[Mission 2023] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 19 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: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.

1. The debates between the Northern states and the Southern states leading up to the American Civil War were rooted in a complex set of political, economic, and social differences. Examine. (250 words)

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 various causes of American civil war.

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 context of American Civil war between northern states and southern states.

Body:

First, write major various factors that caused the outbreak of American civil war – Political, Economic and Social causes.

Next, examine whether the civil war was primarily a power conflict between the states or was fought for the issue of slavery? Give examples to substantiate your points.

Conclusion:

Pass a judgement regarding the primary cause of civil war.

Introduction

The American Civil War remains the deadliest conflict in American history with a death toll that surpasses the combined total of American deaths in the first and second World Wars. In some ways, it was the first modern conflict, with the use of armoured warships, railways, and telegraphs.

The causes of the Civil War were complex and numerous but ultimately stemmed from the question of slavery. Slavery had always been a point of contention in the United States, but the rapid expansion of the US in the first half of the 19th century served to heighten this issue. New territories raised the question of how they would function, whether as free or slave states.

Body

Background

• The secession of the Southern states (in chronological order, South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina) in 1860–61 and the ensuing outbreak of armed hostilities were the culmination of decades of growing sectional friction over slavery.
• A common explanation is that the Civil War was fought over the moral issue of slavery.
• In fact, it was the economics of slavery and political control of that system that was central to the conflict.

North vs South: American civil war

• The South was a primarily agricultural economy centred around the production of raw materials, particularly cotton. With the use of slaves, the labor burden largely fell on black shoulders while the rewards fell into a small number of white hands.
  • Rather than invest profits in industry and infrastructure, wealthy Southerners instead bought more slaves and more land.
• States’ rights: The Southern states wanted to assert their authority over the federal government so they could abolish federal laws they didn’t support, especially laws interfering with the South’s right to keep slaves and take them wherever they wished.
• Territorial expansion: The South wished to take slavery into the western territories, while the North was committed to keeping them open to white labour alone.
  • Meanwhile, the newly formed Republican party, whose members were strongly opposed to the westward expansion of slavery into new states, was gaining prominence.
• The election of a Republican, Abraham Lincoln, as President in 1860 sealed the deal. His victory, without a single Southern electoral vote, was a clear signal to the Southern states that they had lost all influence.
• Feeling excluded from the political system, they turned to the only alternative they believed was left to them: secession, a political decision that led directly to war.

Conclusion

While slavery and its various and multifaceted discontents were the primary cause of disunion, it was disunion itself that sparked the war. The problem for Americans who, in the age of Lincoln, wanted slaves to be free was not simply that southerners wanted the opposite, but that they themselves cherished a conflicting value: they wanted the Constitution, which protected slavery, to be honoured, and the Union, which had fellowship with slaveholders, to be preserved. Thus, they were committed to values that could not logically be reconciled.

Topic: Role of women and women’s organization

2. Kudumbashree’s multi-faceted approach plays a significant role in empowering women and fighting poverty by providing various support mechanisms and opportunities. Elaborate. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Down to Earth

Why the question:

The article highlights the 25-year journey of Kudumbashree, a women’s collective in Kerala, India, and its interventions to empower women and combat poverty.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the role of Kudumbashree in women empowerment.

Directive word: 

Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start by giving aims and objectives of Kudumbashree.

Body:

Write about the role of Kudumbashree in women empowerment – economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and income-generating activities, providing microfinance and credit support, offering livelihood opportunities, and focusing on skill development and capacity building, fosters social empowerment, encourages women’s participation in governance, and contributes to poverty eradication efforts. Cite examples and statistics to substantiate.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

The ‘Kudumbashree’ SHG was started in 1998 by the CPI (M)-led government in Kerala. The Kudumbashree groups are, however, not affiliated to any political party. It was envisioned as a part of the People’s Plan Campaign and local self-governance, with women at the centre of it. In its conceptualisation, it was markedly different from the self-help group (SHG) movements in many parts of India.

The thrift and credit activities at the grassroots level through the formations of saving groups is a common feature. However, the structure and functioning of the Kudumbashree model largely differed.

