NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same
General Studies – 1
Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India
Why the question:
Analysis of high-resolution satellite images for the years 2021-2022 found that Africa’s ice is disappearing, and the continent may lose its white peaks by the middle of the century.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about glacial retreat, its causes and consequences.
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 glacial retreat.
Body:
First, write about the causes of glacial retreat – rising temperatures, an increase in the equilibrium line altitude (ELA), positive feedback mechanisms like ice-albedo feedback, meltwater runoff, and human-induced climate change.
Next, write about the consequences of above – loss of freshwater resources, impacts on ecosystems adapted to glacial environments, and contributions to rising sea levels.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward to prevent it.
Introduction
Glacial retreat refers to the process of a glacier shrinking or receding in size over time due to a decrease in ice accumulation or an increase in ice melt.
Analysis of high-resolution satellite images for the years 2021-2022 found that Africa’s ice is disappearing, and the continent may lose its white peaks by the middle of the century.
Body
The world’s glaciers are melting at faster rate than before—putting densely-populated parts of the world (especially in Asia) at the twin-risk of flooding and water shortage.
Causes of glacial retreat
- Global warming
- Greenhouse gases, which affect the warming trend by trapping heat in the atmosphere, have been produced as a result of the burning of fossil fuels.
- More glaciers melt and recede as temperatures increase, exposing the land underneath.
- Climate change
- Statistics predict that shortly, glacier loss will be at an all-time high.
- The faster melting of glaciers is a result of temperature increases brought on by global warming.
- Studies show that the main cause of glacier retreat is human-caused global warming.
- Oil and gas extraction
- During the process of extracting oil and gas, methane, the main component of natural gas, is also released.
- The gas also traps heat more efficiently than carbon dioxide, accelerating global warming, and making it more detrimental to the environment.
- Solar radiation
- The most important of these is the quantity of solar energy that touches the ice, which has an impact on glacier melting and receding.
- Glaciers lose mass as a result of increased radiation-induced melting.
- Glacial till
- The unsorted mass of material known as glacial till is gathered by moving glaciers and can include everything from silt to big boulders.
- The ice is protected by boulders while the weaker ice around it melts.
Impact of glacial retreat
- Positive feedback cycle (the ice-albedo feedback): Sea ice has higher albedo than ocean water. Once sea ice begins to melt, a self-reinforcing cycle often begins whereby as more ice melts and exposes more dark water, the water absorbs more sunlight and the sun-warmed water then melts more ice.
- Declining trend in snowfall and retreat of glaciers in HKH region may impact the water supply in the major rivers and streams including the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra.
- River flows and water availability: Melting glaciers will increase river flows, pushing up risks of high- altitude lakes bursting their banks causing floods (glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs)). From 2060s,however, river flows will decline as per the ICIMOD report.
- Drying Springs: As per the report of theNITI Aayog, 30% of springs in the Indian Himalaya have dried up due to reasons including receding glaciers.
- Persistently higher temperatures caused by global warming have led to greater-than average summer melting of mountain glaciers as well as diminished snowfall due to later winters and earlier springs.
- That creates an imbalance between runoff and ocean evaporation, causing sea levels to rise.
- Loss of Greenland and Antarctica’s ice sheets: Melt water from above and seawater from below is seeping beneath Greenland’s ice sheets, effectively lubricating ice streams and causing them to move more quickly into the sea.
- The vast ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica currently hold about 66 metres of potential global sea level rise
Way Forward
- To better monitor and model glacier retreat and to assess spatial patterns and trends, researchers urgently need expanded observation networks and data-sharing agreements across the extended HKH region.
- International agreements must mitigate climate change through emission reductions to reduce and slow cryosphere changes.
- This should include in situ and detailed remote sensing observations on selected glaciers, rapid access to high-resolution satellite imagery etc.
- Improved understanding of cryospheric change and its drivers will help reduce the risk of high-mountain hazards.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the quasi-federal features of Indian polity.
Directive word:
Elucidate – 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 Quasi-Federal nature of Indian polity as mentioned by K.C Wheare.
Body:
First, write about the federal features of Indian polity – dual polity, division of powers, written constitution etc.
Next, write about the unitary features of Indian polity – States Not Indestructible, No Equality of State Representation, emergency provisions etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units. The Constitution of India establishes a federal structure to the Indian government, declaring it to be a “Union of States”.
