[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 5 March 2024

 

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

 

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General Studies – 1

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Topic: Social empowerment

1. The idea that women should not be tied to the name of their husbands reflects a broader conversation about gender equality and the need to challenge traditional patriarchal norms. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

Ms. Divya Modi Tongya, had petitioned the Delhi High Court that she be allowed to revert to her maiden name after her divorce comes through.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about patriarchal aspect of tying women’s name with her husband and its impact.

Directive word:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context.

Body:

First, write about the practice of women adopting husband’s surname and even continue to keep it after divorce. Write about the impact of the same – patriarchal norms, not recognising individual autonomy and reinforcing gender hierarchies.

Next, write about the impact of women the freedom to maintain their own names – seen as a step towards dismantling traditional gender roles, promoting professional identity, addressing legal and social recognition issues, and symbolizing a commitment to equality.

Conclusion:

Conclude by giving a balanced opinion.

Introduction

For centuries, the tradition of women taking their husbands’ surnames upon marriage has been a seemingly unchallenged norm. However, in recent years, a growing number of women are choosing to keep their maiden names, sparking a conversation that goes deeper than just a name change. This act of defiance signifies a fight against a system rooted in patriarchy and a demand for gender equality.

Body

Reasons why women should keep their maiden name

• Individual Identity: A woman’s name is a part of her identity, built over years of achievements and personal connections. Changing it can feel like erasing a part of herself.
• Professional Recognition: Women who have established themselves professionally might struggle to rebuild recognition under a new name.
• Equality in Marriage: Marriage is increasingly seen as a partnership of equals. Keeping separate surnames signifies that the wife doesn’t become subsumed by the husband’s identity.
• Challenging Patriarchy: The tradition of women taking husbands’ surnames reinforces the idea that a woman becomes part of the husband’s family, perpetuating a historical power imbalance.

 

Gender bias and discrimination faced by women opting to keep their maiden name

• Women have often complained of harassment when they have taken the path less trodden. For instance, women who have decided not to opt for their husband’s surname after marriage face a barrage of unnecessary questions and a mountain of paperwork while, say, opening a joint bank account, or during a child’s admission in school, or applying for a passport.
• A society that is already battling caste-based hierarchies should not add to the discrimination by giving an upper hand to anyone in a relationship, but work towards safer spaces without gender bias, difference and humiliation.
• In India, the most populous country in the world, stark gender disparities persist, both politically and socially. Women do most of the unpaid work at home, and are often edged out of the labour force for various reasons.
• What a girl or a woman can — and cannot — do, is often laid down by the men in the family; sometimes women too acquiesce to such indignities in the name of tradition.

 

The larger conversation

• Redefining Gender Roles: The tradition of taking the husband’s surname reinforces the outdated notion that a woman becomes part of the husband’s family, diminishing her own identity. Keeping one’s name challenges this patriarchal structure and advocates for a partnership of equals within marriage.
• Reproductive Rights: A woman’s right to bodily autonomy extends to decisions about her reproductive health. This includes the freedom to choose whether or not to have children, and on what terms. Equality in marriage necessitates respect for a woman’s reproductive choices.
• Financial Independence: Economic dependence can create an imbalance of power within a marriage. Financial independence for women, achieved through careers, equal contribution to shared finances, and access to separate accounts, fosters a more equitable and empowered partnership.
• Unpaid Work Distribution: Household chores and childcare are often considered “women’s work,” leading to an unequal burden. Sharing these responsibilities fairly, through open communication and an active division of labor, creates a more balanced and supportive marriage environment.

 

Conclusion

The fight for gender equality within marriage requires a holistic approach. Keeping one’s maiden name is a powerful symbol of this fight, a public declaration that a woman maintains her autonomy and identity even as she enters a partnership. It’s a stepping stone towards a future where marriages are built on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and the recognition of women as equal partners in every aspect of their lives. That being said, if a woman wants to add her husband’s name out of her own volition without being influenced, then it is a choice to be made. But unfortunately in India, especially in the rural India, the awareness of rights, about gender norms and patriarchy is too less to make a choice on their own as women themselves believe that it should be the norm. Only education and financial independence can liberate a woman from the shackles of patriarchy and raise her voice against it.

