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General Studies – 1
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about factors that resulted in transformation of Magadha from a kingdom to an Empire.
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 by giving context of emergence of Magadha as first empire in ancient India.
Body:
Write about the political factors, economic factors, geographic factors, strategic factors and social factors that resulted in transformation of Magadha from a kingdom to a pan Indian empire. Substantiate with examples.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
Magadha was a kingdom and one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas, or ‘Great Kingdoms’, of the Second Urbanisation (600–200 BCE) in the eastern Ganges Plain in what is now south Bihar. It was controlled by three dynasties during its history: the Haryanka Dynasty, the Shishunaga Dynasty, and the Nanda Dynasty The ancient kingdom of Magadha appears frequently in Jain and Buddhist writings. It is referenced in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas as well.
Body
Factors that transformed of Magadha from a kingdom to an empire in ancient India
- Political factors
- The empire of Magadha was governed by capable and ambitious rulers such as Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, and Mahapadmananda.
- Main rulers established an efficient administrative system.
- They were the first to employ elephants in their armies which gave them enormous brute power.
- Magadha possessed a gigantic military machine with vast soldiers, horses, elephants, chariots, and new weapons invented by Ajatashatru such as rathamusula and mahasilakantika.
- Magadha was rich in materials like iron, which could be used to make agricultural equipment as well as weaponry.
- Geographical factors
- Rajgir or Rajagriha,Magadha’s capital, was also known as Girivraja because it was encircled by a set of five hills that served as a natural fort.
- Pataliputra,the later capital of Magadha, was known as Jaladurga because it was situated at the confluence of the Ganga, the Gandak, the son, and a fourth river, the Ghagra, which entered the Ganga not far from
- Rivers might be used for defence, communication, and commerce.
- Magadha had a diverse resource base. The terrain was fertile, and there was potential for agricultural excess.
- The woodlands that surrounded Magadhaprovided elephants as well as enough timber.
- The Nandas simplified an administrative structure with a large bureaucracy that created canals for agricultural growth, encouraged trade and commerce, and collected taxes, increasing Magadha’s financial might.
- Economic factors
- Magadha possessed massive quantities of copper and iron.
- It could easily manage commerce because of its location.
- Had a big population that could be exploited for agriculture, mining, city construction, and military service.
- The overall well-being of the population and rulers.
- Economic hegemony means control of theThe Ganga was vital to trade in North India.
- With Bimbisara’s acquisition of Anga, the Magadha Empire gained access to the Champa River.
- Champa had a significant role in trading with South-East Asia, Sri Lanka, and South India.
- Cultural factors
- The Magadhan society was unconventional.
- The rise of Jainism and Buddhism ushered in a philosophical and intellectual upheaval. They improved on liberal traditions.
- The Brahmanas did not control society as much, and many of Magadha’s monarchs were of ‘poor’ ancestry
- The Kiratas and Magadhas lived on Magadha. With the arrival of the Vedic people, Magadha saw racial mingling.
- It was more zealous than other kingdoms since it was freshly Aryanised.
- Magadha was also beyond the scope of Vedic civilization, therefore it was free of the handicaps associated with orthodox brahmanical culture.
- As a result, competent rulers may emerge from any socioeconomic group, promoting Buddhism, Jainism, and other unorthodox cults.
Conclusion
Magadha was an ancient Indian kingdom located in what is now the state of Bihar in northeastern India. It was the basis for several greater kingdoms or empires. Magadha rose from janapada to mahajanapadas and then to an empire under the Mauryas for a number of reasons.
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: TN History – Class 11th Textbook (New Edition)
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about Dhamma, its features and measures taken to spread.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining Dhamma.
Body:
First, mention about the various components of Dhamma as propounded by Ashoka. The set of do’s and don’t that were part of the Dhamma.
Next, write about the measures taken by Ashoka to spread Dhamma across the subcontinent and the world.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing the legacy of dhamma.
Introduction
Ashoka’s Dhamma was neither a new religion nor a new political philosophy. Rather, it was a way of life, a code of conduct and a set of principles to be adopted and practiced by the people at large. Dhamma related to generalized norms of social activities and behaviors.
