[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 1 August 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: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.

1.  The Volcanic landforms can vary widely in shape, size, and composition depending on the type of volcanic eruption and the characteristics of the lava and other volcanic materials involved. Explain. (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 mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about volcanic landforms and their types.

Directive:

Explain – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by giving context about volcano and volcanism.

Body:

First, write in detail about the different types of volcanic landforms – Volcanic landforms are divided into extrusive and intrusive landforms etc.

Next, write about the various subtypes of the above landforms. Use a small representative diagram to represent the same.

Conclusion:

Conclude by Summarising.

Introduction

A volcano is a rupture in the crust of a planetary-mass object, such as Earth, that allows hot lava, volcanic ash, and gases to escape from a magma chamber below the surface. The process is called Volcanism and has been ongoing on Earth since the initial stages of its evolution over 4 billion years ago.

Volcanic landforms are divided into extrusive and intrusive landforms based on weather magma cools within the crust or above the crust. Rocks formed by either plutonic (cooling of magma within the crust) or volcanic (cooling of lava above the surface) are called ‘Igneous rocks’.

Body

Extrusive Volcanic Landforms: These are formed from material thrown out during volcanic activity. The materials thrown out during volcanic activity includes lava flows, pyroclastic debris, volcanic bombs, ash and dust and gases such as nitrogen compounds, sulphur compounds and minor amounts of chlorine, hydrogen and argon.

• Conical Vent and Fissure Vent:
  • A conical vent is a narrow cylindrical vent through which magma flows out violently. Conical vents are common in andesitic (composite or strato volcano) volcanism.
  • A fissure vent, also known as a volcanic fissure or eruption fissure, is a narrow, linear volcanic vent through which lava erupts, usually without any explosive activity. The vent is often a few meters wide and may be many kilometres long. Fissure vents are common in basaltic volcanism.
• Composite Cones or Strato volcanoes:
  • They are conical or central type volcanic landforms.
  • Along with andesitic lava, large quantities of pyroclastic material and ashes find their way to the ground.
  • They are accumulated in the vicinity of the vent openings leading to formation of layers, and this makes the mounts appear as composite volcanoes.
  • The highest and most common volcanoes have composite cones.
  • Example:Vesuvius, Mt. Fuji, Stromboli (Lighthouse of the Mediterranean) etc.
• Shield Volcanoes or Lava domes:
  • These volcanoes are mostly made up of basalt, a type of lava that is very fluid when erupted. They are not steep.
  • They become explosive if somehow water gets into the vent; otherwise, they are less explosive.
  • Example: Mauna Loa (Hawaii).
• Lava Plains and Basalt Plateaus:
  • Sometimes, a very thin magma escapes through cracks and fissures in the earth’s surface and flows after intervals for a long time, spreading over a vast area, finally producing a layered, undulating (wave like), flat surface.
  • Example: Deccan traps (peninsular India), Snake Basin, U.S.A, Icelandic Shield, Canadian Shield etc.
• Cinder cone (Tephra cones):
  • Cinder cones are small volume cones consisting predominantly of tephra that result from strombolian eruptions.
  • They usually consist of basaltic to andesitic material.
• Calderas:
  • After the eruption of magma has ceased from the cones, the crater frequently turns into a lake at a later time.
  • Water may collect in the crater. This lake is called a ‘caldera’.
  • Example:Lake Toba in Sumatra, Crater Lake in Oregon, USA.
• Mid-Ocean Ridges
  • These volcanoes occur in the oceanic areas. There is a system of mid-ocean ridges more than 70,000 km long that stretches through all the ocean basins. The central portion of this ridge experiences frequent eruptions.
  • The lava is basaltic in nature.
  • Cools slowly and flows through longer distances.
  • The lava here is responsible for sea floor spreading.
  • Example: Mid-Atlantic ocean ridge; extension is seen in the Iceland.

Intrusive Volcanic Landforms: Intrusive landforms are formed when magma cools within the crust. The intrusive activity of volcanoes gives rise to various forms.

