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.
Difficulty level: Easy
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 the characteristics of Stupa and its progress during post-Mauryan age.
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 defining a Stupa.
Body:
First, draw a small representative diagram of a Stupa and mention the major features of that belong in a Stupa and their significance.
Next, mention the progress in the construction of Stupa during the Post-Mauryan age in India with examples.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising regarding Stupa architecture.
Introduction
The stupa (“stupa” is Sanskrit for heap) is an important form of Buddhist architecture, though it predates Buddhism. It is generally considered to be a sepulchral monument—a place of burial or a receptacle for religious objects. At its simplest, a stupa is a relic-filled mound-like or hemispheric structure used for meditation. From the Vedic time onwards, stupas were used as burial mounds in India.
In Buddhism, the earliest stupas contained portions of the Buddha’s ashes, and as a result, the stupa began to be associated with the body of the Buddha. Adding the Buddha’s ashes to the mound of dirt activated it with the energy of the Buddha himself.
Body:
Main characteristics of a Stupa
- The main structure of the Great Stupa consisted of a flattened hemispherical dome, called an anda, placed atop a cylindrical base. Anda, represents the infinite dome of heaven and signifies the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.
- The harmika, located at the summit of the anda, symbolized the zenith beyond life and death (nirvana). Its resemblance to a sacrificial altar was of particular significance for the attainment of nirvana required the sacrifice of the self and the world (what was below needed to be sacrificed to reach the top).
- The parasol was always a distinguishing feature that implied royalty and dignity; it symbolized the sacred Tree of Life or enlightenment.
- The three elements of the chattra at Sanchi represented the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dharma (the Law), and the Sangha (the community of monks).
- Vedikas were repeated around the stupa and on the terrace on which the anda rested (medhi level). They served to demarcate the boundary of the sacred precinct with the secular world.
- The stupa is capped by a wooden railing that encircled a pradakshina patha (circumambulatory walkway).
- Sanchi, Sarnath, Amaravati and Bharhut stupas are the oldest examples of Early Buddhist stupa art. The Birth, Enlightenment, First Sermon and Great Departure are depicted using various motifs in these stupas.
- The Jataka stories were depicted on the torans of Stupas. The Jataka stories are a method of teaching Buddhists the lessons of karma, samsara and dharma. The overall structure of the Jataka Tales is about the cycle of samsara that the Buddha had to experience before reaching enlightenment.
Development of Stupa architecture during post-Mauryan age
- In the Post Mauryan period, stupas became larger and more decorative and wood and brickwork were replaced by stone.
- Stupas were cylindrical drum shaped and octagon shaped pillars behind stupas without any decorations were also found.
- Torans (gateways) was first used by the The torans were decorated with intricate figures and the patterns.
- With the elaborations in stupa design, architects and sculptors had plenty of room to plan elaborations and carve out images on the Torans.
- Jataka stories became part of stupa decoration. E.g.: In Bahrut, the tall images of Yakshaand Yakshini along with narratives are found. In one narrative relief, depicting Queen Mayadevi’s
- Stupa-I at Sanchi has upper as well as lower pradakshinapatha, four toranas depicting jatakas. Advanced carving technique is used in these stupas.
- With the rise in the construction of stupas in various parts of the country, regional stylistic variations also began to emerge.
Conclusion:
It is thus apparent that the stupa, which was conceived as a simple monument for the Buddha’s corporeal relics, has over time transformed in its form and nomenclature and resulted in various types of structures all over the world. In some regions, even supplementary structures like monasteries have come up alongside stupas, fuelling the inception of new Buddhist orders and sects. However, the core ideology of the stupa remains constant throughout each new development, as does its symbolism and several crucial architectural features. These characteristics must, therefore, be given due consideration and importance while designing any stupa project.
Value addition
Present Day Stupas:
- The core ideology of the stupa is retained in terms of architectural design across millennia, and even to this day. However, the difference lies in the material used in the modern-day stupa.
- For instance, the Sambodhi Chaithya is a stupa built with reinforced concrete on a platform supported by two interlocking arches.
- Apart from this, stupa is also having access via Elevators.
- Patliputra karuna Stupa is having glass facade, along with void stupa concept so people can see the holy relics along with ramp design for entrance instead of stairs which makes it barrier free for everyone.
Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Key Demand of the question:
To write how Quit India movement was different from the previous mass movements.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Directive word:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving 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:
Give the context of political scene of the country that led to the launch of Quit India movement
Body:
Write about the factors that made the movement stand apart from other struggles or movements against the Imperial rule, on lines of, Gandhi’s strategy, emergence of new leaders, Violence, Princely States, new developments and mass involvement etc and the way it aligned the local interest with that of national interest.
Conclusion:
Conclude by mentioning that the much-needed impetus towards conclusion to the national freedom struggle can be credited to the Quit India movement.
Introduction
The failure of the Cripps Mission in April 1942 made it clear that Britain was unwilling to offer an honourable settlement and a real constitutional advance during the War. Consequently, Gandhiji drafted a resolution for the Congress Working Committee calling for Britain’s withdrawal and nation edged towards Quit India Movement or August Kranti. Mahatma Gandhi’s clarion call of ‘Do or Die’ inspired thousands of party workers but also created frenzy among the British who rushed to imprison the entire Congress leadership.
Body
Quit India Movement: Paradigm shift in nature of mass movement in India’s freedom struggle
- Social radicalism of Gandhi:
- In a sharp contrast to Non-cooperation movement, where Gandhi withdrew after Chauri Chaura incident, in Quit India movement he not only refused to condemn the people’s resort to violence but unequivocally held government responsible for it.
- Though the need for non-violence was always reiterated, Gandhi’s mantra of Do or Die represents the militant mood of Gandhi.
- Gandhi also gave a call to all sections of the people, the princes, the Jagirdars, the Zamindars, the propertied and moneyed classes, who derive their wealth and property from the workers in the fields and factories and elsewhere, to whom eventually power and authority belong.
- This indicates Gandhi’s social radicalism and shift in the philosophy of the Congress, by now people with the goals of socialism and communism have become a part of the broad-based Congress organization.
- Violent at some places:
- The Quit India Movement was mainly a non-violent movement. However, it became violent at some places.Rails were uprooted, post offices were set on fire and offices were destroyed.
- Leaderless movement:
- Even before the formal launching of the movement, the government in a single sweep arrested all the top leaders of the Congress. This led to spontaneous outburst of mass anger against the arrest of leaders.
- The spontaneous participation of the massesin the Quit India movement made it one of the most popular mass movements.
- Demand for independence:
- This historic movement placed the demand for independence on the immediate agendaof the national movement.
- The spirit unleashed was carried further by Indian National Army of Subhas Chandra Bose. After ‘Quit India’ there could be no retreat. Independence was no longer a matter of bargain.
- It accelerated and sustained the urge for freedom and enabled India to achieve freedom in 1947.
- Establishment of Parallel Governments:
- Parallel governments were established at many places.
- Ballia under Chittu Pandey, got many Congress leaders released.
- In Tamluk and Contai subdivisions of Midnapore in West Bengal, the local populace were successful in establishing Jatiya Sarkar, which undertook cyclone relief work, sanctioned grants to schools, supplied paddy from the rich to the poor, organised Vidyut Vahinis, etc.
- In Satara (Maharashtra), “Prati Sarkar”, was organised under leaders like Y.B. Chavan, Nana Patil, etc. Village libraries and Nyayadan Mandals were organised
- Underground Activity:
- Many nationalists went underground and took to subversive activities.
- The participants in these activities were the Socialists, Forward Bloc members, Gandhi ashramites, revolutionary nationalists and local organisations in Bombay, Poona, Satara, Baroda and other parts of Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra, United Provinces, Bihar and Delhi.
- The main personalities taking up underground activity were Rammanohar Lohia, Jayaprakash Narayan, Aruna Asaf Ali, Usha Mehta, Biju Patnaik, Chhotubhai Puranik, Achyut Patwardhan, Sucheta Kripalani and R.P. Goenka.
- Usha Mehta started an underground radio in Bombay.
- This phase of underground activity was meant to keep up popular morale by continuing to provide a line of command and guidance to distribute arms and ammunition
- Strong women participation:
- Quit India movement was unique in the sense that it saw women participation where they not only participated as equals but also led the movement.
- Women, especially school and college girls, actively participated, and included Aruna Asaf Ali, Sucheta Kripalani and Usha Mehta.
- There was Matangini Hazra, who lead a procession of 6,000 people, mostly women, to ransack a local police station.
- Extent of Mass Participation
- The participation was on many levels.
- Youth, especially the students of schools and colleges, remained in the forefront.
- Workers went on strikes and faced repression.
- Peasants of all strata were at the heart of the movement.
