[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 4 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: Salient features of world’s physical geography.

1. Distinguish between a cyclone and an anti-cyclone. How is climate change impacting tropical cyclones globally? (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:

To write about differences between cyclone and an anti-cyclone, the impact of climate change on cyclones.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by defining cyclones and anti-cyclones.

Body:

First, write the differences between the both on nature, direction, pressure and various other parameters.

Next, explain as to how climate change is impacting tropic cyclones and substantiate with facts and examples. Mention methods to mitigate and cope with it.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

Tropical Cyclone is any large system of winds that circulates about a centre of low atmospheric pressure in a counter-clockwise direction north of the Equator and in a clockwise direction to the south. Cyclonic winds move across nearly all regions of the Earth except the equatorial belt and are generally associated with rain or snow. Extratropical cyclones are also called wave cyclone or mid-latitude cyclone or temperate cyclones. The systems developing in the mid and high latitude, beyond the tropics are called the middle latitude or extra tropical cyclones.

Body

Differences between tropical and Extra-tropical cyclones

• Winds:
  • Unlike tropical (warm core) storms, winds are not as concentrated near the center of the storm, but can spread out for hundreds of miles from it.
• Direction
  • The extratropical cyclones move from west to east but tropical cyclones, move from east to west.
• Precipitation:
  • The extratropical cyclones have a clear frontal system which is not present in the tropical cyclones.
  • It is in a cold core (non-tropical cyclone) can also spread far away from the center of the storm. Most mid-latitude storms are cold core including nor’easters.
  • The precipitation is more intense in tropical cyclone than non-tropical cyclone.
  • Also, precipitation in tropical cyclones are localized while in case of non-tropical cyclone the precipitation is widespread.
• Shape:
  • Tropical cyclones are nearly symmetric in shape and are without fronts. Mid-latitude (cold core) cyclones are comma shaped and have fronts associated with them.
• Impact
  • Extratropical cyclones cover a larger area and can originate over the land and sea. Whereas the tropical cyclones originate only over the seas and on reaching the land they dissipate.
  • The extratropical cyclone affects a much larger area as compared to the tropical cyclone. The wind velocity in a tropical cyclone is much higher and it is more destructive.
• Transition:
  • Hurricanes and tropical storms often transition to cold core cyclones, meaning that it has technically lost many of its tropical characteristics and is more closely related to a mid-latitude (non-tropical) storm.
  • The transition often occurs when a tropical cyclone moves to higher latitudes and interacts with atmospheric features that are more common there.
• Troughs:
  • Tropical cyclones don’t form troughs whereas non-tropical cyclones form troughs in upper level of atmosphere.

Impact of Climate change on tropical cyclones

• Warming of the surface ocean from anthropogenic (human-induced) climate change is likely fueling more powerful Tropical Cyclones.
• The destructive power of individual Tropical Cyclones through flooding is amplified by rising sea levels, which very likely has a substantial contribution at the global scale from anthropogenic climate change.
• In addition, Tropical Cyclones’ precipitation rates are projected to increase due to enhanced atmospheric moisture associated with anthropogenic global warming.
• The proportion of severe Tropical Cyclones has increased, possibly due to anthropogenic climate change.
• However, most climate model studies project a corresponding reduction in the proportion of low-intensity cyclones, so the total number of Tropical Cyclones each year is projected to decrease or remain approximately the same.
• Studies have shown that some 2.1 to 3.1 per cent of the total number of tropical cyclones expected to strike in the near future, could be strong.
• Globally, the risk of strong tropical cyclones is expected to become more than double by 2050. The Gulf of Mexico is not likely to see the same trend, according to the analysis.
• The studies associated with temperature suggest that the Indian Ocean is warming, particularly the Arabian Sea, which is doing so at the fastest rate.
• Previously, tropical cyclones in the Arabian Sea were restricted to Gujarat.
• In the past decade though, Kerala and Karnataka have also become more vulnerable to cyclones. A recent example is ‘Ockhi’.
• The Arabian Sea is quickly responding to climate change signals, heating rapidly and driving more and more cyclones, and excessive rainfall, although, experts still do not understand how much of a performance climate change must work on Ockhi.
• The rise in Arabian Sea surface temperature makes it warmer than other seas all through this period.
• Global warming adds to climate variability and weather changes.
• A sophisticated climate model to compare the conditions in 2015 to conditions in 1860, keeping in mind the carbon footprints. The findings suggest that 64 per cent of the cyclone risk in the Arabian Sea was due to climate change.
• The coastal areas surrounding the Arabian Sea are at specific risk since the geographical location offers cyclones nowhere to go but the land.

