[Mission 2023] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 9 May 2023

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: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

1. Explain the continuing relevance of the Buddha’s teachings in today’s world. How can India play a lead role in shaping the discourse around Buddhist issues across the world? (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

There is much significance to India having hosted a two-day global Buddhist summit in New Delhi which was organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation.

Key Demand of the question:

To write the about the relevance of Buddha’s teachings and role India can play in shaping Buddhist discourse.

Directive:

Explain – Give 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:

In the introduction, given brief of major aspects of Buddha’s teachings.

Body:

First, Explain the detail that Buddhism proposes a way of thinking about ethics based on the assumption that all sentient beings want to avoid pain. Thus, the Buddha teaches that an action is good if it leads to freedom from suffering. Mention the Do No Harm principle, Compassion, Justice and Accountability etc which the Buddhist philosophy emphasises.

Next, mention the ways India can engage in shaping Buddhist discourse across the world

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

“India has not given ‘Yuddha’ to the world but ‘Buddha’.” –PM Modi

Buddhism is a religion that was founded by Siddhartha Gautama (“the Buddha”) more than 2,500 years ago in India. With about 470 million followers, scholars consider Buddhism one of the major world religions. The religion has historically been most prominent in East and Southeast Asia, but its influence is growing in the West. Many Buddhist ideas and philosophies overlap with those of other faiths.

There is much significance to India having hosted a two-day global Buddhist summit in New Delhi which was organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation.

Body

the continuing relevance of the Buddha’s teachings in today’s world

• Buddha’s teachings stress on learning focussed on one’s observations and perceptionand trust that knowledge is not possible without experience.
• Desire, Greed, Ignorance and delusion, Hatredand destructive needshave been reflected to be the chief causes of suffering, according to Buddha.
• Buddha recommended an eightfold path, the middle path for liberation. It revolves around Wisdom(right understanding and intention), Ethical Conduct(right speech, action and livelihood) and Meditation (right effort, mindfulness and concentration).
• Right effort, concentration and mindfulness can guarantee mental peace and augment moral and cultural values.
• Right understanding and intentioncan open the track for knowledge and can help liberate the people from ignorance.
• Right action and livelihoodwould liberate society from corruption, it can also ensure security of food and water and will improve economic opportunity and employment paving way to prosperity for all.
• Right speechcan release us from the hatred that is spreading across the world on the label of race, ethnicity, religion etc.
• Buddha emphasized in his teachings that the approach to extinguish desire, which causes suffering, is to liberate oneselffrom attachments like desire, greed, delusion, ignorance, hatred and destructive urges.
• The principles of peace, compassion, calmness, accommodation, and inclusiveness, which are a part of our societies can be accredited to the influence of the teachings of Buddha.
• Buddha’s teachings can transform societies to a better and more humane form as said by Tibetan spiritual leader 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.”

Ways for India play a lead role in shaping the discourse around Buddhist issues across the world

• Historical and Cultural Ties
  • India’s cultural and historical ties with Buddhism can help strengthen its soft power diplomacy with Buddhist countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
• Promoting Religious Harmony
  • As the birthplace of Buddhism, India can use its Buddhist heritage and teachings to engage with countries like China, which has a significant Buddhist population, to promote dialogue and understanding between the two nations.
• Economic Benefits
  • India is currently home to seven of the eight most significant Buddhist sites in the world. The Indian government has been developing the Buddhist Circuit, a tourist trail that connects them.
• Pan-Asian presence
  • 97 per cent of the world’s Buddhist population lives in the Asian continent, and a number of countries such as Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka conceive of Buddhism as intrinsic to their national values and identity
• Soft Power Projection:
  • India can use its Buddhist cultural diplomacy to improve its relations with Southeast Asian countries and increase its influence in the region.
  • India has tried to provide an alternative to contested global politics, with morality as the guiding principle.
  • India’s Panchamrit principles include “Sanskriti Evam Sabhyata” which means cultural and civilizational links

India faces several challenges in promoting soft power through Buddhism, including:

• Many of India’s ancient Buddhist heritage sitesare in a state of disrepair, which makes it challenging to attract visitors and promote Buddhist tourism.
• Competition with other countries: Despite being home to a number of key Buddhist sites, such as Bodhgaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar, India has struggled to attract Buddhist tourists, who tend to favour sites in Thailand and Cambodia.
• Fragmented Buddhist community: The Indian Buddhist community is fragmented and divided along sectarian lines, which makes it challenging to create a unified approach to promoting Buddhism.
• India’s soft power is often overshadowed by its economic and political power, which means that its cultural influence, including that of Buddhism, is not always recognized on the international stage.

