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: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article discusses the Indian Museum’s renovation and the significant contributions made by organizations such as the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), Museum of Art & Photography (MAP), Partition Museum, and the National Museum Advisory and Collection Committee (NMACC).
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the role of private museums in preserving cultural heritage of 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:
Provide a brief overview of the emergence and significance of private museums in India.
Body:
In the first part, write about the role of private museums – conserving artifacts, revitalizing neglected heritage sites, showcasing traditional art forms, private museums actively curate contemporary stories, support emerging artists, and engage with the local community.
Next, write about the major challenges associated with the above – funding and sustainability etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
India is home to over 1,000 museums representing a rich and diverse blend of the cultural, religious and scientific achievements that our civilisation has witnessed over the years. As economic progress brings a stronger sense of one’s history, private museums in India are helping people celebrate their heritage and curate new stories for the future.
The new Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) will open its doors in the capital in 2026. Designed by British-Ghanaian architect David Adjaye, the museum model was recently unveiled at the Venice Architecture Biennale.
Body
Role of private museums in preserving culture and heritage
- Platform to showcase diverse heritage: Indian history undoubtedly, is one of the richest and varied histories of the world.
- But history comes in different forms. It could be through art, culture, science or natural objects.
- History can be understood through esteemed facets, such as paintings, carvings, documents, and weaponry.
- Foray into economic and social life of Ancient Indians: At the same time, history can also be seen through the prism ofdaily objects, such as clothing, pots and pans, toys, cutlery and more.
- Either way history or heritage is preserved through tangible articles and it is a museum that houses these.Eg: National Museum in Delhi has artefacts from Harappan civilisation giving us a feel of life in 3500 B.C
- Recognizing the contributions of great personalities for posterity: For instance, today, to recognise the role of over 200 tribal freedom fightersacross India who participated in about 85 revolts and uprisings against colonial rule, 10 tribal freedom fighter museums are being set up across the country.
- In tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Prime Minister inaugurated theStatue of Unity in October 2018, which also contains a museum that chronicles the various facets of Patel in great detail.
- Specific purpose museums: The strategic shift to specific theme-based museums, which have unique content and a definite purpose, also ensures that rich material is on display and the overall experience is wholesome.
- There have been several other attempts along these lines that are worth mentioning, such as theBiplobi Bharat museum in Kolkata, the arms and armour museum at the Red Fort, a gallery on Gautama Buddha in Delhi, and the museum on Jammu and Kashmir.
- Spreading awareness:The use of digital technology to enhance user experience is not limited to the use of Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, but to widen public access through modernisation and digitisation of collections and exhibitions.
Way forward
- Breaking down silos to forge a whole-of-government approach in such a specialised domain requires new skills and perspectives and these are being developed.
- Human capacities and domain knowledge require continued upgradation, and the new Indian Institute of Heritage that is being set up as a world class university aims to address these challenges.
- There are also challenges in modernising our traditional museums from display spaces of past glory to making them more interactive, immersive experiences through technology interfaces, innovative curatorial skills and imaginative storytelling.
- Compared to new museums, successfully repurposing existing museum spaces needs more imaginative thinking and has a different set of challenges.
- The efforts in digitisation and reprography are painstaking processes that can take several years to complete but must be done.
Conclusion
With this renewed mandate of modernisation, upgradation, and establishment of new museums, we are bringing our institutions closer to international standards of museology in the 21st century. Though private institutions may seem at an advantage, it takes many factors, both structural and functional, for a private collection to manifest as a successful museum. The vibrancy — how well a museum attracts audience engagement along with skilled staff is as important to attract and manage the audience, as is technology. These will ultimately define its sustainability, along with a sound long-term business plan.
Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.,
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question:
The article discusses the historical occurrence of cyclones and storms in the Arabian Sea. It highlights that while cyclones have been relatively rare in the region historically, storms have been more common.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the causes for increasing frequency of Cyclones in the Arabian Sea, and their possible negative effects and role of climate change in it.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving citing statistic regarding increasing frequency of cyclones in Arabian sea.
Body:
First, write about the various causes behind the rising frequency of cyclones in Arabian sea – Surface temperatures in the Arabian Sea, intensification of cyclones, conducive wind shear for cyclones, climate change etc.
