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General Studies – 2
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: New Indian Express
Why the question:
World Health Organisation chief Tredos Adhanom Ghebreyesus has a Gujarati name: ‘Tulsibhai,’ given to him by none other than PM Narendra Modi at The Global AYUSH Investment and Innovation Summit in Gandhinagar.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the origins and the development of traditional systems of medicines in India.
Directive word:
Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by briefly mentioning about the extent of AYUSH medicines in India.
Body:
First, write about the origins of traditional medicine system over the ancient and medieval times. It growth and development over the years.
Next, write about the contemporary relevance of these systems and the need to promote them. Steps taken in this regard.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising the overall economic importance of AYUSH.
Introduction
AYUSH is the acronym of the medical systems that are being practiced in India such as Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. The basic approach of all these systems on health, disease and treatment are holistic. AYUSH, represent a pluralistic and integrative scheme of health services. AYUSH can play an important role in realizing the dream of ‘New India’ by providing quality healthcare and medical care for its citizens. The ‘New India’ also needs to be a ‘Healthy India’ where its own traditional systems can play a significant role.
WHO’s Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) was recently unveiled in Jamnagar, Gujarat. It will be the first and only global outpost centre for traditional medicine across the world.
Body
Development of AYUSH system in India
- Ayurveda and Yoga started their journey more than 5000 years ago as ancient Indian sciences.
- While Sidha is one of the ancient systems of medicines popular in South India, Unani, the traditional system of medicine has its genesis in ancient Greece.
- Homoeopathy was developed in the early 1800s by the German physician Samuel Hahnemann.
- These systems have enjoyed continued patronage of people over the years.
- Most of the traditional systems of India including Ayurveda have their roots in folk medicine.
- Some important treatises on Ayurveda like the Sarangdhara Samhita and Chikitsasamgraha by Vangasena, the Yagaratbajara, and the Bhavaprakasa of Bhavamisra were compiled.
- Yoga is essentially spiritual and it is an art and science of healthy living which focuses on bringing harmony between body and mind.
- The Unani system of medicine originated in Greecethen in India during the medieval The fusion of traditional knowledge of ancient civilizations like Egypt, Arabia, Iran, China, Syria and India. It emphasizes the use of naturally occurring mostly herbal medicines and some medicines of animals, marine and mineral origin.
- The Musalajati-Darshikohi of Nuruddin Muhammad, dedicated to Darashikoh, deals with Greek medicine and contains, at the end, almost the whole of Ayurvedic material medica.
- Siddha is one of the ancient systems of medicine in India having its close links with Dravidian culture. The term Siddha means achievements and Siddhars are those who have achieved perfection in medicine. 18 Siddhars are said to have contributed.
- Sowa Rigpa or Amchi is 1 of the oldest surviving system of medicine, popular in Himalayan region. It was added in 2009. It is practised in Himalayan regions throughout particularly in Leh and Ladakh, HP, Sikkim, Darjeeling etc. It is effective in managing chronic diseases like asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, etc.
In contemporary times,
- A department called Department of Indian System of medicine was created in March 1995 and renamed to AYUSH in November 2003 with a focus to provide increased attention for the development of these systems.
- In 2014, a separate ministry was created under the Union Government of India, which is headed by a minister of state.
- Ministry of AYUSH launched TKDL (Traditional Knowledge Digital Library) in collaboration with CSIR for prevention of grant of patents on non-original inventions by International Patents office.
- National AYUSH Mission includes co-location of AYUSH at PHCs, CHCs and District Hospitals, upgradation of hospitals and setting up of upto 50 bedded integrated AYUSH hospitals.
Contemporary relevance of AYUSH
- Non-Communicable Diseases can become bigger problem than being malnourished
- NCDs threaten progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes a target of reducing premature deaths from NCDs by one-third by 2030.
- Unlike modern medicine, AYUSH follows a more holistic approach, with the objective of promoting overall well-being instead of focussing on curing illness alone.
