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: Salient features of world’s physical geography.
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:
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:
Give a brief about Tropical savannas or grasslands that they are associated with the tropical wet and dry climate type.
Body:
First, write about the factors conducive for Savanna type of climate – tropical regions 8° to 20° from the Equator, warm to hot, The dry season is associated with the low sun period etc.
Next, mention that the Savanna climate provides for a diverse vegetation such as grasslands, hardy weather proofed trees and diverse fauna and mention different Savanna regions such as East African, Llanos, Pampas etc and how they differently impact their ecology.
Next, mention the various threats such as water logging, fire, drought, grazing etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stating that in the present context of Climate change it is imperative to address the threats faced by the Savannas and ensure ecological balance.
Introduction
Savanna regions have two distinct seasons – a wet season and a dry season. There is very little rain in the dry season. In the wet season vegetation grows, including lush green grasses and wooded areas. As you move further away from the equator and its heavy rainfall, the grassland becomes drier and drier – particularly in the dry season.
Body
Savannas – also known as tropical grasslands – are found to the north and south of tropical rainforest biomes. The largest expanses of savanna are in Africa, where much of the central part of the continent, for example Kenya and Tanzania, consists of tropical grassland. Savanna grasslands can also be found in Brazil in South America.
Various factors that affect the formation of Savanna type of climate
- Savanna type of climate is located between 5°-20° latitudes on either side of the equator.
- Thus, savanna climate is located between equatorial type of climate (Af) and semi-arid and subtropical humid climate.
- In other words, this climate is located between equatorial low pressure belt or rain producing inter-tropical convergence and subtropical high pressure belt.
- The regions of Savanna climate are affected by low and high pressure systems in a year.
- Due to northward migration of the sun during summer solstice (21 June) the equatorial low pressure belt and doldrum are shifted northward and thus Savanna climate comes under the influence of Inter Tropical Convergence (ITC) which is associated with atmospheric disturbances (cyclones) which yield rains.
- Due to southward migration of the sun during winter solstice (23 December) Savanna climatic zone comes under the influence of subtropical high pressure belt and thus anticyclonic conditions dominate the weather and bring dry conditions.
- The descending stable winds under anticyclonic conditions cause dry conditions.
- Besides, the coastal areas are affected by local winds and sea breezes.
- Eastern coasts are influenced by trade winds. Strong and high velocity tropical cyclones dominate the weather conditions during warm season.
- It is apparent that the Savanna type of climate is induced due to the introduction of wet summer and dry winter seasons because of northward and southward migration of the sun respectively.
- Since the Savanna climate is located between equatorial wet and tropical dry climates and hence there is gradual variation in weather conditions away from the equator as the aridity increases poleward.
Various threats to Savanna biomes
- Anthropogenic activities
- Unsustainable water usage and irrigation methods could potentially dry up life-giving rivers and water holes.
- In regions where indigenous people regularly include bushmeat – wild meat – in their diet, ungulate populations have dropped at noticeable rates.
- Some savanna wildlife is also hunted as trophies; black rhinoceroses, in particular, are hunted for their valuable horns.
- Even some plant species are over-harvested due to their commercial value.
- Carvings made from African Blackwood, a savanna tree, are often sold at tourists’ markets.
- Agriculture, drought and Heavy Grazing
- Agriculture is another environmental threat to the savanna. Large areas of land are being cleared to grow crops and farm livestock. The livestock competes with local animals for grazing and can decimate the natural ecosystem.
- Prolonged, severe drought has a dangerous effect on a savanna ecosystem, with grazing patterns exacerbating this effect.
- The combination of severe drought and grazing can change a grassland of primarily edible, perennial grasses to a savanna dominated by inedible grasses and plants.
- Desertification
- Tropical savannas often border on arid, desert regions, and the spread of desert-like conditions into dry grassland areas is called desertification.
- This threat to a savanna ecosystem include effects caused by climate change, farming practices, overgrazing, aggressive agricultural irrigation, which lowers the level of the water table away from plant roots, deforestation and erosion.