Body

Kudumbashree: Structure and features

• Kudumbashree has a three-tier structure.
• The first is the basic unit which is the neighbourhood groups (NGs).
• There could be several such units within a ward and they are networked through the area development societies (ADS).
• All ADSs are federated through the community development societies (CDS).
• There are core committees of elected coordinators at all three levels.
• There are at least five in each NG, seven or more at the ADS level and around 21 at the CDS level.
• Unlike in other States, all the coordinators are elected in Kerala.
• Each Kudumbashree member has a vote, and direct elections for the NG coordinators are held every three years.
• These people, in turn, elect the coordinators of the ADS who elect the members of the CDS.
• A majority of members of the coordinator groups have to belong to women below the poverty line or from comparatively poorer sections.
• Besides, there is reservation for Dalit and Adivasi women.
• At the district and State levels, employees/officers of the government are appointed on deputation to help the Kudumbashree groups.

 Role of Kudumbashree and their significance

• Case study: Workers of the Kudumbasree poverty eradication and women empowerment programme played a big role in clean-up in the Kerala’s flood hit areas.
  • Around 4, 00,000 women of Kudumbasree self-mobilised across the State to do relief work. The secular composition of Kudumbasree acts as a facilitator for the secularisation of public spaces.
  • The community farms run by Kudumbasree groups are acknowledged as a critical avenue for the rejuvenation of agricultural production in Kerala.
• Kudumbasree training courses are quite comprehensive and include women’s rights, knowledge of constitutional and legal provisions, training in banking practices, and training in skills to set up micro-enterprises. The Kudumbasree model can be implemented across India, with the same secular and gender-sensitive spirit.
• COVID-19 Response: They manufactured and supplied masks and sanitisers during the pandemic.
• Women’s Empowerment: Mobilized women for community activities and grassroots planning. Enabled women’s participation in local bodies after enforcing the 33% women’s reservation policy
• Consultancy Work and Poverty Reduction: Kudumbashree’s success in poverty reduction was highlighted by studies and surveys, including the Multidimensional Poverty Index by NITI Aayog. The extended consultancy works on women’s empowerment in 13 other states, sharing knowledge and expertise.
• Economic Empowerment: Kudumbashree has helped marginalized women become successful entrepreneurs and income generators.
• Food security: g., It has established “Janakeeya Hotels” across the state, offering affordable meals.
  • Currently, it operates 125 restaurants providing meals for just Rs 20.
• Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation: Donated Rs 7 crore to the Chief Minister’s distress relief fund during the devastating floods in Kerala. Provided counselling to over 8,000 families affected by the floods.

Conclusion

Kudumbashree operates at the grassroots level, organizing women into neighbourhood groups (NHGs), which then form larger community-level and ward-level organizations. This ‘Made in Kerala’ model can be implemented across India, if it is done with the same secular and gender-sensitive spirit.

General Studies – 2

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

3. Adoption is a complex process that involves significant legal, social, and emotional considerations. There is a need for a child-centric adoption policy is essential to ensure the well-being and rights of the child are prioritized. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Times on India , The Hindu

Why the question:

The article highlights that the Indian government has made adjustments to leave rules to encourage pre-adoption foster care. The policy change aims to provide prospective adoptive parents with the flexibility to take leave during the foster care period before formal adoption.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the issues in adoption of children in India and the need to have a child centric adoption policy.

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:

In brief, give a scenario of adoption in India.

Body:

In the first part, write about various laws and rules that govern the adoption process in the country.

Next, mention the various issues in the adoption policies in the country – issues with CARA, informal adoption, delays, lack of emphasis on child welfare etc.

Mention the changes that are required to the adoption policy in India. Include the recommendations of the Parliamentary panel on the same.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

Adoption in India is a test of patience with tedious paperwork and bureaucratic delays. From 2020 to 2022, around 9,000 children in India were adopted, according to the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA). As of September 2022, 1,800 children are up for adoption.

However, legal procedures and its numerous technicalities can prove tedious and emotionally taxing. Some estimates show that it can take almost three years to adopt a legally available child.

