[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 10 November 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: population and associated issues

1. Proactive measures and policy reforms are needed to address the challenges posed by India’s ageing population. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:

The article discusses the demographic shift in India, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach in addressing the challenges posed by an ageing population.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about impact of ageing population 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: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

2. Examine the issues that have hindered the performance and autonomy of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the role of judiciary in ensuring that CBI does not act as a “caged parrot”. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The article reports on the stance of the Union Government in the Supreme Court regarding the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the limitations in the working of CBI and role of judiciary in monitoring its performance.

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 your answer by giving brief about CBI as the premier investigating agency.

Body:

First, discuss the issues affecting the performance of CBI – political pressure, staff shortage, case burden, delays in investigation, consent withdrawal by some states and corruption etc.

Discuss the role judiciary has played in reforming CBI and maintaining its autonomy. Suggest reforms that are needed.

 Conclusion:

Comment with a balanced way forward.

Introduction

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the premier investigating agency of India. Operating under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, the CBI is headed by the Director.

Body

Why CBI was called as caged parrot?

• Politicisation of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)has been a work in progress for years.
• It has often been used by the government of the day to cover up wrongdoing, keep coalition allies in line and political opponents at bay.
• Corruption and politically biased: This was highlighted in Supreme Court criticism for being a caged parrot speaking in its master’s voice.
• CBI has been accused of becoming ‘handmaiden’ to the party in power, as a result high profile cases are not treated seriously.
• Since CBI is run by central police officials on deputation hence chances of getting influenced by government was visible in the hope of better future postings.

Issues that have hindered the working of CBI

• The agency is dependent on the home ministry for staffing, since many of its investigators come from the Indian Police Service.
• The agency depends on the law ministry for lawyers and also lacks functional autonomy to some extent.
• The CBI, run by IPS officers on deputation, is also susceptible to the government’s ability to manipulate the senior officers, because they are dependent on the Central government for future postings.
• Another great constraint on the CBI is its dependence on State governments for invoking its authority to investigate cases in a State, even when such investigation targets a Central government employee.
• Since police is a State subject under the Constitution, and the CBI acts as per the procedure prescribed by the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), which makes it a police agency, the CBI needs the consent of the State government in question before it can make its presence in that State. This is a cumbersome procedure and has led to some ridiculous situations.
• It has been accused of enormous delays in concluding investigations – For example, the inertia in its probe against the high dignitaries in Jain hawala diaries case of the 1990s.
• Improving the image of the agency is one of the biggest challenges till now as the agency has been criticised for its mismanagement of several cases involving prominent politicians and mishandling of several sensitive cases like Bofors scandal; Hawala scandal, Sant Singh Chatwal case, Bhopal gas tragedy, 2008 Noida double murder case of Aarushi Talwar.
• CBI is exempted from the provisions of the Right to Information Act, thus, lacking public accountability.
• A major cause of the shortfall is the government’s sheer mismanagement of CBI’s workforce, through a system of inefficient, and inexplicably biased, recruitment policies – used to bring in favoured officers, possibly to the detriment of the organisation.
• The powers and jurisdiction of members of the CBI for investigation are subject to the consent of the State Govt., thus limiting the extent of investigation by CBI.
• Prior approval of Central Government to conduct inquiry or investigation on the employees of the Central Government, of the level of Joint Secretary and above is a big obstacle in combating corruption at higher levels of bureaucracy.

Reforms needed

• Ensure that CBI operates under a formal, modern legal framework that has been written for a contemporary investigative agency.
• The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2007) suggested that a new law should be enacted to govern the working of the CBI.
• Parliamentary standing committee (2007) recommended that a separate act should be promulgated in tune with requirement with time to ensure credibility and impartiality.
• The 19th and 24th reports of the parliamentary standing committees (2007 and 2008) recommended that the need of the hour is to strengthen the CBI in terms of legal mandate, infrastructure and resources.
• It is high time that the CBI is vested with the required legal mandate and is given pan-India jurisdiction. It must have inherent powers to investigate corruption cases against officers of All India Services irrespective of the assignments they are holding or the state they are serving in.
• Besides appointing the head of the CBI through a collegium, as recommended by the Lokpal Act, the government must ensure financial autonomy for the outfit.
• It is also possible to consider granting the CBI and other federal investigation agencies the kind of autonomy that the Comptroller and Auditor General enjoys as he is only accountable to Parliament.
• A new CBI Act should be promulgated that ensures the autonomy of CBI while at the same time improving the quality of supervision. The new Act must specify criminal culpability for government interference.
• One of the demands that has been before Supreme Court, and in line with international best practices, is for the CBI to develop its own dedicated cadre of officers who are not bothered about deputation and abrupt transfers.
• A more efficient parliamentary oversight over the federal criminal and intelligence agencies could be a way forward to ensure better accountability, despite concerns regarding political misuse of the oversight.

