[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 28 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: Salient features of world’s physical geography.

1. El Niño is often associated with a weakening of the Indian monsoon, which is critical for agriculture in the country. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

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 El-Nino and also write in detail about its effects on India and need to prepare for its impact.

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 writing a few introductory lines describing the El-Nino.

Body:

First, write about the mechanism of El-Nino – The role trade winds pushing warm water, difference in temperature across the equatorial pacific, circulation between east and west in the Pacific etc.

Next, write about impact of El-Nino of global climate and the impact of El-Nino on Indian monsoon – very dry weather on the western parts of India, crop failures and lower agricultural production etc.

Next, write about steps that must be taken in order to have better forecasting models to help predict the impact of El Nino on agriculture and the economy and other steps to mitigate its impact.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

El Niño is a naturally occurring phenomenon that is linked to a periodic warming in sea surface temperatures across the central and east-central Equatorial Pacific. El Niño is Spanish for “the boy child,” which is often used to refer to Jesus Christ, and the phenomenon earned this name because it typically occurs in December around Christmas. El Niño occurs every 2-7 years, and can last anywhere between nine months and two years.

Body

Mechanism

During El Niño, the trade winds weaken or even reverse: Instead of blowing from east (South America) to west (Indonesia), they could turn into westerlies. As the winds blow from the west to east, they cause the masses of warm water to move into the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. The rise in SSTs there, thus, produces increased rainfall along western Latin America, the Caribbean and US Gulf Coast, while depriving Southeast Asia, Australia and India of convective currents.

The causes for El Niña are:

The two opposite phases, “El Niño” and “La Niña,” require certain changes in both the ocean and the atmosphere because ENSO is a coupled climate phenomenon.  “Neutral” is in the middle of the continuum.

 Neutral phase:

• In the neutral state (neither El Niño nor La Niña) trade winds blow east to west across the surface of the tropical Pacific Ocean, bringing warm moist air and warmer surface waters towards the western Pacific and keeping the central Pacific Ocean relatively cool. The thermo cline is deeper in the west than the east.
• This means that under “normal” conditions the western tropical Pacific is 8 to 10°C warmer than the eastern tropical Pacific. This warmer area of ocean is a source for convection and is associated with cloudiness and rainfall.

El Nino:

• The trade winds push warm water on the surface of the ocean from east to west (westerly). This causes the warm water to build up on the western side of the ocean near Asia. Meanwhile, on the eastern side of the ocean, near Central and South America, cold waters are pushed up towards the surface.
• Because of this, there is a difference in temperature across the equatorial pacific, with warm water to the west and cold water to the east. The warm water in the west heats the air, making the warm air rise and leading to drastic weather, including rain and thunderstorms.
• The rising warm air causes a circulation between east and west in the Pacific, with the warm, moist air rising in the west, and cool, dry air descending in the east. All of these natural occurrences lead to a reinforcement of the easterly winds, and cause a self-perpetuating motion in the air in the Pacific.

 Impacts

El-Nino impact on Indian monsoon:

• El Nino, characterized by warming of surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, is associated with lower than normal monsoon rainfall in India.
• El Nino has been found to impact almost half the world triggering droughtsin Australia, India, southern Africa and floods in Peru, Ecuador, the United States, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Colorado River basin.
• El Nino affects the flow of moisture-bearing windsfrom the cooler oceans towards India, negatively impact the summer (south-west) monsoon.
• After all, the south-west monsoon (June-September) accounts for over 70% of the country’s annual rainfall and irrigates over half of the crop land.
• The rain-fed kharif crops are heavily dependent on the monsoon and the quantity of rainfall determines agricultural production.
• El Niño years tend to be drier than average, but one of the strongest El Nino of the century (1997-98) produced a monsoon season with above-average rainfall for India.
• Researchers also believe that even the location of the warming in the Pacific may possibly have an influence on the monsoon.
• Disasters:
  • Heat-waves in India leading to deaths of people and fauna.
  • Water sources dry up leading to increased distress migration and climate refugees.
• Economic impacts:
  • India is the second-biggest grower of wheat, rice, sugar and cotton, and the largest buyer of palm, soybean and sunflower oils.
  • The livelihood of millions of farmers in the country of about 1.4 billion people depends on rains brought by the winds from the Indian Ocean.
  • The farm sector is the main source of income for 60% of its population and accounts for 18% of the economy.
  • The monsoon is critical to India’s farm output and economic growth at a time when the country, where man-made systems like canals and tube wells irrigate only a part of the land, is battling soaring food prices.
  • Timely and normal rains are set to boost production outlook for monsoon-sown crops such as rice, soybeans and pulses and help in softening soaring inflation.
  • Bountiful rains would also fill reservoirs, which in turn would brighten prospects for winter crops, usually planted during October and November.
  • The early arrival of the south-west monsoon comes at a time when parts of Northwest India were experiencing extremely high maximum temperatures.
• Social Impacts:
  • A WHO Paper said that El Niño 2015-2016 is affecting more than 60 million people.
  • Rising temperatures and more variable rainfall patterns can often reduce crop yields, compromising food security.
  • This can lead to social unrest, civil wars, increased inequality between people.
  • El Niño conditions can cause a wide range of health problems, including disease outbreaks, malnutrition, heat stress, and respiratory diseases.
• Environmental impacts:
  • Effect on aquatic species and sea birds: fish either migrate to other regions or die during an El Niño because they lack adequate food for growth and survival.

