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Answer the following questions in 150 words:
General Studies – 1
Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the resources present in continental shelves and reasons for it as well as to trace the bottom relief of India ocean.
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:
Start by briefly mentioning about relief of the ocean floor and its divisions.
Body:
First, mention certain figures/stats regarding the economic resources of continental shelves with examples.
Next, discuss in detail the reasons for high productivity of the continental shelves like high nutrient loads, vertical stability and shallowness etc.
Next, trace the bottom relief features of India ocean.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising the overall economic importance of continental shelves.
Introduction
Water covers 70% of the earth’s surface in which only 3% are fresh water (Of this, 2% is in polar ice caps and only 1% is usable water). Oceans make up around 67 percent of the Earth’s surface. The relief features of the oceans are quite different from the continental features because the Oceanic crust is less than 60-70- million years old whereas continental features are of Proterozoic age which is over 1 billion years old. The Oceanic relief features are in the form of mountains, basins, plateaus, ridges, canyons and trenches beneath the ocean water. These forms are called Submarine Relief.
Body
Factors that make continental shelves one of the highly productive ecosystems:
- The continental shelf is geologically defined as the submerged prolongation of the land mass of the coastal State, consisting of the seabed and subsoil of the shelf, slope, and rise. It does not include the deep ocean floor.
- Despite their small size in both areal extent and volume, the waters over continental shelves are usually rich in nutrients, which in turn make them among the most biologically productive areas of the oceans.
- Water depth over the continental shelves averages about 60 meters (200 feet). Sunlight penetrates the shallow waters, and many kinds of organisms flourish—from microscopic shrimp to giant seaweed called kelp. Ocean currents and runoff from rivers bring nutrients to organisms that live on continental shelves.
- Plants and algae make continental shelves rich feeding grounds for sea creatures.
- Accordingly, about 90% of the world’s fisheries production is harvested over the continental shelves.
- One of the reasons for this higher productivity is the increased nutrient loads via runoff from the continental landmasses (mostly by rivers), however many shelf areas receive significant nutrients from upwelling of deeper ocean waters.
- Continental shelf waters also tend to have food chains with fewer trophic levels, and on average support larger fish.
Ocean relief is largely due to tectonic, volcanic, erosional and depositional processes and their interactions. Ocean relief features are divided into major and minor relief features.
Major Ocean Relief Features: There are four major divisions in the ocean relief
- Continental shelf
- There is no clear or well-defined line separating oceans from continents.
- Infact, continents do not end abruptly at shoreline.
- They slope seaward from the coast to a point where the slope becomes very steep.
- The shallow submerged extension of continent is called the continental shelf.
- The depth of this shallow sea water over the continental shelf ranges between 120 to 370 metres.
- The width of the continental shelf varies greatly ranging between a few kilometres to more than 100 kilometres.
- Continental slope& Continental rise
- The continuously sloping portion of the continental margin, seaward of the continental shelf and extending down to the deep-sea floor of the abyssal plain, is known as continental slope.
- It is characterized by gradients of 2.5 degrees.
- It extends between the depth of 180 to 3600 metres.
- In some places, for example, off the shore of Philippines, the continental slope extends to a great depth.
- Continental slopes, mainly due to their steepness and increasing distance from the land have very little deposits of sediments on them.
- Sea life is also far less here than on the shelf.
- Along the base of the continental slope is a deposit of sediments. This belt of sedimentary deposits form the continental rise.
- In some regions the rise is very narrow but in others it may extend up to 600 km in width.
- Deep Sea Plain or Abyssal plain
- Abyssal plains are extremely flat and featureless plains of the deep ocean floor.
- In fact, the abyssal plains are likely the most level areas on the earth.
- Abyssal plains covering a major portion of ocean floor between the depth of 3000m to 6000m.
- They were once regarded as featureless plains but modem devices have shown that they are as irregular as the continental plain or surface.
- They have extensive submarine plateaus, hills, guyots and seamounts.
