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
General Studies – 1
Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about reasons for the emergence of nationalism in India. Was it a reaction against the policies of British? Or was it born on its own?
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:
Start the answer by describing the genesis of Indian nationalism in the late nineteenth century.
Body:
In the first part of the body, analyze how Indian nationalism was a reaction against policies of the British. Mention about the Despotic nature of the rule, the racial discrimination, the lack of proper administration, lack of Indians in administration, alien rule, the loot and the plunder, indiscriminate taxation, ruining of Industries etc.
In the next part, analyze how Indian nationalism was a product of its own maturity. Introduction of modern education, the influx of ideas of liberalism and constitutionalism, the rise of an educated middle class, the impact of the press, the impact of socio-religious reform movements etc.
Conclusion:
Pass a balanced judgement as to how Indian Nationalism took birth.
Introduction
Indian Nationalist Movement was a grand and prolonged struggle launched against British imperialism. Nationalism was the main ideology and the instrument with whose help this struggle was launched.
In the context of the Indian Nationalist Movement, Indian nationalism represented two major ideas: anti-imperialism and national unity. In other words, any person, movement or organisation that practised and upheld these two ideas, could be considered a nationalist.
Body
The rise and growth of Indian nationalism was the response generated by the British government through the creation of a new institution, new opportunities and new style allocation of resources as well as a worldwide upsurge of the concepts of nationalism initiated by the French Revolution.
Factors responsible for the growth of Modern Nationalism during British rule
- Political and administrative divide:Partition of Bengal in 1905, carried out by the British viceroy, Lord Curzon.
- Political Unity: For the first time, most of the regions in India were united politically and administratively under a single power (the British rule). It introduced a uniform system of law and government.
- Development of Communication and Transport: The introduction of railways, telegraphs and postal services and the construction of roads and canals facilitated communication among the people. All these brought Indians nearer to each other and provided the facility to organise the national movement on an all-India basis.
- English Language and Western Education: The English language played an important role in the growth of nationalism in the country. The English educated Indians, who led the national movement, developed Indian nationalism and organised it. Western education facilitated the spread of the concepts of liberty, equality, freedom and nationalism and sowed the seeds of nationalism.
- The Role of the Press: The Indian Press, both English and vernacular, had also aroused the national consciousness.
- Social and Religious Movements of the Nineteenth Century: The leaders of various organisations like the Brahmo Samaj, Ramakrishna Mission, Arya Samaj, and Theosophical Society generated a feeling of regard for and pride in the motherland.
- Economic Exploitation by the British: A good deal of anti-British feeling was created by the economic policy pursued by the British government in India. The English systematically ruined the Indian trade and native industries. Therefore, economic exploitation by the British was one of the most important causes for the rise of Indian nationalism.
- Revolt of 1857: The Revolt of 1857 created a kind of permanent bitterness and suspicion between the British and the Indians. The English feeling of racial superiority grew. India as a nation and Indians as individuals were subjected to insults, humiliation and contemptuous treatment.
- Administration of Lytton: Lord Lytton arranged the Delhi Durbar at a time when the larger part of India was in the grip of famine. He passed the Vernacular Press Act which curbed the liberty of the Indian Press. His Arms Act was a means to prevent the Indians from keeping arms. All these measures created widespread discontent among the Indians.
- The Ilbert Bill controversy: The Ilbert Bill was presented in the Central Legislature during the Viceroyalty of Lord Ripon. The Bill tried to remove racial inequality between Indian and European judges in courts. This Bill was opposed by the British residents in India. Ultimately the Bill was modified.
- Role of Western Thought and Education:The modern education played an important role in awakening of Indian political thinking because it assimilates the modern western ideas. The British introduces modern education to educate a small section of upper and middle classes to create a class “Indian in blood and colour, but English in taste” who would act as interpreters between the Government and the masses.