Way Forward:

• The government must expand the farm insurance cover and advice banks and financial institutions to settle crop insurance claims in the drought-hit areas without delay.
• High quality seeds of alternative crops must be distributed among farmers in the drought-affected areas.
• Technologies like drip and sprinkler irrigation, precision agriculture.
• Monetary Control measures to tackle inflationary trends in country.
• Financial support from global organizations for rehabilitation and rebuilding.
• Disaster Response Forces to tackle floods and droughts.
• Developing early warning systems and alerting the people much in advance.
• Global co-operation to tackle the climate change which can further aggravate El- Niño and La- Niña conditions.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.

2. Successful reform and strengthening of the cooperative sector require regulatory measures, financial support, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the effectiveness of cooperatives. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said his government is working to make cooperatives a strong part of rural life, asserting that they are being scaled up massively in sectors like agriculture and fisheries after making a mark in fields such as dairy and sugar production.

Key Demand of the question:

To understand the role of Co-operative society at the local level and various issues in them and measures needed to overcome.

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 giving context.

Body:

Mention the role of Cooperatives in linking the local business men/ farmer to the mainstream multi-million marketplace, giving the right forum to reap benefits of collective demand and supply in terms of financing, local level policy negotiations etc and promoting economic and social upliftment.

Next, write about the various issues in the cooperative sector and ways to reform them.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

A cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically controlled. The need for profitability is balanced by the needs of the members and the wider interest of the community.

Prime Minister recently said his government is working to make cooperatives a strong part of rural life, asserting that they are being scaled up massively in sectors like agriculture and fisheries after making a mark in fields such as dairy and sugar production.

Body

Importance of cooperatives:

• India is an agricultural country and laid the foundation of World’s biggest cooperative movement in the world.
• For instance, Amul deals with 16 million milk producers, 1,85,903 dairy cooperatives; 222 district cooperative milk unions; marketed by 28 state marketing federations.
• There are over 8 lakh cooperatives of all shapes and sizes across sectors in India
• In India, a Co-operative based economic development model is very relevant where each member works with a spirit of responsibility.
• It provides agricultural credits and fundswhere state and private sectors have not been able to do very much.
• It provides strategic inputsfor the agricultural-sector; consumer societies meet their consumption requirements at concessional rates.
• It is an organization for the poor who wish to solve their problems collectively.
• It softens the class conflictsand reduces the social cleavages.
• Itreduces the bureaucratic evils and follies of political factions;
• It overcomes the constraintsof agricultural development;
• It creates a conducive environment for small and cottage industries.

For women in particular:

• Increased Income: A study conducted on Women Dairy Cooperative Society (WDCS) members across Rajasthan showed that with the income generated through dairying, 31% of the women had converted their mud houses to cement structures, while 39% had constructed concrete sheds for their cattle.
• Provides Leadership lessons: Importantly, women-led cooperatives also provide fertile ground for grooming women from rural areas for leadership positions.
• Breaks barriers: In many instances, this becomes the first step for women in breaking free from traditional practices.
• Defeats Information Asymmetry: The presence of collectives in the form of cooperatives and milk unions plays a significant role in enhancing the knowledge and bargaining power of women
• Set up business chain: Cooperatives enhance backward and forward linkages in the dairy value chain, paving the way for freeing small farmers from the clutches of middlemen, and guaranteed minimum procurement price for milk.
• A study by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) indicates that 93% of women farmers who receive training alongside financial support succeed in their ventures, compared to the 57% success rate of those who receive financial aid alone.
• According to latest data, there are more than 1,90,000 dairy cooperative societies across the country, with approximately 6 million women members.