Way Forward

• Develop a Climate Risk Atlas to map critical vulnerabilities such as coasts, urban heat stress, water stress, and biodiversity collapse.
• Develop an Integrated Emergency Surveillance Systemto facilitate a systematic and sustained response to emergencies.
• Mainstream risk assessment at all levels,including localised, regional, sectoral, cross-sectoral, macro and micro-climatic level.
• Enhance adaptive and resilience capacityto climate-proof lives, livelihoods and investments.
• Increase the participatory engagement of all stakeholders in the risk assessment process.
• Integrate risk assessment into local, sub-national, and national level plans.

Conclusion

Global warming has presented us with new challenges such as rapid intensification of cyclones, which need to be closely monitored at higher resolution and accuracy using on-site platforms such as buoys and moorings. Improving the Indian Ocean Observing System (IndOOS) and incorporating the global warming signals in the weather models can help us tackle the challenges of intense cyclones in the future.

Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.

2. Discuss the factors affecting and the major features of tropical rainforest climate. Write a short note on its vegetation. (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 causes and features of tropical rainforest climate and the nature of its vegetation.

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 a brief about tropical rainforest climate

Body:

First, write the about the various factors that contribute to the development of tropical rainforest climate.

Next, write in detail the unique features of tropical rainforest climate.

Next, write about the nature of vegetation in tropical rainforest climate and its economic and ecological importance.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

Tropical rainforests occur in regions of the tropics where temperatures are always high and where rainfall exceeds about 1,800 to 2,500 mm (about 70 to 100 inches) annually and occurs fairly evenly throughout the year. Similar hot climates in which annual rainfall lies between about 800 and 1,800 mm and in which a pronounced season of low rainfall occurs typically support tropical deciduous forests—i.e., rainforests in which up to about three-quarters of the trees lose their leaves in the dry season.

Body

Major features

• Rainfall:
  • The word “rainforest” implies that these are the some of the world’s wettest ecosystems.
  • Rainforests generally receive very high rainfall each year, although the exact amount varies among different years and different rainforests.
  • For example, South America’s tropical rainforests receive between 200 and 300 centimeters (80 and 120 inches, or 6.5 to 10 feet!) of rain in a typical year.
  • Despite relatively consistent rain in these ecosystems, there are distinct dry seasons in some rainforests. Wet and dry seasons of tropical rainforests vary in their timing, duration and severity around the globe.
• Humidity:
  • Tropical rainforests also have high humidity; about 88% during the wet season and approximately 77% in the dry season.
• Temperature:
  • Tropical rainforests are found near the equator, between the Tropic of Cancer (23°27’N) and the Tropic of Capricorn (23°27’S).
  • The equator receives direct sunlight. This steady flow of radiation produces consistently high temperatures throughout the year.
• Soil Composition:
  • The rainforest soils are nutrient-poor because nutrients are not stored in them for very long.
  • The heavy rains that occur in rainforests wash organic material from the soil.
  • Although decomposition occurs rapidly in the hot, moist conditions, many of the dead, fallen leaves and other organic detritus are swept away before releasing all of their nutrients.
  • In addition, rainwater seeps into the ground and leaches away nutrients.
• Biodiversity:
  • Tropical rainforests are areas of extremely high biodiversity compared to other ecosystems.
  • In the tropical rainforests of Borneo, scientists have documented more than 15,000 plant species, including 2,500 species of orchids

Factors affecting the rainforest climate

• The principal determining climatic factor for the distribution of rainforests in lowland regions of the tropics, therefore, is rainfall, both the total amount and the seasonal variation.
• Topographic factors influence rainfall and consequently affect rainforest distribution within a region. For example, coastal regions where prevailing winds blow onshore are likely to have a wetter climate than coasts that experience primarily offshore winds.
• Soil, human disturbance, and other factors also can be important controlling influences.

Vegetation

• High temperature and abundant rainfall support a luxuriant tropical rain forest.
• In the Amazon lowlands, the forest is so dense that it is called ‘selvas’.
• Unlike the temperate regions, the growing season here is all the year round-seeding, flowering, fruiting and decaying do not take place in a seasonal pattern.
• The equatorial vegetation comprises a multitude of evergreen trees that yield tropical hardwood, e.g. mahogany, ebony, dyewoods etc.
• Many parts of the tropical rain forests have been cleared either for lumbering or shifting cultivation.
• In the coastal areas and brackish swamps, mangrove forests
• From the air, the tropical rain forest appears like a thick canopy of foliage, broken only where it is crossed by large rivers or cleared for cultivation.
• All plants struggle upwards (most ephiphytes) for sunlight resulting in a peculiar layer arrangement.

