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.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question:
To list important events that took place 1927 onwards up to the start of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
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 with a summary of what happened following the Non-Cooperation Movement up to 1927.
Body:
In first part, write how the British government’s actions (in 1927) proved to be the spark that lit the fire (Civil Disobedience Movement).
Proceed to write how a new wave of youth embraced the idea of becoming freedom fighters, were influenced by socialism. Do not forget to mention the Nehru report, the reaction of youth to this report, Jinnah’s 14 points, Delhi manifesto etc.
Conclusion:
Write that the ignorance by the British government of Gandhi’s 11 point-demand triggered the start of the civil disobedience movement.
Introduction
The years 1927 to 1929 are termed are ‘gathering of storm’, in India’s struggle for freedom. The most immediate trigger was the setting up of an all-White seven member Simon commission, to decide on Constitutional reforms and whether India was ready for it.
From here, a series of events led to the ultimate Civil Disobedience Movement in the year 1930.
Body
British government actions that triggered massive response
- Response to Simon Commission: The response in India was immediate and unanimous.
- That no Indian should be thought fit to serve on a body that claimed the right to decide the political future of India was an insult that no Indian of even the most moderate political opinion was willing to swallow.
- Boycott by all factions: The call for a boycott of the Commission was endorsed by the Liberal Federation led by Tej Bahadur Sapru, by the Indian Industrial and Commercial Congress, arid by the Hindu Mahasabha the Muslim League even split on the issue, Mohammed Ali Jinnah carrying the majority with him in favour of boycott
- INC resolution in 1927: Jawaharlal Nehru had even succeeded in getting passed a snap resolution declaring complete independence as the goal of the Congress.
- Lathi charge and brutalities: On 3 February 1928 all the major cities and towns observed a complete hartal, and people were out on the streets participating in mass rallies, processions and black-flag demonstrations.
- Lajpat rai was fatally injured due to lathi blows on his chest.
- Saunders Murder: It was Lajpat Rai’s death that Bhagat Singh and his comrades were seeking to avenge when they killed the white police official, Saunders, in December 1928.
Events leading upto civil disobedience movement
- Nehru Report: Meetings of the All-Parties Conference were held in February, May and August 1928 to finalize a scheme which popularly came to be known as the Nehru Report after Motilal Nehru, its principal author.
- It was a response to challenge of Lord Birkenhead, who constantly harped on the inability of Indians to formulate a concrete scheme of constitutional reforms which had the support of wide sections of Indian political opinion.
- Dominion status was envisaged in the report, however younger nationalists were opposed to it.
- Reaction of younger nationalists: Congress decided that if the Government did not accept a constitution based on Dominion Status by the end of the year the Congress would not only adopt complete independence as its goal, but it would also launch a civil disobedience movement to attain that goal.
- Jinnah’s 14 points: Declaring that the Nehru Report represented Hindu interests, he consolidated all the communal demands made by different communal organizations at different times into a single document which came to be known as Jinnah’s Fourteen Points.
- Delhi Manifesto: As the round table conference was called to consider Simon report, a conference of major national leaders met and issued what came to be known as the Delhi manifesto.
- They demanded that it should be made clear that the purpose of the Round Table Conference was not to discuss when Dominion Status should be granted, but to formulate a scheme for its implementation.
- On 23 December Irwin himself told Gandhiji and the others that he was in no position to give the assurance they demanded.
- The stage of negotiations was over and the stage of confrontation was about to begin.
- Gandhi’s 11 point ultimatum: Gandhi gave a set of eleven demands to Lord Irwin, after which he threatened to launch a full blown civil disobedience movement.
Conclusion
Gandhi’s ultimatum of 31 January to Lord Irwin, stating the minimum demands in the form of II points, had been ignored, and there was only one way out: civil disobedience. In mid-February, 1930, the Working Committee, meeting at Sabarmati Ashram, invested Gandhiji with fill powers to launch the Civil Disobedience Movement at a time and place of his choice. Thus began the preparation for civil disobedience movement which severely reduced British legitimacy.
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.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: History of modern world by Jain & Mathur.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about composition and powers of the League of nations and to write about its successes and failures.
Directive word:
Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Introduction:
Write briefly about the background of the formation of the League – the first world war.