Challenges faced by Cooperatives currently:

• Cooperatives in India took a major hit after COVID with some either on ventilator support or banking on oxygen supply and with only a few fit and stable.
• Lack of genuine cooperation between the states and the centre wrt Cooperatives and centralization of power.
• There should be a focus on women cooperatives because they are less than three per cent of the 8 lakh cooperatives in the country.
• In the elections to the governing bodies, money became such a powerful tool that the top posts of chairman and vice-chairman usually went to the richest farmers who manipulated the organization for their benefits.
• People are not well informed about the objectives of the Movement, rules and regulations of co-operative institutions.
• Most of these societies are confined to a few members and their operations extended to only one or two villages.
• The Co-operative Movement has suffered from inadequacy of trained personnel.

Way forward:

• Principle of the cooperative movement is to unite everyone, even while remaining anonymous. The cooperative movement has the capacity to solve people’s problems.
• The pandemic seems to have increased the significance of community effort.
• Reducing vaccine hesitancy, providing food to those waiting outside hospitals and, most importantly, looking after orphaned childrenare imperatives crying out for the cooperative model.
• Implementing the steps provided by the Vaidyanathan committeeon credit cooperative societies.
• The idea of cooperatives must take the agenda beyond agriculture, milk, credit and housing cooperatives
• New areas are emerging with the advancement of technology and cooperative societies can play a huge role in making people familiar with those areas and technologies.
• There is a need to create more cooperatives with women at the helm of it.
• The irregularities in cooperatives need to be checked and the need of the hour is to have rules and stricter implementationof same.

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

3. The non-communicable diseases (NCD) led deaths are largely preventable and by making healthier choices in our daily lives, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing these diseases. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

While communicable diseases persist as a significant threat, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases have emerged as the predominant public health concern.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the steps needed to promote healthy lifestyle to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases.

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 statistic regarding NCD’s in India.

Body:

In the first part, write about the causes behind the rising NCDs and highlight the role of unhealthy lifestyle in it.

Next, Write the measures that are needed in this hour to tackle NCDs and policy interventions needed to promote healthier lifestyle.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

Non communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, tend to be of long duration and are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behaviours factors. The main types of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes.

While communicable diseases persist as a significant threat, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases have emerged as the predominant public health concern.

Body

Burden of NCDs

• According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report titled ‘Invisible Numbers’, a staggering 66% of deaths in India in 2019 were attributed to NCDs.
• The report also suggests that 22% of individuals aged 30 or older in India would succumb to NCDs before their 70th birthday, surpassing the global probability of 18%.
• India bears the dubious distinction of being the diabetes capital with 101 million diabetics and 136 million with prediabetes.
• Cardiovascular diseases top the mortality charts, and cancer incidence is projected to rise by 57.5% by 2040.
• The World Economic Forum estimates that India could incur a staggering cost of $4.58 trillion between 2012 and 2030 due to NCDs and mental health conditions.
• NCDs threaten progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes a target of reducing premature deaths from NCDs by one-third by 2030.
• Poverty is closely linked with NCDs. The rapid rise in NCDs is predicted to impede poverty reduction initiatives in low-income countries, particularly by increasing household costs associated with health care.
• Vulnerable and socially disadvantaged people get sicker and die sooner than people of higher social positions, especially because they are at greater risk of being exposed to harmful products, such as tobacco, or unhealthy dietary practices, and have limited access to health services.
• In low-resource settings, health-care costs for NCDs quickly drain household resources. The exorbitant costs of NCDs, including often lengthy and expensive treatment and loss of breadwinners, force millions of people into poverty annually and stifle development.

