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General Studies – 1
Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
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 causes for the rise of revolutionary national movement and its contribution.
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.
Introduction:
Start by writing about revolutionary national movement and its nature of struggle. Mention important organizations and revolutionaries.
Body:
First, write about the causes for the rise of revolutionary nationalist movement – failure of moderates, lack of progress, high handedness of British etc.
Next, outline the major contributions of the revolutionary nationalists – spreading patriotism, creating fear in the minds of British, making them grant concessions, uniting the people of India, inspiring the youth.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
The emergence of revolutionary ideology in India during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century was the result of several internal and external influences working on the minds of the youth. Early phase of revolutionary movement in India was in Bengal, Maharashtra, Punjab, U.P., Orissa, Bihar and Madras provinces, but it predominantly operated in Bengal, Maharashtra and Punjab as these regions were more politically active than other parts of the country.
Body
Factors that contributed to revolutionary nationalism:
- Failure of Moderate and extremist congress: While the youth of Bengal might have been incensed at the British arrogance and repression, and the ‘mendicancy’ of the Congress moderates, they were also led to ‘the politics of the bomb’ by the extremists’ failure to give a positive lead to the people’.
- Leadership’s failureto tap revolutionary energies of the youth.
- In December 1908 nine Bengal leaders including the venerable Krishna Kumar Mitra and Ashwini Kumar Dutt were deported. In 1908, the great Bal Gangadhar Tilakwas arrested and given the severe sentence of 6 years imprisonment. Chidambaram Pillai in Madras and Hari Sarvottam Rao and others in Andhra were put behind bars.
- This led to leader-lessness and energy of the youths could not be channelised.
- The Fallout of Swadeshi and Boycott Movement was the immediate reason.
- The repressive policies of the British government led people to militant and revolutionary politics.
- The government of East Bengal, in particular, tried to crush the nationalist movement. Official attempted at preventing student participation in the Swadeshi Agitation.
- For instance, the singing of Vande Mataram in public streets in East Bengal was banned. Public meetings were restricted and sometimes forbidden. Laws controlling the press enacted, etc.
- One of the most notorious examples of repressions was the police assault on the peaceful delegates of Bengal provincial conference; Barisal in April 1906. Many of the young volunteer was severely beaten up and the conference itself was forcibly dispersed.
- Nationalism among youth: Most vital factor which contributed to amplify the spirit of nationalism among the countrymen was the ‘economic exploitation’ of Indians by the British Government and the Partition of Bengal.
- Jathindranath Banerjee, Virendra Ghosh of Anushilan Samiti; Barindrakumar Ghoshexpressed it through ‘Yugantar’.
Impact of revolutionaries in the Indian Nationalism
- The Revolutionaries ignited the national cause and carried the message of nationalism in the country and outside the country.
- Their deep patriotism, courage and determination, and sense of sacrifice stirred the Indian people.
- They helped spread nationalist consciousness in the land; and in northern India the spread of socialist consciousness owed a lot to them.
- The era of revolutionary terrorism began and very soon secret societies of the revolutionaries came up all over the country.
- For instance, the Anusilan Samiti, the most famous and long lasting secret society, with its headquarters at Calcutta created revolutionary centres all over India. Their activities took two forms- the assassination of oppressive officials, traitors and informers, and dacoities to raise funds for the purchase of arms, etc.
- It had its impact on the Congress strategy to involve the youths in the short term programme of rural reconstruction.
- Revolutionaries like Ras Behari Bose, Chander Shekhar Azad, Lala Hardyal M.A., Madan Lal Dhingra and S. Ajit Singh succeeded in expanding the Indian independence movement to other countries as well.
Conclusion
Though the revolutionary movement failed it made a valuable contribution to the growth of nationalism in India. The sacrifice and the martyrdom of the revolutionaries did not go waste. It appealed to the masses. Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Surya Sen, Rajguru etc. became household name of the Indian people and aroused patriotism among masses.
Although the revolutionaries had failed to attain set objectives of attaining independence through armed revolt, they were successful in arousing people and remove the fear of authority from their minds and strike terror in the heart of the rulers.
Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
Difficulty level: Moderate
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 spread of the civil disobedience movement in India along with its regional patterns.
Directive word:
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 your answer by giving context of Civil disobedience movement (CDM) and its beginnings.
Body:
Draw a small map showing various regional manifestations of the CDM.
Mention about the various leaders across India such as Kelappan, C Rajagopalachari and others leading each of the regional areas across India.
Mention Civil disobedience movement against Chowkidari tax, the people of Balasore boycotting all forms of tax, defying the forest laws etc and the areas in which it was active.
Also new forms of boycott such as formation of volunteer corps, involving children and women, secretly spreading the messages of Congress in rural areas for demand of swarajya through underground channels may be highlighted to show emergence of new patterns of activism against the British Raj.
Conclusion:
Comment on the impact of the movement.
Introduction
Gandhi addressed an ultimatum to Viceroy Lord Irwin on 31 January 1930, asking him to remove the evils of the British rule and also informed of his decision to undertake Civil Disobedience Movement. The aim of this movement was a complete disobedience of the orders of the British Government. There was agitation against land revenue, abolition of salt tax, cutting down military expenditure, levying duty on foreign cloth, among others, throughout India. A very important movement was that of Salt Satyagraha where Gandhi undertook the Dandi march as a protest against the Salt tax.
Body
Spread of the civil disobedience movement:
In terms of Popular Response:
- With Gandhi’s symbolic breaking of salt laws at Dandi, defiance of salt laws started all over the country.
- Every section of society as Students, Women, Tribals, Merchants and Petty Traders, Workers & Peasants took active part in CDM.
- The defiance of salt laws took place in different provinces too under leadership of various leaders.
- In Tamil Nadu, C Rajagopalachari led the Salt Satyagraha; K Kelappan headed in Malabar and in Dharasana Salt Works (Gujarat) by Sarojini Naidu and Manilal Gandhi.
- Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan raised the band of non-violent revolutionaries, the Khudai Khidmatgars, popularly knowns as the Red Shirts in the Peshawar region in the North West Frontier Province which played a crucial role in the Civil Disobedience Movement.
- Women, young mothers, widowed and unmarried girls, played an important role in the picketing of liquor shops and opium dens and stores selling foreign cloth. They used non-violent and persuasive means to convince the buyers and sellers to change their ways.
- They were ably supported by the students and youth in the boycott of foreign cloth and liquor.
- Significantly, for Indian women, the movement was the most liberating experience to date and the can be said to have marked their entry into public space.
- The CDM was launched and the farmers were asked to not pay rent or only pay 50% of it. The government repression was harsh on them.
In terms of regional patterns across India:
- In Bihar, anti-Chowkidara tax campaign was initiated where villages refused to pay protection money to the local guards (chowkidars) who supplemented the meagre police forces in the rural areas. Rajendra Prasad took part in the anti-Chowkidara tax campaigns in Bihar.
- In Gujarat, a no-tax movement took place against payment of land revenue. This was most visible in Kheda, Surat and Broach districts. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel led the no-tax campaign in the Kheda district.
- Defiance of forest laws took place on a large scale in Maharashtra, Karnataka and the Central Provinces, especially in areas with large tribal populations.
- In Assam, a powerful agitation led by students was launched against the ‘Cunningham circular‘ which forced students and their guardians to furnish assurances of good behaviour.
- In United Provinces, a no-revenue, no-rent campaign was organized against the government which soon turned into a no-rent campaign against the zamindars. Jawaharlal Nehru played an important role in organizing the no-revenue, no-rent campaign and the districts of Agra and Rae Bareli were the important centers of this campaign.
- The movement also popularized a variety of forms of mobilization like Prabhat Pheris, Patrikas, and Magic Lanterns.
- In Manipur and Nagaland, at the young age of thirteen, Rani Gaidinliu of Nagaland raised the banner of revolt against foreign rule. She was captured in 1932 and sentenced to life imprisonment
- In Chittagong, Surya Sen’s Chittagong Revolt Group carried out a raid on two armouries. It declared the establishment of a provisional government.