Body:
In the first part, write what the League’s aims were. Proceed to write what its successes were. In the final part, write what its failures were.
Conclusion:
Conclude by highlighting the league’s legacy, viz. it being the first attempt at creating an international body that was meant to pursue peace, and that it was the precursor to the UN.
Introduction
Woodrow Wilson’s 14 point program had envisaged creation of an international agency that would work for maintenance of world peace. The League of Nations was set up after the 1st World War in 1920 with the following two main aims
- Settle international disputes to prevent war in future. This was to be achieved through the principle of collective security. The maintenance of international peace and security was the primary goal of the League.
- Economic and Social work: The League of Nations was to seek international cooperation for socio-economic development across the world.
Body:
The shortcomings of league of nation were
- Toothless Tiger: League of Nations lacked enforceable rights. It did not have military force of its own. The League failed to implement its decisions in disputes, where the verdict of the League was against a major power. Aggressive regimes like Japan, Italy and Germany defied the League. Britain and France did not do much to give teeth to the League.
- Germany was not allowed to join until 1926 and the USSR only became a member in 1934 (when Germany left). India which was not even an independent country was made a member. USA which played the leading role did not join it.
- The “Versailles Treaty” had an upper hand where the Victors of 1st World War dictated terms of League of Nations as well as on other countries.
- Failure of collective responsibility: In 1930s when many countries resorted to aggression, the League was ignored or defied. It did not come forward in case Japanese attack on Manchuria in 1931 & Italy attack on Ethiopia in 1936.
- It recognized the division of spoils of the war and most of the colonies were transferred as mandates not to be annexed thus undermining the very ideals with which it was formed.
- The Conference of Ambassadors undermined League’s authority. The Conference of Ambassadors overruled the League’s decisions. Example: in case of the Corfu incident (1923) involving Mussolini’s Italy and Greece.
- Failure of Disarmament: Security concerns lead to a race for armament. The World conference on Disarmament in 1932-34 was a failed effort of League of Nations as the major powers disagreed to disarm. This further strengthened Hitler’s fascist agenda in Germany.
- Economic Crisis of 1929 led to poverty and unemployment and consequently, right wing governments came to power across the world. These governments were more aggressive and violated the League Covenant.
Conclusion:
League of Nations did important work for the socio-economic development across the world. However, it failed with respect to its aim of being a leading forum for resolution of international disputes and ensuring a peaceful world. These failures lead to the disastrous Second World War.
Value addition:
In the socio-economic development context, it had its fair share of successes.
The League of Nations set up some of the organisations like International Labour Organization, International court of justice which is still relevant even today.
ILO took some reforms like
- Fixed maximum working days and minimum wages.
- Started old age pensions.
- Took actions in the area of welfare of the workers.
The Refugee Organization reforms:
- It helped the Prisoners of War in Russia to their homes outside Russia.
- In 1933, it helped the Jews, who were fleeing to escape Nazi persecution, to resettle in different countries where they would be safe.
Resolution of minor International disputes by LoN:
- Solved the dispute of smaller countries like Finland, Poland, Albania and Czechoslovakia.
- The League solved a territorial dispute between Peru and Columbia.
- Also in 1921, when there was a dispute regarding Upper Silesia (an industrial region) between Germany and Poland, the League successfully made both the parties reach a settlement and Upper Silesia was partitioned between the two.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The article emphasizes the need to expedite the implementation of a data protection policy in light of the challenges faced during the rollout of the CoWIN platform in India.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about need and significance of protection of personal data of the people in India.
Directive:
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 writing about fundamental right to privacy, especially in the light of recent events.
Body:
First, write about the evolution towards data protection law since SC judgement of 2027 – Just Sri Kirshna committee, JPC on the draft law etc, Withdrawal of personal data protection bill.
Next, write about why protecting personal data is important? – Data protection regulations ensure the security of individuals’ personal data and regulate the collection, usage, transfer, and disclosure of the said data and how without a law it renders fundamental right to privacy ineffective.
Conclusion:
Conclude writing a way forward.
Introduction
Data protection is the process of protecting data and involves the relationship between the collection and dissemination of data and technology. It aims to strike a balance between individual privacy rights while still allowing data to be used for myriad purposes. The sheer volume of people’s data on the internet and the advancements in technologies such as Artificial intelligence, Data mining and machine learning poses a threat of abuse and misuse of data.