- Even some zamindars
- Government officials, especially those belonging to lower levels in police and administration, participated resulting in erosion of government loyalty.
- Muslims helped by giving shelter to underground activists. There were no communal clashes during the movement.
Conclusion
Despite its failure, the Quit India movement is considered significant as it made the British Government realize that India was ungovernable in the long run. Post the Second World War, the question that was most prominent for the British was on how to exit India peacefully.
Value addition:
The quit India resolution stated the provisions of the movement as:
- An immediate end to British rule over India.
- Declaration of the commitment of free India to defend itself against all kinds of imperialism and fascism.
- Formation of a provisional government of India after British withdrawal.
- Sanctioning a civil disobedience movement against British rule.
Non-participants:
- The Communists did not join the movement; in the wake of Russia (where the communists were in power) being attacked by Nazi Germany, the communists began to support the British war against Germany and the ‘Imperialist War’ became the ‘People’s War’.
- The Muslim League opposed the movement, fearing that if the British left India at that time, the minorities would be oppressed by the Hindus.
- The Hindu Mahasabha boycotted the movement.
- The Princely states showed a low-key response.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article discusses the relevance of monarchy in the 21st century. The author argues that while the monarchies in countries such as the United Kingdom and Japan may have lost much of their political power, they still serve an important symbolic and cultural role.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the relevance of monarchy in 21st century and its coexistence with democracy.
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 monarchical form of government.
Body:
First, write about the relevance of monarchy in the 21st century, Mention the ways it is relevant and ways in which it has lost its relevance.
Next, write about its coexistence with democracy and how it functions in that regard. Cite examples to substantiate.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a balanced opinion.
Introduction
The coronation of King Charles III of the U.K. has led to critical questions on the relevance of the monarchy in the 21st century, in the context of tectonic shifts in society, politics and culture in the U.K. and across the Commonwealth realms.
In a monarchy, a king or queen is Head of State. The British Monarchy is known as a constitutional monarchy. This means that, while The Sovereign is Head of State, the ability to make and pass legislation resides with an elected Parliament.
Body
Relevance of monarchy in 21st century
Advantages
- The institution of monarchy has been back in the news lately, with the abdication of the erstwhile Spanish king Juan Carlos I and the ascension of his son, Felipe (Philip) VI.
- Elsewhere in the world, monarchies still make the news and shape events in places as far apart as Thailand, Bhutan, Belgium, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia.
- To many contemporary readers, monarchies seem to be purposeless antiquated relics, anachronisms that ought to eventually give way to republics.
- There are several advantages in having a monarchy in the 21st century. Monarchs can rise above politics in the way an elected head of state cannot. Monarchs represent the whole country in a way democratically elected leaders cannot and do not. The choice for the highest political position in a monarchy cannot be influenced by and in a sense beholden to money, the media, or a political party.
- Secondly and closely related to the previous point is that in factitious countries like Thailand, the existence of a monarch is often the only thing holding the country back from the edge of civil war.
- Monarchs are especially important in multiethnic countries such as Belgium because the institution of monarchy unites diverse and often hostile ethnic groups under shared loyalty to the monarch instead of to an ethnic or tribal group.
Criticism
- Firstly, the monarch may wield absolute power arbitrarily without any sort of check, thus ruling as a tyrant.
- However, in present era, most monarchies rule within some sort of constitutional or traditional framework which constrains and institutionalizes their powers.
- Even prior to this, monarchs faced significant constraints from various groups including religious institutions, aristocracies, the wealthy, and even commoners.
- A second criticism is that even a good monarch may have an unworthy successor.
- There really is no rational argument for monarchy. It serves very little purpose other than to help perpetuate an outmoded class system and to promote anti-aspiration at a time when Britain is the most unequal society it has been in the Queen’s 60 year reign.
Monarchy and coexistence with democracy in United Kingdom
- The King reigns, but he does not rule. Ruling is done by his government, and as head of state in the UK the King is constitutionally obliged to follow the government’s advice.
- His main functions as head of state are to appoint the Prime Minister, and all the other ministers; to open new sessions of parliament; and to give royal assent to bills passed by parliament, signifying that they have become law.
- To the public the King is more visible in his wider role as head of the nation. In this representative role the Sovereign acts as a focus for national identity, unity and pride; gives a sense of stability and continuity; officially recognises success and excellence; and supports the ideal of voluntary service.
- These monarchies have survived partly for geopolitical reasons, most of the other European monarchies having disappeared at the end of the First or Second World Wars.
