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General Studies – 1
Topic: Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article likely discusses the different manifestations of Islamophobia, its impact on Muslim communities, and the need for awareness and countermeasures to combat this issue.
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: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To critically write about the issues with respect to office of the governor and possible solutions to it.
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:
Give brief introduction of the role of Governor in the Indian Polity.
Body:
First, write about the significance of the post of Governor as enshrined in the Indian constitution.
Next, discuss the issues related to abuse of post of Governor in federal polity failing to the functions impartially and efficiently and why the tag of ‘agent of centre’ is being associated with the office of governor. Substantiate with examples.
Next, Explain the misuse of Article 356, Power of Reserving bill, Partisan role in Hung assemblies etc. with examples of recent times.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
Article 154 of the Constitution envisages Governor as the executive chief of the state. All executive actions are taken in his name. B R Ambedkar called the office of the Governor as the “office of dignity”. He is not an agent of the Centre, but the governor’s post in an independent Constitutional office. His office is the linchpin of Indian Cooperative Federalism.
Body:
Appointment of Governor:
Under the Articles 155 and 156, Governors in India are appointed directly by the President and holds office “during the pleasure of the President”.
Role of the Governor:
- India invented the role of state governor after Independence to act as a conduit between the ceremonial head of state (the president) and the chief minister of each state, as the president’s eyes and ears in the country’s diverse and far-flung states.
- Their duty is to be neutral guardians of the complex relationship between the federal government and state governments belonging to different political parties.
- But this role got diluted as Supreme Court said in one of the judgements ‘agents of the centre’.
Criticism of regarding the Governor Posts
- The governor selections have come to be made on grounds of political partisanship, favouritism, patronage and cronyism.
- The governors are becoming the eyes and ears for Central Government.
- The misuse of the office of the Governor for political purposes to dispose the rival political parties’ government by invoking the Article 356 on dubious or doubtful grounds.
- Appointment of Judges as governors.
- Appointment of people involved in the active politics of the State.
- Removal of Governor merely because he is not on the same political or ideological page as that of the government, this happens despite constitutional bench saying
- A Governor won’t be removed on the ground that he is out of sync with the policies and ideologies of the Union Government or the party in power at the Centre.
- Nor would he be removed on the ground that the Union Government has lost confidence in him.
Recommendations made regarding the Governor Posts
Sarkaria Commission Report Recommendations
- “The Governors tenure of office of five years in a State should not be disturbed except very rarely and that too for some extremely compelling reason. It is very necessary to assure a measure of security of tenure to the Governor’s office.”
- Governor should be an eminent person and not belong to the state where he is to be posted.
- State chief minister should have a say in the appointment of governor
- Governor should be a detached figure without intense political links or should not have taken part in politics in recent past.
- Governor should not be a member of the ruling party.
- Governor should be removed before his tenure only on the grounds as if aspersions are cast on his morality, dignity, constitutional propriety, etc.
The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution recommendations:
- Governor’s appointment should be entrusted to a committee comprising the prime minister, the home minister, the speaker of the Lok Sabha and the chief minister of the concerned state.
- If they have to be removed before completion of their term, the central government should do so only after consultation with the Chief Minister.
The Punchhi commission recommendations
- The person who is slated to be a Governor should not have participated in active politics at even local level for at least a couple of years before his appointment.
- For office of Governor, the doctrine of pleasure should endand should be deleted from the constitution. Governor should not be removed at whim of central government. Instead, a resolution by state legislature should be there to remove Governor.
- There should be provisions for impeachment of the Governor by the state legislature along the same lines as that of President by President.
- The convention of making the Governors as chancellors of universities should be done away with.
- The commission recommended for “localising emergency provisions” under Articles 355 and 356, contending that localised areas— either a district or parts of a district — be brought under Governor’s rule instead of the whole state.