Body
Data protection in India
- Several countries have dedicated law for data protection like Japan’s Act on Protection of Personal Information. European Union has also adopted General Data Protection Regulation 2018.
- India does not have any dedicated legal framework for data protection. Presently some acts cover the data protection in general.
- Sec 43A of Information Technology Act 2000 protects user data from misuse but it is applicable to only corporate entities and not on government agency. Also, the rules are restricted to sensitive personal data only — medical history, biometric information among other things.
- Other acts like Consumer Protection Act 2015, Copyrights Act 1957 among others also attempt to protect the personal information.
- The need for a more robust data protection legislation came to the fore in 2017 post the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd) v. Union of India that established the right to privacy as a fundamental right.
- In 2018, a draft version of the bill was prepared by a committee headed by retired Justice B N Srikrishna. Recently, the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha by the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology.
Need for Data Protection in India
India has around 40 cr internet users and 25cr social media users who spend significant time online. The average cost for data breach in India has gone up to Rs. 11.9 crore, an increase of 7.9% from 2017. Moreover, in the KS Puttaswamy case, the Supreme Court has declared Data Privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21. Hence it becomes all the more significant to ensure data protection. The reasons are as follows:
- Data Export: Most of the data storage companies are based abroad. Especially the e-commerce companies that have exabytes of data on Indians. They also export data to other jurisdiction making it difficult to apply Indian laws.
- Data Localization: Enforcing data localization has faced backlash from many private entities and their home governments. There hundreds of private players are involved in data dynamics which makes it difficult to apply uniform data protection framework.
- User Consent: Generally, the application using pre-ticked boxes on consent while asking users regarding the acceptance to the terms and conditions.
- Privacy Breach: It is usually difficult to trace the perpetrator invading the data privacy.
- Privacy laws: Currently, the usage and transfer of personal data of citizens is regulated by the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2011, under the IT Act, 2000. However, this are applicable only to private entities and not on government agency.
- Data ownership: As per TRAI guidelines, individuals own the data, while the collectors and data processors are mere custodians of data who are subject to regulations.
Conclusion
Considering the data privacy as the fundamental right of a citizen and economic downturns of the potential breaches in data, government need to reconsider the above pending issues. A robust Personal data protection law is the need of the hour. Due importance needs to be given on public awareness, better implementation and regulation and efficient grievance redressal as well.
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article reports that the Law Commission of India has called for new suggestions and inputs on the issue of implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The Commission has requested individuals, stakeholders, and organizations to submit their views and opinions on the matter.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about analyse the debate regarding introduction of the Uniform civil code.
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 defining Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as per article 44.
Body:
First, explaining the aims and objectives behind UCC in India.
Next, discuss in detail the arguments for UCC in India – Mentioned in DPSP, uniformity of laws, achieving equality, simplification of law, progressive measure etc.
Next, discuss in detail the arguments against the UCC in India – Lack of consensus, against cultural diversity, right of minorities, tribal customs etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by giving a balanced opinion regarding UCC.
Introduction
A Uniform Civil Code is one that would provide for one law for the entire country, applicable to all religious communities in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption etc. It proposes to replace the personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major religious community in the country with a common set of laws governing every citizen.
Article 44 of the Constitution lays down that the state shall endeavor to secure a Uniform Civil Code for the citizens throughout the territory of India.
Body
Background
- The 22nd Law Commission of India has initiated a new consultation process on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and invited views of general public as well as recognised religious organisations on the same.
- The commission has given 30 days from the date of notice to present their views and feedback.
- The previous 21st Law Commission had said UCC is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage in the country
UCC helps in achieving the following
- Promotion of secularism: One set of laws to govern the personal matters of all citizens irrespective of religion is the cornerstone of true secularism. A secular republic needs a common law for all citizens rather than differentiated rules based on religious practices. It would help end gender discrimination on religious grounds and strengthens the secular fabric of the nation.
- Protection of Vulnerable & Women’s Rights: It will protect the vulnerable sections of society. Women have been denied via personal laws in the name of socio cultural-religious traditions. Therefore, UCC could bring all communities together to ensure Women the Right to a dignified life and control over their life as well as body.
