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.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To explain the concept of heat balance and its importance.
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:
Define the concept of heat budget in brief.
Body:
First write about that the sun is continuously radiating energy, the earth as a whole does not accumulate or lose heat. It maintains its temperature. This is popularly known as heat budget or heat balance of the earth. This can happen only if the amount of heat received in the form of insulation is equal to the amount lost by the earth in the form of terrestrial radiation.
Next, briefly explain the different ways of heating and cooling of the atmosphere.
Next, mention the how the heat balancing makes the life possible on earth.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising the importance of heat balancing.
Introduction
Temperature differs from one part of the world to the other. Since Insolation is the basic source of energy for the atmosphere, the distribution of insolation would determine the temperature of the earth. Thus latitude, altitude, distance from sea, features of the surface, nature of the landscape are some important factors that affect the distribution of temperature.
Body
The earth as a whole does not accumulate or lose heat. It maintains its temperature. This can happen only if the amount of heat received in the form of insolation equals the amount lost by the earth through terrestrial radiation. This balance between the insolation and the terrestrial radiation is termed as the heat budget or heat balance of the earth.
Various Factors that cause temperature distribution:
- The latitude of the place
- The altitude of the place
- Distance from the sea
- The air- mass circulation
- The presence of warm and cold ocean currents
- Local aspects such as Soil devoid of vegetation.
Importance of Heat Budget of the Earth
- Earth’s heat balanceis and extremely important factor in what makes the Earth habitable.
- The fact that the Earth can respond to slight changes in the amount of incoming radiation to maintain a fairly stable temperature is a result of Earth’s energy budget.
- This phenomenon is also closely connected to flows on the Earth, and the Solar energy to the Earth.
- Essentially all of the energy the Earth receives is in radiant energy that originates from the Sun.
- The temperature of the Earth is a balancing act, with greenhouse gases in the atmosphere contributing to a planet that is inhabitable.
- Changing factors such as these result in a very small, but significant energy imbalance on the Earth.
- This energy imbalance continues to grow as a result of human activities, and the energy imbalance amounts to approximately
Conclusion
Thus, the temperature distribution determines the climate of a particular area. Global warming and climate change effects are altering the temperature distribution, thus affecting the climate across the globe.
Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To how the regions of the atmosphere are divided on the basis of temperature, the explanation of each layer along with the reasons how they are significant for us.
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:
Write about the temperature classification and atmosphere can be divided into troposphere, the stratosphere, the mesosphere and the thermosphere.
Body:
Draw a neat labelled diagram of the layers of atmosphere which will help you save up on words as well as provide an opportunity to mention in more facts and details.
Explain the above layers and how they are significant for us. For instance, flights fly in tropopause to evade turbulence, the significance of ionosphere for radio communication etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising the importance of atmosphere.
Introduction
The atmosphere is a mixture of gases that surrounds the planet. On Earth, the atmosphere helps make life possible. Besides providing us with something to breathe, it shields us from most of the harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation coming from the Sun, warms the surface of our planet by about 33° C (59° F) via the greenhouse effect, and largely prevents extreme differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures.
Body
Earth’s atmosphere has a series of layers, each with its own specific traits. Moving upward from ground level, these layers are named the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere and exosphere. The exosphere gradually fades away into the realm of interplanetary space.
Layers of atmosphere
- Troposphere
- This is the lowest part of the atmosphere that is the part we live in. It contains most of the weather – clouds, rain, snow. In this part of the atmosphere the temperature gets colder as the distance above the earth increases, by about 6.5°C per kilometre. The actual change of temperature with height varies from day to day, depending on the weather.
- The troposphere contains about 75% of all of the air in the atmosphere, and almost all of the water vapour (which forms clouds and rain). The decrease in temperature with height is a result of the decreasing pressure
- The lowest part of the troposphere is called the boundary layer. This is where the air motion is determined by the properties of the Earth’s surface.
- The top of the troposphere is called the tropopause. This is lowest at the poles, where it is about 7 – 10 km above the Earth’s surface. It is highest (about 17 – 18 km) near the equator.
- Stratosphere
- This extends upwards from the tropopause to about 50 km. It contains much of the ozone in the atmosphere. The increase in temperature with height occurs because of absorption of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun by this ozone. Temperatures in the stratosphere are highest over the summer pole, and lowest over the winter pole.
- By absorbing dangerous UV radiation, the ozone in the stratosphere protects us from skin cancer and other health damage.