Next, write about the role of climate change in regards to increasing frequency. Also, write about its impact.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to address this issue.
Introduction
Cyclone is a region of low atmospheric pressure surrounded by high atmospheric pressure resulting in swirling atmospheric disturbance accompanied by powerful winds. They occur mainly in the tropical and temperate regions of the world. Recently cyclonic storm Sitrang made an early landfall in Bangladesh causing a surprise among meteorologists.
Climate change will have opposite effects on the frequency of strong tropical cyclones along the western and eastern coasts of India by 2050. The frequency will reduce in the Bay of Bengal, traditionally known for its powerful storms, while it will increase in the Arabian Sea, a calmer body of water in this regard, a new study published in Science Advances has estimated.
Body
Impact of Climate change on tropical cyclones
- Warming of the surface ocean from anthropogenic (human-induced) climate change is likely fuelling more powerful Tropical Cyclones.
- The destructive power of individual Tropical Cyclones through flooding is amplified by rising sea levels, which very likely has a substantial contribution at the global scale from anthropogenic climate change.
- In addition, Tropical Cyclones’ precipitation rates are projected to increase due to enhanced atmospheric moisture associated with anthropogenic global warming.
- The proportion of severe Tropical Cyclones has increased, possibly due to anthropogenic climate change.
- However, most climate model studies project a corresponding reduction in the proportion of low-intensity cyclones, so the total number of Tropical Cyclones each year is projected to decrease or remain approximately the same.
- Studies have shown that some 2.1 to 3.1 per cent of the total number of tropical cyclones expected to strike in the near future, could be strong.
- Globally, the risk of strong tropical cyclones is expected to become more than double by 2050. The Gulf of Mexico is not likely to see the same trend, according to the analysis.
- The studies associated with temperature suggest that the Indian Ocean is warming, particularly the Arabian Sea, which is doing so at the fastest rate.
- Previously, tropical cyclones in the Arabian Sea were restricted to Gujarat.
- In the past decade though, Kerala and Karnataka have also become more vulnerable to cyclones. A recent example is ‘Ockhi’.
- The Arabian Sea is quickly responding to climate change signals, heating rapidly and driving more and more cyclones, and excessive rainfall, although, experts still do not understand how much of a performance climate change must work on Ockhi.
- The rise in Arabian Sea surface temperature makes it warmer than other seas all through this period.
- Global warming adds to climate variability and weather changes.
- A sophisticated climate model to compare the conditions in 2015 to conditions in 1860, keeping in mind the carbon footprints. The findings suggest that 64 per cent of the cyclone risk in the Arabian Sea was due to climate change.
- The coastal areas surrounding the Arabian Sea are at specific risk since the geographical location offers cyclones nowhere to go but the land.
Steps to be taken to mitigate impact of disaster
- Coastal belt plantation:Providing a cover through green belt sustains less damage as forests act as a wide buffer zone against strong winds and flash floods. Without the forest the cyclone travel freely inland.
- Hazard mapping: Meteorological records of the wind speed and the directions give the pattern of occurrence of cyclone for particular wind speeds. A hazard map will illustrate the areas vulnerable to cyclone in any given year and estimate the severity of the cyclone and various damage intensities in the region.
- Land use control: It can be designed so that least critical activities are placed in vulnerable areas. Location of settlements in the flood plains is at utmost risk. Citing of key facilities must be marked in the land use. Policies should be in place to regulate land use and building codes should be enforced.
- Engineered structures: This needs to be built to withstand wind forces. Good site selection is also important. Majority of the buildings in coastal areas are built with locally available materials and have no engineering inputs. Good construction practices should be adopted such as:
- Cyclonic wind storms inundate the coastal areas. It is advised to construct on stilts or on earth mound.
- Houses can be strengthened to resist wind and flood damage. All elements holding the structures need to be properly anchored to resist the uplift or flying off of the objects. For example, avoid large overhangs of roofs, and the projections should be tied down.
- A row of planted trees will act as a shield. It reduces the energy.
- Buildings storing food supplies must be protected against the winds and water.
- Protect river embankments.
- Communication lines should be installed underground.
- Providestrong halls for community shelter in vulnerable locations.
- Flood management: Torrential rains, strong wind and storm range leads to flooding in the cyclone affected areas. There are possibilities of landslides too. Flood mitigation measures must be incorporated.
