[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 22 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: India and its neighborhood- relations.

1. The India-Japan relationship is facing challenges due to the changing global geopolitical scenario. Analyse the challenges and suggest measures to address them. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

The article highlights that conditions are prime for India-Japan to operationalise their shared vision for the Indo-Pacific

Key Demand of the question:

To analyse the challenges facing the India-Japan relationship and suggest measures to address them.

Directive word:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start with a brief overview of the India-Japan relationship and the recent developments that have impacted it.

Body:

First, write about the challenges in the India-Japan relationship, such as the changing geopolitical scenario, China’s increasing assertiveness in the region, the Quad’s emergence, and the impact of the pandemic on the global economy.

Next, suggest measures to address these challenges – deepen their economic ties and work together to address the challenges posed by China’s assertiveness in the region., promote a free and open Indo-Pacific., cooperation in areas such as healthcare, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by emphasizing the importance of the India-Japan relationship and the need for both countries to address the challenges they are facing.

Introduction

The friendship between India and Japan has a long history rooted in spiritual affinity and strong cultural and civilization ties. India and Japan established diplomatic relations on 28 April 1952. The year 2022 marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and India.

Japan is regarded as a key partner in India’s economic transformation. In the recent past, the India Japan relationship has transformed to a partnership of great substance and purpose. Japan’s interest in India is increasing due to a variety of reasons including India’s large and growing market and its resources, especially the human resources.

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Challenges:

• Trade engagements have been below potential.
• On the list of countries that India exports to, Japan is at 18th position in the list of top 25 countries. On the list of countries importing into India, Japan ranks 12th.
• India’s exports to Japan in FY were lower than in previous FY in value terms.
• India struggling to penetrate the Japanese market as a result of language barriers, high quality and service standards.
• Negotiations to purchase amphibious US-2 planes have dragged on for years.

Way Forward

• It is clear that the government has set India-Japan ties on an accelerated geopolitical course that will be a major factor in its dealings with the rest of the world, especially China, at a time when the U.S. is perceived to be retreating from the region.
• However, the strategic partnership needs stronger economic ties. While Japan is India’s largest donor and the third largest provider of FDI, bilateral trade has steadily declined since 2013.
• Today, India-Japan trade languishes at around $15 billion, a quarter of trade with China while Japan- China trade is around $300 billion.
• The two countries have decided to boost defense ties given the escalating tension in the region in the wake of the nuclear test by North Korea and China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.
• However, certain issues still remain like sharing of the defence technology, delay of US-2 amphibian aircraft.
• Both countries need to work on trade, defence and regional issues. A strong Indo- Japan will arrest the inconsistency being witnessed in the region thus contributing to peace and prosperity in the region and the world.
• Cultural exchanges including literature, movies, music, sports and academics are essential for our relations, enabling a better understanding.

Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential;

2. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in India must overcome digital divide for its true potential to be realised. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:

Among the concerns often raised in connection with the proliferation of digital public infrastructure (DPI) is the worry that nations that are reliant on digital systems for the delivery of public services will end up excluding those incapable of accessing these digital solutions from the benefits these systems were built to offer.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about Dpi, its components and their growth and opportunities it offers and ways to overcome digital divide.

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 defining DPI

Body:

First, write about the key components of DPI in India – Aadhaar, Digital Locker, Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and National Knowledge Network (NKN) and its their usage. write about the growth of DPI and their applications in the various sectors.

Next, write about the opportunities in DPI for the future and how India can harness it towards digital governance – integration, innovation, and enhanced services, with a focus on inclusivity and data security.

Next, write about the how digital divide cam hamper the above and ways to overcome it.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

Digital public infrastructure (DPI) refers to blocks or platforms such as digital identification, payment infrastructure and data exchange solutions that help countries deliver essential services to their people, empowering citizens and improving lives by enabling digital inclusion.

India, through India Stack, became the first country to develop all three foundational DPIs, Digital identity (Aadhar), Real-time fast payment (UPI) and Account Aggregator built on the Data Empowerment Protection Architecture (DEPA).