- Mesosphere
- The region above the stratosphere is called the mesosphere. Here the temperature again decreases with height, reaching a minimum of about -90°C at the “mesopause”
- Thermosphere and Ionosphere
- The thermosphere lies above the mesopause, and is a region in which temperatures again increase with height. This temperature increase is caused by the absorption of energetic ultraviolet and X-Ray radiation from the sun.
- The region of the atmosphere above about 80 km is also caused the “ionosphere”, since the energetic solar radiation knocks electrons off molecules and atoms, turning them into “ions” with a positive charge. The temperature of the thermosphere varies between night and day and between the seasons, as do the numbers of ions and electrons which are present
- Exosphere
- The region above about 500 km is called the exosphere. It contains mainly oxygen and hydrogen atoms, but there are so few of them that they rarely collide – they follow “ballistic” trajectories under the influence of gravity, and some of them escape right out into space.
- Magnetosphere
- The earth behaves like a huge magnet. It traps electrons (negative charge) and protons (positive), concentrating them in two bands about 3,000 and 16,000 km above the globe – the Van Allen “radiation” belts.
- This outer region surrounding the earth, where charged particles spiral along the magnetic field lines, is called the magnetosphere.
Conclusion
It is the unique attribute of the Earth’s atmosphere that allows it to be a habitable place for humans, animals, microbes and plants. The human impact on the Earth’s atmosphere and climate remains a major issue in ecological politics today, and presents a problem that could threaten the planet for years.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
A seven-judge Constitution Bench on Tuesday questioned why affluent sub-castes among backward classes should not be “excluded” from the reservation list and made to compete with the general category.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about excluding affluent sub-castes from the benefits of reservation or not.
Directive word:
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
Body:
First, write about the reasons for excluding affluent sub-castes from the benefits of reservation – targeting reservation benefits towards the most disadvantaged individuals, preventing concentration among the affluent, efficient resource allocation and preventing inequitable distribution.
Write about the other aspect of the argument in not excluding affluent sub-castes – lack of a proper criteria, needs for studies, resistance by groups etc.
Conclusion:
Suggest a way forward for the above case.
Introduction
A seven-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has asked why those sub-castes among the backward classes which are well off should not be excluded from reservation lists. The bench is headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud. It is examining the matter of whether state governments can identify and sub-classify groups within the Scheduled Caste category, with an eye on who deserves more. The matter was referred to this bench by a five-judge bench in 2020, when it held that a coordinate bench’s judgement on sub-classification not being permissible needed to be reconsidered.
Body
Reasons to exclude affluent sub-castes
- Targeted Assistance: Critics argue that reservation policies should be designed to benefit those who are genuinely disadvantaged and marginalized within a community. Excluding affluent sub-castes could ensure that the benefits of reservation reach those who need it the most.
- Preventing Concentration of Privilege: Including affluent individuals within a reserved category may concentrate the benefits among a select few, leaving the majority of the community still disadvantaged. Exclusion could help prevent the perpetuation of privilege within a particular sub-caste.
- Effective Resource Allocation: Resources allocated for reservations are often limited. By excluding affluent sub-castes, policymakers aim to optimize the impact of these resources, ensuring that they reach individuals and communities with the greatest need. This approach promotes the efficient use of public resources to address social inequalities.
- Encouraging Meritocracy: Critics argue that including affluent individuals in reservation benefits can undermine the principles of meritocracy. By focusing on the economically and socially disadvantaged, reservation policies aim to provide equal opportunities based on merit, addressing historical inequalities without compromising on fairness.
- Avoiding Backlash and Resentment: Including affluent sub-castes within reservation benefits can lead to resentment and opposition from both within and outside the community. Excluding the economically well-off segments helps in maintaining public support for affirmative action policies and ensures that reservations remain a tool for uplifting the most marginalized.
- Focusing on Socially Marginalized: Affluence alone may not capture the full extent of social disadvantages faced by individuals within a community. By excluding affluent sub-castes, policymakers can focus on addressing the unique social, cultural, and historical barriers that have marginalized certain sections, leading to a more targeted and effective intervention.
- Encouraging Self-Reliance: Some argue that excluding affluent sub-castes promotes self-reliance within communities. By not providing reservation benefits to those who are already economically privileged, there is an expectation that these individuals can contribute to the community’s overall development, thereby reducing dependence on affirmative action measures.