Conclusion

There is a need of promoting connections with other Buddhist schools of thought, such as Nagarjuna Buddhism, which is largely unexplored in academic study. Also, emphasize the need for effective implementation of the Nalanda University project and proper management of tourist sites for the success of the Buddhist Circuit Project.

Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

2. The reform movements had a broad focus beyond just religion and aimed to improve society as a whole. They presented a vision of a prosperous, modern India that was ultimately adopted by the Indian National Movement. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about how reforms movement were aimed at India society as whole and how they got integrated with the mainstream national movement.

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 mentioning that the reform movement was a holistic socio-religious reform movement aimed revitalising our society and religion.

Body:

Elaborate on features such as the movement focussed on aspects such as to bring in an enlightened society, removal of superstition, to establish a democratic society, to promote rationality and scientific temper etc. Mention steps taken by reforms to achieve these.

In religious aspects mention the steps that were taken by various reforms to reform the major religions.

Conclusion:

Conclude by saying that the same approach was carried forward by the national movement and was included in the vision of independent India.

Introduction

Socio-religious reform movements are   linked   with   different   ideas   including   presence   of   Colonial government, Economic and Social backwardness of society, influence of modern western ideas, rise of intellectual awakening in the middle class and poor position of women in society.

From the early 19th century, debates and discussion about social customs and practices took a new character due to the development of new forms of communication. Various reformers like Raja Rammohun Roy, Ishawarchandra Vidyasagar, Swami Dayananda Saraswati persuaded people to give up degraded age-old traditions like Sati, child marriage, polygamy, female infanticide etc. by adopting a new way of life. They were keen to spread knowledge of modernization in the country and bring about greater freedom and equality for women and “lower caste” people.

Body:

19-20th century socio-religious reforms aimed at following:

• Reformers like Raja Rammohan Roy, Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Jyotiba Phule, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Pandita Ramabaiunderstood that ignorance and backwardness in the society was responsible for hindering its progress and development.
• They studied the religious scriptures and criticized the prevalent religious and social practices.
• According to them, society should be based on the concepts of liberty and equality both for men and women and this was possible only by the spread of modern and scientific education especially among the women.
• These movements came to be called socio-religious movement because the reformers felt that no change is possible in a society without reforming the religion.
• The socio religious reform movement, as a whole, was against backward element of traditional culture in terms of both religious and social evils.
• The focus was on regeneration of traditional institutions including medicine, education, and philosophy and so on.
• There were differences in methods of those reform movements but all of them were concerned with the regeneration of society through social and educational reforms
• The aim of these reformers was never to replace the local culture of India with the western culture. Rather they simply assimilated some western values which they saw as desirable for the development of the society such as humanism.
• They emphasised more on the interpretation of scriptures and simplification of rituals rather than out rightly imitating westernisation.
• Swami Vivekanandasought to bring reform through reinterpretations of the Vedas in the context of the changing world. He stressed on the ideal of social service and selfless action.
• Raja Rammohun Roytoo had great respect for the western way of thinking, yet gave utmost respect and importance to Vedas and Upnishads.
• Ishwarchandra Vidyasagarused the ancient texts to suggest that widows could remarry. His suggestions were adopted by British officials, and a law was passed in 1856 permitting widow remarriage.
• Such thinkers were against certain social evils like Sati, idolatry, polytheism, untouchability etc but they believed in the essence of scriptures as a persuasive truth and not that was not compatible with the modern notions of equality and dignity of all individuals.
• In India, social reform did not ordinarily mean a reorganisation of the structuring of society at large, as it did in the West, for the benefit of underprivileged social and economic classes.
• Instead, it meant the infusion into the existing social structure of the new ways of life and thought; the society would be preserved, while its members would be transformed.

Conclusion:

The socio-religious reform movements of the 19-20th century have made very significant contributions in the evolution of today’s Modern India. They stood for the democratization of society, removal of superstition and abhorrent customs, spread of enlightenment and the development of a rational and modern outlook. By the end of the 20th century, women themselves were actively working for reform. They wrote books, edited magazines, founded schools and training centres and set up a women’s association. These women, later on, joined various kinds of nationalist and socialist movements and contributed immensely in the freedom struggle.