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About DPI

• DPIs mediate the flow of people, money and information. First, the flow of people through a digital ID System. Second, the flow of money through a real-time fast payment system. And third, theflow of personal information through a consent-based data sharing system to actualize the benefits of DPIs and to empower the citizen with a real ability to control data.
• These three sets become the foundation for developingan effective DPI ecosystem.
• Each DPI layer fillsa clear need and generates considerable value across sectors.
• India, through India Stack, became the first country to develop all three foundational DPIs,Digital identity (Aadhar), Real-time fast payment (UPI) and Account Aggregator built on the Data Empowerment Protection Architecture (DEPA).
• DEPA creates a digital framework that allows users to share their dataon their own terms through a third-party entity, who are known as Consent Mangers.

 Digital Divide in India

• Digital divide, as per OECD, can be defined as the “gap between individuals, households, businesses, and geographic areas at different socio-economic levels about both their opportunities to access information and communication technologies (ICTs) and to their use of the Internet for a wide variety of activities.”
• According to data from the World Bank, in 2014 there were only about 18 persons out of every 100 who used the internet.
• Southern states have higher levels of computer literacy than their Northern counterparts. This is also congruent with the literacy practices of their traditional culture. As an illustration, the digital gap is at its narrowest in Kerala, while it is at its widest in West Bengal.
• While metropolitan areas have a higher level of digital literacy, their rural counterparts in the various states have a lower level. In general, states that have more urbanization have a higher rate of citizens who are literate in digital technology, and vice versa.
• About 70 percent of India’s population of over one billion people reside in rural areas, but only about 400 million have access to the Internet.
• Given that more than 80 percent of the content on the Internet is written in English, states in which the population has a higher level of English proficiency have a higher level of digital literacy

How DPI can overcome Digital divide

• Digital Infrastructure Development: Over the past decade, India has invested in the creation of robust digital infrastructure, including high-speed internet connectivity, data centres, and improved telecommunications networks. Initiatives like Digital India and Bharat Net have played a crucial role in expanding internet access to rural and remote areas, bridging the digital divide and empowering citizens with digital services.
• Digital Governance: The Indian government has made efforts to digitize various public services, enabling citizens to access government services online easily. This move has increased efficiency, reduced bureaucracy, and enhanced transparency in governance. Initiatives like Aadhaar, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), have provided a secure digital identity to millions of Indians, enabling easy access to various services and benefits.
• E-Governance and Service Delivery:DPI has facilitated the delivery of essential services like education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and social welfare schemes to remote and underserved regions. Initiatives like e-governance portals, telemedicine, and direct benefit transfer (DBT) have positively impacted the lives of millions by reducing inefficiencies and leakages in the system.
• Digital Payments and Financial Inclusion: India has seen a remarkable rise in digital payment platforms and fintech solutions, promoting financial inclusion. Government-led initiatives like Jan Dhan Yojana, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and BHIM have made digital payments accessible to the unbanked and underbanked population, fostering greater economic participation.
• Digital Entrepreneurship and Startups:The DPI has contributed to the growth of India’s startup ecosystem. The availability of digital infrastructure and ease of doing business has encouraged entrepreneurs to create innovative solutions, fostering economic growth and employment opportunities.
• Data Privacy and Security Concerns: As DPI continues to expand, data privacy and security challenges have emerged. With the increasing digital footprint, there is a need to strengthen cybersecurity measures and ensure responsible data handling to protect citizens’ personal information.
• Internet Penetration and Digital Literacy:While India has made strides in improving internet penetration, there is still a need to enhance digital literacy, especially in rural areas. Promoting digital literacy will empower citizens to leverage digital services effectively.
• Leveraging Emerging Technologies:As DPI evolves, India has the opportunity to leverage emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to further enhance service delivery and governance.

Conclusion

Overall, India’s progress in developing its Digital Public Infrastructure has laid a strong foundation for a digital economy. However, to realize the vision of inclusive and sustainable growth, continuous efforts are needed to address challenges related to data privacy, security, and digital literacy. Additionally, adapting to emerging technologies and fostering innovation will be crucial for India to maintain its momentum towards becoming a digital-first nation.