Conclusion

Delink the CBI from the administrative control of the government – As long as the government of the day has the power to transfer and post officials of its choice in the CBI, the investigating agency will not enjoy autonomy and will be unable to investigate cases freely. Providing statutory status through legislation equivalent to that provided to the Comptroller & Auditor General and the Election Commission will help maintain the independence of the institution.

General Studies – 3

Topic: indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

3. What is the strategic importance of semiconductor fabrication for India? Discuss the need for a long-term vision and sustained efforts to build a self-reliant semiconductor industry. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu Insights on India

Why the question:

The article discusses the significance of semiconductor fabrication in India and the need for strategic initiatives to boost domestic production.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about applications of semi-conductors fabrication and how the government can create a thriving domestic semiconductor industry.

Directive word: 

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving a statistic highlighting strategic significance of semiconductors in India.

Body:

In the first part, discuss the various applications of semiconductors fabrication – computers, phones, server farms, missiles and in their guidance systems, warplanes, submarines, aircraft carriers, satellites etc.

Next, write about the steps need to create a robust domestic industry for semiconductors – tackling R&D problems, funding, solving intellectual property issues. Mention various measures already initiated by the government in this regard.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

Semiconductor chips are the basic building blocks that serve as the heart and brain of all modern electronics and information and communications technology products. These chips are now an integral part of contemporary automobiles, household gadgets and essential medical devices such as ECG machines.

Semiconductor shortage is turning into an acute issue. Due to it, the growth prospects of the auto industry are once again in jeopardy. This issue also offers immense opportunity for India to foray in to Integrated Circuits and Chip design.

Body

Applications of semiconductor

• The modern economy needs all kinds of chips in great quantities, for everything from computers, telecommunication gear, robots, medical equipment, watches, industrial machines.
• Semiconductor chips go into computers, phones, server farms that store data. They are used to control the launch of missilesand in their guidance systems.
• Chips are embedded in warplanes, submarines, aircraft carriers. At present, all the silicon needed in these critical pieces of strategic equipment is imported. If we do not have fool proof access to all the silicon that ourstrategic capability needs, all the time, India can bid goodbye to its goal of strategic autonomy, to be a regional, if not a global power.
• India has its own nuclear energy programme, a space programme and, drawing on these two, a programme to build nuclear weapons and delivery mechanisms.
  • India does not want to take shelter under another country’s nuclear umbrella when confronting a nuclear-armed hostile power.
• External dependence for vital semiconductorsis the chink in India’s armour.

Importance of Semiconductors:

• Semiconductor chips play a critical part in making life easier, stimulating digital disruption, and advancing economy.
• Semiconductors are the foundation of modern electronics driving the next phase of digital transformation under Industry 4.0.
• The ubiquitous chips are now an integral part of contemporary automobiles, household gadgets such as refrigerators, and essential medical devices such as ECG machines.
• Scarcity of chips can cause production to suffer in almost every industry, underlining the necessity to diversify chip supply.

Way Forward

• Given the long gestation periods and rapid technology changes,India must out-strategize on design and functionality as the end product will be out only after three-four years from the moment work begins, by which point the prevailing chip shortage would have been resolved, while technology would have advanced further.
• Apart from incentivising more FDI in electronics to deepen our supply chains through incentive schemes, we need to focus on encouraging Indian manufacturers and start-ups to enter and master complex R&D and manufacturing verticals.
• We can then ensure that valuable Intellectual Propertyis created and owned by Indian companies.
• The semiconductor industry is changing fast as new-age technologies require innovation at the design, material, and process levels.
• Indian engineers have contributed immensely to this area in multinational companies. We must encourage them to set up their design start-ups with handsome government grants and tax incentives.
• Premier research institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science should also be asked to work aggressively on R&D in chip designing and manufacturing.
• Further, the government must focus on emerging technologies like LiDAR and Phased Array in which incumbents do not have a disproportionate advantage and the entry barrier is low.
• By working aggressively in new cutting-edge technologies, India can ensure that it becomes Aatmanirbhar.
• India needs to push for aQuad Supply Chain Resilience Fund to immunise the supply chain from geopolitical and geographic risks
• India and Taiwan have started negotiations for afree-trade agreement and setting up a semiconductor manufacturing hub in an Indian city, signalling their resolve to further expand the two-way economic engagement.

