[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 11 December 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: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

1. The world’s glaciers are shrinking at a faster rate than before. Discuss in detail the impact of glacial melt across the World. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The World Meteorological Organization’s recent report, The Global Climate 2011-2020, gives a broad view of the planet’s response to greenhouse gas emissions. In the section on the state of glacier health, it points out that, on average, the world’s glaciers thinned by approximately a metre a year from 2011 to 2020.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the causes and impact of glacial melt across the World.

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 context.

Body:

First, write about the major causes leading to glacier melt. Cite statistics to substantiate.

Next, write about the impact of glacial melt – Altered River flows, Impact on economic activities, Impact on weather pattern, Impact on humans and wildlife etc.

Next, write about the various measures that need to be taken.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

A glacier is a large, perennial accumulation of crystalline ice, snow, rock, sediment, and often liquid water that originates on land and moves down slope under the influence of its own weight and gravity.

The world’s glaciers are melting at faster rate than before—putting densely-populated parts of the world at the twin-risk of flooding and water shortage. The World Meteorological Organization’s recent report, The Global Climate 2011-2020, reveals a concerning trend of glacier thinning, with an average reduction of about one meter per year from 2011 to 2020.

Body

Key findings of the report:

Impact of Arctic and Antarctic Ice Melting:

Measures needed

• Mitigating Climate Change:
  • International Agreements: Strengthening commitments under theParis Agreement. For example, countries increasing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce emissions.
  • Renewable Energy Initiatives:Germany’s Energiewende program, which aims to transition to renewable energy, serves as a model for reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Protecting Marine Ecosystems
  • Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): The establishment of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Parkin Australia demonstrates effective conservation of marine biodiversity.
  • Sustainable Fishing Practices:Norway’s implementation of sustainable fishing quotas and strict regulations to protect fish stocks.
• Adapting Coastal Infrastructure
  • Flood Defense Systems:The Netherlands’ Delta Works, a series of dams and storm surge barriers, exemplify advanced coastal protection infrastructure.
  • Managed Retreat Strategies:The planned relocation of the Alaskan village of Newtok due to rising sea levels is an example of a managed retreat.
• Promoting Sustainable Economic Practices
  • Circular Economy Models:Japan’s focus on recycling and waste reduction under the concept of a “Sound Material-Cycle Society.”
  • Green Bondsand Sustainable Investments: The issuance of green bonds, such as those by the World Bank, to fund environmental projects.
• Scientific Research and Monitoring
  • Polar Research Programs: The European Space Agency’s CryoSat mission, monitoring polar ice and snow, contributes valuable data on ice melt and sea level rise.
  • Climate Research Institutes:The Scripps Institution of Oceanography in the USA conducts cutting-edge research on climate change and its impacts.
• There has been an increased focus on monitoring Greenland’s ice loss through satellite missions like NASA’s ICESat-2.

Conclusion

The melting of Arctic and Antarctic ice poses serious challenges to our global climate system, marine ecosystems, and economies. However, these challenges also present opportunities to foster global cooperation, advance scientific understanding, and implement innovative solutions.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

2. In the context of the recently introduced Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP), while ethanol blending can reduce carbon emissions and contribute to energy security, concerns persist regarding the potential implications for food security. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express , Live Mint

Why the question:

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution directed all mills and distilleries not to use sugarcane juice/syrup for making any ethanol “with immediate effect”.

Key Demand of the question: 

To write about ethanol blending, economic and ecological benefits of ethanol blending and concerns associated with 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 ethanol blending and the mechanism behind it.

Body:

First, write the economic benefits of ethanol blending – foreign exchange per year, energy security, self-reliance, increasing farmers’ incomes, employment generation, and greater investment opportunities. Mention the various initiatives of government to promote it.

Next, write about the ecological benefits – lower carbon emissions, better air quality and use of damaged foodgrains etc. Mention the various schemes for promotion of ethanol blending in India.

Next, write about the concerns associated with it – food security, lack of acceptance, costs etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward to promote ethanol blending.

Introduction

An ethanol blend is defined as a blended motor fuel containing ethyl alcohol that is at least 99% pure, derived from agricultural products, and blended exclusively with petrol. Blending ethanol with petrol to burn less fossil fuel while running vehicles is called ethanol blending. Ethanol is an agricultural by-product which is mainly obtained from the processing of sugar from sugarcane, but also from other sources such as rice husk or maize. Currently, 10% of the petrol that powers your vehicle is ethanol. 