The Indian government has made adjustments to leave rules to encourage pre-adoption foster care. The policy change aims to provide prospective adoptive parents with the flexibility to take leave during the foster care period before formal adoption.

Body

Various laws and rules that govern the adoption process in the country

• The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) law was enacted in 2015.
  • It is a secular law and all persons are free to adopt children under this law. It also allows the adoption of Children of relatives.
  • Only, those children can be adopted who are declared legally eligible for adoption under the Juvenile Justice Act.
• Adoption Regulations of 2017:
  • Rehabilitation of all orphaned, abandoned, and surrendered children is regulated by the strict mandatory procedures of the Adoption Regulations.
  • Violation of the Juvenile Justice Act and the Adoption Regulations invites punishment up to three years and a fine of ₹1 lakh, or both.
• CARA (The Central Adoption Resource Authority):
  • The Juvenile Justice Rules of 2016 and the Adoption Regulations of 2017 provided for the creation of CARA.
  • It is a statutory body, and it looks after the regulation, monitoring, and control of all intra-country and inter-country adoptions.
  • India became the signatory to the Hague Convention on Protection of Childrenand Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoptions. Thus, CARA was designated as the nodal agency to grant a no-objection certificate for all inter-country adoptions.
• India is also a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: It provides a legal mandate of all authorities and courts to offer protection to children.

Various issues in the adoption policies in the country 

• Declining Statistics and Institutional Apathy:
  • There is a wide gap between adoptable children and prospective parents, which may increase the length of the adoption process.
  • Data shows that while more than 29,000 prospective parents are willing to adopt,just 2,317 children are available for adoption.
• Returning Children after Adoption:
  • Between 2017-19, the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)faced an unusual upsurge in adoptive parents returning children after adopting.
    • Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)is a statutory body of the Ministry of Women & Child Development. It functions as the nodal body for adoption of Indian children and is mandated to monitor and regulate in-country and inter-country adoptions.
  • According to the data,60% of all children returned were girls, 24% were children with special needs, and many were older than six.
    • The primary reason these ‘disruptions’ occur is that disabled children and older children take much longer to adjustto their adoptive families.
    • This isprimarily because older children find it challenging to adjust to a new environment because institutions do not prepare or counsel children about living with a new family.
  • Disability and Adoption:
    • Only 40 children with disabilities were adopted between 2018 and 2019, accounting for approximately 1% of the total number of children adopted in the year.
    • Annual trends reveal that domestic adoptions of children with special needs are dwindling with each passing year.
  • Manufactured Orphans and Child Trafficking:
    • In 2018, Ranchi’s Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity came under fire for its “baby-selling racket” after a nun from the shelter confessed to selling four children.
      • Similar instances are becoming increasingly common as the pool of children available for adoption shrinks and waitlisted parents grow restless.
    • Also, during the pandemic, cases of threat of child traffickingand illegal adoption rackets came into play.
      • These rackets usually source children from poor or marginalised families, and unwed women are coaxed or misled into submitting their children to trafficking organisations.
    • LGBTQ+ Parenthood and Reproductive Autonomy:
      • Despite the constant evolution of the definition of a family, the ‘ideal’ Indian family nucleus still constitutes a husband, a wife and daughter(s) and son(s).
        • In February 2021, while addressing petitions seeking the legal recognition of LGBTQI+marriages, the government opined that LGBTQI+ relationships could not be compared to the “Indian family unit concept” of a husband, wife and children.
      • The invalidity of LGBTQI+ marriages and relationships in the eyes of the law obstructs LGBTQI+ persons from becoming parentsbecause the minimum eligibility for a couple to adopt a child is the proof of their marriage.
      • To negotiate these unfavourable legalities, illegal adoptions are becoming increasingly common among queer communities.
        • Moreover, provisions under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2020and Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2020 completely exclude LGBTQI+ families, stripping them of their reproductive autonomy.

