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: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Indian Express , Indian Express
Why the question:
Apart from political democracy, Ambedkar backed social democracy that recognises liberty, equality and fraternity.
Key Demand of the question:
To write contributions of Dr B.R Ambedkar’s in promoting democratic unity as well protection of domestic rights.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by writing a few introductory lines regarding Dr B.R Ambedkar
Body:
First, write about his role and contributions; His role as a social reformer, chairman of the draft committee of the Indian Constitution, and first law minister of the country is well-known. He was an educationist, economist, jurist, politician, journalist, sociologist and social reformer and worked in the fields of culture, religion and spirituality.
Next, write about his measures in promoting democratic unity and as champion of domestic rights. Mention about key learnings from his teaching in the present day.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
Dr B.R Ambedkar was born on 14 April 1891 in the town and military cantonment of Mhow in the Central Provinces (now in Madhya Pradesh). The nation is celebrating the 131st birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar. He is one leader from the pre-independence times who has gained phenomenal after-life recognition, respect and popularity, not only as a messiah of the Dalits but also as one of the greatest Indians of the modern age. He was a nation-builder with a difference. Unlike Gandhi, Nehru, Subhas Bose and Bhagat Singh, he didn’t fight against British imperialism.
December 6 is observed as the Mahaparinirvan Diwas, or the death anniversary, of Dr BR Ambedkar, the Father of the Indian Constitution.
Body
Ambedkar’s role as a political leader and a social reformer
- His primary fight was against the evil of untouchability and casteism in the Hindu community.
- Ambedkar worked to embed the objectives of liberty, equality and fraternity and the concept of dignity of the individual at the heart of the Constitution.
- Babasaheb always advocated for providing equal rights to women. Women have been given the same fundamental right to Equality as men in the Constitution drafted by him.
- Ambedkar was the voice of the Depressed Classes on every platform. As their representative at the Round Table Conference, he championed the cause of labour improving the condition of peasants.
- During the Bombay Assembly’s Poona session in 1937, he introduced a Bill to abolish the Khoti system of land tenure in Konkan.
- He was the first legislator in the country to introduce a Bill for abolishing the serfdom of agricultural tenants.
- His essay titled ‘Small Holdings in India and their Remedies’ (1918) proposed industrialisation as the answer to India’s agricultural problem and is still relevant to contemporary debates.
- The Reserve Bank of India was conceptualised from the Hilton Young Commission’s recommendation, which considered Ambedkar’s guidelines laid out in The Problem of the Rupee: Its Origin and Its Solution.
- As a member of the Bombay Assembly, he opposedthe introduction of the Industrial Disputes Bill, 1937, as it removed workers’ right to strike. He advocated for “fair condition of life of labour” instead of securing “fair condition of work” and laid out the basic structure of the government’s labour policy.
- Ambedkar out rightly opposed the communist labour movements, their extraterritorial loyalties and their Marxian approach of controlling all means of production.
- As chairman of the Constitution’s drafting committee, he took meticulous measures to build a just society through liberty, equality and fraternity.
- Morality, Equality, Self-respect and Indianness were the four most important ideals of Babasaheb’s vision.
- Lord Buddha’s message of compassion and harmony was the basis of his life and politics.
- Babasaheb stressed the need for politics based on the cultural values of morality and harmony.
- He was a severe critic of Mahatma Gandhi and the politics of the Indian National Congress for fighting only the external evil of foreign rule while ignoring the cancerous disease within the Hindu community.
Voice of the depressed classes
- Ambedkar was the voice of the Depressed Classes on every platform. As their representative at the Round Table Conference, he championed the cause of labour and improving the condition of peasants.
- During the Bombay Assembly’s Poona session in 1937, he introduced a Bill to abolish the Khoti system of land tenure in Konkan.
- In Bombay, the historic peasant march to the Council Hall in 1938 made him a popular leader of the peasants, workers, and the landless. He was the first legislator in the country to introduce a Bill for abolishing the serfdom of agricultural tenants.