Value addition

• Aadhaar:
  • Aadhaar is a strategic policy tool for social and financial inclusion, public sector delivery reforms, managing fiscal budgets, increasing convenience and promoting hassle-free people-centric governance.
  • Aadhaar holders can voluntarily use their Aadhaar for private sector purposes, and private sector entities need not seek special permission for such usage.
• DigiYatra:
  • DigiYatrais a Biometric Enabled Seamless Travel (BEST) experience based on a Facial Recognition System (FRS).
  • Air passenger traffic in India was estimated to be over 188 million in airports across India in the financial year 2022, out of whom over 22 million were international passengers.
• DigiLocker:
  • DigiLockerhas 150 million users, six billion stored documents, and done with a tiny budget of RS 50 crore over seven years.
  • The users can store their documents such as insurance, medical reports, PAN card, passport, marriage certificate, school certificate and other documents in the digital format.
• UPI:
  • UPI (Unified Payment Interface)has crossed eight billion transactions per month and transacts a value of USD 180 billion a month, or about a staggering 65% of India’s GDP per annum.
  • UPI is currently the biggest among the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)operated systems including National Automated Clearing House (NACH), Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), Aadhaar enabled Payment System (AePS), Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), RuPay etc.

General Studies – 3

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

3. Integrating policies that promote sustainability, resilience, and innovation across the entire energy ecosystem is crucial to achieve net zero carbon emissions in India. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question: 

The annual emissions report, usually timed close to the beginning of the climate talks, reiterates in sharper language that progress, since the Paris Agreement (PA) of 2015, has been tardy.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the various obstacles to energy security in India and ways to ensure energy security.

Directive word: 

Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context regarding the energy security in the country.

Body:

First, write about the various impediments to India’s renewable energy sector – High capital costs, Lack of transmission infrastructure, Land acquisition, Storage, Financing challenges etc.

Next, write about ways to balance between clean energy commitments while balancing energy security.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

Net-zero emission is the method of balancing the greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere by the greenhouse gas absorption from the atmosphere. In zero-carbon emission, the country will focus on limiting carbon emission. But in Net-zero carbon the country will focus on bringing the net carbon emission to zero.

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Background

At the 26^th Conference of Parties (CoP26), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared a five-fold strategy — termed as the panchamrita — to achieve this feat. These five points include:

• India will get its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 gigawatt (GW) by 2030
• India will meet 50 per cent of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030
• India will reduce the total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from now onwards till 2030
• By 2030, India will reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by less than 45 per cent
• So, by the year 2070, India will achieve the target of Net Zero.

Challenges for India to achieve carbon neutrality

• India is the world’s third-biggest emitter of GHG.
• India’s per capita CO2 emissions – at 1.8 tonnes per person in 2015 – are around a ninth of those in the USA and around a third of the global average of 4.8 tonnes per person.
• India must also meet the aspirations of 1.4 billion people for faster economic development. This will limit India’s development potential.
• India’s (Baa3 stable) 2070 net-zero target and intermediate goals through 2030 present significant policy implementation challenges for the government.
• Meeting the nation’s existing target of 450 gigawatts of renewables by 2030 is already a massive lift. Hitting net zero will require an even more dramatic acceleration.
• By 2050, India’s total electricity demand would be about 5500 to 6000 terawatt-hours (TWh), roughly a factor of five on today’s level.
• In developed countries, emissions have already peaked. Their decision is only about the path to net-zero. Emerging economies like India, instead, will go through a high-growth phase with rising energy demand and emissions. So, before a net-zero year can be targeted, India must discuss options for its peaking year
• India’s pursuit of its targets is conditional upon the country receiving as much as $ 1 trillion in climate finance from external donors, including multilateral development banks and advanced economies – an unlikely prospect.
• Indian banks’ significant loans to carbon-intensive sectors expose them to transition risks, and they will face pressure to decarbonise their loan books.
• Many argue that net zero is not equitable and fair as it does not differentiate between developing and developed countries in sharing the burden of mitigation.
• Some also criticise mid-century net zero as allowing uncontrolled emissions today while relying on uncertain technologies to offset emissions in the future.
• Many net zero pledges are premised upon trading and offsetting emissions, allowing the rich to continue emitting and buying their way out.