Body:
Nature of Dhamma as propounded by Ashoka:
- It is an important document of his essential humanity and an answer to the socio political needs of the contemporaneous situation.
- It was not anti brahminical because respect for Brahmins and sarmanas is an integral part of Dhamma.
- One of the striking features of Asoka’s edicts talks about father-child relationship between the king and his populace.
- In spite of his religious eclecticism, Ashoka denounced all useless ceremonies and sacrifices held under the influence of superstition. The first Rock Edict prohibits the ritual of animal sacrifice and festive gatherings.
- Asoka also started a system of dhammayatas or Yatras whereby be toured the country and preached the Dhamma to the people.
- Throughout his edicts Ashoka stresses the importance of the family. The emphasis is on respecting elders including religious elders, a humane and just attitude towards servants and slaves and a high degree of social responsibility and civic ethics.
- Ashoka pleaded for tolerance of different religious sects in an attempt to create a sense of harmony.
- The policy of Dhamma also laid stress on non-violence, which was to be practiced by giving up war and conquests and also as a restraint on the killing of animals.
- Ashoka set an example of vegetarianism by almost stopping the consumption of meat in the royal household.
- Since he wanted to conquer the world through love and faith, he sent many missions to propagate Dhamma. Such missions were sent to far off places like Egypt, Greece and Sri Lanka. The propagation of Dhamma included many measures of people’s welfare.
Shortcomings:
- His policy of Dhamma failed to achieve the desired goal of reducing social tension.
- Power of official dhammamahamattas to interfere in the lives of people increased over time. There was resentment against officials.
- None of Ashoka successors continued the propagation of Dhamma.
- The Ashoka policy of Dhamma has been the subject of controversy and debate amongst scholars.
- Some have said that Ashoka was a partisan Buddhist and have equated Dhamma with Buddhism.
Reasons for decline of Dhamma
- On one level, the decline and eventual disappearance of the dharma is viewed in Buddhist sources as automatic, simply resulting from the principle of the transitoriness of all conditioned things.
- The earliest tradition points to the presence of women in the monastic order as the critical factor in Buddhism’s early demise.
- The lack of respect toward various elements of the Buddhist tradition, lack of diligence in meditation practice, and carelessness in the transmission of the teachings.
- Other accounts point to sectarian divisions or the appearance of false teachings as the cause of decline.
- Finally, excessive monastic association with secular society also regularly appears as a contributing cause.
Conclusion:
Dhamma being secular in nature and advocates humanitarian approach, making it a very practical solution. Dhamma promotes social equality and is realistic. So, Dhamma is the need of the hour of the present India. Ashoka’s Dhamma has all-time applicability in a divergent Indian society.
Value addition
- Major Rock Edict I: Prohibition of animal sacrifices and festive fathering’s.
- Major Rock Edict II: Describes the medical missions sent everywhere (land of Cholas, Pandyas, Satyaputras, Keralaputras, Ceylon, Antiochus) for men and animals. Plantation of medicinal herbs and trees and digging of wells along the roads.
- Major Rock Edict III: On 12 years of his consecration, Yuktas (subordinate officers) rajukas (rural administrators) and the Pradesikas (head of the districts) were ordered to tour every five years and propagate Dhamma. It also mentions about being generous to Brahmans and sramanas and obedient to one’s mother and father, friends and relatives.
- Major Rock Edict IV: The sound of the drum has become the sound of Dhamma showing the people the divine form.
- Major Rock Edict V: Mentions about the introduction of the institution of the dhamma-mahammatas, the officers of the Dhamma in his fourteenth year of reign. It also mentions about humane treatment of servants by masters and of prisoners by government officials.
- Major Rock Edict VI: It-makes the relationship between the king and his subjects via the Mahamattas clearer and now the Mahamattas are told to make their reports to the king at any time and place.
- Major Rock Edict VII: It pleads for toleration amongst all sects.
- Major Rock Edict VIII: In the tenth year of his reign Asoka went on a visit to Bodh-Gaya, to see the Bodhi-tree. Following this event, he started a system of Dhamma-yatas which is described in this edict. Dhamma-yatas were occasions when he toured the country for the furtherance of Dhamma.
