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: Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
A controversy is raging between Congress and the BJP, which Dr Karan Singh, son of the former Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh, has got sucked into. But the entire battle is being fought on the basis of perceptions, making facts the casualty.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about issues regarding accession of Kashmir, issues regarding and steps that are needed to resolve 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 giving context regarding Kashmir Accession.
Body:
First, write about the Instrument of Accession and its nature post which Kashmir became a part of the Indian union.
Next, write about the various issues in the above, leading to the illegal occupation of parts of Kashmir by Pakistan and India’s response to it. Trace the developments to the present day.
Next, write about the possible solutions to settle the Kashmir issue.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
It was in 1947 when Pakistan illegally occupied certain parts of Jammu and Kashmir; India refers to this area as ‘Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’ (PoK). The region comprises two ethnically and linguistically different regions: which includes parts of Kashmir and Jammu; and Gilgit Baltistan, which makes up 86 percent of the total area of PoK.
Body
Background: Instrument of Accession and illegal occupation
- Hari Singh tried to negotiate with India and Pakistan to have an independent status for his state. He offered a proposal of Standstill Agreement to both the Dominion, pending a final decision on State’s accession. On August 12, 1947, the Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir sent identical communications to the Government of India and Pakistan.
- Pakistan accepted the offer and sent a communication to J&K Prime Minister on August 15, 1947.
- Pakistan, though entered into Standstill Agreement with Jammu and Kashmir, had an eye on it. It broke the Standstill Agreement by sponsoring a tribal militant attack in Kashmiron October 1947.
- Maharaja of Kashmir initially harboring ambitions of independence, but after coming under attack from Pakistan, he hadsigned the Instrument of Accession unconditionally — which the Governor General of India had accepted unconditionally.
- The devil was in Mountbatten’s letter of 27 October 1947 to the Maharaja, conveying the acceptance of the state’s accession. In doing so, Mountbatten added that India would ascertain the wishes of the people of the state on the return of normal conditions.
- On 27 October 1947, Nehru had told both Mehr Chand Mahajan,who had reached Srinagar as the new prime minister of Jammu and Kashmir days earlier, and Sheikh Abdullah, the leader of the National Conference, of his decision to involve the United Nations to supervise the referendum to ascertain the people’s wishes.
India’s response
- India referred thedispute to the United Nations Security Council on 1 January 1948. Following the set-up of the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP), the UN Security Council passed Resolution 47 on 21 April 1948.
- The issue of Kashmir also became a victim of the politics of the Cold War, in which the aggressor, Pakistan, through the management of deft policy initiatives, managed to have the upper hand for some time.
- Externally, ever since 1947, Kashmir remained a major issue of conflict between India and Pakistan (and between India and China to a minor extent).
- Pakistan has always claimed that Kashmir valley should be part of Pakistan. The conflict resulted in 3 main wars between India and Pakistan – 1947, 1965, and 1971. A war-like situation erupted in 1998 as well (Kargil war).
- Pakistan was not only the illegal occupant of the Kashmir region. China too started claiming parts of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.
- By the 1950s, China started to gradually occupy the eastern Kashmir (Aksai Chin).In 1962, India fought a war with China over its encroachments, however, China defeated India. To make matters worse, Pakistan ceded the Trans-Karakoram Tract of Kashmir (Saksham valley) to China.
Way forward
- Engaging the non-state actors through interlocutors, Tier-2 diplomacy should help alleviate the fears and misunderstandings that have cropped up.
- The way out of the deadlock is to strengthen democracy.
- Economic development through investments can be a game changer for Kashmir. All Kashmiris should get the due share in the growth story of India.
- Urgent steps should be taken to bridge the gaps of trust deficit in the minds of Kashmiri youth.
- De-radicalisation camps should be organised for the youth.
- A balanced mix of hard and soft powers can help improve the situation in J&K. The need of the hour is proper integration of Kashmir, Jammu, and Ladakh with India. Integration should not be seen in a limited dimension of territory. India should be able to win the heart of the people of Kashmir.
Conclusion
Many steps have been taken for maintaining peace in the state; but political instability, separatism and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism continue to surround the state of J&K. But India has been clear that no third party will be involved in the resolution of Kashmir issue and has vehemently opposed even other countries talking about interfering in Kashmir issue.