The Supreme Court’s interpretation
- In 2010, a constitutional bench of the Supreme Court interpreted these provisions and laid down some binding principles (B.P. Singhal v. Union of India), the Supreme Court held:
- President, in effect the central government, has the power to remove a Governor at any time without giving him or her any reason, and without granting an opportunity to be heard.
- However, this power cannot be exercised in an arbitrary, capricious or unreasonable manner. The power of removing Governors should only be exercised in rare and exceptional circumstances for valid and compelling reasons.
- The mere reason that a Governor is at variance with the policies and ideologies of the central government, or that the central government has lost confidence in him or her, is not sufficient to remove a Governor. Thus, a change in central government cannot be a ground for removal of Governors, or to appoint more favourable persons to this post.
- Such a decision, to remove a Governor can be challenged in a court of law.
Conclusion
Despite several commissions appointed by Government themselves and the Supreme Court guidelines, the post of governor is misused again and again.It is, however, time for a thorough review of the Governor’s powers and the process of appointment and removal.
- New rules and conventions may need to be put in place so that Governor’s constitutional mandate is strengthened.
- All part conference to review the role of the Governors, the powers exercised by him and the manner in which he should be appointed and removed.
- The Constitution should be amended and security of tenure must be provided to the Governors. The judgment of the Supreme Court delivered in B. P. Singhal case is the law of the land and the Government should respect it.
- The Governors should be treated with dignity, and should not be fired only for political considerations.
- The Constitution of the land prohibits the arbitrary exercise of power and the Government is not an exception to the equality law.
Topic: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
Top officials of the Union Law Ministry on September 3 held a preparatory briefing for former President Ram Nath Kovind who heads the high-level committee to examine and make recommendations for holding simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha, State Assemblies and local bodies.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about possibility of holding simultaneous elections of the parliament and state legislatures in the country.
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 giving context of ‘One Nation, One election’.
Body:
In the first part, write about advantages of simultaneous elections.
Next, write about the feasibility and India’s preparedness to conduct simultaneous election in India – 5 elections to legislatures per year, capability of election commission, growing political will etc.
Next, write about the limitations that hinder conduct of simultaneous elections in India.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a balanced opinion regard the conduct of simultaneous elections.
Introduction
Simultaneous elections refer to holding elections to Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, Panchayats and Urban local bodies simultaneously, once in five years. The idea of holding elections simultaneously is in news after it got a push from Prime Minister and ex-President of India. However, political parties are divided on the issue of holding simultaneous elections
Top officials of the Union Law Ministry on September 3 held a preparatory briefing for former President Ram Nath Kovind who heads the high-level committee to examine and make recommendations for holding simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha, State Assemblies and local bodies.
Body:
The Law Commission of India has also proposed holding simultaneous state and general elections and has sought public opinion on its recommendations regarding the same. Simultaneous elections were held in India during the first two decades of independence.
Merits of Simultaneous elections:
- Governance and consistency:
- The ruling parties will be able to focus on legislation and governance rather than having to be in campaign mode forever.
- Parties and workers spending too much time and money in electioneering can make use of the time for social work and to take people-oriented programmes to the grassroots.
- To overcome the “policy paralysis and governance deficit” associated with imposition of the Model Code of Conduct at election time which leads to putting on hold all developmental activities on that area and also affects the bureaucracy’s functioning.
- Reduced Expenditure of Money and Administration:
- The entire State and District level administrative and security machinery will be busy with the conduct of elections twice in a period of five years as per the current practice.
- Expenditure can be reduced by conducting simultaneous elections.
- It is felt that crucial manpower is often deployed on election duties for a prolonged period of time. If simultaneous elections are held, then this manpower would be made available for other important tasks.
- For instance, for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, which was held along with 4 state assemblies saw the deployment of 1077 in situ companies and 1349 mobile companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF).
- Continuity in policies and programmes:
- Will limit the disruption to normal public life associated with elections, such as increased traffic and noise pollution.