- Each year, over 46,000 square kilometers of African savanna becomes desert.
- Carbon Emissions
- A 2012 survey attributed large increases in woody plant mass to the “CO2 fertilization effect.” The authors posited that the increase in the rate of woody plant growth was caused by increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide.
- A dramatic increase in the amount of trees and shrubs could threaten the entire savanna ecosystem, as these plants use more water than grasses.
Conclusion
While forests are undoubtedly great carbon sinks, grasslands are not all that far behind. Studies reveal that restoring grasslands is an immensely effective and economical way to combat climate change, as these landscapes store large amounts of carbon below ground. When a nuanced and informed understanding of the importance of grasslands filters into conservation and climate change policies, it will be win-win for pastoralists, grassland biodiversity, and the planet.
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the developments in sculpture during the Chola period.
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:
Begin by giving context about the grandeur of the Chola sculpture.
Body:
First, write about the Chola sculptures – salient and important features, marked changes which were started during this period and emphasis on Hindu iconography. Substantiate with examples.
Next, write about the overall nature of the sculptures which portray a classic grace, grandeur and taste.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
The Cholas belonged to one of the three mighty dynasties that ruled the Tamil country in the early historical period. Described as the Muvendhar in the Sangam literature, they were known for the valour and for their patronage of the Tamil language.
Bronze sculptures and statuettes of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain icons have been discovered from many regions of India dating from the second century until the sixteenth century. Most of these were used for ritual worship and are characterised by exquisite beauty and aesthetic appeal. the ‘Dancing Girl’ from Mohenjo-Daro is the earliest bronze sculpture datable to 2500 BCE.
Body
A Chola-era Buddha idol that was reportedly stolen from Arpakkam near Kancheepuram is now stuck with the Department of Homeland Security in the U.S., without any claim having been made by the Indian authorities.
- The Chola period is also remarkable for its sculptures and bronzes.
- The sculptures and bronzes show classic grace, grandeur and taste. The best example of this can be seen in the form of Nataraja, the Divine Dancer.
- After Nataraja, the next most popular image is Somaskanda where Shiva is depicted sitting with his consort Uma and his son Skanda dancing between them on a platform.
- Kalyanasundara Murti is a 9th century art where marriage is represented by 2 separate statuettes; Shiva and Parvati’s marriage or panigrahana.
- Ardhanarishwar with half Shiva and half Shakti is another popular image
Chola bronze sculptures:
- The cire-perdu or ‘lost-wax’ process for casting was learnt as long ago as the Indus Valley Culture.
- Along with it was discovered the process of making alloy of metals by mixing copper, zinc and tin which is called bronze.
- The bronze casting technique and making of bronze images of traditional icons reached a high stage of development in South India during the medieval period.
- Although bronze images were modelled and cast during the Pallava Period in the eighth and ninth centuries, some of the most beautiful and exquisite statues were produced during the Chola Period in Tamil Nadu from the tenth to the twelfth century.
- Exquisite pieces of art developed during this period. This technique is still practised in south India, particularly in Kumbakonam.
- The distinguished patron during the tenth century was the widowed Chola queen, Sembiyan Maha Devi.
- Chola bronzes are the most sought-after collectors’ items by art lovers all over the world.
- The well-known dancing figure of Shiva as Nataraja was evolved and fully developed during the Chola Period and since then many variations of this complex bronze image have been modelled.
- A wide range of Shiva iconography was evolved in the Thanjavur (Tanjore) region of Tamil Nadu. The ninth century kalyanasundara murti is highly remarkable for the manner in which Panigrahana (ceremony of marriage) is represented by two separate statuettes.
- Shiva with his extended right hand accepts Parvati’s (the bride’s) right hand, who is depicted with a bashful expression and taking a step forward.
- The union of Shiva and Parvati is very ingeniously represented in the ardhanarisvara murti in a single image.
- Beautiful independent figurines of Parvati have also been modelled, standing in graceful tribhanga posture.
