[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 26 September 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. Explain the concept of geospatial intelligence, its significance in various domains, and provide examples of its applications in real-world scenarios. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The article discusses geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) and its significance in modern data analysis and decision-making.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about geospatial intelligence, highlight its significance

Directive word:

Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by introducing the concept of geospatial intelligence and its growing importance in today’s world.

Body:

First, Explain what geospatial intelligence is, including its components like geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and data analysis.

Next, write about the significance of the above in various domains – Significance in security, Urban planning and development, Natural disaster management and Environmental conservation etc. Cite real life examples.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

Geospatial intelligence is the collection and integration of data from various technologies like satellites, sensors, and aerial images to create real-time maps and simulations. It aids in identifying and managing threats, supporting emergency response, environmental monitoring, logistics, and more.

Geospatial technology uses tools like GIS (Geographic Information System), GPS (Global Positioning System), and Remote Sensing for geographic mapping and analysis of Geospatial data.

Body

Significance of geospatial intelligence in various domains

Measures undertaken for Development of Geospatial Data and Technology:

Limitations of using Geospatial technology:

• Hacking information –The primary reluctance to share stems from the concern that terrorists or criminals could use such information.
• Privacy issue –India doesn’t have a dedicated data protection policy in that context use of Geospatial data may cause privacy issues.
• Lack of data availability and sharing constraints –The unavailability of foundation data, especially at high resolution, is also a constraint. Further, the lack of clarity on data sharing and collaboration prevents co-creation and asset maximization.

Way forward

• Trained and dedicated teamto use geospatial data
• Funding to enhance the applicationof geospatial technology
• Privacy needs to be takeninto account while using Geospatial data.

Conclusion 

Today the availability of using high-resolution satellite imagery creates a positive environment on the significance of this technology for monitoring integrated systems in different areas of national security purposes. Thus, geospatial technology reduces the analysis time and improves the capability and efficiency in decision-making for national security issues.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

2. The Indian diaspora includes a vast pool of skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders settled across the globe. Engaging with this talent can lead to knowledge exchange, investment, and economic growth. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

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 write about the significance of Indian diaspora.

Directive:

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 giving a statistic related to Indian diaspora abroad.

Body:

First, write in detail about the importance of diaspora- boost the economy by attracting foreign investment and facilitating knowledge transfer. Additionally, it highlights that engaging with the diaspora would enhance India’s soft power by promoting its cultural and intellectual contributions abroad. Cite examples and statistics to substantiate.

Next, in detail, write about the issues faced by the Indian diaspora and cite examples of statistic to substantiate.

Next, write the need to have a coherent policy towards Indian diaspora and its components.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

The Indian diaspora has grown and become more influential in the past 2 decades. India now has the world’s largest diaspora, a new study on international migration by the United Nations has reported. More than 30 million persons of Indian origin live abroad, a number greater than the combined populations of Zimbabwe and Kuwait. 285 people of Indian origin in various positions of leadership such as Heads of state and governments, senators, state leaders and members of parliaments.

Body

The swiftly growing diaspora is an asset to India. The common perception of NRIs and Diaspora is that they are a product of brain-drain, migrants due to better life conditions in developed countries etc. However, in reality they are a boon to India. Their presence length and breadth varies across the countries of the world.

• High Achievers:
  • From Google CEO Sundar Pichai to Nobel laurete scientist Har Gobind Khorana and Microsoft CEO Sathya Nadella to world’s one among the leading music conductors Zubin Mehta, the list of NRIs and their contribution to the world goes endlessly.
• Influential Positions:
  • A diaspora estimated at over 30 million people fills mainstream roles and responsibilities in their adopted countries, helping shape the destiny of these countries.
  • The President of Singapore, Governor-General of New Zealand and prime ministers of Mauritius and Trinidad and Tobago were all of Indian descent.
• Pressure groups:
  • When people of Indian origin are held in high esteem, respect for and understanding of the country go up.
  • The influential Indian diaspora affects not just the popular attitude, but also government policies in countries where they live, to the benefit of India.
  • India benefits tremendously through these people in luring large multinational companies as well as entrepreneurial ventures.
  • Example: lobbying for the US-India Civilian Nuclear Agreement Bill in 2008
• Entrepreneurs across globe:
  • Between 1995 and 2005, over a quarter of immigrant-founded engineering and IT companies in the United States were started by Indians, according to a study by Duke University and the University of California.
  • And Indian expats owned an estimated 35 per cent of the country’s hotels. About 800 companies are owned by Indians in the UK.
  • These help in providing jobs and livelihoods to many people across world.
• Remittances:
  • A World Bank report released last year said, India was the largest remittance-receiving country in the world, with an estimated $69 billion in 2015.
• Soft Power:
  • The spread of Yoga, Ayurveda, Indian spiritualism, Bollywood, Indian cuisine across the world has made India famous.
  • It has even led to revival of many lost relationships with many countries.
  • Example: Central Asian countries like Kazakhstan and Middle Eastern countries.
• Humanitarian Assistance:
  • There are many instances where diaspora has stood up for their Indian kins in times of disaster.
  • Example: during the recent Kerala floods, immense help in the form of men, material and money from diaspora was given. Indian diaspora residing in China’s Shanghai has contributed Rs. 32.13 lakh to the Chief Minister’s distress relief fund for Kerala floods.

