting solid fuels for cooking, such as firewood and dung cakes.
Body
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: Key features
- Ujjwala 1.0: Under Ujjwala 1.0, the target was to provide LPG connections to 50 million women from the below poverty line (BPL) households, by March 2020. However, in August 2018, women from seven other categories were brought under the purview of the scheme.
- In the first phase of the PMUY, 8 crore poor families, including from the Dalit and tribal communities, were given free cooking gas connections.
- The LPG infrastructure has expanded manifold in the country. In the last six years, more than 11,000 new LPG distribution centres have opened across the country.
- Ujjwala 2.0: Under Ujjwala 2.0, an additional 10 million LPG connections will be provided to the beneficiaries.
- Government has also fixed a target of providing piped gas to 21 lakh homes in 50 districts.
Issues faced while accessing LPG cylinders
- Around 30% of Indian households continue to rely on biomass as their primary cooking fuel, mainly due to high LPG prices.
- The practice of biomass usage is predominantly concentrated in rural areas, particularly among States such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal.
- Easy availability of free biomass and lack of home delivery of LPG refills further reduce the efficacy of LPG as a reliable and affordable proposition.
- Given the loss of incomes and livelihoods during the novel coronavirus pandemic, the ability of households to afford LPG on a regular basis has taken a further hit.
- There are deficiencies such as the issuance of connections to unintended beneficiaries, and problems with the software of the state-run oil marketing companies for identifying intended beneficiaries and inadequacies in the deduplication process.
Measures needed for sustained use of biomass
- Subsidy reinstatement: There is a need to reinstate the subsidies on LPG refill for low-income households.
- At the current refill prices, an average Indian household would have to spend around 10% of its monthly expense on LPG to meet all its cooking energy needs.
- Identifying true beneficiaries: The Government can also explore diverse approaches to identify beneficiaries.
- This may include limiting the subsidy provision to seven to eight LPG refills annually and excluding well-to-do households using robust indicators.
- For instance, lowering the income-based exclusion limit for LPG subsidy to ₹2,50,000 a year from ₹10 lakh a year or excluding families owning a non-commercial four-wheeler vehicle can significantly reduce the number of eligible beneficiaries.
- Home delivery of LPG: Only half the rural LPG users receive home delivery of LPG refills, while the rest have to travel about five kilometres one way to procure a cylinder.
- Gaps in the doorstep delivery of LPG cylinders are also present in urban pockets, particularly in slum areas. These need to be rectified.
Conclusion
It is credible that government launched Ujjawala 2.0 scheme to distribute 10 million additional free LPG connections to poorer households. It also shows government’s commitment towards promoting clean cooking energy access. But ensuring affordability and timely availability of LPG cylinders for refills would be a must to wean households away from polluting biomass and reap the benefits of the investments made in the Ujjwala scheme over the past five years. Such efforts would go a long way in improving the health and well-being of our citizens.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2022 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To analyse the importance of biosphere functions in sustainable development.
Directive word:
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.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin defining sustainable development.
Body:
First, mention briefly various functions of biosphere. Give various instances of depleting natural resources. Cite earth overshoot day to substantiate.
Next, bring out the impact of the same – The increase in human population levels and the harvesting of more of Earth’s natural resources has led to overexploitation. Human activities are causing major alterations to the patterns of energy flow and nutrient cycling through ecosystems, and these activities are eliminating populations and species.
Next, mention how the above can be incorporated to achieved sustainable development.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
Earth’s biosphere, its extraordinary and complex web of species and ecosystems on land and in the oceans, drives the life-sustaining cycles of water and other materials that enable all life on Earth to thrive. The Brundtland report defines Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Body
Biosphere functions and need to understand the same
- The biosphere plays an integral role to support the life of organisms and their mutual interactions.
- Earth’s ecosystems have played a central role in keeping our planet’s climate system unusually stable throughout the last 11,700 years
- It is a vital element in climate regulation. Namely, a change in the biosphere triggers a change in climate.
- All the mineral and animal nutrients necessary to uphold life are found in the Earth’s biosphere.
- Oxygen and nitrogen are produced in the biosphere which are responsible for virtually every biochemical process of organic matter production.
- The living components of the biosphere, also known as the biota, plays an integral role in providing us with the raw material we need to survive: food, fuel, and fiber.
- The natural cycles of decomposition and biological modification, which take place in the biosphere, help the planet earth to expel toxins and other components that could be harmful to life.
- Virtually all the substances used in the pharmaceutical industry today are derived from compounds that exist naturally in the terrestrial biosphere.
Threats to biosphere
- The atmospheric build-up of carbon dioxide causing global warming as per various reports such as IPCC 1.5 degree report.
- Pollution of fresh and salt waters, and of soil and air.
- Erosion and other effects of deforestation.
- Human economy, climate change, exponential human population growth, ecological overshoot, biotic impoverishment and the reduction of biodiversity, renewable resource depletion, energy allocation, and environmental refugees- affect each other and affect and are affected by the biosphere.
- An ever-increasing number of animal and plant species are being pushed towards extinction.
- Some, perhaps all, are close to tipping points that, if tipped, will result in irreversible change.
