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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 time gives you extra points in the form of background information.
General Studies – 1
Topic: NAM
Reference: ijcrt.org
Why the question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper I, part World history.
Key Demand of the question:
One is expected to discuss the position of the Non-Alignment Movement in India’s foreign policy in contemporary times
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with what you understand by NAM in general.
Body:
Non-alignment is an old concept today, and India has adopted an approach of “issue-based alignment” in the recent times.
The NAM is a forum of 120 developing world states that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc. The group was started in Belgrade, Yugoslavia in 1961. After the UN, it is the largest grouping of states worldwide.
Discuss the way it took shape, its origin.
Explain in detail its relevance in the contemporary times; one of the challenges of the NAM in the 21st century has been to reassess its identity and purpose in the post-Cold War era. The movement has continued to advocate for international cooperation, multilateralism, and national self-determination, but it has also been increasingly vocal against the inequities of the world economic order.
Conclusion:
Conclude with its importance.
Introduction
The Non-Aligned Movement was formed during the Cold War as an organization of States that did not seek to formally align themselves with either the United States or the Soviet Union, but sought to remain independent or neutral. It identifies the right of independent judgment, the struggle against imperialism and neo-colonialism, and the use of moderation in relations with all big powers as the three basic elements that have influenced its approach.
Body
Principles of Non-Alignment Movement:
J.L. Nehru has described the five pillars to be used as a guide for Sino-Indian relations called Panchsheel (five restraints), these principles would later serve as the basis of the Non-Aligned Movement. The five principles were:
- Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty
- Mutual non-aggression
- Mutual non-interference in domestic affairs
- Equality and mutual benefit
- Peaceful co-existence
Relevance of Non-Alignment Movement:
The 21st-century world order is significantly different from that of the 20th-century. Though the world has changed, the problems have remained almost the same. In this context, NAM can prove its worth by striving to work for the following contemporary issues:
- New Cold War: Those who say the NAM is a relic of the Cold War must also acknowledge that a new Cold War is beginning to unfold, this time between the US and China. This can be reflected in Trade War, Quad initiative, Indo-pacific narrative, emergence of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, naval presence in the Indian ocean, etc.
- The resurgence of colonialism: Neo-colonialism: Neo-colonialism is the practice of using capitalism, globalisation, cultural imperialism, and conditional aid to influence a developing country instead of the previous colonial methods of direct military control (imperialism) or indirect political control (hegemony). China’s investment in Africa and Asia through its Belt and Road initiativeis criticized for being neo-colonialism in nature whereas NAM can help in establishing the ethos of collective action.
- Restructuring and democratization of the UN: Due to undemocratic representation and veto power of permanent members in UNSC, the UNSC has been criticised as undemocratic. Thus, there has been a demand for reforms in the UN system for long.
- Combating Global Issues: NAM becomes relevant to mobilize international public opinion against terrorism, weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), nuclear proliferation, ecological imbalance, safeguarding interests of developing countries in WTO (World Trade Organization)
Importance of NAM for India
- Support for India’s Candidature in UNSC: NAM’s total strength comprises 120 developing countries and most of them are members of the UN General Assembly. Thus, NAM members act as an important group in support of India’s candidature as a permanent member in UNSC.
- Global South Cooperation: India is widely perceived as a leader of the developing world. Thus, India’s engagement with NAM will further help in the rise of India’s stature as the voice of the developing world or global south. In times of increasing protectionism, NAM can provide a platform for South-South cooperation.
- Strengthening of Multipolar World Order: A multipolar world order is in concurrence with Indian foreign policy. Thus, NAM can help in formation of a multipolar world with India becoming a major pole.
Conclusion
Given the relevance of NAM in present times, it remains a critical diplomatic forum for the pursuit of India’s foreign policy interests. Therefore, India must refrain from treating NAM as a ritual to be performed every three years and start engaging with NAM constructively.
Thus, just like the start of cold war provided the ground for NAM in the 20th century, the Covid-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity for India to lay the foundation of NAM 2.0. In this context, the virtual NAM summit hosted by India is a step in the right direction.