- Improving vegetation cover: The roots of the plants and trees keep the soil intact and prevent erosion and slow runoff to prevent or lessen flooding.
- The use of tree planted in rows will act as a windbreak.
- Coastal shelterbelt plantations can be developed to break severe wind speeds.
- It minimizes devastating effects.
- Improved early warning systems are a must to ensure preparedness.
Way Forward
- Develop a Climate Risk Atlas to mapcritical vulnerabilities such as coasts, urban heat stress, water stress, and biodiversity collapse.
- Develop an Integrated Emergency Surveillance Systemto facilitate a systematic and sustained response to emergencies.
- Mainstream risk assessment at all levels,including localised, regional, sectoral, cross-sectoral, macro and micro-climatic level.
- Enhance adaptive and resilience capacityto climate-proof lives, livelihoods and investments.
- Increase the participatory engagement of all stakeholders in the risk assessment process.
- Integrate risk assessment into local, sub-national, and national level plans.
Conclusion
Global warming has presented us with new challenges such as rapid intensification of cyclones, which need to be closely monitored at higher resolution and accuracy using on-site platforms such as buoys and moorings. Improving the Indian Ocean Observing System (IndOOS) and incorporating the global warming signals in the weather models can help us tackle the challenges of intense cyclones in the future.
Topic: Effects of globalization on Indian society.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
The article discusses the impact and consequences of de-globalization.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about deglobalisation, its causes and impact on the Indian society.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by defining deglobalisation.
Body:
First, in the detail explain the carious facets of deglobalisation – economic and cultural.
Next, write about the various factors leading to deglobalisation – pandemic, nationalism, shortages, lack of basic needs etc.
Next write about the various positives and negatives of deglobalisation on the Indian society. Specifically highlight the various positives of deglobalisation – reduce income inequality, reduce environmental disequilibrium etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward to address the negatives.
Introduction
The term de-globalisation is used by economic and market commentators to highlight the trend of several countries wanting to go back to economic and trade policies that put their national interests first. These policies often take the form of tariffs or quantitative barriers that impede free movement of people, products and services among countries. The idea behind all this protectionism is to shield local manufacturing by making imports costlier.
Body
Background
- The COVID-19 pandemic is driving the world economy to retreat from global economic integration.
- Policymakers and business leaders are now questioning whether global supply chains have been stretched too far.
- In an environment where alliances are uncertain and international cooperation is absent, they are also asking whether they should reduce their economic interdependence.
- National security and public health concerns are providing new rationales for protectionism, especially for medical gear and food, and an emphasis on domestic sourcing.
Factors contributing to deglobalisation
- Right wing politics in West: A surge in populist politics in Europe and the US has ridden a wave of opposition to globalized economies and international institutions such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and NATO.
- Brexit: Leaving the European Union (EU) is written into the constitutions of populist parties in countries such as Poland and Hungary.
- Delegitimization of International Organizations: The United Nations (UN) is widely viewed as weak and deadlocked, and populist movements tend to ridicule the notion of belonging to an international community of nations.
- International organizations have seen their reputations suffer, either condemned as too powerful or too weak.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) struggled to drive an efficient response to the COVID–19 pandemic, in large part due to uncooperative governments.
- Lockdown of national borders: The COVID-19 pandemic illustrates the danger of relying on global supply chains for essential medical supplies, while climate change demands reductions in the enormous carbon footprint of international trade.
- India came up with self-sufficient ‘Atmanirbharta’ concept and so did many other nations.
- Nations like Japan and India have joined hands to from SCRI – Supply Chain Resilience Initiative.
Positives of deglobalisation
- Increased manufacturing: Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan will provide impetus for indigenous manufacturing and becoming self-reliant in products, so that dependency mainly on China is reduced.
- Reduce income inequality: Deglobalization is successful if the goal is to reduce income inequality (the Gini coefficient falls by .005) and to increase the share of manufacturing in the Indian economy.
- It also means that more jobs will be available for youth who are entering the work force.
- India’s share in global trade: India, while protecting its national interests, has an opportunity to redefine the contours of global trade. Companies whose factories and units are in China, can be attracted towards India, which also offers alternative supply chain.