Changes that are required to the adoption policy in India

• Need to Prioritise Children’s Welfare: The primary purpose of giving a child in adoption is his welfare and restoring his or her right to family.
  • CARA and the ministry must accord attention to the vulnerable and invisible community of children silently suffering in our institutions.
• Need to Strengthen the Institutional Mandates: The adoption ecosystem needs to transition from a parent-centric perspective to a child-centric approach.
• Need to Adopt an Inclusive Approach: There is a need to adopt an inclusive approach that focuses on the needs of a child to create an environment of acceptance, growth, and well being, thus recognising children as equal stakeholders in the adoption process.
• Adoption Process Needs to Simplified: The process of adoption needs to be simplified by taking a close relook at the various regulations guiding the procedure of adoption.
  • The ministry can engage with concerned experts working in this field to get feedback on the practical difficulties which prospective parents are facing.

Conclusion

No doubt, the country should take care of its children orphaned due to circumstances, but even as it acknowledges that institutionalisation may be detrimental over the long term, it should pay equal attention to the finer aspects of child care, and allow itself to be guided by a child-centric philosophy. There are no shortcuts in ensuring orphaned children come to no harm.

Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

4. What are the key findings and projections mentioned in the World Meteorological Organization’s report on temperature trends? Evaluate the potential consequences of rising temperatures and the challenges they pose for global sustainability. Suggest measures to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and promote a sustainable future. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued its annual update on its projections for temperature trends in the next decade. The prognosis, expectedly, is worrying.

Key Demand of the question: .

To write about the key findings from the World Meteorological Organization’s report, analyzing the consequences of rising temperatures, and suggesting measures for mitigation and sustainability.

Directive Word:

Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to 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. There is scope for forming an opinion here.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context.

Body:

First, write about the major observations of World Meteorological Organization’s report on temperature trends.

Next, write about how the major implications from the above consequences and threats they pose.

Next, write about the measures that are needed to overcome the same.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued its annual update on its projections for temperature trends in the next decade. The prognosis, expectedly, is worrying. While world leaders at climate summits are in agreement, few of their actions are consistent with keeping temperature-rise within this rubicon, with current climate policies poised to heat the globe beyond 2°C by the end of the century.

Body

Findings of WMO’s report on temperature trends

• The annual mean global near-surface temperature for each year between 2023 and 2027 is likely to be1°-1.8°C higher than the average from 1850-1900.
• There is a 66% chance that the global near-surface temperature will exceed5°C above pre-industrial levels, in at least one year before 2027 though it is unlikely that the five-year mean will exceed this threshold.
• The 1.5°C threshold, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has repeatedly said, is one that is best left unbreached to avoid the disastrous consequences of global warming.
• At least one of the years, the WMO adds, from 2023 to 2027 will be the hottest on record — exceeding the 14.84°C reported in 2016 (it was about 0.07°C warmer than the previous record set in 2015).
• The five-year mean for 2023-2027 was very likely to be higher than that in the last five years (2018-2022). The oceans too are on fire.
• The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is likely to be positive in December to February 2023-24, meaning that the Central Equatorial Pacific Ocean is likely to be at least half a degree, more likely over a degree above what is normal. India is bracing for this El Niño during the monsoon, with the India Meteorological Department already indicating that monsoon rainfall will be on the lower side of ‘normal’.

Consequences of rising temperatures

• As the climate heats up, rainfall patterns change, evaporation increases, glaciers melt and sea levels rise. All these factors affect the availability of fresh water. More frequent and severe droughts and rising water temperatures are expected to cause a decrease in water quality.
• Higher temperatures are also expected to cause a shift in the geographical distribution of climate zones. These changes are altering the distribution and abundance of many plant and animal species, which are already under pressure from habitat loss and pollution.
• Temperature rises are also likely to influence phenology – the behaviour and lifecycles of animal and plant species. This could in turn lead to increased numbers of pests and invasive species, and a higher incidence of certain human diseases.
• Meanwhile, the yields and viability of agriculture and livestock, or the capacity of ecosystems to provide important services and goods (such as the supply of clean water or cool and clean air) could be diminished.
• Higher temperatures increase the evaporation of water, which – together with the lack of precipitation – increases the risks of severe droughts.
• Low-temperature extremes (cold spells, frosty days) could become less frequent in Europe. However, global warming affects the predictability of events and therefore our capacity to respond effectively.
• Hotter oceans also mean stronger cyclones. Cyclone Mocha, which barrelled through Myanmar this week and claimed at least 60 lives and wrought severe damage, ended up being stronger than what was initially estimated.