General Studies – 2

 

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

3. The initiative of implementing a national tele-mental health program is a positive action towards closing the loopholes in mental health care in the country. However, the program’s effectiveness in reaching a broad population and diminishing the negative attitudes surrounding mental illnesses in the community will determine its triumph. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate.

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the national tele-mental health programme and the need to destigmatise mental health for its success.

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 giving an overview of mental health set up in India and trends in mental health disorders.

Body:

First, write about the national tele-mental health programme, its features and the potential benefits from it.

Next, write about the need to reach masses and destigmatise mental disorders in the society – mention the steps that must be taken in this regard – creating awareness, accessible treatment, promoting well-being, harnessing AYUSH etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward of measures needed to further strengthen mental health in India.

Introduction

According to the World Health Organization, over 90 million Indians, or 7.5% of the population, suffer from mental health issues. A study published in Lancet in December 2019, titled “The burden of mental disorders across the states of India: The Global Burden of Disease Study 1990–2017”, also highlights the scale of the challenge.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in mental health-related problems among people of all age. Global research has highlighted the increased rates of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, etc., in individuals affected by the virus.

Body

State of Mental healthcare in India

• WHO has labelled India as the world’s ‘most depressing country’.
• The National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015–2016 conducted by NIMHANS revealed that one in five individuals suffer from some sort of mental health disorder and only 15% of those affected receive the treatment required.
• This amounts to a massive untreated ‘mental health burden’ in our country.
• There is just one qualified psychiatrist for 10 lakh people in India, the number of psychologists and psychiatric social workers being even fewer.

Importance of national tele-mental health programme

• During her Budget 2022-23 Speech in the Parliament, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a National Tele Mental Health Programme.
• The programme, which has been hailed by all sectors of people for having the potential of changing mental health care in the country, is proposed to consist of 23 tele mental health centres with NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences Bangalore) acting as the nodal centre.
• Meanwhile, for this, International Institute of Information Technology-Bangalore (IIIT-B) would be providing the technological expertise.
  • Lack of awareness and sensitivity about mental health is one of the biggest issues. There is a big stigma around people suffering from any kind of mental health issues.
  • They are often tagged as ‘lunatics’ by the society. This leads to a vicious cycle of shame, suffering and isolation of the patients.
• Tele-mental healthcare can bridge the gap by connecting people from remote areas to health professionals in times of need but also help train general physicians and community health workers in mental healthcare.
• They form the backbone of our health infrastructure, and the ability to provide mental health services at a primary level under the tele guidance of psychiatrists is a fruitful and cost-effective exercise.
• The national tele-mental health programme is expected to help people get easier access to quality counselling and care services related to mental health.

Challenges to National tele-mental healthcare

• Mental health issues in India are hugely complex. Data on mental illness is remarkably patchy. Most data are based on self-reporting of conditions and extrapolation.
• Like any other legal document, implementation is the key and a challenge at the same time. The Mental Healthcare Act (2017) came in with a lot of promises by revamping the old act of 1987.
• Digital illiteracy, limited data connectivity, network glitches, ethical and legal lacunae related to tele-psychiatry guidelines, limitations in medical assessment through a virtual medium and data safety are the main concerns that riddle tele-mental healthcare.
• As the Covid threat reduces with time, the inherent tendency of the masses to prefer in-person consultation will be on the rise rendering virtual consultations redundant.
• Affordability issues related to telemedicine should also be borne in mind to prevent health inequalities.

Way forward

• Human wellness is about body and mind. Lasting change is possible only through a collaborative effort of policy-makers.
• Invest in institutional support mechanisms like hospitals, treatment centres, qualified health care support and community support mechanisms.
• Implementation of tele-mental healthcare cannot be decoupled from efforts to improve digital literacy, data security and enhanced accessibility to services.
• Advocacy by mental health professionals, media and policymakers are likely to make a lasting impact in this area.
• We need large scale social security support or insurance to cover costs.
• Mental illnesses should be covered in health insurance policies.
• The government must ensure that treatment is widely available and costs are regulated.
• India must draw lessons from other countries as well as draw upon its own ancient wisdom to holistically treat mental health.