The Indian Constitution is not truly federal but rather quasi-federal, according to K C Wheare. A state that stands between a unitary state and a federation is said to practice quasi-federalism. It incorporates the positive aspects of both a federal and a unitary government.
Body
Uniqueness of principle of federalism in India:
Federal Features of the India Union:
- Two governments i.e. Union Government and State governments
- Division of powers between the union and its constituents (Seventh Schedule of the Constitution contains three lists such as the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List)
- Supremacy of the Constitution (Basic structure of the Constitution is made indestructible by the Judiciary)
- Partial rigidity of the Constitution
- Independent Judiciary
- Bicameralism
Unitary Features of the Constitution:
- A strong centre – The Union Government becomes all powerful in certain times like emergencies. Article 200 of the Constitution of India demands that the States must comply with the central laws.
- Single Constitution
- Single citizenship
- Flexibility of Constitution
- Integrated judiciary
- Appointment of the Centre. E.g.: Governor
- All India Services
- Emergency provisions
The following four characteristics highlighting the fact that the Indian Constitution is not a “traditional federal Constitution”:
- Firstly, being that there is no provision of separate Constitutions for each State as required in a federal state. The Constitution of India is the supreme document, which governs all the states.
- Secondly, the Constitution can be altered only by the Union Parliament; whereas the States have no power to alter it.
- Thirdly, in contradiction to a federal Constitution, the Indian Constitution renders supreme power upon the Courts to invalidate any action which violates the Constitution.
- Fourthly, the distribution of powers facilitates local governance by the states and national policies by the Centre.
Challenges to Federalism in India:
- For a country like India which is divided on the linguistic and communal basis, a pure federal structure could lead to disruption and division of states.
- India’s federal character has undergone, over the past sixty years, many trials and tribulations.
- Formation of Telangana under Article 3 of the constitution raised a lot of questions against the federal nature of the polity.
- 100th amendment of the constitution where land was transferred to Bangladesh posed as a threat to federalism in India.
- On the introduction of GST, critics argue on the autonomy of states.
- With too much power given to a state, it may want to shift away from the union. Jammu & Kashmir’s special powers are in question in the public time and again.
- The continued existence of provisions such as Article 356 (President’s rule) goes against the grain of federalism.
- States such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu have asserted their linguistic and cultural rights in the wake of the Centre’s interventions such as a promotion of Hindi.
- States perceive that their progress is being penalised: While the southern States contribute to the nation economically, they don’t occupy a central space politically and are further marginalised culturally.
- Disputes between states over sharing of river water, for example between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over Cauvery water.
Conclusion:
The Indian Constitution is a constitution sui generis. On one hand, the constitution contains features which are of high importance for a federal arrangement, at the same time it contains provisions which fight for a strong Centre, thus making it quasi-federal in nature. The fact to be appreciated here is that these dual federalism provisions were deliberately incorporated to best fit a polyglot country like India.
Topic: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the importance of Inter-State Council for centre-state relations and development of 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 writing about Inter-State Council Article 263, its aims and objectives.
Body:
First, give brief context of development of ISC with respect to centre-state relations and issues associated with the ISC.
Next, write about how the ISC can play a part in improving governance, bridging trust deficit between centre and state and better fiscal management. Substantive with examples.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
The Inter-State Council is a constitutional body to facilitate coordination between states and the centre. It was set up on the basis of provisions in Article 263 of the Constitution of India by a Presidential Order, 1990 based on the recommendation of Sarkaria Commission.
Body
Functions of inter-state council:
- Inquiring and advising upon disputes which may have emerged between the States:
- Investigating and discussing subjects in which the States or the Union has a common interest.
- Making suggestions on any such subject, for the better coordination of policy and action with respect to that subject.
Benefits of ISC:
- The ISC is the only multilateral centre-state forum that operates directly within the framework of the Constitution (Article 263 (b) and (c)) where topics like the GST and contemporary issues like disaster management, terrorism and internal security can be taken up.
- The constitutional backing of ISC puts the states on more solid footing—an essential ingredient in building the atmosphere of cooperation needed for calibrating centre-state relations.
- The council will help bridge the trust deficit between the centre and the states. If not always a problem solver, it at least acted as a safety valve.
Limitations:
- It is a recommendatory body to investigate and discuss subjects, in which some or all of the states or the Central government have a common interest.