Efforts to mitigate effects of climate change

• Deploying lower-carbon Energy:
  • There are four main types of low-carbon energy: wind, solar, hydro or nuclear power. The first three are renewable, which means these are good for the environment – as natural resources are used (such as wind or sun) to produce electricity.
  • Deploying lower carbon energy would help address both domestic and international climate challenges while simultaneously improving the economic well-being of India’s citizens.
• Mainstreaming Renewable energy:
  • India’s energy mix is dominated by coal powered electric generation stations as of now.
  • The need of the hour is increase the share of renewable energy in this energy mix.
• Focus on Energy Efficiency:
  • Will need energy efficient buildings, lighting, appliances and industrial practices to meet the net-zero goal.
• Increased usage of Biofuels:
  • Can help reduce emissions from light commercial vehicles, tractors in agriculture.
  • In aviation, the only practical solution for reducing emissions is greater use of biofuels, until hydrogen technology gains scale.
• Transition towards Electric vehicles:
  • This will further help curb the carbon emissions.
• Carbon Sequestration:
  • India will have to rely on natural and man-made carbon sinks to soak up those emissions. Trees can capture 0.9 billion tons; the country will need carbon capture technologies to sequester the rest.
• Carbon Pricing:
  • India, which already taxes coal and petroleum fuels, should consider putting a tax on emissions to drive change.

Conclusion

India, dependent as it is on rain-fed agriculture and with its long coastline, will be severely tested due to changes in the global climate. India’s abilities at forecasting cyclones and weather anomalies have improved but developing resilience is far more challenging. Greater investments in bolstering disaster-related infrastructure are the need of the hour.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

5. India holds a significant position in the worldwide pharmaceutical industry. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of India’s presence in this sector. Propose measures to address the weaknesses. (250 words)

Difficulty level:  Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

The article discusses how India’s drug regulatory regime can enhance credibility for the country’s pharmaceutical industry.

Key Demand of the question:

To have a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses in the pharmaceutical industry and to suggest adequate measures to address the issues.

Directive word: 

Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to 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. There is scope for forming an opinion here.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by highlighting the extent of pharmaceutical industry in India.

Body:

First, mention the potential of pharma industry – India is the largest provider of generic drugs globally. Indian pharmaceutical sector supplies over 50% of global demand for various vaccines, 40% of generic demand in the US and 25% of all medicine in the UK. Globally, India ranks 3rd in terms of pharmaceutical production by volume and 14th by value.

Next, write about the limitations.

Next, give a point by point analysis of major areas of reforms needed such as revising the age old The New Drugs, Cosmetics and Medical Devices Act, need to bring in a regulatory structure in the context of e pharmacy and teleconsultations, better clarity in the issue of Licenses as per Drugs and Cosmetics Act (DCA) of 1940 etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by saying that India should focus on a comprehensive, clear and concise regulatory structure meeting the needs of the new age pharmaceutical industry.

Introduction

The Indian pharmaceutical industry is one of the major contributors to the Indian economy and it is the world’s third-largest industry by volume. The Indian pharmaceutical industry’s success can be credited to its world-class capabilities in formulation development, entrepreneurial abilities of its people, and the vision of its business leaders to establish India’s footprint in the United States and other large international markets.