- Gender justice:The rights of women are usually limited under religious law, be it Hindu or Muslim. Many practices governed by religious tradition are at odds with the fundamental rights guaranteed in the Indian Constitution. Courts have also often said in their judgements that the government should move towards a uniform civil code including the judgement in the Shah Bano case.
- Prevents religion-based discrimination: Personal laws differentiate between people on grounds of religion. A unified law having the same provisions regarding marital affairs would provide justice to those who feel discriminated against.
- Ending unjust customs and traditions: A rational common and unified personal law will help eradicate many evil, unjust and irrational customs and traditions prevalent across the communities. For example, Law against Manual scavenging. It might have been a custom in the past but in a mature democracy like India, this custom cannot be justified.
- Indian laws do follow a uniform code in most civil matters –Indian Contract Act, Civil Procedure Code, Sale of Goods Act, Transfer of Property Act, Partnership Act, Evidence Act etc. States, however, have made hundreds of amendments and therefore in certain matters, there is diversity even under these secular civil laws.
- Justice Prathiba M Singh of Delhi HC stated that the modern Indian society was gradually becoming homogenous, the traditional barriers of religion, community and caste are slowly dissipating and thus UCC ought not to remain a mere hope.
- Eases Administration: UCC would make it easy to administer the huge population base of India.
Challenges facing the passage of UCC:
- Violation of fundamental rights: Religious bodies oppose uniform civil code on the ground that it would be interference into religious affairs which would violate fundamental rights guaranteed under article 25 of the constitution.
- Reduces diversity: It would reduce the diversity of the nation by painting everyone in one colour. Tribals have their unique customs and traditions as per their culture. Replacing their customs and traditions with a unified law may lead to the identity crisis of the tribals. This may further lead to social tension.
- Communal politics: It would be a tyranny to the minority and when implemented could bring a lot of unrest in the country.
- Threat to Multiculturalism: Indian society has a unique identity in the form of its being multiculturalism, and unified law might do away with these unique characteristics of this nation.
- Affects Majority as well: For example, even Hindus themselves have separate Hindu laws for themselves. Thus, it is not merely a question for minorities but it also affects the majority.
- Lacking Political Will: Bigger issues have been resolved by the BJP Government like Ayodhya Dispute, repeal of Article 370, so with adequate will from the political community, UCC could also be implemented
- Sensitive and tough task: Such a code, in its true spirit, must be brought about by borrowing freely from different personal laws, making gradual changes in each, issuing judicial pronouncements assuring gender equality, and adopting expansive interpretations on marriage, maintenance, adoption, and succession by acknowledging the benefits that one community secures from the others. This task will be very demanding time and human resource wise. The government should be sensitive and unbiased at each step while dealing with the majority and minority communities. Otherwise, it might turn out to be more disastrous in a form of communal violence.
- Time is not yet suitable for this reform: Considering a major opposition from Muslim community in India over this issue overlapping with controversies over beef, saffronization of school and college curriculum, love jihad, and the silence emanating from the top leadership on these controversies, there needs to be given sufficient time for instilling confidence in the community. Otherwise, these efforts towards common will be counterproductive leaving minority class particularly Muslims more insecure and vulnerable to get attracted towards fundamentalist and extremist ideologies.
Way forward
- Major sensitization efforts are needed to reform current personal law reforms which should first be initiated by the communities themselves.
- Current institutions need to be modernized, democratized and strengthened for this change. Sincere efforts towards women empowerment have to be taken for all women of all religions.
- UCC can only emerge through an evolutionary process, which preserves India’s rich legal heritage, of which all the personal laws are equal constituents.
- The social transformation from diverse civil code to uniformity shall be gradual and cannot happen in a day. Therefore, the government must adopt a piecemeal approach and no knee-jerk decisions.
- There is need for deliberations and discussions among members of various communities to reach a common ground.
Conclusion
The guiding principles of the Constitution itself visualize diversity and have tried to promote uniformity among peoples of different denominations. A uniform law, although highly desirable but may be counterproductive to the unity and integrity of the nation. Hence, only those elements of customs and traditions should be brought into a unified law that causes injustice to individuals. In a democracy and rule of law, a gradual progressive change and order must be brought about.
Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article emphasizes the importance of effective governance beyond the implementation of technology.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about good governance and its various dimensions and measures needed to achieve it.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining good governance.
Body:
First, elaborate up on the various pillars of good governance – transparency, accountability, participation, rule of law, and efficiency etc. Write about the role of technology.
Next, discuss in detail various dimensions of good governance in India – administration, g-governance, finances, infrastructure, welfare and people’s happiness etc.
Next, suggest reforms to achieve it.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stressing on the importance of good governance to India.
Introduction
The World Bank defines governance as the manner in which power is exercised in the management of a country’s economic and social resources for development. Governance is defined as the exercise of power or authority by political leaders for the well-being of their country’s citizens or subjects. A great deal about governance is the proper and effective utilization of resources.
The World Bank defined Good Governance as “the manner in which power is exercised in the management of a country’s economic and social resources for development”..
Body
Good governance has 8 major characteristics. ‘It is participatory, consensus-oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive and follows the rule of law. It assures that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society.
Major Features of Good Governance:
- Participation
- People should be able to voice their own opinions through legitimate immediate organizations or representatives.
- This includes men and women, vulnerable sections of society, backward classes, minorities, etc.
- Participation also implies freedom of association and expression.
- Transparency
- Information should be accessible to the public and should be understandable and monitored.
- It also means free media and access of information to them.
- Rule of Law
- Legal framework should be enforced impartially, especially on human rights laws.
- Without rule of law, politics will follow the principle of matsya nyaya i.e. law of fish which means the strong will prevail over the weak.
- Responsiveness
- This implies that processes and institutions should serve all stakeholders within a reasonable time frame.
- Consensus oriented
- Consensus oriented decision-making ensures that even if everyone does not achieve what they want to the fullest, a common minimum can be achieved by everyone which will not be detrimental to anyone.
- Accountability
- Good governance aims towards betterment of people, and this can not take place without the government being accountable to the people.
- Governmental institutions, private sectors, and civil society organizations should be held accountable to the public and institutional stakeholders.
- Effectiveness and Efficiency
- Processes and institutions should be able to produce results that meet the needs of their community.
- Resources of the community should be used effectively for the maximum output.
- Equity and Inclusiveness
- Good governance assures an equitable society.
- People should have opportunities to improve or maintain their well-being.
Leveraging technology for good Governance
Legislation
- Technology-centric solutions can ensure work continuity in law-making institutions even when meetings can’t be held physically.
- These online meetings of legislative bodies will help in the furtherance of debate and deliberation on important issues.
- The establishment of e-legislature will help in reducing the frequent use of ordinances.
- Following this, Virtual parliament has been set up in the democracies like the UK, New Zealand, etc.
- The use of ICT platforms will enable proper functioning of parliamentary committees.
- Also, the added advantage could be that the committee could get to hear a wide range of stakeholders who might otherwise find it difficult to appear in person before the committees.
Judiciary
- By adopting initiatives like e-courtsjudiciary may reduce the backlog of cases.
Executive
- Many state governments have adopted Information Technology to automate processes like Digital Land Record management, Treasury management etc.
Participative democracy
- There is an unprecedented opportunity for community collective choice, whereby citizens who are affected by a set of governing rules can help to select and frame policy, rank spending priorities, and can, in partnership with their local government representatives,
- Such Mechanism may help in strengthening Social audit. For example, citizens can directly give suggestions to the government on myGOV platform.
Steps required to promote Good Governance in India
- There is imperative need to strengthen and widen the national public information infrastructure through developing information networks for wider access of digital information through wider use of information technologies.
- Changing the mindset of the government employees is important. This will be addressed to organizing programmes for orientation, training and capacity building.
- States may be advised to establish an independent public grievance redressal authority to deal with complaints of delay, harassment and corruption.
- Use of technology is critical in engendering good governance: Some examples abound in Government already, and many more are possible.
- There are startups such as Avantari and ai which use artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) to create “mass personalization” in advertising and communication.
- Good governance is also the responsibility of enlightened citizens who should give some thought to complex trade-offs like these and not just only demand good governance but also contribute to it.
- To ensure sustainable human development, actions must be taken to work towards this ideal with the aim of making it a reality.