- Such an approach assumes greater significance in the case of non-communicable diseaseswhich are difficult to treat once they have developed into chronic conditions.
- Internationally, greater scientific evidence is becoming available regarding the health impact of alternative systems of medicine, especially Yoga.
- It has been proved beyond doubt that timely interventions in pre-diabetic and pre-hypertensive conditions with alternative medicines can result in regression of diseases and restoration of health.
- Yoga is effective not only in prevention and control but also in the treatment of diseases. The whole world today is adopting Yoga for a healthier lifestyle.
- In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of AYUSH recommended some self-care guidelines for preventive health measures and boosting immunity with special reference to respiratory health. These are supported by Ayurvedic literature and scientific publications.
- Following the AYUSH ministry initiative many state governments also followed up with healthcare advice on traditional medicine solutions to enhance immunity and disease-resistance, which are particularly relevant against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Way forward
- It is important to gather scientific evidence for the safety and efficacy of AYUSH medicines and practices.
- Work towards capacity building and developing a critical mass of competent professionals in the AYUSH sector through quality education and training at national and international levels.
- True integration of traditional and modern systems is the need of the hour. This would require a concerted strategy for facilitating meaningful cross-learning and collaboration between the modern and traditional systems on equal terms.
- There is a need to ensure substantial groundwork with respect to the prerequisites of an effective integration.
- Building a strong traditional medicine evidence corpus.
- Standardizing and regulating AYUSH practices and qualifications.
- Delineating the relative strengths, weaknesses, and role of each system in an integrated framework.
- Negotiating the philosophical and conceptual divergences between systems.
- Accordingly, a medium- and long-term plan for seamless integration should be developed expeditiously in view of the massive drive for achieving universal health care already underway in the country and considering the vast potential of AYUSH to contribute to this cause.
Topic: Role of women and women’s organization
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The historical and cultural narratives of India have failed to acknowledge the contributions of the women from the margins, as they are either androcentric in approach or reflective of the dominant castes. Remembering unsung Dalit women heroes and their stories of struggle and bravery from across the centuries, will broaden these narratives and help address the institutionalised discrimination Dalit women have faced for centuries.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the contributions of Dalit women leaders in achieving caste and gender equality.
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:
Start by giving context with regards to struggle and oppression faced by Dalit women
Body:
Write about the contributions of various Dalit women leaders and their struggle against caste and gender barriers. Sant Nirmala, Soyarabai, Nangeli, Kuyili, Jhalkaribai, Savitribai Phule, Rani Rashmoni, Dakshayani Velayudhan, Dulari Devi and Mayawati etc. Elaborate upon their contributions.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising the key learnings from the lives of above personalities.
Introduction
Dalit women constitute a vast section of India’s population. They have been socially excluded and humiliated for a long period of time. The historical and cultural narratives of India have failed to acknowledge the contributions of the women from the margins, as they are either androcentric in approach or reflective of the dominant castes. Remembering unsung Dalit women heroes and their stories of struggle and bravery from across the centuries, will broaden these narratives and help address the institutionalised discrimination Dalit women have faced for centuries.
Body
Dalit women leaders and their contributions: a source of inspiration for modern day feminist movement
- The story of Sabari from the Ramayana has been used as an example of acceptance, selflessness and unconditional love, and adapted into bhajans and poems.
- The coming of bhakti saw the emergence of women from the Mahar caste, such as Sant Nirmala and Soyarabai, questioning Hindu orthodoxy.
- Nangeli fought against the cruel “breast tax” system, which imposed a tax on women of the lower castes who covered their breasts.
- Kuyili, who commanded the army of Velu Nachiyar, the queen of Sivaganga in Tamil Nadu, was a Dalit woman who fought against the British around 1780.
- Jhalkaribai, another fearless Dalit warrior, played a pivotal role in what is known as the First War of Independence in 1857, as the most trusted companion and advisor of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi.
- Born in Ujirao, Lucknow, Uda Devi formed a battalion consisting of Dalit women under the leadership of Begum Hazrat Mahal.