- Racial Antagonism: The Englishmen considered themselves as superior in all respects than the Indians. They never wanted to offer the Indians higher jobs even though they were qualified and intelligent. The age limit for Indian Civil Service Examination was kept at twenty-one and the examination was held at England.
Indian Nationalism succeeded and is unique because of its various peculiarities
- A Cosmic Vision:The framework of Indian culture places human beings in the centre of the universe, as a divine creation-which celebrates Individuality and differences of opinion in the society.
- Sense of Harmony:Indian philosophy and culture tries to achieve an innate harmony and order in the society.
- Tolerance:In India, tolerance and liberalism is found for all religions, castes, communities, etc. Indian society accepted and respected Shaka, Huna, Scythians, Muslim, Christian, Jews and Zoroastrians. Rulers like Ashoka, Akbar have patronized various religions and ensured that there is peaceful co-existence of religions.
- Continuity and Stability: The light of ancient Indian culture life is yet glowing. Many invasions occurred, many rulers changed, many laws were passed but even today, the traditional institutions, religion, epics, literature, philosophy, traditions, etc. are alive.
- Adaptability:Adaptability is the process of changing according to time, place and period. Indian society has shown fluidity and has adjusted itself with changing times.
- Caste System and Hierarchy:Indian Society has evolved systems of social stratification, which in the past helped in accommodating outsiders, but concomitantly it has also been the reason for discrimination and prejudice.
- Unity in diversity:Despite inherent difference Indian society celebrates unity in diversity which reflects in modern India’s founding principles and constitutional ideals.
Conclusion
British rule was largely responsible for a new awakening among the Indians. The collective impact of British rule and enlightenment of Indians led to increased nationalist feeling.
Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To explain in detail the features of moderate phase of INC and their style of functioning and to analyze the impact on the national movement.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by writing about the moderate phase of INC, its nature and its leaders.
Body:
First, Explain in the detail the nature of the moderate phase of INC. Their Aims and Objectives, Constitutional nature, Belief in the British, Inspiration, mode of operation, core composition, and important outcomes.
Next, write about the limitations of moderates – mention the belief of moderates in sense of justice of the British rule. They knew the exploitative nature of British rule but wanted its reforms and not expulsion.
Mention at its nascent stage they could not all out ask for expulsion for the fear of a crackdown on the entire organization. They had to tread carefully between nationalistic interests and protecting the nascent congress.
Conclusion:
Conclude by passing a balanced judgement on the successes and limitations of moderates.
Introduction
The moderates contributed significantly in Indian freedom struggle. The main objective of the Moderates was to achieve self-government within the British Empire. They followed a middle path and not an extreme path against British Empire.
Body
Nature of the Moderate Phase
Political demands of the moderates were moderate:
- From 1885 to 1892, their main demand continued to be expansion and reform of the Legislative Councils, the membership of the Councils for elected representatives of the people and also an increase in the powers of these Councils.
- Holding the ICS exam in India along with England to allow more Indians the opportunity to take part in the administration.
- the separation of the Judiciary from the executive
- Freedom of speech and expression.
- Freedom to form associations.
- Repealing the Arms Act of 1878.
- Increasing spending on education of Indians.
However, Economic demands of moderates were radical:
- The most notable part of Moderates political work was their systematic and factual criticism of the economic policy of British rule through press and publication.
- The focal point of the nationalist critique of colonialism was the drain theory. For instance, Dadabhai Naoroji put forward the idea that Britain was draining and ‘bleeding’ India.
- Other nationalist leaders, journalists and propagandists followed in the foot-steps of Dadabhai Naoroji. R.C. Dutt, for example, made the drain the major theme of his Economic History of India.
- They demanded Indian control over the public purse and raised the slogan that had earlier been raised by the Americans during their War of Independence, ‘No taxation without representation’.
- Moderates strictly demanded to reduce the military expenditure and increase the allocation of money for activities such as health and education.