Issues of exclusion
- Complexity of Disadvantage:
- Critics argue that disadvantage is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. Exclusively relying on economic criteria may not fully capture the historical and social disadvantages faced by individuals within a community. Socio-economic indicators alone might overlook deep-rooted inequalities and discrimination.
- Intersectionality:
- Disadvantage often intersects with various factors, such as caste, gender, and region. Excluding affluent sub-castes may overlook the nuanced ways in which individuals within these groups still face discrimination. Intersectionality calls for a more comprehensive understanding of disadvantage, considering various dimensions.
- Need for Detailed Studies:
- To determine the impact of reservation policies accurately, comprehensive studies are necessary. Critics argue that decisions about exclusion should be based on empirical evidence that identifies the specific challenges faced by different sub-castes, rather than relying on broad assumptions about affluence.
- Avoiding Stigmatization:
- Excluding certain sub-castes based on economic criteria alone can lead to stigmatization within communities. It may create divisions and internal conflicts, with accusations of unfair exclusion. A more inclusive approach is seen as fostering unity and preventing intra-community tensions.
- Resistance from Within the Community:
- Within marginalized communities, there is often resistance against excluding any sub-caste from reservation benefits. This resistance may stem from a belief that historical discrimination affects all members of the community, regardless of their current economic status. Exclusion can be perceived as divisive and counterproductive.
- Economic Mobility:
- Some argue that economic status can change over time, and today’s affluent individuals might have faced historical discrimination. Excluding them based on current economic indicators may not account for the potential intergenerational impact of discrimination.
- Ensuring Social Justice:
- The overarching goal of reservation policies is to achieve social justice by addressing historical injustices and promoting equality. Critics of exclusion argue that a more holistic and inclusive approach aligns better with the principles of justice and fairness.
- Policy Reforms Instead of Exclusion:
- Rather than excluding certain sub-castes, advocates for inclusivity propose reforms within the reservation system. This may involve revising income criteria, implementing sub-quotas, or conducting regular reviews to ensure that the benefits are reaching those who need them the most.
Conclusion
The argument against excluding affluent sub-castes from reservation benefits underscores the importance of a nuanced and evidence-based approach. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive studies, acknowledges the complexity of disadvantage, and highlights potential negative consequences associated with exclusion. Striking a balance between addressing historical injustices and ensuring that reservation policies remain effective and fair is a challenging task that requires careful consideration and ongoing refinement.
General Studies – 3
Topic: changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India
Why the question:
Each country must support small and medium enterprises and promote women’s entrepreneurship within its own context while global trade talks focus on market access.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about contribution of MSME in India’s growth and addressing issues in the MSME sector.
Directive word:
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to 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. There is scope for forming an opinion here.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving factual status of proportion of MSME vis-à-vis the population dependent on it also adding the dimension of the demographic demand of India.
Body:
Elaborate upon the importance of MSMEs in socio-economic development of the country. GDP growth, Job creation, exports and entrepreneurship etc.
Mention about the challenges with respect to MSMEs such as – lack of promotion, viability issues, competition, imports etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSMEs) sector is an important pillar of the Indian economy as it contributes greatly to growth of the Indian economy with a vast network contributing about 45% to manufacturing output. It is termed as “engine of growth “for India, has played a prominent role in the development of the country in terms of creating employment opportunities.
MSMEs provide about 110 million jobs which is 22-23% of the total employment in India. It is next highest to Agriculture. However, this sector still faces several challenges. Barely 15% of MSME units have registered with the UDYAM Platform. Heterogeneity, fragmentation and informalization highlight the need for reforms in this sector.
Body
MSMEs and socio-economic development
- Contribution to GDP:The share of MSMEs in the country’s gross value added is estimated to be about 32%.
- Leveraging Exports:It also contributes about 40% to total exports and 45% to manufacturing output.
- Employment Opportunities:It employs 60 million people, creates 1.3 million jobs every year and produces more than 8000 quality products for the Indian and international markets.
- Diversity:There are approximately 30 million MSME Units in India and is quite diverse in terms of its size, level of technology employed, range of products and services provided and target markets.
- Fostering Inclusive Growth:MSME is constructing inclusive growth in numerous ways through promoting non- agricultural livelihood at least cost, unbiased regional development, large female participation, and providing a protection against deflation.
- Boon for Rural Development:Compared with large-scale companies, MSMEs aided in the industrialisation of rural areas at minimal capital cost. The sector has made significant contributions to the country’s rural socio-economic growth and complemented major industries as well.