Body

Strengths of Indian Pharmaceutical Sector

• According to the Economic Survey of 2020-21, the Indian pharmaceuticals sector is expected to expand multifold and become a $ 130 billion industry by 2030, while medicine spending is projected to grow rapidly too, leading India to become one of the top 10 countries in terms of such expenditure.
• Potential of Pharma sector: The Indian pharmaceutical industry, valued at $41 billion, is expected to grow to $65 billion by 2024 and $120-130 billion by 2030, noted the new Economic survey.
• Rise in exports: Indian pharma exports have registered a growth of 103 percent since 2013-14. This happens to be Pharma Sector’ best export performance ever till 2021-22.
• Positive growth: Drug formulations, biologicals have consistently registered positive growth and the highest increase in absolute terms in recent months.
  • This led to a rise in its share to 7.1 percent in April-November 2020 from 5 percent in April-November 2019, making it the second-largest exported commodity among the top 10 export commodities.
  • This shows that India has the potential to be the ‘pharmacy of the world’”, the survey said.
• In 1969, Indian pharmaceuticals had a 5 per cent share of the market in India, and global pharma had a 95 per cent share. By 2020, it was the reverse, with Indian pharma having an almost 85 per cent share and global, 15 per cent.
• Significant advantage: The availability of a significant raw material base and skilled workforce have enabled India to emerge as an international manufacturing hub for generic medicines.
• Further, India is the only country with the largest number of USFDA compliant pharma plants (more than 262 including APIs) outside of the US.
• Capacity: The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that India can not only innovate but also rapidly distribute time-critical drugs to every part of the globe that needs it.
• Global leader: Presently, over 80% of the antiretroviral drugs used globally to combat AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) are supplied by Indian pharmaceutical firms.

Issues facing the Pharma industry:

• Overdependence: Indian pharma industries import about 80% of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients(API) from China. The API forms the base of drugs. With trade-wars at global levels and wavering bilateral relations, there is a looming threat which can stall the Indian pharma industries. In FY19, Indian pharma companies imported bulk drugs and intermediates worth $2.4 million from China.
• Compliance issues and good manufacturing practices: Diversifying the global market has been a problem with countries China and USA imposing Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary(SPS) barriers of WTO against generic drugs. The selective targeting by US Food and Drug Administration and Chinese Drug regulators are a problem still.
• Drug Price Control Order: The companies sight that the reforms of the Government for the essential medicines has caused them to lower the price of drugs. This has been done by the Government for the betterment of the public.
• Stronger IP regulations: IP regulation has always been a thorn in the skin for the companies, especially the foreign companies. The companies strongly feel that the rules have to be amended and the so-called victim of the lax regulations have been the foreign entrants.
• Because of fewer costs associated with generic medicines, multiple applications for generic drugs are often approved to market a single product; this creates competition in the marketplace globally, typically resulting in lower prices. Pharma sector in India is also facing steep headwinds on account of this.
• There is a lack of proper assessment of the performance of the pharmaceutical industry and its efficiency and productivity and due to this many plants have not survived.
• Unregulated online pharmacies or e-pharmacies emerging in India have been a major concern for authorized setups.
• There has been a significant drop in the flow of prescriptions as the Indian pharmaceutical industry has been witnessing a decline in the overall quality of its medical representatives (MRs). This is mainly on account of lack of training and support by the industry.
• In countries such as Russia, one requires to be a medical graduate to be a pharma sales representative. In the European Union, one needs to pass stringent examinations to become an MR. Once they qualify, they need to renew their certification every three years. But in India, even non-graduates are performing as MRs without proper guidance.

Measures needed:

• India’s strong innovation capabilities aided partnerships would help in overcoming these problems.
• Developing our R&D sector to reduce dependency on foreign countries for raw materials
• The introduction of pharmaceutical product patents and the mandatory implementation of good manufacturing practices is the need of the hour.
• It is necessary for the Indian pharmaceutical industry to become globally competitive through world-class manufacturing capabilities, with improved quality and a higher efficiency of production, and there is a need to stress on the up-gradation of R&D capabilities.
• Training and development of human resources for the pharmaceutical industry and drug research and development should be done accordingly;
• There is also a need to promote public-private partnership for the development of the pharmaceuticals industry; promote environmentally sustainable development of the pharmaceutical industry; and enable the availability, accessibility, and affordability of drugs.
• Improvement in industrial practices to provide better training and support services for employees to perform their job functions.
• Using multilateral organisation like WTO against the illegal trade practices.
• Funding for the pharma companies might be a way to move forward.
• IPR Think Tank formed by the Government to draft stronger national IP policies.