- The floor of the abyssal plain is covered by sediments.
- Ocean deeps
- The ocean deeps are the deepest part of the ocean.
- They are long, narrow, steep sided and flat-floored depressions on the ocean floor.
- They are generally called submarine trenches.
Conclusion
The Continental Shelf of the Indian Ocean is economically very significant for people. Indian Ocean is an “ocean of economic opportunities” for India. The security threats posed by State and non-state actors are impeding the progress. The Government initiatives like SAGAR, IORA, Sagarmala etc. should ensure that the fruits of Blue Economy is well reaped.
Topic: communalism, regionalism & secularism.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the causes of communalism and ways to counter it.
Directive word:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining communalism.
Body:
First, write about the various causes behind the communalisation of the society – Divisive Politics, Economic Causes, History of Communal Riots, Politics of Appeasement etc.
Next, write in detail about various measures to counter communal tension in the society.
Finally, write about what can be done in future by government, civil society etc so as to reduce communalism.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
Communalism is basically an ideology which consists of three elements:
- A belief that people who follow the same religion have common secular interests i.e. they have same political, economic and social interests. So, here socio- political communalities arise.
- A notion that, in a multi-religious society like India, these common secular interests of one religion is dissimilar and divergent from the interests of the follower of another religion.
- The interests of the follower of the different religion or of different ‘communities’ are seen to be completely incompatible, antagonist and hostile.
Body
Factors responsible for growth of Communalism in India:
- A Legacy of Past:
- On the basis of the “Two Nation” theory of Jinnah, India was partitioned. Communal politics had played its nasty game during the immediate past of independent India. The “Divide and Rule” policy of the British Government served their colonial interest. The partition of India was the ultimate outcome of their politics.
- Presence of Communal Parties:
- Religion in India has become an important agency of political socialization and it is also reflected in the ideology of a number of political parties. A number of communal and sectarian political parties and organisations are present in India. Muslim League, Jamaat—Islami, Hindu Mahasabha, Akali Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad are directly or indirectly responsible for the emergence of communalism.
- Isolation of Muslims:
- Indian Muslims have developed a tendency of isolationism even long after the creation of Pakistan. They remain aloof from the mainstream of national politics. Most of them are not interested to take part in the secular-nationalistic politics of the country. They insist on to be treated as a separate entity.
- Poverty:
- Mass poverty and unemployment create a sense of frustration among the people. It generates backwardness, illiteracy, ignorance, etc. The unemployed youth of both the communities can be easily trapped by religious fundamentalists and fanatics. They are used by them to cause communal riots. The weak economic status often breeds communalism.
- Hindu Chauvinism:
- The growths of Hindu chauvinistic attitudes have further strengthened the communal tensions in India. The Hindu religious groups like Shiv Sena, Hindu Mahasabha, Viswa Hindu Parisad often pressurize the government to take steps suitable to the interest of Hindus. They consider each Muslim as pro-Pakistani and anti-national. To face the possible challenge of other communal forces, they encourage the growth of Hindu communalism.
- Social Cause:
- The two major communities of India have been suspicious towards each other. The Muslims complain of the threat of Hindu cultural invasion upon their lives and have become more assertive of their rights. Either due to ignorance or insecurity, they do not fully accept the need of family planning and help in increasing population.
- Communalization of Politics:
- Electoral politics in India has become more expensive and competitive. Different political parties are not hesitating to use any means, fair or foul, for electoral victory. They even create communal tensions and try to take political advantage out of it. Concessions are granted to various minority groups for appeasing them.
- Cross-Border factors:
- Communal tensions in India sometimes are highly intensified due to the rule of two neighbouring theocratic countries. These countries try to create communal problems in the border states. The communal problems of Punjab and Jammu Kashmir are caused due to provocation of Pakistan. So long as this cross-border factor is not removed, communal problems are likely to stay in India.