Measures needed to achieve net zero emissions

• Focus on Energy Efficiency:
  • Will need energy efficient buildings, lighting, appliances and industrial practicesto meet the net-zero goal.
• Increased usage of Biofuels:
  • Can help reduce emissions from light commercial vehicles, tractors in agriculture.
  • In aviation, the only practical solution for reducing emissions is greater use of biofuels, until hydrogen technology gains scale.
• Transition towards Electric vehicles:
  • This will further help curb the carbon emissions.
• Carbon Sequestration:
  • India willhave to rely on natural and man-made carbon sinks to soak up those emissions. Trees can capture 0.9 billion tons; the country will need carbon capture technologies to sequester the rest.
• Carbon Pricing:
  • India, which already taxes coal and petroleum fuels, should consider putting a tax on emissions to drive change.
• Deploying lower-carbon Energy:
  • There are four main types of low-carbon energy: wind, solar, hydro or nuclear power. The first three are renewable, which means these are good for the environment – as natural resources are used (such as wind or sun) to produce electricity.
  • Deploying lower carbon energy would help address both domestic and international climate challenges while simultaneously improving the economic well-being of India’s citizens.
• Mainstreaming Renewable energy:
  • India’s energy mix is dominated by coal powered electric generation stations as of now.
  • The need of the hour is increase the share of renewable energy in this energy mix.

Way forward for India:

• Given the massive shifts underway in India’s energy system, we would benefit from taking stock of our actions and focusing on near-term transitions.
• This will allow us to meet and even over-comply with our 2030 target while also ensuring concomitant developmental benefits, such as developing a vibrant renewable industry.
• We can start putting in place the policies and institutions necessary to move us in the right direction for the longer-term and also better understand, through modelling and other studies, the implications of net-zero scenarios before making a net-zero pledge.
• It would also be in India’s interest to link any future pledge to the achievement of near-term action by industrialised countries.
• That would be fair and consistent with the principles of the UNFCCC and also enhance the feasibility of our own actions through, for example, increasing availability and reducing costs of new mitigation technologies.

Value addition

Measures undertaken by GoI towards its vision of NetZero emissions

• In 2021, India launched the National Hydrogen Mission, aiming to transform the country into a hydrogen exporter. This will not only reduce India’s dependence on crude oil but also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• India has set ambitious ethanol blending targets, aiming to achieve 20% ethanol blending with petrol by 2025.
• The promotion of electric vehicles through FAME India schemes is another crucial step. As per the NITI Aayog vision document, 30% of the total vehicles on Indian roads by 2030 will be Electric Vehicles.
• The new vehicle scrappage policyincentivizes consumers to replace their old, more polluting vehicles with electric or hybrid ones.
• India is also focusing on Carbon Storage and Capturing (CCS) technologies to remove greenhouse gases before they enter the atmosphere. However, these technologies are currently expensive and complex, necessitating efforts for technology transfer.
• India plans to implement large-scale interventions in five key sectors: energy and electricity, transport, urban design, industries, and forestry.

Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-technology, biotechnology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

4.  What are stem cells? Throw light on various types of stem cells and discuss the applications of stem cell technology. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

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 stem cells, its types and applications.

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 defining stem cells.

Body:

First, in detail write about the various types of stem cells and their features – Embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells.

Next, write about the myriad of applications of the stem cell technology and various programmes and initiatives to boost research on stem cells.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

Stem cells are undifferentiated biological cells that can differentiate into specialized cells and can divide to produce more stem cells. They are the body’s raw materials — cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated. Treatments or therapies are used stem cells to prevent or treat any disease are known as stem cell therapy. Stem cell therapy promotes the reparative treatment of diseased, dead or injured tissue.