Topic: Cold War
Reference: World History by Norman Lowe
Why the question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper I , part world history.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss in detail in what way the Cold war era was more of a state of geopolitical hostility between the Eastern and Western powers after World War II.
Directive:
Analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Introduce the answer by citing characteristics of cold war, post WW II.
Body:
Explain in what way the Cold War was an open yet restricted rivalry after WW II between the Eastern bloc (led by Communist Soviet Union) and the Western bloc (Capitalist West led by the US).
It was a state of mutual hostility, distrust and rivalry between the two blocs. Competing political and economic ideologies defined the contours of the Cold War.
Explain how the Cold War was a manifestation of geopolitical tension between the two blocs.
Highlight the impact of it on various dimensions.
Conclusion:
Conclude with its impact.
Introduction:
The Cold War was a period (1945-1991) of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and its satellite states (the Eastern European countries), and the United States with its allies (the Western European countries) after World War II. Post-World War II, the world got divided into two power blocs dominated by two superpowers viz. the Soviet Union and the US. The two superpowers were primarily engaged in an ideological war between the capitalist USA and the communist Soviet Union. The term “Cold” is used because there was no large-scale fighting directly between the two sides.
Body:
- The two superpowers were keen on expanding their spheres of influence in different parts of the world.
- In a world sharply divided between the two alliance systems, a state was supposed to remain tied to its protective superpower to limit the influence of the other superpower and its allies.
- The smaller states in the alliances used the link to the superpowers for their own purposes.
- They got the promise of protection, weapons, and economic aid against their local rivals, mostly regional neighbours with whom they had rivalries.
- The alliance systems led by the two superpowers, therefore, threatened to divide the entire world into two camps.
- This division happened first in Europe.
- Most countries of western Europe sided with the US and those of eastern Europe joined the Soviet camp.
- That is why these were also called the ‘western’ and the ‘eastern’ alliances.
Course of Cold war:
- The conflict was based around the ideological and geopolitical struggle for global influence by these two superpowers, following their temporary alliance and victory against Nazi Germany in 1945.
- Aside from the nuclear arsenal development and conventional military deployment, the struggle for dominance was expressed via indirect means such as psychological warfare, propaganda campaigns, espionage, far-reaching embargoes, rivalry at sports events and technological competitions such as the Space Race.
- The first phase of the Cold War began shortly after the end of the Second World War in 1945.
- The United States created the NATO military alliance in 1949 in the apprehension of a Soviet attack and termed their global policy against Soviet influence containment.
- The Soviet Union formed the Warsaw Pact in 1955 in response to NATO.
- Major crises of this phase included the 1948–49 Berlin Blockade, the 1927–1950 Chinese Civil War, the 1950–1953 Korean War, the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, the 1956 Suez Crisis, the Berlin Crisis of 1961 and the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.
- The USA and the USSR competed for influence in Latin America, the Middle East, and the decolonizing states of Africa and Asia.
- Following the Cuban Missile Crisis, a new phase began that saw the Sino-Soviet split between China and the Soviet Union complicate relations within the Communist sphere, while US ally France began to demand greater autonomy of action.
- The USSR invaded Czechoslovakia to suppress the 1968 Prague Spring, while the US experienced internal turmoil from the civil rights movement and opposition to the Vietnam War.
- In the 1960s–70s, an international peace movement took root among citizens around the world. Movements against nuclear arms testing and for nuclear disarmament took place, with large anti-war protests.
- By the 1970s, both sides had started making allowances for peace and security, ushering in a period of détente that saw the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks and the US opening relations with the People’s Republic of China as a strategic counterweight to the USSR.
- In 1991, Soviet Union collapsed due to multiple factors which marked the end of the Cold War, as one of the superpowers was weakened.
Conclusion:
The struggle between the two camps led to a Cold War which unlike a conventional war lasted for over four decades, worsening economy, growth and life for humanity as the opposing camps fought for geostrategic influence in various continents.
Topic: GS-1: Social empowerment
GS-2: 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.
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
The article highlights in what way legislation to legalize same-sex marriages is abysmally overdue.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the issue with rights of people with same-sex orientation.
Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with some key facts related to rights of people with same-sex orientation.