- Among social reformers, there was Savitribai Phule, a pioneer in education for Dalits, who started a school in 1848 with nine girls.
- By 1851 this became three schools with around 150 girl students. She also started a school in 1849 with her friend Fatima Sheikh, the Mahila Seva Mandal in 1852 to raise awareness about women’s rights and the Balahatya Pratibandhak Griha, where widows and rape survivors could deliver their babies.
- Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar fought against the exploitative Devadasi system. In 1936, she published a Tamil novel on Devadasis and wrote the fictional series Damayanthi in 1945.
- Dakshayani Velayudhan was the first and only Dalit woman to be elected to the constituent assembly in 1946.
- In Maharashtra, writers like Shantabai Kamble, Mallika Amar Sheikh and Kumud Pawde shone a light on Dalit feminism through their autobiographies.
- In Tamil Nadu, writers like Bama and P Sivakami explored gender discrimination as a two-fold oppression.
- Marathi writers like Urmila Pawar and Meenakshi Moon worked to make Dalit women visible in women’s movement and, through their research and testimonies, brought out the grim reality of the missing voices.
Way forward
- Sensible labour laws reforms to give exit options to Dalit women trapped in a system. Integrating social and cultural transformation with an economic alternative is critical.
- Huge investments will be needed in up skilling and educating women and government needs to create an abundance of new jobs within the formal sector and lowering barriers to job creation.
- Increased availability of stable-wage jobs for women is critical to preventing their socio-economic exploitation.
- With bridging the deep-rooted biases through sustained reconditioning: -It is only possible by promoting the idea of gender equality and uprooting social ideology of male child preferability.
- They should be given decision-making powers and due position in governance.
- Thus, the Women Reservation Bill should be passed as soon as possible to increase the effective participation of women in the politics of India.
- Bridging implementation gaps:
- Government or community-based bodies must be set up to monitor the programs devised for the welfare of the society.
- Dalit women need group and gender specific policies and programmes to address the issue of multiple deprivations.
- Dalit women require comprehensive policies on health, especially on the maternal and child health
- Make credit available by pooling the women to form self-help groups. The example of Kudumbashree model of Kerala can be emulated.
Conclusion
Dalit women in India are situated at a very crucial juncture right now where they have to cross three thresholds simultaneously: class, class and patriarchy. These are the three hierarchical axes of social structure which are crucial to the understanding of gender relations and the oppression of Dalit women.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022 (now Act), that received the President’s assent on April 18 and ‘shall come into force on the day of such notification’, has raised eyebrows.
Key Demand of the question:
To analyse the Criminal Procedure (Identification) act, its positives and negatives and the need to balance the rights of individuals and societal interests.
Directive word:
Critically analyze – 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 the aims and objectives of Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022
Body:
First write about the important features of the bill which to repeal The Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920 – it would define ‘‘measurements’’ to include “signature, handwriting, iris and retina scan, physical, biological samples and their analysis, etc, empowers the National Crime Records Bureau of India (NCRB), under the Union Home Ministry, to collect, store and preserve the record of measurements for at least 75 years etc.
Next, write about how this will assist in making investigation of crime more efficient and expeditious – higher convictions rate, easy of data access, coordination among agencies etc.
Next, write about the various concerns with respect to the bills – unfettered powers to law enforcement agencies to interpret the law as per their convenience, ambiguous wording, scope for misuse etc. Mention about the various constitutional aspects and SC interpretations in various cases.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a balanced opinion forward.
Introduction
The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022 was introduced in the Lok Sabha. It seeks to replace the Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920 which regulates how the police can gather data from convicted or suspected criminals. The objective of the bill is to ensure more efficient and expeditious investigation of crime by the use of modern technology.
Body
Key Provisions of Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022
- It seeks to repeal the Identification of Prisoners Act 1920. The said Act, in its present form, provides access to a limited category of persons whose body measurements can be taken.
- It authorises law enforcement agencies to collect, store and analyse physical and biological samples of convicts and other persons for the purposes of identification and investigation in criminal matters.