- Failure of Government:
- Both the Union and the State Governments often fail to prevent communalism in the country. Due to lack of prior information, they fail to take any preventive measures. So the communal violence can easily take innocent lives and destroys property. The post-Godhra riot in Gujarat shows the inefficiency of the government to control the communal riot. Failure of immediate and effective steps has been a cause of the continuance of communalism.
Ramification of Communalism:
- Genocides: With mass killings, the real sufferers are the poor, who lose their house, their near and dear ones, their lives, their livelihood, etc. It violates the human rights from all direction. Sometimes children lose their parents and will become orphan for a lifetime.
- Ghettoization and refugee problem are other dimensions of communalism induced violence, whether its inter country or intra country.
- Sudden increase in violence against any particular community causes mass exodus and stampede which in turn kills many number of people. For example, this was seen in the case of Bangalore in 2012, with respect to people from North eastern states, which was stimulated by a rumour.
- Apart from having effect on the society, it is also a threat to Indian constitutional values, which promotes secularism and religious tolerance. In that case, citizens don’t fulfil their fundamental duties towards the nation.
- It becomes a threat for the unity and integrity of the nation as a whole. It promotes only the feeling of hatred in all directions, dividing the society on communal lines.
- Minorities are viewed with suspicion by all, including state authorities like police, para-military forces, army, intelligence agencies, etc. There have been many instances when people from such community have been harassed and detained and finally have been released by court orders guilt free. For this, there is no provision for compensation of such victims, about their livelihood incomes forgone, against social stigmas and emotional trauma of the families.
- Barrier for development: Communal activities occurring frequently do harm the human resource and economy of the country. And then again it takes years for the people and the affected regions to come out the traumas of such violence, having deep impact on minds of those who have faced it. They feel emotionally broken and insecure.
- Terrorism and Secessionism: As seen during the Khalistan movement in Punjab.
Steps to be taken to prevent communalism
- Economic:
- Poverty is one of the major factors for communal violence. Poverty alleviation measures are thus important for promoting communal harmony.
- Eradicating the problem of unemploymentamong the youths, illiteracy and poverty and that too with honesty and without any discrimination.
- Reducing educational and economic backwardness of minorities like Muslims.
- This can uplift their socio-economic status and reduce their deprivation compared to Hindus
- Social:
- The religious leaders and preachers should promote rational and practical things through religion promoting peace and security.
- Children in schools must be taught through textbooks and pamphlets to maintain brotherhood and respect for all religions
- Creating awareness in the society about the ill effects of communism through mass media
- Political:
- Political communism should be avoided recent Supreme court’s directives
- Identification and mapping of riot prone areas. For Example,Delhi police used drones to monitor to maintain vigil during communal festivals
- Media, movies and other cultural platforms can be influential in promoting peace and harmony.
- Social Mediashould be monitored for violent and repulsive content and taken off immediately.
- Recommendations of Committee on National Integration
- Joint celebration of community festivals
- Observing restraint by Hindus while taking processions before the mosques
- Formation of peace and brotherhood communities at local level to prevent anti-social elements from engaging in communal riots
- Respect for religious customs, rituals and practices
Conclusion
In a vast country like India which is made up of diverse cultures, backgrounds, religions, identities etc. it really requires to maintain a sense of equality among its citizen to provide a meaning to the term democracy. The core reason behind all these discrimination are based on the nature of unacceptance of diversities. We tend to commit heinous crimes to eradicate the population which chooses a different set of traditions to follow. But these intolerance can lead India to get collapsed from being a secular country to communal. And India is known to the world by the term “diversity”. It is beautiful when the people irrespective of their differences are co-existing.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article argues that civil society’s active engagement is imperative for addressing societal issues, protecting human rights, and fostering pluralism in India.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the functions of civil society and their successes and limitations in India.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning how civil society is considered as the 5th Pillar of democracy.
Body:
First, write about civil society refers to the arena of voluntary organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups, and citizens actively engaged in social, cultural, and political activities outside of the state apparatus.