 

 

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General Studies – 2

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Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

2. The India-Russia relationship has been marked by stability, trust, and strategic cooperation over the years. However, like any longstanding partnership, it has also encountered challenges and adaptations in response to shifts in the geopolitical landscape. Critically analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the need to have a change in India-Russia dynamic relations due to recent geopolitical developments.

Directive word: 

Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context of ‘all weather’ friendship between India and Russia.

Body:

In the first part, Highlight the strength of the relationship – Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, cold war era friendship, the long history, defence partnership, nuclear power plants etc.

Next, bring out the issues in the relationship by dividing them into geopolitical, geostrategic and at bilateral level – Ukraine Issue, Russia-Pakistan, Russia-China, and USA-India, Changes in Afghanistan and issues emanating from them.

Discuss how should India and Russia navigate the tides moving forward.

Conclusion:

Conclude by commenting on their current nature of evergreen friendship.

Introduction

Hailing India and Russia relations as “very steady” and “very strong”, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said he was “confident” that the annual India-Russia leadership summit, that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have skipped for two years, will be held in 2024, even as Mr. Putin extended an invitation to PM Modi to visit.

Russia’s war on Ukraine has decisively shaped international opinion. Indian foreign policy is also going to be affected in a profound manner. While there has always remained a pro-Russian popular sentiment in India, rooted in Moscow’s support during the Cold War era, particularly against the pro-Pakistani diplomatic activism by powerful Western countries in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), a majority of Indians today seem taken aback by Russia’s misadventure against a sovereign country.

Body

Complex issues facing India while balancing Moscow and the West

• ‘China’ problem:There are understandable reasons for India’s (subtle) pro-Russia position.
  • An aggressive Russia is a problem for the U.S. and the West, not for India.
  • North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) expansion is Russia’s problem, not India’s.
  • India’s problem is China, and it needs both the U.S./the West and Russiato deal with the “China problem”
• Geopolitics rather than emotions: There is today asobering recognition in New Delhiabout the weakening of the U.S.-led global order and the rise of China as a counter-pole, geographically located right next to India.
  • withdrawal from the region and its decline as the principal system shaper has complicated India’s place in regional geopolitics.
  • Neighbouring China as the rising superpower and Russia as its strategic ally challenging the U.S.-led global orderat a time when China has time and again acted on its aggressive intentions vis-à-vis India, and when India is closest to the U.S. than ever before in its history, throws up a unique and unprecedented challenge for India.
• Beyond all weather friendship:For India, Russian ties are important. It must be recalled that Ukraine was against India during 1998 nuclear testsand had spoken against India with issue of Kashmir.
  • India’s Russia tilt should be seen not just as a product of its time-tested friendship with Moscow but also as ageopolitical necessity.
  • If in the future there is Chinese aggression or Pakistan tries adventurism on India, India will need all hands on the deck. Russia being the most important.
• Russia’s support to solve continental problems: There is an emerging dualism in contemporary Indian strategic Weltanschauung:the predicament of a continental space that is reeling under immense pressure from China, Pakistan and Taliban-led Afghanistanadding to its strategic claustrophobia; and, the emergence of a maritime sphere which presents an opportunity to break out of the same.
• Defence supplies: New Delhi needs Moscow’s assistance to manage its continental difficultiesthroughdefence supplies, helping it ‘return’ to central Asia, working together at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) or exploring opportunities for collaboration in Afghanistan.
  • Russia, to put it rather bluntly, is perhaps India’s only partner of consequence in the entire Asian continental stretch.
  • Therefore, having Russia on its side is crucial for India, more than ever.
  • Moscow may or may not be able to moderate Chinese antagonism towards New Delhi, but an India-Russia strategic partnership may be able totemper New Delhi’s growing isolation in a rather friendless region.