Conclusion

The tropical rainforest is one of the world’s most threatened biomes, despite being home to some of the most diverse and unique species on the planet. Many of the world’s most colorful creatures reside in rainforests, and animals from tiny organisms to large wild cats find homes amongst the range of plant life.

Topic: Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

3. Communalism fosters divisions and hostility between religious communities, eroding the sense of unity and shared identity that is crucial for a diverse nation like India. Examine the factors responsible for the growth of communalism and its impact on Indian society. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The editorial discusses recent communal clashes in Haryana, India, emphasizing the need to address the underlying causes and prevent future incidents.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about factors responsible for the growth of communalism and its impact on our society.

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 defining communalism.

Body:

First, present the case of Communalism in India; Communalism as a political philosophy has its roots in the religious and cultural diversity of India. It has been used to create a divide, differences and tensions between the communities on the basis of religious and ethnic identity leading to communal hatred and violence.

Next, Discuss the major factors that contributed towards the emergence and growth of communalism in modern India. Present the current situation.

Next, Present measures to deal with Communalism.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

Communalism is basically an ideology which consists of three elements:

• A belief that people who follow the same religion have common secular interests i.e. they have same political, economic and social interests. So, here socio- political communalities arise.
• A notion that, in a multi-religious society like India, these common secular interests of one religion is dissimilar and divergent from the interests of the follower of another religion.
• The interests of the follower of the different religion or of different ‘communities’ are seen to be completely incompatible, antagonist and hostile.

At a time when the tremors of ethnic clashes in Manipur have not yet settled, communal clashes in Haryana, in regions abutting the national capital, claimed six lives this week. Two Home Guards and four civilians were killed and 70 injured in clashes in Gurugram, Sohna and Nuh. Property worth crores has been destroyed, and hundreds have fled their workplaces.

Body

Factors responsible for growth of Communalism in India:

• A Legacy of Past:
  • On the basis of the “Two Nation” theory of Jinnah, India was partitioned. Communal politics had played its nasty game during the immediate past of independent India. The “Divide and Rule” policy of the British Government served their colonial interest. The partition of India was the ultimate outcome of their politics.
• Presence of Communal Parties:
  • Religion in India has become an important agency of political socialization and it is also reflected in the ideology of a number of political parties. A number of communal and sectarian political parties and organisations are present in India. Muslim League, Jamaat—Islami, Hindu Mahasabha, Akali Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad are directly or indirectly responsible for the emergence of communalism.
• Isolation of Muslims:
  • Indian Muslims have developed a tendency of isolationism even long after the creation of Pakistan. They remain aloof from the mainstream of national politics. Most of them are not interested to take part in the secular-nationalistic politics of the country. They insist on to be treated as a separate entity.
• Poverty:
  • Mass poverty and unemployment create a sense of frustration among the people. It generates backwardness, illiteracy, ignorance, etc. The unemployed youth of both the communities can be easily trapped by religious fundamentalists and fanatics. They are used by them to cause communal riots. The weak economic status often breeds communalism.
• Hindu Chauvinism:
  • The growths of Hindu chauvinistic attitudes have further strengthened the communal tensions in India. The Hindu religious groups like Shiv Sena, Hindu Mahasabha, Viswa Hindu Parisad often pressurize the government to take steps suitable to the interest of Hindus. They consider each Muslim as pro-Pakistani and anti-national. To face the possible challenge of other communal forces, they encourage the growth of Hindu communalism.
• Social Cause:
  • The two major communities of India have been suspicious towards each other. The Muslims complain of the threat of Hindu cultural invasion upon their lives and have become more assertive of their rights. Either due to ignorance or insecurity, they do not fully accept the need of family planning and help in increasing population.
• Communalization of Politics:
  • Electoral politics in India has become more expensive and competitive. Different political parties are not hesitating to use any means, fair or foul, for electoral victory. They even create communal tensions and try to take political advantage out of it. Concessions are granted to various minority groups for appeasing them.
• Cross-Border factors:
  • Communal tensions in India sometimes are highly intensified due to the rule of two neighbouring theocratic countries. These countries try to create communal problems in the border states. The communal problems of Punjab and Jammu Kashmir are caused due to provocation of Pakistan. So long as this cross-border factor is not removed, communal problems are likely to stay in India.
• Failure of Government:
  • Both the Union and the State Governments often fail to prevent communalism in the country. Due to lack of prior information, they fail to take any preventive measures. So the communal violence can easily take innocent lives and destroys property. The post-Godhra riot in Gujarat shows the inefficiency of the government to control the communal riot. Failure of immediate and effective steps has been a cause of the continuance of communalism.

