[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 28 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 Indian Society, Diversity of India.

1. With an increasing share of aging population, there is a need for proactive policies and initiatives to address the evolving needs of the elderly and ensure their well-being. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The article discusses the demographic shift in India, where the share of elderly individuals in the population is projected to double to 20% by 2050.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about impact of age-related stereotypes in the society and ways to overcome them.

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: 

Define ageism and its associated features.

Body:

In the first part, write about various issues with elderly population – elder generation is often seen as slower, change-resistant, expensive, and ultimately even useless. Mention about the elderly being neglected in many aspects including in their own families and in public policies.

In the next part, write about the steps and policies that are needed in this regard.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

Currently, India’s population is among the youngest in an ageing world, however, a major proportion of India’s population will be aged by 2050. This calls for more forward-looking policies incorporating population dynamics, education and skills, healthcare, gender sensitivity and most importantly geriatric care.

The United Nations Population Fund, India, has released the “2023 India Ageing Report,” which projects a significant increase in the elderly population in India

Body

Major Findings of the Report:

Issues associated with elderly population in India

• Feminisation of ageing: The sex ratio of the elderly has increased from938 women to 1,000 men in 1971 to 1,033 in 2011 and is projected to increase to 1,060 by 2026.
  • The report also noted that between 2000 and 2050, the population of 80-plus people would have grown 700% “with a predominance of widowed and highly dependent very old women”and so the special needs of such old women would need significant focus of policy and programmes.
• Financial issues: Retirement and dependence of elderly on their child for basic necessity.
  • Sudden increase in out-of-pocket expenses on treatment.
  • Migration of young working-age persons from rural area have negative impacts on the elderly, living alone or with only the spouse usually poverty and distress.
• Health: Multiple disabilities among the elders in old age.
  • Health issues like blindness, locomotor disabilities and deafness are most prevalent.
  • Mental illness arising from senility and neurosis.
  • Absence of geriatric care facilities at hospitals in rural area.
• Social issues:Indian society is undergoing rapid transformation under the impact of industrialization, urbanization, technical & technological change, education and globalization.
  • Consequently, the traditional values and institutions are in the process of erosion and adaptation, resulting in the weakening of intergenerational ties that were the hallmark of the traditional family.
  • Feeling of powerlessness, loneliness, uselessness and isolation in elderly.
  • Generational gap.

Roadmap for elderly care with passage of time

• Increasing the monthly pension of elderly to minimum of Rs 2,000 per month.
• Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Housing for the aged, particularly the aged poor, must be a priority.
• Assisted living facilities for indigent elderly, particularly those with age-related issues like dementia, needs policy focus.
• More tax benefits, or at least removing tax on deposit interest for seniors.
• Enhancing the geriatric care health infrastructure especially in rural area.
• Allocation of special budget for elderly population at both levels.
• Providing entertainment facilities like libraries and clubs at panchayat level.
• Appreciations for the contributions of elderlies at village level.

Conclusion

Social security is the concurrent responsibility of the central and state governments as, mandated under Indian constitution i.e., Well-being of senior citizens – Article 41 in particular and 46 in general of Indian constitution. In this regard, National Policy on Senior Citizen, 2011 was framed.

For the welfare and care for the older persons, we must focus on the protection of already existing social support systems/traditional social institutions such as family and kinship, neighbourhood bonding, community bonding and community participation must be revived and kins should show sensitivity towards elderly citizens.

General Studies – 2

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

2. The proclamation of a national emergency can lead to the temporary suspension or restriction of fundamental rights. The judiciary plays a critical role in ensuring that such suspensions are reasonable, proportionate, and subject to oversight. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

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 (revision).

Key Demand of the question:

To write about impact of national emergency on fundamental rights and the judicial interpretations of it.

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 the writing about the objective behind article of national emergency.

Body:

In the first part, bring out the effect of national emergency on fundamental rights – the nature of the modification, extent of modification, ability to enforce fundamental rights etc.

In the next part, mention the various judicial interpretations regarding the suspension of the fundamental rights – mention various cases such as Makhan Singh Vs. State of Punjab, A.D.M. Jabalpur Vs. shivkant Shukla etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude with stressing that suspension is a temporary measure.