- His essay titled ‘Small Holdings in India and their Remedies’ (1918) proposed industrialisation as the answer to India’s agricultural problem and is still relevant to contemporary debates.
Conclusion
Today our legal system is progressing on the path suggested by him on many issues like property rights for women. This shows that Babasaheb’s visionary thinking was far ahead of his time. Ambedkar’s thinking and legacy are reflected in the pro-people, pro-poor welfare policies and programmes of the government.
Topic: poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India
Why the question:
The Extravagant habits of the wealthy elite, like swimming pools, well-maintained lawns and regularly washed cars, are depriving poorer communities of basic water access, a new study has found. Socioeconomic inequalities could be driving urban water crises as much as factors like climate change or population growth in cities, it said.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about inequalities in water distribution and measures needed to address it.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context regarding the disparities of water usage in urban areas.
Body:
First, write about the manifestation of Socioeconomic inequality as water shortage – Poor communities often lack access to clean and sufficient water resources due to their inability to invest in water infrastructure and pay for water services, while affluent neighbourhoods with extravagant use of water may further exacerbate water shortages for marginalized communities etc. write about the impact of the same.
Next, write about the steps that must be taken in order to overcome the above disparities.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
Extravagant habits of the wealthy elite, like swimming pools, well-maintained lawns and regularly washed cars, are depriving poorer communities of basic water access, a new study has found. Socioeconomic inequalities could be driving urban water crises as much as factors like climate change or population growth in cities.
Body
Background
The study was published in the journal Nature Sustainability April 10, 2023. The researchers developed a system-dynamic model for the study to represent unequal water consumption by city residents.
- The team focused on Cape Town in South Africa to study the consumption habits of wealthier city dwellers compared to poorer ones.
- The researchers chose the metropolitan area of Cape Town as a case for two main reasons: Firstly, the city is marked by stark socioeconomic inequalities and a starkly segregated urban space. Second, between 2015 and 2017, Cape Town experienced a severe drought, unfolding into an unprecedented water crisis known as Day Zero.
- The elite households in Cape Town used 2,161 litres of water per day, according to the study. The water consumption of upper-middle-income households reached about 988.78 litres per day. On the other hand, lower-income families use only 178 litres per day and informal households consume 41 litres a day.
- Since 2020, more than 80 metropolitan cities across the world, including London, Miami, Barcelona, Beijing, Tokyo, Melbourne, Istanbul, Cairo, Moscow, Bangalore, Chennai, Jakarta, Sydney, Maputo, Harare, Sao Paulo, Mexico City and Rome have faced severe water shortages due to droughts and unsustainable water use.
Water stress in India
- India has 4 % of the world’s freshwater which has to cater to 17 % of the world’s population.
- Approximately 600 million people or roughly around 45 % of the population in India is facing high to severe water stress.
- As per the report, 21 Indian cities will run out of their main source of water i.e. groundwater by 2020.
- Nearly 40 % of the population will have absolutely no access to drinking water by 2030 and 6 % of India’s GDP will be lost by 2050 due to the water crisis.
- As per NITI Aayog report (CWMI) released in June 2019, India is facing the worst-ever water crisis in history.
- A disastrous water crisis has been creeping up on us for years. Water tables have declined precipitously, even by thousands of feet in some parts of Punjab, Haryana and Andhra Pradesh. Tanks and wells have gone dry.
- Some rivers have shrunk while other smaller ones have completely dried up.
- Water rationing is routine in many urban areas, while in many villages women are trudging longer distances to fetch water.
- A recent report mentions that over 70% of surface irrigation water is being simply wasted, nationally.
- Not only farmers are affected by the water crisis, urban dwellers in cities and towns across India are also facing a never seen before drinking water scarcity.