Conclusion
Given these unique features, great demand of Chola bronze sculptures not only among the devotees but also among the art collectors across the world. Thus, Chola bronze sculptures give us a glimpse of the finesse in metallurgy during the early medieval India. Hence appreciated by the art lovers across the world.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
On May 19, 2023, the President of India exercised legislative power under Article 123 of the Constitution, during the period Parliament was in recess, to promulgate The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 (Ordinance). The ordinance negates a Constitution Bench judgment of the Supreme Court of India, which was delivered on May 11, that brought “services” under the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCTD).
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the rationale behind extension of ordinance making power of the executives in our country and how this power has been often misused, its impact.
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:
Start the answer by citing article 123 of the constitution.
Body:
First, write about the rationale and need behind ordinances in the country.
Next, Explain the issues and concerns associated – the point of promulgation and repromulgation. Present the court judgments in this aspect to defend your side, explain the concerns in detail with recent examples.
Next, write about the negative impact of ordinance raj and ways to prevent it.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
In a parliamentary democracy such as India, the ordinance promulgation power is supposed to be used as an exception and not as a matter of course. The constitutional scheme exists to ensure accountability of the political executive to the elected legislature.
The President of India exercised legislative power under Article 123 of the Constitution to promulgate The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023. The Ordinance negates a Constitution Bench judgment of the SC, that brought “services” under the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCTD).
Body
Ordinance making in India:
- Articles 123 and 213 of the Constitution
- These state that an ordinance may be promulgated to meet a certain circumstance, but must be laid before the legislature in question, and will expire within six weeks of the legislature being convened.
- An ordinance is thus, by definition, limited in time, and can cease to have effect even earlier, if the legislature passes a resolution disapproving the ordinance.
Misuse of ordinance making power:
- The very nature of the ordinance might mean that a frequent resort to it is only self-defeating
- Excessively used:
- Following the washout of the second half of the budget session, three ordinances have recently been promulgated by the President.
- First was the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018 ,followed by the Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance, 2018,amendments to the Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of High Courts Act, 2015 (henceforth Commercial Courts Act) were made through an ordinance. .
- Misuse of ordinance power has been questioned:-
- Supreme Court acted on concerns about the manner in which the ordinance promulgating power has been used at the state level.
- First, in limiting the manner in which ordinances may be repromulgated and second, in ensuring that ordinances cease to be in effect, if they are not placed before the legislature.
- Without imposing any substantive limits on when an ordinance may be promulgated, the Supreme Court has restrained the government’s ordinance-making power(though somewhat belatedly).
- Self-limiting:
- Validity and legality of actions taken on the basis of an ordinance will be in limbo,unless subsequent legislation is passed to the same effect by the legislature.
- Overuse of ordinances goes fundamentally against two core tenets of the rule of law, stability and consistency
- Self defeating due to absence of Parliamentary scrutiny and feedback :-
- Governments may favour the “ordinance route” because it makes for good optics or helps them avoid the difficult task of political negotiation in Lok sabha and Rajya sabha that is part and parcel of lawmaking.That, however, is a self-defeating exercise.
- Taking the ordinance route may only raise suspicions about the government’s motives and harden the opposition’s standtowards a measure, as was seen with the proposed amendments to the land acquisition law.
- The executive’s power to issue ordinances, therefore, goes against separation of powers;for it acts neither as a check nor as a balance on the authority exercised by the other branches of government.
- Ordinances passed in haste are often ill-designed
Need for ordinance making
- It ought to be Power to legislate when Parliament is not in session.
- When legislature is not in session: the President can only promulgate when either of the House of Parliament is not in session.
- Immediate action is needed:
- The President though has the power of promulgating the ordinances but same cannot be done unless he is satisfied that there are circumstances that require him to take immediate action.
- Parliament should approve: after the ordinance has been passed it is required to be approved by the parliament within six weeks of reassembling. The same will cease to operate if disapproved by either House.
- During emergency
Way forward:
- Even if there is broad consensus that a certain legislative measure is needed, parliamentary scrutiny is valuable in and of itself.
- Reference to the standing committee and open debate about the merits of a bill and its drafting are likely to address shortcomings or oversights in the law.