• Batholiths:
  • These are huge mass of igneous rocks, usually of granite.
  • These rock masses formed due to cooling down and solidification of hot magma inside the earth.
  • They appear on the surface only after the denudation processes remove the overlying materials and may be exposed on surface after erosion.
  • Example: Wicklow mountains of Ireland; the uplands of Brittany, France.
• Laccoliths:
  • These are large dome-shaped intrusive bodies connected by a pipe-like conduit from below.
  • These are basically intrusive counterparts of an exposed domelike batholith.
  • Example:The laccoliths of Henry mountains in the Utah, USA.
• Lopolith:
  • As and when the lava moves upwards, a portion of the same may tend to move in a horizontal direction wherever it finds a weak plane.
  • In case it develops into a saucer shape, concave to the sky body, it is called Lopolith.
  • Example:The Bushveld lopolith of Transvaal, South Africa.
• Phacolith:
  • A wavy mass of intrusive rocks, at times, is found at the base of synclines or at the top of anticline in folded igneous country.
  • Such wavy materials have a definite conduit to source beneath in the form of magma chambers (subsequently developed as batholiths). These are called the Phacoliths.
  • Example: Corndon hill in Shropshire, England.
• Sills:
  • These are solidified horizontal lava layers inside the earth.
  • The near horizontal bodies of the intrusive igneous rocks are called sill or sheet, depending on the thickness of the material.
  • The thinner ones are called sheets while the thick horizontal deposits are called sills.
  • Example: Great whin sill of NE England
• Dykes:
  • When the lava makes its way through cracks and the fissures developed in the land, it solidifies almost perpendicular to the ground.
  • It gets cooled in the same position to develop a wall-like structure. Such structures are called dykes.
  • These are the most commonly found intrusive forms in the western Maharashtra area. These are considered the feeders for the eruptions that led to the development of the Deccan traps. Cleveland Dyke of Yorkshire, England.

 Conclusion

Volcanoes have a huge impact on man and material as urbanization and globalization increases. The effects have impacts on flora, fauna and the global warming which can accelerate the climate change.

Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.

2. The theory of plate tectonics is considered more complete than the continental drift theory because it incorporates and explains a broader range of geological phenomena and observations related to the movement of Earth’s lithospheric plates. Examine. (250 words)

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:

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 write about plate tectonics and the movement of continents and various theories put forward to explain them.

Body:

Write in brief about the continental drift theory and explains it briefly – forces it considers for the movement, supporting evidences it considers, critique of theory regarding the movement of the continents and its acceptance among scientists etc.

In the next part, write about plate tectonic theory, the mechanism of it and how it successfully explained the movement of continents. Use small and neat diagrams for better representation.

Conclusion:

Mention about general importance of the two theories and conclude your answer.

Introduction

Continental drift describes one of the earliest ways geologists thought continents moved over time. It was a theory that explained how continents shift position on Earth’s surface due to various forces existing on the earth. The theory of plate tectonics states that the Earth’s solid outer crust, the lithosphere, is separated into plates that move over the asthenosphere, the molten upper portion of the mantle. Oceanic and continental plates come together, spread apart, and interact at boundaries all over the planet. Today, the theory of continental drift has been replaced by the science of plate tectonics.

Body:

Continental drift

• The theory of continental drift is most associated with the scientist Alfred Wegener. In the early 20th century, Wegener published a paper explaining his theory that the continental landmasses were “drifting” across the Earth, sometimes ploughing through oceans and into each other. He called this movement continental drift.
• Pangaea
  • Wegener was convinced that all of Earth’s continents were once part of an enormous, single landmass called Pangaea.
  • According to Wagener’s theory, during the Jurassic period, about 200 to 130 million years ago, Pangaea started to break up into two smaller continents, which he called Laurasia and Gondwanaland.
• His theory was inspired by the fact that edges of the continents south America and Africa fit together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, fossil remains of the same extinct animal or plant can be found across several continents, identical rocks could be found on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. These rocks were the same type and the same age , evidence from ancient glaciers.
• Scientists did not accept Wegener’s theory of continental drift. One of the elements lacking in the theory was the mechanism for how it works, why did the continents drift and what patterns did they follow

Plate tectonics:

• Wegener’s idea eventually helped to form the theory of plate tectonics, but while Wegener was alive, scientists did not believe that the continents could move.
• Continents rest on massive slabs of rock called tectonic plate The plates are always moving and interacting in a process called plate tectonics.
• Plate tectonics is the theory explaining the motion of the outer crust or the lithosphere of earth. Lithosphere is divided into tectonics plates. The crust moves due to convective forces generated within the asthenosphere, fuelled by the internal heat of the earth’s core.

How  plate tectonics is an improvement over continental drift theory:

