[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 14 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: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.

1.  How did the revolutionary movement evolve under Bhagat Singh? Elaborate upon his idea of ‘revolution’. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express ,Insights on India

Why the question:

The men who jumped into Lok Sabha were apparently inspired by one of the most heroic acts of India’s freedom struggle: on April 8, 1929, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw feeble bombs and pamphlets in Delhi’s Central Assembly from the visitor’s gallery

Key Demand of the question:

To write about how the philosophy and nature of revolution evolved under Bhagat Singh and its essential dimensions.

Directive word: 

Elaborate – Give 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: 

Give a brief about the ideology of Bhagat Singh.

Body:

Mention how the ideology evolved under Bhagat Singh. From the belief in violence and heroic action towards national liberation and then the building of a new socialist society.

Mention the features of the new revolution he believed in. Preventing exploitation of all forms, Freedom, justice, ending communalism, scientific temper etc. Mention the various approaches taken by him to achieve the above goals.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing about the legacy of Bhagat Singh.

Introduction

Bhagat Singh, an iconic revolutionary, thinker, voracious reader and one of the well-read of political leaders at that time, was a giant of an intellectual. He pursued his passion for reading and writing relentlessly, despite fighting violently against Britishers. He studied to arm himself with arguments in favour of his cult of patriotism and enabled himself to face the arguments advanced by opposition.

Body:

Bhagat Singh: a hero of the masses:

• He was revered by the youth, loathed by British Raj and opposed by none other than Mahatma Gandhi, like other revolutionaries he dreamt of freedom for motherland.
• As much as he was involved in violence against the government, he exercised his conscience and used non-violence and fasting as a tool to break the hegemony of British power.
• He always vouched for human dignity and rights beyond sectarian divide.

A new idea and interpretation of revolution:

• Revolution was no longer equated with militancy and violence.
• Its objective was to be national liberation—imperialism was to be overthrown but beyond that a new socialist order was to be achieved, ending “exploitation of man by man”.
• As Bhagat Singh said in the court, “Revolution does not necessarily involve sanguinary strife, nor is there a place in it for personal vendetta. It is not the cult of bomb and pistol. By revolution we mean the present order of things, which is based on manifest injustice, must change.”
• Bhagat fully accepted Marxism and the class approach to society—”Peasants have to free themselves not only from the foreign yoke, but also from the yoke of landlords and capitalists.”
• He also said, “The struggle in India will continue, so long as a handful of exploiters continue to exploit labour of common people to further their own interests.
• It matters little whether these exploiters are British capitalists, British and Indian capitalists in alliance, or even purely Indians.”
• He defined socialism scientifically as abolition of capitalism and class domination.
• Bhagat was fully and consciously secular—two of the six rules drafted by Bhagat for the Punjab Naujawan Bharat Sabha were that its members would have nothing to do with communal bodies and that they would propagate a general feeling of tolerance among people, considering religion to be a matter of personal belief.
• Bhagat Singh also saw the importance of freeing people from the mental bondage of religion and superstition—”to be a revolutionary, one required immense moral strength, but one also required criticism and independent thinking”

Conclusion:

Bhagat Singh and his comrades  made an abiding contribution to the national freedom movement. Their deep patriotism, courage and determination, and sense of sacrifice stirred the Indian people. They helped spread nationalist consciousness in the land.

Value addition:

Vision of Bhagat Singh:

At tender age he realised the larger goals of life rather than being circumscribed to accomplishing personal goals. He transformed the revolution ‘terrorism’ movement to a socialist one. He was a great innovator in two areas of politics

• Raised the serious issues and threats of communalism
• Raised the conscience of people in freeing them from mental bondage of religion and superstition.