- Large numbers of teachers are involved in the electoral process which causes maximum harm to the education sector.
- Efficiency of Governance:
- Simultaneous elections can bring the much-needed operational efficiency in this exercise.
- Populist measures by governments will reduce.
- Curbs Vices:
- During frequent elections there is increase in “vices” such as communalism, casteism, corruption and crony capitalism.
- Simultaneous elections can also be a means to curb corruption and build a more conducive socio-economic ecosystem.
- The impact of black money on the voters will be reduced as all elections are held at a time.
Challenges to simultaneous elections:
- Illiteracy:
- Not all voters are highly educated to know who to vote for. They may get confused and may not know whether they are voting for candidates contesting assembly or parliament elections.
- IDFC study says that there is 77% chance that the Indian voter will vote for the same party for both the state and centre, when elections are held simultaneously.
- Evidence from Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Germany, the US and Europe supports the idea that elections that are held simultaneously produce greater alignment between national and regional election outcomes.
- Functional issues:
- Frequent elections bring the politicians back to the voters, create jobs and prevent the mixing of local and national issues in the minds of the voters.
- There is a dearth of enough security and administrative officials to conduct simultaneous free and fair elections throughout the country in one go.
- Changes in Constitution and Legislations:
- The following constitutional changes need to be made:
- Amendments needed in the following articles:
- Article 83 which deals with the duration of Houses of Parliament need an amendment
- Article 85 (on dissolution of Lok Sabha by the president)
- Article 172 (relating to the duration of state legislatures)
- Article 174 (relating to dissolution of state assemblies)
- Article 356 (on President’s Rule).
- The Representation of People Act, 1951 Act would have to be amended to build in provisions for stability of tenure for both parliament and assemblies. This should include the following crucial elements:
- Restructuring the powers and functions of the ECI to facilitate procedures required for simultaneous elections
- A definition of simultaneous election can be added to section 2 of the 1951 act
- Articles 83 and 172 along with articles with articles 14 and 15 of the 1951 act be appropriately amended to incorporate the provision regarding remainder of the term i.e.., post mid elections, the new loksabha/assembly so constituted shall be only for the remainder of the term of the previous loksabha or assembly and not for a fresh term of five years.
- Constructive vote of no confidence:
- The 170th law commission report suggested a new rule i.e., rule 198-A has to be added to rules of procedure and conduct of business in Lok Sabha and similar amendment to such rules in the state legislatures.
- The report suggested introduction of motion of no confidence in the incumbent government along with a motion of confidence in the alternative government.
- To avoid premature dissolution of the house/state assemble in case of Hung parliament /assembly and to advance simultaneous elections the rigour of anti-defection law laid under in tenth schedule be removed as an exception.
- Local and national issues will get mixed up distorting priorities.
- The terms of different state governments are ending on separate dates and years.
- Spirit of Constitution:
- One nation, one election” would make sense if India were a unitary state. So “one nation, one election” is anti-democratic.
- Simultaneous elections threaten the federal character of our democracy.
- Frequent elections act as checks and balances on the functioning of elected representatives.
Way forward:
- Any changes must require both a constitutional amendment and judicial approval that they do not violate the “basic structure” of the Constitution.
- A focused group of constitutional experts, think tanks, government officials and representatives of political parties should be formed to work out appropriate implementation related details.
- Other alternatives should be explored to reduce election related expenses like
- State funding of elections
- Decriminalisation of politics
- Bringing in transparency in political funding
- Setting up National Electoral Fund to which all donors can contribute.
- One year one election as suggested by Election Commission can be executed by amending Section 15 of the RP Act 1951. If the six-month stipulation is extended to nine or 10 months, elections to all states, whose term is expiring in one year, can be held together.
- The Law Commission of India in its report of 1999 has dealt with the problem of premature and frequent elections. It had recommended an amendment of this rule on the lines of the German Constitution, which provides that the leader of the party who wants to replace the chancellor has to move the no-confidence motion along with the confidence motion. If the motions succeed, the president appoints him as the chancellor.