- Trade agreement with UK and EU: With Brexit, India can renew its attempt to arrive at a free trade agreement with UK and reign in the trade opportunities. Similarly, India and EU have been negotiating a trade agreement that will propel the trade.
- India, with its much-hyped demographic dividend, offers unparalleled markets to EU investors and an enabling FTA can accrue wide ranging economic gains to all stakeholders.
- Pharmacy of the world: India stands to gain by becoming generic drug manufacturer, as well as vaccines and become net distributors of the same. India must focus on manufacturing API’s by reducing dependency on China and increase its production.
Negative Impact of deglobalisation on Indian society
- Impact on food security: Indonesia, the world’s top producer of palm oil which was indicted for driving destruction of its tropical forests, has now sent shock waves as it has banned exports of this cooking oil.
- Ukraine is a supplier of wheat and the war has led to severe shortage in the globe. Same is the case with sunflower oil.
- This impacts the food security in India.
- High energy costs: It is fuelled partly because of the sanctions on Russian oil and gas that are driving the world to leapfrog to wind and solar.
- But it is a fact that much of the rare earth minerals that will be needed to power this new energy future from petro to electro are controlled by the same countries that are in the non-democracy camp, from China to Russia.
- India’s antagonism with China makes it harder for India in obtaining Lithium to achieve its FAME targets.
- Reduced income: While a retreat into protectionism may improve income equality in some countries, it will reduce incomes of both the poor and the rich and poverty headcounts will be increased.
- Political instability will rise in a majority of countries and the probability of interstate war will increase.
- These results suggest that it would be far better to deal with the negative aspects of globalization directly by improving trade adjustment assistance, providing more secure access to health care, and negotiating new international agreements that benefit all countries
- Migration: De-globalisation with respect to the mobility of services and people can impact both the export of services, and the trend of Indians migrating abroad for higher education and jobs.
- Climate change cooperation impacted: We are closing borders; shutting doors of global trade and, worse, dividing and polarising the world into camps of good versus evil. This, please remember, is happening at a time when climate change needs us to come together to cooperate and act globally.
Conclusion
Globalisation is likely to have peaked amid the rise of populism and protectionism as well as social and environmental challenges. The shifting trend from globalisation to regionalisation/localisation is creating opportunities in regional/local markets including mid- and small-caps. At the same time, deglobalisation also entails more political/geopolitical uncertainty, which could lead to market volatility.
In a world where global trade and commerce is inevitable, protectionist policies of a few nations will only cause severe inequality. A middle ground is the need of the hour and a gated globalization could be the preferred option, with India paving the path for other nations to follow, in the decades to come.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article discusses the issue of Governors delaying or obstructing the passage of Bills in India.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about role of governor in giving/withholding assent to bills passed by state legislature.
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 about article 200.
Body:
First, write in detail about the various options with the Governor with respect to a bill passed by the state legislature.
Next, write about the drawbacks on indefinitely sitting on the bill (pocket veto) and issues arising from such action.
Next, write about the possible solutions to the above issue.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
The makers of the Constitution of India did not anticipate that the office of the Governor, meant to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law”, would metamorphose into the most controversial constitutional office rendering the constitutional praxis rugged.
On his/ her discretion, the Governor can reserve a bill passed by the state legislature for president’s assent. However, situations are mentioned in Article 200, when he will reserve the bill, yet he can use, discretion regarding this matter. Governor has discretion to refuse to sign to an ordinary bill passed by the state legislature.
Body
Governor’s power to reserve bills for consideration of the President
Article 200 of the Indian Constitution deals with the powers of the Governor with regard to assent given to bills passed by the State legislature and other powers of the Governor such as reserving the bill for the President’s consideration.
According to Article 200, when a Bill, passed by the Legislature of a State, is presented to the Governor, he has the following options:
Ordinary Bills
When a bill is sent to the governor after it is passed by state legislature, he can:
- Give his assent to the bill, or
- Withhold his assent to the bill, or
- Return the bill (if it is not a money bill) for reconsideration of the state legislature.
However, if the bill is passed again by the state legislature with or without amendments, the governor has to give his assent to the bill or
- Reserve the bill for the consideration of the president. In one case such reservation is obligatory, that is, where the bill passed by the state legislature endangers the position of the state high court. When the governor reserves a bill for the consideration of the President, he will not have any further role in the enactment of the bill.