The government has temporarily banned the use of sugarcane juice and sugar syrup for ethanol production due to uncertainties in cane output for the current season as per the Sugar (Control) Order 1966.

Body:

the economic and ecological benefits of promoting ethanol blending in India:

• Ethanol has become one of the major priorities of 21st Century India.
• Mixing 20 percent ethanol in petrol holds multiple attractions for India.
• First, it can potentially reduce the auto fuel import bill by a yearly $4 billion, or Rs 30,000 crore.
• Second, it also provides for farmers to earn extra income if they grow produce that helps in ethanol production.
• Third, and no less important, is the fact that ethanol is less polluting than other fuels and, per the NITI Aayog paper, “offers equivalent efficiency at lower cost than petrol”.
• Using ethanol fuel to power automobiles results in significantly low levels of toxins in the environment.
• Specifically, ethanol to gasoline ratio of 85:15. The little composition of gasoline acts as an igniter, while ethanol takes up the rest of the tasks. This ratio of ethanol to gasoline minimizes the emission of greenhouse gases to the environment since it burns cleanly compared to pure gasoline.
• The combustion of ethanol fuel only releases carbon dioxide and water. The carbon dioxide released is ineffective regarding environmental degradation.
• Use of ethanol-blended petrol decreases emissions such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), the expert committee noted. Higher reductions in CO emissions were observed with E20 fuel — 50 per cent lower in two-wheelers and 30 per cent lower in four-wheelers.
• It also helps in energy security, lower carbon emissions, better air quality, self-reliance, use of damaged food grains, increasing farmers’ incomes, employment generation, and greater investment opportunities.

Challenges involved:

• Less Production: Currently, domestic production of bioethanol is not sufficient to meet the demand for bio-ethanol for blending with petrol at Indian OMCs.
  • Sugar mills, which are the key domestic suppliers of bio-ethanol to OMCs, were able to supply only 57.6% of the total demand.
  • Sugar mills do not have the financial stability to invest in biofuel plants.
  • There are also concerns among investors on the uncertainty on the price of bioethanol in the future as the prices of both sugarcane and bio-ethanol are set by the central government.
  • Compatible vehicles: vehicles need to be produced with rubberised parts, plastic components and elastomers compatible with E20 and engines optimally designed for use of E20 fuel”
  • The NITI Aayog paper said that two-wheelers and passenger vehicles that are now being made in the country “are designed optimally for E5 (5 percent ethanol blend with petrol) while rubber and plastic components are “compatible with E10 fuel”.
• Water Footprint: While India has become one of the top producers of ethanol but it lags top producers, the USA and Brazil, by a huge margin and remains inefficient in terms of water usage.
  • India’s water requirements for producing ethanol are not met through rainwater and the groundwater is used for drinking and other purposes.
  • Water footprint, that is water required to produce a litre of ethanol, includes rainwater at the root zone used by ethanol-producing plants such as sugarcane, and surface, ground water, and fresh water required to wash away pollutants.
• Limited Sugarcane Availability: Sugarcane is another limited resource that affects the ethanol blending in the country.
  • In order to achieve a 20% blend rate, almost one-tenth of the existing net sown area will have to be diverted for sugarcane production. Any such land requirement is likely to put a stress on other crops and has the potential to increase food prices.
  • India’s biofuel policy stipulates that fuel requirements must not compete with food requirements and that only surplus food crops should be used for fuel production, if at all.
• Lack of Alternatives: Producing ethanol from crop residue can be a good alternative but the annual capacity of biorefinery is still not enough to meet the 5% petrol-ethanol blending requirement.
  • Other biofuels such as Jatropha have often proven to be commercially unviable.
• Handling issues: Ethanol being a highly flammable liquid marks obligatory safety and risk assessment measures during all phases of production, storage and transportation, thus increasing the cost and risk factor.

Way forward:

• In order to introduce vehicles that are compatible the committee recommends roll out of E20 material-compliant and E10 engine-tuned vehicles from April 2023 and production of E20-tuned engine vehicles from April 2025.
• The Centre must look at ways to reduce the programme’s dependence on the sugarcane.
• Alternative feedstock like agricultural waste, recycled cooking oil, provides for more environmentally friendly bio-fuels.
• There is a need to focus on raising the non-cane contribution to the ethanol mix.
• This can be done by incentivising both public and private players to set up second-generation ethanol facilities.
• as we progress towards higher blending of ethanol, careful monitoring and assessment of emissions changes will be needed to make sure that emission reduction potential can be enhanced both for regulated and unregulated pollutants.