- Front Runner in Make in India Mission:As India aims that the products that are ‘Make in India’ are also ‘Made for the World,’ adhering to global standards of quality. MSME is acquiring the centre stage in the mission. It is taken as a backbone in making this dream a possibility.
- Simple Management Structure for Enterprises:Considering India’s middle-class economy, MSME offers a flexibility that it can start with limited resources within the control of the owner. From this decision making gets easy and efficient.
- On the contrary, a large corporation requires a specialist for every departmental functioning as it has a complex organisational structure.
- Economic Growth and Leverage Exports:It is the most significant driver in India contributing to the tune of 8% to GDP.
- Nowadays, Multi National Companiesare buying semi-finished, and auxiliary products from small enterprises. It offers immense potential in creating a linkage between India’s MSME base and big companies.
The challenges and concerns associated with the growth of MSME sector:
- Access to Credit:
- According to Economic Survey (2017-18), MSME sector faces a major problem in terms of getting adequate credit for expansion of business activities.
- The Survey had pointed out that the MSME received only 17.4 per cent of the total credit outstanding.
- Most banks are reluctant to lend to MSMEs because from the perspective of bankers, inexperience of these enterprises, poor financials, lack of collaterals and infrastructure.
- According to a 2018 report by the International Finance Corporation, the formal banking system supplies less than one-third (or about Rs 11 lakh crore) of the credit MSME credit need that it can potentially fund
- most of the MSME funding comes from informal sources and this fact is crucial because it explains why the Reserve Bank of India’s efforts to push more liquidity towards the MSMEs have had a limited impact.
- Poor Infrastructure:
- With poor infrastructure, MSMEs’ production capacity is very low while production cost is very high.
- Access to modern Technology:
- The lack of technological know-how and financial constraints limits the access to modern technology and consequently the technological adoption remains low.
- Access to markets:
- MSMEs have poor access to markets. Their advertisement and sales promotion are comparatively weaker than that of the multinational companies and other big companies.
- The ineffective advertisement and poor marketing channels makes it difficult for them to compete with large companies.
- Legal hurdles:
- Getting statutory clearances related to power, environment, labour are major hurdles.
- Laws related to the all aspects of manufacturing and service concern are very complex and compliance with these laws are difficult.
- Lack of skilled manpower:
- The training and development programs in respect of MSME`S development has been. Thus, there has been a constant crunch of skilled manpower in MSMEs
Other issues:
- Low ICT usage.
- Low market penetration.
- Quality assurance/certification.
- IPR related issues.
- Quality assurance/certification.
- Standardization of products and proper marketing channels to penetrate new markets.
Measures needed:
- Government of India and banks should design plans and measures to widen easy, hassle-free access to credit.
- The RBI should bring stringent norms for Non-Performing Assets (NPA) and it will help curbing loan defaulters and motivate potential good debts. Further, according to critics, the Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSME (CGTMSE) run by SIDBI is a growing contingent liability and needs to be examined with urgency
- Government should provide enhanced development and upgradation of existing rail & road network and other infrastructure facilities in less developed and rural areas to boost growth and development of MSMEs
- There should proper research and development in respect of innovative method of production and service rendering. Further, the government should promote and subsidise the technical know-how to Micro and small enterprises.
- Government should encourage procurement programme, credit and performance ratings and extensive marketing support to revive the growth of sick units.
- Skill development and imparting training to MSME workers is a crucial step to increase the productivity of the sector. The government should emphasise predominantly on skill development and training programs
- With Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Centre has taken several steps redefining MSMEs, credit access, subordinate debt, preference in government tenders towards ‘energising the MSME sector’.
- It has also launched the MSME Udyam portal for registration, though this is not mandatory. Information asymmetry on government schemes and incentives on registration must be addressed.
- MSMEs need to be better integrated into the digital economy to expand their market access, diversify their customer base and solidify their supply chain.
- Industry and the Indian economy along with MSMEs would reap the benefits of leveraging technology, that will have positive ripple effects on the nation’s GDP and the creation of more jobs.
Way forward:
- The traditional concept of apprenticeship, which involves part-time work and is a widely accepted skilling practice, especially in weaving, handicraft and manufacturing units, does not find mention in India’s wage-protection rule-books. This oversight can be fixed via coverage by either the wage code or social security code rules, or perhaps the Shops and Establishments Act rules, as deemed appropriate
- Efforts need to focus on quality manufacturing, with the use of automation to enhance operations, and the exploration of new markets through e-commerce.