• Plate tectonic explains the mechanism of the motion of the tectonic plates while continental drift theory left this question completely unanswered.
  • Tectonic plates have been constantly moving over the globe throughout the history of the earth. It is not the continent that moves as believed by Wegener. Continents are part of a plate and what moves is the plate.
• Wegener had thought of all the continents to have initially existed as a super continent in the form of Pangaea. However, later discoveries reveal that the continental masses, resting on the plates, have been wandering all through the geological period, and Pangaea was a result of converging of different continental masses that were parts of one or the other plates.
• At the time that Wegener proposed his theory of continental drift, most scientists believed that the earth was a solid, motionless body. However, concepts of sea floor spreading and the unified theory of plate tectonics have emphasised that both the surface of the earth and the interior are not static and motionless but are dynamic.
• Sea floor spreading:
  • The mobile rock beneath the rigid plates is believed to be moving in a circular manner. The heated material rises to the surface, spreads and begins to cool, and then sinks back into deeper depths. This cycle is repeated over and over to generate what scientists call a convection cell or convective flow
  • The ultimate proof of this was the discovery of “magnetic stripes “on the seafloor later in the 1960s: the magnetic domains in oceanic rocks recorded reversal of Earth’s magnetic field over time. The pattern was symmetric to the ridge, supporting the idea of symmetric seafloor spreading. The idea of subduction zoneswas born
  • With plate tectonics, we have a theory that explains Wegener’s observations and how lithosphere can be produced and consumed so that Earth does not change its size
• Wegener’s continental drift theory lacked was a propelling mechanism. Other scientists wanted to know what was moving these continents around. Unfortunately, Wegener could not provide a convincing answer. The technological advances necessitated by the Second World War made possible the accumulation of significant evidence now underlying modern plate tectonic theory.
• The following two forces are too small to bring in change:
  • Pole-fleeing or centrifugal force:
    • The spinning of Earth on its own axis creates a centrifugal force i.e., force oriented away from the axis of  rotation towards the equator. Wegener believed the centrifugal force of the planet caused the super continent to break apart and pushed continents away from the Poles toward the equator. Therefore, He called this drifting  mechanism as the “pole-fleeing or centrifugal force”
  • Tidal force:
    • Wegener tried to attribute the westward drift of the Americas to lunar-solar drag i.e., by invoking tidal force that is the gravitational forces of the sun and the moon .He also admitted that it is probable that pole- fleeing or centrifugal force and tidal force are responsible for the journey of continents. Wegener failed to devise a sound mechanism for the movement of the continents. For Wegener the drifting mechanism was the most difficult question to solve.
  • Plate tectonicsis the grand unifying theory of geosciences that explains
    • Movement of continents
    • Earthquakes, volcanism most major features on Earth’s surface, including mountain building, formation of new lithosphere ,consumption of old lithosphere, mid-ocean ridges

Conclusion:

It took nearly 60 years for the idea of continental drift to be scientifically confirmed in the form of plate tectonic theory. Ultimately it added new dimension in the understanding of the global distribution of earthquakes, volcanoes and identification of disaster-prone areas.

Topic: urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

3. Cities must take lead on climate change, rather than simply reacting to untoward events. Instead of pursuing smart cities, we should invest in rainwater harvesting and better drainage. Comment. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

In the past few weeks, three major cities — Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai — have been flooded. Cities like Hyderabad (in 2000), Srinagar (in 2014), Chennai (in 2021) and Bengaluru (in 2022) have also seen some areas being submerged during heavy rainfall.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about perils of unplanned urbanization and the consequences of flooding in cities and ways to overcome them.

Directive word: 

Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context.

Body:

First, write about the Consequences of Unplanned Urbanization – adverse effects of haphazard urban growth, such as increased pollution, traffic congestion, Flooding in Cities, Environmental Concerns and strain on resources.

Next, write about the potential solutions to address the challenges posed by unplanned urbanization and flooding.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

As the incidence of climate variability and extreme weather events increases, urban flooding becomes more and more common. While the untimely heavy rains can be attributed to climate variability, the urban flooding is largely due to an unplanned urbanisation.

In many Indian cities, the urban floods have become a frequent phenomenon in recent years. Overburdened drainage, unregulated construction, no regard to the natural topography and hydro-geomorphology all make urban floods a man-made disaster.

In the past few weeks, three major cities — Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai — have been flooded. Cities like Hyderabad (in 2000), Srinagar (in 2014), Chennai (in 2021) and Bengaluru (in 2022) have also seen some areas being submerged during heavy rainfall.

Body:

Urban floods is a man-made disaster

• Inadequate Drainage Infrastructure: Cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai rely on a century-old drainage system, covering only a small part of the core city.
  • In the last 20 years, the Indian cities have grown manifold with its original built-up area.
  • As the city grew beyond its original limits, not much was done to address the absence of adequate drainage systems.
  • CAG report (last year) pulled up Bengaluru municipality for this poor civic management of storm water drainage.
• Terrain Alteration: Lasting irreversible damage has been done to the city by property builders, property owners, and public agencies by flattening terrain and altering natural drainage routes.
• Reducing Seepage: Indian cities are becoming increasingly impervious to water, not just because of increasing built up but also because of the nature of materials used (hard, non-porous construction material that makes the soil impervious).
• Lax Implementation: Even with provisions of rainwater harvesting, sustainable urban drainage systems, etc, in regulatory mechanisms like the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), adoption at user end as well as enforcement agencies remains weak.
• Encroaching Natural Spaces: The number of wetlands has reduced to 123 in 2018 from 644 in 1956.
  • Green cover is only 9 per cent, which ideally should have been at least 33 per cent.
• Destruction of mangroves: Mumbai lost about 40% of its mangroves between 1995 and 2005.
• Lack of data: CAG also found that the Bengaluru municipality did not maintain proper records of the stormwater management funds allotted to it under the JNNURM.
• Lack of coordination: CAG report also noted the lack of coordination between the municipality and the Bangalore Development Authority on drainage-related matters.