Measure to tackle Non Communicable diseases from Government:

• Increase health expenditure up to 8% of GDP.
• This will ensure a well-functioning of tertiary and secondary care in government hospitals.
• Also, there is a need for improving sanitation and hygiene, provisioning of equipment, toning up of laboratory facilities, and recruiting the additional staff to meet the workload.
• Provided basic health facilities to all section of people in viable costs
• Increase rural health infrastructure
• Outreach Clinics:To reduce crowding at hospitals, outreach clinics (for example Mohalla clinics in Delhi) should be organised in communities to treat minor illnesses.
• Built upon a robust early screening system
• New Health Policy 2016need to give due priority to it
• All necessary equipment such as PPEs should be provided to the healthcare staff in accordance with the requirements of their station of work.
• Shorter duty hourswith rotation and periodic duty offs to relieve stress should be instituted for minimising the attrition of the workforce.
• Issue Effective Guidelines to Private Hospitals:The central and the state governments may issue necessary guidelines seeking cooperation from the private sector.
• This will ease the burden of public hospitals and help in availing treatment to all the patients suffering from Covid-19.

Measures needed to tackle NCDs

• Wellness and a healthy lifestyle are essential in combating this growing pandemic.
• Emphasizing healthy diets and regular exercise is crucial.
• The Indian Health Ministry hasidentified cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes as major NCDs, addressing them through programs focusing on health infrastructure, human resource development, health promotion, awareness generation, prevention, early diagnosis, and appropriate healthcare referrals.
• State-specific policies allow tailored interventions toaddress the specific challenges and risk factors of each region, maximizing the effectiveness of efforts to combat NCDs.
• By allocating resources according to the specific needs of each state, state-specific strategies optimize resource utilization, enhance healthcare infrastructure, and ensure maximum impact in the fight against NCDs.

Conclusion

The strategies to tackle the Non-communicable disease burden need to evolve. Increasing testing and tracing capabilities, lowering the load of the healthcare system; all of us have to play our part and put efforts individually as well as in a community.

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

4. The India-Russia relationship has been characterized by stability, trust, and a commitment to strategic cooperation across various sectors. While the relationship is generally strong, both countries have also faced challenges and changes in their geopolitical environments. Critically analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

Hailing India and Russia relations as “very steady” and “very strong”, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said he was “confident” that the annual India-Russia leadership summit, that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have skipped for two years, will be held in 2024, even as Mr. Putin extended an invitation to PM Modi to visit.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the need to have a change in India-Russia dynamic relations due to recent geopolitical developments.

Directive word: 

Critically analyze – 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. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context of ‘all weather’ friendship between India and Russia.

Body:

In the first part, Highlight the strength of the relationship – Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, cold war era friendship, the long history, defence partnership, nuclear power plants etc.

Next, bring out the issues in the relationship by dividing them into geopolitical, geostrategic and at bilateral level – Ukraine Issue, Russia-Pakistan, Russia-China, and USA-India, Changes in Afghanistan and issues emanating from them.

Discuss how should India and Russia navigate the tides moving forward.

Conclusion:

Conclude by commenting on their current nature of evergreen friendship.

Introduction

Hailing India and Russia relations as “very steady” and “very strong”, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said he was “confident” that the annual India-Russia leadership summit, that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have skipped for two years, will be held in 2024, even as Mr. Putin extended an invitation to PM Modi to visit.

Russia’s war on Ukraine has decisively shaped international opinion. Indian foreign policy is also going to be affected in a profound manner. While there has always remained a pro-Russian popular sentiment in India, rooted in Moscow’s support during the Cold War era, particularly against the pro-Pakistani diplomatic activism by powerful Western countries in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), a majority of Indians today seem taken aback by Russia’s misadventure against a sovereign country.