- In India, there are conflicts between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over sharing of Cauvery waters, between Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh over sharing of Narmada waters, between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over sharing of Krishna waters, etc.
Urban water resource management
- Ground water management is of utmost importance in urban areas where 50% water is drawn from ground. E.g.: Encroachment of flood plains, ground water recharge are areas to work with.
- Loss of green cover in urban areas and heat island effect are reasons for depleting water sources.g.: Urban forests needs to be created like in Aarey, Mumbai.
- The Ministry of Water Resources must reconfigure its relationship with other Ministries and Departments (Urban Development, Local Self-Government and Environment).
- Enhanced integration and coordination are needed through effective land and water zoning regulations that protect urban water bodies, groundwater sources, wetlands and green cover while simultaneously working to enhance waste water recycling and water recharge activities targeting aquifers and wells through rainwater harvesting.
Conclusion and Way Forward
- Effective land and water zoning regulations would protect urban water bodies, groundwater sources, wetlands and green cover.
- Enhance waste water recycling and water recharge activities targeting aquifers and wells through rainwater harvesting.
- Governance and management should increasingly interact and draw from the expertise of fields such as hydrology (watershed sustainability), hydrogeology (aquifer mapping and recharge) and agriculture sciences (water-sensitive crop choices and soil health).
- The importance given to groundwater conservation should not ignore surface water conservation including the rivers and lakes which are in a critical state due to encroachment and pollution.
- The Ministry of Jal Shakti must focus on protecting and conserving water resources on the one hand and minimising and enhancing efficiency of water usage on the other.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article discusses how a nutrition-focused approach helped improve the health of children belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in remote areas of the Indian state of Odisha.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the issues faced by the PVTG and various measures needed to address them.
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 PVTGs and cite examples of few.
Body:
First, write about the issues faced by the PVTGs – health problems, poverty, lack of safe drinking water, bad sanitation, lack of health services, superstition, lack of access to development funds and deforestation etc.
Next, write about the various measures taken by the government for the welfare of PVTGs in the country. Write about their successes and limitations.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
Tribal communities are often identified by some specific signs such as primitive traits, distinctive culture, geographical isolation, shyness to contact with the community at large and backwardness. Along with these, some tribal groups have some specific features such as dependency on hunting, gathering for food, having pre-agriculture level of technology, zero or negative growth of population and extremely low level of literacy. These groups are called Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). 75 tribal groups have been categorized categorized by Ministry of Home Affairs as PVTGs. PVTGs reside in 18 States and UT of A&N Islands.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a mission for the welfare of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in the 2023-24 Union Budget February 1, 2023. A fund of Rs 15,000 crore for the next three years has been allocated for the socioeconomic development of the group.
Body
Issues related to their protection:
- Incoherency in identification: The process of identification of PVTG adopted by the states differs in its methods. The spirit of the direction made by MoTA was loosely considered as a result there has been no uniform principle adopted in identifying the PVTGs.
- Outdated List: The Anthropological Survey of India observes that the list of PVTG is overlapping and repetitive. For example, the list contains synonyms of the same group such as the Mankidia and the Birhor in Odisha, both of which refer to the same group.
- Lack of baseline surveys: The Anthropological Survey of India observed 75 PVTGs, base line surveys exists for about 40 groups, even after declaring them as PVTGs. Lack of baseline surveys hinder effective implementation of welfare schemes
- Unequal Benefits from welfare schemes: In some cases, a PVTG receives benefits only in a few blocks in a district, while the same group is deprived in adjacent blocks. For example, the LanjiaSaora are recognized as a PVTG across Odisha but the micro-projects are established only in two blocks. The rest of the Lanjia Saora are treated among the Scheduled Tribes (STs) and do not receive benefit from these projects.
- Impact of developmental projects: In 2002, a Standing Committee formed by the MoTA to review the ‘Development of Primitive Tribal Groups,’ shared that the tribal people, especially PVTGs, are worst affected by developmental projects like dams, industries and mines.
