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NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same time gives you extra points in the form of background information.
General Studies – 1
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
Durga Puja in Kolkata, one of largest cultural carnivals and street art festival of the country, on Wednesday received an important international recognition by making it to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the need for protecting intangible heritage of India.
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 writing about the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.
Body:
In the first part, write the items in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage and the region they belong to.
Next, write need for protecting intangible heritage of India – cultural heritage, source of livelihood, dying arts. Celebrating diversity etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stating the importance of intangible heritage of India.
Introduction
UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage is a coveted list is made up of those intangible heritage elements that help demonstrate diversity of cultural heritage and raise awareness about its importance. The list was established in 2008 when the Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage came into effect.
According to unesco.org, “cultural heritage does not end at monuments and collections of objects. It also includes traditions or living expressions inherited from our ancestors and passed on to our descendants, such as oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe or the knowledge and skills to produce traditional crafts”.
Body
Background:
Durga Puja in Kolkata, one of largest cultural carnivals and street art festival of the country, recently received an important international recognition by making it to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Durga Puja is a classic fusion of religion and culture, regarded with a lot of pride and celebrated predominantly by the Bengali community. During this time, intricately-designed clay models of the Goddess are worshipped in ‘pandals’ and pavilions where people get together. Folk music, culinary, craft, and performing arts traditions are a part of the celebration.
UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage from India
| S.No. | ICH Element | Year of Inscription |
| Tradition of Vedic chanting | 2008 | |
| Ramlila, the traditional performance of the Ramayana | 2008 | |
| Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre | 2008 | |
| Ramman, religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas, India | 2009 | |
| Mudiyettu, ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala | 2010 | |
| Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan | 2010 | |
| Chhau dance | 2010 | |
| Buddhist chanting of Ladakh: recitation of sacred Buddhist texts in the trans-Himalayan Ladakh region, Jammu and Kashmir, India | 2012 | |
| Sankirtana, ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur | 2013 | |
| Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab, India | 2014 | |
| Yoga | 2016 | |
| Nawrouz, Novruz, Nowrouz, Nowrouz, Nawrouz, Nauryz, Nooruz, Nowruz, Navruz, Nevruz, Nowruz, Navruz | 2016 | |
| Kumbh Mela | 2017 | |
| Durga Puja in Kolkata | 2021 |
Importance of protection of intangible heritage of India
- It helps to recognize the diversity of Indian culture embedded in its intangible heritage.
- It reflects India’s multicultural identity as a people and nation, and resonates strongly with Indians across all races and social strata.
- It intends to enhance the “visibility of communities’ cultural practices and know-how”, aiming to “safeguard the intangible cultural heritage of communities nationally & globally”.
- Its importance is not in the cultural manifestation itself, but in the wealth of knowledge, know-how and skills that are transmitted from one generation to the next.
- There is a need to raise awareness about the various intangible cultural heritage elements from different states of India at national and international level and ensure their protection.
Conclusion
The Union ministry of Culture has also launched the draft National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of India. The National ICH List is an attempt to recognize the diversity of Indian culture embedded in its intangible heritage. This initiative is also a part of the Vision 2024 of the Ministry of Culture.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure,
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Print
Why the question:
The Union government introduced the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021, in the Lok Sabha on 15 March to amend the 1991 Act. The bill said the “government” in Delhi will mean the L-G in the context of all legislation, and makes it mandatory for the Delhi government to seek the opinion of the L-G before any executive action.
Key Demand of the question:
To examine the changes introduced by the GNCTD Amendment Act, 2021.
Directive word:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into 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. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by explaining the GNCTD Amendment Act, 2021 and the changes in introduced.
Body:
First, examine the various changes – equates government with lieutenant governor, skews power against the elected government, day to day affairs will be affected, against the SC judgement in Union territory of Delhi vs Union of India case, 2018.
Suggest ways to ensure cooperation and coordination over conflict.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021 was introduced in Lok Sabha on March 15, 2021. The Bill amends the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991.
The Act provides a framework for the functioning of the Legislative Assembly and the government of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. The Bill amends certain powers and responsibilities of the Legislative Assembly and the Lieutenant Governor.