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
Discuss the Same-sex marriage legal position in India first. Present cases to suggest the same.
Account for the need for legalizing same sex marriages; human rights perspective, Upholding fundamental right, merely decriminalizing homosexuality is ineffective etc.
Discuss the challenges in bringing in same-sex marriage legislation.
Conclusion:
Conclude that legal reforms to accord same-sex unions legal sanction and social acceptance.
Introduction
The idea of same-sex marriage in India defies longstanding idealistic facades of morality and culture. The battle against societal taboos and legal prejudices faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and other members of the LGBTQIA+ community has been onerous and laborious, globally.
Body
Globally, the recognition of the unequal laws discriminating against the LGBTQIA+ community has acted as a trigger to reform and modernise legal architecture to become more inclusive and equal.
The Netherlands was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2000, followed by other countries in Europe, the American continent, and South Africa. A total of 29 countries across the globe have recognized same-sex marriages.
Same sex legal marriage position in India:
- In India, marriages are solemnised under personal lawssuch as the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872, Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937.
- The right to marry is not expressly recognized either as a fundamental or constitutional right under the Indian Constitution.
- At present, same-sex and queer marriages are not clearly recognised in India. However, we are not deprived of judicial guidance.
- Arunkumar and Sreeja vs. The Inspector General of Registration and Ors: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court employed the interpretation that the term ‘bride’ under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 includes transwomen and intersex persons identifying as women.
- It expands the scope of a term used in the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 in a progressive manner and sets the stage for re-imagining the marriage rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Shafin Jahan vs. Asokan K.M. and Others (Hadiya case): The Supreme Court said that the right to choose and marry a partner was considered to bea constitutionally guaranteed freedom.
- SC held that the “intimacies of marriage lie within a core zone of privacy, which is inviolable” and “society has no role to play in determining our choice of partners”.
- From the logical interpretation of these judgements, it is apparent that any legal or statutory bar to same-sex and queer marriages must necessarily be held to be unconstitutional and specifically violative of Articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution of India.
Challenges in legalizing same sex marriage
- Not compatible with Indian Family Concept:Living together as partners and having sexual relationship by same-sex individuals is not comparable with the Indian family unit concept of a husband, a wife and children.
- Not Codified: Marriage between two individuals of the same gender is “neither recognised nor accepted in any uncodified personal law or any codified statutory law”.
- Issue with Personal Laws:Any interference with the existing marriage laws would cause complete havoc with the delicate balance of personal laws in the country. It may lead to further anomalies with laws governing marriages of persons belonging to the Christian or Muslim faith.
- Registration of marriage of same-sex persons also results in violation of existing personal as well as codified law provisions — such as ‘degrees of prohibited relationship’; ‘conditions of marriage’; ‘ceremonial and ritual requirements’ under the personal laws governing the individuals.
- No Fundamental Right to same-sex marriage: Supreme Court judgment in the Navtej Singh Johar case “does not extend the right to privacy to include a fundamental right in the nature of a right to marry by two individuals of same gender”.
- Legislative Challenges: Any other interpretation except treating ‘husband’ as a biological man and ‘wife’ as a biological woman will make all statutory provisions unworkable. In a same sex marriage, it is neither possible nor feasible to term one as ‘husband’ and the other as ‘wife’ in the context of legislative scheme of various statute
- Domain of Legislature:The considerations of “societal morality” are relevant in considering the validity of a law and it is for the Legislature to enforce such societal morality and public acceptance based upon Indian ethos.
Expanding the scope of marriage
- The domain of marriages cannot be immune to reform and review.
- Reform of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 to bring self-respect marriagesunder its very umbrella, is seen as a strong move towards breaking caste-based practices within the institution of marriage.
- Self-respect marriages were legalised in Tamil Nadu (later, in Puducherry) through amendments to the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.
- Self-respect marriages have done away with priests and religious symbols such as fire or saptapadi.
- Solemnisation of such marriages requires only an exchange of rings or garlands or tying of the mangalsutra.
- Similarly, understanding the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community, the law must expand the institution of marriage to include all gender and sexual identities.