Conclusion

This rare but apt mention of mental health in the national Budget holds true promise of delivering tele-mental health services in the post-Covid future. The proposed Tele-Mental Health Programme is a timely and much-needed move but whether it delivers in the long run depends on its implementation, advocacy and dealing with the associated digital challenges.

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

4. Discuss the key outcomes of the new “Quad” meeting held between India, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, with a focus on infrastructure initiatives in the Gulf region. What significance does India’s increasing engagement with the new “Quad hold for its presence in the region? (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu ,Insights on India

Why the question:

The article reports that India’s National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval, participated in a Quad meeting with the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to discuss infrastructure initiatives in the Gulf region.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the key outcomes of new “Quad” and its significance for India.

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 new “Quad”.

Body:

First, write about the major outcomes of the new “Quad” – energy, transportation, and digital infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on promoting sustainable development.

Next, write about the significance of new “Quad” for India and its geopolitical interests in the region.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

Saudi Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad Bin Salman hosted a special meeting of the National Security Advisers (NSAs) of India, the U.S. and the UAE, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in what is being billed as another important “Quad” in West Asia.

Body

Outcomes of the new Quad

• Beyond trade, there is potential for India, UAE and S. Arabia to collaborate on many areas — from semiconductor design and fabrication to space technology.
• With the new alliance, India can use this platform to harness various opportunities like Big data, AI, Quantum computing, export its products in their market etc.
• The group will help to focus on non-military issues like trade, energy, and environment and on promoting public goods.
• The platform will help India to pursue wide-ranging minilateral partnerships in the region. With major powers like France, Russia, China drawn to this region, the alliance will help India to shape its position in changing the geopolitics of this region.

Significance of the new Quad

• The two Quads are quite different in other ways. The so-called new Quad is not as focused on countering China’s rise as the original one, and because it lacks a strong, shared purpose, its future trajectory is more uncertain.
  • But it could serve Indian foreign-policy goals: The arrangement enables New Delhi to expand its role on the world stage, to engage more deeply in the Middle East, and to strengthen cooperation with the United States.
• India’s joining the new Quad first reflects a desire to play a greater role on the world stage and to respond to criticism from observers—including its own national security advisor—that it punches below its weight.
  • The forum provides New Delhi with an opportunity to move closer to key partners without compromising its policy of strategic autonomy: As with the other Quad, this arrangement is a loose grouping, not an alliance.
• New Delhi also sees the Middle East as strategically significant. It depends heavily on its energy imports, and nearly 9 million Indian workers live in the Persian Gulf.
  • India has ramped up diplomacy with many regional players, including Saudi Arabia, but Israel and the UAE have long been key targets.
  • A 2019 survey of Indian foreign-policy and security professionals found that the two countries were regarded as India’s two most important partners in the Middle East.
• Furthermore, the new Quad delivers a boost to New Delhi’s relations with Washington. It expands the geographic scope of the two countries’ cooperation beyond Asia, adding to their pool of multilateral partners.
  • The new arrangement does not represent any type of competition to the original Quad: The two groups are distinct entities with different geographical remits, although their areas of cooperation may overlap.

Conclusion

The four countries have a “unique set of capabilities, knowledge, and experience” that can be used to create a new network of cooperation. The countries also recognised that there are many overlapping interests between them. Especially in the field of energy, climate, trade, and regional security.

General Studies – 3

 

Topic: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, – different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.

5. The role of Farmers Producers Organisations (FPOs) is crucial in promoting sustainable, income-oriented farming practices by utilizing efficient and cost-effective methods to increase productivity. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India

Why the question:

The article discusses the issues and shortcomings with the current agricultural marketing process in India, particularly with regards to contract farming.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the role of Farmers Producers Organisations (FPO’s) in improving farmer incomes.

Directive word: 

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start by explaining what FPOs are.

Body:

First, mention the need for FPO’s – Factors like poor supply chain management, lack of modernization, and the declining average size of farm holdings are some of the reasons for agrarian distress. Moreover, these factors affect the small farmers to a bigger magnitude.

Next, Discuss the benefits emanating from FPO – enhance the farmers’ economic strength and market linkages for improving their income, increasing procurement efficacy, increasing awareness level of farmer etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude with way forward by mentioning FPO’s as a way to double farmers income.