Revolutionary ideology and goals of revolution:

• A real breakthrough was made by Bhagat Singh and his comrades in terms of revolutionary ideology, forms of revolutionary struggle and the goals of revolution.
• The Hindustan republican association’s (HRA) Manifesto (1925) declared that the it stood for abolition of all systems which made exploitation of man by man possible. Its founding council had decided to preach social revolutionary and communistic principles.
• The HRA had also decided to start labour and peasant organizations and to work for an organized and armed revolution.
• Emphasizing the role of ideas in the making of  revolution, Bhagat Singh declared that the sword of revolution is sharpened on the whetting-stone of ideas. This atmosphere of wide reading and deep thinking pervaded the ranks of the HSRA leadership. 
• Punjab Naujawan Bharat Sabha:
  • Singh had turned to Marxism and had come to believe that popular broad-based mass movements alone could lead to a successful revolution.
  • That is why Bhagat Singh helped  establish the Punjab Naujawan Bharat Sabha in 1926 as the open wing of the revolutionaries. 
  • The Sabha was to carry out open political work among the youth, peasants and workers. 
• Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev also organized the Lahore Students Union for open, legal work  among the students. 
• Patient intellectual and political work appealed to be too slow and too akin to the Congress style of politics which the revolutionaries wanted to transcend. 
• Effective acquisition of new ideology is a prolonged and historical process whereas the need of the time was a quick change in the way of thinking.
• These young intellectuals faced the classic dilemma of how to mobilise people and recruit them. Here, they decided to opt for propaganda by deed, i.e., through individual heroic action and by using courts as a forum for revolutionary propaganda.

Topic: communalism, regionalism & secularism.

2. Explain the factors contributing to the communalization of society and elaborate on the actions necessary to foster unity and acceptance among individuals. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the causes of communalism and ways to counter it.

Directive word: 

Elaborate – Give 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 defining communalism.

Body:

First, write about the various causes behind the communalisation of the society – Divisive Politics, Economic Causes, History of Communal Riots, Politics of Appeasement etc.

Next, write in detail about various measures to counter communal tension in the society.

Finally, write about what can be done in future by government, civil society etc so as to reduce communalism.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

Communalism is basically an ideology which consists of three elements:

• A belief that people who follow the same religion have common secular interests i.e. they have same political, economic and social interests. So, here socio- political communalities arise.
• A notion that, in a multi-religious society like India, these common secular interests of one religion is dissimilar and divergent from the interests of the follower of another religion.
• The interests of the follower of the different religion or of different ‘communities’ are seen to be completely incompatible, antagonist and hostile.

Body

Factors responsible for growth of Communalism in India:

• A Legacy of Past:
  • On the basis of the “Two Nation” theory of Jinnah, India was partitioned. Communal politics had played its nasty game during the immediate past of independent India. The “Divide and Rule” policy of the British Government served their colonial interest. The partition of India was the ultimate outcome of their politics.
• Presence of Communal Parties:
  • Religion in India has become an important agency of political socialization and it is also reflected in the ideology of a number of political parties. A number of communal and sectarian political parties and organisations are present in India. Muslim League, Jamaat—Islami, Hindu Mahasabha, Akali Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad are directly or indirectly responsible for the emergence of communalism.
• Isolation of Muslims:
  • Indian Muslims have developed a tendency of isolationism even long after the creation of Pakistan. They remain aloof from the mainstream of national politics. Most of them are not interested to take part in the secular-nationalistic politics of the country. They insist on to be treated as a separate entity.
• Poverty:
  • Mass poverty and unemployment create a sense of frustration among the people. It generates backwardness, illiteracy, ignorance, etc. The unemployed youth of both the communities can be easily trapped by religious fundamentalists and fanatics. They are used by them to cause communal riots. The weak economic status often breeds communalism.
• Hindu Chauvinism:
  • The growths of Hindu chauvinistic attitudes have further strengthened the communal tensions in India. The Hindu religious groups like Shiv Sena, Hindu Mahasabha, Viswa Hindu Parisad often pressurize the government to take steps suitable to the interest of Hindus. They consider each Muslim as pro-Pakistani and anti-national. To face the possible challenge of other communal forces, they encourage the growth of Hindu communalism.
• Social Cause:
  • The two major communities of India have been suspicious towards each other. The Muslims complain of the threat of Hindu cultural invasion upon their lives and have become more assertive of their rights. Either due to ignorance or insecurity, they do not fully accept the need of family planning and help in increasing population.
• Communalization of Politics:
  • Electoral politics in India has become more expensive and competitive. Different political parties are not hesitating to use any means, fair or foul, for electoral victory. They even create communal tensions and try to take political advantage out of it. Concessions are granted to various minority groups for appeasing them.
• Cross-Border factors:
  • Communal tensions in India sometimes are highly intensified due to the rule of two neighbouring theocratic countries. These countries try to create communal problems in the border states. The communal problems of Punjab and Jammu Kashmir are caused due to provocation of Pakistan. So long as this cross-border factor is not removed, communal problems are likely to stay in India.
• Failure of Government:
  • Both the Union and the State Governments often fail to prevent communalism in the country. Due to lack of prior information, they fail to take any preventive measures. So the communal violence can easily take innocent lives and destroys property. The post-Godhra riot in Gujarat shows the inefficiency of the government to control the communal riot. Failure of immediate and effective steps has been a cause of the continuance of communalism.