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Types of Stem Cells

• Embryonic Stem Cells:
  • These are stem cells derived from the blastocyst stage of the embryo.
  • The blastocyst is a pre-implantation stage, formed 4 to 5 days after fertilisation.
  • They are pluripotent in nature and found in the inner cell mass.
  • Totipotent: These stem cells can differentiate into all possible cell types. The first few cells that appear as the zygote starts to divide are totipotent.
  • Pluripotent: These cells can turn into almost any cell. Cells from the early embryo are pluripotent.
  • Multipotent: These cells can differentiate into a closely related family of cells. Adult hematopoietic stem cells, for example, can become red and white blood cells or platelets.
  • Oligopotent: These can differentiate into a few different cell types. Adult lymphoid or myeloid stem cells can do this.
  • Unipotent: These can only produce cells of one kind, which is their own type. However, they are still stem cells because they can renew themselves. Examples include adult muscle stem cells.
• Adult Stem Cells:
  • Adult stem cells or somatic stem cells are found in both adult and juvenile animals, unlike embryonic stem cells.
  • They have the ability to differentiate into any cell of the organ from which they originate.
• Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells:
  • These are stem cells that are derived from somatic cells.
  • It is a pluripotent stem cell generated by introducing ‘reprogramming factors’ called Yamanaka factorsinto mature cells.

Applications of stem cell technology

• Tissue regeneration
  • Tissue regeneration is probably the most important use of stem cells.
  • Until now, a person who needed a new kidney, for example, had to wait for a donor and then undergo a transplant.
  • There is a shortage of donor organs but, by instructing stem cells to differentiate in a certain way, scientists could use them to grow a specific tissue type or organ.
• Cardiovascular disease treatment
  • In 2013, a team of researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital reported in PNAS Early Editionthat they had created blood vessels in laboratory mice, using human stem cells.
  • Within 2 weeks of implanting the stem cells, networks of blood-perfused vessels had formed. The quality of these new blood vessels was as good as the nearby natural ones.
• Brain disease treatment
  • Doctors may one day be able to use replacement cells and tissues to treat brain diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
  • In Parkinson’s, for example, damage to brain cells leads to uncontrolled muscle movements. Scientists could use stem cells to replenish the damaged brain tissue.
  • This could bring back the specialized brain cells that stop the uncontrolled muscle movements.
• Cell deficiency therapy
  • Scientists hope one day to be able to develop healthy heart cells in a laboratory that they can transplant into people with heart disease.
  • These new cells could repair heart damage by repopulating the heart with healthy tissue.
  • Similarly, people with type I diabetes could receive pancreatic cells to replace the insulin-producing cells that their own immune systems have lost or destroyed.
• Blood disease treatments
  • Doctors now routinely use adult hematopoietic stem cells to treat diseases, such as leukemia, sickle cell anemia, and other immunodeficiency problems.
  • Hematopoietic stem cells occur in blood and bone marrow and can produce all blood cell types, including red blood cells that carry oxygen and white blood cells that fight disease.

Way forward

• There is a need for implementation of the rules framed by the centre. Despite the existence of regulatory frameworks, scientists, clinics and doctors continue to work with stem cells without proper approval.
• There is a need to encourage reporting of the effects of stem cell therapies’ trials. Evidence-based progress is vital in a dynamic and much-hyped field like stem cell technology.
• There is a need to create awareness about the real benefits and limitations of stem cell therapies to protect patients from unproven therapies offered by profit-driven clinics.
• Regulation of IVF clinics is essential to break the image of India as an ‘embryo supplier’ for dubious research.
• Instead of depending on stem cells derived from embryos, adult stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells can be worked with to a greater extent.
• Certification of clinics approved for providing stem cell therapy.
• An internationally applicable guideline must be developed by organisations like WHO as this is not an issue to be solved by one country in isolation.

Conclusion

Though advancement in stem cell technology is making strides, there is a need to funnel it through appropriate testing and clinical trials before being used on the general public. For this, a well-functioning regulatory mechanism and responsible research and application are of vital importance.

Topic: Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

5. What are the causes for insurgency in the parts north-eastern India? Examine the reasons that sustain insurgency in north east India despite many efforts at eliminating it. (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 causes for insurgency in N.E India and its sustenance despite various measures.

Directive word: 

Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context of the insurgencies in North east India.

Body:

First, draw a small map of the north-east showing major insurgent conflicts in the region.

Next, mention the causes of the insurgency under various heads such as economic, political, social, cultural/ethnic reasons.  Write briefly about its impact highlighting the issues associated with AFSPA, Naxalism and International borders.

Next, write about the various measures taken to tackle insurgency and their limitations. Write about the factors for sustenance of insurgency.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

There are over a hundred of ethnic groups in the Northeast each having a strong sense of identity and their uniqueness. They want to retain this uniqueness in their political and social and orientations as well. Insurgency is essentially a violent rebellion against the political organisation when the ethnic communities feel that their interests have been neglected and they are not properly represented.