Body:
Provisions of the new Amendment:
- Restriction on laws passed by the Assembly: The Bill provides that the term “government” referred to in any law made by the Legislative Assembly will imply Lieutenant Governor (LG).
- Rules of Procedure of the Assembly: The Act allows the Legislative Assembly to make Rules to regulate the procedure and conduct of business in the Assembly. The Bill provides that such Rules must be consistent with the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha.
- Inquiry by the Assembly into administrative decisions: The Bill prohibits the Legislative Assembly from making any rule to enable itself or its Committees to: (i) consider the matters of day-to-day administration of the NCT of Delhi and (ii) conduct any inquiry in relation to administrative decisions. Further, the Bill provides that all such rules made before its enactment will be void.
- Assent to Bills: The Act requires the LG to reserve certain Bills passed by the Legislative Assembly for the consideration of the President. These Bills are those: (i) which may diminish the powers of the High Court of Delhi, (ii) which the President may direct to be reserved, (iii) dealing with the salaries and allowances of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and members of the Assembly and the Ministers, or (iv) relating to official languages of the Assembly or the NCT of Delhi.
- The Bill requires the LG to also reserve those Bills for the President which incidentally cover any of the matters outside the purview of the powers of the Legislative Assembly.
- LG’s opinion for executive actions: The Act specifies that all executive action by the government, whether taken on the advice of the Ministers or otherwise, must be taken in the name of the LG. The Bill adds that on certain matters, as specified by the LG, his opinion must be obtained before taking any executive action on the decisions of the Minister/ Council of Ministers.
Criticism of the Bill:
- Undermines the power of the Assembly: The amended sections of the GNCTD Act diminish the constitutionally guaranteed powers and functions of the elected Assembly.
- Considering LG as the ‘government’ is making a nominated post equivalent to the ‘default administering authority’ of the NCT instead of the elected one.
- Diluting the executive power of elected government and transferring it to the LG and the Secretaries in the government is against the representative form of government envisaged under Article 239 AA of the Constitution.
- The LG, who will now be the government, is under no obligation to implement any law passed by the assembly or carry out the directions of the house as he is not responsible to the assembly.
- Against Co-operative Federalism: The provisions may lead to centralization of power, unnecessary interference by the LG in day-to-day administration and delays in implementation of policies. It would hamper the spirit of co-operative federalism and separation of power.
- Violation of the Supreme Court judgment, 2018: The constitutional bench in the Government of NCT of Delhi vs UoI & ors. 2018 case had held that the LG’s concurrence is not required on all matters and that the control of the Centre is confined to three areas only i.e., land, police and public order.
- Not appropriately discussed: The Act has been passed in haste without being referred to the Select committee
- Violates basic structure: Executive accountability is the essence of the parliamentary system of government, which is a part of the basic structure of the constitution.
- Could lead to Policy paralysis: The Bill also requires the government to obtain the LG’s opinion on decisions before executive action is taken, which runs counter to the constitutional bench’s specific interpretation on the need to inform but not to have to wait for a return of the LG’s opinion, something which could take days, or never come.
Conclusion:
The Supreme Court had adopted the principles of democracy and balanced federalism as the basis for its decision to give unfettered freedom to the elected government to carry out its decisions. The above amendment Bill while nullifying the decision of the Supreme Court does not attempt to change its basis. On the contrary, as the statement of objects and reasons indicates, the Bill tries to define the responsibilities of the elected government and the LG in line with the constitutional scheme of governance of the NCT of Delhi.
Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
Fifty years ago this week, Indian armed forces marched into Dhaka in what was then known as East Pakistan. Well-armed and more numerous Pakistani troops were demoralized, as they were surrounded by the Indian Army and, importantly, also by the Mukti Bahini, as Bangladesh’s freedom fighters were called.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the long term considerations and recent developments in the India-Bangladesh relationship.
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 giving context.
Body:
In the first part, Trace briefly the journey of the relationship. These linkages have been stronger due to sharing of common language, culture, history, and spirituality.
Next, write about the relationship between India and Bangladesh has vacillated through highs and lows depending on the regimes in power. Bring about strategic considerations between the both countries.
Next, bring out the recent developments and write how should India should navigate the relations moving forward.
Conclusion:
Conclude by way forward for maintaining a strong relationship with Bangladesh.