- Major Rock Edict IX: All ceremonies are useless except Dhamma which includes respect for others and regard even for slaves and servants and donations to sramanas and Brahmans.
- Major Rock Edict X: In this edict, Asoka denounces fame and glory and reasserts that the only glory he desires is that his subjects should follow the principles of Dhamma.
- Major Rock Edict XI: It contains a further explanation of Dhamma. Here he refers to the gift of Dhamma, the distribution of Dhamma, the kinship detailed Dhamma.
- Major Rock Edict XII: It is a direct and emphatic plea for toleration amongst the various sects.
- Major Rock Edict XIII: It is among the most important document of Asokan history. It clearly states that the Kalinga war took place eight years after his consecration. It mentions about the replacements of bherighosa (sound of war drums) by dhammaghosa (sound of peace), i.e., conquest through Dhamma instead through war.
- Major Rock Edict XIV: It is a short edict in which Asoka explains that he has had these edicts inscribed throughout the country in complete or abridged versions.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The article emphasizes the importance of transforming public libraries into inclusive spaces. It highlights the significance of public libraries in providing access to information and the need to cater to diverse communities.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the significance of public libraries and steps needed to make them inclusive.
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 giving context.
Body:
First, write about the importance of Inclusive Public Libraries – public libraries play a crucial role in providing access to information and fostering a culture of reading, promote equal access to knowledge and information, serve as community hubs, fostering social interaction and engagement etc,
Next, in detail, write about the challenges in Creating Inclusive Libraries -Financial constraints and limited resources, Lack of awareness about the importance of inclusivity in library services, Accessibility issues for individuals with disabilities and Language barriers and the need for multilingual resources etc.
Next, write about the strategies needed to overcome the above challenges.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
Public libraries are a dying space in the era of fast content consumption. With the technological advances there is overwhelming content in social media that has led to books and libraries becoming irrelavant.
Traditional libraries should evolve beyond mere repositories of books and become vibrant hubs that embrace technological advancements, offer various resources, and foster a sense of belonging for all individuals.
Body
Challenges in making public libraries inclusive
- Accessibility: One significant challenge is ensuring physical accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
- Retrofitting older library buildings to accommodate wheelchair ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms can be costly and require structural modifications.
- Additionally, creating inclusive spaces for individuals with visual impairments or hearing impairments may involve implementing assistive technologies or providing sign language interpretation services.
- Digital Divide: In today’s digital age, access to technology and the internet is crucial. However, the digital divide poses a challenge in making public libraries inclusive. Some individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities or low-income backgrounds, may lack access to computers, internet connectivity, or digital devices.
- Bridging this divide may require providing computers and Wi-Fi access in libraries, as well as offering digital literacy programs to help individuals navigate online resources effectively.
- Language and Cultural Diversity: Public libraries serve diverse communities with individuals who may speak different languages or come from various cultural backgrounds. Overcoming language barriers and catering to diverse cultural needs can be challenging.
- Libraries may need to invest in multilingual collections, employ staff who speak different languages, and provide resources and programs that reflect the cultural diversity of their communities.
- Funding Constraints: Adequate funding is essential to support the transformation of public libraries into inclusive spaces. However, many libraries face financial constraints, limiting their ability to invest in new technologies, resources, and accessibility enhancements. Securing funding through grants, partnerships, or advocacy efforts becomes crucial to address these challenges.
- Community Engagement: Encouraging community participation and engagement can be a challenge. Libraries need to actively involve community members, seek their input, and understand their needs and preferences. Building trust and fostering a sense of ownership among diverse community groups requires outreach efforts, collaboration with local organizations, and creating programming that reflects the interests of different demographics.
- Changing Perceptions: Shifting the perception of libraries from traditional book repositories to dynamic, inclusive spaces may encounter resistance. Some individuals may still view libraries as quiet, solitary spaces primarily for reading, rather than as community hubs that promote collaboration, social interaction, and diverse learning experiences. Communicating the benefits and opportunities that inclusive libraries offer is crucial in changing these perceptions.
Strategies to make inclusive public libraries
- While physical books remain significant, libraries should expand their collections to include digital content, multimedia resources, and other forms of media to cater to changing reading habits and interests.