 

Way forward for India

• India’s past record has been maintaining balance between the West and Russia. On January 31, India abstained on a procedural vote on whether to discuss the issue of Ukraine.
• New Delhi had then articulated its position on “legitimate security interests” that echoed with a nuanced tilt towards the Russian position, and had abstained along with Kenya and Gabon.
• Despite abstention, India has reiterated and has called for cessation of violence in no ambiguous terms.
• India has also quoted the international charter on sovereignty, highlighting that all nations must respect the same, intended towards Russia.
• For India, Russian ties are important. It must be recalled that Ukraine was against India during 1998 nuclear tests and had spoken against India with issue of Kashmir.
• Hence strategic autonomy is the way forward as India has been doing.

Conclusion

India’s position also shows the unmistakable indication that when it comes to geopolitics, New Delhi will choose interests over principles. And yet, a careful reading of India’s statements and positions taken over the past few days also demonstrates a certain amount of discomfort in having to choose interests over principles.

However, New Delhi’s response to the recent crisis, especially its “explanation of vote” at the UNSC indicates a careful recourse to the principle of strategic autonomy: India will make caveated statements and will not be pressured by either party. In that sense, India’s indirect support to the Russian position is not a product of Russian pressure but the result of a desire to safeguard its own interests.

 

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

3. The realization of unfulfilled bilateral potential between India and the European Union (EU) is a complex task that depends on addressing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities. Comment. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why this question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the need for great cooperation between India-EU in critical areas and ways to achieve it.

Directive word

Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start with brief background of the context of the question.

Body:

Explain first that after limited economic gains from its FTAs with Asian partners, India is reassessing its FTA options. While a good beginning has been made with the UK, India must also renegotiate with the EU—the bloc is very important for India as far as trade relations are concerned, and an FTA with the EU is, thus, based on sound reasoning.

Discuss that FTAs need to be designed in a manner that they enhance complementarities amongst partners and overcome regulatory hurdles that inhibit trade. Account for potential of India –EU trade relations.

Present the challenges before India in realizing this potential.

Conclusion:

Suggest way forward and conclude.

Introduction

India-EU relationship dates back to 1960s when India was the first country to establish relationship with European economic union which later evolved into common market -European union. For more than a decade, the EU and India partnership had been slow-moving and fragmented, struggling to maintain momentum. India was acknowledged as a strategic partner in 2004. But seventeen years on there is still no mutually agreed set of clear priorities. The EU-India relationship fails to acknowledge each partner’s individual realities. Today’s changed circumstances provide the two sides with a new set of opportunities to move forward on the long-stalled agenda of stronger ties between India and European Union.

While India celebrates its 75th year of Independence, it also celebrates 60 years of diplomatic relations with the European Union (EU). A cooperation agreement signed in 1994 took the bilateral relationship beyond trade and economic cooperation..

Body

Various facets of India-EU bilateral relations:

• Trade and Investment:
  • The EU is India’s largest trading partner, accounting for 12.9% of India’s overall trade. Further the trade in services have almost tripled in last decade.
  • Overall, the EU is the second largest investor in India, with €70 billion of cumulative FDI from April 2000 to March 2017, accounting for almost one quarter of all investments flows into India.
• EU and India remain close partners in the G20 and have developed a regular macroeconomic dialogue to exchange experience on economic policies and structural reforms.
• Energy Cooperation:EU – India Clean Energy and Climate Partnership.
• Research and Development:India, participates in international ITER fusion. India also participates in research and innovation funding programme ‘Horizon 2020’
• Environment and Water:The EU and India also cooperate closely on the Indian Clean Ganga initiative and deal with other water-related challenges in coordinated manner.
• Migration and mobility:The EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility (CAMM) is a fundamental cooperation agreement between India and EU.
• Development cooperation:Over €150 million worth of projects are currently ongoing in India.