- The Inter-state council is not a permanent constitutional body for coordination between the states and Central government. Rather, President can establish it at any time if it appears to him that the public interests would be served by the establishment of such a council
- The interstate council is proposed to meet thrice a year. Inter-State Council has had just 12 meetings since it was set up in 1990. There was a gap of a decade between the 10th meeting in 2006 and the 11th meeting in 2016, and the council met again in November 2017.
- The ISC also has to have a permanent secretariat which will ensure that the periodic meetings are more fruitful.
Way forward to strengthen ISC
- Discuss important bills in ISC first: Bills of national importance should be placed before the Council before being tabled in Parliament.
- This will enable “effective and interactive communication” between the states and the Centre on issues of common interest.
- Sarkaria Commission recommendation: In 1988, the Sarkaria Commission suggested the Council should exist as a permanent body, and in 1990 it came into existence through a Presidential Order.
- Effective working of ISC will reduce judicial intervention: What could be settled amicably among the executive branches is often taken to the doorsteps of the judicial branch.
Conclusion
The interstate council is the most dynamic platform to discuss policies and strengthen the Centre- State relations. This works as an instrument for cooperation, coordination and the evolution of common policies and acts as a bridge to trust deficit between center and state. The Inter-State Council should become the forum for political and legislative give and take between the centre and states
General Studies – 3
Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article discusses the evolving landscape of the space sector, emphasizing the shift from a purely national agency-driven exploration to increased private sector involvement.
Key Demand of the question:
To understand the role of military exercises.
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.
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
Body:
First, write about the recent measures that have been taken by India making a global player in space – Mangalyaan mission, Chandryaan-III, boosting private participation through creation of IN-SPACe, Geospatial Guidelines, and the Indian Space Policy etc.
Next, mention the bottlenecks in the Indian Space sector.
Next, stress on further steps that are required to reinforce India’s position as a growing space power
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
The beginnings of the Indian Space Programme resonated strongly with its founding father Dr Vikram Sarabhai’s vision, that India must be ‘second to none in the application of advanced technologies for the benefit of society.’
With its current trajectory, India’s space economy could account for 9% of the global space industry by 2030 and reach $40 billion by 2040.
Body
India’s futuristic space missions
- Gaganyaan Programme – The stated objective of the mission is to demonstrate human space flight capability to Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) for a defined duration and safe recovery after the mission. The Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) was constituted in ISRO in January 2019, for implementing the vision on human space flight. Recently, ISRO has successfully demonstrated the Pad Abort Test (PAT), which is the first in the series of tests to qualify the Crew Escape System (CES).
- Disha: It is a twin-satellite system that will study Earth’s aeronomy, the uppermost layer of Earth’s atmosphere.
- EOS-4 and EOS-6: These are Earth Observation Satellites. They will be launched onboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
- X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat): It is a space observatory to study the polarization of cosmic X-rays; planned to be launched in the second quarter of 2022. The telescope is being developed with the help of Raman Research Institute.
- Space exploration missions of India’s space programme
- Aditya L1: The aim is to take a space observatory to the Lagrangian point one (L-1) to study the Sun. The objective of the mission is to study the dynamic nature of the sun’s outermost layers, the corona and the chromosphere.
Issues with India’s space program
- Less share of ISRO in the global arena: The value of the global space industry is estimated to be $350 billion and is likely to exceed $550 billion by 2025. India’s share is estimated at $7 billion (just 2% of the global market).
- Lower Spending: The funds allocated to the space sector are very less in comparison to other countries. The US spent 10 times and China 6 times more than India in the space sector in 2019-20.
- Brain Drain: India produces the best brains in the world but is unable to retain them. People emigrate from the country for better opportunities and careers that might hamper the development of the space sector.
- Managing big constellations of satellites: Although India has a good potential to launch satellites, managing a huge number of satellites in space could be a challenging task in the future. This should be done keeping in mind the possibilities of a future space war.
- Technological issues and challenges: Despite various progress, ISRO is still a long way away in some critical technologies. For instance, On the Gaganyaan mission, ISRO is still building its capabilities and developing critical technologies required to send astronauts being into space.
- Too much dependence on PSLV: India is dependent mainly on a single type of launch vehicle such as that of PSLV, which hampers the capacity expansion of the programme.
- Lack of robust Dispute Settlement Mechanism: This discourages private investment in the space sector. The void was seen in Antrix – Devas cancelled the satellite deal. The Government of India owes nearly $1.2 billion to Devas Multimedia as per an order of a tribunal of the International Chamber of Commerce.