- Provisional Governments were established in Ballia in UP by Chittu Pandey, Satara in Maharashtra.
Conclusion
The civil disobedience movement of 1930-31, then marked a critically important stage in the progress of the anti-imperialist struggle. The impact of the civil disobedience movement reverberated far and wide. It created distrust towards the British government and laid the foundation for the freedom struggle.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article provides an explanation of the strong ties between India and France and highlights the significance of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France. The article outlines several factors that contribute to the strength of the bilateral relationship.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the achievements in 25 years of Indo-France strategic partnership.
Directive word:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of 25 years of Indo-France strategic partnership.
Body:
First, discuss about the historic relations between the India and France in brief.
Next, write about the major areas of cooperation and major achievements in the Indo-France relationship in the past 25 years.
Next, write about the further potential in the Indo-French relations especially given the current geopolitical turmoil in Europe. Elaborate on the aspect of importance of multilateralism and have a common respect for international rules and regulations that both the countries share.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward in order to achieve the potential.
Introduction
India and France have traditionally close and friendly relations. In 1998, the two countries entered into Strategic Partnership which is based on three pillars of defence cooperation, space cooperation and civil nuclear cooperation. In the recent years, there have been increasing convergences between both the countries.
Indian PM will be the Guest of Honour at France’s Bastille Day parade in Paris. The visit coincides with 25 years of strategic partnerships with France.
Body
Significance of the PM’s visit to France:
- Increasing investment: The visit will help diversify France and European economic ties away from China
- Boosting regional security: The visit will help boost India’s comprehensive national power and help India stabilise the balance of power in Asia
Time tested India France relationship
- Partnership in the Indian Ocean:France was the first European country to launch an IndoPacific strategy and India is a key pillar in that strategy. Thus, the relationship between India France has grown beyond bilateral to focus and includes intensified maritime and naval cooperation in Indian Ocean and more broadly the Indo Pacific.
- France has specific interests in the Indian Ocean due to its overseas territories (Reunion Island and Mayotte) home to over a million French citizens, and more than 10% of the Indian Ocean’s surface.
- Strategic convergence:On the regional front, France is as concerned as India at the rising Chinese profile in the Indo-Pacific. Both would like to work to offer credible alternatives to Chinese economic and military assistance in the region.
- On the international front, both are deeply concerned about the breakdown of the rules based global order.
- Global cooperation:After their joint efforts to limit climate change and develop the International Solar Alliance, India and France have turned to more ambitious ideas. In this direction, both countries issued the road map on cybersecurity and digital technology.
- France’s support on international platforms:France is among the countries that have consistently supported India’s permanent membership to UNSC.
- Also, France has offered unstinted support for India on targeting the sources of violent extremism in Pakistan and helped limit the international backlash against India’s effort to rewrite the rules of engagement in J&K.
- Nuclear Cooperation:After the nuclear tests in May 1998 when India declared itself a nuclear weapon state, France was the first major power to open dialogue and displayed a far greater understanding of India’s security compulsions compared to other countries. Both signed, civil nuclear cooperation agreement in 2008.
- “Industrial Way Forward Agreement”was signed in 2018, between France and India for the construction of six nuclear reactors at Jaitapur.
- Defence Cooperation: France remains a vital source of arms supply to India. Defence cooperation with France began in the 1950s when India acquired the Ouragan aircraft and continued with theMystères, Jaguar, Rafale, Scorpène submarines, etc.
- Both countries also signed reciprocal logistics support agreement to receive logistical support, supplies and services from each other during authorised port visits, joint exercises, etc.
- The PM’s visit is likely to see agreements or announcements on the acquisition of 26 Rafale-M (the marine version) fighters for the Indian Navy, and co-production of three more Scorpene class submarines at the public sector Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, which has already produced six Scorpene/Kalvari-class submarines under an earlier agreement.