- If the bill is returned by the President for the reconsideration of the House or Houses and is passed again, the bill must be presented again for the presidential assent only.
- If the President gives his assent to the bill, it becomes an act.
- This means that the assent of the Governor is no longer required.
Options before the President:
When a Bill is reserved by a Governor for the consideration of the President, the President shall declare either that he assents to the Bill or that he withholds assent therefrom Provided that:
- Where the Bill is not a Money Bill, the President may direct the Governor to return the Bill to the House or, as the case may be, the Houses of the Legislature of the State together with such a message as is mentioned in the first proviso to article 200.
- When a Bill is so returned, the House or Houses shall reconsider it accordingly within a period of six months from the date of receipt of such message and, if it is again passed by the House or Houses with or without amendment, it shall be presented again to the President for his consideration.
- It is not mentioned in the constitution whether it is obligatory on the part of the President to give his assent to such a bill or not.
Critical analysis of such powers of Governor
- Delays in granting assent: Thegovernors sometimes sat over the Bills without giving assent or returning the Bills for an indefinite period, even though the Constitution required it to be done as soon as possible.
- The governors were also taking months together to reserve the Billsfor the assent of the President even though it was to be done immediately.
- This erodes the authority of the legislaturesand the governors, though heads of the state executive, are appointed by the Union government.
- Exceptional situations: In addition to above illustrated powers, the governor can also reserve the bill if it is of the following nature:
- Ultra-vires, that is, against the provisions of the Constitution.
- Opposed to the Directive Principles of State Policy.
- Against the larger interest of the country.
- Of grave national importance.
- Dealing with compulsory acquisition of property under Article 31A of the Constitution.
- Case studies
- Tamil Nadu Assembly in September, 2021passed a bill seeking exemption for students from the state from the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) required for undergraduate medical college admissions.
- This Bill has been with Governor since then without rejection or acceptance.
- Indecision can prove costly.
- Manipur Speaker had not decided on defection, until Supreme Court forced him and bound him by giving a time frame. Justice can be denied in such cases to those who are affected.
- Tamil Nadu Assembly in September, 2021passed a bill seeking exemption for students from the state from the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) required for undergraduate medical college admissions.
- Against the spirit of Constitution: Withholding of assent, though an option, is not normally exercised by Governors because it will be an extremely unpopular step.
- Besides, withholding assent to a Bill by the Governor, an appointee of the President, neutralises the entire legislative exercise by an elected legislature enjoying the support of the people.
Conclusion
Giving assent to a Bill passed by the legislature is a normal constitutional act performed by the Governor. But of late, even such normal acts have become a source of confrontation between State governments and the Governors. The conduct of Governors in certain States follows a definite pattern which causes a great deal of disquiet to elected governments as well as to those who have faith in the constitutional order. Thus, it falls to the Supreme Court to fix a reasonable time frame for Governors to take a decision on a Bill passed by the Assembly in the larger interest of federalism in the country.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Technology missions;
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the impact of clearance granted for the cultivation of GM-Mustard.
Directive word:
Critically analyze – 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. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
Body:
First, in brief, write about the needed for GM crops in the country to meet the challenges of food security and make farming commercially viable and tackle challenges posed by climate change.
Next, write about the positive aspect of the lifting the ban on G-Mustard and its impact on the farmers as well as scientific community in the country.
Next, write about the concerns associated with the above.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
Genetic engineering aims to transcend the genus barrier by introducing an alien gene in the seeds to get the desired effects. The alien gene could be from a plant, an animal or even a soil bacterium. In most cases, the aim is to introduce a new trait to the plant which does not occur naturally in the species.
The recent clearance by the government for the release of GM Mustard Hybrid DMH 11 — based on the recommendations of GEAC under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change — is a bold decision in the best interest of our farmers and the nation.
Body
Need for the GM Crops other than pest resistance:
- Food Security: Given the increased growth of global population and increased urbanisation, GM crops offer one of the promising solutions to meet the world’s food security needs.
- Improved Stress Tolerance: Genes that give greater tolerance of stress, such as drought, low temperatures or salt in the soil, can also be inserted into crops. This can extend their range and open up new areas for food production.