Body

Complex issues facing India while balancing Moscow and the West

• ‘China’ problem:There are understandable reasons for India’s (subtle) pro-Russia position.
  • An aggressive Russia is a problem for the U.S. and the West, not for India.
  • North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) expansion is Russia’s problem, not India’s.
  • India’s problem is China, and it needs both the U.S./the West and Russiato deal with the “China problem”
• Geopolitics rather than emotions: There is today asobering recognition in New Delhiabout the weakening of the U.S.-led global order and the rise of China as a counter-pole, geographically located right next to India.
  • withdrawal from the region and its decline as the principal system shaper has complicated India’s place in regional geopolitics.
  • Neighbouring China as the rising superpower and Russia as its strategic ally challenging the U.S.-led global orderat a time when China has time and again acted on its aggressive intentions vis-à-vis India, and when India is closest to the U.S. than ever before in its history, throws up a unique and unprecedented challenge for India.
• Beyond all weather friendship:For India, Russian ties are important. It must be recalled that Ukraine was against India during 1998 nuclear testsand had spoken against India with issue of Kashmir.
  • India’s Russia tilt should be seen not just as a product of its time-tested friendship with Moscow but also as ageopolitical necessity.
  • If in the future there is Chinese aggression or Pakistan tries adventurism on India, India will need all hands on the deck. Russia being the most important.
• Russia’s support to solve continental problems: There is an emerging dualism in contemporary Indian strategic Weltanschauung:the predicament of a continental space that is reeling under immense pressure from China, Pakistan and Taliban-led Afghanistanadding to its strategic claustrophobia; and, the emergence of a maritime sphere which presents an opportunity to break out of the same.
• Defence supplies: New Delhi needs Moscow’s assistance to manage its continental difficultiesthroughdefence supplies, helping it ‘return’ to central Asia, working together at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) or exploring opportunities for collaboration in Afghanistan.
  • Russia, to put it rather bluntly, is perhaps India’s only partner of consequence in the entire Asian continental stretch.
  • Therefore, having Russia on its side is crucial for India, more than ever.
  • Moscow may or may not be able to moderate Chinese antagonism towards New Delhi, but an India-Russia strategic partnership may be able totemper New Delhi’s growing isolation in a rather friendless region.

Way forward for India

• India’s past record has been maintaining balance between the West and Russia. On January 31, India abstained on a procedural vote on whether to discuss the issue of Ukraine.
• New Delhi had then articulated its position on “legitimate security interests” that echoed with a nuanced tilt towards the Russian position, and had abstained along with Kenya and Gabon.
• Despite abstention, India has reiterated and has called for cessation of violence in no ambiguous terms.
• India has also quoted the international charter on sovereignty, highlighting that all nations must respect the same, intended towards Russia.
• For India, Russian ties are important. It must be recalled that Ukraine was against India during 1998 nuclear tests and had spoken against India with issue of Kashmir.
• Hence strategic autonomy is the way forward as India has been doing.

Conclusion

India’s position also shows the unmistakable indication that when it comes to geopolitics, New Delhi will choose interests over principles. And yet, a careful reading of India’s statements and positions taken over the past few days also demonstrates a certain amount of discomfort in having to choose interests over principles.

However, New Delhi’s response to the recent crisis, especially its “explanation of vote” at the UNSC indicates a careful recourse to the principle of strategic autonomy: India will make caveated statements and will not be pressured by either party. In that sense, India’s indirect support to the Russian position is not a product of Russian pressure but the result of a desire to safeguard its own interests.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

5. The Internet of Things (IoT) has brought about numerous benefits and conveniences by connecting various devices and systems, but it also raises several concerns and challenges. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about IoT, its applications, concerns associated and ways to overcome those concerns.

Directive word: 

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by defining IoT.

Body:

First, write about the working of IoT in brief.

Next, write about the various applications of IoT – “smart home”, including devices and appliances (such as lighting fixtures, thermostats, home security systems, cameras, and other home appliances) that support one or more common ecosystems, and can be controlled via devices associated with that ecosystem, such as smartphones and smart speakers. IoT is also used in healthcare systems.

Next, write about the concerns related to Privacy and security of IoT and suggest ways to overcome them.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

The internet of things, or IoT, is a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals or people that are provided with unique identifiers (UIDs) and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.

According to a market research report published by Markets and Markets, the global IoT security market size is expected to grow from USD 8.2 billion in 2018 to USD 35.2 billion by 2023.