- If such an amendment to Rule 198 is made, the Lok Sabha would avoid premature dissolution without diluting the cardinal principle of democracy that is a government with the consent of the peoples’ representatives with periodical elections.
- It will also be consistent with the notion of collective responsibility of the government to the House as mentioned in Article 75 (3) of the Constitution.
Conclusion:
Election Commission’s idea of “one year one election” will better suited as it will require fewer amendments to the constitution, it will respect the essence of the exercise of popular will, unlike one nation one election which prioritizes economic costs of elections over the exercise itself, it will avoid clubbing of national and state issues, it will not disturb federalism much, not much issues generated by emergencies like need to hold by-election etc. will be addressed by this option.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu , Live Mint
Why the question:
The editorial discusses India’s Aditya-L1 mission and its objectives, highlighting the importance of solar research.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the importance of India’s Aditya-L1 mission, examine its scientific goals, and assess how the mission can enhance our understanding of space weather and its effects on Earth’s technology and environment.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by introducing the Aditya-L1 mission and its primary objectives.
Body:
First, write about the significance of the Aditya-L1 mission in the context of solar research and space exploration – studying the Sun’s outermost layer (corona), solar wind, and magnetic fields, and how these objectives contribute to our understanding of space weather.
Next, write about potential contributions of the Aditya-L1 mission to space weather forecasting and its impact on Earth, including its effects on technology, communication systems, and the environment.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched India’s first space mission dedicated to studying the sun, in the form of a spacecraft named Aditya-L1. Aditya-L1 aims to study the Sun from a halo orbit around the Lagrangian point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth systems, about 1.5 million km away from Earth.
Body
Significance of Aditya-L1 mission
- It studies the Sun, its upper atmospheric dynamics(chromosphere and corona), and understand the physics of the solar corona and its heating mechanism for the five-year time period.
- The mission provides more detailed information due to the absence of Earth’s atmosphere; helps understand solar phenomena; enables monitoring of solar events and their potential impacts on Earth.
- Scientific Understanding:The mission’s primary objective is to deepen our understanding of the Sun, its radiation, magnetic fields, and the flow of particles.
Potential contributions of the Aditya-L1 mission to space weather forecasting and its impact on Earth
- Space Weather Forecasting
- Aditya L1 will study the solar corona (outer part), photosphere (sun’s surface), chromosphere (a plasma layer in between), etc., to better understand solar flares and other events that can impact earthly weather and risk damaging other satellites in orbit.
- By studying the Sun’s behaviour, the mission can contribute to predicting space weather events, such as solar flares, that can disrupt satellite communications and other technologies on Earth.
- Advance alerts of radiation bursts, for example, could permit mitigative action.
- Tackling Climate Change
- Moreover, with “thermal geo-engineering” now seen as more than just a last-resort or long-shot response to climate change, the more we know about the sun’s behaviour, the better it will be for everyone.
- Technological Advancement
- Developing a space-based observatory to study the Sun demonstrates India’s technological prowess in space exploration and adds to its reputation in the global space community.
- Future endeavours
- Considering the solar wind affects space weather and in turn the digital components of spacecraft, Aditya-L1’s findings could inform future space missions as well.
- International Collaboration
- Participating in solar research aligns with international efforts to understand the Sun and its effects.
- Education and Inspiration
- The mission inspires future scientists, engineers, and researchers by showcasing India’s achievements in space science and encouraging the pursuit of space-related careers.
- Data for Innovation
- The collected data can lead to innovations in technology, materials science, and various other fields that can benefit India’s technological landscape.