Introduction

Farmers’ Producer Organisation (FPO), also known as farmers’ producer company (FPC), is an entity formed by primary producers including  farmers, milk producers, fishermen, weavers, rural artisans, and craftsmen.An FPO can be a Producer Company, a Cooperative Society or any other legal form.FPOs are basically the hybrids of cooperatives and private companies.The participation, organisation and membership pattern of these companies are more or less similar to the cooperatives.

Body

Background

• There are a total of 14,213 producer companies on the rolls of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs as on 31.03.2021.
• Around 11,715 producer companies got registered after 2016–17.
• The total outlay is to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore to be spent over next three years, bringing together approximately 3 million farmers across the country.

Need for and significance of FPOs:

• Nearly 86% of farmers are small and marginal with average land holdings in the country being less than 1.1 hectares.
• These small, marginal and landless farmers face tremendous challenges during agriculture production phase such as for access to technology, quality seed, fertilizers and pesticides including requisite finances.
• FPOs can engage farmers in collective farming and address productivity issues emanating from small farm sizes.
• Further, this may also result in additional employment generation due to the increased intensity of farming.
• FPO can help farmers compete with large corporate enterprises in bargaining, as it allows members to negotiate as a group and can help small farmers in both input and output markets.
• FPOs help in the collectivization of such small, marginal and landless farmers in order to give them the collective strength to deal with such issues.
• The FPO can provide low-cost and quality inputs to member farmers. For example, loans for crops, purchase of machinery, input agri-inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, etc.) and direct marketing after procurement of agricultural produce.
• This will enable members to save in terms of time, transaction costs, distress sales, price fluctuations, transportation, quality maintenance, etc.
• Social capital will develop in the form of FPOs, as it may lead to improved gender relations and decision-making of women farmers in FPOs.
• This may reduce social conflicts and improved food and nutritional values in the community.

Challenges faced by FPOs:

• Liability of newness: New ventures have high probability to fail since they have to battle multiple problems at a time.
• Lack of distinctiveness: With no novelty to offer, it is often challenging for FPOs to compete in the market.
• Audience diversity: FPOs need to derive support from different group of stakeholders (farmer, government, buyers, NGOs etc) which is crucial to understand their expectations.
• Lack of clarity on the market category – FPOs may fail to meet the demand of buyers in terms of quantity requirement leading to a weak inter-organisational relationship.
• FPOs, often in a hurry, would make unrealistic promises to members to increase their membership which could lead to mismatch in expectations.
• Multiple thresholds for success: Measuring the success of FPOs varies according to the stakeholder
• Farmer may be look at receiving timely credit from the FPO as the vital indicator for success while corporate buyer may look upon the quality of the product.

Way forward

• Collectives must do the requisite homework on issues such as modalities of the conduct of boards meetings, technical expertise for better procurement, identifying potential buyers, etc.
• Focus on multiple stakeholders including farmers , buyers and regulators can accommodate audience diversity.
• Need informational clarity regarding the process and market conditions.
• Collective effort of all stakeholders is crucial for the success of an FPO
• Appropriate curriculum and career pathways should be designed that would periodically train potential FPO leaders in human resource management, demand-aggregation, logistical planning and financial management.
• The government should identify reputed institutional partners like IIMs, IRMA, etc., to deliver content and certify successful candidates. This will make the job aspirational for rural educated youth and incentivise their participation in the national project.
• such a mammoth exercise in social experimentation in the agrarian sector can only succeed if various departments of the Centre and states come together on a common platform.
• Cutting through departmental silos, orientation and training of key officials manning relevant departments and timely inter-departmental coordination are key to the success of the governmental intervention.
• A mechanism to ensure integrity of such certificates should be worked out to provide comfort to officers of the Registrar of Companies.

Conclusion

The FPOs as new-age farmer collectives have immense transformative potential for a country like India. If implemented with the right intentions and active involvement of various public and private stakeholders, this will not just boost agriculture productivity but also create an enabling ecosystem for the value chains associated with each agri-commodity. India can thus become an important player in the global food value chain.

Value addition

Government’s Support to Farmers Producers Organisation

• The government has launched a new dedicated Central Sector Scheme titled “Formation and Promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)” with a clear strategy and committed resources to form and promote 10,000 new FPOs to ensure economies of scale for farmers over the next five years. Support for each FPO is continued for 5 years from its year of inception.
• Small Farmers Agri-business Consortium (SFAC)
• National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)
• National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). 
• States may also if so desire, nominate their Implementing Agency in consultation with DAC&FW.