Way forward:
- India should have national space activities legislation which takes on board all stakeholders.
- A public-private partnership (PPP) model can be looked into to realise ISRO’s workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), with a joint venture between ISRO and the private sector.
- In the UK, space ventures are treated as a complement to big organizations and not a competitor. This should be encouraged in India too.
- A supportive international partner and likeminded local partners helps to set up a space business.
- The idea should be to let the private industry build their own facilities after gaining enough expertise.
- ISRO has built a space technology park spread over 25 acres in Bengaluru where the entire range of facilities have been set up for use by the industry.
Conclusion
India’s commitment to becoming a major player in the global space arena is evident through its achievements, collaborations, and contributions to space science and technology. However, to reinforce and advance its position, sustained investments in research, technology development, and governmental support are crucial. As the global space landscape evolves, India’s strategic and continued investments will be instrumental in ensuring its lasting impact and prominence in space exploration.
Topic: Disaster and disaster management.
5. What is an avalanche? Examine the natural and anthropogenic causes of an avalanche. (150 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India
Why the question:
At least one Russian is dead while multiple are missing after an avalanche hit Jammu and Kashmir’s Gulmarg area.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about avalanche, its natural and anthropogenic causes.
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 avalanche.
Body:
First, write about the natural causes of an avalanche – snowfall, wind, temperature changes, and earthquakes etc.
Next, write about the anthropogenic causes of an avalanche – human activity, explosives, land use, and climate change etc.
Next, write about the measures avalanche mitigation.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
Avalanche is a rapid downslope movement of a large detached mass of snow, ice, and associated debris such as rocks and vegetation. An avalanche is typically triggered when material on a slope breaks loose from its surroundings; this material then quickly collects and carries additional material down the slope. There are various kinds of avalanches, including rock avalanches (which consist of large segments of shattered rock), ice avalanches (which typically occur in the vicinity of a glacier), and debris avalanches (which contain a variety of unconsolidated materials, such as loose stones and soil).
At least one Russian is dead while multiple are missing after an avalanche hit Jammu and Kashmir’s Gulmarg area.
Body
Cause of an avalanche
Natural
- Heavy Snowfall
When a high rate of snowfall occurred leading to the snow accumulation on the mountain slopes triggered the weaker layer of snow in the snowpack of unstable areas of the mountain causes Avalanche.
- Wind Direction
The direction of the wind determines the patterns of the snowfall as well snow accumulation on the mountain slopes. If the strong wind blows, then the upward direction of the winds might trigger the steep slope which causes an avalanche.
- Layering of Snow
The gradual snowfall creates layer by layer accumulation of snow that hypersensitive the snowpack. If something catastrophic events happen then these layers of snow falls down that leads to avalanche.
- Steeper Slopes
An avalanche is also caused by the influence of gravity. If gradual snowfalls accumulated on the slopes of the mountain then it prone to rush downs the slopes at greater speeds.
- Higher Temperatures
Temperature is one of the important factors for the avalanche because of high temperature the surface layer of the snowpack gets melted. The accumulated snow will become highly susceptible to sliding down.
- Earthquakes
It is one of the important factors that triggered the layer of accumulated snowpack because earthquakes generate seismic waves that cause the ground to vibrate.
Anthropogenic
- Movements or Vibrations Produced By Machines and Explosives
As we know that the population increasing day by day, which requires development activities to meet the population requirement. During the developmental activities, the terrain vehicles in regions with unstable layers of snow can dislodge the layers from the surface and cause them to slide down under gravity.
- Deforestation
Deforestation, clearance, or clearing is the removal of a forest or stand of trees where the land is thereafter converted to a non-forest use. Trees and plants always protect land against natural disasters like floods, tidal waves, strong winds, and also avalanche. Hence, a developmental activity for economic gains makes the mountain region an avalanche-prone area more susceptible to deadlier avalanches.
- Construction activities & Human Excavation
of slope and its toe, loading of slope/toe, a drawdown in reservoir, mining, irrigation, vibration/blast, Water leakage from services. Erosion of slopes due to human interference increases the vulnerability of the terrain to slide down.
- Winter Sports Activities
Above all the factors, this factor will act like the last nail to triggered steep slopes or loose snowpack by skiers or other winter sports activities.
Way forward
Prediction and protective measures:
- In order to reduce fatalities and to protect villages and roads, people attempt to predict and prevent avalanches.