- They demanded the reduction of land revenue and abolition of the salt tax and supported the imposition of income tax and import duties on products which the rich and the middle classes consumed.
- Dadabhai Naoroji in his famous economic critique ‘Poverty and un-British rule in India’ popularly put it, foreign capital represented the ‘despoilation’ and ‘exploitation’ of Indian resources.
- Similarly, the editor of the Hindustan Review and Kayastha Samachar described the use of foreign capital as ‘a system of international depradation’.
- They demanded for the development and protection of Indian Industries through increased tariffs on imports and government aid for these industries.
- After seeing the failure of the Government in this regard the nationalists popularised the idea of Swadeshi or use of Indian goods and boycott of British goods as a means of promoting Indian industries.
- An enquiry into India’s growing poverty and famines.
- They organized powerful intellectual agitations against nearly all the important official economic policies. They used these agitations to both understand and to explain to others the basis of these policies in the colonial structure.
Limitations of Moderate phase:
- However British rule, to most of them seemed to be an act of providence destined to bring in modernization.
- The moderate politicians could not or did not organize an agitation against British rule because of them still shred an intrinsic faith in the English democratic liberal political tradition.
- Their politics was very limited in terms of goals and methods. They were secular in their attitudes, though not always forthright enough to rise above their sectarian interests. They were conscious of the exploitative nature of British rule, but wanted its reforms and not expulsion.
- They equated liberty with class privilege and wanted gradual or piecemeal reforms.
- Early Congressman had an implicit faith in the efficacy of peaceful and constitutional agitation as opposed to popular mean of agitation.
- The movement was confined to the educated classes only. Did not try to employ the masses.
- Believed in Petition, Prayer and Protest. They did not go for mass mobilisation. The basic weakness of the early national movement lay in its narrow social base. It did not penetrate down to the masses. In fact, the leaders lacked faith in the masses.
- Their immediate demand was not for full self-government or democracy. They demanded democratic rights only for the educated members of the Indian society, who would substitute for the masses.
However, Moderate phase was not a complete failure
- The moderates led by Dadabhai Naoroji, R.C. Dutt, Dinshaw Wacha and others, analysed the political economy of British rule in India, and put forward the “drain theory” to explain British exploitation of India.
- Moderates were able to create an all-India public opinion that British rule in India was the major cause of India’s poverty and economic backwardness. The moderates demanded reduction in land revenue, abolition of salt tax, improvement in working conditions of plantation labour, etc.
- They helped in expansion of council’s i.e. greater participation of Indians in councils and helped in reform of councils i.e. more powers to councils, especially greater control over finances.
- The early nationalists worked with the long-term objective of a democratic self-government.
- They campaigned for General Administrative Reforms. They demanded and put pressure on British Empire on Indianisation of government service on the economic grounds.
- They asked and contributed in Separation of judicial from executive functions.
- They criticised:
- Oppressive and tyrannical bureaucracy and an expensive and time-consuming judicial system.
- Aggressive foreign policy which resulted in annexation of Burma, attack on Afghanistan and suppression of tribals in the North-West.
- Increase in expenditure on welfare, education, especially elementary and technical, irrigation works and improvement of agriculture, agricultural banks for cultivators etc.
- They fought for civil rights including the right to speech, thought, association and a free press. Through campaigns, the nationalists were able to spread modern democratic ideas, and soon the defence of civil rights became an integral part of the freedom struggle.
Conclusion
The nationalists were, thus, able to build a national movement while undermining the political and moral influence of imperialist rule. This helped in generating anti-imperialist sentiments among the public. But, at the same time, the nationalists failed to widen the democratic base of the movement by not including the masses, especially women, and not demanding the right to vote for all.
Topic: population and associated issues
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
Delay in the Census means that the data from the 2011 Census would continue to be used. In many towns and even panchayats that have seen rapid changes in the composition of their population over the last decade, this would mean that either too many or too few seats are being reserved. Delimitation of parliamentary and Assembly constituencies would continue to be based on 2001 Census till data from a Census after 2026 are published.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about benefits of collecting census data.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of census in India.