The large prevalence of insurgency has negatively impacted the prevalence of Peace in the Northeast. This not only affects the socio-economic development of the region but has a negative effect on the country as well.

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Causes of insurgency in north-east

• Nationality: Involving concept of a distinct ‘homeland’ as a separate nation and pursuit of the realisation of that goal by its votaries.
• Ethnic reasons: Involving assertion of numerically smaller and less dominant tribal groups against the political and cultural hold of the dominant tribal group. In Assam, this also takes the form of tension between local and migrant communities.
• Sub-regional reasons: Involving movements which ask for recognition of sub-regional aspirations and often come in direct conflict with the State Governments or even the autonomous Councils.
• Developmental issues: Poverty, unemployment, lack of connectivity, inadequate health care and educational facilities, feelings of neglect and non-participation in governing their own affairs have contributed to the insurgency in the region.
• Governance deficit:Informal economy and governance and shortage of resources.
• Porous international borderswith difficult topography
• Sense of alienation from mainstreamdue to overwhelming presence of security forces and associated issues of Human Rights.

Reasons that sustain insurgency in north-east

• Sense of Isolation, Deprivation and Exploitation: Distance from New Delhi and meagre representation in the Lok Sabha has further reduced the vox populi being heard in the corridors of powers, leading to more disillusionment in the dialogue process, thereby making call of the gun more attractive.
• Demographic Changes: The influx of refugees from former East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) into Assam led to a dramatic change in the demographic landscape of the region.
• Lack of Economic Development: GoI’s economic policies have also fuelled resentment and insecurity amongst the people. Due to various factors, the development of NEI has lagged behind thereby resulting in lack of employment opportunities. Thus, the youth are easily lured by various insurgent groups in order to earn easy money.
• Internal Displacement: Internal displacement is also an ongoing problem. From the 1990s to the start of 2011, over 800,000 people were forced to flee their homes in episodes of inter-ethnic violencein western Assam, along the border between Assam and Meghalaya, and in Tripura.
• External Support: There is ‘increasing evidence’ of China’s revival of its ‘covert offensive’ in the region.Pakistan’s Special Services Group (SSG) also trained the Naga guerrillas in the 1960s through their bases in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

 Conclusion and way forward

• Multi-stakeholder approach:A wider representation not just of civil society, scholars and others, but also of professionals is required at any forum addressing the concerns in the North-East.
• Understanding emotionaland psychological aspects of the problems of the different states of the North-East: Any meaningful policy for the North-East should address the specifics of each state and region.
• Economic development: Opening up of economy of this region may be expedited making way for new investments, acquiring of productive assets, reaching potential in tourism etc.
• Tackling illegal immigrationfrom neighbouring countries: Identity cards and work permits for those who come for work should be made mandatory.
• Stress on Dialogueas an ongoing process to reach concrete solutions by involving all the stakeholders and not a single group.

 Value addition

Government measures

• Constitutional protection in Sixth Schedulewhich protected not only the tribal laws, customs and land rights; but also gave sufficient autonomy to the tribes to administer themselves with minimum outside interference.
• Protected Area Permit:Due to security reasons, certain areas have been declared as Protected Area/Restricted Areas where no foreigner can enter or stay without obtaining permit from the competent authorities .
• Act east policy to enhance economic cooperation with South East Asian countries will benefit North East.
• Infrastructural development
  • Kaladan Multimodal project to provide connectivity of North East with rest of India through Mizoram.
  • Trilateral highway (moreh (manipur) -mandalay – thailand) will facilitate north east trade with South east Asia.
  • North-East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS) is a region-based road development programme in India.

General Studies – 4

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

6.  What does this quote means to you? (150 words)

“In ethics, prudence is not enough; we need virtue.”  – Aristotle

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote.

Body:

Write about the difference between prudence and virtue – Prudence and virtue are two concepts that are closely related to ethics, but they have different meanings and implications. Write about the need of being virtuous in ethics. Cite major virtues and examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.