Conclusion

India will need to develop capabilities in the microprocessor core technology, chip design based on that core and in the machines needed to create a chip foundry. India has the largest workforce in tech, toiling away in India and the rest of the world, tackling R&D problems set by multinational companies and foreign governments. The point is to bring a large enough number of them together, to solve problems identified by the government, with funding from the government and the promise of owning the intellectual property they develop, diluted only to meet the government’s strategic needs.

Value addition

Government initiatives in this regard

The Union Cabinet’s decision to set aside ₹76,000 crore for supporting the development of a ‘semiconductors and display manufacturing ecosystem’ is a belated but welcome acknowledgment of the strategic significance of integrated circuits, or chips, to a modern economy.

• India Semiconductor Mission:
  • In order to drive the long-term strategies for developing a sustainable semiconductors and display ecosystem, aspecialised and independent India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) will be set up.
  • ISM will beled by global experts in the semiconductor and display industry.It will act as the nodal agency for efficient and smooth implementation of the schemes on Semiconductors and Display ecosystem.
• Production Linked Incentives:
  • Incentive support to the tune of Rs.55,392 crore (7.5 billion USD) has been approved under PLIfor Largest Scale Electronics Manufacturing, PLI for IT Hardware, SPECS Scheme andModified Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC 2.0) Scheme.
  • In addition, PLI incentives to the quantum of Rs.98,000 crore (USD 13 billion) is approved for alliedsectors comprising ACC battery, auto components, telecom & networking products, solar PV modules and white goods.
• Semiconductor Fabs and Display Fabs:
  • It would provide fiscal support of up to 50% of the project costfor setting up semiconductor and display fabrication units.
  • The Union government will work with the States to set up high-tech clusters with the required infrastructuresuch as land and semiconductor-grade water.
• Semi-conductor Laboratory (SCL):
  • MeitY will take requisite steps for modernization and commercialization of Semi-conductor Laboratory (SCL).
  • MeitY will explore the possibility for the Joint Venture of SCL with a commercial fab partnerto modernise the brownfield fab facility.
• Compound Semiconductors:
  • It will support fiscal support of 30% of capital expenditure to approved units.
  • At Least 15 such unitsof Compound Semiconductors and Semiconductor Packagingare expected to be established with Government support under this scheme.
• Semiconductor Design Companies:
  • TheDesign Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme shall extend product design linked incentive of up to 50%of eligible expenditure and product deployment linked incentive of 6% – 4% on net sales for five years.
  • Support will be provided to 100 domestic companiesof semiconductor design for Integrated Circuits (ICs), Chipsets, System on Chips (SoCs), Systems & IP Cores and semiconductor linked design.

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

4. Plastic pollution has become pervasive, affecting land, water bodies, and even remote areas. Examine the various measures taken to tackle plastic pollution in India. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question:

The article emphasizes the urgent need to address plastic pollution and highlights the detrimental effects of plastic on the environment.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the need to tackle plastic pollution by regulating its manufacturing as well as managing plastic waste.

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 a statistic regarding the extent of plastic pollution in India and the world.

Body:

First, mention the various sources of plastic pollution and its impact.

Next, write about the steps that have been taken to regulated the manufacture of plastic in India.

Next, enumerate policy measures and other initiative to tackle plastic waste management in India. Examine the performance the above measures.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward to holistically tackle the issue of plastic pollution.

Introduction

Plastic pollution is perhaps the biggest threat facing after planet after climate change.On May 29, 2023, members of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) gathered in Paris for the second meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution, also known as INC-2.

INC-2, a successor of INC-1, held in Punta del Este, Uruguay, last year, is the international community’s chance set the stage for negotiations on a global deal to end plastic pollution.