Introduction

The President, under article 352 of Indian constitution, can declare a national emergency when the security of India or a part of it is threatened by war or external aggression or armed rebellion. When a national emergency is declared on the grounds of ‘war’ or ‘external aggression’, it is known as ‘External Emergency’. On the other hand, when it is declared on the grounds of ‘armed rebellion’, it is known as ‘Internal Emergency’.

Body

Effects of the proclamation of national emergency on the fundamental rights

• According to Article 358, when a proclamation of national emergency is made, the six fundamental rights under Article 19 are automatically suspended. No separate order for their suspension is required
• When the proclamation of National Emergency is imposed under this, legislative and executive committed even if they are in violation of article 19 cannot be questioned by the courts
• However, the 44^thamendment act, put two conditions to this- rights under article 19 can be suspended only when the National emergency is declared on the grounds of war or external aggression and only those laws which are related with the emergency are protected from being challenged and no other laws
• Article 359 authorizes the president to suspend the right to move any court for the enforcement of FR during a national emergency. Here, the FR are not suspended but only their enforcement
• The suspension of FRs is restricted to those which are only mentioned in the order.
• The 44^thamendment act imposed two conditions on the usage of this article- president cannot suspend the right to move the court for the enforcement of FR guaranteed under Article 20 and 21 and only those laws which are related to the emergency are protected and no other laws

Judicial interpretations of validity of suspension of fundamental rights during emergency

• In the case of Minerva Mills ltd. vs Union of India, Supreme Court held that there is no bar to judicial review of the validity of the proclamation of emergency issued by the president under 352(1). However, court’s power is limited only to examining whether the limitations conferred by the constitution have been observed or not. It can check if the satisfaction of the president is valid or not. If the satisfaction is based on mala fide or absurd or irrelevant grounds, it is no satisfaction at all.
• suspension of art. 19- Makhan Singh Vs. State of Punjab
  • 358 makes it clear that things done or omitted to be done during emergency could not be challenged even after the emergency was over.in other words the suspension so art.19 was complete during the period in question and legislative and executive action which contravened art.19 could not be questioned even after the emergency was over.
• suspension of art.20,21 – A.D.M. Jabalpur Vs. shivkant Shukla
  • The President issued orders under the Constitution of India, art. 359(1) suspending the right of any person to move any court for enforcement of fundamental rights under arts. 14, 21 and 22 and 19 for the duration of the emergency. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ,art. 4 recognises the right to life and personal liberty to be a non- derogable right even during times of emergency.
• suspension of art.14 and 16 – Arjun Singh vs. State of Rajasthan
  • The question arose whether art.16 is also suspended although it is not mentioned in order, the Rajasthan high court held that art.16 remained operative even though art.14 was suspended. The court emphasized that under art.359 the enforcement of only such fundamental rights was suspended as were specifically and expressly mentioned in the presidential order.

Conclusion

It is important to note that even when these provisions are provided for the nation’s security and protection of the people, the provisions in themselves give drastic discretionary powers in the hands of the Executive. This affects the federal structure of the nation and essentially turns it into a unitary one. Therefore, the courts should be given the power to expand the powers of the Centre, as the same will act as a built-in mechanism to check if the discretionary powers are being used arbitrarily by the Parliament and the Executive.

Topic: issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure

3.  Trace the development of fiscal federalism in India. Examine the various issues in it and give suggestions to enhance fiscal federalism in the country.  (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 (revision).

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the evolution of fiscal federalism in India, issues in it and measures needed to overcome the issues.

Directive:

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by defining fiscal federalism in India.

Body:

First, give a brief about the development of fiscal federalism in India since independence.

Next, write about the various issues with respect to fiscal federalism in India – opacity, GST issues, FRMBA, impact of the pandemic etc.

Next, write about the measures needed to rectify the above.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

India’s fiscal federalism refers to the division of financial powers and responsibilities between the central government and state governments within the framework of a federal system. It involves how revenue is generated, shared, and utilized to fund public services and governance across different levels of government in the country.

The evolving dynamics of India’s fiscal federalism require reconsideration due to various factors, such as the shift to a market-based economy, changes in the fiscal landscape, and amendments to the Constitution..