India and the EU have been keen to maintain the momentum in their bilateral interactions due to the opportunities

• The EU wants to pivot away from China. It recently signed a Comprehensive Agreement on Investment with China, which has drawn a lot of flak and its ratification has now been suspended because of diplomatic tensions.
• The European Parliament remains overwhelmingly opposed to this deal after China imposed sanctions on some of its members, in response to the EU imposing sanctions against China for its treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority in the Xinjiang region.
• With the EU being India’s largest trading partner and the second-largest export destination, the economic logic of strong India-EU economic relations is self-evident.
• The virtual summit saw India and the EU launching an ambitious “connectivity partnership” in digital, energy, transport, and people-to-people sectors, enabling the two to pursue sustainable joint projects in regions spanning from Africa, Central Asia to the wider Indo-Pacific.
• Exports to EU: India has an untapped export potential of $39.9 billion in the EU and Western Europe. The top products with export potential include apparel, gems and jewellery, chemicals, machinery, automobile, pharmaceuticals and plastic.
• India benefits from tariff preferences under the EU’s Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for several of these products.
• In fact, India is among the major beneficiaries of the EU’s GSP, with exports under the GSP valued at nearly $19.4 billion in 2019, accounting for nearly 37% of India’s merchandise exports to the EU.
• New emerging world order after COVID-19:As EU seeks to move away from a global supply chain that is overly dependent on China, India can emerge as its most natural ally.
• There is a significant untapped potential to expand India-EU bilateral trade relation through an FTA.
• The FTA will deliver on enhancing India’s market access in key services.
• For this to happen, regulatory barriers in cross-border supply as well as provision of services through temporary movement of professionals will need to be addressed.

Concerns in India-EU ties

• Stalled EU-India BTIA: It is being negotiated since 2007 and both sides have major differences on crucial issues such as: –
  • EU’s demands: significant duty cuts in automobiles, tax reduction on wines, spirits etc, a strong intellectual property regime, relaxation in India’s data localisation norms, protection to all its items with Geographical Indication etc.
  • India’s demands: ‘Data secure’ status (important for India’s IT sector); Ease norms on temporary movement of skilled workers, relaxation of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) norms etc.
• Trade imbalance: India accounts for only 1.9% of EU total trade in goods in 2019, well behind China (13.8%). Trade imbalance is expected to further increase with ratification of the European Union Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement, which will make Indian exports less competitive.
• India’s perception of EU:It views EU primarily as a trade bloc, preferring bilateral partnerships with Member States for all political and security matters. This is evident from lack of substantive agreements on matters such as regional security and connectivity.
• Brexit:It is unclear how U.K.’s withdrawal from EU will affect India’s relation with EU as whole.
• Human Rights concerns of EU: The European Parliament was critical of both the Indian government’s decision to scrap Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019 and the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

Way Forward

• To translate their common values into common action, EU and India in can work in third countries to consolidate democratic processes and build capacities of transitioning regimes through strengthening electoral and parliamentary institutions.
• EU can collaborate with India to facilitate connectivity and infrastructure projects in third countries, particularly smaller states in South Asia that often fall prey to power politics and fiscal instability resulting from China’s loans and political influence as part of its BRI.
• Thus, as highlighted by EU strategy on India, adopted in 2018, India EU should take their relations beyond “trade lens”, recognizing their important geopolitical, strategic convergence.

 

 

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General Studies – 3

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Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.

4. Doubling the income of India’s farmers requires a comprehensive and integrated strategy that addresses the various challenges faced by the agricultural sector. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India

Why the question:

At least in major cereals, the long-term impact of such tight control seems to insulate the Indian farmer from global price volatility, rather than result in structurally lower prices for Indian consumers.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the measures needed to double farmers income.

Directive:

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 giving context.

Body:

First, write about the causes for the falling crop incomes and unsustainable agriculture – Small holdings make agriculture uneconomic, Perpetual indebtedness, Inability to procure quality seeds, Lack of water and poor yields etc.

Next, suggest measures that are needed in order to overcome the above and double farmers income in India – Crop Diversification, Irrigation Facilities Providing Credit and Insurance, Strengthening Market Linkages, Investing in Agricultural Research and Development etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

In 2016, the Government had set the target of doubling farmers’ income by 2022-23. To achieve this goal, the government had set up a committee to recommend changes to all parts of the agricultural production and supply chain. The Committee listed its recommendations in a 14-volume report. At the time, by the government’s own calculations, a farming household in India earned an average of INR 8,059 per month, or about INR 97,000 per year. The Government is likely to miss the target as less than a year remains in the timeline. No individual state is likely to achieve it either.