- Denial of land rights: PVTGs have faced systematic alienation from their resources due to conservation purposes-declaration of Reserved Forests and Protected Forests. For example: In 2009, 245 Baiga families were forced out from the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, when it was notified so under the Project Tiger
- Livelihood issues: Due to shrinking forests, environmental changes and forest conservation policies, their Non Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) collection is affected. They lack awareness about market value of NTFP and are exploited by middle men.
- Health Issues: PVTGs suffer from many health problems like anaemia, malaria; gastro-intestinal disorders; micro nutrient deficiency and skin diseases due to poverty, lack of safe drinking water, bad sanitation, lack of health services, superstition and deforestation. Uncontacted tribal group such as the Sentinelese tribe of Andaman are also at the very high risk of contracting diseases in case of contact with outsiders
- Illiteracy: Though literacy rate among many PVTGs have increased over the past years, it still remains low at 30-40%. Further, poor female literacy is a major concern
- Vulnerabilities of tribes in Andaman and Nicobar: The fragile tribal communities have been facing expropriation of their ecosystem by outsiders. The outside influences are impacting their land use patterns, use of the sea, overall biodiversity leading to material and non-material changes.
Various measures undertaken for the welfare of PVTG:
- The Scheme for Development of Primitive Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs):It is a flexible scheme and covers funding for activities like housing, land distribution, land development, agricultural development, animal husbandry, construction of link roads, installation of non-conventional sources of energy for lighting purpose, social security including Janshree Bima Yojana or any other innovative activity meant for the comprehensive socio-economic development of PVTGs.
- Priority is also assigned to PVTGs under the schemes of Special Central Assistance (SCA) to Tribal Sub-Scheme (TSS),Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution, and Grants-in-aid to Voluntary Organisations working for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes.
- Each state and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ administration, is required to prepare a long term Conservation-cum-Development (CCD) plan, valid for a period of five years for each PVTG within its territory, outlining the initiatives it will undertake, financial planning for the same and the agencies charged with the responsibility of undertaking the same.
- The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 (FRA)recognizes the forest and habitat rights of the PVTGs.
Protection and Statutory rights given to them are:
- The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA) has a special section regarding the 75 PVGTs and the Act recognises forest and habitat rights of PVTGs.
- Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA): It extends Scheduled Areas of India under the purview of national framework of Panchayat. However, this act is not applicable to Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Mizoram and certain other areas including scheduled and tribal areas.
- The Sentinelese and other aboriginal tribes of the Andaman& Nicobar Islands are protected under The Andaman and Nicobar (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956
- Under the Foreigners (Restricted Areas) Order, 1963, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a “Restricted Area” in which foreigners with a restricted area permit (RAP) can stay.
- The habitats of the PVTGs of Andaman and Nicobar Island is protected Tribal Reserve under the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956
Way forward:
- Along with the Census, a proper survey should be conducted to comprehensively capture the data on PVTGs- population enumeration, health status, nutritional level, education, vulnerabilities etc. This would help implement welfare measures better
- Of the 75 PVTGs, those groups whose population is declining should be clearly identified and survival strategy should be devised
- PVTGs threatened with relocation of wildlife areas or development projects should be identified and actionable strategies should be devised to prevent the same
- It is important to recognise the innate connection between PVTGs and their lands and habitats. Therefore, a rights-based approach for development of PVTGs should be adopted
- Effective, preventive and curative health systems should be developed to address the health issues plaguing PVTGs
- A massive exercise in creating awareness about PVTG Rights, amongst communities, officials and civil society groups, is needed. It is important to respect their culture, traditions, beliefs and sustainable livelihoods.
- The government needs to revamp its priorities towards protecting the indigenous tribes of A&N islands from outside influence. India needs to sign the 1989 convention of the ILO, and implement its various policies to protect the rights of the indigenous population.