Next, write about these organizations and individuals play a crucial role in fostering pluralism in India by providing alternatives beyond the ritualistic game of electoralism. Substantiate using examples.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stating that good governance can be achieved through the active participation of all the stakeholders and the civil society being the lynchpin in this.
Introduction
Civil Society Organizations can be defined to include all non-market and non-state organizations outside of the family in which people organize themselves to pursue shared interests in the public domain”.
Examples include community-based organizations and village associations, environmental groups, women’s rights groups, farmers’ associations, faith-based organizations, labour unions, co-operatives, professional associations, chambers of commerce, independent research institutes and the not-for-profit media.
Body
Need for an active civil society:
- Citizens have the right to scrutinise the work of their representatives.
- To publicise acts such as infringement of civil liberties and failure of governments to provide a reasonable standard of life for the citizens.
- Article 19 of the constitution provides for the democratic right to protest as part of the freedom of expression.
- The right to participate in an activity should not be restricted to politics and elections alone.
- Without this right, democracy becomes an illusion.
- So civil society cannot be conceptualised independent of the state.
Civil society’s functional contribution to good governance
- Watchdog:against violation of human rights and governing deficiencies.
- Advocate:of the weaker sections’ point of view.
- Agitator: on behalf of aggrieved citizens.
- Educator:of citizens on their rights, entitlements and responsibilities and the government about the pulse of the people.
- Service provider:to areas and people not reached by official efforts or as government’s agent.
- Mobilizer:of public opinion for or against a programme or policy.
- The ways include: Right to Information Act, Consumer Protection Act, Citizens Charters, Whistle-blower protection, e-governance, Democratic Decentralisation, Public Interest Litigation, etc
Role of Civil Society:
- In a large developing country like India, there are numerous gaps left by the government in the development process. These are the gaps that civil societies try to fill in modern India.
- Supplementing the government effort to provide health care to citizens, and by raising awareness in society about issues like child and maternal malnutrition
- A number of NGO’s like Childline India Foundation, World Vision, Arambh India have played important role in raising awareness on child sexual abuse.
- In the last 20 years, a very large number of NGOs in India have been active in the area of environmental protection.
- The NGOs have often been helped by the judiciary whenever the government of the day has proved unresponsive.
- The engagement of civil society and the media in educating citizens about the evils of corruption, raising their awareness levels and securing their participation by giving them a ‘voice’.
- Civil society can influence policy and project formulation through membership of committees and submission of memoranda.
Limitations of Civil Society
- Misappropriation of funds:Many NGOs don’t have sophisticated finance and legal teams, nor do they have the funds to conduct audits.
- The issue of foreign funding:According to government data a total of 3,068 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) received foreign funding above Rs. 22,000 Cr in 2014-15. It is often said that foreign-funded NGOs tries to propagate the foreign propaganda to stall developmental projects. Example: Kudankulam Protest.
- Non-accountable, non-transparent undemocratic functioning:CBI records filed in the Supreme Court show that only 10% of the total registered NGOs under the Societies Registration Act file annual financial statements.
- Money Laundering:Corrupt or unscrupulous NGOs that receive foreign funds may serve as conduits for money laundering.
- Accreditationremains a big challenge as it is very difficult to distinguish whether an organization wants to work for the cause or has been set up only for the purpose of receiving government grants.
- Over dependence on funds from the governmentdilutes the willingness of NGOs to speak out against the government.
- NGOs are often seen as encroaching on centuries-old tradition and culture of the people, and lead to mass protest at times. Ban of Jallikattu, after the PIL by PETA is one such example
Way Forward:
- A National Accreditation Councilconsisting of academicians, activist, retired bureaucrats should be made to ensure compliance by NGOs.
- There should be better coordination between Ministries of Home Affairs and Finance in terms of monitoring and regulating illicit and unaccounted funds.
- A regulatory mechanismto keep a watch on the financial activities of NGOs and voluntary organizations is the need of the hour.