- Cooperation in Space and Technologyhas continued since the 1960s when France helped India set up the Sriharikota launch site, followed by liquid engine development and hosting of payloads. Currently, other projects include joint satellite mission – TRISHNA (for eco-system stress and water use monitoring) and also accommodation of French instrument on India’s OCEANSAT-3 satellite.
- Counter terrorism: Terror strikes in France by home-grown terrorists provide much scope for counterterrorism cooperation, in terms of both intelligence-sharing and de-radicalisation strategies.
- climate change initiatives: Last October, they signed a Road Map on Green Hydrogen, which aims “to bring the French and Indian hydrogen ecosystems together” to establish a reliable and sustainable value chain for a global supply of decarbonised hydrogen.
- Digital Tech initiatives: roadmap on digital technology co-operation may be on the cards for 6G, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. An MoU signed last month between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Lyra, a France-based payment services provider, may be implemented soon to enable UPI and RuPay payments in Europe.
- Given its expertise in the sphere of urban planning France is also helping in the Smart Cities Mission. The three such smart cities are Chandigarh, Nagpur and Puducherry.
Challenges in the relationship:
India and France don’t have Free Trade Agreement, which limits the potential for increased trade and economic cooperation. Also, there is a trade imbalance in favour of France (France exporting more to India). Also, France has many times expressed concern on India’s stance at WTO, Climate summit and on India’s protection of intellectual property rights
Way forward
- Even though above specified areas provided a robust basis for engagement, it remained primarily at a government-to-government level.
- In recent years, it was clear that for a wider partnership, strengthening business-to-business and people-to-people relationships was essential. Also, the trade between India and France, although growing, is yet to reach its potential.
- By leveraging the potential of convergences, France can be India’s gateway to Europe and India France’s first strategic partner in Asia.
- The underpinnings of global geopolitics are being rapidly altered with China’s rise, the West being consumed by internal problems and Russia, the“America First” priorities of the US Administration, and growing threats to globalization.
- With such background, France and India have a shared interest in developing a coalition of middle powers with a shared commitment for a rule-based multipolar world order.
Conclusion
While military cooperation remains important, the Indo-French relationship could expand beyond arms sales. Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and exploring Mini-lateral and multilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific could bring additional dimensions to their partnership.
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The editorial advocates for a cautious approach, urging NATO and Ukraine to take a reflective pause, carefully evaluate the risks and benefits, and engage in constructive dialogue to address the complex issues surrounding NATO’s expansion and Ukraine’s aspirations.
Demand of the question:
To write about NATO and its emphasis on building stable Europe rather than pursuing expansion.
Directive word:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into 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. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with brief background of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Body:
First, briefly discuss the origins of NATO during the cold war.
Next, write about the significance of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) – Represents 30 nations, one billion people, and half of the world’s economic and military might. Provided unprecedented peace and security for the Euro-Atlantic area; Acts as fundamental pillar of the international order being the most successful alliance in history.
Next, write about the role of NATO in prioritizing dialogue, diplomacy, and engagement with neighbouring countries, including Russia. It calls for a measured and cautious approach that takes into account the interests and concerns of all stakeholders in the region.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a military alliance established by the North Atlantic Treaty (also called the Washington Treaty) of April, 1949, by the United States, Canada, and several Western European nations to provide collective security against the Soviet Union. There are 30 member countries of NATO.
Body
Origins of NATO during cold war
- After World War II in 1945, western Europe was economically exhausted and militarily weak(the western Allies had rapidly and drastically reduced their armies at the end of the war).
- In 1948 the United States launched theMarshall Plan, which infused massive amounts of economic aid to the countries of western and southern Europe on the condition that they cooperate with each other and engage in joint planning to hasten their mutual recovery.
- As for military recovery,under the Brussels Treaty of 1948, the United Kingdom, France, and the Low Countries—Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg—concluded a collective–defense agreement called the Western European Union.
- It was soon recognized, however, that a more formidable alliance would be required to provide an adequate military counterweight to the Soviets.
- In March 1948, following a virtual communist coup d’état in Czechoslovakia in February, the three governments began discussions on a multilateral collective-defense scheme that would enhance Western security and promote democratic values.