Asset in Disguise

• The Diaspora population bring technical and domain expertise to domestic start-ups and often act as angel investors.
• Diaspora Indian faculty abroad volunteer time and resources to help faculty on Indian campuses improve the quality of education — as in the case of member institutions of the Indo Universal Collaboration of Engineering Education.
• This was reflected in advancing projects whether through government arrangements or private commercial deals related to Make in India, Skill India, Digital India, Start Up India as well as those aimed at improving our infrastructure and transportation links and fostering all round sustainable development in urban or energy sectors.
• The diaspora can step up and act as Indian ‘ambassadors’, as it is insufficient and ineffective for a country or its missions abroad to rely only on press releases to change public opinion.
• The diaspora can provide the requisite strategic impulse, which makes it all the more important to unlock their potential.

Conclusion

In recent times, the government has laid a strong foundation by making diplomacy people-centric with government’s constant interaction with the Indian diaspora. The Indian diaspora is the bridge between their nation and India where they can grow simultaneously for betterment of their citizens. The diaspora can provide the requisite strategic impulse, which makes it all the more important to unlock their potential.

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

3. India’s engagement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is critical for promoting its interests in the region. Through its membership in the SCO, India can enhance regional connectivity, address security concerns, access energy resources, and balance China’s influence in the region. Analyse. (250 words)

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 write about the how India can use SCO for promoting its interests in the region.

Directive word: 

Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by writing about aims and objectives of SCO.

Body:

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

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

Next, write the measures that need to be taken by India to further its interests.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

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

Body

Background

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

Significance of SCO for India

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

Challenges within SCO

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

Conclusion and way forward

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

General Studies – 3

Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

4. India’s pharmaceutical industry should focus on research and development (R&D), innovation, and quality in pharmaceutical manufacturing to ensure sustained growth and global competitiveness. Discuss (250 words)

Difficulty level:  Moderate

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:

The article discusses the Indian pharmaceutical sector’s need to transition from volume-based growth to value-based leadership.

Key Demand of the question:

To have a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses in the pharmaceutical industry and to suggest adequate measures to address the issues.

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 highlighting the extent of pharmaceutical industry in India.

Body:

First, mention the potential of pharma industry – India is the largest provider of generic drugs globally. Indian pharmaceutical sector supplies over 50% of global demand for various vaccines, 40% of generic demand in the US and 25% of all medicine in the UK. Globally, India ranks 3rd in terms of pharmaceutical production by volume and 14th by value.

Next, write about the limitations.

Next, give a point by point analysis of major areas of reforms needed such as revising the age old The New Drugs, Cosmetics and Medical Devices Act, need to bring in a regulatory structure in the context of e pharmacy and teleconsultations, better clarity in the issue of Licenses as per Drugs and Cosmetics Act (DCA) of 1940 etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by saying that India should focus on a comprehensive, clear and concise regulatory structure meeting the needs of the new age pharmaceutical industry.

Introduction

The Indian pharmaceutical industry is one of the major contributors to the Indian economy and it is the world’s third-largest industry by volume. The Indian pharmaceutical industry’s success can be credited to its world-class capabilities in formulation development, entrepreneurial abilities of its people, and the vision of its business leaders to establish India’s footprint in the United States and other large international markets.