- Citizens today are keen to play an active role in processes that shape their lives and it is important that their participation in democracy go beyond the ritual of voting and should include promotion of social justice, gender equity, inclusion etc.
- The government should frame guidelines for their accreditation, the manner in which these organizations should maintain their accounts and the procedure for recovery in case they fail to submit their balance sheets.
- Avoid tussle between Home Ministry and Finance Ministry by bringing the regulation of NGOs under one head.
- General Financial Rules, 2005have mandated a regulatory mechanism for the NGOs and a comprehensive law in line with these rules should be framed in no time.
Conclusion
NGOs, Pressure groups and CSOs form the backbone of democracy. Democracy does not just revolve around elections but how rights of the citizens are protected and are allowed to hold power holders accountable. The state must respect the articulation of the politics of voice and not just the politics of the vote. The promises of democracy can only be realised through collective action in civil society. A democratic state needs a democratic civil society and a democratic civil society also needs a democratic state. They mutually reinforce each other.
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question:
The subsidy cuts may impact the affordability of EVs for consumers, potentially slowing down the transition to cleaner and sustainable transportation.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the impact of shifting to electric vehicles on the environment, economy and also to examine the impact of reduction in subsidy for EVs.
Directive word:
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by describing the electric vehicles (EV) technology vis-à-vis fossil fuel-based vehicles.
Body:
Mention the impact the EV can have on India economically in terms of reducing dependence on crude oil and reduced import bill and improved domestic energy independence.
Next, write about the environmental benefits of shift to EV – Give facts and figures relation to vehicular emission in India, the impact of it and how shifting to EV can be environmentally advantageous as well as sustainable in the long run.
Next, examine the impact of reduction of subsidy for EVs and measures needed to address it.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward to ensure maximisation of potential benefits.
Introduction
An electric vehicle, uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion. An electric vehicle may be powered through self-contained battery, solar panels or an electric generator to convert fuel to electricity. India is among a handful of countries that supports the global EV30@30 campaign, which aims for at least 30 per cent new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030.
Body:
Potential of EVs in India
- Help tackle Climate change and air pollution:
- India has committed to cutting its GHG emissions intensity by 33% to 35% percent below 2005 levels by 2030.
- As per NITI Aayog’s reportEVs will help in cutting down as much as 1 Gigatonne (GT) of carbon emissions by 2030.
- Electric vehicles don’t produce emissions that contribute to climate change and smog than conventional vehicles.
- All-electric vehicles produce zero direct emissions, which specifically helps improve air quality in urban areas.
- According to a recent study by WHO, India is home to 14 out of 20 most polluted cities in the world. EVs will help in tackling this problem by reducing local concentrations of pollutants in cities.
- Cost reduction from better electricity generating technologies. This has introduced the possibility of clean, low-carbon and inexpensive grids.
- Energy security:
- India imports oil to cover over 80 percent of its transport fuel.
- Electric mobility will contribute to balancing energy demand, energy storage and environmental sustainability.
- Electric vehicles could help diversify the energy needed to move people and goods thanks to their reliance on the wide mix of primary energy sources used in power generation, greatly improving energy security.
- Cutting edge Battery Technology:
- Advances in battery technology have led to higher energy densities, faster charging and reduced battery degradation from charging.
- Innovation:
- EVs manufacturing capacity will promote global scale and competitiveness.
- Employment:
- Promotion of EVs will facilitate employment growth in a sun-rise sector.
Impact of reduction of subsidy for EVs
- The Union Ministry of Heavy Industries recently reduced the subsidy for electric two-wheeler vehicles under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME II) scheme from Rs 15,000 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to Rs 10,000 per kWh.
- The ministry also reduced the cap on the maximum subsidy on an electric two-wheeler’s ex-factory price to 15 per cent from 40 per cent.
- Lower subsidy will reduce consumer interest and adoption, and will hurt the entire industry for a considerable time.
- The premium bikes will see the biggest decline in sales due to the subsidy cut.