- Accurate avalanche predictionrequires an experienced avalanche forecaster who often works both in the field to gather snowpack information and in the office with sophisticated tools such as remotely accessed weather data, detailed historical weather and avalanche databases, weather models, and avalanche-forecasting models.
- Avalanche detention wall.
- Avalanche forecasters combine their historical knowledge of past conditions with their knowledge of the affected terrain, current weather, and current snowpack conditions to predict when and where avalanches are most likely to occur.
- Avalanche mitigation wall.
- Such forecasting work typically takes place along mountain highways, adjacentto potentially affected villages, at ski areas, and in terrain heavily used for backcountry skiing and snowmobiling.
- In addition to predicting avalanches, people employ a variety of techniques to reduce avalanche danger. Explosives are used to trigger avalanches on potentially unstable slopes so that the avalanches will occur when people are not endangered.
- Such avalanche control is particularly effective for ski areas and highway corridors.
- In some areas prone to avalanches, particularly near villages and fixed structures, devices such as avalanche rakes (large reinforced fencing) are used on slopes to hold snow in place, and diversion structures such as dams or wedges are used at the base of the slope to stop, split, or deflect the snow in an avalanche.
- Though expensive, these defensive measures are common throughout the Alps, where numerous villages are found in areas known for dangerous avalanches.
Topic: Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
The Agnipath scheme, as it is known, was announced on June 14, 2022, and is in force with the initial batch of Agniveers, as these young men and women are called, already inducted in armed forces units after completion of their recruit training.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about Agnipath scheme, its benefits and risks.
Directive:
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:
Begin the writing about aims and objectives of Agnipath scheme for recruiting soldiers
Body:
Frist, discuss the key features of the scheme – recruitment, salary, duration and post tenure etc.
Next, write about the major benefits from the scheme.
Next, write about various concerns associated with the scheme in the short term and long term.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward to address these shortcomings.
Introduction
Agnipath Defence Policy Reform is a government scheme launched to recruit young men and women in the Indian Armed forces. The Agnipath scheme, as it is known, was announced on June 14, 2022, and is in force with the initial batch of Agniveers, as these young men and women are called, already inducted in armed forces units after completion of their recruit training.
Body
About the Agnipath scheme
- Agnipath is a new defence recruitment model that would allow “patriotic and motivated”youth to serve in the armed forces for a period of four years.
- The process of recruitment will commence in 90 days.
- The plan is to recruit about45,000-50,000 personnel below officer rank in the three services every year through a biannual exercise with a six-month gap.
- As per the Agnipath scheme, this year there will be aplanned intake of about 46,000 young men and women.
- Soldier recruited through Agnipath scheme will be known as ‘Agniveers’.
- This scheme will be the only form of recruitment of soldiers into the three defence services Armed Force, Indian Navy and Air Forces, hereon.
- Enrolment of Agniveers to all three services will be througha centralized online system, with special rallies and campus interviews at recognised technical institutes such as the Industrial Training Institutes, and the National Skills Qualifications Framework. The Model is based on an all-India merit-based selection process.
Objectives
- It aims at providing an opportunity to the patriotic and motivated youth with the ‘Josh’ and ‘Jazba’ to join the Armed Forces.
- It is expected to bring down the average age profile of the Indian Armed Forces by about 4 to 5 years.
- The scheme envisions that, the average age in the forces is 32 years today, which will go down to 26 in six to seven years.
Various benefits to Youth
- Upon the completion of the 4-years of service, a one-time‘Seva Nidhi’ package of Rs 11.71 lakhs will be paid to the Agniveers that will include their accrued interest thereon.
- They will also get a Rs 48 lakh life insurance cover for the four years.
- In case of death, the payout will be over Rs 1 crore,including pay for the unserved tenure.
- The government will help rehabilitate soldiers who leave the services after four years.They will be provided with skill certificates and bridge courses.
- Furure Ready Soldiers:It will create “future-ready” soldiers.
- More Employment Opportunities: It will increase employment opportunities and because of the skills and experience acquired during the four-year service such soldiers will get employment in various fields.
- Higher Skilled Workforce: This will also lead to availability of a higher-skilled workforce to the economy which will be helpful in productivity gain and overall GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth.
Issues related to the scheme
- Difficult to Find Another Job:The ‘Agnipath’ scheme opens the way for recruitment of about 45,000 soldiers into Army, Navy and Air Force in the first year but on a short-term contract of four years. After the completion of the contract, 25% of them will be retained and the rest will leave the forces.