Value addition

Ethanol blending programme in India:

• the Centre had “launched pilot projects in 2001 wherein 5 percent ethanol blended petrol was supplied to retail outlets”.
• Success of field trials eventually paved the way for the launching of the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme in January, 2003 for sale of 5 percent ethanol blended petrol in nine States and four UTs.
• Currently, 5 per cent of ethanol is blended with petrol in India.
• The government of India has advanced the target for 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol (also called E20) to 2025 from 2030. E20 will be rolled out from April 2023.
• The central government has also released an expert committee report on the Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India by 2025.
• The roadmap proposes a gradual rollout of ethanol-blended fuel to achieve E10 fuel supply by April 2022and phased rollout of E20 from April 2023 to April 2025.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India has achieved its target of blending 10% sugarcane-extracted ethanol in petrol, ahead of schedule.
• the prime minister said India has also achieved its goal of having 40 per cent of its installed power generation from non-fossil fuel-based sources nine years before the deadline.

Differences between first generation and second generation ethanols

• First-generation ethanolare produced from crops directly from the fields, such as cereals, maize, sugar beet and cane, and rapeseed. In Europe rapeseed oil is primarily used for biodiesel.
• Second-generation ethanolsare produced from residual and waste products from, for example, industry and households. Large quantities of used frying oil and slaughterhouse waste are also used.

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

3. The European Union’s carbon tax has been a topic of debate, particularly concerning its potential impact on developing countries like India. Carbon taxes can play a crucial role in addressing climate change, they must be carefully designed and implemented to ensure fairness, effectiveness, and broad acceptance. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question: 

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently minced no words in admonishing the European Union for its decision to unilaterally impose a ‘carbon tax’ on all carbon-intensive goods entering the region.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about carbon tax, its impact on India.

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 European Union’s carbon tax.

Body:

First, write about concept of the carbon tax and rationale behind it – a tax levied on the carbon content of fuels, generally in the transport and energy sector. Carbon taxes are a form of carbon pricing. The term carbon tax is also used to refer to a carbon dioxide equivalent tax, the latter of which is quite similar but can be placed on any type of greenhouse gas or combination of greenhouse gases, emitted by any economic sector.

Next, write about the limitations of the above and how it impacts developing countries like India.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

‘Carbon border tax’ can be defined as a penalty tax to discourage import of carbon-intensive goods such as steel, aluminium, cement, fertilizers and electricity via carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM). The aim is to help slash the EU’s overall greenhouse gas emissions 55% below 1990 levels by 2030.

The EU Commission is pushing for the world’s first carbon border tax on imported goods. It plans to levy the tax in a phased manner from 2026.

Body

Background

• The 27-member European Union (EU) has been ramping up its climate action efforts with the European Parliament, the bloc’s legislative body, adopting a rapid pace in climate negotiations.
• Earlier this month, it voted to approve a sweeping deal to reform the EU’s carbon market to cut emissions by 62% from 2005 levels by 2030.
• The carbon market mechanism has helped slashed power plant and factory emissions by 43% since 2005.
• The new reform, however, will phase out free CO2 permits to factories by 2034.
• Along with this phasing out of free carbon allowances, the EU will phase in another ambitious and first-of-its-kind policy— the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), aimed at levelling the playing field for EU and non-EU manufacturers and spurring trading partners to adopt carbon pricing regimes as a critical approach to the climate fight.
• It aims to ‘incentivize’ greener manufacturing around the world and to protect European industries from outside competitors who can manufacture products at a lower cost as they are not charged for their carbon emission during the manufacturing processes.
• So, the carbon border tax is an indirect attempt to force emerging economies, including India, to adopt cleaner (non-fossil fuel-based) practices to manufacture goods.

Impact on global market

• This makes operating within the EU expensive for certain businesses, which, the EU authorities fear, might prefer to relocate to countries that have more relaxed or no emission limits.
• This is known as ‘carbon leakage’ and it increases the total emissions in the world.
• trading partners such the United States, China, Russia and developing countries including India, have opposed the measure, describing it as unilateral, “protectionist” and even a trade weapon.
• China, the world’s biggest greenhouse gas emitter, has opposed the CBAM as a trade barrier, while it is also planning to develop its own emissions trading market.
• China has asked the EU to justify its incoming carbon border tax at the WTO , a move that indicates it may raise issues with the law in Geneva’s trade courts.
• Russia, the second-biggest exporter of steel to the EU, said the mechanism raise the prices of key commodities such as rolled steel and aluminum, meanwhile, its exports to the bloc have recently declined because of the war in Ukraine.

