[Mission 2022] SECURE SYNOPSIS: 23 November 2021 – INSIGHTSIAS

 

 

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.

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General Studies – 1

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Topic: Salient features of the Indian physical geography.

1. Discuss various factors that affect the distribution of rainfall in India. Has the distribution pattern been changing in recent years? Examine. (250 Words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of the General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of the Mission-2022 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

Describe various factors affecting the rainfall distribution in India and how this distribution has been changing in recent years.

Directive word: 

Examine – When you are asked to examine, you have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Give a brief introduction of the rainfall pattern of the Indian Monsoon

Body:

Give a detailed description of various factors such as the direction of winds, pressure conditions, El Nino and La Nina, etc., which affect the distribution of rainfall in India.

In the next part, explain how the pattern has been changing e.g. changes in terms of intensity, duration, frequency, and spatial distribution.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising the importance of mitigation and adaptation to this changing pattern to ensure food and water security for India.

Introduction

Rainfall in India is highly uneven over a period of time in a year.  The western coasts and North East India receive rainfall of over 400 cm. It is less than 60 cms in western Rajasthan and adjoining parts of Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab. Similarly, rainfall is low in the interiors of the Deccan Plateau and east of Western Ghats. Then, Leh in Jammu and Kashmir is also an area of low precipitation. The average annual rainfall is about 125 cm, but it has great spatial and temporal variations.

Body

Several factors influence the distribution of rainfall and these may act singly or collectively and interact with each other.

• Direction of moisture laden winds:
  • The wind system also affects the Indian rainfall. This system consists of monsoon winds, land and sea breeze, and local winds. In winter the winds blow from land to sea so they are cold and dry.
  • On the other hand, in summer wind blow from sea to land bringing the moisture along with them from the sea and they cause wide spread rain in most par
• Pressure conditions:
  • High pressure and low pressure zones also affect rainfall.
  • Strengths of low pressure over Tibet and high pressure over Southern Indian Ocean: The strengths of low pressure over Tibetan plateau and high pressure over Southern Indian Ocean has always positive effect on Indian monsoon and have high rainfall. Opposite to it has weak monsoon and hence less rainfall.
• Cyclonic depression determined by pressure gradient
• Direction of relief features
• Distance from sea:
  • In peninsular India, rainfall decreases from coast to interior parts.
• Altitude:
  • In North-East India, the rainfall increases with altitude.
• Climate change :
  • In recent years distribution of monsoon rains has changed. In recent past, monsoon rains touched the mainland 15 days to 1 month later.
• As we move from Meghalaya to Haryana or Punjab in Northern plains, we observe that the rainfall decreases.

• Topography:
  • The physical features influence the air temperature, atmospheric pressure, direction of winds and  the  amount  of rainfall  in different  parts of  the country.
  • Landforms, like mountains, plateaus, etc. affect rainfall. Orographic condensation occurs as moist air is pushed up the rain side of a landform. On the other side, arid conditions prevail because the moisture has been squeezed out on the rain side.
• El Nino and La Nina Effects:-
  • Weather conditions in India are also influenced by El-Nino which causes wide spread floods and droughts in tropical regions of the world. This warming of tropical Pacific waters affects the global pattern of pressure and wind systems including the monsoon winds in the Indian Ocean.
  • These affects the latitudinal walker cell in the Pacific Ocean and rainfall pattern in the Asian region. During El Nino Year weak push to Monsoon winds towards India causes less rainfall and draught whereas During La Nina years, the push is stronger and causes heavy rain and floods.
• Somali Jet (Findlater Jet) and Somali Current (Findlater Current):
  • These effect the intensity of high pressure cell in the Southern Indian Ocean and flow of moisture laden winds to the subcontinent.
• Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD):
  • It is defined by the difference in sea surface temperature between two areas (or poles, hence a dipole) – a western pole in the Arabian Sea (western Indian Ocean) and an eastern pole in the eastern Indian Ocean south of Indonesia.
  • The greater than average sea-surface temperatures in Arabian Sea responsible for greater precipitation in the western Indian Ocean region, and vice versa.