- The original equipment manufacturers (OEM) will rush to launch stripped-down models of their vehicles to keep the market shares running, and several players in the industry will follow the trend for keeping the market sentiment intact.
- Further, The parliamentary standing committee on heavy industry highlighted that Phase 2 of the FAME schemeto subsidize electric vehicles has achieved only 51.96 per cent of its target.
Various measures taken by the government to promote electric vehicles
- Most recently, Government think-tank Niti Aayog has prepared a draft battery swapping policy, under which it has proposed offering incentives to electric vehicles (EVs) with swappable batteries, subsidies to companies manufacturing swappable batteries, a new battery-as-a-service business model, and standards for interoperable batteries, among other measures.
- Government has set a target of electric vehicles making up 30 % of new sales of cars and two-wheelers by 2030.
- To build a sustainable EV ecosystem initiative like –National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) and Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric vehicles in India (FAME India) have been launched by India.
- NEMMP was launched with an aim to achieve national fuel security by promoting hybrid and electric vehicles in the country.
- FAME India Scheme was launched with the objective to support hybrid/electric vehicles market development and manufacturing ecosystem.
- The Union power ministry categorized charging of batteries as a service, which will help charging stations operate without licenses.
- Implementation of smart cities would also boost the growth of electric vehicle
Way Forward
- For EVs to contribute effectively, we need commensurate efforts in developing an entire ecosystem.
- Need to shift the focus from subsidizing vehicles to subsidizing batteries because batteries make up 50% of EV costs.
- Increasing focus on incentivizing electric two-wheelers because two-wheelers account for 76% of the vehicles in the country and consume most of the fuel.
- A wide network of charging stations is imminent for attracting investment.
- Work places in tech parks, Public bus depots, and Multiplexes are the potential places where charging points could be installed. In Bangalore, some malls have charging points in parking lots.
- Corporates could invest in charging stations as Corporate Social Responsibility compliances.
- Addressing technical concerns like AC versus DC charging stations, handling of peak demand, grid stability etc.
- India needs to leap into EV battery manufacturing.
- Private investment in battery manufacturing plants and developing low cost production technology is needed.
- Need for a policy roadmap on electric vehicles so that investments can be planned.
- Acquiring lithium fields in Bolivia, Australia, and Chile could become as important as buying oil fields as India needs raw material to make batteries for electric vehicles.
- Providing waiver of road tax and registration fees, GST refunds and free parking spaces for EVs.
- There is also the task of bringing skilled professionals into the workforce that are knowledgeable about the benefits and advantages associated with electric vehicles.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India
Why the question:
According to a report by ETAC (Expert Committee on Compressed Biogas), it highlights the potential of compressed biogas as a clean and sustainable fuel but emphasizes the need for a strong push to realize its benefits fully.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the role of bio gas in India’s energy transition and support needed to bio gas sector.
Directive word:
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by citing statistic related to bio gas sector in the country
Body:
In the first part, write about the Biogas scenario in India’s renewable sector. Cite statistic and show the potential of biogas in India’s energy transition. Write about the advantages it offers – enewable energy generation, efficient waste management, rural development, agricultural benefits, and climate change mitigation.
Next, write the major issues affecting Biogas sector and support needed for the sector.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
Biogas is produced through a biochemical process in which certain types of bacteria convert the biological wastes into useful bio-gas. Biogas is produced when bio-degradable organic materials/wastes such as cattle-dung, biomass from farms, gardens, kitchens, industry, poultry droppings, night soil and municipals wastes are subjected to a scientific process, called Anaerobic Digestion (A.D.) in a Biogas Plants.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced 500 new ‘waste to wealth’ plants for promoting a circular economy with a total investment of Rs 10,000 crore under the GOBAR-Dhan scheme in her budget speech in February 2023 in the Parliament.
According to a report by ETAC (Expert Committee on Compressed Biogas), it highlights the potential of compressed biogas as a clean and sustainable fuel but emphasizes the need for a strong push to realize its benefits fully.