- The Government must make efforts to sensitise settlers and outsiders about PVTGs of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Conclusion
The principles of Tribal Panchsheel must be followed while working for the welfare of PVTGs and they must be allowed to catch up with the mainstream at their own pace. An enabling environment must be created in which communities are empowered to make their own life and livelihood choices and choose their path of development.
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: 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-2023 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the various types of nuclear reactors, their advantages and disadvantages.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin the answer by giving context about nuclear energy in India,
Body:
First, write about the different types of nuclear reactors in India – pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs), boiling water reactors (BWRs), and fast breeder reactors (FBRs)
Next, write about their advantages and disadvantages of the above. Use a column for better representation.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
Nuclear Energy plays a critical role in achieving sustainable economic and social development. Modern civilization heavily depends on energy for daily activities. Energy is like a lifeline for the sustenance and progress of the entire world. Nuclear energy plays a vital role in the world economy by generating jobs, income and facilitating trade on a massive scale.
A nuclear reactor, or power plant, is a series of machines that can control nuclear fission to produce electricity.
Body
Types of Reactors
Light water reactors
Light-water reactors (LWRs) are power reactors that are cooled and moderated with ordinary water. There are two basic types: the pressurized-water reactor (PWR) and the boiling-water reactor (BWR).
In the PWR, water at high pressure and temperature removes heat from the core and is transported to a steam generator. There the heat from the primary loop is transferred to a lower-pressure secondary loop also containing water. The water in the secondary loop enters the steam generator at a pressure and temperature slightly below that required to initiate boiling. Upon absorbing heat from the primary loop, however, it becomes saturated and ultimately slightly superheated. The steam thus generated ultimately serves as the working fluid in a steam-turbine cycle.
Pros:
- Strong negative void coefficient — reactor cools down if water starts bubbling because the coolant is the moderator, which is required to sustain the chain reaction
- Secondary loop keeps radioactive stuff away from turbines, making maintenance easy.
- Very much operating experience has been accumulated and the designs and procedures have been largely optimized.
Cons:
- Pressurized coolant escapes rapidly if a pipe breaks, necessitating lots of back-up cooling systems.
- Can’t breed new fuel — susceptible to “uranium shortage”
Pressurised Water Reactors
A Pressurised Water Reactor or Boiling Water Reactor operates on the principle of a direct power cycle. Water passing through the core is allowed to boil at an intermediate pressure level. The saturated steam that exits the core region is transported through a series of separators and dryers located within the reactor vessel that promote a superheated state. The superheated water vapour is then used as the working fluid to turn the steam turbine.
Pros:
- Simpler plumbing reduces costs
- Power levels can be increased simply by speeding up the jet pumps, giving less boiled water and more moderation. Thus, load-following is simple and easy.
- Very much operating experience has been accumulated and the designs and procedures have been largely optimized.
Cons:
- With liquid and gaseous water in the system, many weird transients are possible, making safety analysis difficult
- Primary coolant is in direct contact with turbines, so if a fuel rod had a leak, radioactive material could be placed on the turbine. This complicates maintenance as the staff must be dressed for radioactive environments.
- Can’t breed new fuel — susceptible to “uranium shortage”
- Does not typically perform well in station blackout events, as in Fukushima.
Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors
It uses un enriched Uranium as its fuel while Heavy water serves as coolant and neutron moderator. The heavy water is kept under high pressure,allowing it to be heated to higher temperatures without boiling,like in pressurised water reactor
Pros:
- Requires very little uranium enrichment.
- Can be refueled while operating, keeping capacity factors high (as long as the fuel handling machines don’t break).
- Are very flexible, and can use any type of fuel.
Cons
- Some variants have positive coolant temperature coefficients, leading to safety concerns.
- Neutron absorption in deuterium leads to tritium production, which is radioactive and often leaks in small quantities.
- Can theoretically be modified to produce weapons-grade plutonium slightly faster than conventional reactors could be.