- This would require a holistic approach of hand-holding existing manufacturers in the sector, equipping both managers and their workforces with appropriate skills, and educating them on new technologies and standardization norms, even as we expose them to new market avenues and instil confidence in them that the country’s ecosystem would assist them in their expansion plans.
- New MSMEs, especially, should be encouraged to start off with this advantage.
- Skilling plans in accordance with sector-wise requirements will enable us to create appropriate job opportunities not just in India but also across the globe, as various developed economies need skilled manpower in a swathe of industries that cover manufacturing, software and healthcare.
- Indian policies need to be revisited so that discrepancies are removed and we encourage small units to take advantage of e-com platforms.
Conclusion:
Thus, Indian MSME sector is the backbone of the national economic structure and acts as a bulwark for Indian economy, providing resilience to ward off global economic shocks and adversities. Given the important role played by the sector in the economy, issues faced by it must be addressed on an urgent basis to revive the economy battered by the pandemic. Apart from the fiscal stimulus, the sector requires a political-economy approach that prioritizes MSME interests. India needs to ease the regulatory burden of small units and aid their survival through fiscal support. Above all, they need a level-playing field vis-à-vis big businesses.
Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
Amid calls for aggressive privatisation—a policy that the present government has very much pursued—an advice to go slow on privatisation of PSU banks comes as a surprise, if not anything more.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about pros and cons of the complete privatisation of public sector banks (PSBs).
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 stating objectives of privatisation.
Body:
First, write about the positive role played by PSUs in the Indian economy.
Next, write about the various issues plaguing the PSUs. Cite statistics to substantiate.
Next, write about positives of complete privatisation of PSUs.
Next, write about the negatives of complete privatisation of PSUs.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a balanced opinion for way ahead.
Introduction
Disinvestment, or divestment, refers to the act of a business or government selling or liquidating an asset or subsidiary or the process of dilution of a government’s stake in a PSU (Public Sector Undertaking).
Amid calls for aggressive privatisation—a policy that the present government has very much pursued—an advice to go slow on privatisation of PSU banks comes as a surprise, if not anything more.
Body
Rationale behind divestment and strategic sale of PSU’s
- Financing economic recovery: There is a pressure on the government to raise resources to support the economic recovery and meet expectations of higher outlays for healthcare.
- The increase in public spending in the upcoming Budget will have to be financed to a large extent by garnering disinvestment proceeds and monetising assets.
- Minimum government Maximum governance: To eliminate the need for the government’s involvement in non-strategic areas.
- Government must not to business, is the rationale behind the divestment.
- Government presence distorts competitive dynamics for private players.
- Raising efficiency: To diversify the ownership of PSU for enhancing efficiency of individual enterprise. Eg Hindustan Zinc is the world’s second-largest zinc-lead miner and one of the top 10 silver producers. It benefitted from the privatisation.
- Better economic potential under private players: Economic potential of such entities may be better discovered in the hands of the strategic investors due to various factors, infusion of capital, technology up-gradation and efficient management practices
- Better utilization of taxpayer money: Loss making PSU’s results in consumers and taxpayers bearing the brunt of inefficient PSU operations. Instead, government can use the same resources into areas that directly benefit people.
Macroeconomic impact
- Government has mostly used disinvestment for fiscal reasons rather than growth objectives.
- Process of disinvestment is not favoured socially as it is against the interests of socially disadvantaged people.
- Over the years the policy of divestment has increasingly become a tool to raise resources to cover the fiscal deficitwith little focus on market discipline or strategic objective.
- Sometimes with the emergence of private monopolies consumer welfare will be reduced.
- Mere change of ownership from public to private does not ensure higher efficiency and productivity.
- It may lead to retrenchment of workers who will be deprived of the means of their livelihood.
- Private sector governed as they are by profit motive has a tendency to use capital intensive techniques which will worsen unemployment problem in India.
- Loss making units don’t attract investment so easily.
Way Forward
- Monetization of PSU assets instead of disinvestment which yield more.
- Define the priority sectors for the government based on its strategic interests.
- Investment in PSUs has to be in terms of generation of adequate social and strategic returns.
- It should be time bound programme.
- The government ownership is required for sectors with strategic relevance such as defence, natural resources, etc. The government should, exit non-strategic sectors such as hotels, soaps, airlines, travel agencies and the manufacture and sale of alcohol.