- This adaptation would enable libraries to engage a wider audience and offer resources that align with the diverse preferences and needs of the community.
- It is important to ensure accessibility in public libraries, particularly for marginalized groups. This involves addressing physical barriers, such as wheelchair ramps and sign language services, as well as offering resources and programs that cater to the needs of individuals with disabilities or those who speak languages other than the dominant one.
- Integrating cultural and community-specific materials to foster inclusivity and create a sense of representation for all library users is a must.
- Public libraries are community spaces that facilitate social interactions and connection. Libraries should strive to provide welcoming environments that encourage collaboration, discussion, and learning.
- This can be achieved by incorporating flexible spaces, hosting diverse programs and events, and embracing technology to enable digital participation and virtual engagement.
Conclusion
There is a need for reimagining public libraries as inclusive spaces that go beyond conventional book collections. By embracing technological advancements, diversifying resources, ensuring accessibility, and fostering community engagement, libraries can evolve into vibrant and relevant institutions that serve the needs of their communities and promote the right to read for all.
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
The article highlights the ongoing debate between the PLI scheme and trade policy and tariffs as strategies to boost India’s manufacturing sector. It emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach that combines targeted incentives with a conducive trade policy to effectively promote manufacturing growth and competitiveness.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the performance of Production-linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, its successes and limitations.
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 context of Production-linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
Body:
First, write about the various sectors for which PLI scheme was launched and its major features – electronics, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and textiles. Eligible companies are provided with financial incentives based on incremental sales of goods produced in India, for a period of five years. The scheme aims to make India a global manufacturing hub, increase production of quality goods, create employment opportunities, and reduce dependence on imports.
Next, write about the successes and limitations of the above.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to overcome the limitations.
Introduction
Production-linked Incentive (PLI) scheme was conceived to scale up domestic manufacturing capability, accompanied by higher import substitution and employment generation. With an outlay of over Rs 2 lakh crore, the PLI scheme, launched in March 2020, initially targeted manufacturing mobile phones, electrical components and medical devices, and was later extended to 14 manufacturing sectors.
PLI scheme is an initiative of the government to boost the local production of domestic industries by providing them incentives. The government provides incentives on incremental sales from products manufactured in domestic units.
Body
Performance of the scheme
- The Production-linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has been a game changer.
- It has not only transformed India into a manufacturing hub but has also curtailed its burgeoning trade deficit in electronics and other manufactured goods
- mobile phone exports rose from “nearly zero” in 2015-’16 to Rs 45,000 crore in 2021-’22. The total production of mobile phones has increased from six crore units in 2014-’15 to 31 crore units in 2021-’22
- Electronics manufacturing attracted a massive investment and its exports have grown rapidly by over 55 per cent annually.
Shortcomings
- Ex RBI Governor Rajan said the schemes are actually subsidising imports and leading to items being resold domestically at a higher price.
- While the current corpus for IT hardware PLI is Rs 7,350 crore, spread over 4 years, members of the industry has told the financial daily that it wants the corpus to be expanded to up to 20,000 crore rupees.
- According to the report, the industry believes that additional incentives are needed to make India more attractive than China and Vietnam.
- A December 2022 report by Credit Suisse highlighted that capital expenditure growth due to various production-linked incentive sectoral schemes varies drastically.
- The highest annual incremental increase in capital expenditure by Production-Linked Incentive scheme companies will be in speciality steel (processed steel for advanced use) at 17%, followed by textiles (14%) and automobiles (10%).
- Similar is the case of investment: major investments under the Production-Linked Incentive schemes will come from sectors such as automobiles and speciality steels ($5.1 billion each), followed by textiles ($2.3 billion) and pharmaceuticals ($1.9 billion).
- In most other sectors, the capital investment is modest, at less than $1 billion.
- The Credit Suisse report also highlighted challenges such as the lack of experience, poor access to technology, and the relatively small balance sheets of many players that have signed up for the scheme.
- Besides, across sectors, only a handful of firms have been able to meet the threshold to qualify for government incentives. For instance, under the Production-Linked Incentive scheme for information technology hardware, of the 14 eligible firms, only two or three companies met their first-year targets for the financial year ending March 2022.