- Their continuance has been accompanied by a steady diminution in their political power, which has shrunk almost to zero, and developing roles that support liberal democracy.
- What modern monarchies offer is non-partisan state headship set apart from the daily political struggle of executive government; the continuity of a family whose different generations attract the interest of all age groups; and disinterested support for civil society that is beyond the reach of partisan politics.
- These roles have evolved because monarchy depends ultimately on the support of the public, and is more accountable than people might think
Conclusion
The threats to democracy, whether in Britain or in India, are not actually coming from institutions such as the monarchy, but from billionaire class, the plutocracies. We have rising authoritarianism in many contexts, and it rarely comes from an institution like the monarchy.
The great danger to democracy comes from vested economic interests and rising ethno-nationalism, racism, and communalism.
Topic: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Hindustan Times , Insights on India
Why the question:
The Supreme Court has encouraged all courts and tribunals to adopt technology by switching to e-filing of cases and ending the “old and outmoded” ways of filing cases in paper format, stressing that they do not have a choice but to modernise.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the various issues in the functioning of tribunals in India and to suggest measures to resolve them.
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:
Give a brief description about tribunals and their purpose of removing delayed justice and also adjudicate on technical issues. Mention relevant articles of constitution associated with tribunals.
Body:
Firstly, give brief history of tribunals in India. With the use of statistics and facts such as number of tribunals established.
Discuss the performance of tribunals with respect to case pendency, adjudication, appeals, appointments, etc.
Also, mention latest court judgements related to tribunals to bring in more independence of the Tribunals from the executives. Mention about the National Tribunal Commission and issue of manpower in the Tribunals.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to make dispensation of justice via tribunals more effective.
Introduction
Tribunal means a set or a bench upon which judge or judges sit and decide controversies between the parties and exercises judicial powers as distinguished from purely administrative functions. It is a quasi-judicial institution that is set up to deal with problems such as resolving administrative or tax-related disputes. Part XIV-A of the Constitution which consist of two articles 323A and 323B deals with these Tribunals E.g.: National Green Tribunal, Central Administrative Tribunal etc
The Chief Justice of India N V Ramana had termed the state of tribunals and the thousands of litigants waiting for justice “pitiable”. The Supreme Court has encouraged all courts and tribunals to adopt technology by switching to e-filing of cases and ending the “old and outmoded” ways of filing cases in paper format, stressing that they do not have a choice but to modernise.
Body
Constraints faced by tribunals in India
- The manner of appointment of its members, performance appraisal, career path for tribunal members, remuneration, terms of service, are all outside the oversight of the judiciary. This is the foremost problem with tribunalisation.
- In India, executive interference in the functioning of tribunals is often seen in matters of appointment and removal of tribunal members, as well as in provision of finances, infrastructure, personnel and other resources required for day-to-day functioning of the tribunals.
- Administrative tribunals, with their separate laws and procedures often made by themselves, puts a serious limitation upon the principles of Rule of Law.
- Most of the tribunals do not enjoy the same amount of independence of the Executive as do the Courts and the judges.
- Recently, the Chief Justice of India NV Ramana-led bench of the Supreme Court pulled up the central government for the rising number of vacancies in various law tribunals across the country. The bench asked the centre to “clear its stand” on the urgent need to fill these vacancies.
- The civil and criminal courts have a uniform pattern of administering justice. A uniform code of procedure in administrative adjudication is not there.
- Administrative tribunals are manned by administrators and technical heads who may not have the background of law or training of judicial work. At times they adopt summary procedures to deal with cases coming before them
- In Chandra Kumar case, SC held that the appeals to such tribunals lies before the court and hence defeats the whole purpose of reducing burden of the superior courts.
- Since the tribunals are mainly chaired by the retired judges who are appointed by the government, so the present judges in courts may favour government in certain matter to gain political patronage in appointment to such tribunals after retirement.
- Lack of adequate infrastructure to work smoothly and perform the functions originally envisioned for them. There is a lack of understanding of the staffing requirements in tribunals.
National tribunal commission – a way forward
- The idea of an NTC was first mooted by the Supreme Court in L. Chandra Kumar v. Union of India (1997).
- NTC is envisaged to be an independent umbrella body to supervise the functioning of tribunals, appointment of and disciplinary proceedings against members, and to take care of administrative and infrastructural needs of the tribunals.
- NTC will support uniform administration across all tribunals. It could set performance standards for the efficiency of tribunals and their own administrative processes.