- The government should look into strengthening the regulatory framework that ensures efficient market conditions.
- Instead of creating PSUs, the government should create regulations that would ease the entry of new players. The regulations should also ensure that the basic necessities of the consumers are met.
- Allowing both domestic and foreign buyers to bid freely for stakes.
Value Addition
Types of Disinvestments
- Minority Disinvestment: A minority disinvestment is one such that, at the end of it, the government retains a majority stake in the company, typically greater than 51%, thus ensuring management control.
- Majority Disinvestment: A majority disinvestment is one in which the government, post disinvestment, retains a minority stake in the company i.e. it sells off a majority stake.
- Complete Privatisation: Complete privatisation is a form of majority disinvestment wherein 100% control of the company is passed on to a buyer. Examples of this include 18 hotel properties of ITDC and 3 hotel properties of HCI.
Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday that the government has decided to construct a fence along the 1,643-kilometre border with Myanmar.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the challenges of border management and the strategies India has employed to tackle such challenges and give opinion on fencing of border with Myanmar.
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 highlighting that India shares borders with several countries, a few of those countries don’t share good relations with India making the task of border management challenging.
Body:
First, Discuss the challenges with respect to border security – non-demarcated boundaries with overlapping, Unilateral actions by some nations to change the status quo in their favour, Misuse of borders (especially porous open borders) for smuggling, illegal migration, etc, Little or no support from counterparts of neighbouring nations and in some cases active support by cross border elements to illegal activities etc.
Next, write about the India’s decision to fence border with Myanmar – write about the need for it and challenges with respect to it.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising the need of effective border management strategy.
Introduction
India has one of the longest and most varied of international borders. Historical and political reasons have left India with an artificial unnatural border. Border Management is an integral approach towards borders in which along with security enhancement, infrastructure & human development is undertaken. The challenge of coping with long-standing territorial and boundary disputes with China and Pakistan, combined with porous borders along some of the most difficult terrain in the world, has made effective and efficient border management a national priority.
Body
Border Management in India and its complexities
- Porous borders: International borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh run through diverse terrain including deserts, marshes, plains and mountains. This porosity of borders facilitates various illegal activities such as smuggling, trafficking of humans, drugs and arms and infiltration.
- Contested International borders: History of mistrustand constant border skirmisheswith Pakistan along line of control (LOC) makes India highly susceptible to cross-border terrorism. Similarly, India’s border with Myanmar is threatened by several insurgent groups that have found sanctuaries in jungles along the border. Political boundary issues of “enclaves and adverse possessions” in Bangladesh have resulted in political sensitivity along the entire eastern border.
- Inefficiency in Border management: Indian borders continue to be guarded by military and police forces that report to different ministries in the Centre and states, making the border management task arduous and leading to duplication of efforts by the security forces.
- Lack of critical infrastructure: Critical infrastructure such as observation towers, bunkers, Border Flood Lights etc. are lacking in many border areas which also prevent deployment of hi-tech equipment.
- Poor intelligence and resource efficiency: Security forces are ill-equipped to handle border management given poor intelligence capabilities and severe resource deficiency.
- Ethnic conflicts and separatist movements: The situation has worsened due to the changed demographic profile of many Border States and shift in ethnic balance of communities as a result of illegal migration.
- Over-population in the border areas: Density of population in the border areas at some places is approximately 700-800 persons per square km on the Indian side and about 1,000 persons on the Bangladesh side.
- Political instability and disorder in its periphery impacts India’s security directly or indirectly. Proxy war between India and Pakistan adds to this security risk.
India’s border fencing with Myanmar and its consequences
Pros
- India and Myanmar share an unfenced border and people on either side have familial and ethnic ties which prompted the arrangement in the 1970s. FMR was last revised in 2016.
- Violence in Manipur: The Manipur Chief Minister has attributed the ongoing ethnic violence in the State that has claimed around 200 lives since May 2023 to the unregulated movement of people across the porous border.
- A border may help combat allegations by the Manipur state government of ‘illegal migration’ of Kuki-Zo or ‘external aggression by kindred militant groups on the other side of the border.
- Refugee influx: To contain any spillover of the anti-military conflict in Myanmar in the form of refugees or militancy.
- Illegal activities: It will help prevent a growing illegal and informal trade in drugs, gold, betel nuts and timber and tackle Valley-based, Naga and Assam-based Indian Insurgent Groups (IIGs) sheltered in Myanmar.