Body

Challenges in achieving the goal of Doubling Farmer’s Income

• Decreasing Profitability in agriculture sector: Profitability has been declining in recent years due to plummeting agricultural prices and rising cultivation costs. Recently, prices of critical inputs such as fuel and fertilizers have risen sharply as well. Further there have been issues in land and labour productivity on farms, post-harvest processing, agricultural research and extension, among others.
• Web of Middlemen: There exists a strong web of intermediaries that enjoy maximum profit and leaves bare minimum revenue for the farmers. A major share of the income is cornered by the middlemen.
• Policy Lacunae: According to many experts, the policies to achieve the growth rates have not been clearly articulated by the Centre to the states. This becomes extremely crucial considering agriculture is a State subject. In addition, there have been issues in the implementation of policy initiatives. For example, many States have opted out of PMFBY due to implementation issues.
• High Input costs: Land degradation has become a major challenge and cost of farming is constantly rising with usage of fertilizer, pesticides, expensive seed varieties, machinery, labour cost, rise in fuel prices, vagaries of monsoon. This further complicates the livelihood of farmers
  • In India, farmers are poor due to low productivity (yield per hectare) of all major crops.
  • Growth in rural lending has decreased and indeed most of the rural lending is indirect rather than direct.
• Credit, finance and Insurance: Raising the MSP, price deficiency payments or income support schemes can only be a partial solution to the problem of providing remunerative returns to farmers.
  • A functional institutional credit system which is accessible and accountable to all cultivators.
  • This covers not only land-owning farmers but also sharecroppers, tenants, adivasi and women farmers, and animal-rearers.
  • Credit products for agriculture need to be tailor-made based on cropping and rain cycle, specific to a particular region. The regional offices of commercial banks should contribute in this exercise. Registration of all cultivators and providing Kisan credit cards.
  • The period of crop loan should be extendable to four years, given that, on average, every second or third year the spatial distribution of rain pattern is erratic in India.
• Land holdings: The average size of farm holdings declined from 2.3 hectares in 1970-71 to 1.08 hectares in 2015-16.
  • Policies for land consolidation along with land development activities in order to tackle the challenge of the low average size of holdings.
  • Farmers can voluntarily come togetherand pool land to gain the benefits of size. Through consolidation, farmers can reap the economies of scale both in input procurement and output marketing.
• Remunerative Prices: Extending reach of minimum support price which has been dedicated to few crops and in a narrow geographical area is important.
  • Set up of Futures and Trade markets, tie up of farmer and private companies for procurement should be looked into as alternative methods against distress sale.

Reforms to envision doubling of farmer’s income

• Intervention of the Government: The government schemes will not help them double their income unless the government policies on agriculture are comprehensive, grant freedom of technology and market, and infuse more money into infrastructure development.
  • Ad hoc policies and schemes will not help farmers as long as the government intervenes in the market to control prices to keep the consumers happy at the cost of farmers.
• Need for Technology & New Practices: The country needs to increase the use of quality seed, fertiliser and power supply for agriculture. Adoption of agronomic practices like precision farming to raise production and income of farmers substantially.
  • Since India is a diverse country where the majority of agriculture is monsoon dependent therefore interventions are needed which include research, technology promotion, extension, post-harvest management, processing and marketing, in consonance with the comparative advantage of each State/region and its diverse agro-climatic features.
• Expansion in Required Areas: Area under irrigation has to be expanded by 1.78 million hectares and area under double cropping should be increased by 1.85 million hectares every year.
  • Besides, the area for fruits and vegetables is required to increase by 5% each year.
• Improvement in Livestock Management: In the case of livestock, improvement in herd quality, better feed, increase in artificial insemination, reduction in calving interval and lowering age at first calving are the potential sources of growth.
• Need for Comprehensive Reforms: About one-third of the increase in farmers’ income is easily attainable through better price realization, efficient post-harvest management, competitive value chains and adoption of allied activities.
  • This requires comprehensive reforms in market, land lease and raising of trees on private land.
• Enhance Participation: Most of the development initiatives and policies for agriculture are implemented by the States. Therefore, it is essential to mobilise States and UTs to own and achieve the goal of doubling farmers’ income.
• Need to Liberalise Agriculture: To attract responsible private investments in production and the market. Similarly, FPO (Farmers Producer Organisation)/FPC (Farmers Producer Company) can play a big role in promoting small farm businesses.