FAST REACTORS
Fast reactors are a class of advanced nuclear reactors that have some key advantages over traditional reactors in safety, sustainability, and waste. While traditional reactors contain moderators to slow down neutrons after they’re emitted, fast reactors keep their neutrons moving quickly (hence the name). Fast neutrons can unlock the energy in the dominant isotope of uranium (U238) and thus extend known fuel resources by around 200x. Your average thermal neutron moves around at about 2200 m/s while a fast neutron might be cruising well above 9 million m/s, which is about 3% of the speed of light.
Pros
- Fast reactors get more neutrons out of their primary fuel than thermal reactors, so many can be used to breed new fuel, vastly enhancing the sustainability of nuclear power.
- Fast reactors are capable of destroying the longest-lived nuclear waste, transforming it to waste that decays to harmlessness in centuries rather than hundreds of millennia.
- Fast reactors typically use liquid metal coolants rather than water. These have superior heat-transfer properties and allow natural circulation to remove the heat in even severe accident scenarios. The result: if something goes very wrong at the plant, and none of the operators are awake, AND none of the control rods work, the reactor can just naturally shut itself down. This comes with a con (see cons).
- Fast reactors can employ metallic fuel rather than oxides (thanks to chemical compatibility with the liquid metal coolant). Since metal has very high thermal conductivity, the reactor can shut itself down without surpassing temperature limits. This enhances the safety of these reactors significantly.
Cons
- While fast reactors are up to 200x more resource efficient, they require 3x or more fissile atoms to start up initially. This is the main reason why thermal reactors were developed first.
- Time scales in fast reactors are typically faster than those in thermal reactors (mostly because there are fewer delayed neutrons in fast reactors). Thus they can go through unpredicted changes faster than thermal reactors.
- Bubbles in fast reactor coolant can cause the reactor to heat up rather than cool down, as in a traditional reactor. Higher heat makes more bubbles, which make more heat, and so on. This positive feedback is scary (but manageable, thanks to overpowering negative feedback).
- To keep the neutrons moving quickly, fast reactors require exotic coolants derived from heavy atoms. The most common coolant is liquid sodium, which is well known but highly reactive with air and water. Another is liquid lead-bismuth eutectic, which isn’t the most pleasant material either. These bizarre materials require extra care and lower tolerance in many systems (such as piping), possibly bringing costs up.
Conclusion
Nuclear power can help to improve energy security. For a rapidly developing economy such as India, it can make a vitally important contribution to growth. Besides, nuclear power can also reduce the impact of volatile fossil fuel prices and mitigate the effects of climate change. India needs to come up with a durable energy strategy to meet present and future energy demands of its population and industries.
Value addition
Working of a Nuclear Reactor
- A nuclear reactor is the most important part of a nuclear power plant. It is where the nuclear chain reactions occur that produce energy by fission. The heat thus produced can be used to produce electricity.
- The main purpose of a reactor is to contain and control the energy released. Uranium is used as the nuclear fuel in the reactors.
- The heat produced by nuclear reactions is used to convert the water into steam, which is further converted into carbon-free electricity with the help of turbines.
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 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 GMR and its applications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining GMR.
Body:
First, write about the concept of GMR and how it works and materials it is overserved in.
Next, write about the applications it brings across various domains such as – magnetic field sensors, data storage in hard disk drives, magnetic random access memory (MRAM), automotive, aerospace, and medical industries and spintronics etc. Cite examples to substantiate.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
The Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) refers to the phenomenon in which the electrical resistivity of a magnetic material changes greatly when it has an external magnetic field as compared with the absence of an external magnetic field.
GMR is the large change in the electrical resistance which is induced by the application of a magnetic field to thin films composed of alternating ferromagnetic and nonmagnetic layers. This change in resistance, in general a reduction, is related to the field-induced alignment of the magnetizations of the magnetic layers.
In short, GMR is the result of the electrical resistance of a conductor being affected by magnetic fields in adjacent materials.