Conclusion:
Good governance is significant in public institutions to conduct and manage public affairs and resources to guarantee human rights in free of abuse and corruption, and with due regard for the rule of law. Good governance is thus, a function of installation of positive virtues of administration and elimination of vices of dysfunctionalities. It makes the government work effective, credible and legitimate in administrative system and citizen-friendly, value caring and people-sharing.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: downtoearth.org.in
Why the question:
The article discusses the private sector’s active involvement in the production of green hydrogen, as highlighted by Hardeep Singh Puri, India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, during a G20 event.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the green hydrogen, its advantages, potential of Hydrogen as an eco-friendly fuel and steps India has taken in this regard.
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 defining green hydrogen.
Body:
Distinguish between Brown, Blue and Green Hydrogen. Mention how the Hydrogen fuel can secure India’s energy security as well as help cut down carbon footprint.
Next, write about the advantages offered by green hydrogen.
Next, write about the Green Hydrogen Mission and tis potential to harness green hydrogen for tis developmental and clean energy ambitions. Mention that India has a number of obstacles to overcome in terms of technology, storage, transportation, new materials research, safety standards etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to maximise the benefits of the hydrogen fuel technology.
Introduction
Green hydrogen — also referred to as ‘clean hydrogen’ — is produced by using electricity from renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to split water into two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom through a process called electrolysis. The Union Government recently notified the green hydrogen and green ammonia policy aimed at boosting the domestic production of green hydrogen to 5 million tonnes by 2030 and making India an export hub for the clean fuel.
Green hydrogen is an emerging option that will help reduce India’s vulnerability to such price shocks. The Cabinet has cleared India’s Rs 20,000 cr National Green Hydrogen Mission to make the country a global green hydrogen hub..
Body
Advantages of Green hydrogen
- It is a clean-burning molecule, which can decarbonize a range of sectors including iron and steel, chemicals, and transportation.
- Renewable energy that cannot be stored or used by the grid can be channelled to produce hydrogen.
- India, being a tropical country,has a significant edge in green hydrogen production due to its favourable geographical conditions and abundant natural resources.
- Producing hydrogen from renewables in India is likely to be cheaper than producing it from natural gas.
Significance of Green Hydrogen in tackling energy challenges
- Green hydrogen energy is vital for India to meet its Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) Targets and ensure regional and national energy security, access and availability.
- Green Hydrogen can act as an energy storage option, which would be essential to meet intermittencies (of renewable energy) in the future.
- In terms of mobility, for long distance mobilisations for either urban freight movement within cities and states or for passengers, Green Hydrogen can be used in railways, large ships, buses or trucks, etc.
- India is the world’s fourth largest energy consuming country (behind China, the United States and the European Union), according to the IEA’s forecast, and will overtake the European Union to become the world’s third energy consumer by the year 2030.
- Realising the impending threats to economies, the Summit will see several innovative proposals from all over the world in order to reduce dependence on use of fossil fuels.
- The scale of interest for ‘plucking the low hanging fruit’ can be gauged by the fact that even oil-producing nations such as Saudi Arabia where the day temperature soars to over 50° C in summer, is prioritising plans to manufacture this source of energy by utilising ‘idle-land-banks’ for solar and wind energy generation.
- It is working to establish a mega $5 billion ‘Green hydrogen’ manufacturing unit covering a land-size as large as that of Belgium, in the northern-western part of the country.
- India is also gradually unveiling its plans. The Indian Railways have announced the country’s first experiment of a hydrogen-fuel cell technology-based train by retrofitting an existing diesel engine; this will run under Northern Railway on the 89 km stretch between Sonepat and Jind.
- The project will not only ensure diesel savings to the tune of several lakhs annually but will also prevent the emission of 0.72 kilo tons of particulate matter and 11.12 kilo tons of carbon per annum.
Challenges
- The ‘production cost’ of ‘Green hydrogen’ has been considered to be a prime obstacle.
- According to studies by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IREA), the production cost of this ‘green source of energy’ is expected to be around $1.5 per kilogram (for nations having perpetual sunshine and vast unused land), by the year 2030; by adopting various conservative measures.
- The global population is growing at a rate of 1.1%, adding about 83 million human heads every year on the planet.
- As a result, the International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts the additional power demand to be to the tune of 25%-30% by the year 2040.