- The LGTBQ community needs an anti-discrimination law that empowers them to build productive lives and relationshipsirrespective of gender identity or sexual orientation and place the onus to change on state and society and not the individual.
- Once members of the LGBTQ community “are entitled to the full range of constitutional rights”, it is beyond doubt that the fundamental right to marry a person of one’s own choice has to be conferred on same sex couplesintending to marry. More than two dozen countries have legalized same-sex marriage.
Conclusion
At least 29 countries in the world have legalised same-sex marriage. It is time that India thinks beyond the binary and reviews its existing legal architecture in order to legalise marriages irrespective of gender identity and sexual orientation. The law is however a dynamic concept. Inevitably the nature of marriage would change if there is a change in society.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Reference: The Hindu Business
Why the question:
The editorial explains to us as to why DFIs have regained relevance today.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain in detail the key factors for the success and long-term sustainability of the Development Financial Institutions (DFIs).
Directive:
Account – Weigh up to what extent something is true. Persuade the reader of your argument by citing relevant research but also remember to point out any flaws and counter- arguments as well. Conclude by stating clearly how far you are in agreement with the original proposition.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with the definition of DFIs.
Body:
Explain that Development Financial Institutions (DFIs) are critical intermediaries for channeling long-term finance required for infrastructure and key manufacturing projects for realizing higher economic growth.
It is a positive development that the government has recognized the criticality of financing long-term infrastructure requirements by announcing the setting up of a new DFI.
Discuss the importance of DFIs.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance.
Introduction:
A World Bank survey defines a development bank as ‘a bank or financial institution with at least 30 per cent State-owned equity that has been given an explicit legal mandate to reach socioeconomic goals in a region, sector or particular market segment’. It uses the terms Development Bank and Development Financial Institution interchangeably.
The development finance institutions(DFIs) or development finance companies are organizations owned by the government or charitable institution to provide funds for low-capital projects or where their borrowers are unable to get it from commercial lenders.
Body:
Scope and role of DFI in India:
- The role of DFIs—as development finance institutions making impact investments for sustainable development, generating profits—allow them to be a catalytic intermediary between private capital and the markets in the developing world.
- These institutions are meant to provide long term finance to agriculture, industries, trade, transport, and basic infrastructure.
- A DFI provides financing for development activities at less than strictly commercial terms. It delivers this through technical assistance grants, structured loans, different types of guarantees and credit enhancement and sometimes even equity.
- DFIs can have a specific sectoral or broad focus. The specific sector ones typically cover infrastructure, core industries, small and medium enterprises, agriculture, and exports. Broadly focused ones tend to cover some or all of these sectors.
- Meeting the SDGs by 2030 is not impossible but it will require over US$11.5 trillion in investments, according to United Nations estimates.16Donors and aid agencies have been playing an indispensable role in helping low- and middle-income countries achieve these goals.
- DFIs were transformational for many countries in their digital revolution and they can continue to play an important role as developing countries undergo the fourth industrial revolution.
- DFIs can help finance the expansion of new technologies in the emerging markets that will bring us closer to achieving the sustainable development goals.
- By making targeted investments to fund innovative ventures, they can leverage many additional billions of dollars and turn the hopes and aspirations of the developing world into real opportunities.
- DFIs can once again take center stage and use their resources to mitigate the risks posed by new technologies while creating an enabling environment that will foster innovations that can spur long-term economic development
Conclusion:
Development finance institutions (DFIs) have emerged as one of the fastest growing agencies pursuing innovative financial solutions to support development efforts worldwide. A new-age DFI would have to come to terms with governance issues if it is not to eventually become a fiscal burden. One way would be to subject it to the discipline of the stock market.
Topic: GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
GS-3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The Ministry of Tourism has released the Draft National strategy to promote medical, wellness, rural and other tourism sectors. And the article explains the impact of covid-19 on tourism.
Key Demand of the question:
Evaluate the policies and schemes that are being used to promote tourism in India amidst the impact of covid-19 pandemic.
Directive:
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 evidences. You have to appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming a personal opinion here.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with impact of covid-19 pandemic on tourism in the country.