Body

Strengths of Indian Pharmaceutical Sector

• According to the Economic Survey of 2020-21, the Indian pharmaceuticals sector is expected to expand multifold and become a $ 130 billion industry by 2030, while medicine spending is projected to grow rapidly too, leading India to become one of the top 10 countries in terms of such expenditure.
• Potential of Pharma sector: The Indian pharmaceutical industry, valued at $41 billion, is expected to grow to $65 billion by 2024 and $120-130 billion by 2030, noted the new Economic survey.
• Rise in exports: Indian pharma exports have registered a growth of 103 percent since 2013-14. This happens to be Pharma Sector’ best export performance ever till 2021-22.
• Positive growth: Drug formulations, biologicals have consistently registered positive growth and the highest increase in absolute terms in recent months.
  • This led to a rise in its share to 7.1 percent in April-November 2020 from 5 percent in April-November 2019, making it the second-largest exported commodity among the top 10 export commodities.
  • This shows that India has the potential to be the ‘pharmacy of the world’”, the survey said.
• In 1969, Indian pharmaceuticals had a 5 per cent share of the market in India, and global pharma had a 95 per cent share. By 2020, it was the reverse, with Indian pharma having an almost 85 per cent share and global, 15 per cent.
• Significant advantage: The availability of a significant raw material base and skilled workforce have enabled India to emerge as an international manufacturing hub for generic medicines.
• Further, India is the only country with the largest number of USFDA compliant pharma plants (more than 262 including APIs) outside of the US.
• Capacity: The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that India can not only innovate but also rapidly distribute time-critical drugs to every part of the globe that needs it.
• Global leader: Presently, over 80% of the antiretroviral drugs used globally to combat AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) are supplied by Indian pharmaceutical firms.

Issues facing the Pharma industry:

• Overdependence: Indian pharma industries import about 80% of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients(API) from China. The API forms the base of drugs. With trade-wars at global levels and wavering bilateral relations, there is a looming threat which can stall the Indian pharma industries. In FY19, Indian pharma companies imported bulk drugs and intermediates worth $2.4 million from China.
• Compliance issues and good manufacturing practices: Diversifying the global market has been a problem with countries China and USA imposing Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary(SPS) barriers of WTO against generic drugs. The selective targeting by US Food and Drug Administration and Chinese Drug regulators are a problem still.
• Drug Price Control Order: The companies sight that the reforms of the Government for the essential medicines has caused them to lower the price of drugs. This has been done by the Government for the betterment of the public.
• Stronger IP regulations: IP regulation has always been a thorn in the skin for the companies, especially the foreign companies. The companies strongly feel that the rules have to be amended and the so-called victim of the lax regulations have been the foreign entrants.
• Because of fewer costs associated with generic medicines, multiple applications for generic drugs are often approved to market a single product; this creates competition in the marketplace globally, typically resulting in lower prices. Pharma sector in India is also facing steep headwinds on account of this.
• There is a lack of proper assessment of the performance of the pharmaceutical industry and its efficiency and productivity and due to this many plants have not survived.
• Unregulated online pharmacies or e-pharmacies emerging in India have been a major concern for authorized setups.
• There has been a significant drop in the flow of prescriptions as the Indian pharmaceutical industry has been witnessing a decline in the overall quality of its medical representatives (MRs). This is mainly on account of lack of training and support by the industry.
• In countries such as Russia, one requires to be a medical graduate to be a pharma sales representative. In the European Union, one needs to pass stringent examinations to become an MR. Once they qualify, they need to renew their certification every three years. But in India, even non-graduates are performing as MRs without proper guidance.

Measures needed:

• India’s strong innovation capabilities aided partnerships would help in overcoming these problems.
• Developing our R&D sector to reduce dependency on foreign countries for raw materials
• The introduction of pharmaceutical product patents and the mandatory implementation of good manufacturing practices is the need of the hour.
• It is necessary for the Indian pharmaceutical industry to become globally competitive through world-class manufacturing capabilities, with improved quality and a higher efficiency of production, and there is a need to stress on the up-gradation of R&D capabilities.
• Training and development of human resources for the pharmaceutical industry and drug research and development should be done accordingly;
• There is also a need to promote public-private partnership for the development of the pharmaceuticals industry; promote environmentally sustainable development of the pharmaceutical industry; and enable the availability, accessibility, and affordability of drugs.
• Improvement in industrial practices to provide better training and support services for employees to perform their job functions.
• Using multilateral organisation like WTO against the illegal trade practices.
• Funding for the pharma companies might be a way to move forward.
• IPR Think Tank formed by the Government to draft stronger national IP policies.