Body

Development of fiscal federalism in India

• Broadly speaking, with the evolution of fiscal federalism in India, there has beenmarked stability in its process and procedures.
• The annual budgetary processes of both the central and federal governments are independent exercises and must pass through the Parliament or state legislature.
• The Finance Commission, which was first constituted in 1951, performs the functions broadly enshrined in Article 280 of the Indian Constitution.
• For most of the post-independence era, the existence of the Planning Commission injected centralising dependence in more ways than one.
  • The Planning Commission became a parallel institution for the transfer of resources from the Union of States.
• While the focus of the Finance Commission remained on the revenue account, the Planning Commission was concerned predominantly with the capital account.
• Successive Finance Commissions commented on this as being inconsistent with the spirit of the Constitution in the devolution of resources.
• There were other developments, like the73rd and 74th Amendments of the Constitution in 1992 giving status to Panchayat Raj institutions and Urban Local Bodies with specific functions assigned to them under the 11th and 12th schedules.
• The Fourteenth Finance Commission decided that 42% of NDP (net divisible pool) should go to the subnational governments by way of devolution, or net proceeds of taxes, and the balance should go to the central government. In addition, after projecting the likely growth rates of individual subnational governments and their likely buoyancy in appropriate cases, a revenue deficit grant under Article 275 was given.

Various issues regarding fiscal federalism in India

• GST: States have lost the autonomy to decide the tax rates of subjects that fall within the State List.
  • Previously, state governments used to fix tax rates by taking into account their spending requirements, revenue base, etc.
  • The inability of states to fix tax rates to match their development requirements implies greater dependence on the centre for funds.
• Cess and surcharges: Another emerging challenge is that cesses and surcharges are becoming a disproportionate proportion of the overall divisible revenue, withnon-tax revenues being kept outside the divisible pool.

• • These are worrisome issues, and there should be some mechanism to ensure that the basic spirit of the devolution process should not be undercut by clever financial engineering or by the manipulation of methods that makes them technical and legally tenable, but perhaps not morally so.

• Increasing dependency on Centre: The dependency of states on the Centre for revenues has increased, with the share of the revenue from own sources declining from 55% in 2014-15 to 50.5% in 2020-21.

• • While part of this is inherent in India’s fiscal structure, wherein states are the big spenders and the Centre controls the purse strings, the situation has been exacerbated by the introduction of the GST.
  • Barring a few exceptions, such as petroleum products, property tax, and alcohol excise, indirect taxes have, to a large degree, been subsumed under the GST regime, eroding the ability of states to raise their own revenues.

• Shortfall in devolution:Adding to state woes is the significant divergence in past periods between the amount of GST compensation owed and the actual payments made, including for states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand that need greater fiscal support.

• • Even before Covid-19 hit, 11 states estimated a revenue growth rate below the estimated 14% level, implying higher amounts will be owed as GST compensation.
  • With the bulk of the states’ GST coming from goods such as electronics, fashion, and entertainment — all of which have been impacted by the pandemic — these revenues are likely to decline further.

Measures needed

To sum up, for a large federal country of a mind-boggling diversity, India’s ability to fight Covid-19 pandemic largely rests on how well it manages its Centre-state relation.

• When compared with other large federal countries such as the US, the country has done very well to minimize the frictions and provide a sense of direction to the states.
• However, tackling Covid-19 as seen from the experience of other countries would require adifferential and agile response across states and the Centre has at best to play the role of a mentor in providing leadership and resource support.
• The rigid approach as evident in lockdown phase would prove a major hurdle. States must becleared their dues and be given ample fiscal space to ensure economy is revived.
• States must be allowed to lead in terms of reviving economy, generating income support, jobs while contain the virus at the same time.
• The next big change will come when the current Centre-state relationship gets redefined in a way that enables the 28 states to become federal in the true sense – as self-sustaining economic territories in matters of energy, water, food production and waste recycling.
• Our economic geography of production, transport and communication has to change – it has to become distributive rather than being focused towards the Centre.
• Centrally distributed funds will need to be directed specifically to build the capacities of each state.

• • The instruments will enable them to embark on a sustainable economic recovery whose base is widely distributed across the various panchayats and districts of each state.
  • Driving distributive recovery will be energy, transport, supply chains, public administration, rule of law, agriculture and rural development.