Body:
Explain that in order to boost the tourism sector in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry of Tourism released three draft strategies with roadmaps to promote India as a rural and medical tourism destination and to position it as a place for conferences, meetings and exhibitions.
Identification, diversification, development, and promotion of niche tourism products in the country is the initiative of the Ministry to overcome the aspect of ‘seasonality’ and to promote India as a 365 days’ destination, to attract tourists with specific interest, and to ensure repeat visits for the unique products in which India has a comparative advantage.
Discuss various schemes and policies in this direction.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction:
The tourism & hospitality sectors including hotels and restaurants has been universally recognized as the growth of expansion and an engine for socio-economic growth all over the world, tourism and hospitality sectors bring wealth and fortunes to cities and countries. Tourism and hospitality also employs the local residents. India has grasped the profits available from this sector. India’s tourism and hospitality industry now brings billions of dollars into the economy every year. Hospitality and Tourism are one of the biggest and fastest-growing sectors has been considered as a vulnerable industry i.e. in the contrast to other manufacturing, the hospitality and tourism industry gets more contrived due to any external or internal blow or distress
Body:
Spate of tourism in India:
- The tourism and hospitality industry are especially vulnerable to this pandemic.
- A decline of 20% to 30% in the international tourist arrivals and a loss of US$300bn–US$450bn in international tourism receipts is anticipated as a result of COVID-19
- Over the last one year since the COVID-19 pandemic began, tourism to the Nilgiris has fallen by a staggering 80%.
- Based on statistics from the Horticulture and Tourism Departments which calculate the number of visitors to the Government Botanical Garden (GBG) in Udhagamandalam as a barometer to gauge the tourist inflow into the district.
- The number of tourist visitors to the Nilgiris fell from 28.92 lakh visitors in 2019, prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, to 5.88 lakh visitors in 2020.
- Policies and schemes to boost Tourism sector:
- In India, the central government and state government have announced separate tourism plans and strategy seeks to amplify job potential and development within the tourism and hospitality sectors, foster economic integration and linkage with various sectors.
- Some of the states like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, Gujarat and MP are the states where tourism has developed systems and enable the central government to legislate for tourism and hospitality development.
- As per the reports the proposal is to include in Concurrent list was circulated to the state governments and discussed at Chief Ministers’ Conference.
- Facilitation and strengthening of Indian tourism and hospitality is the main objective of Ministry of tourism
- The “Incredible India 2.0” initiatives and awareness by the Ministry marks a shift from the general promotions being undertaken across the world to market specific promotional plans and content creation.
- The awareness covers all the important source markets for Indian tourism and also takes into account emerging markets with significant potential.
- Limited creatives on different Niche products being produced are being used in the initiatives.
- Indian tourism plays an essential pillar and strength of the Make in India scheme.
- The new way classification of entry permits visa “Medical Visa” has launched by the ministry of home affairs, GOI, which can be given for specific motive to foreign tourists’ arrival to India for medical treatment.
- The ministry of tourism has incorporated the marketing promotion of medical tourism as new initiatives and awareness.
- The Marketing Development Assistance Scheme(MDAS), administered by the ministry of tourism, Government of India, provides financial support and assistance to tourism service providers.
- To lift and improve medical tourism, the government announced setting up of the National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board (NMWT), to provide help and support to those visiting the country for health care need.
- Newly launched the awareness initiatives by GOI “Swachhata” is declare as a pillar of tourism, as a clean and spotless tourist place which would be more reliable in the long run which will connect with tourist.
- Ministry of tourism has discovered 17 iconic sites in the country for development under Iconic Tourist Sites Development Project and proposes to carry out the development of these sites in collaboration with various Central Ministries, State Governments, Urban Local Bodies, Local Community and Industry players/Private sector.