Ramification of Communalism:

• Genocides: With mass killings, the real sufferers are the poor, who lose their house, their near and dear ones, their lives, their livelihood, etc. It violates the human rights from all direction. Sometimes children lose their parents and will become orphan for a lifetime.
• Ghettoization and refugee problem are other dimensions of communalism induced violence, whether its inter country or intra country.
• Sudden increase in violence against any particular community causes mass exodus and stampede which in turn kills many number of people. For example, this was seen in the case of Bangalore in 2012, with respect to people from North eastern states, which was stimulated by a rumour.
• Apart from having effect on the society, it is also a threat to Indian constitutional values, which promotes secularism and religious tolerance. In that case, citizens don’t fulfil their fundamental duties towards the nation.
• It becomes a threat for the unity and integrity of the nation as a whole. It promotes only the feeling of hatred in all directions, dividing the society on communal lines.
• Minorities are viewed with suspicion by all, including state authorities like police, para-military forces, army, intelligence agencies, etc. There have been many instances when people from such community have been harassed and detained and finally have been released by court orders guilt free. For this, there is no provision for compensation of such victims, about their livelihood incomes forgone, against social stigmas and emotional trauma of the families.
• Barrier for development: Communal activities occurring frequently do harm the human resource and economy of the country. And then again it takes years for the people and the affected regions to come out the traumas of such violence, having deep impact on minds of those who have faced it. They feel emotionally broken and insecure.
• Terrorism and Secessionism: As seen during the Khalistan movement in Punjab.

Steps to be taken to prevent communalism

• Economic:
  • Poverty is one of the major factors for communal violence. Poverty alleviation measures are thus important for promoting communal harmony.
  • Eradicating the problem of unemploymentamong the youths, illiteracy and poverty and that too with honesty and without any discrimination.
  • Reducing educational and economic backwardness of minorities like Muslims.
  • This can uplift their socio-economic status and reduce their deprivation compared to Hindus
• Social:
  • The religious leaders and preachers should promote rational and practical things through religion promoting peace and security.
  • Children in schools must be taught through textbooks and pamphlets to maintain brotherhood and respect for all religions
  • Creating awareness in the society about the ill effects of communism through mass media
• Political:
  • Political communism should be avoided recent Supreme court’s directives
  • Identification and mapping of riot prone areas. For Example,Delhi police used drones to monitor to maintain vigil during communal festivals
  • Media, movies and other cultural platforms can be influential in promoting peace and harmony.
  • Social Mediashould be monitored for violent and repulsive content and taken off immediately.
• Recommendations of Committee on National Integration
  • Joint celebration of community festivals
  • Observing restraint by Hindus while taking processions before the mosques
  • Formation of peace and brotherhood communities at local level to prevent anti-social elements from engaging in communal riots
  • Respect for religious customs, rituals and practices

Conclusion

In a vast country like India which is made up of diverse cultures, backgrounds, religions, identities etc. it really requires to maintain a sense of equality among its citizen to provide a meaning to the term democracy. The core reason behind all these discrimination are based on the nature of unacceptance of diversities. We tend to commit heinous crimes to eradicate the population which chooses a different set of traditions to follow. But these intolerance can lead India to get collapsed from being a secular country to communal. And India is known to the world by the term “diversity”. It is beautiful when the people irrespective of their differences are co-existing.

General Studies – 2

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

3. Throw light on the key takeaways from the recently held COP28 climate summit in Dubai. Discuss further actions that are needed to tackle climate change.  (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express , Indian Express

Why the question:

The COP28 climate meeting delivered some important outcomes.