Body:
In the first part, discuss the advantages of census – essential for planning the provision of health care, education, employment, etc, helpful in the debate related to reservation policy, targeted poverty reduction programmes etc
Next, Discuss the limitations of census – creates chasms within society, historical apprehensions when such data was used to further divide and rule policy etc.
Conclusion:
Based on above arguments give a fair and balanced view as conclusion.
Introduction
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. Census provides information on size, distribution, socio-economic, demographic and other characteristic of countries population.
The Census was first started under British Viceroy Lord Mayo in 1872. It helped in framing new policies, government programs to uplift areas of improvement in the community. The first synchronous census in India was held in 1881. Every ten years: Since then, censuses have been undertaken uninterruptedly once every ten years.
The decennial census exercise has been postponed till September 2023. The government informed States that the date of freezing of administrative boundaries has been extended till June 30.
Body
Need for census
- The census provides information on size, distribution and socio-economic, demographic and other characteristics of the country’s population.
- The data collected through the census are used for administration, planning and policy making as well as management and evaluation of various programmesby the government, NGOs, researchers, commercial and private enterprises, etc.
- Census data is also used for demarcation of constituencies and allocation of representation to parliament, State legislative Assemblies and the local bodies.
- Researchers and demographers use census data to analyze growth and trends of population and make projections.
- The census data is also important for business houses and industries for strengthening and planning their business for penetration into areas, which had hitherto remained, uncovered.
Importance of Census
- Utility in Administration and Policy
- The population census provides the basic data for administrative purposes. One of the most basic of the administrative uses of census data is in the demarcation of constituenceis and the allocation of representation on governing bodies. Detailed information on the geographic distribution of the population is indispensable for this purpose. The Census also gives information on the demographic and economic characteristics of the population at the district level.
- Utility of Census data for Research Purposes:
- The population census provides indispensable data for scientific analysis and appraisal of the composition, distribution and past and prospective growth of the population.
- Utility of Census data in Business and Industry:
- The census data has many important uses for individuals and institutions in business and industry. It is very difficult to make a full assessment of the multiplicity of ways in which trade and business make use of the census data.
- Census as frame for Sample Surveys:
- The rapidity of current changes in the size and other characteristics of populations and the demand for additional detailed data on social and economic characteristics which are not appropriate for collection in a full-scale census, have brought about the need for continuing programmes of intercensal sample surveys to collect current and detailed information on many topics which are usually investigated at ten-year intervals in the population censuses.
- Utility of Census data in Planning:
- The census data is indispensable for social and economic planning of the Country. The Planning Commission utilises the Census data on the distribution of population by age, sex classified by rural and urban regions, cities, town areas and social groups to analyse the growth of consumer demand and savings in the process of development.
- Utility of Population Census to Electoral Rolls:
- Some countries have taken advantage of the enumeration for a population census to collect, at the same time, information needed for the establishment of electoral rolls. This procedure is not generally advisable because of the deleterious effect the secondary purpose might have on the quality of the census results.
- Utility of Population Census to other types of Censuses:
- Certain information collected as part of a population census, or incidential to it, can be most useful in conducting and/or utilizing the results of housing, agricultural or establishment censuses taken at about the same time or near about as the population census.
- Utility of population census to civil registration and vital statistics:
- Census data serve as denominators for the computation of vital rates, especially rates specific for characteristics normally investigated only at the time of the census.
Challenges and Experiences:
- Cost of Conducting Census
- One of the biggest challenges associated with conducting census in poor countries is the enormous financial costs of conducting the exercise. It is no secret that it is extremely costly to conduct a census.
- High Illiteracy Rate in a Nation has a Negative Impact on the Conducting of Census
- Countries with large proportions of their populations being illiterates face a great challenge during the conducting of censuses.