Introduction

Virtue ethics is a broad term for theories that emphasize the role of character and virtue in moral philosophy rather than either doing one’s duty or acting in order to bring about good consequences.

Body

Most virtue ethics theories take their inspiration from Aristotle who declared that a virtuous person is someone who has ideal character traits. These traits derive from natural internal tendencies, but need to be nurtured; however, once established, they will become stable. For example,  a virtuous person is someone who is kind across many situations over a lifetime because that is her character and not because she wants to maximize utility or gain favors or simply do her duty. Unlike deontological and consequentialist theories, theories of virtue ethics do not aim primarily to identify universal principles that can be applied in any moral situation.

A virtuous actor chooses virtuous action knowingly and for its own sake. It is not enough to act kindly by accident, unthinkingly, or because everyone else is doing so; you must act kindly because you recognize that this is the right way to behave. Note here that although habituation is a tool for character development it is not equivalent to virtue; virtue requires conscious choice and affirmation.

Virtue “lies in a mean” because the right response to each situation is neither too much nor too little. Virtue is the appropriate response to different situations and different agents. The virtues are associated with feelings. For example: courage is associated with fear, modesty is associated with the feeling of shame, and friendliness associated with feelings about social conduct. The virtue lies in a mean because it involves displaying the mean amount of emotion, where mean stands for appropriate. (This does not imply that the right amount is a modest amount. Sometimes quite a lot may be the appropriate amount of emotion to display, as in the case of righteous indignation). The mean amount is neither too much nor too little and is sensitive to the requirements of the person and the situation.

Finally, virtue is determined by the right reason. Virtue requires the right desire and the right reason. To act from the wrong reason is to act viciously. On the other hand, the agent can try to act from the right reason but fail because he or she has the wrong desire. The virtuous agent acts effortlessly, perceives the right reason, has the harmonious right desire, and has an inner state of virtue that flows smoothly into action. The virtuous agent can act as an exemplar of virtue to others.

Conclusion

It is important to recognize that this is a perfunctory account of ideas that are developed in great detail in Aristotle. They are related briefly here as they have been central to virtue ethics’ claim to put forward a unique and rival account to other normative theories. Modern virtue ethicists have developed their theories around a central role for character and virtue and claim that this gives them a unique understanding of morality.

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

7. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)

“It is wrong and immoral to seek to escape the consequences of one’s acts.”  – Mahatma Gandhi

Difficulty level: Easy

Why the question:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote.

Body:

Write about the importance taking responsibility for one’s actions and importance of being accountable. Accountability is crucial in personal, professional, and social contexts. It refers to the obligation of individuals, organizations, and institutions to take responsibility for their actions, decisions, and outcomes. Cite examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.

us acting purely from self-interest and helps us live a life of integrity.

Introduction

“He that soweth vice does not reap virtue”.

The core of Gandhian philosophy is that Only right means leads to right destinations and ends do not justify the means as Machiavelli advocated.

It simply means that ends do not justify the means and you ll reap what you sow. Ultimately the unethical acts of humans will come to haunt them. The quote means to say that there will be accountability for the acts that we do.

Body

As adults, we must take responsibility for what we say and do not say, what we do and do not do. It is for each of these choices that we are accountable.

When a person takes it to be their moral obligation to be responsible for their actions, it is known as accountability. When a person is accountable for his actions, they understand that their actions have a direct effect on greater things and take it up as a responsibility to see that action achieving the greater good. They look beyond personal goals and their intentions are clearer. For example, an office worker may work for a longer time than what they are paid for because they consider their work as personal responsibility and they are accountable for it. Delaying the work will only lead to the institution losing money.

It is wrong and immoral to seek to escape the consequences of one’s acts. It is good for a person who overeats to have an ache and a fast. It is bad for him to indulge his appetite and then escape the consequence by taking tonics or other medicine. It is still worse for a person to indulge in his animal passions and escape the consequences of his acts. Nature is relentless and will have full revenge for any such violation of her laws. Moral results can only be produced by moral restraints. All other restraints defeat the very purpose for which they are intended

Conclusion

Gandhiji said that if we sow the seeds of babool, one cannot expect or reap rose flowers. Only right means leads to right destination and unethical means will land us in bigger trouble and we will ultimately suffer the consequences.

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