 Conclusion

To achieve government’s goal of doubling farmers’ incomes by 2022-23, the Dalwai Committee points out that farmers real incomes need to grow at 10.4 per annum, that is 2.8 times the growth rate achieved historically. To secure future of agriculture and to improve livelihood of half of India’s population, adequate attention needs to be given to improve the welfare of farmers and raise agricultural income. It is essential to mobilize States and UTs to own and achieve the goal of doubling farmers’ income with active focus on capacity building (technology adoption and awareness) of farmers that will be the catalyst to boost farmers’ income.

 

 

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General Studies – 2

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Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

5. India’s three-stage nuclear policy aims to address India’s energy needs and ensure its strategic autonomy; it has faced scrutiny on various fronts. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why this question:

On March 4, Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed the start of the process of core-loading the indigenous prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR) at the Madras Atomic Power Station in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. A statement from his office called the occasion “a historic milestone in India’s nuclear power programme”.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about India’s three-stage nuclear policy, its successes and limitations.

Directive word: 

Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start with brief background of the context of the question.

Body:

First write about three-stage nuclear policy of India – describe its details and its achievements.

Next, write about the challenges in nuclear policy of India and its shortcomings – delays in implementation, and dependence on imported uranium and policy’s reliance on fast breeder reactors etc. Write about ways to fix them.

Conclusion:

Suggest way forward and conclude.

Introduction

India’s three-stage nuclear power programme was formulated by Homi Bhabha in the 1950s to secure the country’s long term energy independence, through the use of uranium and thorium reserves found in the monazite sands of coastal regions of South India. The ultimate focus of the programme is on enabling the thorium reserves of India to be utilised in meeting the country’s energy requirements.

Prime Minister Modi witnessed the start of the process of core-loading the indigenous prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR) at the Madras Atomic Power Station in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. A statement from his office called the occasion “a historic milestone in India’s nuclear power programme”.

Body

Three stage nuclear power program:

1. Stage 1- Pressurised heavy water reactor (PHWR): The first stage involved using natural uranium to fuel PHWR to produce electricity and Plutonium-239 as a byproduct. PHWRs were chosen for the first stage because:
   • In 1960s, India had the efficient reactor design in terms of uranium utilisation.
   • Using Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors over Light Water Reactors was a correct and wise decision. While Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors used unenriched uranium, Light Water Reactors required enriched uranium.
   • Further, India could domestically produce the components of PWHR, as opposed to LWRs. Also the byproduct plutonium-293 would be used in the second stage.
2. Stage 2- Fast breeder reactor (FBR): The second stage involves using plutonium-239 to produce fuel, which would be used in Fast Breeder Reactors. Plutonium 239 undergoes fission to produce energy. Once a sufficient amount of plutonium-239 is built up, thorium will be used in the reactor, to produce Uranium-233. This uranium is crucial for the third stage.
3. Stage 3- Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR): The main purpose of stage-3 is to achieve a sustainable nuclear fuel cycle.
   • The advance nuclear system would be used a combination of Uranium-233 and Thorium.
   • India has vast thorium which would be exploited, using a thermal breeder reactor.
   • Thorium use was reserved for the last stage as despite of having significant availability, use of Thorium in production of energy has been full of certain challenges. It cannot be used directly.
   • Thorium absorbs the neutrons, which can more efficiently produce more Plutonium in Fast Breeder Reactor for a faster growth.
   • Thus, the ultimate objective of the above programme is to create capacity to use Thorium for sustainable production of nuclear energy and make India energy independent.

challenges in nuclear policy of India and its shortcomings

• Safety and waste management is a major challenge. Incidents like Chernobyl, Fukushima are serious cause of concern. If nuclear energy is generated adhering to the highest standards of safety, there is less possibility of catastrophic accidents.
• Availability of fissile material is also a cause of concern. Nuclear fuel is not available easily and need diplomatic efforts.
• Land acquisition and selection of location for Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) is also major problem in the country. NPP’s like Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu have met with several delays due to the land acquisition related challenges.
• As India is not a signatory of NPT and NSG, nuclear supply is severely contained by sanctioned against India. This situation has changed after 2009 waiver and bilateral civil nuclear energy agreements with many countries.
• Reprocessing and enrichment capacity also required boost in India. For this India needs advanced technology to fully utilise the spent fuel and for enhancing its enrichment capacity.