- Companies have blamed either the low incentives and the continued global supply chain disruptions.
- This points to a couple of other structural problems associated with the schemes. To start with, in many sectors, there are so many eligible companies that the division of the corpus leads to an insignificant allocation to individual companies.
- Next is the inability of the schemes to distinguish between boosting general manufacturing and boosting the manufacturing of critical materials and parts to build supply chain resilience.
- Further, the government remains slow to address hurdles in developing India’s manufacturing ecosystem.
- This includes problems of infrastructure and logistics, such as last-mile connectivity, especially to Tier-1 and tier-2 towns that have a potential to grow, ease of doing business beyond big cities, and physically safe conditions for operations.
Conclusion
To pull off something on the scale of China’s transformation, the Indian government will have to take these criticisms seriously and work to make its schemes more effective. The decision-making apparatus needs to be agile and responsive so that it can align processes, structures and policies with the desired outcomes of the schemes.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article emphasizes that job creation is a significant challenge for the government. It underscores the importance of adopting effective policies, promoting skill development, and fostering entrepreneurship to address the issue and stimulate sustainable employment growth.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about causes behind unemployment and measures need to create jobs.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by citing statistic to give a current scenario of unemployment in the country.
Body:
First, write about the causes behind unemployment in India – historical, unequal growth, lack of job specialisation, automation related losses etc.
Next, suggest measures that are needed in order to ensure job creation and to reduce unemployment in the country.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
India’s unemployment rate rose to 8.30% in December 2022, the highest in 16 months, from 8.00% in the November 2022, data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) showed. The urban unemployment rate rose to 10.09% in December 2022 from 8.96% in the November 2022, while the rural unemployment rate slipped to 7.44% from 7.55%, the data showed.
In a jobless growth economy, unemployment remains stubbornly high even as the economy grows. This tends to happen when a relatively large number of people have lost their jobs, and the ensuing recovery is insufficient to absorb the unemployed, under-employed, and those first entering the workforce. Jobless growth of the Indian economy is a “5C” problem: a Complicated Condition Created by Combinations of Causes.
Body
Causes of unemployment in India
- Jobless growth: There is mounting concern that future growth could turn out to be jobless due to de-industrialization, de-globalization, the fourth industrial revolution and technological progress. As per the NSSO Periodic Labour Force Survey 2017-18, India’s labour force participation rate for the age-group 15-59 years is around 53%, that is, around half of the working age population is jobless.
- Asymmetric demography:The growth in the working-age ratio is likely to be concentrated in some of India’s poorest states and the demographic dividend will be fully realized only if India is able to create gainful employment opportunities for this working-age population.
- Lack of skills:Most of the new jobs that will be created in the future will be highly skilled and lack of skill in Indian workforce is a major challenge. India may not be able to take advantage of the opportunities, due to a low human capital base and lack of skills.
- Low human development parameters:India ranks 130 out of 189 countries in UNDP’s Human Development Index, which is alarming. Therefore, health and education parameters need to be improved substantially to make the Indian workforce efficient and skilled.
- Informal nature of economy in Indiais another hurdle in reaping the benefits of demographic transition in India.
Public sector employment as a remedy: Critical analysis
- The latest data showed that there were 86 lakh vacant jobsamong all central government civilian posts as of March 2020.
- The government recently announcedAgnipath scheme for youth as a contract employment of four years.
- But even this measure would be ameliorative in the real economy that continues to remain distressed, a consequence ofeffects of the pandemic in the last few years.
- The country cannot afford to squander more years in its race to reap the benefits of its demographic dividend, and the push to provide jobs for those seeking to enter the labour force, even if belated, will help ease matters for the medium term.
- Real jobs in manufacturing, industries, MSME’s are the key to reaping demographic dividend. Skill development will also help in youth getting jobs in high paying services sector.
Measure needed and way forward
- Building human capital:Investing in people through healthcare, quality education, jobs and skills helps build human capital, which is key to supporting economic growth, ending extreme poverty, and creating a more inclusive society.