- These discussions were eventually joined by France, the Low Countries, and Norway and in April 1949 resulted in the North Atlantic Treaty.
- In 1955, when the Cold War was gaining momentum, the Soviet Union signed up socialist republics of Central and Eastern Europe to the Warsaw Pact (1955).The Pact, essentially a political-military alliance, was viewed as a direct strategic counterweight to NATO.
Significance of NATO
- NATO promotes democratic values and enables members to consult and cooperate on defense and security-related issues to solve problems, build trust and, in the long run, prevent conflict.
- NATO is committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes. If diplomatic efforts fail, it has the military power to undertake crisis-management operations.
- NATO has anintegrated military command structure but very few forces or assets are exclusively its own.
- All 30 allies have an equal say, the Alliance’s decisions must be unanimous and consensual, and its members must respect the basic values that underpin the Alliance,namely democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law.
- NATO’s protection does not extend to members’ civil wars or internal coups.
- NATO is funded by its members. The U.S. contributes roughly three-fourths of NATO’s budget.
Role of NATO
- The fundamental role of NATO is to safeguard the freedom & security of its member countries by political and military means.
- NATO safeguards the Allies’ common values of individual liberty, rule of law, the democratic values and the peaceful resolution of disputes and promotes these values throughout the Euro-Atlantic area.
- It provides a forum in which countries from North America and Europe can consult together on security issues of common concern and take joint action in addressing them.
- NATO activities are no longer confined to Europe. Since 1990-91, the Alliance has gradually increased its contact with other countries. It has helped UN by sending peace-keeping forces and through peace-keeping operations. It first involvement with UN was in Yugoslavia in 1992. Thereafter, It took up peace-keeping activities out of Europe by sending troops to Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Kosovo etc.
- NATO expanded its role to include the war on terrorism after 9/11 terrorist attack on world trade centre which was considered an attack on the US. Now NATO’s highest priority is its mission in Afghanistan. For success of its mission, it has even asked help from its arch rival Russia also.
Conclusion
NATO was created to serve as a regional defense Alliance. It’s purpose is to enhance the stability and freedom of its members through collective security system. Its main goal was to keep the Russians out, the Americans in, and the Germans down. For sixty plus years, it must be rated as one of the most successful defensive Alliances of all time.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-technology, biotechnology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , en.wikipedia.org
Why the question:
Through the launch of Chandrayaan-3 on Friday (July 14), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to make its second attempt to land a spacecraft on the moon.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the objectives of Chandrayaan-3 and its potential contributions.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining launch window.
Body:
First, write about the major objectives of Chandrayaan-3 – conduct scientific studies of the Moon’s surface and sub-surface using a lander and rover. The mission will also aim to study the lunar atmosphere and determine the presence of water and other minerals on the Moon etc.
Next, write about its contributions to India’s Space Exploration
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing about the importance of space missions to moon.
Introduction
The launch window is a term used to describe a time period in which a particular mission must be launched. It is a precise time period during which a spacecraft can be launched from a particular site in order to achieve a desired mission, as a rendezvous with another spacecraft.
Through the launch of Chandrayaan-3 on Friday (July 14), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to make its second attempt to land a spacecraft on the moon.
Body
Background
Chandrayaan-3 is the successor to the Chandrayaan-2 mission and it will likely attempt another soft-landing on the lunar surface. It will be a mission repeat of Chandrayaan-2 but will only include a lander and rover similar to that of Chandrayaan-2. It will not have an orbiter. As per ISRO, the total cost of Chandrayaan-3 mission will be over Rs 600 crores. In comparison, the total cost of the Chandrayaan-2 mission was Rs 960 crores.
Objectives of Chandrayaan – 3 mission
- The mission is aimed at better understanding the Moon’s composition.
- Isro has laid out three main objectives for the mission, which include
- demonstrating a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface
- demonstrating the rover’s roving capabilities on the moon
- performing in-situ scientific observations.