Way forward and conclusion

To ensure the safety and security of using nuclear power there is need toensure maintenance of the skills base, continued effective safety regulation. Fostering progress on facilities for waste disposal and management must be given serious consideration. It is also important to maintain and reinforce international non-proliferation arrangements.

Nuclear power can help to improve energy security. For a rapidly developing economy such as India, it can make a vitally important contribution to growth. Besides, nuclear power can also reduce the impact of volatile fossil fuel prices and mitigate the effects of climate change. India needs to come up with a durable energy strategy to meet present and future energy demands of its population and industries.

 

 

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General Studies – 4

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Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.

6. In your opinion, what are the various manifestations of compassion towards weaker sections? (150 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.

Key Demand of the question: 

Write about the various manifestations of compassion towards weaker sections

Directive word: 

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by defining compassion.

Body:

Write about the various manifestations – volunteering, donating, mentoring, advocating for policies, providing basic needs, educating, and being inclusive.  Cite examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing about role of compassion in creating a equitable society and empower people from weaker sections.

Introduction

Compassion is a deeper level of empathy, demonstrating an actual desire to help the suffering person. It is a unique feeling of sympathy for the suffering of others that involves emotions and empathy towards others, a sense of understanding, and the drive to protect. It is the sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. It motivates people to go out of their way to help the physical, mental, or emotional pains of another and themselves. Compassion is often regarded as having sensitivity, an emotional aspect to suffering. Qualities of compassion are patience and wisdom; kindness and perseverance; warmth and resolve.

Body

Compassion towards weaker sections has various manifestations depending on the physical and financial strength, willingness to help and other factors.

• Providing basic needs: Providing food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare to the weaker sections of society is a crucial manifestation of compassion. Many people in weaker sections struggle to meet their basic needs, and providing these can go a long way in helping them lead a dignified life.
• Education: Providing education to the weaker sections of society can empower them to improve their economic and social status. Access to education can help them acquire skills and knowledge that can lead to better job opportunities and a better quality of life.
• Healthcare: Access to healthcare is essential for the weaker sections of society, who often struggle with illnesses and diseases due to poor living conditions and lack of basic hygiene. Providing healthcare services and facilities can help prevent and treat diseases and illnesses, improving their overall health and wellbeing.
• Empathy and understanding: Compassion is not just about providing material resources, but also about empathy and understanding. Listening to the struggles and challenges faced by weaker sections can help us understand their plight and find ways to help them overcome their difficulties.
• Advocacy: Speaking up for the rights of weaker sections of society can help bring about social and political change. Advocacy can involve raising awareness about issues affecting the weaker sections, lobbying for policies and programs that benefit them, and holding those in power accountable for their actions.
• Volunteering: Volunteering with organizations and NGOs that work towards supporting the weaker sections of society can be a great way to demonstrate compassion. Volunteering can involve providing time, skills, and resources to support programs and initiatives that improve the lives of those in need.

Conclusion

It takes character and integrity to be the one who is willing to step up and make a difference. To feel sympathy for someone is not enough. We must also be willing to take action. That is why compassion requires courage. Together they are one of the most dynamic combinations in the world. It is impossible to know how much good can come from a single act of compassion.

 

Topic: Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes;

7. Political attitudes are formed through a complex and ongoing process that involves various social, cultural, and personal factors. Elaborate. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the various factors that lead to the formation of political attitudes.

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 political attitudes.

Body:

Write about the various factors shaping political attitudes – family and socialization, education, media and communication, personal experience, and peer groups and social networks.