- Skill developmentto increase employability of young population. India’s labour force needs to be empowered with the right skills for the modern economy. Government has established the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) with the overall target of skilling/ up skilling 500 million people in India by 2022..
- Education:Enhancing educational levels by properly investing in primary, secondary and higher education. India, which has almost 41% of population below the age of 20 years, can reap the demographic dividend only if with a better education system. Also, academic-industry collaboration is necessary to synchronise modern industry demands and learning levels in academics.
- Establishment of Higher Education Finance Agency (HEFA)is a welcome step in this direction.
- Health:Improvement in healthcare infrastructure would ensure higher number of productive days for young labourforce, thus increasing the productivity of the economy.
- Success of schemes like Ayushman Bharatand National Health Protection scheme (NHPS) is necessary. Also nutrition level in women and children needs special care with effective implementation of Integrated Child Development (ICDS) programme.
- Job Creation:The nation needs to create ten million jobs per year to absorb the addition of young people into the workforce. Promoting businesses’ interests and entrepreneurship would help in job creation to provide employment to the large labourforce.
- India’s improved ranking in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Indexis a good sign.
- Schemes like Start-up Indiaand Make in India , if implemented properly, would bring the desired result in the near future.
- Urbanisation:The large young and working population in the years to come will migrate to urban areas within their own and other States, leading to rapid and large-scale increase in urban population. How these migrating people can have access to basic amenities, health and social services in urban areas need to be the focus of urban policy planning.
- Schemes such as Smart City Mission andAMRUT needs to be effectively and carefully implemented.
Conclusion
India is on the right side of demographic transition that provides golden opportunity for its rapid socio-economic development, if policymakers align the developmental policies with this demographic shift.
To reap the demographic dividend, proper investment in human capital is needed by focussing on education, skill development and healthcare facilities.
Value-addition
Steps taken by government in recent times
- Dedicated Shram Suvidha Portal:That would allot Labor Identification Number (LIN) to units and allow them to file online compliance for 16 out of 44 labor laws.
- Random Inspection Scheme:To eliminate human discretion in selection of units for Inspection, and uploading of Inspection Reports within 72 hours of inspection mandatory.
- Universal Account Number:Enables 4.17 crore employees to have their Provident Fund account portable, hassle-free and universally accessible.
- Apprentice Protsahan Yojana:Government will support manufacturing units mainly and other establishments by reimbursing 50% of the stipend paid to apprentices during first two years of their training.
- Revamped Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana:Introducing a Smart Card for the workers in the unorganized sector seeded with details of two more social security schemes.
- The National Career Service is being implemented as a mission mode project to provide various job-related services information on skills development courses, internships etc
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article highlights that addressing human-elephant conflict requires innovative approaches and the involvement of local communities
Key Demand of the question:
To explain the major causes for rising cases of man-animal conflict, limitations of present strategies and possible solutions for it.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with what you understand by Man-Animal conflicts.
Body:
First, write about the main causes of man wildlife conflict – habitat loss and fragmentation, competition for resources, crop damage and livestock predation, human infrastructure and development, conservation successes, lack of awareness and education, and inadequate policy and mitigation measures.
Next, Write about the various government policies and programmes in this direction and their limitations. Write about innovative steps and concerted efforts required in this direction.
Conclusion:
Conclude with solutions to address the issue.
Introduction
According to data from the Union environment ministry, more than 1,608 humans were killed in human-wildlife conflict cases involving tigers, leopards, bears and elephants between 2013 and 2017. At least 91 people have lost their lives since 2019 due to elephant attacks in Karnataka. The conflict has resulted in at least 38 unnatural elephant deaths in the same period. A deadly conflict is underway between India’s growing masses and its wildlife, confined to ever-shrinking forests and grasslands, with data showing that about one person has been killed every day for the past three years by roaming tigers or rampaging elephants.
Body
Reasons for rise in Man-Animal Conflicts
- Unbridled Development: The existing space for Tigers, Elephants and other big wild animals are shrinking due to encroachment of wildlife habitats. Unsustainable land use is the biggest problem in this regard.
- Animals are increasingly finding their usual corridors and pathways blocked by roads, rail tracks and industries.