Distribution pattern of rainfall in the recent years in India

• According to a recent study on the report “Preparing India for Extreme Climate Events” released by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), over 75% of districts in India are hotspots of extreme climate events such as cyclones, floods, droughts, heat waves and cold waves.
• After 2005,the yearly average number of districts affected by cyclones tripled and the cyclone frequency-doubled.
• In the past decade, 258 districts were affected by cyclones with hotspot districtsall along the eastern coastline.
• The decade 2000-2009 showed a spike in extreme flood events and in associated flood events,which affected almost 473 districts.
• Events associated with floods such aslandslides, heavy rainfall, hailstorms, thunderstorms, and cloudbursts increased by over 20 times.
• While the number of rainy days during monsoon has decreased, single-day extreme rainfall events are increasing,leading to flooding.
• The yearly average of drought-affected districts increased 13 times after 2005.
• The empirical evidence generated from the analysis coincides with the weakening of monsoons due to rising micro-temperatures.
• The onset of the monsoon has been delayed due to a regime shift in climate i.e. from a weak to a strong El Niño period.
• This further can be validated by the fact that states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh saw severe water scarcity during 2015 due to record-breaking temperatures during summer and weakening monsoons.
• Monsoons have also been ending sooner thereby reducing the length of the rainy season.
• Monsoon seasons are witnessing random ‘break periods’ when there is little to no rainfall.

Conclusion

Although there are wide variations in weather patterns across India, the monsoon brings some unifying influences on India. The Indian landscape, its flora and fauna, etc. are highly influenced by the monsoon. The entire agricultural calendar in India is governed by the monsoon. Due to these reasons, monsoon is often a great unifying factor in India. India needs to invest more resources in better prediction of Monsoon forecast in order to achieve reliability and sustainability.

 

Topic: Salient features of the Indian physical geography.

2. Describe Koppen’s classification of Climatic regions of India. Also, enumerate some of the advantages it has over the other systems of classification. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of the General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of the Mission-2022 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

Give a brief description of Koppen’s system of classification has applied for India and its advantages.

Directive word: 

Describe– We need to write in detail the criteria followed and system/mechanism involved

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Briefly describe Koppen’s classification system

Body:

Give a description of the criteria followed by Koppen’s system and how it has divided India into different climatic regions e.g. Amw (Monsoon Type with short dry winter) prevalent in Western Coastal regions of India

Then go on to give some advantages of Koppen’s system over others such as Stamp’s classification e.g. Koppen’s climatic classification division is quantitative in nature. It is very easy to understand and measure. It also coincides with the vegetation pattern found in any region.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing relevance of Koppen’s system in the era of digital and satellite-based modeling of the climatic system.

Introduction

The Köppen climate classification system is one of the most common climate classification systems in the world. It was developed by Wladimir Peter Koppen in 1884. Koppen identified a close relationship between the distribution of vegetation and climate.

Body

Classification of climatic regions of India

• Koppen’s Classification of Climatic Regions of India is an empirical classification based on mean annual and mean monthly temperature and precipitation data.
• Koppen recognized five major climatic groups, four of them are based on temperature and one on precipitation.

Advantages over other systems

• It has precise definitions that can be applied easily to standardize data that are available for locations throughout the world.
• reasonable correlation globally with major vegetation regions
• It requires a minimum amount of calculation.
• It is widely used in educational circles throughout the world.

Conclusion

India has nearly all types of climates classified by Koeppen.  Koeppen demarcated five major climate zones in India. The climatologist Rudolf Geiger introduced some changes to the classification system, which is thus sometimes called the Köppen–Geiger climate classification system.

 

 

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General Studies – 2

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Topic: 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.

3. As frontline workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, the sanitation workers faced great risks. The second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission must focus on their concerns, and their safety and welfare must be urgently addressed. Discuss (250 Words)

Difficulty Level: Easy

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the frontline workers have laboured with unrelenting grit in the face of obvious health hazards.

Key Demand of the question:

Address the problems faced by sanitation workers and the way to overcome them.

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:

Write about the risks posed by sanitation workers and the urgency in addressing issues related to their safety and welfare.

Body:

Mention about the state of Sanitation workers like sanitation work in the country is tied with caste-based occupational roles. Sanitation workers have, for long, been subjected to discrimination, stigma, and, even, untouchability for years. 

Write about the laws and government efforts to address the issue.

Write about the rise in demand for sanitation work due to urbanisation and construction of toilets in the first phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission. 

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward and measures for rehabilitation of sanitation workers.