Conclusion:

The affordability of healthcare is an issue of concern even in India, and people here would welcome some clarity on the principles of fair pricing vis-à-vis medical products. It is important that the accused companies are given a good hearing. The Government of India has taken up a number of initiatives to create an ecosystem that fosters manufacturing in pharma industries.

Topic: Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.

5. Rising temperatures have the potential to significantly affect milk production and reproductive success in cattle. Analyse the key factors contributing to these challenges and propose strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Down to Earth

Why the question:

The article discusses the potential impact of climate change and government policies on the Indian dairy sector.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about factors behind the potential decrease in milk production and reproductive success in cattle due to rising temperatures and suggest effective strategies to address these challenges.

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 providing context about the significance of cattle farming in India.

Body:

In the first part, discuss the various factors, such as heat stress, reduced forage quality, and changes in feeding patterns, contributing to a potential decrease in milk production.

Next, write about the factors, including heat stress-related infertility, altered breeding patterns, and reduced conception rates, that can impact the reproductive success of cattle.

Next, write about effective strategies, such as improved heat stress management, changes in breeding practices, and the use of technology-driven solutions, to mitigate the adverse impacts of increasing temperatures on cattle.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

Milk production takes place all around the world. Global demand for dairy continues to increase in large part due to population growth. Heat and drought are inflicting perilous strain on dairy cows across the globe, drying up their milk production and threatening the long-term global supply of everything from butter to baby formula.

In March 2022, a study published in Lancet estimated that increasing temperatures could reduce milk production in India’s arid and semi-arid regions by 25 per cent by end century in 2085. This estimation for arid and semi-areas is the second highest in India, after Pakistan (at 28.7 per cent). In humid and sub-humid areas, this reduction was estimated at 10 per cent.

Body

Key factors leading to this challenge

• Lactating dairy cows have an increased sensitivity to heat stress compared with nonlactating (dry) cows, according to a review paper.

• Thermal stress caused by a variety of factors such ashigh ambient temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and lack of proper ventilation or cooling mechanisms is affecting milk production in the dairy sector.

• There is a positive relationship between milk yield and heat production, higher yielding cows are more challenged by heat stress than lower yielding animals.

• Elevated temperatures affect the cow’s ability to display natural mating behaviour, as it reduces both the duration and intensity of oestrus expression. The decrease in conception rates during summer seasons can range between 20 and 30 per cent.

• It is a significant concern in livestock farming as it can have severe economic and animal welfare consequences.

Impacts of extreme heat on dairy

• High levels of thermal stress can causea decline in milk production, decreased feed intake, and weight loss in livestock animals. This can lead to a reduction in productivity and income for farmers.
• Cows don’t yield as much milk under the stress of scorching temperatures, and arid conditions and storms compound the problem by withering or destroying the grass and other crops they eat.
• It can cause various health issues in livestock animals, including respiratory distress, heat stroke, and dehydration.
• This can lead to increased susceptibility to diseases, lower immunity, and reduced lifespan.
• Livestock farmers may face significant economic losses due to thermal stress and consequent health issues and high mortality rates.
• Farmers mayalso have to incur additional costs to provide their animals with cooling mechanisms, such as fans or sprinklers.
• In order to mitigate the effects of thermal stress, farmers may have toresort to unsustainable practices such as the excessive use of water for cooling, which can have a negative impact on the environment.

Measures needed

• A good heat detection program is necessary to detect cows with marginal heat symptoms as cows exhibit lesser heat symptoms during heat stress.
• It is always advisable tocontinue Artificial Insemination breeding instead of using bulls because in natural breeding both bulls and cows suffer infertility due to summer stress.
• Fans in combination with water sprinkling facility can be provided but excessive sprinkling should be avoidedas it can result in wet bedding and make animals prone to mastitis and other diseases. The farm should be well ventilated.
• Thermal stressed animals are more prone to lower reproductive and productive performance.
• Feedinghigh quality forages and balanced rations can decrease some of the effects of thermal stress and boost animal performance.
• Genetic selection of animals based on specific molecular genetic markers for heat tolerancecan be a boon to alleviate heat stress in cattle and buffaloes by identifying the heat tolerant animals.