Topic: Role of women and women’s organization,
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: News 18
Why the question:
National Cancer Awareness Day was first announced by the then Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan, in September 2014. This day coincides with the birth anniversary of the Nobel Prize winner Marie Curie, a scientist born in 1867.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the contributions of Marie Curie to science and society.
Directive word:
Elaborate – Give 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.
Introduction:
Begin by giving context regarding the achievements of Marie Curie.
Body:
First, write about the contributions of the Marie Curie to the scientific field – her theories, experiments, Nobel wards and the outcomes of her research.
Also, write about her direct and indirect contributions to the society of that period.
Conclusion:
Conclude by mentioning her legacy.
Introduction
Marie Curie was a Polish and naturalized-French physicist and chemist. She is remembered for her discovery of radium and polonium, and her huge contribution to finding treatments for cancer. Nobel prize-winning scientist Marie Curie has been voted as the most influential woman in history, in a poll conducted by BBC named “List of 100 women who changed the world”.
National Cancer Awareness Day was first announced by the then Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan, in September 2014. This day coincides with the birth anniversary of the Nobel Prize winner Marie Curie, a scientist born in 1867.
Body
Contributions of Marie Curie
Physics & Chemistry aspects
- Marie & Pierre Curie became research workers at the School of Chemistry and Physics in Paris and there they began their pioneering work into invisible rays given off by uranium – a new phenomenon which had recently been discovered by Professor Henri Becquerel.
- The 1896 discovery of radioactivity by Henri Becquerel inspired Marie and Pierre Curie to further investigate this phenomenon.
- They examined many substances and minerals for signs of radioactivity.
- They found that the mineral pitchblende was more radioactive than uranium and concluded that it must contain other radioactive substances.
- From it they managed to extract two previously unknown elements, polonium and radium, both more radioactive than uranium.
Societal aspects
- She discovered radium and polonium, which are known as the two most significant contributors to the fight against cancer.
- Marie Curie’s work and discovery led to the development of nuclear energy radiotherapy that helps with cancer treatments.
- Curie developed methods for the separation of radium from radioactive residues in sufficient quantities to allow for its characterization and the careful study of its properties, therapeutic properties in particular.
- Curie throughout her life actively promoted the use of radium to alleviate suffering and during World War I, assisted by her daughter, Irene, she personally devoted herself to this remedial work.
- In October 1914, the first machines, known as “Petits Curies”, were ready, and Marie set off to the front. She worked with her daughter Irene, then aged 17, at casualty clearing stations close to the front line, X-raying wounded men to locate fractures, bullets and shrapnel.
Laurels bestowed on Marie Curie
- She received many honorary science, medicine and law degrees and honorary memberships of learned societies throughout the world.
- Together with her husband Pierre Curie, she was awarded half of the Nobel Prize for Physicsin 1903, for their study into the spontaneous radiation discovered by Becquerel, who was awarded the other half of the Prize.
- In 1911 she received a second Nobel Prize, this time in Chemistry, in recognition of her work in radioactivity.
- She also received, jointly with her husband, the Davy Medal of the Royal Society in 1903.
- In 1921, President Harding of the United States, on behalf of the women of America, presented her with one gram of radium in recognition of her service to science.
Conclusion
The Curies have received a total of four of Nobel prizes, the highest won by a single-family. They also have the unique distinction of having three Nobel-prize winning members in the family.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
In the presidential election in Brazil, on October 30 (the second round), the two-time former President, and leader of the leftist Worker’s Party (PT), Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva — universally known as Lula — defeated the far-right incumbent president, Jair Bolsonaro.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the importance of ties of between India and Brazil and their common aims and objectives.
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 similarities in the vision between India and Brazil.
Body:
First, write about the evolution of India-Brazil ties – strategic partnership since 2006, deepened in 2020 through the Action Plan to Strengthen the Strategic Partnership and are working together in various international forums, like BRICS, IBSA, G4, G20, BASIC, and the United Nations.
Next, write about they represent the second and sixth most populous countries in the world and the fifth and ninth largest economies respectively. They are also leading voices in their region and active players in the global arena.