Impacts on India:

• As per data from the commerce ministry, India’s third-largest trading partner, the EU accounts for 11.1% of India’s total global trade.
• By increasing the prices of Indian-made goods in the EU, this tax would make Indian goods less attractive for buyers and could shrink demand.
• The tax would create serious near-term challenges for companies with a large greenhouse gas footprint–and a new source of disruption to a global trading system already impacted by tariff wars, renegotiated treaties, and rising protectionism.
• A levy of $30 per metric ton of CO2 emissions could reduce the profit for foreign producers by about 20% if the price for crude oil remained at $30-40 per barrel.

Long term impacts on India:

• The carbon tax mechanism may spur adoption of cleaner technologies.
• But without adequate assistance for newer technologies and finance, it would amount to levying taxes on developing countries.
• It is currently unclear how the EU would assess emissions of an imported product.
• There are many small businesses that will face difficulty in quantifying their emissions.
• And the additional costs will be passed on to the consumers, eventually.
• Also, possibly, the tax could discourage sectors and industries that are already adopting cleaner technologies.
• In that case, it becomes another procedural and compliance hassle, and prove to be counterproductive.

Way forward:

• The EU is a market that India needs to nurture and protect. Currently, India has surplus in both trade and services with the EU.
• India should talk to the EU bilaterally to ensure that its exports with the latter are protected either through an Free Trade Agreement or by other means and if there are adjustments and standards that India needs to meet then it should look forward to fulfilling it.
• India is not an exporter of cement or fertilizers to the EU and on steel and aluminium too, it is relatively smaller than other countries.
• India is not the target of this policy of the EU, the target is Russia, China and Turkey which are large emitters of carbon and major exporters of steel and aluminium to the EU.
• There is little reason for India to be at the forefront of the opposition. It should rather talk directly to the EU and bilaterally settle the issue.
• China has always followed the policy of ‘Keep Preparing While Protesting’.
• It is talking about protesting against the carbon border tax. But side by side, it has already started its own carbon trading system also claiming it to be the largest.
• If the EU in future imposes this tax, India will be badly affected by it if it doesn’t set up its own carbon trading system.
• India shall not be caught off guard in 2026 if the tax is imposed, it shall prepare for the best as well as the worst.
• India may not have a carbon trading system but its energy taxes if converted into carbon equivalents would rank as very high.
• India already has measures of climate change mitigation in the country, it just needs to convert them, devise them in ways which are compatible with important markets of India.
• The BASIC countries and other significant developing countries shall follow the policy of collective persuasion at the global meetings for finding alternatives for climate change mitigation rather than implementing such a policy.

Conclusion

A mechanism like Carbon Tax for charging imported goods at borders may spur adoption of cleaner technologies. But if it happens without adequate assistance for newer technologies and finance, it would rather become disadvantageous for the developing countries. As far as India is concerned, it must assess the advantages and disadvantages that it is likely to face with the imposition of this tax and talk to the EU with a bilateral approach.

General Studies – 3

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

4. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has to tread a tightrope between stimulating a economic growth and managing inflation in the country. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The MPC has rather surprisingly opted to keep the RBI’s repo rate unchanged at 6.5% for a fifth straight bi-monthly meeting.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the balanced approach between inflation targeting and economic growth aspects of the MPC.

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 answer by writing the aims and objectives of monetary policy committee.

Body:

In the first part, Discuss the concept of Inflation targeting first by Monetary Policy – Inflation control is a legitimate objective of economic policy given the correlation between inflation and macro-economic stability. Discuss the impact of inflation targeting.

Next, in relative to the above, mention the economic growth aspect of monetary policy, preventing slowdown in industrial activity, generating flow of credit etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by suggest measures to balance India’s developmental ambitions with macro-economic stability.

Introduction

The Monetary Policy Committee’s decision to hold benchmark interest rates level, while raising its forecast for full-year GDP growth by 50 basis points and flagging food price shocks-induced volatility in inflation, is replete with the risk of policymakers falling behind the curve on anchoring inflation expectations. Notably, after observing that “uncertainties in food prices along with unfavourable base effects are likely to lead to” headline inflation quickening in November-December, and that “recurring food price shocks are impeding the ongoing disinflation process”, the MPC has rather surprisingly opted to keep the RBI’s repo rate unchanged at 6.5% for a fifth straight bi-monthly meeting.