Conclusion
ISRO has also demonstrated its ability to handle complex navigational tasks in interplanetary missions (including the lunar space programme, Chandrayaan) with help from foreign space agencies, and the attendant skills will be brought to bear on Aditya-L1 as well. Taken together, while Aditya-L1 seems relatively simple given ISRO’s recent achievements, it gives the Indian space programme and the national solar physics community one more boundary to push.
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question:
The article discusses the issue of invasive alien species, which was a focal point during the 10th plenary of IPBES.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the factors aiding invasive alien species, their impact and ways to tackle their spread.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by explaining the term invasive alien species.
Body:
First, write about the factors that ensure that to Invasive alien species survive in non-native areas.
Next, Explain the various threats posed by them. Provide examples and present the scenario of harm posed by invasive species in India – threaten cultivable land and wildlife habitats alike, may lead to the conversion of marshy wetlands into dry land. E.g.: water hyacinth, spread into the forests through the corridors created by landslides, affect the soil and destroy the microhabitat of that area
Next, write about the steps that are needed to tackle their spread.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
Invasive alien species are plants, animals, pathogens and other organisms that are non-native to an ecosystem, and which may cause economic or environmental harm or adversely affect human health. In particular, they impact adversely upon biodiversity, including decline or elimination of native species – through competition, predation, or transmission of pathogens – and the disruption of local ecosystems and ecosystem functions. Examples: Needle Bush, Goat weed, Prickly Poppy, Black Mimosa.
Since the 17th century, invasive alien species have contributed to nearly 40% of all animal extinctions for which the cause is known (CBD, 2006). Invasive south red-eared slider turtle poses threat to Indian biodiversity. This turtle is very small and easy to maintain and these features made them popular pets.
Body
Threats posed by Invasive alien species:
Threats to Environment:
Biodiversity is essential for the functioning of the ecosystems that provide vital resources such as food, water, fuel, building material and traditional medicines for millions of people. Invasive species alter and degrade the environment, and have a negative effect on both native species and the people who live and work there. The impacts of invasive species include:
- Reduced biodiversity
- Decreased availability and quality of key natural resources
- Water shortages
- Increased frequency of wildfires and flooding
- Pollution caused by overuse of chemicals to control infestations
Threats to native species:
- India is endowed with 2,319 species of finfish.
- Studies from several parts of the country show that the diversity of freshwater fish is depleting at an alarming pace due to the invasion of commercially important and ornamental exotic fish species
- Many native species, especially Indian major carps in various riverine systems, have been affected because of the invasion of exotic fish species such as Nile tilapia, African catfish, Thai pangus and common carp.
- Apart from commercially important exotic species, ornamental fishes such as guppy, piranha, suckermouth, blue perch, goldfish and platy have been recorded in rivers, lakes, traditional village ponds and other inland freshwater bodies. These also accelerate the extinction of natural varieties from local water bodies.
- The exotic ornamental Amazon sailfin catfish poses a serious threat to the native fish species of Vandiyur Lake, Madurai.
- The biomass of the Amazon sailfin catfish is statistically significant compared to the indigenous varieties. This clearly shows the negative impact of this exotic aquarium fish on inland aquaculture in terms of diminished production/catch of edible fish.
- Thus more than 15 exotic ornamental species have successfully established a reproductive population in our freshwater bodies and still don’t know the magnitude of the impact of this species on the native diversity of fish.
Economic threats:
Agriculture, forestry and fishing are of huge importance to the economies of developing countries. Invasive species affect the productivity of these systems, and limit the ability of producers to access export markets. This hinders sustainable economic growth and development. The impacts of invasive species include:
- Value and quality of land degraded
- Lower crop productivity
- High cost of controlling pests, weeds and diseases
- Routes to domestic and global markets blocked
- Livestock forced into marginal, sub-optimal grazing lands
Social threats:
Invasive species are a major threat to the livelihoods of the people who live in the areas they colonize. Through disrupting ecosystems, invasive plants, insects and diseases impair many of the things humans need to sustain a good quality of life – including food and shelter, health, security and social interaction. The impacts of invasive species include:
- Livelihood options narrowed
- Food security decreased
- Recreational and social opportunities limited
- Risks to human and animal health
- Increased social challenges
Way forward
- The most cost-effective measure to address the impacts from IAS is to prevent their introduction.