- Giving the NTC the authority to set members’ salaries, allowances, and other service conditions, subject to regulations, would help maintain tribunals’ independence.
- The NTC could pave the way for the separation of the administrative and judicial functions carried out by various tribunals.
- A ‘corporatised’ structure of NTC with a Board, a CEO and a Secretariat will allow it to scale up its services and provide requisite administrative support to all tribunals across the country.
- NTC could function as an independent recruitment body to develop and operationalise the procedure for disciplinary proceedings and appointment of tribunal members.
- An NTC will effectively be able to bring in uniformity in the appointment system meanwhile ensuring that it is independent and transparent.
Conclusion
The tribunalisation of justice was introduced to speed up the adjudication process, and they have been productive in their goal. The tribunals have carved out a distinct position in the Indian landscape by adjudicating several interesting issues. The independence of these tribunals was described as a fundamental feature of the Indian Constitution in the case of Rojer Mathew’s decision. This fundamental feature must be encapsulated and maintained in reality through the creation of the NTC, which will be solely responsible for choosing, monitoring, and removing appointees to make sure that the tribunals are occupied with men of honesty and great behaviour.
Value addition
Tribunals and their mandate
- The original Constitution did not contain provisions with respect to tribunals.
- The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 added a new Part XIV- A to the Constitution.
- This part is entitled as ‘Tribunals’ and consists of only two Articles–Article 323 A dealing with administrative tribunals and Article 323 B dealing with tribunals for other matters.
- Article 323 A empowers the Parliament to provide for the establishment of administrative tribunals for the adjudication of disputes relating to recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to public services of the Centre, the states, local bodies, public corporations and other public authorities.
- Under Article 323 B, the Parliament and the state legislatures are authorised to provide for the establishment of tribunals for the adjudication of disputes relating to the following matters:
- Taxation
- Foreign exchange, import and export
- Industrial and labour
- Land reforms
- Ceiling on urban property
- Elections to Parliament and state legislatures
Tribunals and judicial efficiency
- Flexibility: Rigid procedures and evidence ordeals of courts are not followed, rather it goes by the principle of natural justice.
- Less Expensive: Administrative justice ensures cheap and quick justice. Its procedures are simple and can be easily understood by a layman.
- Relief to Courts: The tribunals perform an important and specialised role in justice mechanism. They take a load off the already overburdened courts. They hear disputes related to the environment, armed forces, tax and administrative issues.
- Reduce pendency: To overcome the situation that arose due to the pendency of cases in various Courts, domestic tribunals and other Tribunals have been established under different Statutes, hereinafter referred to as the Tribunals.
- Adequate Justice: In the fast-changing world of today, administrative tribunals are the most appropriated means of administrative action, and also the most effective means of giving fair justice to the individuals.
- Lawyers, who are more concerned about aspects of law, find it difficult to adequately assess the needs of the modern welfare society
- Efficiency: The Tribunals were set up to reduce the workload of courts, to expedite decisions and to provide a forum which would be manned by lawyers and experts in the areas falling under the jurisdiction of the Tribunal.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
The number of Manipur’s hill villages grew 64% after 1969; a top State official terms it ‘unnatural growth’ linked to poppy cultivation and Myanmarese Kuki migrants.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about increasing trend in drug trafficking and cultivation in Manipur and counter measures needed to be taken by India.
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 mention the presence of Golden Triangle and draw a small map to represent the same.
Body:
First, India’s vulnerability to the trafficking of narcotics and drugs such as heroin, hashish, and synthetic drugs produced in these areas.
Next, write about the Increased production of opium in Manipur, greater domestic demand in India, and connivance of state government officials and border guarding forces together contributed towards this increase in heroin trafficking, explain the trends in drug and narcotics trafficking; explain how it’s a threat to national security.
Next, write about the efforts of the government that are needed in this direction.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction
The fact that Manipur is no longer only the transit route for illegal drugs lies in the white scratches of flowers in the hills mainly in the districts of Ukhrul, Senapati, Kangpokpi, Kamjong, Churachandpur, and Tengnoupal. The hill areas, inhabited by Scheduled Tribes are being widely used for poppy cultivation — the unripe seed pod which is used to produce opium.
Body
Background: Emergence of illegal poppy cultivation
- According to government statistics, 14,315 acres of illicit poppy, cultivated mostly in the hills were destroyed by security forces during 2017-2021.
- According to CADA, in the past 20 years, poppy cultivation in the hill areas of Manipur has grown many folds with the patronage of Myanmarese drug lords.