Next, write about the ways in which they can strengthen their partnership and ensure shape the global multilateral order.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
India and Brazil share a very close and multifaceted relationship at bilateral level as well as in plurilateral fora such as BRICS, BASIC, G-20, G-4, IBSA, International Solar Alliance, Bio future Platform and in the larger multilateral bodies such as the UN, WTO, UNESCO and WIPO. The bilateral strategic partnership, which has opened a new phase for India-Brazil relations in 2006, is based on a common global vision, shared democratic values, and a commitment to foster economic growth with social inclusion for the welfare of the people of both countries.
While there is considerable distance between India and Brazil, the former is 15,000 miles away, yet striking similarities can make the heart grow fonder. Both countries are multi-cultural, with a commitment to democracy; where the leadership has a strong mandate and a compatible profile.
Body
Background
In the presidential election in Brazil, on October 30 (the second round), the two-time former President, and leader of the leftist Worker’s Party (PT), Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva — universally known as Lula — defeated the far-right incumbent president, Jair Bolsonaro.
Indo-Brazilian relations:
Political Cooperation:
- The strategic partnership established in 2006 between Brazil and India has deepened, with both countries cooperating closely within BRICS, IBSA, G4, G20, and the wider multilateral context of the United Nations.
- Brazil and India (along with Germany and Japan) jointly pursued aspirations of permanent seats in the UN Security Council and worked towards a multipolar world where large developing countries can frame global rules and democratise international institutions.
- Both countries played a pivotal role as leaders of the Global South or South-South cooperation.
- The Brazilian foreign policy of reciprocal multilateralism is in concurrence with India’s policy of strategic autonomy.
Cultural Cooperation:
- In Brazil, there is enormous interest in India’s culture, religion, performing arts and philosophy.
- Brazil has a strong community of Yoga and Ayurveda practitioners. The Brazilian Association of Ayurveda (ABRA) is a non-profit association with offices in 9 states of Brazil and has members all over Brazil.
- Mahatma Gandhi is highly regarded in Brazil and the government and NGOs are trying to inculcate the philosophy of non-violence among students, youth and police.
Trade Relations:
- In 2021, our bilateral trade touched USD11.53 billion with an increase of 63.5 percent over 2020. Balance of trade was USD1.93 billion in favour of India. India is now the 5thlargest trading partner of Brazil.
- Brazil wants to increase the trade with India three times the present trade volume. The major focus is on commodities and so it is difficult to raise the trade volume. India grows coffee which is Brazil’s major export; animal feed is the major export of Brazil for which there is no market in India.
- Brazil is rich in minerals and agricultural resources. If we look at the future trade there are possibilities like India might need to import pulses. India exports generic drugs and other pharmaceutical products. The services industry, IT and biotechnology is well established.
- Brazil has an organisation which is the counter part of Indian Council for Agricultural Research called Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa). The cattle stock of Brazil is very important for them. Nellorebeef cattle originated from Ongole Cattle originally brought to Brazil from India. They are named after the district of Nellore in Andhra Pradesh state in India. So, there are some Indian connections to its origin.
Defense Relations:
- The defence relationship is possible; both are large countries with large defense needs whether it is helicopters or aircrafts. India has bought Embraer aircraft from Brazil where only few countries in the developing world make aircraft. There is possibility of cooperation in science and technology and developing designs.
- Both countries have normal exchanges for instance Brazilian officers coming to National Defence College, providing training exercises and visits of chiefs. Both countries are aware that the requirements are large. The real potential is in designing and developing the defence industry.
- Brazil and India signed a bilateral ‘Defence Cooperation Agreement’ in 2003 that calls for cooperation in defence-related matters, especially in the field of Research and Development, acquisition and logistic support between the two countries.
Strategic Relationship:
- Both are mature democracies, developing countries, have different perspectives on many issues which is different from other countries, want a greater voice for ourselves, both are the partners for the expansion of security council and for becoming permanent members, both believe in institutional reforms in IMF, World Bank and UNSC. We are Natural Partners with the same kind of outlook on global issues.
- Despite the huge distance, lot of cultural differences and different kind of history, there are remarkable affinities and common values. India was colonized by British and Brazil was colonized by Portuguese. Just as India sees coalition governments, differences between centre and state, Independence of judiciary, a very vibrant press, critical kind of NGOs, Brazil also has a same kind of political climate like many parties, many regions, and differences between central and state governments.