- Dekho Apna Desh
- Bharat Parv and ParyatanParv
- Domestic Tourism campaigns and promotion on Social Media and website
- Social awareness campaigns
- SAATHI Initiative
Following measures were taken by the Tourism Ministry during the crisis:
- Setting up of COVID-19 Cell
- Dissemination of Advisories and Guidelines in respect ofCOVID-19
- 24×7 HelpLine
- Coordination with Hotels regarding stranded guests
- Accommodation to Foreign Tourists by ITDC
- Joint Working Group with State Tourism Officers
- Setting up of ―Stranded in India Portal
Measures needed:
- Profound changes in the structure of travel and tourism demand and supply are expected to reshape the sector in the aftermath of COVID-19
- By promoting the flexibility services and safety protocols would be another strategic tool to attract potential people and offering discounted rates, cancellation policy, and a better working environment would be the best opportunity for long term sustainability of the tourism and hospitality
- In the same way, promoting and foresee the importance and grow the local tourism as an immediate effect, mostly the tourism products related to health healing, well-being, Ayurveda and cultural and medicine with the market segments to the travellers.
- however, domestic tourism bound towards attractions, events and festivals, etc. discovering different cultures and caring the environment and generating new opportunities to all of us.
- Way forward:
- This crisis is also an unprecedented opportunity to transform the relationship of tourism with nature, climate and the
- It is time to rethink how the sector impacts our natural resources and ecosystems, building on existing work on sustainable tourism; to examine how it interacts with our societies and other economic sectors; to measure and manage it better; to ensure a fair distribution of its benefits and to advance the transition towards a carbon neutral and resilient tourism
- A collective and coordinated response by all stakeholders can stimulate the transformation of tourism, together with economic recovery packages, and investments in the green economy.
- Harnessing innovation and digitalization, embracing local values, and creating decent jobs for all, especially for youth, women and the most vulnerable groups in our societies, could be front and centre in tourism‘s
- the sector needs to advance efforts to build a new model that promotes partnerships, places host people at the centre of development, advances evidence-based policies and carbon neutral investment and operations.
Conclusion:
Tourism is at a crossroads and the measures put in place today will shape the tourism of tomorrow. The survival of businesses throughout the tourism ecosystem is at risk without the continued government support. While addressing the immediate socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 on tourism and accelerating recovery to protect millions of livelihoods, this crisis is an opportunity to rethink the tourism sector and its contribution to the SDGs, nature, and the Paris Agreement on climate change, an opportunity to work towards a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism. The COVID-19 crisis is a watershed moment to align the effort of sustaining livelihoods dependent on tourism to the SDGs. There is a need to consider the long-term implications of this crisis while capitalising on digitalisation, supporting the low carbon transition, and promoting the structural transformation needed to build a stronger and a resource efficient future. Only through collective action and international cooperation will we be able to transform tourism, advance its contribution to the 2030Agenda and its shift towards an inclusive and carbon neutral sector that harnesses innovation and digitalization, embraces local values and communities and creates decent job opportunities for all, leaving no one behind.
Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
Reference: Economic Times
Why the question:
The article brings to us the importance of biotechnology and the use of health data to further preventive healthcare.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss in detail how biotechnology will transform our approach to human health.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with some facts highlighting the current health crisis the world is facing.
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
Explain in what way Covid crisis offers new healthcare opportunities for India.
Discuss the new possibilities in healthcare: Biotechnology and genomic medicine and leveraging millions of data points – Messenger-RNA technology applications: Success of COVID-19 vaccines like Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax vaccine using mRNA technology calls for further applications such as cancer cure. Renewed interest in the study of viruses: Useful viruses can be developed Eg. Bacteriophages can be used to kill multidrug-resistant bacteria. Preventive healthcare: Data captured by wearable devices can provide vital inputs to preventive healthcare, particularly in non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension and heart disease etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction:
Biotechnology is technology that utilizes biological systems, living organisms or parts of this to develop or create different products. Biotechnology deals with industrial scale production of biopharmaceuticals and biologicals using genetically modified microbes, fungi, plants and animals. The applications of biotechnology include therapeutics, diagnostics, genetically modified crops for agriculture, processed food, bioremediation, waste treatment, and energy production. Biotechnology will help developing countries accomplish things that they could never do.
Body:
Indian Biotechnology Scenario:
- In India, the world’s 12th biggest biotechnology economy and having the second highest number of US Food and Drugs Administration (USFDA) – approved plants, the industry is not only excited at the revival in the US but also about its domestic prospects.