Introduction
On 16 December 1971, Pakistani forces surrendered to Indian forces and Bangladesh was liberated. This week, Indian and Bangladeshi diplomats have jointly celebrated the 50th anniversary, and Indian leaders have praised Bangladesh’s development record.
India and Bangladesh share bonds of history, language, culture, and multitude of other commonalities. The excellent bilateral ties reflect an all-encompassing partnership based on sovereignty, equality, trust, and understanding that goes far beyond a strategic partnership.
Body
- Liberation war: Bangladeshis are grateful for Indian support and sacrifices in 1971.
- Cultural ties: Triveni of events of epochal significance — the golden jubilee of the Liberation War of Bangladesh, the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic ties. India and Bangladesh are celebrating it jointly.
- Development partner: Bangladesh is the biggest development partner of India today. India has extended 3 Lines of Credits (LOC) to Bangladesh in the last 8 years amounting to US$ 8 billion for development of infrastructure in various sectors including roads, railways, shipping and ports.
- Amicable relations: The year 2020, despite onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, witnessed intense high level engagements at political and official levels beginning with the exchange of New Year greetings between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 01 January 2020.
- Connectivity: Both the governments are undertaking various measures to restore the pre-1965 rail links and other connectivity links that existed between India and Bangladesh.
- The two Prime Ministers jointly inaugurated the newly restored railway link between Chilahati (Bangladesh) and Haldibari (India) on 17 December 2020.
- To enhance people to people contacts, the frequency of two passenger trains, i.e., Maitree Express and Bandhan Express was increased from 4 days a week to 5 days a week and from one day a week to two days a week respectively from February 2020.
- Trade: Bangladesh is India’s biggest trade partner in South Asia and India is the second biggest trade partner of Bangladesh.
- Bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh has grown steadily over the last decade and the exports of Bangladesh have tripled over the last decade to cross $1 bn in 2018-19.
Significance of relations today
- Security of North East: A friendly Bangladesh can ensure that its soil is not used for anti-India activities. Bangladesh’s action resulted in the arrest of many top leaders of the NE insurgent groups like United Liberation Front of Assam & National Democratic Front of Bodoland.
- Connectivity of North East: The north eastern states are land-locked & have shorter route to sea through Bangladesh. Transit agreement with Bangladesh will spur socio-economic development and integration of North-East India.
- Bridge to Southeast Asia: Bangladesh is a natural pillar of Act East policy. It can act as a ‘bridge’ to economic and political linkages with South East Asia and beyond. Bangladesh is important component of BIMSTEC and BBIN initiatives.
- Strengthening South Asia as a regional power: Bangladesh is important for strengthening of SAARC, for promoting cooperation among its member nations to economic growth and securing strategic interests.
- Securing sea lines of communication: Bangladesh is strategically placed nearby important sea lanes. It can play significant role in containing piracy in the Indian Ocean.
- Fighting terrorism and deradicalization: Stable, open and tolerant Bangladesh helps India in stopping extremists from flourishing there and also in cooperation in deradicalization efforts, sharing intelligence, and other counter-terrorism efforts.
- Balancing China: A neutral Bangladesh would ensure containment of an assertive China in this region, and help in countering it’s string of pearls policy.
Challenges in bilateral relations
- River disputes: India shares 54 trans-boundary rivers with Bangladesh. Some of the major disputes include: Teesta River water sharing issue, Tipaimukh Hydro-Electric Power Project on the Barak River, Ganga river dispute etc.
- Illegal immigrants: The National Register of Citizens (NRC) has left out 1.9 million Assamese from the list with a group labelled as “illegal immigrants from Bangladesh” living in Assam post-1971.
- Bangladesh remains firm in its stance that no migrants travelled to Assam illegally during the 1971 war of independence and that the controversial NRC risks hurting relations.
- Border Management: The Indo-Bangladesh border is of porous nature which provides pathway for smuggling, trafficking in arms, drugs and people and cattle.
- Delay in project execution: As of 2017, India had extended three lines of credit worth approximately $7.4 billion. However, less than 10% of the cumulative commitments have been disbursed so far.
- China factor: China sees Bangladesh as strategic focal point to make inroads into South Asia as an alternative to India.
