[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 5 July 2023

NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same

General Studies – 1

Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

1. What are the distinguishing features of Carnatic Music and how do they contribute to its rich heritage and unique identity? (150 words)

Difficulty Level: Easy

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General Studies paper – 1 and is mentioned as part of the Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the distinguishing features of Carnatic Music.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Introduce Carnatic Music as a classical music tradition originating from South India.

Body:

First write about the features of Carnatic Music – Describe the melodic framework of Carnatic Music, emphasizing the use of raga (melodic scale) as a fundamental element. Discuss the intricate system of ragas and their importance in evoking different emotions and moods.

Next, explain the rhythmic aspect of Carnatic Music, focusing on the tala (rhythmic cycle) system. Discuss the intricate patterns of tala and the use of percussion instruments to create rhythmic variations.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

Music has always been an important part of Indian life. The range of musical phenomenon in India extends from simple melodies to what is one of the most well- developed “systems” of classical music in the world.

Carnatic music owes its name to the Sanskrit term Karnâtaka Sangîtam which denotes “traditional” or “codified” music. Composed of a system of Ragam (Raga) and Thalam (Tala), it has a rich history and tradition. Carnatic Sangeet has developed in the south Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. These states are known for their strong presentation of Dravidian culture.

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Carnatic music: Features

• It is an indigenously developed style of classical music
• The Melakarta scheme is a highly comprehensive and systematic formula which includes within its fold all the modes used in ancient as well as modern systems of music of the different parts of the world.
• It is strongly Kriti-based
• Unity ofraga, tala and shruti in every piece
• The system gives equal importance to melody and rhythm.
• Mixing the three degrees of speeds
• Fewer instruments are used in Karnataka than in northern Indian music, and there are no exclusively instrumental forms.
• There is an even balance between re-creativity (soulful interpretation of the compositions of great masters) and creativity (on the spot improvisations).
• Some of the important Carnatic music compositions are- Gitam, suladi, svarajati, Jatisvaram, varnam, kritanam, kriti, pada, javali, pallavi etc

Conclusion

Carnatic music played an important role in uniting Indians by generating the feeling of oneness and nationalism during national movement. Even today it is practiced during festivals, as a stage performance, in cinema’s and bringing fame for Indian culture by reaching wider in western world.

Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

2. How do the three categories of performance in the Natya Shastra, namely Nritta, Nritya, and Natya, contribute to the dynamic and expressive nature of all major classical Indian dance forms? Discuss with examples. (250 words).

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the classical Indian dance forms and the Natya, Nritya and Natya aspects of 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 giving context regarding the classical dance forms and list of the dances.

Body:

In the first part, write about the Nritta aspects of classical dance – an abstract, fast and rhythmic aspect of the dance.

Next, write about Nritya – slower and expressive aspect of the dance that attempts to communicate feelings, storyline particularly with spiritual themes in Hindu dance traditions.

Next, write about Natyam – a play, typically a team performance but can be acted out by a solo performer where the dancer uses certain standardized body movements. Cite examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

Dance in India has a rich and vital tradition dating back to ancient times. Excavations, inscriptions, chronicles, genealogies of kings and artists, literary sources, sculpture and painting of different periods provide extensive evidence on dance. Myths and legends also support the view that dance had a significant place in the religious and social life of the Indian people. Excavations have brought to light a bronze statuette from Mohenjo-Daro and a broken torso from Harappa (dating back to 2500-1500 B.C.E.) are suggestive of dance poses.