- Both are developing countries with same size in economies. Brazil has lot of people trapped in poverty like India. Therefore in Democracy, Development, and Diversity, Brazil is also a country with many religion, languages, and cultures. Brazil is also familiar with the same kind of Diversity which India is familiar.
- Brazil has a space programme which was stared at a time when India started it. But India has gone far ahead. From time-to-time ISRO has offered technical knowhow to Brazil.
The rising ties between India and Brazil will send out strong signals of South-South cooperation
With much in common, the door is wide open to forge a social, cultural, people-to-people and economic relationship to boost trade. This will send out a strong signal of South-South co-operation.
- Brazil’s number one export to India is crude oil, but, mind you, it is experiencing an oil production boom and will be amongst the top-5 oil producing countries in the world over the next decade.
- As a large producer of sugarcane, Brazil started a bioethanol programme which is highly effective and is a means of bio-energy which can fire up thermal cogeneration plants. One resultant by-product are bio-pellets (a substitute for coal) and a means of clean energy, the urgent need of the hour in India.
- In wind energy, Brazil is the cheapest source; a Brazilian company manufacturing wind turbine generators WEG is already in India. This resource can be fully tapped.
- An ideal energy partner is around the corner, almost a God sent, and India should clinch a deal, especially in the wake of recent global events which could result in an oil crisis.
- Brazil is not only self-sufficient in food production, but exports commodities including pulses to the Indian market. India consumes a variety of different foods, its growing and expanding population requires a perennial source, especially for proteins.
- The ingredients for an all-encompassing relationship are, therefore, in place. Now, the two countries must repose trust in each other—make it solid like BRICS (Bricks) to bind aspirations, goals, and objectives of two nations.
- India can start with a clean slate, having opted out of trade agreements, to put in place a bilateral framework/ agreement. This will be a “First” as we look beyond our neighbourhood principle.
- It will also facilitate the flow of investments, and strengthen and fortify India’s strategic interests. Moving in this direction will be a practical litmus test for the ease of doing business. It will send out positive signals to foreign investors. A bilateral agreement between the two countries will secure this, which, in turn, will globally push India up in the ‘World Bank Ease of doing’ index.
- We can go from a stage where the countries not only have a BRICS ‘bank’ in common, but can bank upon each other for ushering in the winds of change.
Conclusion
The time is right for deepening this relationship. In fact, the Brazilian ministry of mines and energy has said that “India and Brazil are key players in the international energy landscape, both as consumers and producers. We are joining hands to create an international biofuel market and supply our planet with renewable and clean energy.” This partnership will make the presidential visit a landmark win-win, setting the right ‘pulse’.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
The finance minister will present her budget in Parliament in just over two months. Though these are early days for speculations on the likely budget proposals, many feel that the government would continue its generous allocation towards infrastructure spending. In her previous budget, the FM had increased the outlay for capital expenditure by 35.4% from Rs 5.54 lakh crore to Rs 7.50 lakh crore in FY23. The expectations are that this might go up to Rs 10 lakh crore in the forthcoming budget.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the relationship with economic growth and development, and infrastructure.
Directive word:
Elucidate – Give 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.
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
Body:
First, write about the ways in which infrastructure promotes economic growth – write about forward linkages and backward linkages etc.
Next, write about how economic growth can bring about change in infrastructure – with increase in income levels, the composition of infrastructure changes. Cite examples and facts to substantiate.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
Infrastructure sector is a key driver for the Indian economy. The sector is highly responsible for propelling India’s overall development and enjoys intense focus from Government for initiating policies that would ensure time-bound creation of world class infrastructure in the country. Infrastructure sector includes power, bridges, dams, roads, and urban infrastructure development.
Basic infrastructure facilities in the country provide the foundation of growth. In the absence of adequate infrastructure, the economy operates at a suboptimal level and remains distant from its potential and frontier growth trajectory.
Body
Background
The infrastructure sector will be the key to overall economic growth and macroeconomic stability, the Survey said emphasising that the year after the crisis (2021-22) will require sustained and calibrated measures to facilitate the process of economic recovery and enable the economy to get back on its long-term growth trajectory.
Role of infrastructure in transformation of economy leading to economic development
- Foundation for growth:
- Basic infrastructure facilities in the country provide the foundation of growth.
- In the absence of adequate infrastructure, the economy operates at a suboptimal level and remains distant from its potential and frontier growth trajectory.