Introduction

Sanitation workers are the backbone of the waste management system, but most of them work under inhumane conditions — without safety gear and social security. They were an imperative and integral part of the frontline workers during the pandemic. Sanitation workers and manual scavengers were at an increased risk of exposure. India is home to five million sanitation workers who clean garbage, sewers and public toilets. They come in direct contact with human waste and toxic gases and are often at risk of chronic diseases.

Body

Safai karamcharis and COVID-19

• When India imposed lockdowns to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, only essential services – including sanitation and waste management – were permitted to continue. This put key workers in sanitation on the frontlines.
• The COVID-19 pandemic magnified the considerable occupational and health hazards they already faced, leaving many working with limited protection and almost no formal guidance or support.
• The pandemic exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, such as lack of health insurance or other forms of social protection.
• A recent data study showed that over half of the COVID-19 deaths among employees of the three municipal corporations of Delhi were among safai karamcharis, there is still no nationwide record of similar data.
• Despite the high number of deaths among safai karamcharis due to COVID-19, the states had not come up with a uniform policy for the welfare of these workers.
• The informality of sanitation work – which is more prevalent among female workers – magnified existing vulnerabilities of workers and was a proxy for absence of a safety net, regular income, insurance cover and access to PPE.
• From picking garbage from COVID-19-positive households to being tasked with the disposal of bodies of COVID-19 victims, sanitation workers have had to shoulder all kinds of responsibilities.
• Sanitation workers   from   greater   municipalities   are   facing   problems   with   less remuneration and lack of proper facilities for cleaning

Way-Forward

• Adopting technology to end manual scavenging– It is not going to be possible to eliminate manual scavenging unless we create the right technologies.
  • Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Boardis using 70 mini jetting machines that can access narrow lanes and smaller colonies to clear the choked sewer pipes.
  • In Thiruvananthapuram, a group of engineers has designed a spider-shaped robot that cleans manholes and sewers with precision.
• Proper awareness and sensitization of the authorities: It is essential that the authorities are sensitized to recognize the intensity of the issue and see the system as dehumanizing and unconstitutional.
• Sensitising Women through a nationwide march to make them aware of their right to live with dignity and assure them of ‘sustainable freedom’, by providing an alternative livelihood option.
• That the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 and the Supreme Court’s judgment of 2014 should be duly implemented and applied in all cases of sewer/septic tank deaths.
• Target driven approach to measure the success of the sanitation policy
• The underlying caste-based attitude to sanitation work and workers should be identified and strong action taken against it.
• To eradicate the profession of manual scavenging, it is important to provide these people with alternate professions. The government could start by giving specific training for vocations like plumbing, gardening etc to those involved in manual scavenging.

Conclusion

The extension of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin and Urban) and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation to their second phases, entailing the prioritisation of safe treatment and disposal of waste, along with building sanitary toilets, is salient. Such efforts should be complemented with welfare measures for sanitation workers.

Value addition

Reasons for the Prevalence of Manual Scavenging in India

• Delayed Implementation– Manual scavenging was banned 25 years ago but it continues to find practitioners.
• Insanitary Latrines– According to Safai Karmachari Andolan, the occupation persists mainly because of the continued presence of insanitary latrines. There are about 2.6 million insanitary latrines (dry toilets) that require cleaning by hand.
• Caste-based notions of stigma and deployment of Dalit workers in these occupations in modern contexts reinforces manual scavenging in India. 
• The policymakers’ have a fragmented and a target driven approach(counting numbers of toilets, length of sewerage, etc.,) to sanitation. 
• Privatization of waste management and acute contractualisationof sanitation work has made fixing legal responsibility and identification of the guilty much more difficult. 
• Gender-based occupation– Manual scavenging is not only a caste-based but also a gender-based occupation with 90 percent of them being women. Households with dry latrines prefer women to clean the excreta instead of men as they are located inside the house.
• Inadequate Funding – There are hardly any exclusive trade unions for sweepers, and unlike other sections in the government or private workforce, their problems are voiced by only those who are not associated with sanitation work.

 

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

4. China’s hypersonic missile test may not have come with a Sputnik-like surprise, but it has the potential to set off a post-Sputnik-like arms race between nuclear powers that does not augur well for the strategic stability both at the global and regional level. Comment (250 Words)

Difficulty Level: High

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

Recently China tested its nuclear-capable hypersonic weapons system.

Key Demand of the question:

Highlight the recent hypersonic missile test by China and its likely impact on the nuclear-powered nations.

Directive word:

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

 Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Describe how China’s testing of nuclear-capable hypersonic weapons system can be linked to the launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union in 1957.