Cons
- Diplomatic Relations: Fencing the entire border may strain diplomatic relations between the two countries. It could be perceived as an aggressive act and lead to increased tensions, impacting not only border security but also overall regional stability.
- Cross-Border Cooperation: Collaborative efforts with Myanmar, such as intelligence sharing and joint patrolling, might be more effective in addressing security concerns. Building trust and cooperation can contribute to long-term stability.
- Impact on Environment: Fencing can have ecological consequences, disrupting wildlife habitats, migration routes, and biodiversity. It may lead to environmental degradation and negatively affect local ecosystems, which is a significant concern given the shared natural resources along the border.
- Impact on Local Populations: Fencing can affect the lives of communities living along the border, potentially dividing families and disrupting traditional livelihoods. It may lead to social and economic challenges for these communities.
- Financial Burden: Fencing an entire border can be a costly undertaking. The financial resources required for construction, maintenance, and personnel to man the border need to be carefully considered in relation to the overall security benefits.
Conclusion
Fencing the entire border with Myanmar may provide certain security benefits, but it is essential to examine the approach in the context of broader geopolitical and ecological concerns. While border fencing can be an effective measure in some cases, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution
General Studies – 4
Topic: laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance;
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question:
The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed an ‘anti-cheating’ bill to check fraudulent practices – such as leaking of exam papers – in government recruitment exams.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about reasons for paper leaks in India and moral hazards of the same..
Directive:
Elaborate – 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:
Start by giving context.
Body:
First, write about the reasons for paper leaks – systemic issues, corruption, and the high stakes associated with these exams, lack of security measures, inadequate monitoring, and the pressure and competition for government posts.
Next, write about the moral hazards from the above.
Conclusion:
Complete the answer by writing about ways to prevent the above.
Introduction
Instances of paper leaks for competitive exams and government posts in India can be attributed to a combination of systemic issues, corruption, and the high stakes associated with these examinations.
Body
Broad reasons for paper leaks in India
- Corruption and Bribery: Corruption is a significant challenge in many sectors in India, including the education system. Individuals within examination boards, coaching centers, or even government offices may be susceptible to bribery, leading to the compromise of the examination process. Those seeking to gain an unfair advantage may be willing to pay substantial amounts to secure leaked question papers.
- Lack of Stringent Security Measures: Some examination centers may lack robust security measures to safeguard question papers. Insufficient surveillance, inadequate background checks on personnel involved in the examination process, and lax control over the distribution and storage of question papers contribute to vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
- Inefficient Handling of Sensitive Information: The process of creating, distributing, and storing examination papers involves multiple stakeholders. Any weak link in this chain can be exploited for leaks. Insufficient oversight, poor management of confidential information, and lack of technological safeguards can all contribute to paper leaks.
- Pressure and Competition: The competitive nature of exams in India, especially for government jobs, can lead to desperation among candidates. The high demand for these positions can create a black market for leaked question papers. As candidates face intense pressure to succeed, some may succumb to the temptation of obtaining leaked papers to secure an advantage.
- Inadequate Punishment: The legal consequences for those involved in paper leaks may not be severe enough to deter potential wrongdoers. A perception that the chances of being caught and punished are low can embolden individuals to engage in such activities.
Moral hazard of paper leaks
- Erosion of Meritocracy: Paper leaks undermine the principles of a fair and meritocratic system, where candidates are assessed based on their knowledge and abilities. When some individuals gain access to confidential information, it distorts the level playing field and compromises the integrity of the selection process.
- Loss of Public Trust: The public’s trust in government institutions and examination bodies is eroded when incidents of paper leaks come to light. This lack of trust can have far-reaching consequences, affecting the credibility of the entire education and recruitment system.
- Economic Impact: In a society where government jobs are highly sought after, the impact of paper leaks goes beyond the immediate examination. It can lead to the appointment of less qualified individuals, potentially affecting the efficiency and effectiveness of public services.
- Demoralization of Honest Candidates: Honest and hardworking candidates who prepare for exams with integrity may feel demoralized and disheartened when they perceive that others are gaining unfair advantages through unethical means.
Conclusion
Addressing the issue requires a comprehensive approach, including improving security measures, implementing stricter penalties for wrongdoers, and promoting a culture of integrity within the education and recruitment systems. Additionally, leveraging technology for secure paper generation, distribution, and examination processes can help mitigate the risk of leaks.
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