- The four years of service will mean other jobs will be out of reach after that, and they will be left behind their peers.
- No Pension Benefit: Those hired under the ‘Agnipath’ scheme will be given a one-time lumpsumof a little more than Rs 11 lakh when they end their four-year tenure.
- However, they do not receive any pension benefits.For most, seeking a second job is essential to support themselves and their families.
- Training May Remain Unutilized: Forces will lose experienced soldiers.
- The jawans joining the Army, Navy and Air Force will be given technical training so that they are able to support the ongoing operations. But these men and women will leave after four years, which could create a void.
Conclusion
Despite the reservations, there is potential for future employment to these youth as the defence industry is ready to take off in a huge manner in India. Once this happens, the industry will have readily skilled youth for the jobs and hence there is also future to these youths. At the same time, national security is ensured.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Case Study
Principal Johnson, demanded an explanation. Jim revealed the truth – Jon had threatened them with dire consequences if he did not manipulate the results in his favour. The weight of fear and the pressure to comply had led Jim down a regrettable path.
- What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?
- What course of action should principal take in the above case?
- If you were in Jim’s place, what would you have done when Jon threatened you?
(250 words)
Introduction
The case deals with ethical dimensions of voter manipulation, the abuse of authority, and the moral fortitude required when faced with personal threats, offering insights into the complex interplay between individual integrity and ethical responsibilities in an educational environment.
Body
Ethical issues involved
- Voter Manipulation: Jim engaged in the unethical act of tampering with the votes, compromising the integrity of the mock elections. This undermines the democratic process and fairness in the student council election.
- Fear and Coercion: Jon’s use of threats and coercion to manipulate Jim raises ethical concerns. Such tactics undermine the principles of a fair and just election process and create an environment of fear and intimidation.
- Responsibility of Authority: Principal Johnson faces an ethical dilemma as they must address the misconduct of a student holding a position of responsibility (Returning Officer). The principal is tasked with maintaining a fair and transparent environment within the school.
Course of action by Principal to be taken
- Investigate Thoroughly: Principal Johnson should conduct a thorough investigation to verify the allegations against Jim and Jon. This may involve gathering evidence, interviewing relevant parties, and reviewing the voting process.
- Address Misconduct: If the allegations are substantiated, Principal Johnson should take appropriate disciplinary action against both Jim and Jon. This may include reprimands, counselling, or other measures commensurate with the severity of their actions.
- Re-run the Mock Election: To uphold the principles of fairness and transparency, Principal Johnson should consider re-running the mock election. This ensures that students have a genuine opportunity to elect their Student Council President without interference or manipulation.
- Educational Intervention: Implement educational initiatives on the importance of ethical behaviour, honesty, and the democratic process. This can include workshops, seminars, or campaigns to instill a sense of responsibility and integrity among students.
- Counselling and Support: Provide counselling and support for Jim, recognizing the pressure they faced and helping them understand the importance of ethical conduct. Encourage an environment where students feel safe reporting any form of coercion or threat.
Response in Jim’s place
- Report the Threat: In the face of threats from Jon, the ethical response for Jim would be to report the intimidation immediately. This could be done to the principal, a teacher, or any trusted authority figure in the school.
- Seek Protection: Jim should seek protection from school authorities, ensuring that their safety and well-being are prioritized. Schools have a responsibility to create a safe environment for all students.
- Refuse to Comply: Despite the fear and pressure, Jim should refuse to comply with Jon’s demand. Upholding ethical principles, even in challenging situations, is crucial for personal integrity and the integrity of the democratic process.
- Document the Threat: Documenting the threat in writing can provide evidence and support Jim’s case if they decide to report the incident. This documentation may include details of the threat, date, time, and any witnesses present.
- Seek Guidance: Seek guidance from trusted adults, mentors, or counselors who can provide support and advice on how to navigate the difficult situation. Reporting threats is a responsible and ethical action that protects both the individual and the democratic process.
Conclusion
Addressing the ethical issues in this case involves a comprehensive investigation, appropriate disciplinary actions, educational initiatives, and support for those involved. Upholding the principles of fairness, transparency, and integrity is essential in maintaining a healthy and ethical learning environment. At a young age it is important to instil right moral values and be a role model in ensuring that path of righteousness is taken at every circumstance.
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