- Increases employment:
- Infrastructure development such as road construction, real estate, railway construction, etc. is labour intensive, leading to increase in employment opportunities in formal and informal sectors and thus, fuelling domestic demand.
- Raises Farmer’s Income:
- Investment in infrastructure would play critical role in ensuring doubling of farmers income through focus on increased irrigation infrastructure and storage, processing and marketing infrastructure.
- Health and Well-being:
- Infrastructure development of superior healthcare facilities, electronic health records and better equipped health infrastructure at primary levels. (Telemedicine)
- Reduces Logistic Cost:
- Building world class roads, railways, ports, inland water ways, will cut down logistic costs and improve competitiveness and promote exports.
- This would bring more revenues to government and may promote socio – economic development.
Major Policies on Infrastructure
- Government of India has launched National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP)in 2019, wherein it has planned to invest about INR 102 lakh crores on infrastructure projects by 2024-25.
- In 2020, NITI Aayog and Quality Council of India (QCI) launched the ‘National Program and Project Management Policy Framework’ (NPMPF).
- The government of India has launched the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP),a roadmap for asset monetisation of various brownfield infrastructure assets across sectors.
- NMP will help in evolving a common framework for monetisation of core assets. The NMP estimates aggregate monetisation potential of Rs 6 lakh crores through core assets of the Central Government, over a four-year period, from FY 2022 to FY 2025.
- Union budget 2021-22gave a massive push to infrastructure sector by allotting Rs 233083 crore to enhance transport infrastructure and through National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP)a Rs 111 lakh crore plan for financial year 2019-25.
Way forward
- Rs 111 trillion National Infrastructure Pipeline for 2020-2025will be a game-changer for the Indian economy. Sectors like energy, roads, urban infrastructure, railways have a lion’s share in it that will help boost growth.
- To boost private investment in infra sector, it said the government has set up the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) for appraisal of PPP projects.
- Revamping of the proposed VGF scheme will attract more PPP projects and facilitate the private investment in social sectors (Health, Education, Waste Water, Solid Waste Management, Water Supply etc.)
- The Aatmanirbhar Bharat has brought manufacturing at centre stage and emphasized its significance in driving India’s growth and creating jobs.
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-2023 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about carbon capture utilisation technologies and their significance in mitigating emissions.
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:
Briefly explain the concept of carbon capture utilisation technologies.
Body:
Explain the coming of carbon capture utilisation technologies; Carbon Capture and Storage, is a technology which captures carbon dioxide (CO2) from the burning of coal and gas for power generation, and from the manufacturing of steel, cement and other industrial facilities. It involves the transportation of CO2 either by pipeline or ship, for safe and permanent underground storage. Thus, it helps in preventing it from entering the atmosphere and contributing to anthropogenic climate change.
Next, write about the limitations of CCUS technologies.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a forward and efforts needed to explore this technology.
Introduction
Carbon capture utilization refers to the recycling (collection, storages and then utilization) of carbon released from fossil fuels emissions. It is one of the flexibility phenomena under the Clean Development Mechanism of Kyoto Protocol.
The aim is to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from point sources (especially industrial sources within the power, chemicals, cement, and steel sectors) in order to avoid the release of these gasses into the atmosphere. Next, the captured CO2 is converted into other components and products, such as chemical feedstocks, fuels or building materials, which are otherwise typically derived from fossil-based resources.
Body
Potential of CCUS
- The captured carbon is recycled for producing economically valuable products and services. Captured carbon can be utilised in producing oil, via Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) or can be used to produce fuels (eg methane, methanol, aviation fuels, gasoline), construction material, chemicals, plastics and algae-based products such as fertilisers and animal feed.
- The costs associated with carbon capture can be partially offset by the revenue generated from the utilisation measures.
- CC helps in economic goods and use in core sector such as, Carbon neutral industries of methanol, ammonia/fertilizer, olefins for plastic, steel and power.
- Also helps to phase CO2 from atmosphere as CO2 leads to global warming.
- Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies are two subsets of the overall larger set of crucial technologies that is collectively called Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS).
Carbon Capture Technology for India:
- To tread the path of clean energy, India has to pursue different categories of carbon mitigation options, or the 4 R’s, i.e. reduce, reuse, recycle and remove,
- India had identified Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) as a priority area in its Second Biennial Update Report that was submitted to UNFCCC.