- Faster Growth: Crops can be altered to make them grow faster, so that they can be cultivated and harvested in areas with shorter growing seasons. This again can extend the range of a food crop into new areas or perhaps allow two harvests in areas where only one is currently practical.
- More Nutritious Crops: Plants and animals can be engineered to produce larger amounts of essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, helping to solve nutrition problems in some parts of the world. They can also be altered to change the amounts of protein, carbohydrates, and saturated and unsaturated fats that they contain. This could lead to the production of foods designed specifically for a healthy diet for all consumers.
- Production of Medicines and Vaccines by Crops: It may be possible to have plants and animals produce useful medicines and even vaccines, so that prevention and treatment of human diseases in some places can be achieved cheaply and efficiently through the diet.
- Resistance to Herbicides: Crops can be modified to be resistant to specific herbicides, making it much easier to control troublesome weeds. Farmers can simply apply the weed killer to a crop field, killing the unwanted plants and leaving the food crop unaffected. For example, GM oilseed rapeseed – the source of canola oil – is resistant to one chemical that’s widely used to control weeds.
- Better Tasting Foods: Foods can be engineered to taste better, which could encourage people to eat healthier foods that are currently not popular because of their taste, such as broccoli and spinach. It may be possible to insert genes that produce more or different flavours as well.
- Economic benefits: GM crops can increase yield and thus income. Genetically modified foods have a longer shelf life. This improves how long they last and stay fresh during transportation and storage.
Positive aspect of the lifting the ban on G-Mustard and its impact on the farmers as well as scientific community in the country
- It helps to meet our current challenges — over-exploitation of natural resources (soil, water, biodiversity), declining factor productivity, urgency to achieve sustainable development goals, especially ending poverty and hunger, and addressing timely the adverse effects of climate change
- A major concern of our farmers is that yields of mustard are low and have stagnated for a long time at around 1,260 kg/ha, much lower than the global average of 2,000 kg/ha.
- Mustard is a very important oilseed crop, grown in 6.0 -7.0 million hectares, mostly in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh. Thus, the government’s decision to allow the production of GM Mustard hybrids will go a long way in increasing our yields, while reducing the use of pesticides.
- Allowing the production of GM Soybean and GM Maize going forward will also be a positive step, increasing both the productivity and profitability of these crops and doubling farmers’ income — a goal envisioned by the Prime Minister.
Concerns/Challenges associated with GM Crops:
- Human Health Risks:
- Potential impact on human health including allergens and transfer of antibiotic resistance markers.
- The impact of growing GM crops poses risks to human health as their resistance to antibiotics can turn medicines ineffective and may result in the formation of new toxins and allergens.
- Toxins produced by GM crops can not only affect non-target organisms but also pose the danger of unintentionally introducing allergens and other anti-nutrition factors in foods.
- Bio safety concerns:
- They can reduce species diversity.
- For example, Insect-resistant plants might harm insects that are not their intended target and thus result in destruction of that particular species.
- Cross-pollination in GM crops paves the way for herbicide-resistant super weeds that can further threaten the sustenance of other crops and pests because of its uncontrolled growth
- GM technology could also allow the transfer of genes from one crop to another, creating “super weeds”, which will be immune to common control methods.
- Viral genes added to crops to confer resistance might be transferred to other viral pathogens, which can lead to new and more virulent virus strains.
- Implications on Farmers and Consumers:
- Critics claim that patent laws give developersof the GM crops a dangerous degree of control over the food supply. The concern is over domination of world food production by a few companies
- National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research’santicipation that Bt brinjal’s high yield and increased shelf life will benefit consumers and farmers owing to cut in retail price of brinjals ignores the scenario that companies might charge premium prices for Bt brinjal seeds, in which case farmers may not benefit at all.
- Economic Concerns:
- Introduction of a GM crop to market is a lengthy and costly process. It has not resulted in high yields as promised.
- For instance, the highest yields in mustard are from the five countries which do not grow GM mustard — U.K., France, Poland, Germany and Czech Republic — and not from the GM-growing U.S. or Canada.
- Inefficient Regulatory system:
- Seeing the lapses in the regulatory system and irregularities in the assessment of Bt brinjal (in terms of labelling and unapproved and illegal sowing of GM crops) Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Science & Technology, Environment and Forests recommended:
- A thorough probe by a team of eminent independent scientists and environmentalists for commercialization of GM crops.