- Inadequate Infrastructural Facilities in Certain Areas
- There are certain places in the world where it is very difficult undertaking efficient population census because of poor infrastructural facilities such as bad roads, inaccessible roads or insufficient roads that connect various towns and villages.
- Traditional and Religious Beliefs can Interfere with the Census Exercise
- In many underdeveloped parts of the world where traditional beliefs are the order of the day, census officers face serious challenges when they reach these places and try counting the people.
- Corruption Interferes with Census
- Corruption during census can make it difficult to have an efficient population census exercise that provides accurate population figures.
- Insufficient Census Experts
- Another problem associated with conducting censuses in certain parts of the world is the insufficient number of professionals with the knowledge and experience of conducting census.
- Insufficient and Ineffective Census Educational Campaign
- How effective an educational campaign on census is prior to the census taking place determines how successful the census exercise eventually becomes.
- Poor Demographic Maps
- Because of demographic maps that aren’t reliable, it becomes very difficult for the authorities to know all the remote areas (especially the very remote areas) in the country and go there to conduct the census exercise.
Way forward
- Census data is first time being collected by mobile hence specific training should be given to the collectors
- Also public must be aware about the methodology
- Method must be developed to tackle the problem faced in earlier phases
Conclusion
Census is a major pillar for development and hence, Centre, States as well as local bodies must help for smoother process of Collection of data.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The 2017-18 National NCD monitoring survey reported that 98% of Indians do not take adequate fruits and vegetables and only 59% of adults do adequate physical activity.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the steps needed to promote healthy lifestyle to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases.
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 statistic regarding NCD’s in India.
Body:
In the first part, write about the causes behind the rising NCDs and highlight the role of unhealthy lifestyle in it.
Next, Write the measures that are needed in this hour to tackle NCDs and policy interventions needed to promote healthier lifestyle.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
Non communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, tend to be of long duration and are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behaviours factors. The main types of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes.
Body
Burden of NCDs
- Rise of deaths during productive years (30-70 years)
- Loss of demographic dividend
- NCDs 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.
- Poverty is closely linked with NCDs. The rapid rise in NCDs is predicted to impede poverty reduction initiatives in low-income countries, particularly by increasing household costs associated with health care.
- Vulnerable and socially disadvantaged people get sicker and die sooner than people of higher social positions, especially because they are at greater risk of being exposed to harmful products, such as tobacco, or unhealthy dietary practices, and have limited access to health services.
- In low-resource settings, health-care costs for NCDs quickly drain household resources. The exorbitant costs of NCDs, including often lengthy and expensive treatment and loss of breadwinners, force millions of people into poverty annually and stifle development.
Measure to tackle Non Communicable diseases burden as well as Covid Pandemic
from Government:
- Increase health expenditure up to 8% of GDP.
- This will ensure a well-functioning of tertiary and secondary care in government hospitals.
- Also, there is a need for improving sanitation and hygiene, provisioning of equipment, toning up of laboratory facilities, and recruiting the additional staff to meet the workload.
- Provided basic health facilities to all section of people in viable costs
- Increase rural health infrastructure
- Outreach Clinics:To reduce crowding at hospitals, outreach clinics (for example Mohalla clinics in Delhi) should be organised in communities to treat minor illnesses.
- Built upon a robust early screening system
- New Health Policy 2016 need to give due priority to it
- All necessary equipment such as PPEs should be provided to the healthcare staff in accordance with the requirements of their station of work.
- Shorter duty hours with rotation and periodic duty offs to relieve stress should be instituted for minimising the attrition of the workforce.
- Issue Effective Guidelines to Private Hospitals:The central and the state governments may issue necessary guidelines seeking cooperation from the private sector.
- This will ease the burden of public hospitals and help in availing treatment to all the patients suffering from Covid-19.
from Non-Government entities:
- Business house should create policy of health working conditions
- Create awareness about stress related disorders in their offices
- NGOs must campaign for healthy working conditions in all sectors of employment
from People:
- Eat Healthy diet
- Don’t become prone to addictions
- Remain fit by any of means viz. Yoga, Meditation, Exercise, etc.