Key Demand of the question: 

To write about the functions of civil society and their successes and limitations in India.

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 of COP28.

Body:

First, write about various announcements at COP28 – resolutions on Loss and damage fund, fossil fuels, methane emissions, funds to fight global warming, among others etc. Write about the significance of the same.

Next, write about the further steps that are required to fight climate change.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

COP28, the 28th annual United Nations (UN) climate meeting, took place from November 30 to December 12, 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). COP stands for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The conference is where governments discuss how to prepare for and limit future climate change.

Recently concluded COP28 to UNFCCC in Dubai, delivered significant outcomes.

Body

Important outcomes of COP28:

COP28 Shortcomings:

• Lacked clear timelinesfor fossil fuel phase-out
• Ambiguity in the tripling of renewable energycapacity, raising uncertainty
• Absence of specific measurement criteria for the phase-down of coal
• Opposition from countries hindering progress on methane emission cuts including India. India is not a part of the Global Methane Pledge
• Challenges in meeting urgent climate action expectations
• The global adaptation frameworkadopted lacks financial provisions and requires further development
• With the current $100 billion goal of Climate Finance unmet, developing countries face debt distress
• Loopholes Criticized:Some stakeholders, including the Alliance of Small Island States, criticize the agreement for containing “a litany of loopholes,” challenging its transformative potential.
• Compromise on Absolute Phase-Out:The absence of language mandating an absolute phase-out of hydrocarbons underscores the challenging negotiations and compromises made to secure the agreement.
• Call for Greater Ambition: Climate leaders like Manuel Pulgar-Vidalstress the need for enhanced ambition and implementation to limit global warming effectively.

Conclusion

Developing nations urge wealthy countries to attain negative carbon emissions, not just reach net zero by 2050. They assert that affluent nations, having used over 80% of the global carbon budget, should grant developing nations their equitable portion of future emissions. Emphasis is placed on the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR–RC) in the fight against climate change.

Also, experts advocate for global financial architecture reform to address structural issues and support sustainable development.

General Studies – 3

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

4. India’s informal sector plays a crucial role in the country’s economy and has several notable contributions. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India

Why the question:

PLFS data gives us another insight into the contribution of the informal or household sector in that it reports average gross earnings.

Key Demand of the question:

To analyse the informal sector in India, its importance and the necessary measures to protect the employees in the informal sector.

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.

Body:

First, write about the importance of the informal sector.

Next, write about the various issues in the informal sector. write about the impact of the above issues. Cite statistics and examples to substantiate.

Next, mention that are needed to address the above mentioned issues.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

According to the ILO, the informal sector can be characterized as a range of economic units which are mainly owned and operated by individuals and employ one or more employees on a continuous basis. Informal sector includes farmers, agricultural labourers, owners of small enterprises and people working in those enterprises and also the self-employed who do not have any hired workers.

As per OECD, employees are considered to have informal jobs if their employment relationship is, in law or in practice, not subject to national labour legislation, income taxation, social protection or entitlement to certain employment benefits (advance notice of dismissal, severance pay, paid annual or sick leave, etc.)

Body

State of Informal economy in India

• While the informal sector produces almost half of the country’s GDP,more than 90% of the overall workforce is employed in the informal economy.
• According to e-Shram portal, over 94% of the informal sector workers enrolled on the e-Shram platform earn less than Rs 10,000 per month.
• Agricultureranks first, accounting for11% of all enrolments, followed by domestic and household employees and construction workers.
• The social-security benefitsremain available to only around half of people working for a salary.