Topic: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security

6. Maoist insurgency continues to pose a threat in some parts of India, despite efforts to curb their activities. The government should focus on addressing the root causes of the Maoist movement, such as poverty and social inequality, rather than relying solely on military force. Comment. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

On April 26, 10 personnel of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and a civilian driver were killed in a blast, which the police said was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by Maoists, near Aranpur village in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the challenges posed by Maoism and government’s counter-insurgency measures but the need for further vigil and action to successfully overcome it.

Directive word: 

Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by citing stats about the trends of Maoism and Maoist violence.

Body:

First, write the about the challenges posed by Maoist insurgency to internal security of India. 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, write about various measures taken by the government to tackle Maoist violence, successes and limitations of the same.

Next, suggest various measures that are further required to tackle this issue.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward on taking a multi-pronged approach to defeat Maoism.

Introduction

The left-wing extremism or Naxal insurgency in India originated in a 1967 uprising in Naxalbari, West Bengal by the Communist Party of India (Marxist). They are the group of people who believe in the political theory derived from the teachings of the Chinese political leader Mao Zedong. The Naxals strongly believe that the solution to social and economic discrimination is to overthrow the existing political system.

Ten security personnel returning from a counter-insurgency operation and a civilian driver were killed when the vehicle they were travelling in was blown up by Maoists, in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada on Wednesday afternoon, according to State police.

Body

Causes of left-wing extremism in India

• Inequitable development: The failure of land reforms especially land redistribution after independence.
  • Socio-economic inequities, unemployment, despair about the future.
  • Dishonest and self-serving dominant groups.
  • Political deprivation leading to hopelessness or a sense of powerlessness.
  • Lack of title to public land cultivated by the landless poor.
  • Governance deficit in the remote parts of Red Corridor regions.
  • Lack of food security – corruption in the Public Distribution System (which are often non-functional).
  • Disruption of traditional occupations and lack of alternative work opportunities.
• Displacement of people: Eviction from lands traditionally used by tribals.
  • Forced Displacements caused by mining, irrigation and power projects without adequate arrangements for rehabilitation. As a result, livelihoods were lost.
  • Large scale land acquisition for ‘public purposes’ without appropriate compensation or rehabilitation
• Discrimination against tribals: Poor implementation of laws prohibiting transfer of tribal land to non-tribals in the Fifth Schedule areas.
  • Non-regularisation of traditional land rights under FRA,2006.
  • Hasty rejections of land grants to tribals.

Measures and change in strategy needed to solve Maoism

Home Ministry came up with the strategy of Samadhan. It is a strategy to frame short term and long-term policies to tackle LWE.  It includes: S- Smart Leadership; A- Aggressive Strategy; M- Motivation and Training; A- Actionable Intelligence; D- Dashboard Based KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and KRAs (Key Result Areas); H- Harnessing Technology; A- Action plan for each Theatre; N- No access to Financing.

In lieu of this, governments must pro-actively tackle left wing extremism.

• Modernizing the police force: The scheme focuses on strengthening police infrastructure by construction of secure police stations, training centres, 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 havesurrender 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 stipendfor 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 Centresin LWE affected districts.
• Infrastructure Development:Road Connectivity, communication needs to be rapidly scaled up in LWE affected districts. Eg: Mobile towers being set up in remote areas.
• Major counter-insugency measures in states
  • Andhra Pradesh established elite force called Greyhounds to successfully crack down on naxal leaders. It also squashed mass organisation activities through civilian “vigilante” groups that had been encourged through the surrender and rehabilitation package.
  • West Bengal government implemented confidence building measures with the people living in the Maoist infested Jangalmaha region. It created a linkage between people and the institution.
  • Odishaand Chhattisgarhtrained many local tribal youths as Special Police Officersagainst Maoist insurgency.
  • Biharhad set up a 400-member special task force and Special Auxiliary Police for counter insurgency operations. Currently the naxal influence has come down from 22 districts to 4.
  • Maharashtracreated adistrict level force called as C-60 Commando.
• SMART Policing: Smart policing paradigm promotes integration & interoperability of information & communication systems.
  • Broadly, smart policing involves interventions incorporating application of evidence-based and data-driven policing practices, strategies and tactics in order to prevent and control crime.
  • Recruit specialized personnel: Specialized crimes require specialized approach and personnel to deal with them. There should be core technical team to handle modern technology related crimes.
  • 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 standardisation, deployment and integration of private security surveillance system.
  • It promotes pro-active policing by preventing criminal activity through enhanced police visibility and public engagement.