- Thus, power generation by ‘net-zero’ emission will be the best solution to achieve the target of expert guidelines on global warming to remain under 1.5° C.
- This will also be a leap forward in minimising our dependence on conventional fossil fuel; in 2018, 8.7 million people died prematurely as result of air pollution from fossil fuels.
- India has made good progress in decarbonization growing the share of renewable energy, energy efficiency & fuel transition.
- There is growing interest and hype for using hydrogen in multiple applications such as Hydrogen-based Agro vehicles, Hydrogen-powered passenger trains, Hydrogen in aviation etc.
Way forward
- As India is scaling up to the target of having 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030, aligning hydrogen production needs with broader electricity demand in the economy would be critical.
- The industrial sectors like steel, refining, fertilizer & methanol sectors are attractive for Green Hydrogen adoption as Hydrogen is already being generated & consumed either as a chemical feedstock or a process input.
- The public funding will have to lead the way in the development of green hydrogen, but the private sector has significant gains too to be made by securing its energy future.
- India requires a manufacturing strategy that can leverage the existing strengths and mitigate threats by integrating with the global value chain.
- The green hydrogen has been anointed the flag-bearer of India’s low-carbon transition as Hydrogen may be lighter than air, but it will take some heavy lifting to get the ecosystem in place.
- Enforcing time-bound mid- and long-term policies would inspire the private sector to invest more in green hydrogen.
- India should aim to produce 4-6 million tonnes of green hydrogen per annum by the end of the decade and export at least 2 million tonnes per annum.
General Studies – 4
Topic: laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance;
Difficulty level: Tough
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.
Key Demand of the question:
To debate as to what should prevail if morality is in conflict with the law.
Directive:
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 mentioning the relationship between morality and law.
Body:
Explain that the popular conception of the connection between law and morality is that in some way the law exists to promote morality, to preserve those conditions which make the moral life possible.
Write about the reason for conflict. They conflict most often because morality gives you a sense of what is right and wrong or acceptable and what is not according to human nature. Law commands obedience not out of a sense of right or wrong but out of necessity. Substantiate the above with examples.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a balanced opinion.
Introduction
Law is the codification of societal norms and values which helps in delivering justice. While Morality is very those values and norms on which law is framed to decide what is right and wrong. Law and morality are intimately related to each other. Laws are generally based on the moral principles of society. Both regulate the conduct of the individual in society.
Body
Relation between law and morality:
- Law is essentially a set of rules and principles created and enforced by the state whereas morals are a set of beliefs, values and principles and behaviour standards which are enforced and created by society.
- Legal and moral rules can be isolated with the former being created by the legislative institution of parliament whereas the latter have evolved with and through society and are the standards which society in general accepts and promotes.
- Some laws mirror the majority of society’s moral view, for example, that murder is wrong but the introduction of same sex marriages is seen by some people as morally wrong and society is divided.
- The existence of unjust laws (such as those enforcing slavery) proves that morality and law are not identical and do not coincide.
- The existence of laws that serve to defend basic values such as laws against murder, rape, malicious defamation of character, fraud, bribery, etc. prove that the two can work together.
- Morality forms the basis of good law and therefore laws are framed to prohibit any immoral act. For example, Laws in India prohibits domestic violence, atrocities on lower castes, child marriages, crimes like murder and rapes because they are immoral.
- Laws govern conduct at least partly through fear of punishment. Morality, when it is internalized governs conduct without compulsion. The virtuous person does the appropriate thing because it is the fine or noble thing to do.
- Morality can influence the law in the sense that it can provide the reason for making whole groups of immoral actions illegal.
- Law can be a public expression of morality which codifies in a public way the basic principles of conduct which a society accepts. In that way it can guide the educators of the next generation by giving them a clear outline of the values society wants taught to its children.
- Obedience to law depends upon the active support of the moral sentiments of the people. Laws which are not supported by the moral conscience of the people are liable to become dead letters.
Conclusion
The only check against the breach of morality is social condemnation or individual conscience. Moral actions are a matter of choice of inner conscience of the individual; laws are a matter of compulsion. Law cannot be made on each and every aspect of life. More than law behavioral change is the key to a moral society, as rightly said by BR Ambedkar, “No law can protect us if it’s not avowed by the moral conscience of the society at large”.
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