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Aspects of Indian classical dances

• Dance is considered as having three aspects: natya, nritya and nritta.
• Natya highlights the dramatic element and most dance forms do not give emphasis to this aspect today with the exception of dance-drama forms like Kathakali.
• Nritya is essentially expressional, performed specifically to convey the meaning of a theme or idea.
• Nritta is pure dance where body movements do not express any mood (bhava), nor do they convey any meaning.
• To present nritya and natya effectively, a dancer should be trained to communicate the navarasas. These are: love (shringaara), mirth (haasya), compassion (karuna), valour(veera), anger (roudra), fear (bhayanak), disgust (bibhatsa), wonder (adbhuta) and peace (shaanta).
• An ancient classification followed in all styles is of Tandava and Lasya.
• Tandava the masculine, is heroic bold and vigorous. Lasya the feminine is soft, lyrical and graceful.
• Bharata and Nandikesvara, the main authorities conceive of dance as an art which uses the human body as a vehicle of expression.
• The major human units of the body (anga) are identified as the head, torso, the upper and lower limbs and the minor human parts (upangas), as all parts of the face ranging from the eyebrow to the chin and the minor joints.
• Two further aspects of natya are the modes of presentation and the style.
• There are two modes of presentation, namely the Natyadharmi, which is the formalised presentation of theatre, and the Lokadharmi sometimes translated as folk, realistic, naturalistic or regional.
• The style or vrittis are classified into Kaishiki, the deft lyrical more suited to convey the lasya aspects, the Arbati, the energetic masculine, the Satvati often used while depicting the rasas and the Bharati, the literary content.

Conclusion

Nurtured for centuries, dance in India has evolved in different parts of the country its own distinct style taking on the culture of that particular region, each acquiring its own flavour. Today there is also a whole new body of modern experimental dance.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

3. Analyse the significance of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) for India and analyse the challenges and opportunities in the bilateral ties with respect to China. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question:

In the New Delhi declaration issued at the end of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders’ summit, India refused to sign on the paragraph supporting the Belt and Roads Initiative (BRI), which is China’s President Xi Jinping’s pet project.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the comprehensive analysis of India’s engagement with the SCO and highlight the major issues in its relationship with China.

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 writing about aims and objectives of SCO.

Body:

In the first part, Highlight the importance of SCO for India – focus on the advantages that India can gain in bilateral relations and in the larger Eurasian region.

Next, write about the various disagreements withing the SCO – India-China, Russia-China, Impact of Ukraine war, lack of consensus etc.

Next, write the measures India must take in engagement with the SCO and the issues with China, weighing the challenges against the opportunities. Discuss the significance of a constructive and balanced approach in maintaining stability and promoting cooperation within the SCO.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a permanent intergovernmental international organization. It’s a Eurasian political, economic and military organization aiming to maintain peace, security and stability in the region. It was created in 2001. The SCO Charter was signed in 2002, and entered into force in 2003. 

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Background

• Recently, India has chaired theShanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) virtual Summit, leaders called for the formation of a “more representative” and multipolar world order in the global interest.
• During this 23^rdSummit, Iran officially joined the SCO as the Ninth Member Country.
• Thetheme of India’s chairpersonship of SCO is ‘Towards a SECURE SCO’, which is derived from the acronym coined by the Indian PM at the 2018 SCO Qingadao Summit.
• The New Delhi Declarationwas signed by the member nations, which states that the international community must come together to “counter the activities of terrorist, separatist and extremist groups, paying special attention to preventing the spread of religious intolerance, aggressive nationalism, ethnic and racial discrimination, xenophobia, ideas of fascism and chauvinism.”
• In the New Delhi declaration issued at the end of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders’ summit, India refused to sign on the paragraph supporting the Belt and Roads Initiative (BRI), which is China’s President Xi Jinping’s pet project.
• A similar formulation was used in the Samarkand declaration in 2022, when India refused to sign off on the paragraph.