• a buoyant tax system can ease the battle for resources in our federal system, and hopefully minimize the mistrust that has grown in recent years between the Centre and states.
• The 15th Finance Commission has thus recommended a slew of fiscal reforms to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio, especially through an overhaul of the goods and services tax.
• In short, the real cooperative federalism which the Centre has been espousing for many years is now put on test and the Centre must ensure states are given full cooperation to battle the challenge.

Conclusion

It is important now to rethink the design and structure of a genuine fiscal partnership, which should not merely be a race to garner more resources, but a creative attempt to move towards a vibrant Indian value chain that can catapult India’s growth rate closer to the quest for double-digit growth. Times of economic slowdown must be viewed anecdotally as they are transient in nature and cannot impair India’s vision, both with regard to its potential and its historical compulsions. It is necessary to recast the ideology in a more contemporary context; only then will the practice become more transparent, and India will benefit from congruence between its precepts and practice.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

4. Hydropower is a mature technology with significant untapped potential, especially in the context of renewable energy integration. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India

Why the question:

The article discusses the potential of pumped storage hydropower as a sustainable energy solution.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the potential of hydroelectric power and risks posed by it.

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 defining hydroelectric energy and give the statistic highlighting extent of it being generated in India.

Body:

First, mention the potential of hydroelectric energy – plenty of rivers, favourable geology, presence of technological expertise, past success etc.

Next, write about the various risks that are associated with hydropower projects – political conflicts, social impact, economic viability and ecological concerns must be written in detail. Substantiate them with examples.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward to remedy the above-mentioned limitations.

Introduction

Hydroelectric power projects basically generate electricity from flowing water.  Pumped storage hydro (PSH) plants are storage systems based on hydropower operations between two or more reservoirs (upper and lower) with an elevation difference. PSH plants are highly useful options for the integration of Renewable Energy power with the power system. India is blessed with immense amount of hydro-electric potential and ranks 5^th in terms of exploitable hydro-potential on global scenario.

Body

India’s Energy scenario

• As of December 2021, the installed generation capacity of the country stood at 393GW.
• It comprises 235GW of thermal, 151GW of renewable (wind, solar, hydro and biomass)and 78GW of nuclear.
• India saw its peak electricity demand surpass 200GW in 2021.
• India is the third largest producer and consumer of electricity globally, with annual electricity production of around 1,200-1,300TWh and one of the largest synchronous power grids.

Potential of hydroelectric power in meeting India’s energy security targets

• In India, PSH potential of about 120GWhas been identified at about 120 sites.
• Only nine plants with an installed capacity of 4,785MW have been commissioned so far, and three with a capacity of 2.7GW are under construction.
• Apart from these, about 17 PSH projects with a capacity of 16.5GW in different states are under various stages of implementation.
• Pumped storage schemes use domestically produced material and even the electrical mechanical parts are made in India, so PSH plants can serve the aims of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Associated risks which affect hydro power generation

• Generation of Hydro power depends on the availability of water. When water is not available in the lean season, in summer and in drought year the generation drops.
• Other issues like social impact, where lot of people get displaced, livelihood and resources are affected. There are environmental impacts, Disaster related impacts.
• Most of the new projects are coming up in Himalayan region which is vulnerable to disaster in terms of earth quake, landslides, erosion, and flash floods. In the era of climate change there are glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF)which is because of the lakes which are created by the melting of glaciers which consists of boulders and silt.
• There are issues of generation performance. 89% of India’s installed capacity does not generate power at the promised level.
• There is the issue of Siltation and maintenance of Hydro power projects. Silt reduces the storage capacity and proportionally the power generation also goes down.
• Hydro power projects do not consume fuel and it is assumed that there is no carbon foot print which is not correct. The World Commission on Damshas shown how the power generated particularly in tropical countries generates Methane. In one molecule of Methane there is 22 times more potent Green House Gas than CO2.
• Hydro power projects involve deforestation which reduces the carbon sinks and thereby putting back more carbon into the atmosphere.
• With climate change on the rise, the frequency and intensity of Droughtswill increase in the coming years. The rainfall patterns are changing. This will impact the power generation capacity of the Hydro power projects.
• Every Hydro power projects are plagued by cost and time overruns. The reason is lack in the appraisal mechanism particularly geological appraisal.
• Hydro and PSH projects are a state government legislative subject, and require the support of many policymakers, including the MoP, MoEF&CC and electricity regulators, apart from state governments.