- Increasing radicalisation: Presence of groups like Harkat-alJihad-al-Islami (HUJI), Jamaat-e-Islami, and HUJI-B fuel Anti-India sentiments in Bangladesh. Their propaganda could spill across border.
Conclusion
Deepening relationship with Bangladesh has become a necessity in the face of shifting geo-economics. Bangladesh, with its growing economic success, and with its 8 percent growth rate provides a vital partnership in the region. There is scope for India-Bangladesh ties to move to the next level, based on cooperation, coordination and consolidation as Prime Minister has termed the present period of relationship between the two countries as ‘Sonali Adhyay’
Topic: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, – different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
Zero budget natural farming (ZBNF) is back on top of the Government’s agenda with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to highlight it at a national conclave in Gujarat later this week.
Key Demand of the question: To write about the ZBNF.
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 defining ZBNF.
Body:
In the first part, examine the potential of this technique if implemented on a nationwide scale, especially in light of productivity. Mention without using any credit, and without spending any money on purchased inputs. ‘Natural farming’ means farming with Nature and without chemicals.
Next, write about it will benefits farmers incomes.
Conclusion:
Conclude by way forward to ramp up its application.
Introduction
Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a set of farming methods, and also a grassroots peasant movement, which has spread to various states in India. It has attained wide success in southern India, especially the southern Indian state of Karnataka where it first evolved. The movement in Karnataka state was born out of collaboration between Mr Subhash Palekar, who put together the ZBNF practices, and the state farmers association Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS).
Body
About Zero budget natural farming
- The “four wheels” of ZBNF are ‘Jiwamrita’, ‘Bijamrita’, ‘Mulching’ and ‘Waaphasa’.
- Jiwamrita is a fermented mixture of cow dung and urine (of desi breeds), jaggery, pulses flour, water and soil from the farm bund. This isn’t a fertiliser, but just a source of some 500 crore micro-organisms that can convert all the necessary “non-available” nutrients into “available” form.
- Bijamrita is a mix of desi cow dung and urine, water, bund soil and lime that is used as a seed treatment solution prior to sowing.
- Mulching, or covering the plants with a layer of dried straw or fallen leaves, is meant to conserve soil moisture and keep the temperature around the roots at 25-32 degrees Celsius, which allows the microorganisms to do their job.
- Waaphasa, or providing water to maintain the required moisture-air balance, also achieves the same objective.
- Palekar also advocates the use of special ‘Agniastra’, ‘Bramhastra’ and ‘Neemastra’ concoctions again based on desi cow urine and dung, plus pulp from leaves of neem, white datura, papaya, guava and pomegranates for controlling pest and disease attacks.
Benefits of ZBNF to farm incomes
- Low input cost: Zero budget’ farming promises to end a reliance on loans and drastically cut production costs, ending the debt cycle for desperate farmers.
- Higher yield: Besides reduced input cost, farmers practising ZBNF gets higher yields. In Andhra Yields of five crops (paddy, groundnut, black gram, maize and chillies) have increased by 8-32 per cent for ZBNF farmers.
- Farmers are able to get five quintals of red gram under ZBNF compared to three quintals under non-ZBNF.
- Farmers use bio fertilizers and that make the soil fertile, thus giving higher yields.
- Net income raised: There will be increase in net income for farmers and will improve the cash flow of poor and vulnerable farmers, and may enhance their ability to deal with economic shock
- Crop cutting experiments from 2016 and 2017 indicate that ZBNF farmers in AP earn better net incomes and can raise their disposable incomes. Farmers vulnerable to economic shocks have an important safety net against short-term shocks.
- Andhra Pradesh: With its combination of delta regions, arid and hilly tribal areas, districts in Andhra Pradesh are similar to those in other parts of the country and could therefore serve as a model for replication.
- The approach taken to monitor the improvements is vital to understanding the outcomes of large-scale changes that are under way; this is critical to expanding the ZBNF to other States.
- As ZBNF is applied in India’s various agro-ecological zones, making farmers the innovators is essential.
- Resilient food systems are the need of the day given the variability of the monsoons due to global warming and declining groundwater in large parts of India.
- The drought-prone Rayalaseema region (Andhra Pradesh) is reportedly seeing promising changes already in farms with the ZBNF.
- Mixed cropping is the key to recover the cost of production:
- The farmers have to practise mixed cropping, the cost of main crop is recovered by the sale of cash crops that you sow alongside.