Significance of SCO for India

• India acquired the observer status in the grouping in 2005 and was admitted as a full member in 2017.
• Discuss differences with other members on the sidelines: SCO hosts have encouraged members to use the platform to discuss differences with other members on the sidelines
• Bilateral meeting with Pakistan: It was on such an occasion that the Prime Minister of India held a bilateral meeting with the former Pakistani Prime Minister in 2015 in Ufa.
• Negotiation of five point agreement with Chinese counterpart: Foreign Minister of India negotiated a five-point agreement with his Chinese counterpart on the sidelines of the Moscow conference in 2020.
• Strategic autonomy and multi-alignment: India is also a part of the ‘Quadrilateral’ grouping with the U.S, Japan and Australia.
  • Its association with the grouping of a rather different nature is part of its foreign policy that emphasizes on principles of “strategic autonomy and multi-alignment”.
• Connectivity and stability across borders: India’s membership of SCO can help in achieving regional integration, promote connectivity and stability across borders.
• Fulfilling energy demand: India being an energy deficient country with increasing demands for energy, SCO provides it with an opportunity to meet its energy requirements through regional diplomacy.
  • Talks on the construction of stalled pipelines like the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) pipeline; IPI (Iran-Pakistan-India) pipeline can get a much needed push through the SCO.
• Economic ties:Central Asian countries provide India with a market for its IT, telecommunications, banking, finance and pharmaceutical industries.
• Geopolitical: Central Asia is a part of India’s Extended Neighbourhood, SCO provides India an opportunity to pursue the “Connect Central Asian Policy”.
  • Helps India fulfill its aspiration of playing an active role in its extended neighborhood as well as checking the ever growing influence of China in Eurasia.
  • Platform for India to simultaneously engage with its traditional friend Russia as well as its rivals, China and Pakistan.

Challenges within SCO

• The SCO faces the challenges of improving cohesion, better managing relations with external parties, enlargement, variations of economic cooperation between member states, a slow pace of decision making and poor quality decision implementation.
• In the recent summit in Samarkand, support for Russia’s agenda differed between certain countries, with Turkey, China and Iran displaying some degree of understanding. India’s agenda focussed on its concern about the impacts of the Ukrainian war on the world economy.
• The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is often stated as a club of autocrat powers. The members follow the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states. However, China and Russia adhere this principle rhetorical basis but not in reality.
• China and Russia are the primary drivers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization but have different visions for this organization. Although they share common interest of regional stability within the organization but at the same time their geopolitical interests pull them in different directions.
• India has presented consistent opposition to the violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity by the BRI’s China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) through Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir
• But, the meetings of SCO have endorsed Russia’s initiative to connect the SCO with the Eurasian Economic Union and ASEAN, placing the predominantly East-West connectivity alignment of China’s BRI alongside the North-South connectivity alignment of Russia’s proposal
• Despite the establishment of the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), the SCO has not taken visible counterterrorism measures against the main threat facing its members, which emanates from terrorists and terrorist entities located in the Af-Pak region
• China and Pakistan have deliberately tried to bring bilateral issues into SCO. This violates the well-established principles and norms of the SCO Charter. Such acts are counterproductive to the spirit of consensus and cooperation that define this organisation and should be condemned.

Conclusion and way forward

• Important group for India: India considers the SCO as an important regional group to promote cooperation in various fields based on universally recognised international norms, good governance, rule of law, openness, transparency and equality.
• Addressing the concerns of members: Need of working group to address the concerns of all entities, considering the territorial integrity of each nation involved.
• More measures against terrorism: Despite the establishment of the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), the SCO has not taken visible counterterrorism measures against the main threat facing its members.
  • There is a need for the Summit to play a central and coordinating role to enforce the Council’s sanctions against concerned entities.
• Engagement: It provides a platform for India to simultaneously engage with its traditional friend Russia as well as its rivals, China and Pakistan and provides India an opportunity to pursue the “Connect Central Asian Policy”.
• Agreements on connectivity and high-efficiency transport corridors: Samarkand summit is expected to have agreements on connectivity and high-efficiency transport corridors and a roadmap for local currency settlement among member states.
• SCO’s rising international influence:The significant round of expansion by inclusion of Iran and Belarus shows SCO’s rising international influence and that the principles of the SCO charter are widely accepted.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.

4. Examine the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform in India and its progress over the past six years. Throw light on the challenges faced, the impact on the economy, and the potential for further improvements. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

The question explores the implementation and impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about various successes and limitations of GST and reforms that are needed in it.

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 aims and objectives behind the launch of GST.