Way forward

• There is a need to appraise the projects properly, have proper Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)and proper public consultation process.
• We should maintain the catchment area properly if not the rainfall which comes as flash floods damages the project.
• Micro-hydel projects may also be promoted, as these have less of an adverse social and environmental impact on local communities.
• Large, ‘smart’ hydropower projects may be developed, taking into account the economic, environmental and social concerns of local and downstream communities, in addition to national economic benefits.
• Technical provisions in smart projects can minimize the impacts on aquatic life and terrestrial ecosystems.
• India is using more of ground water and this reduces the surface water flow in the downstream area. All these factors should be taken into account while assessing the generation of Hydro power projects.
• For prioritizing projects, in addition to capital cost and energy supplied, PSH developers and policymakers should consider factors that include the location of the project, duration of storage, availability of a pre-feasibility report, detailed surveys, investigations and project reports, etc, and the cost of the energy supplied, as well as the value of the flexibility assured by it.
• An appropriate policy framework that lets costs and benefits be shared can increase the overall value for primary and end consumers.

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.

5. NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission represents a significant achievement in space exploration. Explain the objectives and key achievements of the OSIRIS-REx mission, its importance in understanding the origins of our solar system. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The article discusses NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission and its successful landing on the Bennu asteroid to collect samples.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about OSIRIS-REx mission’s objectives and achievements, emphasize its significance in solar system studies, and highlight the scientific knowledge it has provided so far.

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 NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission and its purpose.

Body:

First, write about primary objectives of the OSIRIS-REx mission, which include studying the asteroid Bennu, collecting a sample, and returning it to Earth for analysis.

Next, write about the major achievements of the mission, such as successful sample collection from Bennu’s surface, spacecraft manoeuvres, and data acquisition.

Next, write about the Significance in solar system studies and Future implications of the mission.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx is the first U.S. mission to successfully collect a sample from an asteroid. OSIRIS-REx spent over two years orbiting and mapping Bennu, using a suite of instruments to characterize its shape, size, composition, surface features, and rotation. The spacecraft also performed a series of daring manoeuvres to touch down on the asteroid’s surface and collect a sample using a robotic arm.

A NASA space capsule carrying the largest sample ever collected from an asteroid landed on Utah’s Test and Training Range. The capsule was released from the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, which had been in space for seven years and collected the sample from the asteroid Bennu. Scientists will use this sample to learn more about the origins of the solar system.

Body

Key Objectives of the Mission

• Sample Collection
  • The primary objective of Osiris-Rex is to collect at least 60 grams of pristine regolith (loose rocks and dust) from the surface of Bennuusing a robotic arm called the Touch-And-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM).
• Studying bennu’s Composition
  • To characterize Bennu’s surface, composition, mineralogy, and shape using a suite of instruments onboard the spacecraft.
  • The instruments will map Bennu’s geology, chemistry, morphology, and thermal properties, as well as identify potential sample sites and hazards.
• Understanding Asteroid Properties
  • To improve our knowledge of the physical and orbital properties of near-Earth asteroids, especially those that are potentially hazardous to Earth.
  • Osiris-Rex will measure Bennu’s mass, density, spin rate, spin axis, and gravitational field, as well as monitor its non-gravitational forces such as solar radiation pressure.
• Sample Return to Earth
  • To bring back the sample collected from Bennu to Earth for further analysis.

OSIRIS-REx mission in understanding origin of Earth

• OSIRIS-REx is the third major planetary science mission for NASA’s New Frontiers Program (after New Horizons launched in 2006 and Juno launched in 2011).
• OSIRIS-REx is an acronym for “Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer.”
• The mission, developed by scientists at the University of Arizona, will give us more information about how the early solar system formed and about how life began. It will also help us better understand asteroids that could impact Earth in the future.
• Bennu is a leftover fragment from the tumultuous formation of the solar system. Some of the mineral fragments inside Bennu could be older than the solar system.
• These microscopic grains of dust could be the same ones that spewed from dying stars and eventually coalesced to make the Sun and its planets nearly 4.6 billion years ago.
• They will give insights into the origin of solar system, as well as the Earth.

Significance of Mission

• Scientists will use the asteroid samples to study the formation of the solar system and of habitable planets such as Earth.
• NASA will also distribute a part of the samples to laboratories worldwideand will reserve about 75% of the samples for future generations who can study it with technologies not yet created.