- Many illegal settlers from Myanmar in the hills of Manipur in the border areas are also taking up poppy cultivation, it stated.
- Proximity to the infamous Golden Triangle—Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam—is often cited as a major factor for the proliferation of different forms of banned drugs in Manipur. Official records from the NCB maintain that the crude product of poppy grown in Manipur is smuggled out to this triangle through the porous Indo-Myanmar border.
- Lack of infrastructure, corrupt government agencies, and poverty have pushed poor farmers into poppy cultivation.
- Deprived of any form of development and living in conditions of abject poverty, villagers in interior areas of Manipur cultivate poppy for opium production.
- For many households, opium production provides off-farming season employment, as the opium harvest takes place later.
- This expanding illicit economy in interior areas of Manipur has made many communities dependent on the income derived from poppy farming.
- Poverty, food insecurity, and material aspirations are the major drivers of illegal opium production in Manipur.
Impact on state and internal security
- North-East region is infested with multiple insurgent groups, planning to undermine the territorial sovereignty of India.
- A prospective collusion between the drug traffickers and insurgents may further complicate the situation for the security forces.
- These groups have traditionally derived their financial resources from extortion, foreign fundings and running parallel tax collection mechanisms.
- Government clampdown on these activities has weakened them financially but now they may take advantage of drug networks for importing arms and generating financial resources.
- Easy availability of drugs and narcotic substances has led to the prevalence of drug addiction amongst the youth. Simultaneously, it has also led to an increase in incidence of addiction related diseases.
- As per India’s National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) 2017 report, the highest prevalence of the disease has been recorded in India’s North-Eastern States, namely Manipur (1.15%), Mizoram (0.80%) and Nagaland (0.78%) which share a border with Myanmar.
Steps to counter the drug issue in Manipur
- Progress and development are slowly but steadily taking place in Manipur, focussing on physical connectivity, new infrastructural projects, promoting tourism, and building new educational institutions and other related parameters to facilitate a secure life and prosperous economy.
- This will further contribute to empowering the state and the people as a platform for India’s Act East Policy by connecting with Southeast Asian (SEA) nations and beyond.
- Drug mafias or drug kingpins have developed a strong network with Manipur and Myanmar to smuggle poppy out to Golden Triangle and vice versa.
- To uproot such detrimental threats from the soil, the state government launched campaigns such as ‘Nisha Thadoklasi’ and ‘War on Drugs in 2018.
- The government must focus on the development of the people, enhance their skills, and provide them with jobs and other related necessities in their lives.
- Along with stringent laws for illegal drugs and their associated activities, all sections of the society, including the local population, civil society organisations, political class, student unions and Meira Paibi/Women Torch Bearers of Manipur, should come together and fight against this societal evil.
- In addition, the IMB needs to be checked since the source of the influx of illegal drugs in the state comes from this porous border.
- Revision of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) is required with the effective functioning of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) and Land Custom Station (LCS) at the border.
- Otherwise, a new Golden Triangle will be emerged in India’s northeast region, reigniting the dormant insurgency with drug-induced finances.
- Lastly, Manipur, a potential pivot for India’s Act East policy connecting India with SEA nations, will become an insurmountable security challenge if the problem of drug trafficking is not tackled seriously.
Conclusion
India’s North-Eastern states remain socially fragile, economically underutilized, politically sensitive and strategically vulnerable. Government of India is trying to mitigate these insecurities with various policy measures. However, these may fail to yield desired results if the drug trafficking issue is not addressed properly
Topic: Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article discusses the 25th anniversary of India’s nuclear tests at Pokhran and emphasizes the need for maintaining nuclear sobriety.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about nuclear deterrence of India and its needed.
Directive word:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by describing India’s nuclear deterrence.
Body:
Firstly, in brief, write about the evolution of India’s nuclear policy.
Next, write about why it is essential for India to maintain it – practical and pragmatic, helped India secure crucial international deals, NSG waiver, Nuclear weapons as deterrent, cooperation with countries in safe use of nuclear power etc,
Next, write the limitations of the above – defensive policy, changing geopolitics, hostile neighbourhood etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a balanced opinion regarding India’s nuclear deterrence.
Introduction
The principle of nuclear deterrence was born out of the symbiosis of the principle of military deterrence and the emergence of nuclear weapons. It is a military doctrine according to which the possibility that a country will use the nuclear weapons it possesses in retaliation will deter an enemy from attacking. The idea came to the forefront of US military policy. It helps avoid a nuclear war as each side tries to secure their interests by avoiding a nuclear confrontation.