- In 2019, IOCL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), on a combined CCUS and Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) system.
- As per the MoU, CO₂ that is captured at IOCL’s Koyali refinery would be transported by pipeline to the nearby ONGC Gandhar oilfield in the state of Gujarat.
- Additionally, IOCL has also signed a similar MoU with Oil India Limited (OIL) for IOCL’s Digboi refinery to provide CO₂ for EOR at OIL’s Naharkatiya and Dikom oilfields in the state of Assam.
- India is also an active participant of the Carbon Capture Innovation Challenge under Mission Innovation (MI) and has launched a funding opportunity to the tune of $17 million in FY19 for 47 projects across the themes of carbon capture, sustainable biofuels and converting sunlight.
- India can look towards tackling emissions via a material efficiency approach, thereby addressing the dual challenge of resource scarcity and emission reduction. India has made some initial headways in the context of material efficiency. For instance, the Draft National Resource Efficiency Policy (NREP), 2019, represents a comprehensive framework for resource efficiency.
- In line with the notion of Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) model, India may consider broadening the scope of the issue of climate change and acknowledge the role played by high material consumption in contributing to the energy demand and by extension to emissions.
- According to a recent report by Ellen MacArthur Foundation and Material Economics (2019), while 55% of the emissions can be managed by mitigation pathways such as the use of renewable energy and adoption of energy efficiency measures, the remaining emissions can be tackled via the adoption of a circular economy model.
- The deepening of the carbon credit market may be pursued, additionally. (carbon credit are tradable certificate or permit representing the right to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide).
Global examples:
- China is largest producer of methanol produces using carbon capture technologies.
- South Africa has become world’s largest coal gasification based company.
Conclusion
Carbon capture utilisation technologies can play a key role not only in meeting CO2 emission reduction targets (such as the ones set by the Paris Agreement), but also in accelerating the transition to Circular Carbon Economy. As the technology matures and the associated costs fall further, India should consider designing policies and programs to encourage faster deployment.
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-2023 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about carbon market and India’s potential in using it to fight climate change.
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 carbon market.
Body:
In the first part, in detail, write about the structure and functioning of carbon market and its brief history.
Next, write about the potential of carbon markets in reducing carbon emissions and fighting climate change. Write the ways in which it would help. Substantiate with facts and examples.
Next, write about the challenges and limitations associated with carbon markets in India. Mention ways to overcome them.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
Carbon markets allow for buying and selling of carbon emissions with the objective of reducing global emissions. Carbon markets existed under the Kyoto Protocol, which is being replaced by the Paris Agreement in 2020. Carbon Markets can potentially deliver emissions reductions over and above what countries are doing on their own.
Body
About carbon market
- Carbon Markets and Carbon Credits are components of emissions trading, a market-based approach to to reduce the concentration of Greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere. It works by providing economic incentivesfor reducing the emissions of the designated pollutants. A carbon market allows investors and corporations to trade both carbon credits and carbon offsets simultaneously.
- Carbon credits (or allowances) work like permission slips for emissions.
- When a companybuys a carbon credit, they gain permission to generate more CO2 emissions.
- One tradable carbon credit equals one tonne of carbon dioxide or the equivalent amount of a different greenhouse gas reduced, sequestered or avoided.
- Credits are measured against ‘benchmarks’ or allowed GHG emissions. If emissions are below the allowed limit, the emitter earns carbon credits (reducing 1 tonne of CO2 earns 1 carbon credit).
- If emissions are above the allowed limit, the emitter must buy carbon credits from those who have excess credits.
- Thus, crossing the emissions limit imposes a cost (amount spent on purchase of carbon credits) on the emitter. The idea is that this cost will force the emitters to be more efficient and reduce emission.
Potential to have carbon market framework In India
- First, it will help inmitigating the adverse impacts of climate change by reducing the GHG emissions.
- Second, there are multiple co-benefits of offset projectssuch as: ecosystem management, forest preservation, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy generation in third-world countries, etc.
- Third, the voluntary carbon market for offsets is smaller than the compliance market, but expected to grow much biggerin the coming years. It’s open to individuals, companies, and other organizations that want to reduce or eliminate their carbon footprint, but are not necessarily required to by law.