Body:

First, write about the achievements of GST – simplified tax structure, an increase in the tax base, and a reduction in tax evasion. Substantiate with examples, facts or statistics.

Next, write about the shortcomings of GST – high tax rates, compliance burden, and complexities in the filing process have been faced. Substantiate with examples, facts or statistics.

Next, suggest reforms in GST.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is one indirect tax for the whole nation, which will make India one unified common market. GST is a single tax on the supply of goods and services, right from the manufacturer to the consumer. Credits of input taxes paid at each stage will be available in the subsequent stage of value addition, which makes GST essentially a tax only on value addition at each stage. The final consumer will thus bear only the GST charged by the last dealer in the supply chain, with set-off benefits at all the previous stages.

GST is an indirect tax system which was rolled out on 1^st July 2017 The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has pointed out lacunae in the GST regime, saying that system-validated input tax credit through invoice matching is not in place and a non-intrusive e-tax system still remains elusive.

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Performance of the GST regime

• Revenue collection:
  • The average growth rate of Gross GST revenue from 2018-19 to 2022-23 stands at 3%, surpassing the nominal GDP growth rate of 9.8%.
  • The (June 2023) collection has crossed the 1.6 lakh crore markfor the 4th time since the inception of GST.
  • This is noteworthy as indirect taxes typically exhibit lower buoyancy– an increase in its revenue rate without increasing the tax rate.
• A seamless market and digitised compliance:
  • GST laid the foundation for a seamless national market, reshaping India’s tax landscape and driving economic growth.
  • By digitising processes from registration to return filing, the GST portal ensured smoother compliance for businesses, fostering a tech-enabled environment.
  • It paved the way for other significant indirect tax reforms, including e-way bills and e-invoicing, promoting transparent data sharing between businesses and the government.
• Empowering the manufacturing sector:GST’s impact on the manufacturing sector was remarkable, as it eliminated the cascading effect of taxes and reduced manufacturing costs.
• Introduced as one of the biggest economic reforms by the incumbent government, the GST kicked off with the promise to streamline taxation and compliance burden.
• Based on the one nation one tax ideology, GST has helped in reducing the cascading effect of tax considerably.
• Also, multiplicity of compliances under various indirect taxes has been reduced.
• Hence, introduction of GST in India has brought in efficiencies in indirect tax compliance, incidence and reduced the number of indirect tax authorities that a taxpayer needed to interact with
• Another positive is the concept of e-invoicing which seeks to ensure greater transparency in supplier-receiver transactions.
• The introduction of e-way bill coupled with the crackdown on fake invoicing has helped in bringing in a substantial portion of GST revenues, which were either being evaded or under-reported, in order.
• Over 53 lakh taxpayers and 67,000 transporters are enrolled on the e-way portal, generating, on average, 7.81 crore e-way bills per month. Since the launch of the system, a total of 292 crore e-way bills have been generated of which 42 per cent are for the inter-state transport of goods.
• GST has eliminated the tax arbitrage that existed among the states under the CST/VAT regime.
• Increase in logistic supply chain: With no such arbitrage under the IGST and with the e-way bills, the logistics supply chain efficiencies have increased manifold.