India’s nuclear doctrine was first enunciated following a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting in January 2003.
Body
India’s nuclear doctrine can be summarized as follows:
- Building and maintaining a credible minimum deterrent;
- A posture of “No First Use” nuclear weapons will only be used in retaliation against a nuclear attack on Indian territory or on Indian forces anywhere;
- Nuclear retaliation to a first strike will be massive and designed to inflict unacceptable damage.
- Nuclear retaliatory attacks can only be authorised by the civilian political leadership through the Nuclear Command Authority.
- Non-use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states;
- However, in the event of a major attack against India, or Indian forces anywhere, by biological or chemical weapons, India will retain the option of retaliating with nuclear weapons;
- A continuance of strict controls on export of nuclear and missile related materials and technologies, participation in the Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty negotiations, and continued observance of the moratorium on nuclear tests.
- Continued commitment to the goal of a nuclear weapon free world, through global, verifiable and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament.
Importance for India to maintain its nuclear deterrence
- On analyzing Sino-Indian relations, particularly the Ladakh stand-off of 2020, it is evident that both countries are careful to not use nuclear weapons even as a threat.
- India’s current doctrine has helped India secure crucial international deals, such the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) waiver as part of the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal in 2008.
- More recently, India signed a nuclear cooperation agreement with Japan, which is quite surprising as Japan is known for its staunch anti-nuclear stance and India is not a signatory of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
- India is currently also seeking to join the NSG as a permanent member which is a doctrinal shift and is only going to give China more reason to delay India’s entry. This posture would also play into the hands of Pakistan, which has long accused India of duplicity over its no first use policy and called India’s expanding arsenal a threat to the region’s stability.
- No First Use works well: It builds stability into deterrence by credibly promising nuclear retaliation in the face of extreme provocation of a nuclear first strike by one’s adversary.
- India has always batted for a universal commitment and an agreed global and non-discriminatory multilateral framework.
Change instance will create issues:
- All the gains enjoyed by India in the international community by the restraint of India nuclear posture would be frittered away if there is change in stance of nuclear doctrine
- It would enormously complicate and increase the expenditure incurred by us in regard to our command and control mechanisms which would have to be reconfigured to engage in calibrated nuclear war fighting.
- It would weaken the possibility of our engaging in conventional warfare insulated from the nuclear overhang.
- It would encourage the use of tactical nuclear weapons under the illusion of no massive response.
- It would facilitate the painting of South Asia as a nuclear flashpoint and thereby encourage foreign meddling.
However, there are challenges to this stance of nuclear doctrine of India
- The effectiveness of India to execute a disarming CF strike that takes out most of Pakistan’s nukes is also under question.
- Pakistan is building up its nuclear arsenal faster than any other country. It is currently estimated to have 120-130 nuclear warheads.
- It is difficult for India to target are Pakistan’s small, highly mobile Tactical Nuke Warheads (TNWs) that are basically truck-mounted, tube-launched artillery.
- Furthermore, any impression in Pakistan of Indian counterforce strikes would incentivize their early use.
- When China was conventionally stronger, India felt somewhat protected due to difficult terrain on the Himalayan border.
- Now, China’s impressive infrastructure and massive military modernisation have effectively eroded the Himalayan buffer. This is putting immense pressure on India’s NFU policy.
- India’s conventional advantage has been impacted by Pakistan through a clever use of terrorists and threat of using tactical nuclear weapons against any Indian conventional response to a 26/11 type of an attack.
- India’s nuclear doctrine, that professes massive retaliation even against use of small nuclear weapon, does not help.
Way forward
- All doctrines need periodic reviews and India’s case is no exception.
- Given how rapidly India’s strategic environment is evolving, it is imperative to think clearly about all matters strategic.
- But if Indian policymakers do indeed feel the need to review the nation’s nuclear doctrine, they should be cognizant of the costs involved in so doing.
- A sound policy debate can only ensue if the costs and benefits of a purported policy shift are discussed and debated widely.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Case Study
The groom’s family became aggressive and started threatening to cancel the wedding if their demands were not met. Rani was terrified, and she started to cry. She knew that if the wedding was called off, her reputation would be ruined, and she would be shamed in front of the entire community.
Despite having left with no choice, Rani’s family lodge are still hesitant to file a complaint. But one relative secret informs the S.P of the region.