- Ordinances are not immune from judicial challenge:
- The Supreme Court, in Krishna Kumar Singh v. State of Bihar, made a series of pronouncements with potentially huge implications for the future of democratic governance in the country.
- The case raised intricate constitutional questions concerning the executive’s power to make law through ordinance.
Value addition
Key highlights of the Government of NCTD (Amendment) Ordinance 2023:
- Creation of National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA):
- It will be headed by the CM of Delhi, with the Chief Secretary and Principal Home Secretary of Delhi being the other two members.
- It will makerecommendations to the Lieutenant Governor (LG) regarding the transfer, posting, vigilance and other incidental matters wrt to AISs and DANICS serving the Delhi government.
- All matters are required to be decided by a majority of votes. This means that the decision of the elected CM can be overruled by the two senior bureaucrats.
- Role of LG:
- The L-G will pass orders to give effect to the recommendations passed by the NCCSA.
- In case the L-G differs from the recommendation made, s/he may return the recommendation for reconsideration by the NCCSA. Therefore, the final decision will lie with the LG.
Topic: Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India
Why the question:
In 2020, some 18.7 per cent of Indian children were affected by wasting caused by poor nutrient intake and / or recurrent illnesses, the latest UN inter-agency estimates have noted.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the impact of malnutrition and suggest measures to tackle malnutrition in India.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving statistic regarding malnutrition in India based on NFHS-5.
Body:
In the first part, write about the consequences of malnutrition – which includes stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), underweight (low weight for age) and micronutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies (a lack of important vitamins and minerals). The other is overweight, obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer).
Next, write about various policy measures taken so far. Suggest measures to further improve them.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to achieve SDG-2
Introduction
In malnutrition, the body becomes deficient in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients required to maintain healthy tissues and organs. It occurs in people who are either undernourished or over nourished.
India has 5,772,472 children below five years affected by severe wasting, the most in the world, alerted UNICEF. It had been reported in 2017 by the National Health Survey that approximately 19 crore people in the country were compelled to sleep on an empty stomach every night.
Body
Malnutrition in India
- India, currently has the largest number of undernourished people in the world around 195 million.
- Nearly 47 million or 4 out of 10 children in India do not meet their full human potential because of chronic undernutrition or stunting.
- 9% of children under 5 years are stunted and 20.8% are wasted, compared to the Asia average of 22.7% and 9.4% respectively.
- Rate of overweight and obesity continues to rise, affecting almost a fifth of the adults, at 21.6% of women and 17.8% of men.
- Inequities in food and health systems increase inequalities in nutrition outcomes that in turn can lead to more inequity, perpetuating a vicious cycle.
Consequences of malnutrition
- Malnutrition results in a reduced ability to work and increased susceptibility to disease, and depending on the nutrients lacking: anaemia, blindness, mental retardation, or death.
- Undernutrition increases the risk of infectious diseases like diarrhoea, measles, malaria and pneumonia.
- Chronic malnutrition can impair a young child’s physical and mental development. Cognitive impairment resulting from malnutrition may result in diminished productivity in academic performance.
- As per estimates of World Bank, childhood stunting may result in a loss of height among adults by 1%, which may further lead to a reduction in individuals economic productivity by 1.4%
- Undernutrition puts women at a greater risk of pregnancy-related complications and death (obstructed labour and haemorrhage).
- Widespread child undernutrition greatly impedes a country’s socioeconomic development and potential to reduce poverty.
- India loses 4% of its GDP annually due to malnourishment.
Measures needed to tackle malnutrition
- Agriculture-Nutrition linkage schemes have the potential for greater impact in dealing with malnutrition and thus, needs greater emphasis.
- Recognising the importance of this link, the Ministry for Women and Child Development launched theBharatiya Poshan Krishi Kosh in 2019.
- There is a need to promote schemes directed to nutrition-agriculture link activities in rural areas. However, implementation remains the key.
- Early fund disbursement: The government needs to ensure early disbursement of funds and optimum utilisation of funds in schemes linked to nutrition.