Conclusion:

Summarise by highlighting the need to develop right political attitudes.

Introduction

Political Attitude means the beliefs and values which underpin the operation of a particular political system. These attitudes were seen as including knowledge and skills about the operation of the political system positive and negative judgments about the system. These attitudes determine how people participate, whom they vote for and which political parties they support.

Body

Elements Influencing Political Attitude

• Family: Despite family disagreements and generation gaps, children tend to grow up and vote the way their parents do.
  • Families are generally the first, and often the most enduring, influence on young people’s developing political opinions.
  • As people grow older, other influences crisscross the family, and naturally their attitudes tend to diverge from those of their parents.
  • However, the influence still remains.
• Religion: Religious beliefs often affect the way people vote. Religion is the faith of the people in values and beliefs.
  • Most of the religious leaders regard themselves as teachers and their followers usually attempt socialization of children schooling and socialization converts of all ages through preaching and religious services.
  • In USA the experiences of 1940s generally show that the Jewish voters are more likely to support democrats than are Catholics or Protestants.
  • The recent experiences have shown that thereligious right has supported more conservative candidates (in USA) for public office in more favour of the Republican party than to the Democratic Party.
• Peer Groups: Attitude formulation takes places due to peer groups. The way the peer groups behave that way only patterns of obedience and disobedience are decided.
  • The influence of peer groups becomes dominant when young people tend to become more independent of the influence of their parents.
  • The peer groups supplement the socialization function of the family and prepare an individual for more specific political roles.
• School/College:Educational institutions provide individuals the knowledge of the political world and the role they are expected to play in political process of the nation.
  • Schools transmit the values and attitude of the society.
  • They play a crucial role in shaping their attitude about the unwritten rules of the game of politics.
  • College and university education may also bring in new values and help in the formation of radical political attitude.
• Workplace: Political socialization also depends upon job, the workplace and the nature of employment.
  • Individuals identify themselves with a group and become sensitive to the norms of the group and evaluate its actions according to their opinion of what is good for the group and what it stands for.
  • One of the powerful socializing experiences for a worker or a laborer is participating in collective bargaining.

Impact of economic and psychological factors on political attitude

• Psychological Factors:Political attitude formulation is a psychological concept as it is concerned with the society in general and with individual in particular.
  • The growth of the society is a social process like the growth of the child.
  • A child develops his attitude towards the authority and obedience as per the obedience pattern at family.
  • According to Easton and Dennis there are four stages in the process of political attitude formulation.
    • A child recognizes authority through particular individual such as parents, policemen and the president of the country.
    • There should be a differences made between private and public authority.
    • The understanding about impersonal political institutions such as national legislature, judiciary and voting behaviour is developed.
    • Distinction between political institution and person engaged in the activities associated with those institutions so that idealized images of particular persons such as the president or the congress.
  • Economic Factors: In most nations, there is no economy without a political system. This is because politics is a constant contest of ideas, and whoever rides into office each election cycle is able to project their ideas onto the economy. Hence, politics shapes the economic conditions of the country and vice versa.
    • Economic self-interest: Political scientists have analysed the role of economic factors on political attitudes of the population. Personal economic” self-interest”is a huge criterion that influences political attitudes.
    • Economic welfare:The class to which they belong has a huge influence on the political affiliations people have. For eg, members of the trade unions and associations are influenced by the “pro-worker” policies and will be aligned with such parties whose ideology matches with the same ( Higher minimum wages).
      • Poor will align towards communist / socialist ideology. He’ll vote for a party promising to get food, fertilizer and kerosene subsidy.
    • Income: The higher middle class and elite section would favour a pro-capitalist party, to ensure their welfare. Eg : This class would prefer lower taxes and more incentives for corporates. Indians during the 1950’s-60’s preferred socialism and with growing income came to support capitalism.

Conclusion

Political attitude describes the way you think or feel about our government and related social and economic issues. It can be said that, both social and economic factors have a major share in determining the political attitudes. The sum total of all the factors determine whether an individual is progressive, liberal, conservative, radical or reactionary.

 

 

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