Body
An illustration of the circumstance in which GMR appears. The big arrows indicate the direction of the magnetic field. ‘FM’ stands for ferromagnetic material and ‘NM’ for non-magnetic material.
Say a conductor is sandwiched between two ferromagnetic materials (commonly, metals attracted to magnets, like iron). When the materials are magnetised in the same direction, the electrical resistance in the conductor is low. When the directions are opposite each other, the resistance increases. This is GMR.
applications in the development of modern electronics and technology
- The largest technological application of GMR is in the data storage industry.
- It is used in harddisk drives and magnetoresistive RAM in computers, biosensors, automotive sensors, microelectromechanical systems, and medical imagers.
- GMR-based devices are particularly used to sense magnetic fields.
- A new study has found that a graphene-based device, unlike conventional counterparts, wouldn’t need to be cooled to a very low temperature to sense these fields.
- Other applications of GMR are as diverse as solid-state compasses and non-volatile magnetic memories.
- In addition, most of the GMR film materials are prepared by magnetron sputtering technology, which makes the manufacturing of GMR components compatible with the manufacturing process of semiconductor integrated circuits and convenient for industrial mass production.
Conclusion
The discovery of the GMR effect has only been more than a decade, but it has made great progress both in basic research and in application development, fully demonstrating the vitality and broad application background of this new functional material.
Topic: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
All is not well in the Communist Party of India (Maoist) which, besides waging an armed struggle to capture political power, also claims to fight for gender equality.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the declining trends of Maoism but the need for further vigil and action to successfully overcome 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 citing stats about the declining trends of Maoism.
Body:
First, write the reasons that led to this decline – various developmental approaches as well as internal security capacity building.
Next, write how the Naxalist movement still remains a potent threat to the internal security of India in the various ways. Cite examples and data to substantiate your points.
Next, suggest various measures that are further required to tackle this issue.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward on taking a multi prong approach to defeat Maoism.
Introduction
Left Wing Extremism (LWE) movement has its roots in the Naxalbari area West Bengal in the 1960’s.These Maoists insurgents started running a parallel system of administration in parts of central and Eastern India. They kill civilians, destroy public buildings and extract ransom from businessmen. In the recent years, however, LWE movement is showing decline, because of the shift in the approach of the successive Governments. The recent statement by Home Minister noted that the geographical influence of the Maoists has reduced from 96 districts in 10 States in 2010 to 41 now.
Body
Maoist threat remains a potent challenge:
- LWE still poses multiple challenges such as ‘radicalization of youth’; hindering the development initiatives; threat to the political stability of LWE areas; etc
- The Maoist insurgency still has potency in South Bastarin Chhattisgarh, the Andhra-Odisha border and in some districts in Jharkhand.
- These States must focus on expansive welfare and infrastructure building even as security forces try to weaken the Maoists.
- Frequent skirmishes and attacks have not only affected the security forces but also left many tribal civilians caught in the crossfire.
- A purely security-driven approach fraught with human rights’ violations has only added to the alienation among the poor in these areas.
Measures needed by government to tackle the Maoist insurgency:
- Modernizing the police force: The scheme focuses on strengthening police infrastructure by construction of secure police stations, training centers, police housing (residential) and equipping police stations with required mobility, modern weaponry, communication equipment and forensic set-up etc.
- On the administrative side, changes include separation of investigation from law and order, specialized wings for Social and Cyber Crimes are initiated in several states.
- Various technological reforms are pushed including modernization of the control room, fast tracking Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and System (CCTNS), pushing for National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) and pushing for incorporation of new technology into policing
- Social Integration:State Governments have surrender and rehabilitation policy, while the Central Government supplements the efforts of the State Governments through the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme for LWE affected States.
- Additional incentives are given for surrendering with weapons/ammunition.
- The surrenderers are also impartedvocational training with a monthly stipend for a maximum period of 36 months.