- Fourth, consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of carbon emissions. Consequently, they’re increasingly critical of companies that don’t take climate change seriously. By contributing to carbon offset projects, companies signal to consumers and investors that they’re paying more than just lip service to combat climate change.
- Fifth, it opens an additional revenue streamfor environmentally beneficial businesses. For instance, Tesla, the electric car maker, sold carbon credits to legacy car manufacturers to the tune of $518 million in just the first quarter of 2021.
Challenges with carbon market
- There are concerns regarding the effectiveness of carbon markets in curbing emissions.
- Some companies simply buy credits without making any effort to reduce emissions themselves.It is cheaper for them to buy carbon credit than to invest in emission reducing technologies
- The issue of old carbon credits (certified carbon emissions, or CERs), issued under — the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol — are still valid.
- Counting them as valid would slow down climate action because those who are under commitments to reducing emissions would just buy the CERs and call it a done deal.
- However, declaring them invalid would disappoint all those entities that were given the credits.
- Phenomenon of ‘double counting’ exists. If an emission reduction takes place in one country and another entity in another country buys the carbon credits, only one of the two countries should be logically allowed to use the activity against its own commitments — not both.
- Issues related to a fee levied on each carbon trading transaction for a fund to help poor countries adapt to the vagaries of the climate change.
- Buying carbon credits candeviate the rich nations from the path of reducing emissions. They can simply continue to emit and buy cheap carbon credits from developing countries.
- It is difficult to establish the amount of carbon reduced by offset projects (like afforestation or wind energy project). The complexity is in establishing baseline emissions (Emissions baseline represents what would happen if your project did not occur i.e., the emissions in the absence of the project).
- This makes it difficult to verify emission reductions and assigning carbon credits.
- India’s own PAT (Perform, Achieve, Trade) Scheme has failed to achieve meaningful emissions reduction.According to an analysis by the Center for Science and Environment, the emission reduction under the scheme has been only 1.57% and 1.44% over the two cycles.
Conclusion
The establishment of a domestic carbon market is a progressive step. However, the actual benefit will depend upon the effectiveness of the market. For this, the Government must ensure that proper regulations are established. Moreover, there must be periodic assessment of its functioning and corrective steps its necessary. Climate Change is real and imminent, Government must take all possible steps to mitigate the challenges.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;
7. One should be intent on the action, not on the fruits of action. Elaborate. (150 Words)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Philosophical Mondays’ in Mission-2023 Secure.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the importance of focussing on the intent and not on the outcome.
Directive word:
Elaborate – Give 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:
Begin by giving context regarding the difference between intent and action.
Body:
Mention as to what happens when the outcome of the action more emphasised rather than the intent of the action. One tends to lose their path to have favourable outcomes rather than sticking to original intent. Cite examples to elaborate.
Conclusion:
Give a concise summation of your views to conclude the answer.
Introduction
In Bhagwad Gita there is a noble thought, “Be intent on action, not on the fruits of action; avoid attractions to the fruits and attachment to inaction”,
Body
Shri Krishna says there are three kinds of people in this world
- Those who live for their own selfish happiness.
- Those who, through misunderstanding of scriptures, indulge in inactivity.
- Those who perform every activity as an offering to God.
Among these three types, the last one is considered wise. You neither should work with selfish motives because, in that case, at the end of his life, he may discover that happiness doesn’t follow a life of egotistical interest.
He may earn millions of dollars, but that person will always be dreaded with the thought of losing everything by death.
He also does not support the second type of people who, through misunderstanding of scriptures, think that all human activities may germinate ego in mind. Hence they embrace inactivity.
The Gita does not mean that one should word like a robot, without the thought of probable results. Do your duty without expectations means working intelligently and ambitiously trying to create the right fruits of actions not with ego or selfishness, but for God and for the people. The verse indicates humankind to be selfless and to perform actions for the benefit of humanity, not to fulfill their own wants and desires.
Some people also believe that it is impossible to carry out any activity without desiring for the fruit of action in the form of success. But one should understand that when a person works for his won material gain, he is not so alert, wise, and happy as when he executes his small or large plans just to please God.
Conclusion
At last, just perform your activities without the expectations of selfish results. Spread positivity and use your fortune to help the unfortunate ones. One should also understand that when we expect results, we get anxiety when our desired results don’t fulfill, and with this mindset, we easily give up.
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