Conclusion:

The affordability of healthcare is an issue of concern even in India, and people here would welcome some clarity on the principles of fair pricing vis-à-vis medical products. It is important that the accused companies are given a good hearing. The Government of India has taken up a number of initiatives to create an ecosystem that fosters manufacturing in pharma industries.

Topic: challenges of corruption.

6. While it is true that corruption can enable some less efficient individuals to advance temporarily, it is important to recognize the broader negative impacts it has on society. Comment. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

 Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about how corruption enables less efficient to move ahead at the cost of more efficient and overall impact of corruption on the society.

Directive:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by giving context of corruption as a shortcut for success.

Body:

Write about the various ways in which less efficient people use corruption as means to go ahead of more deserving and more efficient people in the society using unfair and nefarious ways. Substantiate with examples.

Next, write about the ways in which the above can be avoided.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

Corruption is dishonest behavior by those in positions of power. It starts with the tendency of using public office for some personal benefit. Moreover, it is unfortunate that corruption has, for many, become a matter of habit. It is so deeply entrenched that corruption is now considered a social norm. Hence, corruption implies the failure of ethics.

Body

Importance of fighting corruption:

• Corruption is an insidious plague that has a wide range of corrosive effects on societies. It undermines rule of law, leads to violations of human rights and allows organized crime to flourish.
• Corruption in India is not limited to collusive high-level scams.
• Petty corruption, which affects the delivery of basic services and rights to people, is rampant.
• Corruption impacts societies in a multitude of ways. In the worst cases, it costs lives. Short of this, it costs people their freedom, health or money. The cost of corruption can be divided into four main categories: political, economic, social and environmental.
• On the political front, corruption is a major obstacle to democracy and the rule of law. In a democratic system, offices and institutions lose their legitimacy when they’re misused for private advantage. This is harmful in established democracies, but even more so in newly emerging ones. It is extremely challenging to develop accountable political leadership in a corrupt climate.
• Economically, corruption depletes national wealth. Corrupt politicians invest scarce public resources in projects that will line their pockets rather than benefit communities, and prioritise high-profile projects such as dams, power plants, pipelines and refineries over less spectacular but more urgent infrastructure projects such as schools, hospitals and roads. Corruption also hinders the development of fair market structures and distorts competition, which in turn deters investment.
• Corruption corrodes the social fabric of society. It undermines people’s trust in the political system, in its institutions and its leadership. A distrustful or apathetic public can then become yet another hurdle to challenging corruption. This especially impacts the poor and marginalized, who are most dependent on public provisioning of rations, pensions, health, and education. Serious cases of several big corruptions have surfaced in the last five years, including banking frauds and the Rafale deal. The popular sentiment that helped the incumbent Government in the 2014 general election was resentment against corruption in public life.
• Environmental degradationis another consequence of corrupt systems. The lack of, or non-enforcement of, environmental regulations and legislation means that precious natural resources are carelessly exploited, and entire ecological systems are ravaged. From mining, to logging, to carbon offsets, companies across the globe continue to pay bribes in return for unrestricted destruction

Measures to curb corruption:

The solution to the problem of corruption has to be more systemic than any other issue of governance. Merely shrinking the economic role of the state by resorting to deregulation, liberalization and privatization is not necessarily the solution to addressing the problem.

• Adopting effective and coordinated policies against corruption
• Developing a coherent anti-corruption policy which identifies the causes of corruption and commits to practical, coordinated and effective measures to address these causes is a prerequisite for success.
• Fair and transparent system of public procurement

• Establishing a procurement system, built on the principles of objectivity, transparency and competition, is important to both saving public money and to ensuring that the policy and developmental objectives of the government are met.
  • : GeM Government E-market Placeis a step in the right directions. With this, Public Finance Management System also helps in tracking the real-time usage of funds.