- Also, it is about using organic manure,” It takes time but ultimately yields positive results.
Conclusion
The implementation of this project at scale will impact a multitude of stakeholders, and also help India progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN) to facilitate the post-2015 development agenda.
Agricultural scientists in India have to rework their entire strategy so that farming is in consonance with nature. The dominant paradigm of chemical-based agriculture has failed and regenerative agriculture is the emerging new science.
The world is at critical junctures on many planetary boundaries, and establishing a system that shows promise in improving them while supporting people sustainably is surely one worth pursuing.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2022 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the adverse effects of climate change on the planet.
Elucidate – 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 climate change.
Body:
Write about the various impacts of climate change on various regions – water cycle, rainfall patterns, Coastal areas, extreme sea level events, melting of glaciers and ice sheets, Changes to the ocean, marine heatwaves, ocean acidification, and reduced oxygen levels etc. Cite statistic to substantiate your points.
Next, write about the urgent steps that are required to combat climate change.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
Climate Change is a periodic modification of Earth’s climate brought about due to the changes in the atmosphere as well as the interactions between the atmosphere and various other geological, chemical, biological and geographical factors within the Earth’s system.
Climate change is accelerating due to global warming driven by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases and there is resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns.
Body
- Rising temperature and heat waves: Green House gases release by power plants, automobiles, deforestation and other sources are heating up the planet.
- In fact, the five hottest years on record have all occurred since 1997 and the 10 hottest since 1990, including the warmest years on record – 2005 and 2010.
- Increased temperatures are to blame for an increase in heat-related deaths and illness, rising seas, increased storm intensity, and many of the other dangerous consequences of climate change.
- Wildlife/Ecosystem at Risk: Increased temperatures are changing weather and vegetation patterns across the globe, forcing animal species to migrate to new, cooler areas in order to survive.
- Coral bleaching is happening in large scale due to increasing ocean temperatures.
- Ocean Acidification /Rising Seas level: As the Earth heats up, sea levels rise up because warmer water takes up more area than colder water, a process known as thermal expansion.
- Melting glaciers compound the problem by dumping even more fresh water into the oceans.
- Rising seas threaten the populated low-lying areas, islands and dense coastal populations, erode shorelines, damage property and destroy ecosystems such as mangroves and wetlands that protect coasts against storms.
- Severe droughts: As temperatures rise globally, droughts will become more frequent and more severe, with potentially devastating consequences for agriculture, water supply and human health.
- This phenomenon has already been observed in some parts of Asia and Africa, where droughts have become longer and more intense.
- Agriculture and food security: Solar radiation, temperature, and precipitation are the essential drivers of crop growth; therefore agriculture has always been highly dependent on climate patterns and variations.
Impact of Climate Change on India
- Coastal areas: 7500 km long coastline is already vulnerable to various disasters like cyclone, coastal flooding, storm surges, heavy rainfall (as seen in Mumbai) etc.
- The rise in the sea temperature and level will only increase the frequency of such hazards endangering the life and livelihood of the coastal population.
- Also, India being close to the equator will experience much higher increase in sea level than higher latitudes
- Monsoon: Phenomenon such as El Nino will increase the variability of the monsoon worsening the agricultural crisis with more than 50% area still being rain-fed and threatening the food security.
- Climate change has about 4-9 per cent impact on agriculture each year.
- As agriculture contributes 15 per cent to India’s GDP, climate change presumably causes about 1.5 per cent loss in GDP(1).
- Disasters: More weather aberrations as recently seen in Mumbai and Chennai and increase incidence of the disasters like flood and drought will threaten both rural and urban economy
- Biodiversity: Loss of biodiversity put the livelihood of the forest dependent and hill communities at risk and disturb the biogeochemical cycles that help maintain the flow of nutrient, water and pure air.
- Increase in human-wildlife conflict as observed in State like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand is another threat.
- Health: Increased disease outbreaks especially of the tropical diseases like Malaria and Dengue, heat waves aggravating the urban heat island effect and water scarcity compelling people to consume polluted water will increase the burden of mortality and morbidity.
- Migration: Rising inequalities as poor will be most affected due to climate change will increase the burden of migration and cripple the urban economies.