Various issues with respect to goods and services tax (GST) regime

• The breakdown of trust and cooperative federalism between states and the Union government:
  • It turned out to be prescient as GST failed to live up to its economic promises and states’ revenues were protected through this guarantee, despite Finance’s attempt to wriggle out of this commitment during the pandemic under the alibi of an “act of God”.
  • The Union government’s proclivity to levy and appropriate cess revenues for itself without sharing them with the states has lent credence to the wisdom of guaranteed compensation for states.
  • This guarantee is now set to expire..
• The recent Supreme Court’s judgment highlighting that the GST Council’s recommendations are not binding on the states:
  • The SC recently observed that it is in the national interest to have both cooperative and competitive federalism, and hence, the GST Council’s decisions are not binding on the states.
  • This means that states had and continue to have the right to either comply fully with the Council’s recommendations or modify them as they deem necessary.
  • This has opened the window for states to override the fundamental GST premise of a “one nation one tax”.
  • If pushed to a corner, states may now use the SC ruling as a shield.
• Expiry of the revenue guarantee that protected states’ revenues 
  • GST is too precariously perched to yank away the compensation guarantee for states.
  • the Union government is not desirous of extending the compensation guarantee.
• Difficulty in tax administration:
  • Goes against the canons of taxation.
  • A modern tax system should be fair, uncomplicated, transparent and easy to administer.
  • It must yield revenues sufficient to cover the cost of government services and public goods.
  • Lack of clarity on many rules is also leading to various litigation and different interpretations (of the same laws) by Advanced Ruling Authorities in different states.
• Complicated taxation structure:
  • A World Bank study published in May 2018 said that the Indian GST rate was the second highest among the 115 countries with a national value-added tax.
  • It was also the most complicated, with five main tax rates, several exemptions, a cess and a special rate for gold.
  • The multilateral lender said that only five countries had four or more non-zero tax rates—India, Italy, Pakistan, Luxembourg and Ghana.
  • Falling revenue amid disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has continuously delayed the reform, leaving a large number of items in high tax slabs.
• High compliance costs:are also arising because the prevalence of multiple tax rates implies a need to classify inputs and outputs based on the applicable tax rate. Along with the need to apply the correct rate, firms are required to match invoices between their outputs and inputs to be eligible for full input tax credit, which increases compliance costs further.
• GST Council meetings: the meetings of the GST Council are not as frequent as they were earlier, if the recent incidents are anything to go by, and it often end up with disagreement, fight and strong letters and statements. States have also accused the Centre of cornering a substantial portion of tax in forms of cess.
• There has been lack of coordination between the Department of Revenue, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs and the GST Network.

Way Forward

• The first target should be to move to at least a three-rate structure, a lower rate for essential goods, a relatively high rate for luxury goods, and a standard rate for the majority of goods and services.
• The next step would be simplifying the tax returns process.
• The scope for lowering the GST rate is umbilically linked to direct tax reform.
• Commence taxation of petroleum crude, high-speed diesel, petrol, natural gas and aviation turbine fuel and similarly, alcohol meant for human consumption;
• Inclusion of other levies such as electricity duty, stamp duty, etc;
• Clarifying taxation of online gaming activities, transactions involving cryptocurrency, etc.
• A better way to make a tax system more just is by lowering regressive indirect tax rates while widening the base for progressive direct taxeson income and corporate profits.
• The government needs to establishGST Tribunals to reduce litigation timelines and the pressure on courts.
• The state authorities for Advance Ruling should ideally also have an independent jurist member, apart from a representative from the tax department.
• Emulating the best practices. The GST in New Zealand, widely regarded as the most efficient in the world, has a single standard rate of 12.5 percent across all industry groups.
• The Fifteenth finance commission, in its latest report, has addressed many issues including large shortfall in collections as compared to original forecast, high volatility in collections, accumulation of large integrated GST credit, glitches in invoice and input tax matching, and delay in refunds.
• The Commission also observed that the continuing dependence of states on compensation from the central government for making up for the shortfall in revenue is a concern.
• While at the same time it suggested that the structural implications of GST for low consumption states need to be considered.

Conclusion

While the GST’s journey has given its stakeholders some causes to celebrate, it has also given moments of worry. But then, no transformation of the scale and complexity can be achieved without its share of hiccups and challenges. The process of evolution will take a few years more for the mammoth structural change to stabilize. The four-year journey of GST has been a roller-coaster ride for all stakeholders with equitable share of hits, misses and expectations. A work-in-progress in its transformational journey, GST suffers from several shortcomings which need to be resolved quickly, but its journey to ‘Good & Simple Tax’ is still quite long.

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

5. Evaluate India’s progress and challenges in transitioning towards electric vehicles (EVs). What are the key factors influencing EV adoption? (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

The question explores India’s efforts in promoting electric vehicles (EVs).

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the evaluation of India’s move towards electric vehicles (EVs), focusing on progress, challenges, government initiatives, and the future of the EV ecosystem.