- The Bill also authorises police to record signatures, handwriting or other behavioural attributes referred to in section 53 or section 53A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973,for the purposes of analysis.
- As per the Bill, any person convicted, arrested or held under any preventive detention law will be required to provide “measurements”to a police officer or a prison official.
- Any state government of Union Territory administration may notify an appropriate agency tocollect, preserve and share the measurements of a person of interest in their respective jurisdictions.
- Resistance to or refusal to allow the taking of measurements under this Act shall be deemed to be an offence under section 186 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Need for and significance of the Bill:
- The bill makes provisions for the use of modern techniquesto capture and record appropriate body measurements.
- The Bill states that it is necessary to expand the “ambit of persons” whose measurements can be taken as this will help investigating agencies gather sufficient legally admissible evidence and establish the crime of the accused person.
- The Bill will not only help investigation agencies but also increase prosecution. There is also a chance of an increase in conviction rates in courts through this.
- It is expected to minimise the threat from organised crime, cybercriminals and terrorists who are proficient in identity thefts and identity frauds.
- The bill will help to check serious national and global threats posed by them.
Shortcomings of the bill
- The proposed law considerably expands its scope and reach.
- It violates Article 20 (3) of the Constitutionthat safeguards the rights of citizens by providing that “no person accused of an offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself”.
- The Bill implied use of force in collection of biological information, could also lead to narco analysis and brain mapping.
- The proposed law, that also provides for retaining the people’s measurements for 75 years from the date of collection, was in “violation of the Right to be Forgottenenshrined in the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution”.
- The phrase ‘biological samples’ is not described further, hence, it could involve bodily invasions such as drawing of blood and hair, collection of DNA samples. These are acts that currently require the written sanction of a magistrate.
- The Bill proposes to collect samples even from protestors engaged in political protests. It infringes upon the right to privacy.
Way forward
- The need of the hour is a strong data protection law,with stringent punishment for breaches, should be in place.
- The bill must be referred to a Standing Committee for deeper scrutinybefore it is enacted into law, as now pre-legislative consultation was done.
- Measures need to be taken for better implementation of the lawas well.
- There is a need to have more experts to collect measurementsfrom the scene of crime, more forensic labs, and equipment to analyse them to identify possible accused involved in a criminal case.
- Thetraining of the investigation officers, prosecutors, judicial officers and collaboration with doctors and forensic experts need to be prioritised too.
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2022 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To analyse lacunae in the existing multilateral institutions and the need for a course correction.
Directive word:
Critically comment – 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 ‘comment’ is prefixed, we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by stating the dormant and ineffective nature of functioning of multilateral institutions such as the UNSC, IMF and world bank in the recent times.
Body:
Mention the changing power dynamics within the multilateral organisations, the dominance of China and the minimal role of under developed countries in policy frameworks in domains such as International security, equitable access to different economies, Climate change etc.
Next, mention the increasing debates around the issue and suggestive reforms and a need for a greater voice of the side-lined countries.
On the other hand, discuss some of the initiatives by these forums to enable relevant functioning in the current times such as enforcing the developed countries to contribute more to the climate financing in preserving the small island nations, bringing in mechanisms to ensure access of smaller economies etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stating that new challenges need a new approach to ensure effective functioning of the International forums to address common issues globally.
Introduction
The covid pandemic was a grim reminder of breaking down of multilateral organizations such as the WHO, UNSC, IMF and others such organizations, mainly due to high politicization. The instance where World Health Organization coyly followed the Chinese leadership in responding to the pandemic and Chinese interference in manipulating World Bank EODB index are few examples of the same. International institutions are inherently political in nature, but the way our post-1945 global multilateral order has been manipulated by China underscores an underlying power transition in global arrangements.
Body
Changing power dynamics within the multilateral organisations
- US-China cold war: This weakening of the multilateral system is happening in the context of the world’s two major powers, the US and China, either unwilling or unable to shape institutional underpinnings.