- Share your problems and tensions with family and friends to keep depression away.
from Doctors and Researchers:
- Robust mechanisms for data collection, data sharing, and knowledge transfer
- Primary and secondary level health facilities ought to be made fully functional and frontline health workers need to be trained and fully geared up for disease surveillance work.
- Systems for monitoring and evaluation
- Share knowledge in all sectors of community
- Enabling Research:Rigorous research on the epidemiological, clinical, social, economic, and political aspects of the pandemic should be undertaken to ensure real time decisions to a rapidly evolving pandemic situation.
Conclusion
The strategies to tackle the Non-communicable disease burden need to evolve. Increasing testing and tracing capabilities, lowering the load of the healthcare system; all of us have to play our part and put efforts individually as well as in a community
General Studies – 3
Topic: Disaster and disaster management.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Indian Express , Down to Earth
Why the question:
The Uttarakhand government has declared Joshimath’s all nine municipal wards as ‘disaster affected’ and ‘unsafe for living’ under the Disaster Management Act in view of the growing threat from land subsidence that has resulted in cracks in over 600 houses in the holy city and has started evacuation of the people from these areas.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about land subsidence, its causes, impact and measures needed to tackle it.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining land subsidence.
Body:
First, write about the causes Land subsidence in the Himalayan region – Natural and anthropogenic causes.
Next, write about the impact of land subsidence on the lives and livelihood of the people.
Next, write about the steps that are needed to prevent land subsidence.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), subsidence is the “sinking of the ground because of underground material movement”. It can happen for a host of reasons, man-made or natural, such as the removal of water, oil, or natural resources, along with mining activities. Earthquakes, soil erosion, and soil compaction are also some of the well-known causes of subsidence.
Body
Background
- Joshimath, Also known as Jyotirmath, it is a town (of over 20,000 population) in the Garhwal Himalayas in Chamoli District in Uttarakhand, located on the NH-7 (Rishikesh-Badrinath) at an altitude of 1890
- It is situated in the middle slopes of a hill bounded by the Karmanasa and Dhaknala streams on the west and the east and the Dhauliganga and Alaknanda rivers on the south and the north.
- Due to land subsidence, Joshimath – a key transit point for tourists travelling to Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib – developed cracks, causing panic and protests among the local population.
- Joshimath has been declared alandslide-subsidence zone and over 60 families living in uninhabitable houses in the sinking town have been evacuated to temporary relief centres.
Causes behind land subsidence
- As per reports, the Uttarakhand government’s expert panel in 2022 found that several pockets ofJoshimath are “sinking” owing to man-made and natural factors.
- It was found that a gradual settling or sudden sinking of the earth’s surface dueto the removal or displacement of subsurface materials — has induced structural defects and damage in almost all wards of the city.
- According to the 1976 Mishra Committee report, Joshimath lies on a deposit of sand and stone, it’s not on the main rock. It lies on an ancient landslide.
- The report added that undercutting by river currents of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga are also playing their part in bringing landslides.
- Scattered rocks in the area are covered with old landslide debris comprising boulders, gneissic rocks, and loose soil, with a low bearing capacity.
- the area is a seismic zone, which makes it prone to frequent earthquakes.
- These gneissic rocks are highly weathered and have a low cohesive value with a tendency of high pore pressure when saturated with water, especially during monsoons.
- Increased construction, Overpopulation, hydroelectric projects, obstruction of the natural flow of water and the widening of the NH have made the slopes highly unstable in the last couple of decades.
- residents have blamed NTPC’s Tapovan Vishnugad Hydro Power Project for the incident. They allege that the tunnel had water seepage from a punctured aquifer, leading to the drying of water sources in Joshimath.