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:

Start by describing the electric vehicles (EV) technology vis-à-vis fossil fuel based vehicles.

Body:

First, write about India’s progress in transitioning towards electric vehicles (EVs). Highlight the increase in the number of EV sales, the growth of EV charging infrastructure, and the initiatives taken by automakers to introduce EV models in the market.

Next, write about the key challenges hindering widespread EV adoption in India. Discuss issues such as high upfront costs, limited charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and consumer perceptions. Address the need for addressing these challenges through policy interventions and public awareness campaigns.

Next, write about the key factors influencing EV adoption.

Introduction

An electric vehicle, uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion. An electric vehicle may be powered through self-contained battery, solar panels or an electric generator to convert fuel to electricity. India is among a handful of countries that supports the global EV30@30 campaign, which aims for at least 30 per cent new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030.

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Progress  of electric vehicles in India

• The Electric vehicle adoption, be it four-, three-, two-wheelers, or buses, has seen a massive uptick over the past year or so.
• As an example, Hero Electric, India’s pioneering electric two-wheeler manufacturer, clocked its highest ever calendar year volumes in 2022, with more than 1,00,000 units finding new homes across the year
• As fuel prices skyrocket, there are rising concerns about the steep increase in the cost of running petrol and diesel vehicles. Electric vehicles seem to be coming into their own at last.
• The Indian electric vehicle market was valued at USD 1,434.04 billion in 2021, and it is expected to reach USD 15,397.19 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 47.09% during the forecast period (2022-2027).
• The National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) and Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles in India (FAME I and II) helped create the initial interest and exposure for electric mobility.
• To promote the domestic electric vehicle industry, the Indian government has provided tax exemptions and subsidies to EV manufacturers and consumers.
• India’s shift to shared, electric and connected mobility could help the country save nearly one giga-tonne of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.

Potential of EVs in India

• Help tackle Climate change and air pollution:
  • India has committed to cutting its GHG emissions intensity by 33% to 35% percent below 2005 levels by 2030.
  • As per NITI Aayog’s reportEVs will help in cutting down as much as 1 Gigatonne (GT) of carbon emissions by 2030.
  • Electric vehicles don’t produce emissions that contribute to climate change and smog than conventional vehicles.
  • All-electric vehicles produce zero direct emissions, which specifically helps improve air quality in urban areas.
  • According to a recent study by WHO, India is home to 14 out of 20 most polluted cities in the world. EVs will help in tackling this problem by reducing local concentrations of pollutants in cities.
  • Cost reduction from better electricity generating technologies. This has introduced the possibility of clean, low-carbon and inexpensive grids.
• Energy security:
  • India imports oil to cover over 80 percent of its transport fuel.
  • Electric mobility will contribute to balancing energy demand, energy storage and environmental sustainability.
  • Electric vehicles could help diversify the energy needed to move people and goods thanks to their reliance on the wide mix of primary energy sources used in power generation, greatly improving energy security.
• Cutting edge Battery Technology:
  • Advances in battery technology have led to higher energy densities, faster charging and reduced battery degradation from charging.
• Innovation:
  • EVs manufacturing capacity will promote global scale and competitiveness.
• Employment:
  • Promotion of EVs will facilitate employment growth in a sun-rise sector.

Challenges in adoption of EVs

• Despite being the third-largest auto market and several incentives dished out by New Delhi and state governments, India remains a laggard in electric vehicles (EV).
• The country is a ripe target for EV makers but is slow to catch up with other markets, according to a recent report by S&P Global Ratings.
• Domestic sales of EVs have more than doubled, but they barely represent 2% of the total light-vehicle sales in the last 12 months.
• India is technologically deficient in the production of electronics that form the backbone of EV industry, such as batteries, semiconductors, controllers, etc.
• The lack of clarity over AC versus DC charging stations, grid stability and range anxiety (fear that battery will soon run out of power) hinder the growth of EV industry.
• India is dependent on countries like Japan and China for the import of lithium-ion batteries.
• EVs have higher servicing costs and higher levels of skills is needed for servicing. India lacks dedicated training courses for such skill development.
• Affordability of e-vehicles (EVs) and the range they can cover on a single battery charge.