- While China wants a multipolar world and a unipolar Asia, the US wants a multipolar Asia but a unipolar world.
- United Nations: The UNSC has been dysfunctional for many years and is now aligned into P3 and P2 (Russia-China axis).
- International peace and security actions became hostage to UNSC indecisions. E.g.: Syrian civil war and Yemen civil war
- World Trade: WTO dispute settlement body has become non-functional due to USA’s blocking of new appointments.
- Due to non-consensus, the Doha Development Agenda has not found any resolution till date.
- There is a clear developed vs developing country dichotomy that has hamstrung any agreement like e-commerce, digital trade, sustainable trade etc.
- China’s dominance: China dictating actions of WHO during covid-19 pandemic is one of the main reasons for the wide spread disease outbreak.
- It’s secrecy over covid-19 outbreak and blocking thorough investigations shows failure of multilateral bodies to enforce mandate.
- Climate change and financing: Major issues of small island nations like submergence, displacement are ignored due to dilly-dallying of major powers for climate finance.
- The common but differentiated responsibility has not been acknowledged by major industrial powers and Conference of Parties on Climate change has failed year after year to bring about rules to enforce the same under Paris Agreement.
Reforms needed to rejig multilateral bodies to be more equitable
Multilateralism should promote international law, democracy, equity and justice, mutual respect, right to development and non-interference in internal affairs of any country without double standards.
- UN reforms long overdue: No reform of the UN would be complete without reform of the Security Council. Therefore, equitable representation as well as expansion of the UNSC is the desired reform.
- WTO reforms: Immediate priority in WTO reforms should be to resolve the ongoing impasse in the Appellate Body to address the unilateral measures as these pose serious existential challenges for the organisation.
- Climate finance: All nations collectively, should make instruments of global governance more inclusive, representative and participatory to facilitate greater and more meaningful participation of developing and least developed countries.
- Reforms in global financial institutions like IMF: Reduce the voting powers of the USA which holds a virtual veto in the decision-making process of IMF.
- Multilateral bodies need to become more responsive, effective, transparent, democratic, objective, action-oriented, solution-oriented and credible.
Conclusion
The world is changing rapidly and the US as well as China have little or no interest in shaping the multilateral order. As a consequence, plurilateral are fast emerging as one of the more important instruments available to middle powers to fill the void. This way, the US can be cajoled while China can be pushed back. The calculus of variable geometries is now being shaped by middle powers. For New Delhi, this a moment to take the lead in shaping the contours of the emerging world order.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-technology, biotechnology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Difficulty level: Tough.
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The making of the $9.7 billion James Webb telescope is one such story. One of the most significant technological achievements of the last few years, that involved construction, transportation, launching, alignment, and deployment in deep space, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a project that marked twenty plus years of continuous collaboration between many teams.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the differences James Webb Telescope and Hubble Telescope.
Directive word:
Compare and contrast – provide for a detailed comparison of the two types, their features that are similar as well as different. One must provide for detailed assessment of the two.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of the launch of James Webb Telescope.
Body:
First, make a comparative analysis of James Webb Telescope with that of Hubble Telescope on the basis of – Wavelength, Size, Orbit and How Far Will Webb See over Hubble.
Next, write about the information about origins of big bang and other past information that can be studied using James Webb.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing about the importance of James Webb Telescope.
Introduction
The world’s most powerful space telescope – James Webb Telescope (JWT), headed to an outpost 1.5 million kilometres (930,000 miles) from Earth, is an exemplar of collaborative science and human ingenuity. Named after a former NASA director, Webb follows in the footsteps of the legendary Hubble — but intends to show humans what the Universe looked like even closer to its birth nearly 14 billion years ago. Though Webb is often called the replacement for the Hubble Space Telescope (HT) , NASA said it prefers to call it a successor.
Body
Comparison between JWT and HT
- Wavelength:
- The James Webb Space Telescope, carrying four scientific instruments, will observe primarily in the infrared range and provide coverage from 0.6 to 28 microns.