- Due to the running streams from Vishnuprayag and sliding along the natural streams are the other reasons behind the city’s fate.
Impacts
- Cracks appeared in many roads and hundreds of houses of Joshimath.
- 68 families have been evacuated to temporary relief centres and around 90 more will be evacuated soon, according to officials.
- It could affect the Char Dham project
- It could affect the tourism which was one of the major revenue generator for Uttarakhand.
- Livelihoods of many families involved in Tourism and allied activities could be impacted.
Way forward & Conclusion
- Experts recommend a complete shutdown of development and hydroelectric projects in the region.But the urgent need is to relocate the residents to a safer place and then reimagine the town’s planning to accommodate the new variables and the changing geographical factors.
- Drainage planning is one of the biggest factorsthat needs to be studied and redeveloped. The city is suffering from poor drainage and sewer management as more and more waste is seeping into the soil, loosening it from within. The irrigation department has been asked by the state government to look into the issue and create a new plan for the drainage system.
- The committee had recommended that restrictions be placed on heavy construction work, blasting or digging to remove boulders for road repairs and other construction, felling of trees.
- Experts have also suggested replantation in the region, especially at the vulnerable sites to retain soil capacity.
- While the state already has weather forecasting technology that can warn people of local events, its coverage needs to be improved.
- The state government alsoneeds to take scientific studies more seriously, which clearly spell out the reasons for the current crisis. Only then will the state put an end to its development frenzy.
- There is a need for a coordinated effort between the government and civil bodies with the aid of military organizations like the Border Roads Organisation (BRO)to save Joshimath.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
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-2022 Secure.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about middle path of Buddha and its application in present day.
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:
Start with a brief middle path of Buddha.
Body:
Write about the concept of ‘middle path’ (madhyamaka) which steers clear of the extremes. Elaborte upon it as it essentially implies avoiding extremes, such as what we are witnessing today-narrow nationalism and unbridled liberalism, religious bigotry and decrying religion, obsession with a glorious past and justifying all things considered modern; in short, blind faith in what one considers right without consideration for the other’s point of view.
Conclusion:
Conclude by mentioning Buddha’s call to avoid extreme ways of practice and walk the middle way of reasonableness is the need of the hour.
Introduction
Buddhist philosophy and doctrines, based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha, give meaningful insights about reality and human existence. Buddhism teaches the Middle Path renouncing extreme steps like indulgence and strict abstinence. According to him everyone was responsible for their own happiness in life, stressing upon the individualistic component of Buddhism.
Body
The middle path is the core of Buddha’s teaching and can be adopted in all walks of life.
- It essentially implies avoiding extremes, such as what we are witnessing today-narrow nationalism and unbridled liberalism, religious bigotry and decrying religion, obsession with a glorious past and justifying all things considered modern. g.: blindly targeting a section of people of a particular faith over dress, food etc.
- In short, blind faith in what one considers right without consideration for the other’s point of view.
- Buddha’shttps://www.insightsonindia.com/ethics-integrity-and-aptitude/contributions-of-moral-thinkers-from-india-and-the-world/indian-moral-thinkers/the-buddha/ call to avoid extreme ways of practice and walk the middle way of reasonableness is the need of the hour. For instance, the ongoing Ukraine war where Russia and NATO are trying to achieve their own ends.
- Buddhism inculcates a lofty system of ethics and what is enunciated in the eight-fold path is a simple yet powerful guide for all individuals including those in high places-political and business leaders, religious seers, bureaucrats and professionals.
- In today’s world of bitter religious and political conflicts, increasing inequalities and inequities, and unscrupulous commercial competition, the ‘middle path’ laid out by the Buddha is the only way to save mankind from the evils of hatred, vituperation and violence.
- One of the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations to be achieved by 2030 is ‘Peace and Justice’.
- As peace and sustainable development are interlinked, the Buddha’s prism can be the guiding lights to every single stakeholder from local to global institutions and leaders, to work together for promoting dialogue, harmony, and justice based on compassion and wisdom.