Body:

Mention that China’s pursuit of hypersonic missiles is neither new nor surprising.

Talk about Missile defence vulnerability, which can be understood as the inability of a nuclear-armed state to execute the first strike, leaving it vulnerable to a retaliatory second strike by the adversary. 

Mention how Chinese tests have the potential to set off an aggressive competition among the nuclear powers to modernise their nuclear arsenals.

Write about the hypersonic weapons systems impact on strategic stability and its impact on India. Write what should be India’s course of action.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

China in August tested a nuclear-capable hypersonic glide vehicle that circled the globe before speeding towards its target. China’s hypersonic missile tests are compared to a “Sputnik moment”, a Cold War reference recalling how the Soviet Union surprised the world in 1957 by being the first to put an artificial satellite in orbit. Reports have expressed shock at Beijing’s missile development.

Body

Implications of Chinese test setting off a “Sputnik moment”

• The Chinese tests have the potential to set off an aggressive competition among the nuclear powers to modernise their nuclear arsenals and add new, potentially destabilising capabilities to their arsenal.
• The weapon could in theory fly over the South Pole and would pose a big challenge for the US military because its missile defence systems are focused on the northern polar route.
• In the present era of minimal arms control measures, the Chinese hypersonic missile system test will trigger an intense arms race both at the global and regional levels.
• With the Chinese test, the US may be forced to expand its hypersonic programme and further modernise its missile defence systems.
• India tested an indigenously built hypersonic weapon in September, making it only the fourth country in the world the US, China and Russia to develop and test such technology.

Implications for India

• Given India’s bilateral relations with China in the recent past, India and the world must closely watch China’s moves.
• The offence system operating at these speeds would mean a requirement to develop defence systems at these speeds.
• Such capabilities might pose a threat to our space assets along with the surface assets.

Way forward for India

• India must accelerate its hypersonic missiles programme.
• India should seriously consider erecting an equally robust missile defence.
• Chinese advancement in stealth technologies will drive New Delhi to seek similar capabilities but also develop effective countermeasures.
• This can then set off a regional arms race,a sign that is not particularly encouraging for regional peace.

 

 

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General Studies – 3

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Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies

5. Discuss the attempts made to reform the ‘fertiliser sector’ to keep a check on the rising subsidy bill, since 1991. Also, what are the areas that India needs to work on to address the goals of fertiliser policy? (250 Words)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

Fertiliser subsidy has been a persistent issue and forms the core part of GS3 paper

Key Demand of the question:

Highlight the attempts made in fertiliser sector since 1991, and what areas does India have to work to achieve goals of fertiliser policy

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:

A brief on fertiliser subsidy in India

Body:

First. Mention the attempts made to reform the ‘fertiliser sector’ to keep a check on rising subsidy bill, since 1991

Then, the actions needed/areas to work on, to achieve the goals of fertiliser policy

Conclusion:

A relevant closing statement

Introduction

India is an agriculture dominated nation with more than 50% population engaged in primary sector. India spends around 0.5% of total GDP on subsidies of which fertilizer forms a dominant part. Only 35% of total fertilizer subsidies reaches farmers who are marginalized or small.

Body

Attempts made to reform the ‘fertiliser sector’ to keep a check on the rising subsidy bill

• The Economic Survey of 1991-92 noted that fertilizer prices remained almost unchanged from July 1981 to July 1991.
• The Union Budget of July 1991 raised the issue prices of fertilizers by 40% on average. But from August that year, this was reduced to 30%, and small and marginal farmers were exempted from the price increase.
• The Economic Survey further noted that even with this 30% increase, fertilizer subsidy remained substantial and needed to be reduced further.
• Due to opposition to increase fertilizer prices, the increase in the price of urea was rolled back to 17% in 1992 over the pre-reform price.
• Recently, fertilizer subsidy has doubled in a short period of three years.
• For 2021-22, the Union Budget has estimated fertilizer subsidy at ₹79,530 crore from ₹66,468 crore in 2017-18.
• In order to minimise the impact of rise in prices on farmers, the bulk of the price rise is absorbed by the government through enhanced fertilizer subsidy. This is likely to create serious fiscal challenges.