- Illegal migration from the neighbour countries will also cause security threats.
Measure taken to combat climate change in India
- India’s Nationally Determined Contributions
- Reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35 per cent by 2030 from 2005 level
- 40% of cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 with financial and technical help from other countries and GCF
- Additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tons of CO2 equivalent by 2030
- Enhancing investments in development programs in sectors vulnerable to climate change, particularly agriculture, water resources etc.
- Joint collaborative R&D for such future technologies
- National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): The Action plan covers eight major missions on Solar, Enhanced Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Habitat, Water, Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem, Green India, Sustainable Agriculture and Strategic Knowledge on Climate Change.
- International Solar Alliance (ISA): ISA was jointly launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the then President of France, Francois Hollande in Paris on the side-lines of CoP 21 in 2015. The vision and mission of the alliance is to provide a dedicated platform for cooperation among solar resource rich countries that lie completely or partial between the Tropics of Capricorn & Cancer.
- State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC): State governments have drafted climate strategies aligned with the eight National Missions under the NAPCC. The strategies focus on issues ranging from climate mitigation, energy efficiency, and resource conservation to climate adaptation.
- FAME Scheme for E-mobility: Union Government in April 2015 launched Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles (FAME) – India Scheme with an aim to boost sales of eco-friendly vehicles in the country. It is a part of the National Mission for Electric Mobility.
- Atal Mission for Rejuvenation & Urban Transformation (AMRUT) for Smart Cities : To make cities sustainable and increasing the green spaces in cities.
- Environment Impact Assessment: Management tool to regulate the impact of industries on the environment for ensuring optimal use of natural resources for sustainable developmen
- Applicable for major projects like infrastructure, thermal and nuclear power, industries, mining etc.
- Industrial categorization (Red, Orange, Green and White) according to their impact to maintain balance between regulation and ease of doing business.
- White industries do not require EIA approval
- Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: The scheme provides LPG connections to five crore below-poverty-line beneficiaries. The connections are given in the name of women beneficiaries to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and conventional fuel like cow dung for cooking food, thus reducing air pollution.
- UJALA scheme: The scheme was launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2015 with a target of replacing 77 crore incandescent lamps with LED bulbs. The usage of LED bulbs will not only result in reducing electricity bills but also help in environment protection.
- Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), 2017: Developed by Power Ministry and BEE, ECBC seeks to promote low carbon growth by integrating the renewable energy sources in the design of the buildings.
- For a building to be ECBC compliant it has to show at least 25% savings in the energy consumption.
- It is estimated that adoption of ECBC throughout the country would reduce at least 50% of the energy use by 2030.
Conclusion
All nations collectively should work on climate change as the threat is becoming bigger with each year passing. Combatting carbon emissions and strictly ensuring implementation of Paris Agreement is the need of the hour. This combined with focus on renewable energy and green technology can combat climate change. Least developed nations and developing nations must be financed by developed countries with technology transfer to adapt to climate change.
Value addition
Other Measures
- Addressing the distortion in the cropping towards water intensive crops like rice and promoting agro-climatic farming.
- Increased community engagement in the adaptation measures such as in the Jal Swavlamban Yojana of Rajasthan wherein people are provided incentives to create water storage structures.
- Expansion in the community forestry and Joint forest management to contain the loss to green cover due to industrial activity.
- Decentralized water management through revival of traditional mechanisms like baolis and adoption of eco-friendly methods like ‘four water concept’ to address the water shortage. Preventing the exploitation of ground water resources.
- Investing in R&D for developing crop varieties more suited to changed climatic conditions (e.g. drought resistant) and diversification of rural economy to reduce pressure on land for agriculture.
- Investments in the agricultural value chain to reduce post-harvest losses and increase the income of farmers.
- Development of better forecasting model and climate change atlas that highlights the challenges for difference regions for evidence—based policymaking.
- Increased international collaboration for finances and technology with an outcome based approach.
- Strict enforcement of building code and expansion of rooftop solar power program to reduce dependence on the coal energy.
- Better urban planning focusing on solid waste management and public transport.
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
6. What is acid rain? Explain the various adverse impacts from acid rain. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Environment by Shankar
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2022 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To explain the adverse impacts of acid rain.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving 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 the defining acid rain.