- Underutilisation of Resources:It has been pointed out many a times that expenditure made under many nutrition-based schemes is considerably lower than what was allocated under them. Thus, emphasis needs to be on implementation.
- Convergence with other Schemes:Nutrition goes beyond just food, with economic, health, water, sanitation, gender perspectives and social norms contributing to better nutrition. This is why the proper implementation of other schemes can also contribute to better nutrition.
- The convergence of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jal Jeevan Mission with schemes pertaining to nutrition, will bring holistic changes to India’s nutrition scenario.
- Mid-Day Meal Scheme: The Mid-Day Meal Scheme aims to enhance the nutrition of school children by providing a balanced diet in schools.
- By including milk and eggs in each states’ menu, preparing a menu based on climatic conditions, local foods etc. can help in providing the right nutrition to children in different States.
Conclusion
Welfare measures must continue to reach the most vulnerable population and children and mothers must be at the centre of the focus to target hunger and malnutrition. Achieving zero hunger requires agriculture and food systems to become more efficient, sustainable, climate-smart and nutrition–sensitive. It is important to look at the future of food production to achieve the zero-hunger goal. Human resource capacity building is the key as is access to education and health services and empowering the poor through partnerships.
Value Addition
Government welfare measures
- Eat Right India: An outreach activity organised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for citizens to nudge them towards eating right.
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana:A centrally sponsored scheme executed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, is a maternity benefit programme being implemented in all districts of the country with effect from 1st January, 2017.
- Food Fortification: Food Fortification or Food Enrichment is the addition of key vitamins and minerals such as iron, iodine, zinc, Vitamin A & D to staple foods such as rice, milk and salt to improve their nutritional content.
- National Food Security Act, 2013:It legally entitled up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population to receive subsidized food grains under the Targeted Public Distribution System.
- Mission Indradhanush: It targets children under 2 years of age and pregnant women for immunization against 12 Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD).
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme:Launched on 2nd October, 1975, the ICDS Scheme offers a package of six services to children in the age group of 0-6 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
-
- Supplementary Nutrition,
- Pre-school non-formal education,
- Nutrition & health education,
- Immunization,
- Health check-up and
- Referral services.
- POSHAN Abhiyaan: Also called National Nutrition Mission, was launched by the government on the occasion of the International Women’s Day on 8th March, 2018.
- The Abhiyaan targets to reduce Stunting, undernutrition, Anaemia (among young children, women and adolescent girls) and reduce low birth weight by 2%, 2%, 3% and 2% per annum respectively.
- It also targets to bring down stunting among children in the age group 0-6 years from 4% to 25% by 2022.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The article titled “The Fundamental Value of the Rupee” explores the factors influencing the value of the Indian rupee in the global market and the significance of maintaining its fundamental value.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the implications of various economic factors and importance of stable rupee.
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.
Body:
In the first part, write about the factors affecting the value of rupee – inflation, interest rates, fiscal policies, and global economic trends. Next, write about the policy measures needed to ensure the fundamental value of the rupee.
Next, Implications of an adequately valued rupee – boost to exports and import substitution, Attraction of foreign investment and reduced inflationary pressures etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
Rupee depreciation means that rupee has become relatively less worthy with respect to dollar i.e., rupee has lost some value w.r.t. the dollars. If the Indian Rupee moves from Rs. 50 a dollar to Rs. 60 a dollar then the rupee is said to have depreciated. Rupee appreciation means that the rupee has become more valuable in comparison to the dollar. If the Indian Rupee moves from Rs. 60 a dollar to Rs. 50 a dollar then the rupee is said to have appreciated. It means that we can buy more dollars now with the same amount of rupees.
Body
Impact of various economic factors on the rupee’s value
- Foreign Institutional investors (FII): As per the data reported, FIIs (Foreign Institutional investors) is showing some disinterest in Indian markets lately. The slowdown in the developed economies like the US and Japan is believed to be the key reasons.
- High inflation: During periods of high inflation, Indian goods become more expensive in the global markets, thus making them less competitive as compared to goods from other countries like China. Increasing gold imports adds even more to the deficit.