- Endorsed labelling GM foods to protect a consumer’s right to know.
- Ethical Concerns:
- Violation of natural organisms’ intrinsic values by mixing among species.
- There have also been objections to consuming animal genes in plants
Way Forward:
- The government must take decisions on GM technologies on the basis of scientific evidence.
- Need to start cultivating an environment of openness and transparency to allay genuine fears
- The government should adopt a participatory approach to bring together all stakeholders to develop regulatory protocols that restore trust in the process.
- There is a significant uncertainty over their safety, so precautionary principle is that country shall wait till a broader scientific consensus is achieved.
- Need for better policy, pricing and to rationalize the input costs
- GEAC needs to be a transparent body. it should put it in the public domain that on what grounds it has approved GM mustard
- There has to be strong liability laws if there are any environmental hazards or if something goes wrong in future
- Agriculture is a state subject; therefore, it is important for the Centre to take into consideration the views of State Governments as well.
- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has rightly pointed out in 2004, “Science cannot declare any technology completely risk free. Genetically engineered crops can reduce some environmental risks associated with conventional agriculture, but will also introduce new challenges that must be addressed”.
Conclusion:
Clearly, there can be no credible argument against scientific experiments in agriculture that advance the goal of developing plant varieties that can withstand drought, resist pests and raise yields to feed the growing world population. But this should be done through a transparent regulatory process that is free of ethical conflicts. All this underscores the need for a cautious approach — one that fosters scientific inquiry, allows for scrutiny and is underpinned by regulation. Enacting a comprehensive law that covers all aspects of GM crops should be a priority.
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the threats faced by the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in 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 mentioning that The Union Government has established a country-wide protected area network for protection of these species and their habitats of threatened flora and fauna under Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Body:
First, write about the threats to wildlife sanctuaries and national parks from habitat loss. Substantiate with examples. For e.g. Clearance of partis of Valley of flowers for Chardham highway project.
Next, about the other factors affecting wildlife sanctuaries and national parks – Road/Railway lines inside protected areas, Uncontrolled passage of heavy vehicles during night-time, Man-animal conflicts, Threat from invasive species
Next, Discuss the potential solutions to issues such as – involving local communities in decision making, building infrastructure, anti-poaching camps etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
India has around 5% of its geographical area as protected area with 566 existing wildlife sanctuaries and 104 existing national parks in India. Despite being party to CITES and enacting Wildlife protection Act in India, there are many conservation challenges faced by sanctuaries and national parks.
Body
Threats faced by wildlife sanctuaries and national parks
- Habitat loss: Due to flood and siltation, size of water bodies inside the park are shrinking. Siltation also affects the grazing areas of herbivorous animals.
- Invasive species such as water hyacinth and Mimosa are great threats to Kaziranga. Water hyacinth clog water bodies and depletes oxygen in the water.
- It threatens underwater life and shrinks the size of water bodies.
- Exotic leguminous species Mimosa was introduced in Tea gardens of Assam.The species have a poisonous amino acid (Mimosin). So, they are harmful for herbivorous
- Man-animal conflicts: No park exists in isolation, and that fact is becoming increasingly clear as the areas surrounding parks are developed for living space, agriculture, mining, forestry, and more.
- The iconic species protected inside the parks don’t recognize boundaries and must often move in and out of the parks to feed, mate, or migrate.
- Avani Tigress was killed due to public backlash.
- Roads through sanctuaries:Experts found as many as 85 roadkills in the past six months within the sanctuary limits.
- There is uncontrolled passage of heavy vehicles during night-time threatening biodiversity.
- Poor conservation infrastructure:The rangers and frontline staff deployed in many parks and sanctuaries lacks modern weapons, advanced communication systems and efficient means of transportation. There is also lack of proper camps and watch towers.
- Human interference:Illegal livestock grazing, illegal fishing, unplanned tourism infrastructure, highway traffic, tourism pressure, crop raiding, etc.
- Mining, petroleum prospecting,clear-cut lumbering, and other developments are generally prohibited inside parks—but they still pose serious threats to water quality, clean air, and other vital aspects of the park environment.
Need of the hour
- WWF-India Eco-development project aims to develop a model programme that can be used all over the country to help resolve this conflict.