Various measures taken by the government to promote electric vehicles

• Most recently, Government think-tank Niti Aayog has prepared a draft battery swapping policy, under which it has proposed offering incentives to electric vehicles (EVs) with swappable batteries, subsidies to companies manufacturing swappable batteries, a new battery-as-a-service business model, and standards for interoperable batteries, among other measures.
• Government has set a target of electric vehicles making up 30 % of new sales of cars and two-wheelers by 2030.
• To build a sustainable EV ecosystem initiative like –National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) and Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric vehicles in India (FAME India) have been launched by India.
• NEMMP was launched with an aim to achieve national fuel security by promoting hybrid and electric vehicles in the country.
• FAME India Scheme was launched with the objective to support hybrid/electric vehicles market development and manufacturing ecosystem.
• The Union power ministry categorized charging of batteries as a service, which will help charging stations operate without licenses.
• Implementation of smart cities would also boost the growth of electric vehicle

Way Forward

• For EVs to contribute effectively, we need commensurate efforts in developing an entire ecosystem.
• Need to shift the focus from subsidizing vehicles to subsidizing batteries because batteries make up 50% of EV costs.
• Increasing focus on incentivizing electric two-wheelers because two-wheelers account for 76% of the vehicles in the country and consume most of the fuel.
• A wide network of charging stations is imminent for attracting investment.
• Work places in tech parks, Public bus depots, and Multiplexes are the potential places where charging points could be installed. In Bangalore, some malls have charging points in parking lots.
• Corporates could invest in charging stations as Corporate Social Responsibility compliances.
• Addressing technical concerns like AC versus DC charging stations, handling of peak demand, grid stability etc.
• India needs to leap into EV battery manufacturing.
• Private investment in battery manufacturing plants and developing low cost production technology is needed.
• Need for a policy roadmap on electric vehicles so that investments can be planned.
• Acquiring lithium fields in Bolivia, Australia, and Chile could become as important as buying oil fields as India needs raw material to make batteries for electric vehicles.
• Providing waiver of road tax and registration fees, GST refunds and free parking spaces for EVs.
• There is also the task of bringing skilled professionals into the workforce that are knowledgeable about the benefits and advantages associated with electric vehicles.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;

6. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)

“Change begins within the individual. Only then can it spread to others.”  – Dalai Lama

Difficulty level: Easy

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Quotes Wednesdays’ in Mission-2024 Secure.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote.

Body:

Write about how everyone desires change in politics, society and economy but nobody wants to change their own ways or their life. Cite examples to substantiate.

Next, write about how change must begin from an individual.

Conclusion:

Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.

Introduction

It was the American author and speaker John C. Maxwell who wrote: “Most people want to change the world to improve their lives, but the world they need to change first is the one inside themselves.”

The truth is, it is possible to change the world. But to change the world, you have to change yourself first. Many of us criticise the world for many things. We curse and blame the things in our surroundings and never understand that we need a change in us. Changes are inevitable in the world, and the changes should emanate from us.

Body

All intelligent social beings have an opinion on how the world must run. Everyone has an opinion on what is wrong with the world, yet few will do the work to improve their own lives.

It is easy to draw attention to what is wrong in the world because on one level it is frustrating to observe these conditions and stand back while they take place.

The world has existed for 4.54 billion years and is much older and wiser than us. We have existed for a minor part in that timeline and conditions weren’t always ideal, in fact history shows conditions were less than idyllic.

If we want to change reality start with ourselves first and attend to our own personal development. In doing so, problems give way to solutions and no longer affect us. It is futile trying to change conditions out there because life is constantly changing. It is like trying to keep plates spinning on a stick while more plates are added. One cannot keep up and they will eventually come crashing down.

It makes sense to work on ourself so that outside conditions no longer affect us as they once did. This is the key to enlightenment, raising our level of consciousness so you transcend problems with a higher awareness.