Conclusion

The spacecraft, which in a touch-and-go mission landed on Bennu’s surface for five to 15 seconds, is fitted with cameras, a laser altimeter and a spectrometer, all to study the asteroid. If the spacecraft has been successful in collecting sufficient sample, then it would orbit the asteroid until a window for departure opens up next year. Otherwise, it would go in for another sample collection attempt in January 2021.

Value addition

Asteroid Bennu

• Asteroid Bennu is likely to contain material that contains molecules that were present when life first formed on Earth, where life forms are based on carbon atom chains.
• The asteroid is a B-type asteroid, implying that it contains significant amounts of carbon and various other minerals.
• Because of its high carbon content, the asteroid reflects about four per cent of the light that hits it, which is very low when compared with a planet like Venus, which reflects about 65 per cent of the light that hits it.
• Earth reflects about 30 per cent. Around 20-40 per cent of Bennu’s interior is empty space and scientists believe that it was formed in the first 10 million years of the solar system’s formation, implying that it is roughly 4.5 billion years old.
• Carbon atom chains form the basis of life on Earth, the report states.
• According to NASA, the organic material which scientists are hoping to find in the sample from Bennu does not come from Biology necessarily, but it could help them in further understanding how asteroids rich in organic material helped catalyse life on Earth.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators.

6. Great teachers show you your greatness not their own. Justify with examples. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Abstract Thursdays’ in Mission-2024        Secure.

Key Demand of the question:

to develop a link between changing your attitude and changing your behaviour.

Directive:

Justify – When you are asked to justify, you must pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence.  You must appraise the worth of the statement in question using suitable case studies or/ and examples.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by defining a great teacher.

Body:

Mention the important attributes of a great teachers – compassion, integrity, emotional intelligence, Humility, leadership and communication. Use examples from India and the world to justify how great teachers create even greater pupils/ disciples.

Conclusion:

Complete the answer by the life changing role of teachers on the society.

Introduction

The statement “Great teachers show you your greatness, not their own” emphasizes the idea that exceptional educators focus on unlocking the potential within their students rather than seeking personal recognition or validation.

Body

Hallmark of great teachers

• Focus on the Individual: Great teachers and leaders prioritize the growth and development of those they are guiding. They recognize the unique strengths, talents, and potential within each person and work to nurture and bring out the best in them.
• Humility and Selflessness: This quote emphasizes humility in leadership. Instead of seeking personal glory or accolades, exceptional leaders direct their efforts towards enabling others to shine. They are selfless in their approach, putting the needs and aspirations of their students or followers first.
• Empowerment and Encouragement: A great teacher or leader provides the necessary tools, knowledge, and support to help individuals realize their own capabilities. They inspire confidence and foster a sense of belief in one’s own abilities.
• Creating Independent Thinkers: Rather than imposing their own views or ideas, great leaders encourage independent thinking and problem-solving. They foster an environment where individuals feel empowered to express themselves and contribute their unique perspectives.
• Leading by Example: While not seeking personal recognition, great teachers and leaders often lead by example. They demonstrate the qualities, values, and behaviors they wish to instill in their students or followers, serving as a model for them to emulate.
• Long-lasting Impact: The influence of a great teacher or leader endures long after their direct involvement. Their legacy is not defined solely by their own achievements, but by the accomplishments and growth of those they have inspired and mentored.
• Promoting a Culture of Growth: This approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement and learning. It encourages individuals to set ambitious goals, overcome challenges, and strive for personal excellence.
• Encouraging Personal Ownership: Great teachers and leaders instill a sense of ownership and responsibility in their students or followers. They empower them to take charge of their own learning, development, and success.