- The Ken-Betwa river interlinking projectwill submerge 100 sq. km of Panna Tiger Reserve.
- Urbanization: Urbanization and growth agendas alter landscape dynamics, which has a cascading effect on the ecological dynamics of wildlife.
- Eg: In the area of Gwal Pahari on the Gurugram-Faridabad Road, for example, the district town and country planning department has issued change of land use permissions
- Recent relaxations in normsto allow for a widening of highway and railway networks near these protected areas are the new threats
- Primary reason for the increasing human-animal conflicts is the presence of a large number of animals and birds outside the notified protected areas.
- Wildlife experts estimate that 29 per cent of the tigers in India are outside the protected areas
- Poor Enforcement of laws: No buffer zone is maintained between critical wildlife habitats and human settlements.
- Climate Change and Biodiversity:With the food chain undergoing rapid changes and pool of species declining, the forage is decreasing for wild animals. Hence, they come in search of livestock in fringe areas of human settlements.
- Less Protected Area: Only 5% of India’s geographical area is in the protected area category. This space is not enough to have a full-fledged habitat for wild animals.
- A territorial animal like a male tiger needs an area of 60-100 sq km. But the area allocated to an entire tiger reserve, like the Bor Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra, is around 140 sq km.
- The territorial animals do not have enough space within reserves and their prey does not have enough fodder to thrive on.
Government Initiatives to reduce Man-Animal conflict
- A network of Protected Areas namely viz., national park, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserving covering important wildlife habitat have been created all over the country under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to conserve wild animals and their habitat.
- Wildlife corridors:Wildlife corridors have been developed in many parts of the country.
- For example: In 2017, to protect elephant habitats, the Odisha government had identified 14 corridors.
- Tiger corridor around Tadoba-AndhariTiger Reserves are built.
- “Plan Bee”: Indian Railwayslaunched ‘Plan Bee’ to prevent elephants getting hurt on rail tracks, thereby reducing the elephant death toll.
- Nearly 50 buzzing amplifiers have been deployed as part of “Plan Bee” at a dozen “elephant corridors” in the vast forests of Assam, home to nearly 6,000 elephants, 20% of the country’s total.
- State governments:
- Assistance to state government for construction of boundary walls and solar fences around the sensitive areas to prevent the wild animal attacks
- Supplementing the state government resources for payment of ex gratia to the people for injuries and loss of life in case of wild animal attacks.
- Encouraging state government for creation of a network of protected areas and wildlife corridors for conservation of wildlife.
- Provisions under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 empower concerned authorities take necessary steps to handle problematic wild animals.
- Standard Operating Procedures for the management of major problematic animals like tiger, elephant, leopard, rhino etc. are being used by the respective state governments
- Controlling population: In January 2018, the Environment Ministry has approved “immune-contraception” method to address man-animal conflicts.
- The immuno-contraception is non-hormonal form of contraception. It causes production of antibodies which in turn prevents conception in animals.
- Ministry sanctioned over Rs 10 crore for ‘immunology contraception’ of wild boars, Rhesus monkeys and elephants.
Way Forward
- Community Participation: Local volunteers should be trained to handle with human-wildlife conflicts and organize locals for immediate initial steps till the wildlife rescue team arrives
- Rescue Teams:Wild Life Rescue Teams equipped with adequate personnel, equipment and communication systems should be present in potential areas of human-animal conflict.
- Awareness campaign:
- Hunting of prey animals, such as deer and pig, needs to stop as they form the base for growth of tiger and other carnivore populations.
- Identifying regular movements corridors of large wildlife, and adequate publicity/awareness to avoid disturbances
- Compilation of data on conflicts, reasons for such conflicts, best practices of response. Identify hotspots of conflict and keep extra vigil in such areas.
- Insurance programs for damage due to wildlife.
- Crop insuranceshould be provided in the event of destruction by wild animals.
- Livestock insuranceand its scope must be explored.
- Help locals in constructing barriers, and develop scaring away methods.
Conclusion
Human life is vital and so is a thriving wildlife that sustains the ecosystem. Harmony between humans and wildlife can ensure protection of both. Conservation and Development must go hand in hand to combat man animal conflict, which in turn will lead to sustainable development.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Case study
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- What are the ethical issues involved the above case?