Challenges faced in Informal sector

• Inadequate safety and health standards: Most industries, especially mining, have inadequate safety and health standards. Environmental hazards are evident in the case of the informal sector.
• Irregularities in Minimum Wages: Most of the studies on conditions of employment in the unorganised sector have examined the wage levels and earnings of workers are identified that the daily wages are below the minimum rate of wages.
• Long Hours of work:Long hours work in the unorganised sector beyond the labour and regulatory norms are common in India. The long working hours have a severe repercussion on the social and family life of labourers in general and women labourers in particular.
• Poverty and Indebtedness:Workers in the unorganised sector had a much higher incidence of poverty than their counterparts in the organised sector. Due to low level of income and uncertain employment in the unorganised sector make the workers unable to meet their basic necessities and other social and other cultural responsibilities.
• Non-Applicability of Social Security Measures:There are many times when a worker cannot be economically active. For instance, due to biological circumstances such as sickness or old age, on account of personal calamities such as an accident or unemployment. There are no social security measures to provide risks coverage and ensure maintenance of basic living standards at times of crises such as unemployment or health issues.
• Lack of Proper Physical Environment:Lack of sanitation facilities has an impact on health of the workers. But, sanitary conditions are precarious in most of the industries in the unorganised sector due to lack of proper toilet facilities. The facilities such as washing, urinal and toilet facilities at work are found to be low standard.

Steps taken by the government to improve workers’ condition in the informal sector:

• Directive principles:A number of directive principles of state policy relating to aspects of social security were incorporated in the Indian constitution. The legal initiatives like the Employees State Insurance Act (1948), the Minimum Wages Act (1948), the Coal Mines Provident Funds Act (1948), The Employees Provident Fund Act (1952), the Maternity Benefit Act (1961) and the Contract Labour Act (1970) etc. are important for labour welfare.
• National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganised Sector:India is perhaps the first country to set up, a commission named National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganised Sector (NCEUS) in 2004 to study the problems and challenges being faced by the informal economy.
• Poverty related development schemes:The Government of India initiated several poverty related development schemes which indirectly benefited the urban informal sector since independence. Schemes like the Nehru Rozgar Yojana, MGNREGA and the Swarna Jayanti Shahri Rozgar Yojana were launched to provide support to the poor who constitute bulk of the informal sector.
• Social security: To provide social security benefits, the Parliament enacted the Unorgnaised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008. The government has also launched Atal Pension Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana etc.
• Skill development: To take care of the need for skills of workers in the informal economy, the government has started various programs such as the Skill India Mission, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushal Yojana, recognition of prior learning etc.

Way forward

• Overhauling labour laws: Labour, as well as tax policies, are key to improving the business environment. Labour regulations have to allow for more flexible work arrangements. Moreover, the right to associate freely should be vigorously protected.
• Preventing occupational hazards: Innovative means to prevent occupational accidents and diseases and environmental hazards need to be developed through cost-effective and sustainable measures at the work-site level to allow for capacity-building within the informal sector itself.
• Local support: Building-on local institutional support to progressively extend social protection will be critical.
• Sensitization:Special attention should be paid to the sensitization of policy makers, municipal authorities and labour inspection services to change their traditional role towards a preventive and promotional approach.
• Health protection: The extension of occupational health care to workers in the informal sector should be promoted incorporating occupational health into public health care services at district and local levels and establishing a link between first aid and prevention at the work-site’s level.

Conclusion

India’s informal sector is the backbone of the economy. The nation’s quality of life hinges on things becoming better for masses of informally employed people.Improving the conditions of workers in the informal sector assumes significance from the perspective of inclusive growth. Keeping in mind the low incomes of informal works, the Government should take steps to prescribe minimum wages for the informal sector.

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

5. The waste-to-wealth potential of biogas is a significant prospect, however adequate infrastructure, supportive policies, and community engagement are crucial factors for realizing the full benefits of biogas as a sustainable and profitable resource. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India

Why the question:

The Indian government has announced various initiatives to promote the production of compressed biogas (CBG) using diverse sources such as agricultural and municipal waste.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the role of bio gas in India’s energy transition and support needed to bio gas sector.

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 citing statistic related to bio gas sector in the country

Body:

In the first part, write about the Biogas scenario in India’s renewable sector. Cite statistic and show the potential of biogas in India’s energy transition. Write about the advantages it offers – enewable energy generation, efficient waste management, rural development, agricultural benefits, and climate change mitigation.

Next, write the major issues affecting Biogas sector and support needed for the sector.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

Biogas is produced through a biochemical process in which certain types of bacteria convert the biological wastes into useful bio-gas. Biogas is produced when bio-degradable organic materials/wastes such as cattle-dung, biomass from farms, gardens, kitchens, industry, poultry droppings, night soil and municipals wastes are subjected to a scientific process, called Anaerobic Digestion (A.D.) in a Biogas Plants.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced 500 new ‘waste to wealth’ plants for promoting a circular economy with a total investment of Rs 10,000 crore under the GOBAR-Dhan scheme in her budget speech in February 2023 in the Parliament.