Body

Plastic waste scenario in India

• According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India generates close to 26,000 tonnes of plastic a day and over 10,000 tonnes a day of plastic waste remains uncollected.
• According to a Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)study the plastic processing industry is estimated to grow to 22 million tonnes (MT) a year by 2020 from 13.4 MT in 2015 and nearly half of this is single-use plastic.
• India’s per capita plastic consumption of less than 11 kg is nearly a tenth of the United States of America (109 kg).

Strategies to combat plastic pollution

• Local actionsare required for mitigating plastic pollution, using mechanisms such as bans on plastic bags, maximum daily limits for emissions into watersheds, and incentives for fishing gear retrieval.
• Countries should come together to establish measurable reduction targets for plastic waste. A meaningful international agreement—one with clearly defined waste reduction targets is the need of the hour.
• Effective policies must take into account all stages of the lifecycle of plastic—connecting producers to users and ultimately to waste managers.
• Nonprofits like 5 Gyresare now pushing an agenda toward public awareness, corporate responsibility and the idea of a circular economy — an economy that focuses on keeping waste to a minimum while maximizing materials’ use.
• Fossil fuel subsidies incentivise the plastic market. Hence, Countries should end fossil fuel subsidies. Annually, 4–8% of oil is used to produce raw plastic.
• India has a major problem dealing with plastics, particularly single-use shopping bags that reach dumping sites, rivers and wetlands along with other waste.
• The most efficient way to deal with the pollution is to control the production and distribution of plastics.
• Banning single-use bags and making consumers pay a significant amount for the more durable ones is a feasible solution.
• Enforcing segregation of waste will retrieve materials and greatly reduce the burden on the environment.
• Waste separation can be achieved in partnership with the community, and presents a major employment opportunity.
• Eco-friendly substitutes (cloth/paper/jute bags, leaves/areca leaf plates, paper straws) should be developed. For this, scientific and financial support (soft loans and subsidies) is required.

Conclusion

UNFCCC has provided a systematic framework for collective action to address Climate Change. The UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution can provide a similar mechanism to combat plastic pollution. The UNEA has set a deadline of 2024 to agree on the treaty. All nations should support the negotiation process to reach a consensus as early as possible and stick to the 2024 deadline.

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

5. The carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technology holds a great potential to mitigate the emissions from fossil fuels. 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 – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about carbon capture utilisation technologies and their significance in mitigating emissions.

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: 

Briefly explain the concept of carbon capture utilisation technologies.

Body:

Explain the coming of carbon capture utilisation technologies; Carbon Capture and Storage, is a technology which captures carbon dioxide (CO2) from the burning of coal and gas for power generation, and from the manufacturing of steel, cement and other industrial facilities.  It involves the transportation of CO2 either by pipeline or ship, for safe and permanent underground storage. Thus, it helps in preventing it from entering the atmosphere and contributing to anthropogenic climate change.

Next, write about the limitations of CCUS technologies.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a forward and efforts needed to explore this technology.

Introduction

Plastic pollution is perhaps the biggest threat facing after planet after climate change.On May 29, 2023, members of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) gathered in Paris for the second meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution, also known as INC-2.

INC-2, a successor of INC-1, held in Punta del Este, Uruguay, last year, is the international community’s chance set the stage for negotiations on a global deal to end plastic pollution.

Body

Plastic waste scenario in India

• According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India generates close to 26,000 tonnes of plastic a day and over 10,000 tonnes a day of plastic waste remains uncollected.
• According to a Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)study the plastic processing industry is estimated to grow to 22 million tonnes (MT) a year by 2020 from 13.4 MT in 2015 and nearly half of this is single-use plastic.
• India’s per capita plastic consumption of less than 11 kg is nearly a tenth of the United States of America (109 kg).