- The instruments on Hubble see mainly in the ultraviolet and visible part of the spectrum. It could observe only a small range in the infrared from 0.8 to 2.5 microns.
- Size comparisons
- Webb’s primary mirror has a diameter of 6.5 metres. Hubble’s mirror was much smaller – 2.4 metres in diameter.
- So, Webb will have a larger field of view compared to the camera on Hubble.
- Webb also carries a large sun shield measuring about 22 metres by 12 metres – about the size of a tennis court.
- Orbit
- Hubble orbits around the Earth at an altitude of ~570 km.
- Webb will not orbit the Earth.
- It will orbit the sun at about 1.5 million kilometres away from Earth.
- As the Earth orbits the Sun, Webb will orbit with it – but it will stay fixed in the same spot with relation to the Earth and the Sun.
- How far can they see?
- NASA says, “Hubble can see the equivalent of “toddler galaxies” and Webb Telescope will be able to see “baby galaxies”.”
- Webb’s near- and mid-infrared instruments will help study the first formed galaxies, exoplanets and birth of stars.
Insights JWT can offer about past
- It is widely expected to unveil many secrets of the universe, particularly those related to the formation of stars and galaxiesin the early period the first few hundred million years after the Big Bang.
- Powerful space telescopes, like JWST or the Hubble Telescope, are often called time-machines because of their ability to view very faraway objects.
- The light coming from those objects, stars or galaxies, which is captured by these telescopes, began its journey millions of years earlier.
- Essentially, what these telescopes see are images of these stars or galaxies as they were millions of years ago. The more distant the planet or star, the farther back in time are the telescopes able to see.
- JWST is much more powerfuland has the ability to look in the infrared spectrum, which will allow it to peer through much deeper into the universe, and see through obstructions such as gas clouds.
- As electromagnetic waves travel for long distances, they lose energy, resulting in an increase in their wavelength.
- An ultraviolet wave, for example, can slowly move into the visible light spectrum and the infrared spectrum, and further weaken to microwaves or radio waves, as it loses energy.
- Hubble was designed to look mainly into the ultraviolet and visible regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. JWST is primarily an infrared telescope, the first of its kind.
- It can also analyse the atmospheres of exoplanetsthat pass in front of their stars.
- It will look at a large number of things in the universe including icy moons, distant exoplanets and galaxy clusters.
Conclusion
JWST will study every phase in the history of our Universe, ranging from the first luminous glows after the Big Bang, to the formation of solar systems capable of supporting life on planets like Earth, to the evolution of our own Solar System, etc. Scientists hope this set-up can detect the light from the very first population of stars in the Universe to switch on more than 13.5 billion years ago.
Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
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 understand the potential of 5G technology and how India could harness it.
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 stating details of 5G network and its frequency range.
Body:
First, mention the various potential benefits of 5G technology such as faster access to critical services, building smart cities, developing competitiveness with other nations in service delivery standards etc.
Next, discuss the challenges to roll out 5G such as high cost of installation, public apprehension regarding safety, need for a robust policy and Centre-state coordination etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stating that more and more discussions and quick action is the need of the hour for India to quickly harness the potential of 5G technology.
Introduction
5G is the fifth generation mobile network. It’s a unified platform which is much more capable than previous mobile services with more capacity, lower latency, faster data delivery rate and better utilisation of spectrum. The standards for the usage of 5G are defined and driven by 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).
Body:
Benefits of 5G technology:
- A more Connected World:
- 5G will provide the capacity and bandwidth as per the need of the user to accommodate technologies such as Internet of Things.
- Thus, will help to incorporate Artificial Intelligence in our lives. It can also support Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality services.
- Bringing Internet Connectivity Everywhere:
- The speed of 5G will have ripple effects across many industries and geographies.
- High speed internet access is critical to pushing rural industries — like farming and agriculture — to evolve.
- 5G networks stand to unlock that innovation, but it’s highly dependent upon how it’s implemented.