Body

About Inflation targeting

• Inflation Targeting(IT) is a central banking policy that revolves around adjusting monetary policy to achieve a specified annual rate of infla
• The principle of inflation targeting is based on the belief that long-term economic growth is best achieved by maintaining price stability, and price stability is achieved by controlling infla It is in-line with Urjit Patel Committee recommendations.
• An amendment to RBI Act by the Finance Bill, 2016, has made IT as the primary objective of RBI and it is also accountable in case of failure.

Issues of inflation in Indian economy

• The retail inflation has moderated since the MPC last met in early October, with the headline reading softening by almost two percentage points, from August’s 6.83% to 4.87% in October.
• But, by the MPC’s own reckoning, that moderation may be fleeting, as price gains accelerate yet again in November and December, and with volatility in oil prices and financial markets, amid heightened global uncertainty, there are added risks to the outlook on prices.
• The RBI’s latest ‘Households’ Inflation Expectations Survey’, undertaken in November, reveals that most households expect faster inflation in the three-months– ahead and one-year-ahead time horizons, and at median levels of 9.1% and 10.1%, respectively, unequivocally underlining the fact that price gain expectations are still far from durably anchored.

Monetary policy committee decision siginficance

• Resilient Economic Activity:
  • The Indian economy has displayed resilience despite the uncertaintiesand challenges posed by various factors.
  • This has ledto the decision to maintain benchmark rates, reflecting confidence in the economy’s ability to withstand potential shocks.
• Previous Policy Repo Rate Hikes:
  • The MPC considered the cumulative impact of previous policy repo rate hikes, totaling 250 basis points.
  • Given the time needed for these rate hikes to fully work through the economy, the committee opted to hold the rates steady in the current meeting.
  • The MPC acknowledged that the previous policy repo rate hikes are still in the process of influencing the economy.

Conclusion

The RBI views high inflation as a major risk to both macroeconomic stability and sustainable growth.

Despite declining core inflation (excluding food and fuel components), uncertainties cloud the overall inflation outlook. Factors such as reduced kharif sowing for essential crops, low reservoir levels, and fluctuations in global food and energy prices contribute to this uncertainty. With policymakers only too well aware that sans price stability, the benefits of expanding GDP and employment will be frittered away by the erosion of purchasing power.

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

5. Explain gene therapy and explore the range of possibilities and potential issues that are associated with this innovative technology? (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Indian Express ,  Insights on India

Why the question:

Gene and cell therapy are the cutting-edge medical advancements poised to revolutionise our approach to and treatment of various health conditions, from sickle cell disease and dengue to cancer and HIV/AIDS.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the gene therapy, its scope and concerns associated with the technology.

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 briefly defining gene therapy.

Body:

First, in brief, explain the mechanism of the working of gene therapy and its types.

Next, write about the scope of gene therapy – influencing the course of various genetic and acquired disorders at the genetic level.

Next, write about the various concerns associated with the gene therapy – cost, ethical concerns, procedural difficulties etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward to overcome the concerns.

Introduction

Gene therapy is a medical approach that treats or prevents disease by correcting the underlying genetic problem. Gene therapy techniques allow doctors to treat a disorder by altering a person’s genetic makeup instead of using drugs or surgery.

A newer technique, called genome editing (an example of which is CRISPR-Cas9), uses a different approach to correct genetic differences. Instead of introducing new genetic material into cells, genome editing introduces molecular tools to change the existing DNA in the cell.

Body

Gene therapy: Mechanism

• Gene therapy works by altering the genetic code to recover the functions of critical proteins. Proteins are the workhorses of the cell and the structural basis of the body’s tissues.
• The instructions for making proteins are carried in a person’s genetic code, and variants (or mutations) in this code can impact the production or function of proteins that may be critical to how the body works.
• Fixing or compensating for disease-causing genetic changes may recover the role of these important proteins and allow the body to function as expected.

Types

• Somatic Gene Therapy: Effects will not be transferred to next generation
• Germline Gene Therapy: Effects transferred to next generation

Scope of gene therapy

• Fix a genetic alteration underlying a disorder, so the gene can function properly.
• Turn on a gene to help fight a disease.
• Turn off a gene that is functioning improperly.
• Remove a piece of DNA that is impairing gene function and causing disease.