However, there are natural causes too which lead to urban floods

• Higher rainfall: As per the IMD, monsoon has become frequent and unpredictable
• Storm surges (for coastal cities): E.g. Cyclone Amphan in 2020 flooded the streets of Kolkata. Within eastern India, the storm killed 98 people and caused $13.8 billion(2020 USD).
• Groundwater levels:In Chennai, the replenished groundwater table across the city after rains becomes a challenge for several buildings with basements.

Measures needed

Protecting the greens, curbing new unauthorised concretisation, separating the stormwater drains from the sewer network, and ensuring waste segregation and treatment are keys to addressing this problem.

Way forward

• Need for Holistic Engagement: Urban floods of this scale cannot be contained by the municipal authorities alone. Floods cannot be managed without concerted and focused investments of energy and resources.
  • The Metropolitan Development Authorities, National Disaster Management Authority, State revenue and irrigation departments along with municipal corporations should be involved in such work together.
  • Such investments can only be done in a mission mode organisation with active participation of civil society organisations at the metropolitan scale.
• Developing Sponge Cities: The idea of a sponge city is to make cities more permeable so as to hold and use the water which falls upon it.
  • Sponge cities absorb the rain water, which is then naturally filtered by the soil and allowed to reach urban aquifers.
  • This allows for the extraction of water from the ground through urban or peri-urban wells.
  • This water can be treated easily and used for city water supply.
• Wetland Policy:There is a need to start paying attention to the management of wetlands by involving local communities.
  • Without doubt, terrain alteration needs to be strictly regulated and a ban on any further alteration of terrain needs to be introduced.
  • To improve the city’s capacity to absorb water, new porous materials and technologies must be encouraged or mandated across scales.
  • Examples of these technologies are bioswales and retention systems, permeable material for roads and pavement, drainage systems which allow storm water to trickle into the ground, green roofs and harvesting systems in buildings.
• Drainage Planning:Watershed management and emergency drainage plan should be clearly enunciated in policy and law.
  • Urban watersheds are micro ecological drainage systems, shaped by contours of terrain.
  • Detailed documentation of these must be held by agencies which are not bound by municipal jurisdictions; instead, there is a need to consider natural boundaries such as watersheds instead of governance boundaries like electoral wards for shaping a drainage plan.
• Water Sensitive Urban Design:These methods take into consideration the topography, types of surfaces (permeable or impervious), natural drainage and leave very less impact on the environment.
  • Vulnerability analyses and risk assessments should form part and parcel of city master plans.
  • In a changing climate, the drainage infrastructure (especially storm water drainage) has to be built considering the new ‘normal’.
  • Tools such as predictive precipitation modelling can help do that and are also able to link it with the adaptive capacity of urban land use.

Conclusion

These can all be delivered effectively through an urban mission along the lines of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) and Smart Cities Mission. Urban Flood management will not just help control recurring floods but also respond to other fault lines, provide for water security, more green spaces, and will make the city resilient and sustainable.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these

4. Disruptions often lead to the adjournment of Parliament sessions, preventing the passage of important bills, laws, and policies. This hinders the legislative process and delays crucial decisions that affect the country’s governance and development. Evaluate. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

Parliament remained paralysed for the eighth consecutive sitting on July 31, with Rajya Sabha witnessing an aggressive push from the government to hold a short-duration discussion on Manipur, and the Opposition demanding a more expansive debate suspending all business. In Lok Sabha, where the Opposition is awaiting a debate on a no-confidence motion that has been admitted, disruptions continued as well.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the impact of parliamentary disruptions and measures needed to overcome the same.

Directive word: 

Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence.  You must appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context.

Body:

First, write about the importance of parliamentary debates and discussion to our democracy.

Next, write about the impact of disruptions – delays in legislative work, waste valuable time and resources, erode public trust, deepen political polarization, and decrease the quality of debates.

Next, write about the measures that are needed to remedy this situation.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

Supreme court made observations regarding disruptions in the Parliament. A nation aspiring to be a “world leader” should debate on the welfare of its citizens rather than make Parliament a stage to exchange jeers and launch personal attacks on one another.

With the completion of 75 years of Independence and ambitions of becoming a world leader, elected members should at least know that they are expected to show statesmanship and not brinkmanship in the House. Legislature is the first place where justice is dispensed to the common man through a democratic process.

Body

Background

• A PRS (PRS Legislative Research) report says during the 15th Lok Sabha (2009-14), frequent disruptions of Parliamentary proceedings have resulted in the Lok Sabha working for 61% and Rajya Sabha for 66% of its scheduled time.
• Another PRS report said, the 16th Lok Sabha (2014-19) lost 16% of its scheduled time to disruptions, better than the 15th Lok Sabha (37%), but worse than the 14th Lok Sabha (13%).
• The Rajya Sabha lost 36% of its scheduled time. In the 15th and 14th Lok Sabhas, it had lost 32% and 14% of its scheduled time respectively.