Ramification of Communalism:

• Genocides: With mass killings, the real sufferers are the poor, who lose their house, their near and dear ones, their lives, their livelihood, etc. It violates the human rights from all direction. Sometimes children lose their parents and will become orphan for a lifetime.
• Ghettoization and refugee problem are other dimensions of communalism induced violence, whether its inter country or intra country.
• Sudden increase in violence against any particular community causes mass exodus and stampede which in turn kills many number of people. For example, this was seen in the case of Bangalore in 2012, with respect to people from North eastern states, which was stimulated by a rumour.
• Apart from having effect on the society, it is also a threat to Indian constitutional values, which promotes secularism and religious tolerance. In that case, citizens don’t fulfil their fundamental duties towards the nation.
• It becomes a threat for the unity and integrity of the nation as a whole. It promotes only the feeling of hatred in all directions, dividing the society on communal lines.
• Minorities are viewed with suspicion by all, including state authorities like police, para-military forces, army, intelligence agencies, etc. There have been many instances when people from such community have been harassed and detained and finally have been released by court orders guilt free. For this, there is no provision for compensation of such victims, about their livelihood incomes forgone, against social stigmas and emotional trauma of the families.
• Barrier for development: Communal activities occurring frequently do harm the human resource and economy of the country. And then again it takes years for the people and the affected regions to come out the traumas of such violence, having deep impact on minds of those who have faced it. They feel emotionally broken and insecure.
• Terrorism and Secessionism: As seen during the Khalistan movement in Punjab.

Steps to be taken to prevent communalism

• Economic:
  • Poverty is one of the major factors for communal violence. Poverty alleviation measures are thus important for promoting communal harmony.
  • Eradicating the problem of unemployment among the youths, illiteracy and poverty and that too with honesty and without any discrimination.
  • Reducing educational and economic backwardness of minorities like Muslims.
  • This can uplift their socio-economic status and reduce their deprivation compared to Hindus
• Social:
  • The religious leaders and preachers should promote rational and practical things through religion promoting peace and security.
  • Children in schools must be taught through textbooks and pamphlets to maintain brotherhood and respect for all religions
  • Creating awareness in the society about the ill effects of communism through mass media
• Political:
  • Political communism should be avoided recent Supreme court’s directives
  • Identification and mapping of riot prone areas. For Example, Delhi police used drones to monitor to maintain vigil during communal festivals
  • Media, movies and other cultural platforms can be influential in promoting peace and harmony.
  • Social Media should be monitored for violent and repulsive content and taken off immediately.
• Recommendations of Committee on National Integration
  • Joint celebration of community festivals
  • Observing restraint by Hindus while taking processions before the mosques
  • Formation of peace and brotherhood communities at local level to prevent anti-social elements from engaging in communal riots
  • Respect for religious customs, rituals and practices

Conclusion

In a vast country like India which is made up of diverse cultures, backgrounds, religions, identities etc. it really requires to maintain a sense of equality among its citizen to provide a meaning to the term democracy. The core reason behind all these discrimination are based on the nature of unacceptance of diversities. We tend to commit heinous crimes to eradicate the population which chooses a different set of traditions to follow. But these intolerance can lead India to get collapsed from being a secular country to communal. And India is known to the world by the term “diversity”. It is beautiful when the people irrespective of their differences are co-existing.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

4. Throw light on the various features of doctrine of basic structure. The basic structure doctrine acts a safeguard against potential threats to constitutional democracy by maintaining the balance between flexibility and the preservation of core constitutional principles. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

The article discusses a query raised before the Supreme Court of India regarding the equating of Article 370 with the Basic Structure Doctrine of the Constitution.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the features and importance of doctrine of basic structure and its criticism.

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: 

To write about the importance of doctrine of basic structure.

Body:

First, write about the various features of doctrine of basic structure – rule of law, parliamentary form of government, secularism etc.

Next, write about how the above is important in upholding the supremacy of the Constitution and preventing authoritarian rule by a single party.

Next, write a critique of the basic structure doctrine.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a balanced opinion.

Introduction

The Doctrine of Basic structure, one of the most important examples of judicial activism is the result of the creative interpretation of the constitution by the judiciary. It was given by the 13-judges bench of the Supreme Court in the Keshavananda Bharti case (1973), and was aimed at defining the scope of the amending power of the Parliament. It is a doctrine to examine the constitutional validity of constitutional amendment.