Body:
Frist, in brief explain first the major reasons behind the occurrence of acid rains.
Next, discuss that acid rains are harmful for both biotic and abiotic elements. it corrode the surface and rendered it riddled with hole. Yellowing of marble and lime stone and other such delicate surface gets destroyed. It is also harmful for textile and metals as it reduce their quality and make them weak. Moreover it makes the soil acidic and reduces the fertility.
Next, discuss what needs to be done. Highlight the efforts of the government in this direction
Conclusion:
Write a way forward to mitigate the impact of acid rain.
Introduction
Acid rain, or acid deposition, is a broad term that includes any form of precipitation with acidic components, such as sulfuric or nitric acid that fall to the ground from the atmosphere in wet or dry forms. This can include rain, snow, fog, hail or even dust that is acidic.
Body
Formation of Acid Rain
- Acid rain results when sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) are emitted into the atmosphere and transported by wind and air currents.
- The SO2and NOX react with water, oxygen and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids.
- These then mix with water and other materials before falling to the ground.
Causes of Acid Rain
The major sources of SO2 and NOX in the atmosphere are:
- Burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity. Two thirds of SO2and one fourth of NOX in the atmosphere come from electric power generators.
- Vehicles and heavy equipment.
- Manufacturing, oil refineries and other industries.
- Volcanic eruptions.
Impacts of Acid rain
- Forest Ecosystem
- Dead or dying trees are a common sight in areas effected by acid rain. Acid rain leaches aluminum from the soil. That aluminum may be harmful to plants as well as animals.
- At high elevations, acidic fog and clouds might strip nutrients from trees’ foliage, leaving them with brown or dead leaves and needles. The trees are then less able to absorb sunlight, which makes them weak and less able to withstand freezing temperatures.
- Soil
- Acid rain highly impacts on soil chemistry and biology.
- It means soil microbes and biological activity as well as soil chemical compositions such as soil pH are damaged or reversed due to the effects of acid rain.
- Lakes & Rivers
- Without pollution or acid rain, most lakes and streams would have a pH level near 6.5.
- Acid rain, however, has caused many lakes and streams across places to have much lower pH levels.
- In addition, aluminum that is released into the soil eventually ends up in lakes and streams.
- Unfortunately, this increase in acidity and aluminum levels can be deadly to aquatic wildlife, including phytoplankton, mayflies, rainbow trout, small mouth bass, frogs, spotted salamanders, crayfish, and other creatures that are part of the food web.
- Health Problems
- Air pollution like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can cause respiratory diseases, or can make these diseases worse.
- Respiratory diseases like asthma or chronic bronchitis make it hard for people to breathe. The pollution that causes acid rain can also create tiny particles.
- Nitrogen oxides cause ground-level ozone. This ground-level ozone causes respiratory problems, like pneumonia and bronchitis, and can even cause permanent lung damage.
- Statues, monuments & buildings
- Statues, buildings, vehicles, pipes and cables can all suffer. The worst affected are things made from limestone or sandstone as these types of rock are particularly susceptible and can be affected by air pollution in gaseous form as well as by acid rain.
- The chemicals found in acid rain can cause paint to peel and stone statues to begin to appear old and worn down, which reduces their value and beauty.
- g.: Taj Mahal, one of the 7 wonders of the world, is largely affected by acid rain. The city of Agra has many industries which emit the oxides of sulphur and nitrogen in the atmosphere. People continue to use low-quality coal and firewood as a domestic fuel, adding to this problem.
- Statue of Liberty in USA which is made of copper has also been damaged by the cumulative action of acid rain and oxidation for over 30 years and is, therefore, becoming green.
Measures needed
- Reduce emissions:
- Burning fossil fuels is still one of the cheapest ways to produce electricity so people are now researching new ways to burn fuel which don’t produce so much pollution.
- Governments need to spend more money on pollution control even if it does mean an increase in the price of electricity.
- Sulphur can also be ‘washed’ out of smoke by spraying a mixture of water and powdered limestone into the smokestack.
- Cars are now fitted with catalytic converters which remove three dangerous chemicals from exhaust gases.
- Alternative sources of energy
- Governments need to invest in researching different ways to produce energy.
- These include wind energy, geothermal energy, solar energy, hydropower, and nuclear power.