Other prevalent issues:

• Fertilizers are too costly and small farmers can’t afford much.
• A bad harvest period along with excessive fertilizer use makes them debt ridden.
• In Agricultural, affects fertility of soil, crop yield and excessive usage will lead to salinization of soil.
• In Environmental, it will lead to soil eutrophication, may affect marine organisms and create water pollution.
• Political: movement of urea and MRPMRP of urea is government controlled. Only 3 PSU can import.
• Subsidy specific: Skewed nature: 70% of total fertilizer subsidy spent on urea.
• Imbalance in NPK use.
• Rewarding inefficiencies: Inefficient firms providing urea at higher cost gets more subsidies.
• Due to multiple usage in industry, they are black marketed from agriculture to industry thereby making it tougher for small farmers to access fertilizers.

Measures:

• De canalization of imports: allowing more PSU to enter into importing of fertilizers.
• NBS model must be extended to urea and allow for price rationalisation of urea compared to non-nitrogenous fertilizers and prices of crops.
• MRP of all fertilization and not just potash and phosphorus should be market controlled.
• JAM trinity should be followed even for fertilizer subsidy to protect black marketing and hoarding businesses
• Inefficient firms should be ruled out to ease government burden on subsidy expenditure
• We need to be self-reliant and not depend on import of fertilizers. This will help us to escape the vagaries of high volatility in international prices.
• There should be a shift towards the use of non-chemical fertilizers as well as a demand for bringing parity in prices and subsidy given to chemical fertilizers with organic and biofertilizers
• India should pay attention to improving fertilizer efficiency through need-based use rather than broadcasting fertilizer in the field. The recently developed Nano urea by IFFCO shows promising results in reducing the usage of urea.
• There is a staunch need to scale up and improve innovations to develop alternative fertilizers.

Conclusion

According to Economic Survey 2018 has suggested to bring urea under NBS like P and K. Farmer community in India comprise more than 50% and right use of policy should bring to make them benefit out of it which will also be used in doubling farmers’ income 2021.

 

 

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General Studies – 4

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Topic: Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.

6. “If you love your job, you need not have to work”. Analyse the role of Emotional Intelligence in making one enjoy one’s work. (150 Words)

 Difficulty Level: Moderate

Why the question:

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

Key Demand of the question:

How can Emotional Intelligence (EI), make a person Enjoy their work?

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 describing the importance to find a job you love

Body:

First mention, how can Emotional Intelligence (EI), make a person Enjoy their work?

Explore the different dimensions related to EI, and relate their influence on work culture

Conclusion:

A relevant summarising statement

Introduction

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to identify, use, understand, and manage one’s emotions as well as emotions of others in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict.

Body

Role of Emotional Intelligence in making one enjoy one’s work

• The workplace represents a distinct social community, separate from our personal lives, in which there is a growing appreciation that higher EI allows a person to understand themselves and others better, communicate more effectively, and cope with challenging situations.
• Employees with high EQs are more likely to listen, reflect, and respond to constructive criticism.
• Emotionally intelligent leaders tend to have greater empathy. For example, if you notice a co-worker displaying some nonverbal signs of sadness, you might take them aside to offer empathy.
• When you are empathetic and understanding of others’ emotions, you can make decisions with ease and complete tasks more efficiently.
• If we consider communication in the workplace, and more specifically, conflict resolution in the workplace, individuals with higher emotional intelligence are more likely to approach conflict resolution in a collaborative manner, working together with others in order to effectively reach a mutually acceptable outcome.
• Emotionally intelligent employees are more likely to keep their cool under pressure. For example, if you know you had a rough night, you might attempt to change your behaviours the following workday by shifting your focus toward more positive feelings.
• Relationships in the workplace are affected by how we manage our own emotions and our understanding of the emotions of those around us.
• Studies have linked higher emotional intelligence with better job satisfaction as well as overall job performance.
• Success requires a team and leaders, by definition, require followers. Leaders can empower others in a variety of ways. They enable others by fostering collaboration and building trust. Successful leaders share power, delegate well, and do what’s necessary to help others perform.
• Good networking skills are a staple of job effectiveness for the average worker. Networking has too often been associated with “using” other people, but a heightened EQ ensures a mutually beneficial approach to others.

Conclusion

Practicing emotional intelligence can help improve company culture, and your own well-being both in and out of the workplace. An   organization   that   is emotionally  intelligent  has  employees  who  are  productive, motivated  and  efficient.  They  are committed  to  achieving their goals. Team members  are  able  to  work  together  in  the  most  effective manner,  and  provide  better  results  for  the  organization  as  a whole.

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