According to a report by ETAC (Expert Committee on Compressed Biogas), it highlights the potential of compressed biogas as a clean and sustainable fuel but emphasizes the need for a strong push to realize its benefits fully.

Body

Potential of Biogas in India’s energy transition

• Biogas burns without smoke; hence no harmful gas such as CO₂, CO, NO₂, and SO₂are evolved.
• It is considered as a renewable source of energy because the production is dependent on the generation of waste which is an endless process.
• Only 26.53 per cent of the total power generated in India is from renewable sources, according to estimates. The high dependence on non-renewable sources is the leading cause of the long-standing energy problems in the country.
• As the country aims to provide energy security to every citizen, biogas can play a critical role in transforming the energy dependence of rural and agricultural communities, which majorly depends on burning wood, dung, charcoal, coal and other fossil fuels for their energy needs.
• Installing biogas plants at the micro- and macro-level can address the critical issues of handling livestock manure and agricultural wastes, deteriorating soil quality, water pollution and deforestation.
• A fully functional biogas digester, for every tonne of feedstock processed, can reduce approximately 2.83 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in a year.
• Using biogas digesters to convert organic waste into clean energy can significantly contribute to countering challenges like pollution, climate change, livelihood inequalities and health in individual households as well as entire communities and promote India’s energy transition.

Challenges in biogas

• Poor Support to sector
  • Although current biogas plants can meet some energy needs, many governments are unwilling to invest in the sector.
• Refining process issues
  • Impurities remain in biogas after refinement and compression.
• Corrodes automobile engines & appliances
  • Use of Biogas in automobiles can corrode the engine’s metal parts.
  • Corrosion would result in higher maintenance costs.
  • The gaseous mixture is far more appropriate for kitchen stoves, water boilers, and lamps.
• Lack of Technological Advances
  • There is lack of a new technology that can simplify the process, make it accessible, and reduce the cost of doing so.
  • Thus, large-scale production to meet the needs of a large population is still impossible.
• Temperature Limitation
  • Biogas generation, like other renewable energy sources (such as solar and wind), is influenced by the weather.
  • The ideal temperature for bacteria to digest waste is around 37°C.
  • Digesters in cold climates require heat energyto maintain a constant biogas supply. Hence its use is limited to warm regions.
• Suitability for Metropolitan Areas
  • Another disadvantage is that industrial biogas plants only make sense where raw materials (food waste, manure) are abundant.
  • As a result, biogas generation is much better suited to rural and suburban areas. The material used in biogas generation emit bad smells.
  • Hence it is necessary that the plants are sufficiently far from the inhabited areas
• Logistics
  • If the plant is located far away, suitable means of transport will be needed to transport the raw materials and the final product. This will add to costs and emissions.
  • To power a 1MW power plant, at least 300 hectares of land is required, as minimum usable area. Large quantities of land must therefore be available, which poses a challenge in urban areas.

Way forward

• Generating wealth from waste in rural areas will require the involvement of all actors and sectors, Investments from the private sector and local entrepreneurs will be needed.
• Panchayats and village communities will have to play key roles to leverage the animal and organic waste that goes into water bodies, dumping sites and landfills.
• Informal sanitation service providers can be integrated into the system by training and licencing them.
• With appropriate policy interventions the sector can be scaled up into opportunities for growth, leading to increased incomes, long-term livelihoods and, of course, more Swachh villages.

Conclusion

Biogas can prove to be a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. It is an ideal source to ensure energy security in the rural areas. It can also contribute to decarbonization of the agriculture sector through conversion of methane. There is a need to invest in new technologies that can help scale up the use of Biogas in urban areas. This can help in achieving the climate targets in the long run.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion

6. Attitudes play a crucial role in influencing behavior, and when shaped in a positive and constructive manner, they can contribute to achieving favorable outcomes. Explain. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of Mission-2024 Secure.

Key Demand of the question:

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

Directive:

Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

In the introduction, define attitude and behaviour. Mention the difference between attitude and behaviour.