Gene therapies are being used to treat a small number of diseases, including an eye disorder called Leber congenital amaurosis and a muscle disorder called spinal muscular atrophy

various concerns associated with the gene therapy

• Human embryo editing research may not be adequately controlled, leaving it open to a lab somewhere to create gene-edited babies.
• Some of the key scientists in this field have concerns about the potential misuse of a technology that could be used for eugenics, to create genetic discrimination.
• But even in agriculture, genetic modification is a subject of major debate, especially in developing countries, including India.
• Most of the ethical discussions related to genome editing center around human germline editing. This is because changes made in the germline would be passed down to future generations.
• There is also debate that, ecological disequilibrium can be caused by gene editing.
• Due to the possibility of off-target effects (edits in the wrong place) and mosaicism (when some cells carry the edit but others do not), safety is of primary concern.

Conclusion

Human civilization has always progressed by interfering with the natural evolutionary process. In this process, the application of Gene Editing is inevitable. However, to prevent it from being a disruptive force, it is better to regulate it.

India does not have a comprehensive gene editing policy in place, though germline gene editing is banned in line with international norms. Yet, in the face of persisting diseases and crippling human conditions, divine intervention may sometimes need to be supplemented with genetic ones in a carefully regulated environment.

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)

“Being entirely honest with oneself is a good exercise.” ― Sigmund Freud

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote.

Body:

Write about the importance of being honest with oneself. Being honest makes one person aware of the strengths and limitations, virtues and vices and by doing so they can try and improve their character. Cite examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

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

Introduction

We have been taught from a very young age that honesty is the best policy. We are taught to be honest in all our dealings, big or small. We are schooled never to lie. We are told repeatedly that honesty is the most important of all ethics. However, what people tend to forget to teach us is the importance of self-honesty.

Body

Being true to yourself is very important. You can be honest with the world, but as long as you are not honest with yourself, you are not being fair. Give the most importance to what you think of yourself rather than what others think of you. You can justify to the world why you did what you did, but as long you are not honest with yourself, it can be difficult to find peace.

For example, an individual might treat someone unfairly to gain something that was not rightfully theirs in order to be looked well upon by others. But deep down, the person may know what they did was wrong.

If we can’t gather up the courage to be honest with ourselves, we may continue to exhibit the same behaviours. Self-honesty is a trait that holds immense importance.

When you are honest with yourself, you accept your weaknesses and flaws. You may know what some of those are. You may know what you are capable of and what you aren’t capable of. With enough self-knowledge, people’s judgments about you can become less important.

Conclusion

Being honest with yourself can make life easier, less complicated, and a lot more beautiful. You become less dependent on others and more dependent on yourself. You start loving yourself with all your flaws, and that’s the turning point toward contentment and inner peace.

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)

“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.” ― Rosa Parks

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote.

Body:

Write about when one is doing a right act, one should never be afraid of doing it or the consequences of doing it. Mention the importance of courage in doing virtuous acts and cite examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

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

Introduction

We often hear about how important it is to do the right thing, and make good decisions. Sometimes doing the right thing is clear and simple. Other times, doing the right thing might not feel so easy. It can take courage to do the right thing. Being brave and having courage is often misunderstood as being fearless. It is perfectly normal to be nervous or afraid in certain situations. What makes a person brave is to stand up for what is right even when you are afraid because it’s the right thing to do.

Body

When faced with deciding on how to act, sometimes the toughest part is figuring out how to do the right thing. Of course, how you view the right thing, what you think of as the right thing, makes all the difference. And this is often not clear. You may experience conflicting emotions, feel ambivalent about potential choices, or strongly for or against certain action — whether you are convinced that it either is or isn’t the right thing to do.

Standing up for what’s right can inspire others to take similar action, to step out of their comfort zone and act in accordance with core beliefs and values. While you may initially feel alone in choosing the course of action you firmly believe is the right thing to do, your example may encourage others to follow your lead. First one, then another, then a few more may do the right thing. Your action can precipitate contagious behaviour. Yet, even if it doesn’t, you are content with your decision, knowing that you acted with integrity and followed through to do the right thing. You can lead by example, even if others decide not to emulate your behavior.

Doing the right thing is the most admirable trait one can have. One should not worry about whether other people notice it or not- that’s not why you are doing it. You’re doing it because it’s the right thing to do; because it positively benefits not only you but it’s good for the world too. When in doubt, do the right thing and you won’t lose sleep over it.

Conclusion

There is also a bright side of doing the right thing, however, taking action that others don’t expect, and that is the opportunity for them to see you in a different light, to rethink their perception of you. When you do the right thing, you’re also giving yourself a boost in self-esteem. Knowing what’s right and doing it are the hallmarks of personal integrity.

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