- Identify the ethical issues in the above case.
- If you were the S.P, what action will you take? Will you persuade them to stop demanding dowry and go ahead with the wedding or book them for demanding/taking dowry?
- As a well-wisher and a family friend of Rani’s family, what will be your advice to the family on this issue?
- Is greed the major reason behind the demand of dowry? How can we eliminate the practise of dowry?
Introduction
A majority of dowry-related cases in India take place to adhere to the customs and traditions of the Indian society. People tend to follow what has been followed through the years and stick to such customs even if it causes discomfort to them. Many families in India give dowry to get rid of their insecurity of ill-treatment of their daughters by their in-laws. There is a perception that giving dowry will ensure their daughter’s security after marriage and non-discrimination.
Body
Ethical issues
- Dowry is against the law of the land
- It perpetuates patriarchy
- It indirectly keeps the society see women as a burden
- It makes woman a property of the man
- It is against women empowerment
- It is violative of rights of the woman and dehumanising.
Action taken as SP
- As a police officer it is a matter of concern and violation of law. It would be my duty to arrest those demanding for dowry. But thinking from well-wisher point of view, i should also think of the well-being of Rani and her family.
- But eventually it is clear that the family that is demanding more dowry and is threating the girl’s family that they ll stop wedding should never be trusted with future of their daughter Rani.
- The boy’s family as is clear will not keep Rani safe or secure and even if i by mistake persuaded the family to do the wedding in future there is no guarantee that Rani will be safe.
- So my advice to the family will be to call off the wedding and i will help in getting them back the money they invested in the wedding. Even if it means that it may cause damage to their societal standing. Because ultimately Rani would not be happy with the family where they demand dowry and create ruckus. Clearly uncultured people like that should not be trusted.
- I would convince them to find an alternate match who would no demand dowry and would want an equal partner in marriage.
- To begin with Rani herself was uneasy about this alliance and should never go ahead with it.
Reason for dowry
- Customs and traditions – A majority of dowry-related cases in India take place to adhere to the customs and traditions of the Indian society. People tend to follow what has been followed through the years and stick to such customs even if it causes discomfort to them.
- Social structure – The Indian society is mainly patriarchal and the dowry system is largely the manifestation of the patriarchal nature of the Indian society where women are being considered as a burden on the family and giving dowry is one kind of compensation for transferring its burden whereas male offsprings are considered to be superior and breadwinners thus making families demand dowry for them.
- Fear of ill-treatment – Many families in India give dowry to get rid of their insecurity of ill-treatment of their daughters by their in-laws. There is a perception that giving dowry will ensure their daughter’s security after marriage and non-discrimination.
- Societal pressure – Many a time, it becomes a matter of status to give dowry. In Indian society, it has become a common phenomenon to measure one’s status by the amount of money one spends on their daughter’s marriage. Similarly, the more educated and well-to-do family, the groom belongs to, the amount of dowry is that high. The pressure thus increases on both fronts, on the bride’s side to pay more, on the groom’s side to demand more.
- Social constraints – Compulsion to marry within one’s caste or clan further intensifies the problem. These limitations deplete the pool of desirable grooms leading to a lack of desirable options thus helping the desirable side to demand more.
- Illiteracy – Lack of education and awareness among people persuades them to give and demand dowry. If families were aware that women have equal status as men and they are not to be treated as a burden, then this system might have not perpetuated.
Eliminating the practice of dowry
- Proper implementation of anti-dowry laws may help. In addition, misuse of such laws must be checked.
- Women should be encouraged to become self-dependent and efforts should be made to make education accessible to every girl child.
- Efforts to spread awareness should be made against dowry and dowry-related violence and women should be made aware of their rights. Awareness campaigns should be organised at school and local levels.
- People should be encouraged not to practice such traditions which harm women rather treat women at par with their male counterparts and help them live a dignified life.
- Social practices like marriage within one’s caste or clan should be abolished so that there is the availability of a wide range of choices and women are not forced to enter into marriage with a person with dowry demands.
Conclusion
As we see, the problem of dowry is multi-faceted with several dimensions to be dealt with. The causes of dowry and its effects have grim implications for society. With women playing a major role in society, the onus lies with them as well to fight this social evil and help other women stand against it. Women education and their empowerment with change in the social mindset is the way forward.
Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE
Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE
Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelHERE
Follow our Twitter Account HERE
Follow our Instagram ID HERE
Follow us on LinkedIn : HERE