Strategies to combat plastic pollution

• Local actionsare required for mitigating plastic pollution, using mechanisms such as bans on plastic bags, maximum daily limits for emissions into watersheds, and incentives for fishing gear retrieval.
• Countries should come together to establish measurable reduction targets for plastic waste. A meaningful international agreement—one with clearly defined waste reduction targets is the need of the hour.
• Effective policies must take into account all stages of the lifecycle of plastic—connecting producers to users and ultimately to waste managers.
• Nonprofits like 5 Gyresare now pushing an agenda toward public awareness, corporate responsibility and the idea of a circular economy — an economy that focuses on keeping waste to a minimum while maximizing materials’ use.
• Fossil fuel subsidies incentivise the plastic market. Hence, Countries should end fossil fuel subsidies. Annually, 4–8% of oil is used to produce raw plastic.
• India has a major problem dealing with plastics, particularly single-use shopping bags that reach dumping sites, rivers and wetlands along with other waste.
• The most efficient way to deal with the pollution is to control the production and distribution of plastics.
• Banning single-use bags and making consumers pay a significant amount for the more durable ones is a feasible solution.
• Enforcing segregation of waste will retrieve materials and greatly reduce the burden on the environment.
• Waste separation can be achieved in partnership with the community, and presents a major employment opportunity.
• Eco-friendly substitutes (cloth/paper/jute bags, leaves/areca leaf plates, paper straws) should be developed. For this, scientific and financial support (soft loans and subsidies) is required.

Conclusion

UNFCCC has provided a systematic framework for collective action to address Climate Change. The UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution can provide a similar mechanism to combat plastic pollution. The UNEA has set a deadline of 2024 to agree on the treaty. All nations should support the negotiation process to reach a consensus as early as possible and stick to the 2024 deadline.

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

6. As a policy tool to control greenhouse gas emissions, the carbon emissions trading mechanism can achieve the goal of reducing emissions while minimizing overall emissions reduction costs through market transactions. Examine.  (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about carbon market and India’s potential in using it to fight climate change.

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 carbon market.

Body:

In the first part, in detail, write about the structure and functioning of carbon market and its brief history.

Next, write about the potential of carbon markets in reducing carbon emissions and fighting climate change. Write the ways in which it would help. Substantiate with facts and examples.

Next, write about the challenges and limitations associated with carbon markets in India. Mention ways to overcome them.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

Emission trading or Carbon markets allow for buying and selling of carbon emissions with the objective of reducing global emissions. Carbon markets existed under the Kyoto Protocol, which is being replaced by the Paris Agreement in 2020. Carbon Markets can potentially deliver emissions reductions over and above what countries are doing on their own.

Body

About carbon market

• Carbon Markets and Carbon Credits are components of emissions trading, a market-based approach to to reduce the concentration of Greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere. It works by providing economic incentives for reducing the emissions of the designated pollutants. A carbon market allows investors and corporations to trade both carbon credits and carbon offsets simultaneously.
• Carbon credits (or allowances) work like permission slips for emissions.
  • When a company buys a carbon credit, they gain permission to generate more CO2 emissions.
  • One tradable carbon credit equals one tonne of carbon dioxide, or the equivalent amount of a different greenhouse gas reduced, sequestered or avoided.
• Credits are measured against ‘benchmarks’ or allowed GHG emissions. If emissions are below the allowed limit, the emitter earns carbon credits (reducing 1 tonne of CO2 earns 1 carbon credit).
  • If emissions are above the allowed limit, the emitter must buy carbon credits from those who have excess credits.
  • Thus, crossing the emissions limit imposes a cost (amount spent on purchase of carbon credits) on the emitter. The idea is that this cost will force the emitters to be more efficient and reduce emission.

Carbon market in India: Significance

• First, it will help in mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change by reducing the GHG emissions.
• Second, there are multiple co-benefits of offset projects such as: ecosystem management, forest preservation, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy generation in third-world countries, etc.
• Third, the voluntary carbon market for offsets is smaller than the compliance market but expected to grow much bigger in the coming years. It’s open to individuals, companies, and other organizations that want to reduce or eliminate their carbon footprint but are not necessarily required to by law.
• Fourth, consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of carbon emissions. Consequently, they’re increasingly critical of companies that don’t take climate change seriously. By contributing to carbon offset projects, companies signal to consumers and investors that they’re paying more than just lip service to combat climate change.
• Fifth, it opens an additional revenue stream for environmentally beneficial businesses. For instance, Tesla, the electric car maker, sold carbon credits to legacy car manufacturers to the tune of $518 million in just the first quarter of 2021.