- Involve local communities in decision making like Critical tiger habitats Gram Sabha is given importance similar to the forest rights act.
- Implementing the Gadgil committee and K Kasturirangan committee and not to water down the original recommendations.
- Patrolling and wildlife monitoring had to be taken up on a priority basis and scientific studies to ascertain the status of key species have been undertaken with the help of research organizations.
- Participation of local communities: The participation of local youth has been actively sought for the management of Manas and its buffer regions.
- These youth were employed as conservation volunteers on a monthly stipend and ration.
- They assisted the forest department in surveillance and patrolling activities.
- With the help of national and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), some of the youth were also trained to act as nature guides for small ecotourism enterprises.
Conclusion
The wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are established to provide protection to the endangered species. It is relatively hard to always relocate the animals from their natural territory, therefore, conserving them in their normal setting is advantageous. On of wildlife has major impact on entire human race and therefore must be taken up on war footing.
Measures and interest need to be channelled towards regrowing trees and increasing the land cover for forests. Reforestation and afforestation need to be promoted throughout the world. Proper forest management bodies need to be enforced to monitor wildlife actions and update on the latest. Care and habitation need to be provided to extinct species and efforts need to be taken to save them from becoming extinct.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service
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 the essential traits of efficient civil servant.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by describing a efficient civil servant.
Body:
Elaborate on five essential traits of a efficient civil servant. Cite examples to substantiate how those traits make him efficient.
Conclusion:
Complete by mentioning the importance of civil servants being efficient.
Introduction
Civil servants are the pivot between state and people. They are accountable to both the political executive and the citizen. Upholding the highest ethical standard is paramount for civil servants because the state machinery rests upon their shoulders; they have to maintain ideals and lead by example to sustain the system’s trust.
Civil service is the steel frame on which the edifice of public administration is based upon. If this steel frame is corroded through corruption and low moral standards, the state machinery implementing policies and welfare measures and addressing grievances will collapse.
Body
Adherence to foundational values such as integrity, objectivity, non-partisanship, tolerance, compassion, dedication to public service, etc., serve as guiding principles for civil servants in the discharge of public service duties. Moreover, they provide normative consensus about the rights and benefits to which citizens are entitled to.
Qualities of a responsive civil servant
- Selflessness: Decisions should only be made in the public interest by those holding public office. For the sake of obtaining money or other material advantages for themselves, their families, or other friends, they shouldn’t do this.
- Integrity: Holders of public office shouldn’t obligate themselves in any way, whether financially or otherwise, to outside parties who could have an impact on how they carry out their official obligations.
- Objectivity: Public officials should base their decisions on merit while doing public business, including public appointments, contract awards, and recommendations for incentives and perks.
- Impartiality: Impartiality is a kind of characteristic or quality of making decisions without bias and prejudice. An instance of impartiality is one in which there is no favoritism. It rejects granting an undue advantage to any individual, societal group, or organization. Being impartial means that all choices should only be based on merit.
- Non-partisanship: Non-partisanship is known by its act of not supporting any political party, even if one strongly agrees with its ideals. Non-partisanship is the absence of adherence to ideals of any political party, organization, or group.
- Accountability: Civil servants are subject to the scrutiny that is appropriate to their position and must answer to the public for their choices and conduct.
- Openness: All choices and acts that public office holders do should be as transparent as possible. When the larger public interest plainly requires it, they should provide justification for their choices and only restrict information when necessary.
- Honesty: Public officials have a responsibility to declare any private interests that may conflict with their official obligations and to handle such conflicts in a way that protects the public interest.
- Leadership:
- Leadership should be used by public authorities to promote and support these ideas.
- Dedication to public service: Dedication is the quality of being motivated in one’s profession, purpose, vision, or actions. Dedicated public servants strive to accomplish the goals set by the administration. An inner drive or excitement for working in the greater good of the public is implied by dedication to public service. Without any external formal technique to drive that desire, it is the commitment, passion, and sincere desire to achieve something that counts.
Conclusion
In a diverse country like India, the civil servants often face complex and often contrasting socio-economic objectives and challenges often creating a deep sense of moral/ethical dilemma in them about their own duties and functions. This demands an inherent aptitude to prevail over contradictions, solve dilemmas and keep up the spirit to perform in spite of adverse circumstances.
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