Body
Potential of Biogas in India’s energy transition
- Biogas burns without smoke; hence no harmful gas such as CO2, CO, NO2, and SO2are evolved.
- It is considered as a renewable source of energy because the production is dependent on the generation of waste which is an endless process.
- Only 26.53 per cent of the total power generated in India is from renewable sources, according to estimates. The high dependence on non-renewable sources is the leading cause of the long-standing energy problems in the country.
- As the country aims to provide energy security to every citizen, biogas can play a critical role in transforming the energy dependence of rural and agricultural communities, which majorly depends on burning wood, dung, charcoal, coal and other fossil fuels for their energy needs.
- Installing biogas plants at the micro- and macro-level can address the critical issues of handling livestock manure and agricultural wastes, deteriorating soil quality, water pollution and deforestation.
- A fully functional biogas digester, for every tonne of feedstock processed, can reduce approximately 2.83 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in a year.
- Using biogas digesters to convert organic waste into clean energy can significantly contribute to countering challenges like pollution, climate change, livelihood inequalities and health in individual households as well as entire communities and promote India’s energy transition.
Challenges in biogas
- Poor Support to sector
- Although current biogas plants can meet some energy needs, many governments are unwilling to invest in the sector.
- Refining process issues
- Impurities remain in biogas after refinement and compression.
- Corrodes automobile engines & appliances
- Use of Biogas in automobiles can corrode the engine’s metal parts.
- Corrosion would result in higher maintenance costs.
- The gaseous mixture is far more appropriate for kitchen stoves, water boilers, and lamps.
- Lack of Technological Advances
- There is lack of a new technology that can simplify the process, make it accessible, and reduce the cost of doing so.
- Thus, large-scale production to meet the needs of a large population is still impossible.
- Temperature Limitation
- Biogas generation, like other renewable energy sources (such as solar and wind), is influenced by the weather.
- The ideal temperature for bacteria to digest waste is around 37°C.
- Digesters in cold climates require heat energyto maintain a constant biogas supply. Hence its use is limited to warm regions.
- Suitability for Metropolitan Areas
- Another disadvantage is that industrial biogas plants only make sense where raw materials (food waste, manure) are abundant.
- As a result, biogas generation is much better suited to rural and suburban areas. The material used in biogas generation emit bad smells.
- Hence it is necessary that the plants are sufficiently far from the inhabited areas
- Logistics
- If the plant is located far away, suitable means of transport will be needed to transport the raw materials and the final product. This will add to costs and emissions.
- To power a 1MW power plant, at least 300 hectares of land is required, as minimum usable area. Large quantities of land must therefore be available, which poses a challenge in urban areas.
Way forward
- Generating wealth from waste in rural areas will require the involvement of all actors and sectors, Investments from the private sector and local entrepreneurs will be needed.
- Panchayats and village communities will have to play key roles to leverage the animal and organic waste that goes into water bodies, dumping sites and landfills.
- Informal sanitation service providers can be integrated into the system by training and licencing them.
- With appropriate policy interventions the sector can be scaled up into opportunities for growth, leading to increased incomes, long-term livelihoods and, of course, more Swachh villages.
Conclusion
Biogas can prove to be a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. It is an ideal source to ensure energy security in the rural areas. It can also contribute to decarbonization of the agriculture sector through conversion of methane. There is a need to invest in new technologies that can help scale up the use of Biogas in urban areas. This can help in achieving the climate targets in the long run.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;
6. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Quotes Wednesdays’.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote.
Body:
Elaborate upon the quote and mention the role of education in making a person ethical. Mention the ways in which education shapes up ethics. Cite examples to substantiate.
Next, write about the counter view that education can also be devoid of ethics and its consequences. Substantiate with examples.
Conclusion:
Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.
Introduction
In any society, education provides one with the tools to improve their quality of life both economically and sociologically. Thus, education has the power to change your life right from promoting gender equality to reducing poverty. Education is a single tool that can bring changes in society without creating any repercussions
Body
Importance of Education at individual level
- Learning is a continuous process and a never-ending one and everyone keeps learning something or the other till the end of their life.