Chandrayaan – 3: potential contributions to India’s space exploration endeavours
- Chandrayaan 3 is an ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) mission with the primary objective of putting a lander and rover in the highlands near the south pole of the Moon in 2023.
- According to ISRO, the Chandrayaan-3 mission will cost more than Rs 600 crores in total.
- Chandrayaan-3 will be a mission repeat of Chandrayaan-2 but will only include a lander and rover similar to that of Chandrayaan-2. It will not have an orbiter, but its propulsion module will behave like a communications relay satellite.
- India aims to examine the Moon’s surface, especially areas that have not been receiving sunlight in some billion years.
- Scientists and astronomers are suspecting the presence of ice and abundant mineral stocks in these darker parts of the lunar surface.
- In addition, this exploration will not limit to the surface but aim to study the sub-surface and exosphere.
- The rover of this spacecraft will communicate to earth via an orbiter taken from Chandrayaan 2.
- It will study the surface by taking images at a distance of 100km from the lunar orbit.
Conclusion
Chandrayaan 3, if successful, will make India the fourth country to soft-land a spacecraft on the Moon after the United States, USSR and China.
Topic: Disaster and disaster management..
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The article highlights the need for preparedness measures in the face of monsoon-related disasters in North India.
Key Demand of the question:
To analyse the lessons learned from monsoon-induced disasters, discuss the importance of preparedness measures, and evaluate the role of various stakeholders in building resilience and ensuring effective disaster management.
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 the answer by giving context.
Body:
First, in brief, write about the factors leading to monsoon related disasters – heavy rainfall, inadequate infrastructure, urban flooding, and landslides and its impact.
Next, write about the importance of preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of monsoon-related disasters – early warning systems, flood management strategies, urban planning, disaster response mechanisms, and community preparedness in reducing vulnerability and enhancing resilience.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a forward.
Introduction
Last weekend, parts of North India witnessed heavy rains that triggered flash floods and left a trail of destruction. Homes were flooded, roads and bridges washed away and communication networks disrupted, isolating communities and hampering rescue efforts. At least 50 deaths were reported. The rains triggered landslides which caused more damage. Himachal Pradesh was the worst affected. Several places in Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh reported record rainfall between Saturday and Sunday.
Body
Factors leading to monsoon related disasters
- An active monsoon with strong winds in the lower air layers, bringing moisture into the region from the Bay of Bengal or the Arabian Sea.
- A large-scale atmospheric forcing in the form of outflows in the upper layers of the atmosphere moving eastward through mid-latitude troughs. These troughs can also direct the flow of moisture towards the Himalaya.
- Deep convection triggered by orographic uplift combined with the steep terrain of the Himalaya.
Importance of preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of monsoon-related disasters
- Recent studies show an increasing trend in extreme rainfall in many parts of the country, especially central India.
- The number of extreme rainfall events (more than 15 cm in 24 hours) has tripled in the region.
- The duration of rainstorms over central India has also tripled.
- The observations also indicate that during the monsoon, the total number of rainy days and rainy hours decreases.
- This indicates that when it rains, it rains very heavily.
- The Himalayan region, with its complex topography and varied weather patterns, is prone to extreme rainfall events.
- A recent study shows that 65 per cent of areas in the region have a positive trend in the frequency of daily rainfall extremes.
- Another study on the 2013 floods in Uttarakhand identified this region as one where deep, intense convective clouds are most likely to form.
- Instances of such deep convection have increased over time. Climate change is thought to be one of the main causes of this.
- The Arctic is warming and sea ice is receding due to human influence. There is growing evidence of the impact of Arctic warming on the monsoon climate through mid-latitude circulation.
- Observations and models suggest that due to Arctic warming, the frequency of occurrence of blocking highs and deep mid-latitude troughs (like the one last weekend) is likely to increase.
- Changes in land use and land cover also appear to be reasons for the increase in extreme monsoon rainfall, especially its intensity.
- The IPCC’s scenarios for climate change indicate that these trends will continue.
- Multi-day flood events are projected to increase faster than single-day events in the future — this can have severe consequences.