- Better Coverage in Densely Populated Areas:
- Small cell deployments will be made more effective through high-speed internet, allowing lightweight, easy-to-mount network base stations to increase capacity and coverage in densely populated areas.
- Though their range is much shorter, they will be able to alleviate overloaded networks in cities and other densely populated regions.
- Networking as a Service:
- Network slicing allows multiple virtual networks to be created on top of a shared physical infrastructure, so different types of applications and services will be able to run on shared infrastructure.
- This enables telecommunications companies to provide networking on-demand in the same way that we currently access other services on-demand, creating a user experience that’s indistinguishable from a physically separated network.
- radio access networks (RAN):
- This is creating a new set of ecosystem players dominated by smaller and more innovative companies, which can make way for unknown companies from countries such as India, to emerge as mainstream mobile infrastructure technology providers for the world
The potential advantages it offers:
- Industry 4.0:
- The manufacturing industry is going through a digital revolution.
- Within the context of Industry 4.0, manufacturers are becoming more efficient through the application of automation and data exchange to their existing factory processes to enable better integrated workflows and smarter manufacturing.
- Industrial IoT technologies are streamlining and simplifying many manufacturing processes in revolutionary ways.
- Mixed reality (MR) applications:
- The MR Apps comprise augmented reality (AR) plus virtual reality (VR) apps.
- Beyond the consumer market (think Pokémon Go), interesting applications are also likely to be found in industrial and medical contexts.
- Remote medical procedures, engineering, public safety and field-service applications are all strong use case opportunities for the application of low latency 5G services.
- Sports and entertainment:
- A combination of VR and AR with ultra-high-fidelity enabled by 5G could transform the way fans interact in these events.
- Motorsports is ideal for VR in particular: equipped with their mobile device or headset, fans could be served information like lap or technical information about cars as they race on the track in a sport like Formula 1
- Fixed wireless access:
- Fixed wireless access could also be used to bring high bandwidth digital services to under-served rural areas.
- Mobile operators will then be able to compete with wireline, satellite and cable companies, offering new revenue streams and faster RoI.
- Autonomous vehicles:
- The idea that much of the car, if not all of it, is controlled not by the driver but by technology.
- 5G is critical to realize this as it will offer the connectivity and speed needed to deliver vast amounts of data to one another as well as other objects simultaneously.
- 5G can provide a completely seamless mobile experience is a must so that cars can stay constantly connected.
Challenges:
- Huge Investment Required: India needs a massive Rs 5 lakh crore ($70 billion) investment to bring in 5G.
- Expensive spectrum: Indian spectrum prices are some of the highest in the world and the allocated quantity is well below global best practices, while 40% of the spectrum is lying unsold.
- Lack of uniform policy framework: Delays due to complex procedures across states, non-uniformity of levies along with administrative approvals have impacted telecom service providers in rolling-out Optical Fiber Cables (OFC) and telecom towers.
- Local Regulatory Issues: Many of the local rules and regulations are prohibiting the rapid and cost-effective roll-out of small cells in city centres where Fifth Generation (5G) is initially expected to be most in demand.
- Debt scenario in the industry: According to ICRA, the collective debt of telecommunications service providers (TSPs) stands at Rs 4.2 lakh crore.
- Low optical fiber penetration: India lacks a strong backhaul to transition to 5G. Backhaul is a network that connects cells sites to central exchange. As of now 80% of cell sites are connected through microwave backhaul, while under 20% sites are connected through fiber.
- High Import of Equipments: Imports account for a 90 per cent of India’s telecom equipment market. However due to lack of local manufacturing and R&D, Indian telecom providers have no option other than to procure and deploy 5G technologies from foreign suppliers.
- Security: According to the Global Cyber Security Index released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), only about half of all the countries had a cybersecurity strategy or are in the process of developing one. The index, which was topped by Singapore at 0.925 saw India at 23rd position.
- Possibility of increased digital divide: Initial deployment of 5G networks in dense urban areas could left behind rural areas due to commercial viability, may led to increase the digital divide.
- Human exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields: There has been concern about the said impact of these frequencies on health of human as well as on animals.