Conclusion

Promoting Sustainable Livestock farming involves a multi-faceted approach that includes implementing proper animal welfare practices, adopting sustainable production methods, reducing waste and emissions, promoting local and regional markets, and providing education and training programs to farmers.

Topic: challenges of corruption.

6. Corruption may appear to offer short-term advantages to some individuals, allowing them to advance even if they are less efficient or qualified. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the far-reaching and detrimental consequences that corruption imposes on society as a whole. Comment. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

 Why the question:

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

Key Demand of the question:

To write about how corruption enables less efficient to move ahead at the cost of more efficient and overall impact of corruption on the society.

Directive:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by giving context of corruption as a shortcut for success.

Body:

Write about the various ways in which less efficient people use corruption as means to go ahead of more deserving and more efficient people in the society using unfair and nefarious ways. Substantiate with examples.

Next, write about the ways in which the above can be avoided.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

Corruption is the path of least resistance. In many ways, corruption is the way in which the less efficient in society move ahead at the cost of the more efficient.

Body

A Transparency International study in 2005 indicated that 62% of Indians had paid a bribe to get a job done some time or the other. An assessment of what is corrupt income and what is honest income might as well throw up an alternate mirror economy out there. And that sure is a scary truth to behold.

Corruption is then the biggest issue that faces the nation today. Not very strangely, this is a big internal threat. A threat that has the potential of being our biggest weakness in a world that is progressively getting empowered through the implementation of every rule and ethos that talks about equality, liberty and fraternity.

Corruption then has two facets to it. The facet of the giver and the facet of the taker. Each is equally guilty for sure. In sheer number terms, there are really more givers and fewer takers. Corruption is a citizen-centric retail enterprise of big value. The value is really all the money that is hijacked into personal pockets at the cost of the nation. If the giver were to just cease and desist, this entire industry of corruption would come to a standstill.

The mass and national action against corruption was huge, led by Anna Hazare. But what came out of it was a meek Act in the form of Lokpal without any real powers. Government system in India is understaffed and underpaid. And a lot of discretionary powers are given which leads to corruption even at the lowest level. E-governance must bring in more transparency and accountability and prevent corruption.

Conclusion

The nation would surely gain in more ways than one if there was a sincere action against corruption. The nation and its many institutions that look after the good of the people would benefit hugely. It is time, after all these 75 years of independence, to bell the cat of corruption. We need to attack the root of it all. The root of it lies in the dynamics of the giver more than that of the taker.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.

7.  Philanthropy in India is deeply rooted in its cultural values, promoting the principles of duty, selfless service, and giving back to society. It continues to be a driving force for positive change and societal development. Discuss. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Why the question:

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

Key Demand of the question:

To write about rich philanthropic culture of India.

Directive:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by giving context of philanthropy.

Body:

Write about the Philanthropy in India – from business houses to individuals – trace the journey of great philanthropes of India since independence and right up to the COVID-19 and the PM cares fund.

Highlight the significance of the above.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

For India, philanthropy is not a new phenomenon. The culture of philanthropy is as old as India itself, which has a history spanning thousands of years. One who enjoys abundance without sharing with others is indeed a thief, says the Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Mahabharata.

There are many who continue to imbibe these values even though the India of today may bear little resemblance to the civilization described in these ancient texts.

Body

Take the case of Suhasini Mistry, a poor domestic help who set up a charitable hospital called Humanity Hospital in Hanspukur, Joka, West Bengal.

At 23, Mistry lost her husband and had to fend for herself and her four children. Her husband died because they could not afford proper medical treatment. The memory stayed with Mistry, and she decided to try and help people who may face similar difficulties.

She did a host of odd jobs from cleaning dishes to selling vegetables, and managed to save ₹ 20,000, while educating her son Ajoy Mistry to become a doctor with the help of some philanthropists. In 1996, with the help of some locals and her savings, she set up a small hospital, working out of a hut. Today, the hospital is run under the umbrella of Humanity Trust.

Charity and philanthropy has been in the ethos of the Indian traditions. Individuals and religious institutions have been contributing to the welfare of the poor since antiquity. Alms giving, offering food, and giving zakat, the Muslim tradition of giving, are some of the forms of charity motivated by Indian religious beliefs. 

Conclusion

It is at the heart and soul of ethos of India and Indians to be charitable. The greater good of people and society is the main aim of philanthropy. The idea is to improve human welfare around us and make the world a better place for those who are under-privileged.

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