- With learning comes new ideas and before you know you are breaking the preconceived notions.
- This change in your surroundings and your personality helps you to interact with each other and you feel free to express your ideas.
- It helps in developing a perspective towards life and building opinions about life.
- This is how education creates a difference in all our lives and makes a difference in us.
At societal level
- The Indian society is very diverse and has people from all walks of life and mindset, but the one thing that connects us all and makes us stand for anything wrong in education.
- An educated person does not only make a difference in his/her life but also the life of others around him. g: Dr. B.R Ambedkar took the initiative to fight the caste evil, similarly, Dayanand Saraswati was a learned and educated person who stood for women’s rights.
- They can guide the other in the right path and provide a variety of ideas related to political participation, social equality, or environmental sustainability.
- Thus, education is a weapon that can help you follow the right path and the right decision bringing a change in the society around us.
- Education leads to a higher salary and thus a better standard of living. Through education, one gets a better understanding of the need for proper health care thus providing better health outcomes.
- The courage to speak forth your views and make everyone listen to what you want to speak also requires knowledge and education about your niche. Swami Vivekananda was a perfect example of this. A simple and learned man who gave an iconic and eloquent speech on September 11, at the Chicago Convention of Parliament of Religions. In his speech, Swami Vivekananda introduced the real meaning of Hinduism to the world and spoke about intolerance, religion, and the need to end all forms of fanaticism.
Conclusion
Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai wrote in her book “books and our pens, they are the most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world. Education is the only solution. Education first.”
Thus, education is a great equalizer that helps improve the standard of living, benefits communities, even protect individuals from abuse and expectation. Improving access to and quality of education leads to better outcomes at every level.
Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;
7. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)
“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” – Thomas Jefferson
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Quotes Wednesdays’.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote.
Body:
Write about being honest with oneself and how its importance in developing character. Elaborate upon how being honest with oneself results so many benefits for individual morality. Substantiate with examples.
Conclusion:
Summarise by highlighting the importance of the honesty in the present day.
Introduction
Honesty is a component of moral character that connotes positive and virtuous attributes, such as integrity, truthfulness, and openness including clarity of conduct, along with the absence of lying, cheating etc. Wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge and good judgment and it is the capacity to understand Emptiness.
Body
Honesty also involves being reliable, trustworthy, loyal, fair, and sincere. While wisdom is the ability to both think and act using experiences, skills, and judgment. To be wise, one must intentionally act with prudence and common sense. Wisdom has a connotation of judiciousness, pause, and discipline.
Wisdom, the discipline to synthesize knowledge and experience to do what is required, begins with honesty. Being true to oneself is the key to wisdom: One must first be true and honest with oneself. One must be principled in one’s dealings with others as one can’t be wise without also being truthful and honorable.
Dishonesty is synonymous to deception: Honesty is the foundation of wisdom. If a person is proven dishonest, how could you believe him or her even if he or she has managed to become wise. Even people indulging in ‘inconsequential lies’ without any intent to deceive anyone are portraying their lack of wisdom. These acts of dishonesty, even if done to become more socially acceptable, without being rude or offensive, put a blanket over one’s wisdom in another’s eyes.
Wisdom breeds trust only with honesty. For instance, for a civil servant, there cannot be a more immoral act than being dishonest. Being dishonest can make people think that the person holding the public office is not trustworthy and aspersions are cast over his character as well. Once a public servant loses trust of the public, all is lost. His/her wisdom has no meaning. But being honest can assure others that the person can be trusted.
Conclusion
Thus, being honest often requires courage and sacrifice, especially when others try to persuade to justify dishonest behavior. When you are honest, you build strength of character that will allow you to be of great service to others. At a personal level, an honest person will be blessed with peace of mind and self-respect. Thus, honesty is necessary for both learning and teaching and practicing wisdom.
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