Body:

With relevant examples elaborate on how attitude can be change and that change in the resultant behaviour.

How behavior and attitude affect us and the need to adopt behaviours which are of empathy, compassion, fortitude and integrity.

Conclusion:

Complete the answer by stressing how changing to right behaviours and attitude can impact our life positively.

Introduction

Attitude refers to a set of emotions, beliefs, and behaviors toward a particular object, person, thing, or event. Attitudes are often the result of experience or upbringing, and they can have a powerful influence over behavior.

Body:

Attitude guides an individual’s behavior

• Attitude is one of the main factors that trigger emotions, decision-making, thinking and behavior in an individual. Following are some examples of how attitude influence the behavior:
• A positive attitude can will lead to a positive behavior. Ex: A person who has positive attitudes towards work and co-workers (such as contentment, friendliness, etc.) can positively influence those around them.
• Similarly, negative attitude led to negative behavior. Ex: if a person has a negative attitude towards women, he will discriminate women in all fronts of life.
• A selfish attitude will guide individual’s action in same manner. Ex: A cricketer who put his self-interest and profit above the nation, will take money to lose the game.
• Logic or rational attitudes develop a rational behavior. Ex: a rational person will not act superstitiously and will always try to find rational behind any act.
• An egoistic attitude will result in a negative attitude and behavior. Ex: elder individuals control their younger siblings even if they are wrong to satisfy their ego of being elder.
• An attitude based on values and beliefs will act according to the values. Ex: in India touching feet of elders is guided by attitude of giving respect to them.

Conclusion:

Thus, it can be said that attitude guides one behavior. Therefore, a person’s attitude will define his/her actions. By training and persuading the people the attitude and behaviour can be changed in the right direction

Value addition:

Topic:  social influence and persuasion.  

7. Compare and contrast persuasion and influence. While persuasion has the potential to change decision-making patterns, its success depends on various factors. Substantiate.

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of Mission-2024 Secure.

Key Demand of the question:

To distinguish between persuasion and influence and its role in decision making.

Directive word: 

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start by clearly defining Persuasion and Influence In your own words.

Body:

Through suitable illustrations, highlight the contrasting approaches of a Persuasion and Influence. Use examples to clearly outline the difference between the two.

Next, bring out how to it helps in changing decision making. Use examples to substantiate your argument.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a balanced opinion.

Introduction

Persuasion is symbolic process in which communicators try to convince other people through transmission of a message to change their attitudes or behaviours. While influence is the change in behaviour that one person causes in another, intentionally or unintentionally. It occurs when a person’s emotions, opinions, or behaviours are affected by others

Body

Social Influence:

• Social influence takes many forms and can be seen in conformity, socialization, peer pressure, obedience, leadership, persuasion, sales, and marketing.
• As per Herbert Kelman, there are three broad types of social influence.
  • Compliance It is described as a particular kind of response, acquiescence to a particular kind of communication, a request. g.: Tax payment, following traffic rules
  • Conformity: It refers to the act of changing a particular belief or behaviour to fit in with one’s social environment. Main factor that influences conformity is social norms. E.g.: leaving footwear outside in religious places, banning of sati.
  • Obedience: Person obeys direct orders from another to perform some actions. E.g.: Orders from Military officer to jawans.
• Effect of Social influence is especially visible in the long history of humankind, particularly World War II, where individuals were observed to commit immoral acts because they scuffle to act in sync with their personal judgments when faced with external pressure.

Persuasion:

• Persuasion is one form of social influence on attitude; in fact it represents the intersection of social thinking and social influence of everyday life.
• Persuasion can occur through appeals to reason or appeals to emotion. For example, school-based substance abuse prevention programs using the social influences model consistently produce better results than programs emphasizing only health information.
• The government has also utilized this tool for the success of the initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan- cleanliness drives; Ujjwala Yojana’s Give it up campaign; Disclosing excess income campaign; Beti Bachao Beti Padhao by making parents understand it is necessary to protect and educate a girl child.

Conclusion

Thus, Persuasion is one form of social influence on attitude; in fact it represents the intersection of social thinking and social influence of everyday life. Understanding these shortcuts and employing them in an ethical manner can significantly increase the chances that someone will be social influenced and persuaded by the public policy.

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