- Widening current account deficit: This also contributes to high demand for dollars in the foreign exchange market.
- Demand and supply rule: If the demand for the dollar is greater than its supply in India, then the dollar will appreciate i.e., the rupee depreciates and vice-versa.
- Oil price: India has to import a bulk of its oil requirements to satisfy local demand, which is rising year-on-year. In International markets, prices of oil are quoted in dollars. So, whenever the domestic demand for oil increases or when the price of oil increases in the international market, there will be a rise in demand for dollars to pay for the oil so imported which depreciates the rupee further.
- Policy inaction: Perception of lack of clarity on the policy pulls up the speculative.
- Forex reserves: The forex reserves have been fluctuating in the recent months. Due to this, the RBI is unable to intervene aggressively in the markets for foreign exchange.
- Growth slow-down: India’s economic growth is slowing down due to which foreign investors have started pulling money out of the Indian markets speedily.
- Capital controls: The decision by the Reserve Bank and the government to impose temporary restrictions on capital flows has only discouraged foreign firms from pumping money into India.
Importance of a stable rupee for a country’s economic growth and stability
- The overall macroeconomic stability is impacted of India’s rupee is falling or depreciates.
- The biggest impact of a weakening rupee is inflation, given India imports more than 80% of its crude oil.
- Depreciation reduces the value of a country’s currency when compared with the currency of other countries. Depreciation discourages imports because the imported goods become more expensive due to a reduction in the value of rupee. As the goods become more and more expensive it leads to rising inflation.
- In its April monetary policy report in 2022, India’s central bank assumed that the rupee will trade around 76 per dollar during FY23, adding that a 5% decline from this would raise inflation by 20 basis points. The rupee has is already down over 2% from this assumption, implying higher inflation going ahead.
- A depreciated rupee means that the pass through of imported inflation becomes higher. And with global crude hitting record highs, it will feed into the domestic retail inflation through higher prices of petrol and diesel, thereby increasing the price of goods. And if the global commodity prices remain stubbornly high, our imports bill will continue to stay elevated, which will further add pressure on the prices of common goods.
Conclusion
While some countries like China have purposely depreciated their currency to gain the trade benefit, there are other nations where a weakening currency creates havoc. The multi-million dollar question is whether a weakening currency is an indication of something good or bad. It definitely is not a good sign for economies, a weak currency is often accompanied by a current account deficit and reflects a weakening economy.
Topic:Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
G20 should take the lead in formulating disaster risk mitigation strategies that can play a decisive role in limiting the fallout from natural disasters.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the complementary nature of disaster prevention and emergency response during a disaster.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by disaster prevention.
Body:
First, write about role of disaster prevention in mitigating the impact of disasters – identifying potential hazards, assessing the risk they pose, and taking steps to reduce the likelihood of a disaster occurring.
Next, write about the importance of emergency response – search and rescue, medical assistance, shelter and basic needs, communication and coordination, and damage assessment.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
A disaster is a result of natural or man-made causes that leads to sudden disruption of normal life, causing severe damage to life and property to an extent that available social and economic protection mechanisms are inadequate to cope.
It is an undesirable occurrence resulting from forces that are largely outside human control. It strikes quickly with little or no warning and requires major efforts in providing statutory emergency service.
Body
India’s vulnerability profile
- India is vulnerable, in varying degrees, to a large number of disasters. Around 59% of the landmass is prone to earthquakesof moderate to very high intensity.
- About 12% (over 40 million hectares) of its land is prone to floods and river erosion.
- Close to 5,700 kms, out of the 7,516 kms long coastline is prone to cyclones and tsunamis.
- 68% of its cultivable area is vulnerable to droughts;and, the hilly areas are at risk from landslides and avalanches.
- Moreover, India is also vulnerable to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) emergenciesand other man-made disasters.
- Disaster risks in India are further compounded by increasing vulnerabilities related to changing demographics and socio-economic conditions, unplanned urbanization,development within high-risk zones, environmental degradation, climate change, geological hazards, epidemics and pandemics.