- The Indian bioeconomy grew to $4.3 billion at the end of the 2013 financial year, up from $530 million in 2003, according to BioSpectrum, a widely-read trade publication in India.
- Though concentrated in Hyderabad and Bengaluru, there are units sprouting across the country; currently some 350 companies are in operation.
- The bio-pharmaceutical sector, which includes vaccines, medical devices and stem cells, is the main driver of India’s biotechnology growth, generating close to 63 per cent of the industry’s total revenue in 2013.
Applications of Biotechnology in human health:
- The recombinant DNA technological processes have made immense impact in the area of healthcare. It enables mass production of safe and more effective therapeutic drugs.
- The recombinant therapeutics do not induce unwanted immunological responses as is common in case of similar products isolated from non-human sources.
- Genetically Engineered Insulin
- Management of adult-onset diabetes is possible by taking insulin at regular time intervals.
- Insulin consists of two short polypeptide chains: chain A and chain B, that are linked together by disulphide bridges.
- In mammals, including humans, insulin is synthesised as a prohormone.
- Like a pro-enzyme, the pro-hormone also needs to be processed before it becomes a fully mature and functional hormone) which contains an extra stretch called the C peptide.
- C peptide is not present in the mature insulin and is removed during maturation into insulin.
- The main challenge for production of insulin using rDNA techniques was getting insulin assembled into a mature form.
- If a person is born with a hereditary disease, can a corrective therapy be taken for such a disease. Gene therapy is an attempt to do this.
- Gene therapy is a collection of methods that allows correction of a gene defect that has been diagnosed in a child/embryo.
- Genes are inserted into a person’s cells and tissues to treat a disease.
- Correction of a genetic defect involves delivery of a normal gene into the individual or embryo to take over the function of and compensate for the non-functional gene.
- Curing adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency
- Adenosine deaminase enzyme is crucial for the immune system to function.
- This disorder is caused due to the deletion of the gene for adenosine deaminase.
- Through gene therapy, lymphocytes from the blood of the patient are grown in a culture outside the body.
- A functional ADA cDNA (using a retroviral vector) is then introduced into these lymphocytes, which are subsequently returned to the patient.
- However, the patient requires periodic infusion of such genetically engineered lymphocytes.
- If the gene isolate from marrow cells producing ADA is introduced into cells at early embryonic stages, it could be a permanent cure.
- For effective treatment of a disease, early diagnosis and understanding its pathophysiology is very important.
- Using conventional methods of diagnosis (serum and urine analysis, etc.) early detection is not possible. Some of the techniques that serve the purpose of early diagnosis are:
- Recombinant DNA technology,
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and
- Enzyme Linked Immuno-sorbent Assay (ELISA).
- Presence of a pathogen (bacteria, viruses, etc.) is normally suspected only when the pathogen has produced a disease symptom.
- However, the concentration of pathogens is already very high in the body.
- With molecular diagnosis, very low concentration of a bacteria or virus can be detected by amplification of their nucleic acid by PCR.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction(PCR) is now routinely used to detect HIV in suspected AIDS patients.
- It is being used to detect mutations in genes in suspected cancer patients too.
- PCR is a powerful technique to identify many other genetic disorders.
- A single stranded DNA or RNA, tagged with a radioactive molecule (probe) is allowed to hybridise to its complementary DNA in a clone of cells.
- It is followed by detection using autoradiography.
- The clone having the mutated gene will hence not appear on the photographic film, because the probe will not have complementarity with the mutated gene.
- ELISA is based on the principle of antigen-antibody interaction.
- Infection by pathogen can be detected by the presence of antigens (proteins, glycoproteins, etc.) or by detecting the antibodies synthesised against the pathogen.
- It is a simple yet powerful tool for editing genomes. It allows researchers to easily alter DNA sequences and modify gene function.
- CRISPR-Cas9 was adapted from a naturally occurring genome editing system in bacteria.
- The bacteria capture snippets of DNA from invading viruses and use them to create DNA segments known as CRISPR arrays.
- The CRISPR arrays allow the bacteria to remember the viruses
- If the viruses attack again, the bacteria produce RNA segments from the CRISPR arrays to target the viruses’ DNA.