Reasons for frequent disruptions

• Discussion on Matters of Controversy and Public Importance: It appears that a number of disruptions in Parliament stem from discussions on either listed topics that are controversial, or unlisted matters that are of public importance.
  • The matters such as the Manipur violence and riots, Pegasus Project, Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 are such examples of causing disruptions.
• Disruptions May Help Ruling Party Evade Responsibility: The maximum number of disruptions have been found to take place in the Question Hour and the Zero Hour.
  • While these disruptions are largely attributable to the behaviour of members of the opposition, they may also be a consequence of executive action.
• Lack of Dedicated Time for Unlisted Discussion: Disruptions also get triggered due to lack of adequate time for raising questions and objections in respect of matters that are not listed for discussion in a particular, or during a particular session.
• Scarce Resort to Disciplinary Powers: Another systemic reason why disruptions are not effectively prevented relates to the scarce resort to disciplinary powers by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
  • As a result, most members engaging in disorderly conduct are neither deterred nor restrained from engaging in such conduct.
• Other Reasons: In 2001, a conference was held in the Central Hall of Parliament to discuss discipline and decorum in legislatures. It identified four reasons behind the disorderly conduct by MPs.
  • Dissatisfaction in MPs because of inadequate time for airing their grievances.
  • An unresponsive attitude of the government and the retaliatory posture of the treasury benches.
  • Political parties not adhering to parliamentary norms and disciplining their members.
  • The absence of prompt action against disrupting MPs under the legislature’s rules.
• Party Politics: When a contentious issue crops up, the government dithers on debating it, leading to Opposition MPs violating the conduct rules and disrupting the proceedings of Parliament.
• Since they have the support of their parties in breaking the rules, the threat of suspension from the House does not deter them.

Impact of frequent disruptions

• Delay in Legislation: The primary function of Parliament is to pass legislation, including important bills and laws. Disruptions prevent lawmakers from engaging in meaningful debates and discussions, leading to delays in passing crucial legislation. This delay can result in missed opportunities to address pressing issues and implement much-needed reforms.
• Stalled Policy Implementation: Disruptions can hinder the implementation of policies and initiatives that have been approved but require further action from the Parliament. As a consequence, the government may struggle to execute its plans effectively, leading to delayed benefits for the citizens and the economy.
• Uncertain Policy Environment: Frequent disruptions create uncertainty in the policy environment. Investors and businesses may become cautious about making long-term investments or decisions, as the uncertain legislative landscape makes it difficult for them to predict future regulations and incentives.
• Impact on Economic Growth: Delays in passing economic reform bills or budgets can have adverse effects on economic growth. A lack of clear policies and investments in critical sectors may slow down economic development, hinder job creation, and reduce overall productivity.
• Missed Opportunities: During disruptions, Parliament might miss the chance to address emerging issues promptly. Societal changes, technological advancements, and global developments require agile policymaking, which may be compromised due to parliamentary disruptions.
• Loss of Public Confidence: Frequent disruptions can erode public confidence in the efficacy and seriousness of parliamentary proceedings. The public may perceive lawmakers as prioritizing political grandstanding over their duties, leading to disillusionment with the democratic process.
• Weakened Government-Opposition Relations: Persistent disruptions can strain the relationship between the government and the opposition. This can lead to increased polarization and reduced cooperation between parties, further hindering the legislative process.
• Impact on International Relations: Delays in passing crucial bills and policies can affect a country’s reputation and standing in the international community. Failure to implement reforms or fulfil commitments may lead to scepticism from foreign investors and partners.
• National Security Concerns: Certain bills related to national security and defence might require urgent attention and passage. Disruptions in these matters can potentially compromise the country’s security and preparedness.
• Legal and Constitutional Implications: If Parliament sessions are regularly disrupted, it may raise questions about the functioning of democratic institutions and adherence to constitutional norms. It can also lead to legal challenges or debates about the powers and responsibilities of lawmakers during such disruptions