Conclusion
The Buddhist teachings inculcate compassion, calmness & composure, joy among humans and they can help maintain a sustainable balance between man and nature. Buddha’s teachings can transform the societies into their better and more humane forms as reflected by Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama “the 20th century was a century of war and violence, now we all need to work to see that the 21st century is of peace and dialogue.’
Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of Family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
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-2022 Secure.
Key Demand of the question:
To explain how unjust practices could be overcome by upholding and asserting core values.
Directive word:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by defining core values of humanity.
Body:
Explain as to how these core values can be used to overcome unjust practises. Use historical examples to justify the same. Mention the role core values play in mitigation of unjust practises.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising the need to use core values to overcome exist unjust practices.
Introduction
The phenomenon we are facing daily is the “lack of humanity”, which is causing problems for the whole world. The meaning of humanity is a collection of positive traits that humans should have in them. These traits or qualities include kindness, compassion, honesty, courage, tolerance towards differences, empathy, respect, integrity, thoughtfulness, etc.
Practices such as Sati, violence against women and extraction of dowries, marginalization of Dalits and Tribals have stopped or reduced to a great extent, because human beings became aware of values of dignity.
Body
Core values of humanity and cessation of unjust practices
- Unites all humans: Humans from different parts of the world follow different religions and cultures. It means they follow different rituals, have different religious and cultural values. These differences can create a gap among humans in different parts of the world. However, the language of humanity is one force that can unite humans despite their differences.
- Eg: Violence on Dalits, minorities have reduced drastically in 75 years of Independence in India.
- Ensures Peace: One of the factors of humanity is to be tolerant towards those who share different opinions and backgrounds. When we tolerate the differences, there is less chaos in the world, and less chaos means the lack of destruction and establishment of peace. If all humans and governments of every state use the weapon of humanity, there will be peace and happiness in the world.
- A humane approach would have prevented holocaust against Jews.
- A humane approach may be the only solution to the clash of civilisations that we see now.
- Terror organisations like Al-Qaeda, ISIS may not have existed if they had humane-ness in them.
- Humanity is the Ethic: It is a fact that humanity also means moral values of ethical behavior. We call humane behavior as ethical behavior many times.
- Many institutes and organizations develop an ethical code of conduct for their employees.
- Many of the claws are based on the basic traits of humanity. If every human works on developing and polishing one’s human traits then there won’t be a need to forcefully ensure ethical behavior from everyone.
- Better humanity can eliminate the issues of moral values and ethics from society.
- Reduced Crime Rate: The increase in the number of crimes in today’s world is mainly because of humanity.
- Yes, there are some times when the criminal is forced to commit a crime because of whatever conditions life has put.
- But, the root cause remains the lack of humanity from people in power who are busy with corruption and ignore the needs of the poor segment of the society.
- If there is humanity, there will be a reduced crime rate in the world.
- Similarly, humanity can prevent a criminal from committing a crime whether out of need or out of fun.
- No Wars: If we look at history, even just a couple of decades back, we shall notice numerous wars in different parts of the world. Syria, Afghanistan, Lebonan, and many other countries have been facing worse situations because of proxy wars between some countries.
- Moreover, there countries like India and Pakistan, which are in a war or war-like situation and have tensions of military nature between them.
- These wars are a result of poor judgment from the governments and authorities from both countries and a lack of humanity.
- Countries need to realize the importance of humanity and stop wars. Instead, focus on the real development of people of their countries.
Conclusion
The importance of humanity is a serious matter. The topic is much needed in the world more than ever. No one can deny the impact of humanity in the world. By practicing humanity, the world can become a better place for everyone. However, it requires our efforts to practice humanity, as it may not always seem the essay choice but it is the only right choice that humans can make. The world would have been a nice place to live if there is humanity among us and if humanity is encouraged by others.
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