Body

various features of doctrine of basic structure

The judgement listed some basic structures of the constitution as:

1. Supremacy of the Constitution
2. Unity and sovereignty of India
3. Democratic and republican form of government
4. Federal character of the Constitution
5. Secular character of the Constitution
6. Separation of power
7. Individual freedom

Over time, many other features have also been added to this list of basic structural features. Some of them are:

• Rule of law
• Judicial review
• Parliamentary system
• Rule of equality
• Harmony and balance between the Fundamental Rights and DPSP
• Free and fair elections
• Limited power of the parliament to amend the Constitution
• Power of the Supreme Court of India under Articles 32, 136, 142 and 147
• Power of the High Court under Articles 226 and 227

Interpretation and relevance of Basic Structure Doctrine

• The emergence of doctrine of ‘Basic structure’ marked asignificant shift in the role of judiciary from practice of constitutional interpretation to a creative role where judiciary go beyond the written provisions of the constitution.
• As per the Indian constitution, Parliament has been given the constituent power to amend the constitution according to the changing needs & aspirations.
  • Being a dynamic or organic constitution, aimed at achieving a certain goal of social revolution the Indian constitution mentions special procedure for its amendment.
  • It means that there is no explicit limitation on the amending power of the Parliament; expect procedural limitations as given in Art 360.
• However, in the Keshvananda Bharti Case (1973), on the question whether the amending power of the Parliament isunlimited and absolute,the Supreme Court held that the amending power is limited to the extent that it doesn’t alter the ‘Basic Structure’ of the constitution.
• The court held that the word ‘amend’ under Art 368 means only changes other than altering the basic features of the constitution,which would amount to making or writing a new constitution.
• In this way, the Supreme Court, whilegiving primacy to the unwritten feature of the constitution introduced a ‘substantive limitation’ on the amending power of the Parliament.
• However, the judgment of the Supreme Court inventing a new doctrine of the ‘basic structure’ has been subjected to intense academic debate.
  • The opponents of the judgement claimsthat the judiciary has gone for the metaphysical approach rather than the legal approach of what is written.
  • They argue that if the government was destroying the constitution, the judiciary has gone to the extent of creating the constitution.
• On the other hand, the proponents of the decision argue that judiciary has protected the sanctity of the constitution.

Significance of Basic Structure Doctrine

• The basic structure doctrine is a testimony to the theory of Constitutionalismto prevent the damage to essence of COI by brute majority of the ruling majority.
• The basic doctrine saved the Indian democracyas it acts as a limitation of constituent power or else unlimited power of parliament might have turned India into a totalitarian
• It helps us to retain the basic tenets of our constitutionso meticulously framed by the founding fathers of our Constitution.
• It strengthens our democracy by delineating a true separation of power where Judiciary is independent of other two organs. It has also given immense untold unbridled power to Supreme Court and made it the most powerful court in the world
• By restraining the amending powers of legislative organ of State,it provided basic Rights to Citizens which no organ of State can overrule.
• Being dynamic in nature,it is more progressive and open to changes in time unlike the rigid nature of earlier judgements.

Conclusion

Zia Modi, in her book ‘The Ten Judgments that changed India’, has given following arguments- Although the judiciary was wrong from the academic point of view, but from the practical point of view, it was the need of the time in the Indian context. (ii) It has proved to be a blessing in disguise as it has checked authoritarianism of the government. This has stopped India from going on the path of the other Third World countries.