Measures needed

• Code of Conduct: To curb disorder in Parliament there is a need for strict enforcement of code of conduct for MPs and MLAs.
• These ideas are not new. For example, the Lok Sabha has had a simple code of conduct for its MPs since 1952. Newer forms of protest led to the updating of these rules in 1989.
• The Lok Sabha Speaker should suspend MPs not following such codes and obstructing the Houses’ business.
• Increasing Number of Working Days: Recommended by the 2001 conference, there should be an increase in the working days of Parliament. It resolved that Parliament should meet for 110 days every year and state legislative assemblies for 90 days.
• In the United Kingdom, where Parliament meets over 100 days a year, opposition parties get 20 days on which they decide the agenda for discussion in Parliament. Canada also has a similar concept of opposition days.
• Democratic Participation: Not all disruptions in the Parliament are necessarily counter-productive. Thus, the government of the day needs to be more democratic and allow the opposition to put their ideas in free manner.
• Proposals in Individual Capacity:
• In 2019, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson mooted an idea of evolving a ‘Parliament Disruption Index’ to monitor disruptions in Parliament and state legislature.
• In the Lok Sabha, some members proposed automatic suspension of members who cause disruption and rush to the Well of the House.
• But the proposals are still in a nascent stage.
• Productivity Meter: The overall productivity of the session also can be studied and disseminated to the public on a weekly basis.
• For this, a “Productivity Meter” could be created which would take into consideration the number of hours that were wasted on disruptions and adjournments and monitor the productivity of the day-to-day working of both Houses of Parliament.

Conclusion

Democracy is judged by the debate it encourages and sustains. More strengthening of the Parliament is the solution to prevent disruption of its proceedings. There should be a deepening of its role as the forum for deliberation on critical national issues.

Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes;

5. Discuss the significance of preserving tribal culture and the challenges faced in doing so. Suggest measures to promote the rich cultural heritage of tribal communities. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The article emphasizes the importance of safeguarding tribal culture and traditions, prompting a deeper examination of the subject matter.

Key Demand of the question:

To analyse the significance of preserving tribal culture and identify the obstacles encountered in this endeavour

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:

Introduce the concept of tribal culture and its value in the context of cultural diversity.

Body:

First, write about Significance of Preserving Tribal Culture -unique cultural heritage and traditions of tribal communities, role of tribal culture in enriching the nation’s cultural tapestry and promoting social cohesion etc.

Next, write about Challenges in Preserving Tribal Culture – impact of modernization and globalization on tribal communities and their cultural practices, threat posed by urbanization, displacement, and assimilation to tribal identity etc.

Next, write about measures needed in the above regard.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

India is home to a significant number of tribal communities, also known as Scheduled Tribes (STs). According to the 2011 Census of India, there are over 700 scheduled tribes in the country, representing about 8.6% of the total population. These tribes have unique cultures, languages, traditions, and ways of life.

Body

Significance of preserving tribal culture

• Cultural Diversity: India’s tribal communities contribute to the country’s vibrant cultural diversity. Their unique traditions and practices add depth to the nation’s collective identity.
• Traditional Knowledge: Tribal cultures often hold valuable traditional knowledge related to sustainable agricultural practices, herbal medicine, and ecological conservation. Preserving this knowledge can benefit society as a whole.
• Social Cohesion: Cultural practices and rituals play a crucial role in maintaining social cohesion within tribal communities. Preserving these practices helps strengthen their social fabric.
• Identity and Inclusivity: The preservation of tribal culture ensures that tribal communities retain their distinct identity and are included as equal stakeholders in the nation’s development.
• Economic Opportunities: Traditional art, craft, and cultural practices of tribal communities can offer economic opportunities through tourism and handicraft industries.

Challenges in preserving tribal culture

• Displacement and Land Rights: Many tribal communities have faced displacement due to development projects, leading to a loss of their traditional lands and disruptions in their way of life.
• Lack of Representation: Tribal communities often suffer from inadequate representation in decision-making processes and limited access to resources.
• Language Endangerment: Several tribal languages are endangered, and the lack of support for their preservation threatens the loss of their cultural heritage.
• Marginalization and Exploitation: Tribal communities often face marginalization and exploitation, with their cultural practices and art forms being commodified for commercial purposes without appropriate recognition or compensation.
• Lack of Awareness: There is a lack of awareness among the general population about the rich cultural heritage of tribal communities, which can lead to neglect and indifference.