Impacts
- Human activities driving deforestation and degradation have already turned the Brazilian Amazon into a carbon source, and other tropical biomes may be moving toward a similar fate, compounded by the effects of higher temperatures and increased frequency of droughts on tree growth and mortality.
- Global warming also increases risks of wildfires in temperate and boreal forests, which could flip Northern hemisphere ecosystems from sink to source in coming decades.
- This has led to rising concerns that human activities risk triggering biosphere feedbacks that could set the planet on a trajectory away from Holocene conditions toward a much warmer state, with potentially catastrophic effects for societies and ecosystems
Way forward
- Sustainable developmentis one approach to keeping the biosphere healthy.
- This method attempts to increase local food production without increasing the amount of land taken.
- It involves natureconservation and environmental monitoring , and it advocates encouraging and training local communities to participate in maintaining the environment.
- The goal is to balance human needs with environmental needs, and proponents of this view maintain that economic growth depends on renewable resources, which in turn depends on permanent damage to the environment being kept at a minimum.
- Creating a sustainable biosphere requires a cohesive policy for reducing consumption and seeking nonmaterial means of satisfaction.
- Avoiding a climate catastrophe requires at least three global transformations, unprecedented in both magnitude and speed:
- a transformation of the energy system that cuts emissions by half each decade to reach net-zero by 2050;
- a transformation of the agriculture and forestry sectors from greenhouse gas sources to sinks within 30 years;
- a transformation of our relationship with nature to one that conserves, restores, and enhances its benefits for people and planet.
- A Biosphere stewardship—the pursuit of social-ecological sustainability, from local to global scale, that ensures the health and resilience of Earth’s life support systems—is an indispensable guiding principle and building block for the successful implementation of these transformations.
- The combination of local and indigenous knowledge with international technical and financial support is vital for enabling effective stewardship.
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2022 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the characteristics of grassland ecosystems and the impact of various threats to it.
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 mentioning the spread of various grassland ecosystems across the world.
Body:
First, write about the characteristics of grassland ecosystems – limited annual rainfall, dry climate, Lack of nutrients, Frequent fires, vegetation growth dominated by grasses.
Next, write about the impact of various natural and human disturbances to grassland ecosystem – Landslides, flash floods, wind storms, harvesting, planting and hunting are activities that have affected the organisms and landscapes within this type of ecosystem. Animals that graze in grasslands can also help to erode the territory if they overfeed. Urban development, agricultural production and invasive plants are all factors that work to destroy grasslands.
Conclusion:
Conclude by mentioning various measures taken to tackle to protect grasslands.
Introduction
Grasslands are open areas of land where grasses or grass like plants are the dominant species. Other forms of vegetation such as trees are rare in grasslands because they are not suited to thrive in the grassland’s dry environment. Grasslands receive water through rainfall, and when it does occur the grasses use their roots to search for moisture. Grass within this type of environment reproduces by releasing pollen when the winds blow or by producing plants from their roots.
Body
Characteristics of the grassland ecosystem
- Limited annual rainfall
- Grasslands ecosystem receives quite limited rainfall annually, and it covers almost 25% of the total land surface of the Earth.
- Limited rain causes no forest growth in this region.
- Grassland ecosystem is also prone to drought and uncertain precipitation.
- Temperature
- The temperature varies a lot throughout the year. In summer season the temperature of temperate grasslands becomes too hot up to 38 degrees Celsius, whereas in winter seasons it reduces up to -40 degrees Celsius making it too cold.
- Regular fire in the grassland ecosystem
- Fires in grasslands are one of the important characteristics.
- Due to dry climate and flash lighting, the dry grass catches fire quite easily.
- Regular fire in grasslands increases the growth of grasses in fields, but it restricts the growth of trees.
- Lack of nutrients in the soil.
- Poor vegetation
- It is also a vital characteristic of the grassland ecosystem.
- Very few numbers of trees is found in acres of grassland areas.
- The dry climate and less rainfall is a major reason for poor vegetation in a grassland ecosystem.
- Diversity in animal species
- Grasslands are home for a huge variety of animal species.
- They provide a big treat for grazing animals.
Impact of various natural and human disturbances to grassland ecosystem
- Natural and human disturbances to grassland areas can cause changes within this particular ecosystems environment.
- Because these ecosystems are relatively dry with a strong seasonal climate, they are sensitive to climatic changes and vulnerable to shifts in climatic regime.
- Grasslands are threatened by habitat loss, which can be caused by human actions, such as unsustainable agricultural practices, overgrazing, and crop clearing.
- The biggest impact that humans have on grasslands is by developing open areas for farming or urban development.
- Not only does the conversion of land into crops change the ecosystem, but so does the farming of livestock.
- Hunting presents a serious impact on grassland biomes. Poachers likewise kill rhinoceroses for their tusks, and elephants for their ivory on Africa savannas without any regard to protection of the species.
- Climate change causes ecological succession, in which the ecosystem of an area develops into another.
- Climate change impacts to grasslands and prairie bioregions include increased seasonal, annual, minimum, and maximum temperature and changing precipitation patterns.