Challenges with carbon market

• There are concerns regarding the effectiveness of carbon markets in curbing emissions.
  • Some companies simply buy credits without making any effort to reduce emissions themselves. It is cheaper for them to buy carbon credit than to invest in emission reducing technologies
• The issue of old carbon credits (certified carbon emissions, or CERs), issued under — the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol — are still valid.
  • Counting them as valid would slow down climate action because those who are under commitments to reducing emissions would just buy the CERs and call it a done deal.
  • However, declaring them invalid would disappoint all those entities that were given the credits.
• Phenomenon of ‘double counting’ exists. If an emission reduction takes place in one country and another entity in another country buys the carbon credits, only one of the two countries should be logically allowed to use the activity against its own commitments — not both.
• Issues related to a fee levied on each carbon trading transaction for a fund to help poor countries adapt to the vagaries of the climate change.
• Buying carbon credits can deviate the rich nations from the path of reducing emissions. They can simply continue to emit and buy cheap carbon credits from developing countries.
• It is difficult to establish the amount of carbon reduced by offset projects (like afforestation or wind energy project). The complexity is in establishing baseline emissions (Emissions baseline represents what would happen if your project did not occur i.e., the emissions in the absence of the project).
  • This makes it difficult to verify emission reductions and assigning carbon credits.
• India’s own PAT (Perform, Achieve, Trade) Scheme has failed to achieve meaningful emissions reduction. According to an analysis by the Center for Science and Environment, the emission reduction under the scheme has been only 1.57% and 1.44% over the two cycles.

Conclusion

The establishment of a carbon market is a progressive step. However, the actual benefit will depend upon the effectiveness of the market. For this, the Government must ensure that proper regulations are established. Moreover, there must be periodic assessment of its functioning and corrective steps its necessary. Climate Change is real and imminent, Government must take all possible steps to mitigate the challenges.

Topic: Case Study.

7. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, 100 cases of custodial deaths were reported in 2017, 42 of which were in police custody. Thirty-three policemen were arrested while 27 were charge-sheeted. Forty-eight police personnel were charge-sheeted and three convicted in cases of human rights violation. Overall, 2,005 cases were registered against police personnel, 1,000 of whom were charge-sheeted. With 456 cases, Maharashtra topped the list, while Gujarat and Rajasthan followed with 191 and 169 cases, respectively; 128 personnel were convicted.

According to the NCRB’s 2019 figures, 85 cases of custodial deaths were reported in the year with Tamil Nadu registering the highest number of cases followed by Gujarat, Punjab and Rajasthan and Odisha. No policeman was convicted, though 14 personnel of Gujarat were arrested, and charge-sheeted. For six custodial deaths in Rajasthan, three magisterial inquiries and two judicial inquiries were initiated against erring policemen.

While several policemen do get convicted, there are good reasons to believe that many go scot free — by manipulating records, intimidating complainants or political patronage. It’s up to senior officers to ensure that prompt actions are initiated against policemen who resort to brutal torture. When erring personnel are promptly punished, the message goes out loud and clear to other rogue policemen that the law will catch up with them. In the case of custodial deaths, those guilty should be tried for murder.

1. 1. Suggest steps to tackle custodial violence in India?
   2. Should superintendents of police should be held accountable for the impropriety committed by those under their supervision.

Introduction

For many years now, custodial torture leading to deaths have become ongoing phenomenon and the question of “Who will guard the guardians”, the so-called “rakshak bhakshak” syndrome remains unanswered and unresolved.

India has a grim record in police brutality and custodial violence. Between 2001 and 2018, 1,727 persons died in police custody, but only 26 policemen were convicted for such deaths. The recent spate of custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu has yet again highlighted the methods used by the police during interrogation.

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Steps to tackle custodial violence

Technology as a solution to prevent custodial deaths

• Given the problem of custodial deaths, technology has been proposed as a silver bullet by many. Several technological solutions are available to help prevent custodial deaths. These include body cameras and automated external defibrillators.
• There is no doubt that technology can help avert police custodial deaths. For example, body cameras could hold officers liable.
• Deception detection tests (DDTs), which deploy technologies such as polygraph, narco-analysis and brain mapping, could be valuable in learning information that is known only to a criminal regarding a crime.
• The Brain Fingerprinting System (BFS) is an innovative technology that several police forces contemplate adding to their investigative tools. BFS has proved helpful for solving crimes, identifying perpetrators, and exonerating innocent suspects. Laboratory and field tests for the BFS at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Central Intelligence Agency, and U.S. Navy demonstrated no errors and no false positives and false negatives.
• Robots equipped with AI and sensor technology can build a rapport with the suspects, utilise persuasive techniques like flattery, shame and coercion, and strategically use body language. Researchers at the University of Arizona have created automated interrogation technology called The Automated Virtual Agent for Truth Assessments in Real-Time (AVATAR).
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are emerging as tool of interrogations. AI can detect human emotions and predict behaviour. Therefore, these are also options. ML can in real-time alert superiors when police are meting out inhumane treatment to suspects.