Value addition

Evolution

• Origin of debate: The question whetherFundamental Rights can be amended by the Parliament underArticle 368 came for consideration of the Supreme Court within a year of the Constitution coming into force.
• Shankari Prasad case (1951): The constitutional validity of theFirst Amendment Act (1951), whichcurtailed the right to property, was challenged. The Supreme Court ruled that the power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution under Article 368 also includes the power to amend Fundamental Rights. The word ‘law’ in Article 13 includes only ordinary laws and not the constitutional amendment acts (constituent laws).
  • Therefore, the Parliament can abridge or take away any of the Fundamental Rights by enacting a constitutional amendment act and such a law will not be void under Article 13.
• Golak Nath case (1967): The Supreme Court reversed its earlier stand. In that case, the constitutional validity of theSeventeenth Amendment Act (1964), which inserted certain state acts in the Ninth Schedule, was challenged.
  • The Supreme Court ruled that the Fundamental Rights are given a ‘transcendental and immutable’ position and hence, the Parliament cannot abridge or take away any of these rights.
  • A constitutional amendment act is also a law within the meaning of Article 13 and hence, would be void for violating any of the Fundamental Rights.
• 24^thAmendment Act 1971: The Parliament reacted to the Supreme Court’s judgement in the Golak Nath case (1967) by enacting the 24 th Amendment Act (1971). This Actamended Articles 13 and 368.
  • It declared that the Parliament has the power to abridge or take away any of theFundamental Rights under Article 368 and such an act will not be a law under the meaning of Article 13.
• Kesavananda Bharati case: However, in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), the SupremeCourt overruled its judgement in the Golak Nath case (1967).It upheld the validity of the 24th Amendment Act (1971) and stated that Parliament is empowered to abridge or take away any of the Fundamental Rights.
  • At the same time, it laid down a new doctrine of the ‘basic structure’ (or ‘basic features’) of the Constitution.
  • It ruled that the constituent power ofParliament under Article 368 does not enable it to alter the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution.
  • This means that the Parliamentcannot abridge or take away a Fundamental Right that forms a part of the‘basic structure’ of the Constitution.

Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

5. In India, the Constitution makes a clear distinction between a money bill and a financial bill. Compare and Contrast. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

The article discusses the differences between money bills and financial bills in the context of Indian parliamentary procedures

Key Demand of the question:

To differentiate between a money bill and a financial Bill along with relevant constitutional provisions.

Directive word: 

Compare and contrast – provide for a detailed comparison of the two types, their features that are similar as well as different. One must provide for detailed assessment of the two.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Given context of Articles 110 and 117 of the Indian Constitution.

Body:

Compare and contrast the money bills and financial bills on the following – while both money bills and financial bills deal with financial matters, lies in their origination, the requirement of the President’s recommendation, the process of passage, the role of the Rajya Sabha, and the Speaker’s certification etc. Give examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

A Finance Bill is a bill that deals with the country’s finances, as the name implies – it could be about taxes, government spending, government borrowings, revenues, and so on. Any bill related to revenue or expenditure is a Financial Bill. A Money Bill is a specific type of Finance Bill that deals only with matters specified under Article 110(1) and deals with taxes, borrowing, expenditure, etc. It can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha and must be certified by the Speaker.

Recently, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs clarified that The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill is a normal Bill and not a Money Bill.

Body

Comparison of Money Bills and Financial Bills:

Conclusion

The primary distinction between a money bill and a finance bill is that a money bill may only be introduced in the lower house of parliament, namely the Lok Sabha, but a finance bill can be introduced in either of the two chambers. Although a money bill is a form of finance bill, most people use the phrases interchangeably; yet, they differ in terms of content.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Challenges to Internal Security through Communication Networks, Role of Media and Social Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges.

6. While internet shutdowns might be seen as a tool to maintain order and security, their negative impact on rights, economy, education, and healthcare cannot be ignored. The balance between maintaining law and order and safeguarding fundamental rights should be carefully considered. Critically examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

The article discusses the issue of internet shutdowns in the context of Manipur, India. It argues that while authorities justify such shutdowns for maintaining law and order, they often fail to achieve their intended goals and instead result in significant socio-economic and humanitarian costs.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about internet shutdowns in India, its need and necessity etc.

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: 

Begin by giving context.

Body:

First, write about the need of an internet shutdown – they are necessary to maintain law and order and ensure national security, recent trends show a rise in shutdown instances, particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir.

Next, write about the negative impact of internet shutdowns on rights, economy, education, and healthcare etc.

Next, write about the steps that needed to address the above issue.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

India emerged as the single biggest offender for a fifth consecutive year, with at least 84 internet blackouts in 2022

Shutdowns could have devastating impact on human lives such as , it may deepen the gender digital divide, disrupting the ability of women to conduct business or access information on reproductive healthcare

Body

Background: Prolonged shutdown in India

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K):

• Prolonged Shutdown: The shutdown in J&K has been characterized by its extended duration, causing significant disruptions to the daily lives of residents. Internet access was severely restricted for an extended period, impacting essential services such as healthcare, education, and livelihoods.
• Lack of Due Process: Concerns have been raised regarding the decision-making process, with instances of shutdowns imposed by district magistrates without higher-level involvement. This raises questions about procedural fairness and the adherence to due process.
• Transparency and Justification: The lack of public information regarding shutdowns in J&K is a cause for concern. The transparency and clarity of justifications for imposing shutdowns are essential for accountability and safeguarding constitutional rights.