• Strengthened transparency and public reporting

• An informed society with free access to information is a strong deterrent to corruption.
• This underlines the importance of transparency, public reporting and access to information in preventing corruption.
• Right to Information needs to be strengthened to make the public officials and governments more accountable to the citizens.
• Citizens must be Vigilant: Otherwise, like Plato said “The punishment suffered by the wise who refuse to take part in government, is to suffer under the government of bad men”

• Institutional monitoring and legislative reforms

• Prevalent institutional arrangements have to be reviewed and changes made where those vested with power are made accountable, their functioning made more transparent and subjected to social audit with a view to minimize discretionary decisions.
• Napoleon who said, ‘Law should be so succinct that it can be carried in the pocket of the coat and it should be so simple that it can be understood by a peasant’.
• The2^ndARC recommended that The Prevention of Corruption Act should be amended to ensure that sanctioning authorities are not summoned and instead the documents can be obtained and produced before the courts by the appropriate authority.

• E-governance

• The focus should be on e-governance and systemic change. An honest system of governance will displace dishonest persons.

• Other Reforms

• All procedures, laws and regulations that breed corruption and come in the way of efficient delivery system will have to be eliminated.
• The perverse system of incentives in public life, which makes corruption a high return low risk activity, need to be addressed.
• In this context, public example has to be made out of people convicted on corruption charge

Second ARC guidelines to prevent corruption

• Vigilance and Corruption:
  • Strengthening pro-active vigilance to eliminate corruption and harassment to honest civil servants including, wherever necessary, limiting executive discretion.
  • Addressing systemic deficiencies manifesting in reluctance to punish the corrupt.
  • Identify procedures, rules and regulations and factors which lead to corruption.
• Relationship between Political Executive and Permanent Civil Service: Improvements in the institutional arrangements for smooth, efficient and harmonious relationship between civil service and the political executive is needed.
• Code of Conduct for different organs of Government: This includes Political Executive, Civil Services, etc.

Conclusion

“Rivers do not drink their waters themselves, nor do trees eat their fruit, nor do the clouds eat the grains raised by them. The wealth of the noble is used solely for the benefit of others.”

Corruption needs to be rooted out from the very core of our nation, so that there is justiciable distribution of resources in the country leading to inclusive growth and ‘Sabka Vikas.’

General Studies – 4

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

7. Philanthropy has deep roots in Indian culture, stemming from the principles of dharma (duty), seva (selfless service), and the concept of giving back to society. Discuss. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about rich philanthropic culture of India.

Directive:

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 giving context.

Body:

Write about the Philanthropy in India – from business houses to individuals – trace the journey of great philanthropes of India since independence and right up to the COVID-19 and the PM cares fund.

Highlight the significance of the above.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

For India, philanthropy is not a new phenomenon. The culture of philanthropy is as old as India itself, which has a history spanning thousands of years. One who enjoys abundance without sharing with others is indeed a thief, says the Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Mahabharata.

There are many who continue to imbibe these values even though the India of today may bear little resemblance to the civilization described in these ancient texts.

Body

Take the case of Suhasini Mistry, a poor domestic help who set up a charitable hospital called Humanity Hospital in Hanspukur, Joka, West Bengal.

At 23, Mistry lost her husband and had to fend for herself and her four children. Her husband died because they could not afford proper medical treatment. The memory stayed with Mistry, and she decided to try and help people who may face similar difficulties.

She did a host of odd jobs from cleaning dishes to selling vegetables, and managed to save ₹ 20,000, while educating her son Ajoy Mistry to become a doctor with the help of some philanthropists. In 1996, with the help of some locals and her savings, she set up a small hospital, working out of a hut. Today, the hospital is run under the umbrella of Humanity Trust.

Charity and philanthropy has been in the ethos of the Indian traditions. Individuals and religious institutions have been contributing to the welfare of the poor since antiquity. Alms giving, offering food, and giving zakat, the Muslim tradition of giving, are some of the forms of charity motivated by Indian religious beliefs

Conclusion

It is at the heart and soul of ethos of India and Indians to be charitable. The greater good of people and society is the main aim of philanthropy. The idea is to improve human welfare around us and make the world a better place for those who are under-privileged.

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