Need of the hour

• Central and State governments, the administration and the security establishment need to recognize that the movement cannot be approached from a purely law and order point of view.
• The process of improving the conditions of the poor and the tribals clearly need to be speeded up if the movement is to be effectively checked.
• Winning the hearts and minds of the tribal population and other marginalised groups will lie at the core of the counter-insurgency strategy
• Development of road and rail infrastructure will not only enhance economic growth and development but will also help in countering Maoist propaganda
• The improved road connectivity will also have a multiplier effect on the effectiveness of the security forces in carrying out operations.
• Providing incentives and alternate life support system to those surrendered

Conclusion

An ideology based on violence and annihilation is doomed to fail in a democracy which offers legitimate forums of grievance redressal. Through a holistic approach focusing on development and security related interventions, the LWE problem can be successfully tackled.

General Studies – 4

 

Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.

7. Integrity is a crucial moral virtue that is foundational to building good character. It helps us establish trust and reliability in our interactions with others, cultivates self-respect and self-esteem, and guides us to act in accordance with our values and principles. Substantiate. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Conceptual Tuesdays’ in Mission-2023 Secure.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about how Integrity is at the core of good character.

Directive word: 

Substantiate – When you are asked to Substantiate, you must pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence.  You must appraise the worth of the statement in question using suitable case studies or/ and examples.

Introduction: 

Begin by defining what is Integrity and any relevant quote is possible.

Body:

Mention how integrity boosts the moral values such as honesty, fairness, decency etc that boosts one’s moral character and contributes to an ethical system. Use examples to support the argument.

Also, write about how with having Integrity as foundational value, we can add more virtues for ethical development.

Conclusion:

Mention that it further boosts self-awareness of individuals and aids for a just society.

Introduction

“In looking for people to hire, look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence and energy. And if they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.” (Warren Buffet)

Integrity is having a strong set of ethical principles, being able to tell the truth no matter the consequences, admitting to a wrong even if you could get away without doing it. Integrity is about doing the right thing; it is being incorruptible, honest, and above all, doing all these things when no one is around to see it.

Body

Integrity is a four-step process: keeping in mind the aim/ purpose of one’s action or inaction and acting consistently with that choice—even when it is inconvenient or unprofitable to do so; choosing the right course of conduct in conformity with moral principles; openly declaring one’s intentions or where one stands; and results of one’s actions.

In 1964, Mandela was sentenced to 27 years in prison at Robben Island. He accepted it with dignity. He knew that overthrowing apartheid called for struggle and sacrifice, and was prepared for the long walk to freedom.

Ten thousand days in prison failed to break Mandela and he refused to compromise on his beliefs or leave the struggle midway.

 Importance of Integrity

• The civil servants need to be people of absolute integrity because only then they can take the civil service as a ’vocation’. It strengthens the sense of mission which a civil servant is supposed to undertake to serve the public; perform duties and fulfil obligations.
• A similar doctrine of vocation was enunciated several thousand years ago by Lord Krishna in Bhagwad Gita. It has been mentioned there, that ‘’Securing” universal welfare by one’s action is the ultimate measure of a human being but more so of those who hold the public office”.
• Civil servants have to set out highest standards of integrity and morality. This requires self-sacrifice a concept that rises above individualism and ‘hedonism’to create an environment of public duty among the civil servants. An exemplary civil servant is not simply one who obeys the laws and behaves within the confines of law but is also one who strives for a moral government.
• Integrity requires in a civil servant toincorporate the values of honesty, sympathy empathy, compassion, fairness, self-control and duty so that she/he will be able to uphold high personal and professional standards in all circumstances.

Conclusion

Honesty is telling truth to other people, but Integrity is about being truthful to oneself.

‘Civil Service Conduct Rules’ recommends ‘absolute integrity’ for civil servants, irrespective of their department. Also, every civil servant is supposed to take all possible steps to ensure the integrity of all government servants for the time being under his control and only be honest but should also have the reputation of being so. Integrity has been considerably widened by declaring that a civil servant must keep himself within bounds of administrative decency.

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