Way forward
- A robust early warning system that alerts people about heavy rains and possible flash floods. This system can include meteorological observations including a Doppler weather radar (DWR) and a high-resolution numerical weather prediction model.
- Advanced methods such as AI/ML could be used to interpret the DWR and model forecast data.
- Continuous monitoring of rainfall patterns, river levels and an advanced flood warning system.
- Flood risk maps that take into account factors such as topography, historical flood data and hydrological modelling to assess vulnerability, identify high-risk zones and target actions.
- Improving and maintaining climate-resilient infrastructure, such as drainage systems and channels to prevent waterlogging.
- Proper implementation of land use planning and zoning regulations. For example, areas prone to flash floods can be designated as non-residential or restricted areas.
- The protection and restoration of natural ecosystems, such as forests and wetlands. Vegetation acts as a natural buffer, absorbing rainfall and reducing runoff.
- Awareness campaigns can influence people to take the right actions during floods, including arranging evacuation, providing first aid and getting information from reliable sources.
Conclusion
To mitigate floods, we need a multi-pronged approach that includes both proactive measures and reactive strategies. By recognising the increasing threat of extreme precipitation and implementing proactive measures, India can improve its resilience to extreme weather events. India needs to step up research to improve the performance of the monsoon prediction models. Preparedness is the best way forward.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Case Study
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- What are the options available to you in this situation? Discuss their merits and demerits.
- If you choose to lodge an official complaint, detail the steps you would adopt as a son and as an elder brother in bringing tranquility to your home.
- Highlight the ethical issues involved with personal interest and the role of human emotions in decision making. Would your course of action change if you are a neutral observer in this scenario?
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Difficulty Level: Moderate
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by giving the context. Bring out the key stakeholders in the above case study.
Body:
In the body, Write about the various options available to you and their pros and cons.
Next, write about the measures that you can take to ensure cordial atmosphere at home
Next, write about your suggestions as a neutral observer in the above case.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stressing on the importance of kindness and compassion in such cases.
Introduction
Administrators face ethical dilemmas many times. This leads to difficulty in decision making and require conscience to resolve such dilemmas. Personal self-interest should be secondary to the common good in all situations, especially when such circumstances give rise to conflict of interest. To resolve such ethical dilemmas, an order or a sequence of logical reasoning is must to integrate and rearrange the process of dealing with ethical dilemmas.
Body
Stakeholders in the case
- Myself as District Commissioner
- My brother and family
- Local politicians
- General public
- Government
Ethical issues involved
- Choosing family ties vs professional ethics
- Overlooking wrongdoing leading to moral turpitude
- Conscience as a constant reminder
- Wellbeing of public and their welfare
Options available
#1 : Overlook the issue and forgive my brother.
Merit: As it is a small parcel of land, I can make the conversion legal as the politicians have agreed and ensure peace in the family. Moreover, it would be in my personal interest wrt prospective career.
Demerit: Once misused, can happen again and again. And morality and wrongdoings are a slippery slope. It will continue to happen unless it is stopped. My brother will find other avenues to exploit my position. Politicians will get a free hand for corruption if such a matter is overlooked or swept under the carpet.
#2 : File a complaint, initiate enquiry and bring everyone to justice.
Merit: My conscience will be clear and I would stop such incidents from happening in the future. It would set a precedent to my successors as well and serve as an example to juniors. People would become more conscious and not allow such things to happen.
Demerit: My brother would be punished and my family may become estranged due to this. Politicians make have vendetta against me.
Course of action
I would choose option 2, as it is a matter of principle and conscience. IT will put a stopper to all the corrupt activities and bring those who colluded against me to justice. Even if it my own kin, what is deserved will be attained in terms of punishment. If I let this one slide, more such things will follow and there will be total chaos in the system.
Conclusion
Integrity and honesty are traits of a good civil servant. They are the foundational values that are required in a civil servant. The motivation to become an IAS is that, to do good for the society and that starts at home. One cannot overlook even wrongs done by own kin.
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