Measures needed

• Legal Protections: Strengthen and enforce legal provisions to protect tribal land rights and cultural heritage from exploitation and encroachment.
  • The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, provides legal protection to tribal communities by recognizing their rights to forest land and resources.
  • Inner line permit also protects tribes from outside interference.
• Cultural Centers and Museums: Establish cultural centres and museums in tribal areas to showcase their art, craft, music, and traditions, providing platforms for tribal artists to display their skills.
  • Eg: : The Tribal Research Institute in Odisha houses a Tribal Museum that showcases the art, craft, music, and traditional knowledge of various tribal communities in the state.
• Language Preservation: Support initiatives for documenting and revitalizing endangered tribal languages, with a focus on developing language schools and community programs.
  • Eg The Kui Language School in Odisha is an initiative focused on revitalizing the endangered Kui language by teaching it to tribal children and conducting language documentation workshops.
• Empowerment and Representation: Promote the inclusion of tribal representatives in decision-making bodies and increase their participation in local governance.
  • The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, empowers tribal communities by ensuring that they have a say in local governance through the formation of Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas.
• Education and Awareness: Integrate tribal history, culture, and traditions into school curricula to raise awareness and respect among the younger generations.
  • Eg The Jharkhand government includes chapters on tribal culture, history, and heritage in school textbooks to raise awareness and promote respect for tribal communities among students.
• Economic Opportunities: Encourage responsible and sustainable tourism that respects tribal cultures and traditions, while also generating income for tribal communities.
  • The Dongria Kondh community in Odisha’s Niyamgiri Hills has been able to generate income through responsible tourism, as visitors come to learn about their unique culture and way of life.
• Cultural Festivals and Exchanges: Organize cultural festivals and exchanges to promote intercultural dialogue and understanding between tribal and non-tribal communities.
  • An example of successful cultural preservation is the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland. This festival brings together various Naga tribes to showcase their distinct cultural heritage, including traditional dances, music, crafts, and food. It has become a platform for preserving and promoting Naga tribal culture while also attracting tourists from around the world.
• Media and Communication: Encourage positive and accurate media representation of tribal cultures, highlighting their contributions to India’s cultural heritage.
  • Recently ‘elephant whisperers’ won an oscar which shows tribes who are into caring for Elephants with support from Forest Dept.
• Capacity Building and Skill Development: Invest in capacity building and skill development programs to empower tribal artisans and craftsmen, helping them preserve and promote their traditional art forms.
  • Organizations like TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India) work on skill development programs for tribal artisans, empowering them to preserve and promote traditional art forms.
• Collaboration with NGOs: Partner with non-governmental organizations working on tribal welfare and cultural preservation to develop comprehensive strategies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, preserving tribal culture in India is vital for maintaining cultural diversity, sustainable development, and social cohesion. Addressing the challenges faced by tribal communities and implementing measures to promote their rich cultural heritage can ensure that India’s tribal legacy continues to thrive for generations to come.

Value addition

Tribes of India

• Gonds: Gonds are one of the largest tribal groups in central India, primarily found in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. They are known for their distinctive art, music, and dance forms.
• Santhals: Santhals are a significant tribal community residing in the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. They have a rich cultural heritage, including traditional music and dance.
• Bhils: Bhils are a prominent tribal group in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. They are known for their agricultural practices and artistic expressions.
• Munda: Munda tribes are mainly concentrated in the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. They have a unique language and traditional customs.
• Khasi: Khasi tribes primarily inhabit the northeastern state of Meghalaya. They have a matrilineal society and are known for their unique culture and traditions.
• Nagas: Nagas are tribal communities residing in the northeastern states of Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and parts of Assam. They have distinct languages and rich folklore.
• Bodos: Bodos are one of the largest tribal groups in Assam and parts of West Bengal. They have their language and rich cultural heritage.
• Siddis: Siddi tribes are descendants of Africans who migrated to India centuries ago. They are found in states like Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
• Jarawas: Jarawas are indigenous tribes living in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, maintaining their unique way of life and culture.
• Onges: Onges are another indigenous tribe in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, known for their ancient hunting and gathering practices.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

6. LPG subsidies have the potential to bring about positive social, economic, and environmental changes in many communities. Critically analyse (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The article raises concerns about India’s clean cooking strategy and calls for a re-evaluation of the approach to address cooking-related challenges.

Key Demand of the question: To write about LPG subsidy and how it is a critical social investment and reduces public health burden.

Directive:

Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

In the introduction, present the scenario in the Indian society about usage of LPG and traditional cooking fuel. Use some data/statistics.

Body:

First, explain first in what way LPG connections can be revolutionary in freeing women for productive time and reduce the public health concerns.

Next, talk about the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, PMUY. It helped expand LPG coverage to > 85% of households, in comparison to less than a third in 2011.The government is again offering one crore new connections under Ujjwala 2.0 in FY22.

Present the associated issues and suggest solutions to address the same.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

Since 2014, the Government of India committed to promoting clean cooking, mostly through offering two large subsidies linked to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The lives of many women have changed, with their cooking becoming healthier and faster. The ambitious Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has provided more than 9.5 crore new households with LPG connections since 2016. For the first time, LPG consumption in Indian households saw an absolute reduction in FY23 (minus 0.5% versus FY22) after years of steady growth.

Yet, as per recent NSSO report, only 48 per cent of rural households had used LPG for cooking.

Body

LPG subsidy in India

India’s two large LPG subsidies are for connection and consumption.

• Consumption subsidies have been offered for many years but since 2014 are called PAHAL (or DBTL) and administered through a cash transfer mechanism that reduces the net price of an LPG cylinder.
• Since 2016 an ambitious push to improve uptake of LPG by the poor began with the introduction of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). This scheme, a connection subsidy, targeted “the health of women and children,” and built gender considerations into its design, as the subsidy must be received in a female beneficiary’s bank account.