- Skill Development: Skill Development in 34 Districts affected by Left Wing Extremism” under implementation from 2011-12 aimsto establish ITIs and Skill Development Centers in LWE affected districts.
- Infrastructure Development:Road Connectivity, communication needs to be rapidly scaled up in LWE affected districts. g.: Mobile towers being set up in remote areas.
- Community policing improves interface with citizens and makes police more sensitive. E.g. (i) Janamaithri Suraksha Padhathi, Kerala (ii) Friends of Police Movement (FOP), Tamil Nadu (iii) Suraksha Setu – Safe City Surat Project
- Improve communication network: There should be sharing of information & knowledge to improve the functioning of police force.
- Better Surveillance and Monitoringwith standardization, deployment and integration of private security surveillance system.
Conclusion
The Union government and the States must continue to learn from successes such as the expansion of welfare and rights paradigms in limiting the movement and failures that have led to the continuing spiral of violence in select districts. Through a holistic approach focusing on development and security related interventions, the LWE problem can be successfully tackled.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Case Study
-
- Mention ethical dilemmas that intelligence analysts and security personnel face every day.
- What is importance of upholding ethics in international relations and the consequences of violating them?
- If you were in the position of Sarah, how differently would you have handled the above situation?
(250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Case Study Fridays’ in Mission-2023 Secure.
Introduction
A whistle-blower is a person who comes forward and shares his/her knowledge on any wrongdoing which he/she thinks is happening in the whole organisation or in a specific department. A whistle-blower could be an employee, contractor, or a supplier who becomes aware of any illegal activities. Personal Values and Organizational Culture are the Foundation of Whistle-blowing
Body
Ethical dilemmas faced by intelligence analysts
- Conflict between loyalty to the nation and conscience preventing them from being part of a conspiracy that can harm millions.
- National security versus people’s well being
- Wrong versus Right
- Impact on personal career and reputation in national media
Repercussions of whistleblowing
- The world, government, corporates and even society to an extent do not like whistle-blowers and some countries go so far as to call them ‘traitors’
- The case of Edward Snowden and Julian Assange of Wikileaks proves the point
- Whistle-blowers face legal action, criminal charges, social stigma, and termination from any position, office, or job.
- Vindictive tactics to make the individual’s work more difficult and/or insignificant, assassination of character, formal reprimand, and difficult court proceedings
Importance of upholding International Ethics
Nations view their foreign policy as zero-sum game which leads to narrow thinking and destructive consequences. Morality must play a role in every aspect of human life, including international relations. International ethic is not just an ethic of some leading country, it is not simply an ethic of a powerful country having obligations towards others, because of the power they have over others. International ethics may be elaborated as, that which enables one to participate more actively in shaping and building good international community. Human rights and their dignity can be protected only when relations between nations become ethical and moral.
Ethical perspective:
The ethics of whistleblowing is a tricky matter. Whistle-blowing brings two moral values, fairness and loyalty, into conflict.
In the case where a government agency does serious harm through its work or covert operations, the disclosure of such information for the sake of public constitute the ground for an understanding that takes whistleblowing as an ethical behaviour.
The situations where whistleblowing is morally justified:
- Whenever and wherever the operation/agenda of the agency/government will cause considerable harm to the public.
- Whenever an employee feels serious threat or harm to him or anybody he should report to the firm.
- If an immediate boss does not care for report (whistle blowing) the employee should go up to highest level to present his case.
I would follow these principles if I were in the position of Sarah. Though it is easy to state that, in real life it may be much more difficult to execute. The severe repercussions are faced by Edward Snowden who is in exile and Assange who is jailed in a foreign country.
Conclusion
If the situation demands whistleblowing then that must be the way forward. In case of international relations, the government does not treat those kindly who whistleblow as it harms their international reputation. For a nation, national interest reigns supreme and as the saying goes “Strong do what they can and weak suffer what they must”.
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