- Fuel cells, natural gas, and batteries can also substitute the use of fossil fuel as cleaner energy sources.
- Conserving Resources
- Greater subsidies of public transport by the government to encourage people to use public transport rather than always travelling by car.
- Every individual can make an effort to save energy by switching off lights when they are not being used and using energy-saving appliances – when less electricity is being used, pollution from power plants decreases.
- Walking, cycling and sharing cars all reduce the pollution from vehicles
- Restoring the Damage done by Acid Rain
- Lakes and rivers can have powdered limestone added to them to neutralise the water – this is called “liming”.
Conclusion
Concerted efforts at global and national levels across the globe can help us tide over the harmful effects of Acid Rain.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour;
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Abstract Thursdays’ in Mission-2022 Secure.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about taking empathetic approach towards de-addiction.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of rising forms of addictions – drugs, gaming, alcohol, social media etc.
Body:
First, bring out the adverse impact of addictions in brief.
Next, write about empathetic approach towards de-addiction – breaking the stigma, persuading, care ethics, compassionate support, follow up etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing about saving the youth from various addictions.
Introduction
Addictive substances are chemicals that affect the body’s functioning. A person who is addicted focuses only on the rewards of the substance. Addiction can be of drugs, alcohol, gaming, social media validation etc.
He is likely to shirk personal and professional responsibilities, and avoid family and friends because he wishes to focus only on the habit. This addiction gradually affects his work and close relationships.
Body
Reasons for getting an addiction
- Addiction is a learned coping behaviour that we pick up along the way.
- Every human being responds to stressful life events in their own way.
- Some people release their stress through exercise and working out. Others use food and overeating to cope with difficult life circumstances. For those who have been affected by addiction, the consumption of drugs or alcohol has been their coping mechanism.
- At some point in the past, addicts and alcoholics used substances to cope with a stressful life event – and it worked.
- The burden of life was not so heavy anymore. They felt they could finally manage their situation. Most of all, it gave them relief.
Harmful effects of addiction
- Vulnerability to psychotic disorders, mental and behavioural problems
- General health problems: liver damage (alcohol abuse), lung cancer (tobacco abuse), and damage to the nervous system (drug abuse). Alcohol and tobacco users are at a greater risk of developing cancer and other non-communicable diseases.
- Toxicity, the risk for which increases when a person is addicted to both alcohol and tobacco
- Risk-taking behaviour due to intoxication: This could include violence, reckless driving or sexual behaviour, causing domestic violence, accidents and injuries.
- Sexual exposure (particularly among young women) and the possibility of contracting sexually transmitted diseases
- Sepsis, infections and other transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS, in the case of injected drugs.
- Many people believe that using the same needle repeatedly does not cause any infections because it isn’t shared with others.
- However, this is not true. Using the same needles without sterilizing them can cause infections.
- Social isolation or withdrawal due to the obsession with the substance
- Problems with the law: caused by impaired judgment and risk-taking behaviour, or due to exploring illegal means to get hold of their next dose.
Empathetic approach towards Addicts and helping in de-addiction
- Empathy and understanding work for addiction, not because they are a non-intervening, permissive attitude. But, knowing just how difficult it is to give up something you love (drugs and alcohol) makes the person who is addicted realize that you’re willing to understand, to relate.
- The long-term recovery is dependent upon a holistic approach to treatment. We are fortunate to live in a moment of human history, where there is a plethora of treatment options available for addiction.
- Recovery includes a plan for the future to ensure success, and reinforces a solid foundation. Recovery is a process that includes the entire familial and support system of the patient.
- Instead of ostracising someone for addiction, one must show empathy and try to reason with their behaviour. Counselling youth, making them realise the pain caused to those around them is one way to go about it.
- Rehabilitation of drug addicts and timely medical intervention are important ways of de-addiction of substance abuse.
- Finally, recovery is a holistic process and involves the rejuvenation of the mind, body, and soul.
Conclusion
Addiction comes with a cost, be it financial or quality of life. Different addictions ultimately affect not just the individual but also the family and friends. A public health approach is needed to address the wide range of interacting factors that influence substance misuse and substance use disorders in different communities and coordinates efforts across diverse stakeholders to achieve reductions in both.
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