[Synopsis] Day 17 – July 19, 2024 – 75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2024 – GS 1

75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2024 – GS 1

GS 1

Q1. Examine the development of socialist ideologies within the Indian national movement during the period between World War I and World War II. 10M

Key demand of the question

To analyze the development of socialist ideologies within the Indian national movement, examining key influences, leaders, organizations, and their contributions to the broader struggle for independence.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Introduce the context of the Indian national movement during the period between World War I and World War II, mentioning the broader struggle for independence and the emergence of various ideological currents, including socialism.

Body:

1. First, write about the development of socialist ideologies – Influence of International Events (Russian revolution, Great Depression), the Formation of the Congress Socialist Party (CSP) within the Indian National Congress, the role of leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, Acharya Narendra Deva, and M.N. Roy.
2. Afterwards, write about the Socialist Ideologies in action -peasant and worker movements, cultural and intellectual impact, political mobilisation etc.

Conclusion

Conclude by stating the impact of socialist ideas or socialism on India even after independence.

Introduction

The interwar period between World War I and World War II marked a crucial phase in the Indian national movement, characterized by the growing influence of socialist ideologies. This era witnessed a significant shift in political thought, as socialist concepts began to permeate the discourse of Indian independence.

Body:

Key factors that led to development of socialist ideologies within the Indian national movement:

1. Impact of the Russian Revolution (1917): The success of the Bolsheviks in establishing a socialist state inspired many Indian nationalists to consider socialism as a viable path for India.
   • The ideas of Marxism and Leninism began to spread, particularly among the younger generation of leaders.
2. Formation of the Communist Party of India (CPI): The Communist Party of India was founded in 1920 in Tashkent, with M.N. Roy being one of its prominent leaders. The CPI played a crucial role in disseminating Marxist ideology and organizing workers and peasants.
   • Despite facing repression from the British authorities, the CPI continued to influence the broader national movement.
3. Influence of Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose: Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose emerged as leading figures who advocated for socialist principles within the Indian National Congress (INC).
   • Nehru, in particular, was influenced by his visits to the Soviet Union and his interactions with socialist leaders worldwide.
4. Impact of the Great Depression: The economic hardships brought about by the Great Depression (1929-1939) exposed the vulnerabilities of the colonial economy and intensified demands for economic reforms.
   • The failures of laissez-faire capitalism during this period made socialist alternatives more appealing to many Indians.
5. Role of Left-Wing Intellectuals and Writers: Intellectuals, writers, and poets like Mulk Raj Anand, Premchand, and Sajjad Zaheer contributed to the spread of socialist ideas through their works.
   • E.g.The Progressive Writers’ Association, established in 1936, sought to use literature as a means to promote social and political change, critiquing colonialism, feudalism, and social inequalities.

Development of socialist ideologues in Indian national movement:

1. Formation of the Congress Socialist Party (CSP): In 1934, the Congress Socialist Party was established as a socialist caucus within the Indian National Congress.
   • Leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, Acharya Narendra Deva, and Ram Manohar Lohia were prominent figures in the CSP.
   • They sought to align the goals of socialism with the broader objectives of the national movement, advocating for land reforms, workers’ rights, and social equality.
2. Trade Union Movement: The period saw significant growth in the trade union movement, with organizations like the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) being established in 1920.
   • Socialist and communist leaders played key roles in mobilizing industrial workers, advocating for better wages, working conditions, and labour rights.
3. Peasant Movements: Socialist ideas also found resonance among the peasantry. The Kisan Sabhas (peasant associations) were instrumental in organizing farmers against exploitative landlords and colonial policies.
   • E.g. The All India Kisan Sabha, formed in 1936, became a prominent platform for voicing the grievances of peasants and advocating for agrarian reforms.

Conclusion

The infusion of socialist ideologies into the Indian national movement between the World Wars fundamentally altered the nature of the independence struggle. It broadened the movement’s scope beyond mere political freedom to encompass economic and social justice, laying the groundwork for post-independence India’s policies.