1. II) Holding superintendents accountable

Arguments in Favor:

• Chain of Command Responsibility: Superintendents are at the top of the chain of command within a police department. Holding them accountable sends a clear message that they are responsible for the actions of their subordinates.

• Leadership Influence: Superintendents have a significant influence on the organizational culture of a police department. If they are held accountable for misconduct, it can encourage a culture of professionalism, ethical behavior, and respect for human rights.
• Preventative Measure: Accountability at the leadership level acts as a deterrent. Knowing that their superiors can be held responsible, police officers may be less likely to engage in abusive practices.
• Organizational Change: Imposing accountability on superintendents can drive systemic changes within police departments, promoting transparency, and encouraging a commitment to human rights and community-oriented policing.

Arguments Against:

• Individual Officer Responsibility: Some argue that individual officers should be held accountable for their own actions, and superintendents cannot control every action of every officer under their command.

• Limited Control: Superintendents may have limited control over the actions of individual officers, especially in larger police departments where there are multiple levels of supervision.
• Legal and Procedural Challenges: Determining the extent of a superintendent’s responsibility can be legally and procedurally challenging. It may be difficult to establish a direct link between a superintendent’s actions and specific incidents of misconduct.
• Potential for Unintended Consequences: Strict accountability measures for superintendents might lead to a risk-averse leadership style, where superintendents prioritize avoiding blame over effective decision-making.

While holding superintendents of police accountable for the impropriety committed by those under their supervision has potential benefits in terms of fostering accountability and preventing misconduct, it is crucial to carefully consider the practical implications, legal complexities, and potential unintended consequences. Striking a balance between individual officer responsibility and leadership accountability is essential in creating a fair and effective system for addressing custodial violence.

Conclusion

Implementing these measures requires a coordinated effort from law enforcement agencies, government bodies, civil society, and the public. By taking these steps, India can work towards creating a policing environment that respects human rights and ensures accountability for acts of custodial violence.

Value addition

Additional measures for tackling custodial violence

• Strict Legal Framework: Strengthen existing laws and introduce new legislation to address custodial violence explicitly. Ensure that the legal framework clearly defines and criminalizes custodial violence and deaths.

• Independent Oversight Mechanism: Establish an independent oversight mechanism, separate from the police department, to investigate allegations of custodial violence. This could involve a specialized agency or an independent ombudsman.
• Body Cameras: Mandate the use of body cameras by police officers during arrests and detentions to ensure transparency and accountability. Footage from these cameras can be used as evidence in investigations.
• Training Programs: Conduct regular and mandatory training programs for law enforcement officers on human rights, ethics, and appropriate use of force. Emphasize non-coercive and community-oriented policing methods.
• Psychological Screening: Implement psychological screening of police personnel during the recruitment process to identify individuals with aggressive tendencies or a higher risk of misconduct.
• Whistleblower Protection: Strengthen whistleblower protection mechanisms to encourage police officers and other staff to report incidents of custodial violence without fear of retaliation.
• Community Policing: Promote community policing initiatives to build trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Encourage open communication and collaboration between police and the public.
• Swift and Impartial Investigations: Ensure that investigations into allegations of custodial violence are conducted promptly, impartially, and transparently. Establish special courts to fast-track such cases.
• Accountability of Senior Officers: Hold senior officers, including superintendents of police, accountable for the actions of those under their supervision. Implement a system where superiors are held responsible for failing to prevent or address custodial violence within their jurisdictions.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about their rights and the procedures for reporting police misconduct. Encourage the public to come forward with information and complaints.
• Use of Technology: Leverage technology, such as AI and data analytics, to monitor and analyze police behavior. This can help identify patterns of abuse and proactively address issues.
• International Standards: Align policing practices with international human rights standards. Seek guidance from international organizations and adopt best practices in preventing custodial violence.
• Collaboration with NGOs: Collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and human rights groups to monitor police activities, provide support to victims, and advocate for reforms.

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