Body

Applications of IOT

• Agriculture
  • For indoor planting, IoT makes monitoring and management of micro-climate conditions a reality, which in turn increases production.
  • For outside planting, devices using IoT technology can sense soil moisture and nutrients, in conjunction with weather data, better control smart irrigation and fertilizer systems.
• Consumer Use
  • Wearables cover accessories such as Fitbit, smartphones, Apple watches, health monitors, to name a few. These devices improve entertainment, network connectivity, health, and fitness.
  • Smart homes take care of things like activating environmental controls so that your house is at peak comfort when you come home.
• Healthcare
  • Wearable IoT devices let hospitals monitor their patients’ health at home, thereby reducing hospital stays while still providing up to the minute real-time information that could save lives.
  • In hospitals, smart beds keep the staff informed as to the availability, thereby cutting wait time for free space.
  • Putting IoT sensors on critical equipment means fewer breakdowns and increased reliability, which can mean the difference between life and death.
  • Elderly care becomes significantly more comfortable with IoT.
  • In addition to the above-mentioned real-time home monitoring, sensors can also determine if a patient has fallen or is suffering a heart attack.
• Insurance
  • Insurance companies can offer their policyholders discounts for IoT wearables such as Fitbit. By employing fitness tracking, the insurer can offer customized policies and encourage healthier habits, which in the long run, benefits everyone, insurer, and customer alike.
• Manufacturing
  • RFID and GPS technology can help a manufacturer track a product from its start on the factory floor to its placement in the destination store, the whole supply chain from start to finish.
  • These sensors can gather information on travel time, product condition, and environmental conditions that the product was subjected to.
  • Sensors attached to factory equipment can help identify bottlenecks in the production line, thereby reducing lost time and waste.
  • Other sensors mounted on those same machines can also track the performance of the machine, predicting when the unit will require maintenance, thereby preventing costly breakdowns.
• Retail
  • Online and in-store shopping sales figures can control warehouse automation and robotics, information gleaned from IoT sensors.
  • IoT can help analyze mall traffic so that stores located in malls can make the necessary adjustments that enhance the customer’s shopping experience while reducing overhead.
  • Equipped with the information provided through IoT, a retailer could craft a personalized promotion for their loyal customers, thereby eliminating the need for costly mass-marketing promotions that don’t stand as much of a chance of success.
• Transportation
  • Self-driving cars are just one bit of the vast potential in the field of transportation.
  • There’s already significant progress made in navigation, once again alluding to a phone or car’s GPS.
  • But city planners can also use that data to help determine traffic patterns, parking space demand, and road construction and maintenance.
• Utilities/Energy
  • IoT sensors can be employed to monitor environmental conditions such as humidity, temperature, and lighting.
  • With IoT-driven environmental control, businesses and private residences can experience significant energy savings, which in the long run, benefits everyone, including the environment!
  • On a larger scale, data gathered by the Internet of Things can be used to help run municipal power grids more efficiently, analyzing factors such as usage.
  • Also, the sensors can help pinpoint outages faster, thereby increasing the response time of repair crews and decreasing blackout times.

Measures to tackle the concerns associated with privacy and security of IoT

• While IoT technology is clearly of significant advantage to citizens worldwide, along with greater advantage comes a potential risk to privacy.
• This concern over data protection will need to be addressed and IoT manufacturers will have to build and sustain consumer trust in their devices.
• In this context, the Data Protection Bill,2019is a step in the right direction.
• Around the world, legislators, device manufacturers, and law enforcement agencies should come together to figure out how to benefit from IoT while mitigating risks.
• In case the device collects or transmits personal data, such data should be securely stored.
• IoT developers should provide a dedicated public point of contact as part of a vulnerability disclosure policy.

Conclusion

To  insure  the  continued  protection  of  an  IoT  system  and  maintain   its   trustworthiness,   Risk   Assessment,   Intrusion   Detection, Physical Security and Trust Management should be mandatory at all layers in IoT.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.

6. While self-awareness and self-regulation are crucial components of emotional intelligence, understanding and empathizing with the emotions of others are equally important. 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 (revision).

Key Demand of the question:

to develop a link between emotional intelligence and persuasion.

Directive:

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 defining emotional intelligence (EI).

Body:

First mention the role of EI in – perceiving emotions, using emotions, understanding emotions, and managing emotions.

Next, link the emotional aspect of EI with communication and persuasion – attempting to influence an outcome or followers using – authority, consistency and commitment, liking and reciprocity/reciprocation etc.

Conclusion:

Complete the answer by stressing on the implications for leaders and employers in understanding the importance of interpersonal relationships in the organizational context.

Introduction

Emotional intelligence or EI is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, and those of the people around you. Emotional intelligence is the ability to perceive emotions, to access and generate emotions so as to assist thought, to understand emotions and emotional knowledge, and to reflectively regulate emotions so as to promote emotional and intellectual growth.