Manipur:

• Ongoing Shutdown and VPN Blocking: The Manipur High Court has formed a committee to explore blocking VPN servers while maintaining restrictions on social media websites. However, the feasibility of this solution is questioned as VPNs also play a role in the exercise of freedom of speech and expression.
• Impact on Livelihoods and Services: The need to protect people’s livelihoods is emphasized, given the reliance on the internet for businesses and livelihoods. Ensuring access to critical services like healthcare and education during shutdowns becomes crucial.

Internet shutdown: Reasons cited

• Civil unrest: Internet serves as a medium for the transmission of information through pictures, videos and text that have the potential to cause civil unrest and exacerbate the law and order.
• Fake news: Shutdowns in order to block the flow of information about government actions or to end communication among activists and prevent the spread of rumors and fake news.
• Rumors: Shutdown helps prevent the “spreading of rumors and misinformation using social media platforms which can hinder peace and law and order”.
• Preventive Response: Cutting off the Internet is both an early and preventive response to block restive groups to organize riots against the Government.
• National Interest: The Internet cannot be independent of national sovereignty. Therefore, the necessary regulation of the internet is a reasonable choice of sovereign countries based on national interests.

Critical analysis of internet shutdowns

• Restriction of Fundamental Rights: Internet shutdowns curtail the exercise of fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression, access to information, and the right to privacy. These shutdowns limit people’s ability to communicate, express themselves, and access essential information.
• Economic Consequences: Internet shutdowns have adverse effects on businesses, particularly those that rely on the internet for their operations. E-commerce, online services, and digital platforms suffer financial losses during shutdowns.
• Disruption of Essential Services: Internet shutdowns disrupt access to critical services like healthcare, education, and emergency services. Telemedicine, online education, and remote work become inaccessible, impacting people’s well-being, educational opportunities, and productivity
• Human Rights Violations: Prolonged and arbitrary internet shutdowns can be seen as human rights violations. They limit people’s ability to exercise their rights, stifle dissent, and undermine democratic processes.
• Negative Impact on Education: Internet shutdowns disrupt online education, e-learning platforms, and access to educational resources. This hampers educational progress and has long-term consequences for individuals and societies.
• Psychological and Emotional Impact: The inability to connect with others, access information, and engage in online activities can have psychological and emotional implications.

Way forward

• Protecting Public Order: Maintaining public order is a legitimate concern for governments to ensure safety, security, and the functioning of society. Internet shutdowns may be employed in exceptional situations where there is a real and imminent threat to public safety or when it is necessary to prevent the spread of violence or unrest.
• Proportionality: Any measure taken to maintain public order, including internet shutdowns, should be proportionate to the threat faced. Shutdowns should be targeted, time-limited, and precisely tailored to address the specific concerns, rather than imposing blanket restrictions that impact the entire population.
• Judicial Oversight: Independent judicial oversight is crucial to ensuring that any restrictions on internet access align with constitutional principles and international human rights standards.
• Transparency and Accountability: Governments should provide clear and transparent justifications for internet shutdowns, including detailing the specific risks or threats that justify such measures. Accountability mechanisms should be in place to address any abuses or violations during shutdowns.
• Targeted Measures: Rather than resorting to complete shutdowns, governments should explore alternative measures that target specific content or platforms that pose risks to public order. Content moderation, selective blocking, or targeted interventions can help address concerns without unduly infringing on individual rights or stifling access to essential services.

Conclusion

The impact of shutdowns on livelihoods, education, and the economy underscores the urgency to seek alternative solutions. It is imperative that stakeholders reconsider the necessity and consequences of internet shutdowns to ensure a just and balanced approach to maintaining law and order.

Value addition

Supreme court cases

• Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020): Recognized the right to access the internet as part of the right to freedom of speech and expression. Emphasized that internet shutdowns must be necessary and proportionate, subject to judicial review.
• Faheema Shirin v. State of Kerala (2020): Reaffirmed the importance of internet access for exercising fundamental rights. Stressed that restrictions on internet access should be temporary, proportionate, and justified with reasons

General Studies – 4

Topic: Case Study

7. Dr. Manasa, a distinguished medical researcher with a profound commitment to ethical scientific advancements, finds herself at a crucial juncture in her illustrious career. With over two decades of dedicated research in the field of genetics, she is faced with an intricate web of professional opportunities and moral dilemmas.

Manasa’s expertise has caught the attention of a renowned medical institution in India. This institution is on the verge of commencing clinical trials for a revolutionary gene editing technology that holds the potential to treat a range of genetic disorders. Excitement about the prospects of this technology is palpable, but so are the profound ethical concerns it raises.