Way Forward:
- Spectrum Policy: India’s spectrum allocation for public wireless services should be enhanced significantly. Also, the cost of spectrum relative to per capita GDP is high and should come down.
- Create a Fifth Generation (5G) Program Office within Department of Telecommunications and an Oversight Committee.
- New civil infrastructure like highways, roads, canals and utilities (gas, electricity, water) lines should be mandated to provide Common Telecom Infrastructure resources such as ducting and power junction boxes to support 5G infrastructure.
- Security audits, a prerequisite for importing of equipment before deploying in Indian networks, needs to be simplified.
- Favorable Taxation Policy: Reducing taxation and regulatory fees on revenues could contribute to further evolution of the tax framework.
- Fifth Generation (5G) Pilot: Policy-makers may consider encouraging 5G pilots and test beds to test 5G technologies and use cases and to stimulate market engagement.
- Support Fifth Generation (5G) investment: Indian government and regulators should ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry and its ability to fund the significant investment required for 5G network deployments.
- Policy-makers may consider the use of licensed, unlicensed and shared spectrum to create a balanced spectrum ecosystem – one that encourages investment, makes efficient use of spectrum and promotes competition.
- Where market failure has occurred, governments may consider stimulating investment in fibre networks and passive assets through setting up PPPs, investment funds and offering grant funds, etc.
Conclusion
The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2023 there will be a staggering 9.1 billion mobile subscriptions. 5G will act as the catalyst for Digital India—a watershed moment in digital transformation. India is at the cusp of a next generation of wireless technology 5G. It provides an opportunity for industry to reach out to global markets, and consumers to gain with the economies of scale. It can help in better service delivery, faster access to services and deeper penetration of digital services.
General Studies – 4
Topic: moral and political attitudes.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Abstract Thursdays’ in Mission-2022 Secure.
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:
Give a simple elaboration on the concept of public morality.
Body:
Write about aspects such as what is accepted within the realms of public morality, is it static and indestructible by quoting few examples. Influence of public morality on legislations and the changes with time such as legalisation of same-sex marriage etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stating that society evolves with time and thus the public morality also takes its shape, however certain historically sustainable values must be preserved as well.
Introduction
A morality is a system of principles and values concerning people’s behaviour, which is generally accepted by a society or by a particular group of people. Public morality refers to moral and ethical standards enforced in a society, by law or police work or social pressure, and applied to public life, to the content of the media, and to conduct in public places.
Body
Public morality is not antithetical to individual rights
Public morality is concerned with collective obligations, and is generally based on the notion of consequentialism. For instance, Public morality often means regulation of sexual matters, including prostitution and homosexuality, but also matters of dress and nudity, pornography, acceptability in social terms of cohabitation before marriage, and the protection of children.
It is a main justification for censorship; it can lead to campaigns against profanity, and so be at odds with freedom of speech. Gambling is generally controlled: casinos have been considered much more of a threat than large-scale lotteries or football pools. Public drunkenness is quite unacceptable in some societies, and legal control of consumption of alcohol is often justified in terms of public morality, just as much as for medical reasons or to limit alcohol-related crime.
Public morality at times is antithetical to individual rights
Abortion is sometimes treated as an aspect of public morality, even if it is legally defined, regulated by medical professionals, and almost entirely hidden from public view. There have been deaths of individuals as in the case of Savitha Hallappanavar, an NRI in Ireland. AIDS as a health policy issue is linked to public morality in a complicated manner and individuals are discriminated leading to violation of human rights. Back in the day, Sati was an accepted public morality norm which over time was weeded out.
However, Views on public morality do change over time. Public views on which things are acceptable often move towards wider tolerance.
Conclusion
Public morality has been on a decline due to a host of factors such as legal, corruption, malpractices, cultural etc. Citizens in a political community must be bound together neither by feelings nor by self-interest but by a commitment to common values discovered by public reason — values such as political freedom, solidarity, shared traditions and cultural heritage.
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