- It is being explored in research on a wide variety of diseases, including single-gene disorders such as cystic fibrosis, haemophilia, and sickle cell disease
- Medical researchers believe that stem cell therapy has the potential to dramatically change the treatment of human disease. A number of adult stem cell therapies already exist, particularly bone marrow transplants that are used to treat leukaemia.
- Stem cell transplantation was first used in the treatment of blood disorders and it was a breakthrough. Conventionally known as bone marrow transplantation, the stem cells responsible for production of the blood cells reside in the bone marrow
Conclusion:
Every new drug discovery or drug approval not only draws cheers from millions of victims of debilitating diseases but also adds value to biotechnology companies. In a complex play of scientific progress and market forces, the biotechnology industry is recording growth that can rival the information technology industry boom of the 1990s. India with its young workforce and a potential market for the end-products can look out for a bright future in the biotechnology sector.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics – in private and public relationships. Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of Family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
Reference: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications
Why the question:
The question is based on the importance of individual good and its impact on good for all.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain the statement and its importance in public life.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving 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 with what you understand by Individual good.
Body:
Any individual is a member of society. He belongs to a social collective, shares its norms and is situated within it. His whole existence in the present diversified economy depends on society. Modern amenities and comforts will be unthinkable in its absence.
Discuss what ways and means can help in implementing it to public life for all; Encouraging and honoring philanthropists and altruistic individuals and bodies, following policies for inclusive economic and social growth, Inculcating concern in government servants for poor and the weak, Empowering women, children and socially disadvantaged groups.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction
The good of an individual is contained in the good of all” means that the good of an individual lies in the good of all people of the society. In other words, the progress of the whole society is good for everyone. Sabka sath sabka vikas is a concept inherent which reflects that with the support of each individual, every individual grows in a society. Good of all is inherently for an individual as, a society can grow only when all members of society are part of this growth.
Body
How good of an individual is contained in the good of all?
- Inclusive growth:When a society grows inclusively, it leads to growth of all. Inclusive growth lead to a peaceful stable rise of a society and reduces inequalities. This in a way is good for an individual as it saves government spending for social upliftment which can be used to develop services like infrastructure, roads, railways which are good for anyone.
- Develop trust:When all grow and good happens to everyone, a sense of trust is developed among citizens and state. Citizens trust their government and feelings of distrust, secession from state, hatred against society reduces which is good for everyone in the country.
- Reduce hopelessness:With the good of every individual, sense of hopelessness is reduced. An individual hopes to grow and work productively for his own growth and nation’s growth. Thus lead to overall growth of every individual.
- Social cohesion: With good of all, inequalities in society reduces. Due to this, every individual works together for larger social good.
- Reduced crimes: As everyone progresses, people tend to move away from crime and invest their time in progressive work. With crime reduction everyone feels safe and thus work freely that help him and lead to societal progress.
How can this principle be implemented in public life?
- Sensitisation: Each individual must be sensitised about other’s plight and difficulties. Efforts must be made to make people aware of other’s feelings. For example, by knowing about women’s plight, a sense for women welfare can be developed in the society.
- Education: Education leads to holistic development of an individual. With knowledge of various issues of marginalised and weaker sections, a feeling of empathy develops among individuals.
- Value development: Values of empathy, compassion, selflessness etc. should be inculcated among every individual in the society. These values can be inculcated from the beginning of a child’s upbringing through family, education etc. As in public life, every decision or action of a person affects someone else, he must be, therefore, sensitive towards other emotions and needs.
- Redressal of grievances: Various grievances of people must be handled properly. This means that as civil servants we should be sensitive to the needs and grievances of all, even if they are small in number or even one person. This is because, in resolving the issues or concern of one we are also addressing concerns faced by many others.
- People’s participation: Engaging people and making them realise that how their actions have benefited the other people and making governance more participatory and service oriented can be some important ways to achieve it.
Conclusion
Thus, the good of an individual lies in the good of all. Efforts must be made that each individual must grow in a society. Betterment of all also brings benefits to individuals as being part of a peaceful and progressive society.
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