LPG Subsidy: Benefits to women

• Saving time: New research examining the impact of LPG subsidies in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand from a gender perspective found that women who cooked on LPG saved on average about one hour per day compared to cooking on biomass.
• Breaking stereotypes: Men were more likely to cook if LPG was available: 70 per cent of households having LPG connection said that a male member cooked at least one meal in the last 30 days, against the 58 per cent of households who did not have an LPG connection.
• Ujjwala Scheme has provided LPG gas connection to 8 crore women, giving them respite from drudgery of indoor pollution and mortality.
• Increased productivity: The connections are given in the name of women beneficiaries to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and conventional fuel like cow dung for cooking food, thus reducing the effort needed in collected firewood.

Challenges in the LPG subsidy dispersion

• Lower consumption of LPG, particularly amongst the rural poor is limited by affordability constraints.
• PMUY only partially absorbs the cost of acquiring an LPG connection but does not provide a free stove or first refill.
• Most poor households not using LPG still cannot afford upfront connection costs, and at the unsubsidised price the on-going consumption costs are high.
• Households reduce the use of LPG by using it in combination and competition with biomass, often collected for “free” by women and children.
• This limits the benefits experienced when compared to women who only use LPG, and would also imply huge subsidies to displace biomass entirely.

Conclusion

India’s commitment to promote LPG has been admirable and many countries could learn from efforts to better target the expansion of LPG towards poor women in rural areas via PMUY. The latter has worked well in allowing many low-income households to access LPG for the first time and has provided 80.3 million LPG connections to poor households since its launch in 2016.

There is still a journey ahead in terms of making clean cooking subsidies better targeted towards those families who really need it. But, with half of women in rural areas still using traditional fuels, it is also clear that we need government policies and support measures beyond just LPG subsidies.

General Studies – 4

Topic: laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance;

7. A moral compass helps individuals identify and define their core values and principles. By reflecting on what they stand for and believe in, people can gain clarity on their ethical priorities and establish a strong foundation for making moral decisions. Elaborate. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about how moral compass leads to describe conscience, our inner sense of right and wrong offers a framework to guide our actions.

Directive:

Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by describing what you understand by moral compass (conscience) which governs the actions you take in day-to-day life.

Body:

Elaborate on how a moral compass helps people make ethical decisions by helping to determine which actions would help or harm others, society, or the environment. It also helps people see how their actions can have consequences for other people and cultures.

Cite examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

Complete the answer by bring out how the moral compass prevents us acting purely from self-interest and helps us live a life of integrity.

Introduction

Moral compass is a term used to describe our inner sense of right and wrong offers a framework to guide our actions. Conscience is inner moral sense of a person which guides him/her to regulate his behaviour. Voice of conscience corresponds to an inner voice that judges your behaviour. Voice of conscience is the source of ethical decision making for many.

Body

Conscience can be defined as something within each of us that tells us what is right and what is wrong. Therefore, if one uses his/her conscience when making decisions it would be guided by what is the right thing to do and what is wrong.

The traditional test is to apply ethical decision-making methods such as Rights Theory that obligates us to respect the rights of others and live up to our obligations towards them. Another approach is to evaluate the possible benefits and harms of alternative courses of action on stakeholders who may be affected by our possible actions and choose the one that maximizes net benefits.

• Our conscience is our inner guide and it helps you figure out how to make good choices. As we grow up, we learn right from wrong. Our conscience is the thought and feeling we have that tells us whether something is a right or wrong thing to do or say. Thus voice of Conscience is a consistent guide to ethical decision making.
• A person can prepare himself/herself to heed to the voice of conscience by:
• Pausing and thinking about the dimensions of issue.
• Practicing the power of silence.
• Meditating and prayer.
• Freeing oneself from external influences and selfish interests.
• A human being always comes across ethical dilemmas in the decision making the process. Voice of Conscience acts as the guide for taking correct decisions when we have to choose between competing sets of principles in a given, usually undesirable or perplexing, situation. Example: Helping accident victim on your way to an interview.
• The voice of conscience of an individual help in analysing the situation from different perspectives and help in taking the right decision.
• Voice of Conscience helps in avoiding Conflicts of interest for better decision making. It can help in deciding between personal gains and public welfare.
• Voice of Conscience is our ability to make a practical decision in light of ethical values and principles.
• Voice of Conscience is a person’s moral compass of right and wrong as well as the consciousness of one’s actions. Expressions such as ‘gut feeling’ and ‘guilt’ are often applied in conjunction with a conscience.
• The voice of conscience might suggest different principles and different behaviours to different situations. But it for a moment help individual from not doing wrong based on universal values.

Conclusion

Acting purely from self-interest, at best, keeps us parallel to the original position and can turn our compass south if our actions do harm to others. We avoid going in that direction by living a life of integrity. We also need to understand and appreciate why we should consider the needs of others before acting. We could simply go back to The Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated. None of us, presumably, wants to be disrespected so we should treat others respectfully.

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