Simultaneously, Manasa is dealing with her aging parents’ health issues, which have intensified recently. Her parents have been her pillars of support throughout her journey, and their well-being is paramount in her considerations. Alongside her personal responsibilities, Manasa is also a loving mother to a young child.

Her husband, a principled lawyer, echoes her concerns. He acknowledges the potential transformative impact of gene editing trials but also underlines the weight of the ethical implications associated with manipulating human DNA.
Now, she is a major dilemma whether or not to go ahead with the research.

• • 1. What are the various ethical issues involved in the above case?
    2. Outline the ethical dilemmas in front of Dr Manasa.
    3. What path should Dr Manasa chose?
    4. As a neutral observer, what is your opinion on the above case?

Difficulty level: Moderate

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of medical research, the pursuit of scientific advancements often presents profound ethical dilemmas for researchers. There are many grey areas especially with technology that is related to eugeny.

Body

Ethical issues involved

• Gene Editing and Human Manipulation: Gene editing technology holds the potential to manipulate human DNA, which raises significant ethical concerns. Altering the genetic code of individuals raises questions about the ethical boundaries of intervening in human biology.
• Informed Consent: Conducting clinical trials requires informed consent from participants. Ensuring that all trial participants fully understand the risks and potential benefits of gene editing is crucial, especially considering the long-term and sometimes unpredictable consequences of such interventions.
• Safety and Risks: The safety of gene editing technology is not yet fully understood, and it may carry unknown risks to the health and well-being of participants. Ethical considerations demand a cautious approach to avoid causing harm.
• Distributive Justice: Gene editing treatments, if successful, could be expensive and accessible only to those who can afford them. This raises concerns about equitable access to potentially life-saving interventions.
• Conflicting Interests: Manasa faces the challenge of balancing her professional aspirations and her responsibilities as a daughter, mother, and wife. This conflict of interest could impact her ability to make an unbiased decision.

Ethical Dilemmas Faced by Dr. Manasa:

• Career Advancement vs. Family Responsibilities: Manasa must decide whether to prioritize her career and potentially groundbreaking research in genetics or take care of her aging parents and be present for her child’s upbringing.
• Pursuit of Scientific Knowledge vs. Ethical Considerations: The excitement of advancing medical knowledge through gene editing must be weighed against the ethical implications and potential consequences of manipulating human DNA.
• Moral Obligations as a Medical Researcher: Dr. Manasa has a commitment to ethical scientific advancements, but she must navigate the complex ethical landscape of gene editing to ensure that her research aligns with her principles.

Path to be chosen

As a neutral observer, it is essential to acknowledge that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this dilemma. Dr. Manasa should carefully evaluate her priorities, values, and personal circumstances before making a decision. Some factors to consider include:

• Informed Consent and Ethical Safeguards: If Dr. Manasa decides to proceed with the research, she should ensure that strict ethical safeguards are in place, and the informed consent of trial participants is thoroughly obtained.
• Consultation and Collaboration: Manasa could seek advice from her colleagues, ethicists, and experts in the field to gain a broader perspective on the ethical implications of gene editing.
• Balancing Personal and Professional Life: Dr. Manasa should explore ways to balance her professional aspirations with her family responsibilities. Open communication with her husband and support from family could be crucial in this process.
• Ethical Integrity: Whatever decision Dr. Manasa makes, it is vital that she remains true to her commitment to ethical scientific advancements and takes into account the potential impact of her research on society and individuals.

Opinion as a neutral observer

As a neutral observer, it is evident that Dr. Manasa is facing a complex and emotionally challenging decision. Her dedication to ethical scientific advancements and her family’s well-being are admirable. The path she chooses should be one that aligns with her values and takes into account the potential impact of her research on society. Striking a balance between professional aspirations and personal responsibilities is crucial, and seeking guidance from ethical experts and her support network can be valuable in making an informed decision. Ultimately, the choice should be driven by careful consideration of ethical principles, compassion, and a commitment to the greater good of both her family and society.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the path she chooses should be one that embraces both scientific progress and moral integrity. Dr. Manasa’s choices will not only impact her esteemed career but also shape the trajectory of medical research and its ethical dimensions for generations to come. As a compassionate and principled researcher, her journey serves as an inspiring reminder that ethical consciousness is a compass that guides scientific exploration toward a future that upholds the sanctity of human life, compassionately embraces the challenges of genetic disorders, and preserves the well-being of individuals and communities alike.

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