Q2. India, despite its abundant natural resources, remains stymied in achieving significant industrial and human development. What underlying factors contribute to this paradoxical situation? 15M

Key demand of the question

To analyze and discuss the underlying factors that hinder India’s industrial and human development despite its wealth of natural resources, providing insights into economic, social, and policy-related challenges.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Introduce the paradoxical situation faced by India, highlighting its natural resource abundance and the persistent challenges in achieving significant industrial and human development goals.

Body:

1. First write the underlying factors that contribute to this paradoxical situation like – historical factors (colonial legacy), economic factors (dependence on agriculture) infrastructure deficits, social factors (like education, health), Policy and Governance Issues (red-tapism, policy uncertainty), environmental and sustainability concerns etc.
2. Next, suggest measures for realizing the full potential of India’s natural competencies in resources.

Conclusion

Conclude accordingly.

Introduction

India, the world’s largest democracy and most populous nation, is endowed with a wealth of natural resources. From vast mineral deposits to fertile agricultural lands, the country possesses the raw materials typically associated with economic prosperity. Yet, despite these advantages, India continues to grapple with challenges in industrial growth and human development.

Body:

Reasons for lack of industrial development:

1. Governance Issues: Bureaucratic red tape, pervasive corruption (ranked 93 out of 180 countries on the corruption perceptions index for 2023) and law and order challenges have significantly hindered industrial growth.
   1. The remnants of the license-permit raj, issues with corporate taxation, and an excessive reliance on Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have further impeded progress.
   2. g. retrospective tax amendment in 2012 leading to disputes with Vodafone and cairn energy.
2. Infrastructure Bottlenecks: including inadequate access to electricity and high logistics costs, which account for 13-14% of GDP compared to 8-10% in developed countries.
   1. Additionally, insufficient focus on research and development (64% of GDP) hampers industrial growth and reduces the export competitiveness of Indian products.
3. Premature Shift to Service Sector: In an effort to capitalize on globalization and the ICT revolution, India moved directly from an agrarian economy to a service-oriented one.
   1. This transition neglected the industrial sector, compromising its development.
4. Lack of Skills: The country has struggled to equip its youth with necessary industrial skills and seen brain drain of its highly skilled professional to other parts of world.
   1. g. Only 49% of Indian youth is employable (India Skills Report 2023).
5. Scarcity of Critical Resources: The limited availability of oil, natural gas, lithium, and rare earth metals restricts India’s ability to develop next-generation products.
   1. E.g. India has 100% import reliance for lithium and nickel, and 93% for copper.

Reasons for lack of human development: The United Nations Development Programme ranked India 134^th in its Human Development Index report for 2023-24. Several factors contribute to this ranking –

1. Social Discrimination: Social discrimination leads to the denial of opportunities to utilize natural resources.
   1. For instance, land ownership in India is skewed against lower castes, who primarily work as labourers.
2. Neglect of Resource-Rich Regions: Regions abundant in resources, such as Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, remain among the poorest due to ineffective government policies and administrative neglect.
3. Lack of Industrialization: Limited industrialization stifles skill development through on-the-job training and economic mobility, which could otherwise increase private spending on education.
4. Low Public Expenditure on Education: India allocates only 2.9% of its GDP to education, resulting in a workforce where around 52% are either illiterate or have only primary level education.
5. Poor Health Expenditure: With only 2.1 % of GDP spent on health, India faces high levels of malnutrition among children, reflected in high rates of stunting, wasting, underweight children, and high infant and maternal mortality rates.
   1. E.g. About 80 percent of tribal children are undernourished and suffering from anaemia.