Great teachers leading by example

• Nelson Mandela: Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.
  • He dedicated his life to ending apartheid and establishing racial equality. Despite enduring 27 years in prison, Mandela emerged as a symbol of peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness. He empowered his fellow South Africans to believe in their collective strength and to work towards a united, democratic nation.
• Mahatma Gandhi: Gandhi was a leader in the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule.
  • He believed in non-violent civil disobedience and led India to independence through peaceful protests and acts of civil disobedience. Gandhi’s humility and dedication to the greater good inspired millions, demonstrating the power of selfless leadership.
• Mother Teresa: Mother Teresa was a Catholic nun and founder of the Missionaries of Charity, an order dedicated to serving the poor.
  • She spent her life caring for the sick, the homeless, and the destitute in Kolkata, India. Mother Teresa’s focus was on alleviating human suffering, and she never sought personal recognition or fame. Her selfless service continues to inspire people around the world.
• Martin Luther King Jr: King was a prominent leader in the American civil rights movement.
  • He advocated for nonviolent protest and fought for the rights of African Americans. Dr. King’s speeches and actions emphasized the potential for change through unity and peaceful resistance. His legacy lives on as a testament to the power of inspiring others to believe in their own worth and the possibility of a better future.

Conclusion

It underscores the idea that a great educator or leader is one who guides, encourages, and empowers others to discover and realize their own potential, rather than seeking to overshadow them with their own accomplishments or ego. This approach is rooted in a genuine desire to see others succeed and grow. It’s a hallmark of effective leadership and mentorship.

Topic: challenges of corruption.

7. Whistleblowing plays a crucial role in preventing corruption in public organizations by promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical behavior. Discuss. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Abstract Thursdays’ in Mission-2023 Secure.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the importance of whistleblowing.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by defining whistleblowing.

Body:

Explain What are the moral and ethical justification of whistleblowing – whistleblowing is morally required when it is required at all; people have a moral obligation to prevent serious harm to others if they can do so with little costs to themselves. Mention how it prevents corruption. Give examples to justify your points.

Conclusion:

Complete the answer by summarising its importance.

Introduction

A whistle-blower is a person who comes forward and shares his/her knowledge on any wrongdoing which he/she thinks is happening in the whole organisation or in a specific department. A whistle-blower could be an employee, contractor, or a supplier who becomes aware of any illegal activities. Personal Values and Organizational Culture are the Foundation of Whistle-blowing

A good civil servant is one who is kind, responsive, fair, has sense of duty, objective judgement skills with a hint of rebellion.

Body

In the course of civil service, an officer is bound to face challenges of various types. One must find innovative solutions to such problems by working around the problems. However, when there are inevitable situations, it becomes necessary to whistle blow, albeit within the system.

Merits of whistleblowing:

• Exposing Unethical Behaviour: When corporations and government agencies step over legal and ethical lines, whistle-blowers can make these practices public knowledge, which can lead to violators being held accountable.
• Take care of things internally: Stronger whistle-blower protection laws all over the world, such as in the EU and Australia, mean that if you do not listen to and act upon whistleblowing tips internally, people may decide to report externally, for example to the media, and are legally protected if they do so.
• Reduce losses when misconduct occurs: Whistleblowing benefits organisations through significant loss savings. Organisations that did not have a whistleblowing system in place suffered losses that were twice the size compared to those who did have a whistleblowing system.
• Build trust in your brand: 50% of the participants responded that building trust was the main benefit of a whistleblowing system. An openness to whistleblowing demonstrates a commitment to high ethical standards and builds trust in the company.
• Ensure legal compliance: Having a system in place for whistleblowing benefits organisations by reducing compliance risk.

Demerits of whistleblowing:

• The world, government, corporates and even society to an extent do not like whistle-blowers and some countries go so far as to call them ‘traitors’
• The case of Edward Snowden and Julian Assange of Wikileaks proves the point
• Whistle-blowers face legal action, criminal charges, social stigma, and termination from any position, office, or job.
• Vindictive tactics to make the individual’s work more difficult and/or insignificant, assassination of character, formal reprimand, and difficult court proceedings

Ethical perspective:

The ethics of whistleblowing is a tricky matter. Whistle-blowing brings two moral values, fairness and loyalty, into conflict.

In the case where a company does serious harm through its service or product, the disclosure of such information for the sake of public constitute the ground for an understanding that takes whistleblowing as an ethical behaviour.

The situations where whistleblowing is morally justified:

• Whenever and wherever the product/service of the firm will cause considerable harm to the public.
• Whenever an employee feels serious threat or harm to him or anybody he should report to the firm.
• If an immediate boss does not care for report (whistle blowing) the employee should go up to highest level to present his case.

Conclusion

A good civil servant would adhere to the foundational principles and fight against corrupt practices in a pragmatic way as the situation demands.

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