Body:

According to Daniel Goleman, an American psychologist who helped to popularize emotional intelligence, there are five key elements to it:

Self-awareness:

• The ability to recognize and understand personal moods and emotions and drives, as well as their effect on others.
• Hallmarks of self-awareness include self-confidence, realistic self-assessment, and a self-deprecating sense of humour.
• Emotional awareness: This deals with knowledge of one’s emotions and their effects. People having this competency are more aware of their feelings and performance.
• Accurate self-assessment: This involves being aware of one’s strengths and weaknesses. One is open to feedbacks, new viewpoints, etc.
• Self-confidence: This relates to complete affirmation of one’s worth and abilities. They are usually more confident and are able to make sound decisions despite any uncertainties or pressures

Self-management:

• Ability to control or redirect disruptive impulses and moods, and the propensity to suspend judgment and to think before acting. Hallmarks include trustworthiness and integrity; comfort with ambiguity; and openness to change.
• Adaptability: This involves flexible attitude towards change. People with this competency find it easy to handle changing routines, multiple roles and even shifting priorities.
• Innovativeness: This involves getting easy with and open to new information and ideas. People who possess this are able to gather new ideas from multiple sources, set challenging roles and are able to take calculated risks. They evolve original solutions to various problems.

Social Awareness:

• The ability to understand the emotional makeup of other people. A skill in treating people according to their emotional reactions.
• Empathy does not necessarily imply compassion. Empathy can be ‘used’ for compassionate or cruel behaviour. Serial killers who marry and kill many partners in a row tend to have great emphatic skills.
• A passion to work for internal reasons that go beyond money and status -which are external rewards, – such as an inner vision of what is important in life, a joy in doing something, curiosity in learning, a flow that comes with being immersed in an activity

Relationship management:

• Proficiency in managing relationships and building networks, and an ability to find common ground and build rapport.
• Hallmarks of social skills include effectiveness in leading change, persuasiveness, and expertise building and leading teams.

Conclusion:

Governance in modern times is becoming increasing complex with affective components of behaviour having a major role to play. Intelligence quotient alone can’t solve majority of problems an administrator faces, use of emotional intelligence is a must for better public service delivery as well as redressal.

Topic: laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance

7. Common good which is embodied in law, is authorized by popular consent. Debate. (150 Words)

Difficulty Level: Tough

Why the question:

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

Key Demand of the question:

To write about common good which is part of the law whether or not it has a popular consent.

Directive word: 

Debate – Weigh up to what extent something is true. Persuade the reader of your argument by citing relevant research but also remember to point out any flaws and counter- arguments as well. Conclude by stating clearly how far you agree with the original proposition.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by defining common good.

Body:

Write about instances where in common good is established in the law of the country. Cite examples. Mention whether of not the process of common getting enshrined in law has the popular consent. Debate on both sides of the argument with examples.

Conclusion:

Give a concise summation of your views to conclude the answer.

Introduction

In ordinary political discourse, the “common good” refers to those facilities whether material, cultural or institutional—that the members of a community provide to all members in order to fulfill a relational obligation they all have to care for certain interests that they have in common. Some canonical examples of the common good in a modern liberal democracy include: the road system; public parks; police protection and public safety; courts and the judicial system; public schools; museums and cultural institutions; public transportation; civil liberties, such as the freedom of speech and the freedom of association; the system of property; clean air and clean water; and national defence. The term itself may refer either to the interests that members have in common or to the facilities that serve common interests

Body

Common good that is embodied in law is usually in existence because there is popular consent and support. For instance, RTI law, Motor vehicles Act, Air pollution Act, Medical Termination of Pregnancy and such other laws were passed because there was a necessity as well as support of the general public.

However, in a democracy there are multiple interests and consolidating it into one is not possible. Sometimes, majoritarian interests may impinge upon minority interests, or what may seem as a viable law for welfare is not viewed from the same angle. For instance, Farm laws in the country had to be repealed because of huge protests by farmers who were directly impacted by it.

Likewise, when the Indian government passed the CAA/NRC bill, there was huge protests all over the nation especially by minority community. Hence laws do not always get popular consent and sometimes those laws without consent also gets passed. Over and above all this, there is an apex court that can invalidate any law and acts as a checks and balance for the welfare of the society.

Conclusion

The common good is an important concept in political philosophy because it plays a central role in philosophical reflection about the public and private dimensions of social life. When citizens face various questions about legislation, public policy or social responsibility, they resolve these questions by appeal to a conception of the relevant facilities and the relevant interests. That is, they argue about what facilities have a special claim on their attention, how they should expand, contract or maintain existing facilities, and what facilities they should design and build in the future.

Sometimes relevance for one group may conflict with others and in such cases, there must be a middle path to placate all interests in the view of greater good of all.

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