- Clearly, all these contribute to a situation where disasters seriously threaten India’s economy, its population and sustainable development.
Impact of disaster
- Disaster impacts individuals physically(through loss of life, injury, health, disability) as well as psychologically.
- Disaster results in huge economic lossdue to destruction of property, human settlements and infrastructure etc.
- Disaster can alter the natural environment, loss of habitat to many plants and animals and cause ecological stress that can result in biodiversity loss.
- After natural disasters, food and other natural resources like water often becomes scarce resulting into foodand water scarcity.
- The disaster results in displacement of people, and displaced population often face several challenges in new settlements, in this process poorer becomes more poor.
- Disaster increases the level of vulnerabilityand hence multiply the effects of disaster.
Prevention and preparedness
- Disaster risk reduction is the concept and practice of reducing disaster risks through systematic efforts to analyse and reduce the causal factors of disasters.
- Pre-Disaster risk reduction includes-
- Mitigation:To eliminate or reduce the impacts and risks of hazards through proactive measures taken before an emergency or disaster occurs.
- Preparedness:To take steps to prepare and reduce the effects of disasters.
- Post-Disaster risk reduction includes-
- Rescue:Providing warning, evacuation, search, rescue, providing immediate assistance.
- Relife:To respond to communities who become victims of disaster, providing relief measures such as food packets, water, medicines, temporary accommodation, relief camps etc.
- Recovery:This stage emphasises upon recovery of victims of disaster, recovery of damaged infrastructure and repair of the damages caused.
Conclusion
Disaster management must be implemented at all levels of society and must have a bottoms up approach. Every disaster can be mitigated if there is preparedness and risk reduction should be first step to reduce the impact of a disaster.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Case study.
(a) What are the options available in front of Ramesh? Evaluate their pros and cons
(b) Which course of action should Ramesh take? Justify.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Introduction
The right to peaceful protest is granted to citizens of India by our Constitution. It is part of the freedom of speech and expression, which is a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a). Right to Protest ensures that people can act as watchdogs and constantly monitor governments’ acts.
Article 19(2) imposes reasonable restrictions on the right to freedom of speech and expression. At the same time Supreme Court has also said that Public places cannot be occupied indefinitely. Dissent and democracy go hand in hand but protests must be carried out in designated area. Such kind of occupation of public place for protests is not acceptable
Body
Reasonable restrictions during protest as below
- Sovereignty and integrity of India,
- Security of the State,
- Friendly relations with foreign States,
- Public order,
- Decency or morality
- Contempt of court,
- Defamation
- Incitement to an offence.
Options available
Option1: Continue demolishing the constructions as per order from higher authorities
Merit: Ravi will not be defying any higher official order and this will ensure that no illegal constructions will come up in the future.
Demerits: Legitimate constructions occupied by the protester and their families will be razed leaving them homeless. It is a complete violation of fundamental rights of citizens and a type of vengeance for another crime. Justice is not served if miscreants aren’t punished for the crimes they did. It is also injustice if they punished illegally bypassing the laws.
Option2: Stop demolishing the legitimate constructions
Merits: Firstly, it means that no injustice is done to people and their families. Their livelihood is protected. Next, i can gather evidence against the miscreants and provide solid proof against their involvement in violent protest.
This will serve justice and they ll be punished as per their crimes.
Demerits: This might lead to official action against Ramesh for defying higher orders. There may be threats from section for not continuing the proposed plan.
Course of action
Ramesh should go with second option. There will always be innumerable ways to settle a score. Although the pressure is high and orders needs to be followed, wrong means does not lead to right destination. In future this will in fact become a problem as it is made against law. Only right means needs to be employed and only then there will be justice. Misuse of power is bad for society and the society may become lawless.
Hence Ramesh should choose the path of righteousness even if it means official setback for him.
Conclusion
Citizens have a fundamental right to assembly and peaceful protest which cannot be taken away by an arbitrary executive or legislative action. But these protests cannot become violent and must not destroy public properties.
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