Conclusion

To change the world, you have to change yourself first. You have to change your mentality, your habits, and your actions. Albert Einstein recognised this principle when he said: “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;

7. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)

“True individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Quotes Wednesdays’ in Mission-2024 Secure.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote.

Body:

Write about importance of economic security and independence as essential components of true individual freedom. Write about when people lack basic necessities like food and employment, it creates conditions that can lead to the rise of dictatorial regimes.

Conclusion:

Summarise by giving an opinion on balancing social justice and freedom.

Conclude the answer by giving a balanced opinion.

Introduction

This perspective highlights the interconnectedness between economic well-being and political freedom

In his 1944 State of the Union Address, Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed an “Economic Bill of Rights.” He called for government to guarantee economic security to all Americans, including the right to a job at adequate pay, the right to health care, and the right to decent housing and education.   Roosevelt’s Economic Bill of Rights aimed to address economic inequalities and provide a safety net for individuals by guaranteeing certain basic economic rights. The idea was that without bare mimimum economic security, existence of man becomes so overwhelming that they become privy to exploitation under dictatorships like in Nazi Germany.

Body

Without economic security, people may struggle to meet their fundamental needs and maintain a decent standard of living. When individuals are constantly grappling with poverty, unemployment, and insecurity, it can undermine their ability to exercise their freedoms and participate fully in society.

Economic independence empowers individuals to make choices that align with their goals and values, fostering self-determination and autonomy. The statement suggests that economic security and independence are prerequisites for true individual freedom. When people lack economic resources, they may be compelled to prioritize their immediate survival needs over their personal aspirations and political engagement. In such circumstances, their freedom to express themselves, participate in decision-making processes, and enjoy civil liberties may be curtailed. Furthermore, individuals facing dire economic conditions may be more susceptible to manipulation and exploitation, increasing the likelihood of authoritarian regimes exploiting their vulnerabilities.

The Great Depression and the rise of totalitarian regimes: The economic hardships experienced during the Great Depression in the 1930s created a fertile environment for the rise of authoritarian leaders. In Germany, the economic turmoil and widespread poverty contributed to the appeal of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, who promised economic stability and a restoration of national pride. Similarly, in Italy, Benito Mussolini and his Fascist Party capitalized on economic grievances and a desire for strong leadership. A population struggling with poverty, unemployment, and economic insecurity creates fertile ground for the rise of dictatorships. History has shown that when societies experience widespread economic hardship, individuals may become more receptive to authoritarian leaders who promise stability and economic relief. These leaders might exploit the situation to consolidate power, suppress dissent, and curtail individual freedoms in the name of restoring order.

Conclusion

Without a foundation of economic well-being, individuals may face significant barriers in exercising their freedoms, potentially paving the way for the emergence of dictatorships.

Value Addition

Examples that can be incorporated in ethics

• The Latin American dictatorships during economic crises: Various Latin American countries have witnessed the emergence of dictatorships during times of economic instability. For example, in Argentina, the economic turmoil of the 1930s and subsequent decades contributed to the rise of Juan Perón, who implemented populist policies and established an authoritarian regime. In Chile, Salvador Allende’s socialist government faced economic challenges that led to social unrest, eventually paving the way for Augusto Pinochet’s military dictatorship.
• The Arab Spring and socioeconomic grievances: The Arab Spring uprisings that occurred in several Middle Eastern countries in 2011 were sparked, in part, by socioeconomic grievances. High levels of unemployment, corruption, and inequality fueled public discontent. People demanding economic security, job opportunities, and better living conditions took to the streets. The protests, initially driven by economic concerns, evolved into broader calls for political reform and greater freedoms.
• Post-Soviet transitions and economic hardships: Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, several countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia faced severe economic crises. The transition to market economies led to skyrocketing inflation, unemployment, and poverty. This economic instability created an environment in which authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin in Russia and Aleksandr Lukashenko in Belarus consolidated power by promising stability and economic recovery, often at the expense of individual freedoms.

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