- This can be achieved by establishing effective and well-resourced biosecurity measures to manage priority pathways of introduction, supported by early warning systems and rapid eradication capacity.
- Control, containment and – where feasible – eradication, also need to be undertaken to mitigate the impacts from established IAS, including those whose impacts are likely to increase due to climate change.
- It is essential that a cross-sectoral approach is taken in IAS prevention and management measures. This needs to include the environment, human health, agriculture, fisheries, customs and transport government departments, along with key private sector bodies and civil society.
- Governments, donors and agencies that fund and implement projects, including projects supporting the SDGs, must ensure that current and potential impacts of IAS are understood so that relevant prevention and management measures can be incorporated into projects.
Conclusion
Ecosystems need to be prioritized according to their vulnerability to climate change and IAS, making it possible to establish measures that will prevent IAS introduction. This should include establishing effective biosecurity measures to manage priority pathways of introduction, supported by early warning and rapid eradication to tackle alien species before they become invasive.
General Studies – 4
Topic: moral and political attitudes.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Philosophical Mondays’ in Mission-2024 Secure.
Directive word:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Give a simple elaboration on the concept of public morality.
Body:
Write about aspects such as what is accepted within the realms of public morality, is it static and indestructible by quoting few examples. Influence of public morality on legislations and the changes with time such as legalisation of same-sex marriage etc.
Next, write about the various factors affecting public morality.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stating that society evolves with time and thus the public morality also takes its shape, however certain historically sustainable values must be preserved as well.
Introduction
A morality is a system of principles and values concerning people’s behaviour, which is generally accepted by a society or by a particular group of people. Public morality refers to moral and ethical standards enforced in a society, by law or police work or social pressure, and applied to public life, to the content of the media, and to conduct in public places.
Body
Public morality is concerned with collective obligations, and is generally based on the notion of consequentialism. For instance, Public morality often means regulation of sexual matters, including prostitution and homosexuality, but also matters of dress and nudity, pornography, acceptability in social terms of cohabitation before marriage, and the protection of children.
It is a main justification for censorship; it can lead to campaigns against profanity, and so be at odds with freedom of speech. Gambling is generally controlled: casinos have been considered much more of a threat than large-scale lotteries or football pools. Public drunkenness is quite unacceptable in some societies, and legal control of consumption of alcohol is often justified in terms of public morality, just as much as for medical reasons or to limit alcohol-related crime.
Abortion is sometimes treated as an aspect of public morality, even if it is legally defined, regulated by medical professionals, and almost entirely hidden from public view. AIDS as a health policy issue is linked to public morality in a complicated manner.
Views on public morality do change over time. Public views on which things are acceptable often move towards wider tolerance.
Various factors affecting Public morality
- Social & Religious mores. Eg. Animal slaughter still continues
- Inertial of the People to change their belief & attitude. Eg.: attitude towards homosexuality, transgenders etc.
- Lack of Scientific temper. E.g: a genetically impaired person is seen as a God’s curse
- Poor will of legislators and elected.
- Ineffective implementation of law mechanism
- Lack of ethical education
Conclusion
Public morality has been on a decline due to a host of factors such as legal, corruption, malpractices, cultural etc. Citizens in a political community must be bound together neither by feelings nor by self-interest but by a commitment to common values discovered by public reason — values such as political freedom, solidarity, shared traditions and cultural heritage.
Topic: laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance;
Difficulty Level: Easy
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Philosophical Mondays’ in Mission-2024 Secure.
Key Demand of the question:
Using the metaphor of the moral compass 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 the moral compass aids in deciding what right from is wrong. Use examples to substantiate your points.
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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