Conclusion
Humans do not have only a negative impact on grasslands. Some humans do their part to preserve the land and restore it. National parks have been developed around grasslands, and some organizations replant depleted areas. Governments have enacted laws against the hunting of endangered animals. In particular, the U.S. National Parks Service has preserved land to foster the American bison population. While poaching still exists in many areas, there are efforts to stop it.
Topic: Case Study.
-
- Why is dowry so deeply entrenched in the Indian society?
- Suggest steps to tackle domestic violence in India.
- As the superintendent of police what action will you be taking?
- What will be your advice to your friend?
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Case Study Fridays’ in Mission-2022 Secure.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
You may begin by bringing out the gravity of the issue of domestic violence in India.
Body:
- Mention the causes behind never ending menace of dowry – greed, desperation, patriarchy, customary, acceptance etc
- Mention steps to holistically address the issue of rising domestic violence in India.
- In detail, mention the course of action you will take address the multiple issues in the case study.
- As a friend what will be your advice with respect to the issues she is facing and for her future.
Conclusion:
Stress on the need to end the menace dowry and domestic violence in India.
Introduction
Dowry is a social evil in society that has caused unimaginable tortures and crimes towards women and polluted the Indian marital system. Dowry is payment made in cash or kind to a bride’s in-laws at the time of her marriage.
In the recent times, violence against women has increased in India. According to National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3), 37% of married women face domestic violence. Domestic violence is a violation of the fundamental right to live with dignity and of the right to equality and equal protection of the law guaranteed under the Indian Constitution and demand proper legal actions.
Body
Dowry deeply entrenched in Indian Society
- Mentioned in Code of Manu: The Code of Manu sanctioned dowry and bride wealth in ancient India, but dowry was the more prestigious form and associated with the priestly caste.
- Social structure: The Indian society is mainly patriarchal and the dowry system is largely the manifestation of the patriarchal nature of the Indian society where women are being considered as a burden on the family and giving dowry is one kind of compensation for transferring its burden.
- Fear of ill-treatment: Many families in India give dowry to get rid of their insecurity of ill-treatment of their daughters by their in-laws. There is a perception that giving dowry will ensure their daughter’s security after marriage and non-discrimination
- Gender inequality: The social and cultural effects of the dowry system are devastating to the society as a whole. The system reduced women to a commodity and a source of wealth.
- There is son-meta-preference and urge for male child is high in Indian society while girl child especially amongst poor is seen as a burden.
- Illiteracy: Lack of education and awareness among people persuades them to give and demand dowry. If families were aware that women have equal status as men and they are not to be treated as a burden, then this system might have not perpetuated.
Steps to tackle domestic violence
- Girl-child education: Ensuring that each and every women is educated can go a long way in preventing domestic violence and dowry related torture.
- Higher education will ensure that women are financially independent and will not tolerate any kind of abuse from their spouses.
- Behaviour change in society: A major behaviour change is needed and this is possible if there is gender sensitisation at home and at schools.
- Social practices like marriage within one’s caste or clan should be abolished so that there is the availability of a wide range of choices and women are not forced to enter into marriage with a person with dowry demands.
- Implementation of laws: The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, needs to be implemented properly and police must be sensitised while they receive complaints of dowry.
- They should not try to intervene or counsel the couple if there is gross abuse and violence involved.
- Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 ensures the reporting of cases of domestic violence against women to a Protection Officer.
- The Act was to make justice available to women who may not always want criminal proceedings and would want to keep the option of reconciliation alive.
- Healthy relationship skills: Social-emotional learning programs for youth and healthy relationship programs for couples should be promoted.
Course of action as superintendent
- Commission of Jan Maitri Police: Police officers will be made to go to each home in their area assigned and to gain trust of the community. This will enable them to know cases of violence from community people even if the victim cannot report incidents
- Disseminate Information: Many women are unable to escape domestic violence because they are unaware of available legal services and agencies working in this area. Therefore, disseminating information on the range of services available is essential.
- Raise Public Awareness: It is important to generate public awareness on domestic violence as a violation of human rights.
- Educational strategies aimed at changing attitudes, beliefs and biases of law enforcers, the judiciary and citizens need to be developed and implemented.
- Roping in school children to perform skits and drama on the subject can help in increasing awareness.
- Counselling: Post-marital counselling is to be arranged as follow-up, in order to prevent breakdown of families.
- Open a separate wing in the police stations: A separate wing of for women issues should be opened to handle issues sensitively. This must be a dedicated wing with phone support 24*7.
Advice to my friend
- I would advise my friend to file a complaint if there was dowry threats and violence done on her. Action would be taken against her in-laws and husband in this regard and law would take its own course.
- I would encourage her to take up employment or self-employment as she is a degree holder. This would make her less dependent on her husband and also become self-sufficient.
- If she was in a toxic relationship, I would advise her to come out of such a marriage and end the vicious cycle of violence and threats.
Conclusion
An educated man taking dowry will be a death spell for gender equality and gender justice. Article 21 of our constitution ensures the right to live with dignity for women. A comprehensive effort is required at societal and government level. Women must be empowered to raise voice against injustice. Beti bachao and Beti padhao must become slogan against all forms of violence to women.