Way forward:

1. Streamlining Regulations: Simplifying procedures for business startups and project approvals can foster a more business-friendly environment.
   1. g. introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and IBC Code.
2. Tackling Corruption: Implementing robust anti-corruption measures, such as the use of technology for transparency (e.g., DBT schemes) can reduce corruption and improve governance.
3. Revitalizing Manufacturing: Policies like the Make in India initiative aim to boost manufacturing by providing incentives and improving infrastructure.
   1. This can help bridge the gap between the agricultural and service sectors.
4. Strengthening MSMEs: Providing better access to finance, technology, and markets for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) can create jobs and drive industrial growth.
5. Addressing Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Investing in infrastructure projects such as the Bharatmala, Sagarmala initiatives and PM Gati Shakti can reduce logistics costs and improve connectivity, enhancing industrial competitiveness.
6. Enhancing Skill Development: Expanding programs like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) to provide industry-relevant skills can increase employability and meet the demands of modern industries.
7. Encouraging Industry-Academia Collaboration: Partnerships between educational institutions and industries can ensure that the curriculum is aligned with industry needs, as seen in the success of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
8. Diversifying Energy Sources: Investing in alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, and nuclear power can reduce dependence on imported oil and gas. India’s progress in renewable energy, like the world’s largest solar park in Karnataka, sets a positive example.
9. Enhancing Social Inclusion Programs: Programs targeting social inclusion, such as the Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan and Tribal Sub-Plan, can provide focused support for marginalized groups.
10. Boosting Public Expenditure on Education and Health: Raising public expenditure on education to at least 6% of GDP can improve the quality of education and infrastructure.
    1. The implementation of the National Education Policy 2020, which aims to transform the education system, is a step in the right direction.
    2. Similarly, increasing health expenditure to at least 2.5% of GDP can enhance healthcare services.

Conclusion

As India moves forward, it must focus on comprehensive reforms, inclusive growth strategies, and sustainable development practices to bridge the gap between its potential and its current reality. By doing so, India can work towards unlocking the full benefit of its natural wealth and securing a more prosperous future for its citizens.

ETHICS

Q3. Distinguish between attitude and behaviour. Why is it important to maintain an optimistic attitude in public office? [10M, 150words]

 Key Demand of question:

Differentiate between attitude and behaviour. Explain the need for having an optimistic attitude in public life.

Structure of the answer: 

Introduction: Start with a simple introduction linking attitude and behaviour.

Body:

• Tabulate and differentiate between attitude and behaviour.
• Explain the importance of having an optimistic attitude in public office.
• Also, mention how to inculcate it.

Conclusion: Conclude by highlighting its significance.

Introduction:

Attitude is a person’s mental outlook that shapes how we think or feel about anything, significantly influencing our decisions, actions, and responses to stimuli. Behavior is an individual’s response to a specific action, person, or environment, reflecting how one acts or controls oneself in interactions with others.

Body:

Importance of Maintaining an Optimistic Attitude in Public Office

1. Ethical Leadership: Leaders with a positive outlook are more likely to inspire trust and confidence among their colleagues and the public, enhancing the overall moral environment.
   • Eg: Gandhiji’s leadership was trusted by people and other leaders.
2. Empathy and Compassion: It helps them to understand and address the concerns of citizens more effectively, ensuring fair and just treatment.
   • Eg: Releasing of NDRF promptly to assist victims.
3. Resilience and Perseverance: Maintaining a positive attitude equips public officials with the resilience and perseverance necessary to overcome obstacles.
   • Eg: Assam rifle resilience in maintaining of law and order in Manipur.
4. Moral Courage: Optimistic leaders are more likely to exhibit moral courage, making ethical decisions even in the face of adversity. It upholds justice and the public interest, particularly when difficult or unpopular choices must be made.
   • Eg: Abolition of Article 370 led to backlash in J&K.
5. Promotion of Ethical Culture: It encourages a supportive and collaborative work environment, fostering mutual respect and ethical behavior among colleagues.

Conclusion:

Maintaining an optimistic attitude in public office is essential for fostering ethical leadership, empathy, resilience, moral courage, and an overall culture of integrity and accountability. These values are fundamental to effective and ethical public service.

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