- What steps can Mr A take in the above regard?
- Why are masses resistant to social change?
- Can the local administration and administrators play a part in helping Mr A achieve his reformist goals?
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(250 words)
Introduction
The case represents the transition from conservatism to modernism. With technology there is more awareness and with awareness comes the power to dispel outdated constructs especially one related to gender equality. It is high time that society stopped view women and girls as caretakers without having aspirations of their own and tending to needs of their partners and family.
Body
Ethical issues involved
- Balancing cultural preservation and progress: The ethical dilemma arises in finding a balance between preserving cultural traditions and embracing progressive ideas. While Mr. A advocates for change, there is a need to respect the cultural heritage and identity of the community.
- It raises questions about the extent to which cultural norms should be challenged or upheld.
- Gender equality and cultural relativism: A’s push for education, particularly for girls, highlights the clash between gender equality and cultural relativism.
- Advocating for equal opportunities may be seen as imposing Western values on a community with its own cultural norms.
- The ethical challenge lies in addressing gender disparities while respecting cultural diversity and autonomy.
- Consent and community representation: A’s efforts to bring about change may encounter resistance from community members who have not consented or expressed a desire for transformation. The ethical question arises as to whether it is appropriate for Mr. A to impose his vision of progress on the community without their full consent or representation.
Steps to be taken in this regard by Mr A
- Dialogue and empathy: A can engage in open and respectful dialogue with community members to understand their concerns and fears. By listening empathetically, he can address their apprehensions and bridge the gap between traditional beliefs and progressive ideas.
- Education and awareness: A can continue organizing workshops and community meetings to provide education and raise awareness about the potential benefits of progress. By sharing success stories and demonstrating positive outcomes, he can help individuals overcome their resistance to change.
- Building alliances: A can seek support from like-minded individuals within the community who share his vision of progress. By forming alliances and collective efforts, they can amplify their voices and influence, making it more difficult for traditionalists to dismiss their ideas.
- Showing difference between culture tradition and inequality: Tradition, cultural values are different from stymieing women from achieving their full potential. The whole mindset needs to be overhauled regarding role of women in society. Girls are being raised with the mindset to do domestic chores and be caretaker for the whole family while men become bread winners.
- Such reinforcements make women to not aim for bigger goals in life.
- It starts from changing the mentality of the young minds and their parents.
Reasons for resistance of masses
- Fear of the unknown: Change often brings uncertainty, and people may be resistant to stepping outside their comfort zones. They prefer the familiar, even if it means perpetuating outdated practices, as it provides a sense of security and stability.
- Preservation of identity and traditions: Social change can be perceived as a threat to cultural identity and cherished traditions. People may resist change out of a desire to preserve their heritage and maintain a sense of continuity with past generations.
- Lack of awareness and understanding: Resistance to change can also stem from a lack of awareness or understanding about the potential benefits and long-term consequences of progress. Education and awareness campaigns can help address this issue.
Roel of local administrators
- Creating Supportive Policies: The local administration can introduce policies that promote education, gender equality, and progressive values. By providing a legal framework that supports Mr. A’s ideas, the administration can encourage the community to embrace change.
- Resource Allocation: Administrators can allocate resources to support Mr. A’s initiatives, such as funding educational programs, providing infrastructure for schools, or organizing awareness campaigns. This support can significantly enhance the impact of Mr. A’s efforts.
- Engaging Community Leaders: Administrators can engage community leaders, influential figures, and elders to act as ambassadors for change. By involving respected individuals within the community, administrators can help shift attitudes and gain support for reform.
- Facilitating Dialogue: Administrators can organize community forums, workshops, or town hall meetings to facilitate open dialogue between Mr. A, community members, and skeptics. This platform allows for sharing perspectives, addressing concerns, and finding common ground.
Moreover, radical changes in short time will always face immense resistance, there should be middle ground to bring changes and they must be slow and steady.
Conclusion
By leveraging the support and resources of the local administration and administrators, Mr. A can gain valuable allies and overcome some of the challenges he faces in bringing about social change within his community.
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