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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: urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
Nearly a quarter of the world’s population is facing a looming water crisis, with a very real prospect of running out of it. While water covers 70% of the Earth’s surface, with 80% of the available surface and groundwater being used up annually and global demand expected to grow 55% by 2050, the scenario is very real.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about features of Nagara style and Kalinga sub-style.
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:
Start by giving statistic regarding usage of groundwater in India and the extent of its depletion.
Body:
First, give the various reasons for the depletion of ground water and measures taken by the government to address it.
Next, write about further measures that are required in order to ensure sustainable and equaitable use of ground water in urban areas.Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
With an annual groundwater extraction of 248.69 billion cubic meters (2017), India is among the largest users of groundwater in the world. Almost 89% of the groundwater extracted is used for irrigation and the rest for domestic and industrial use (9% and 2%). The NITI Aayog has termed India’s over-exploitation of groundwater our “worst water crisis in history”.
Body
Importance of Groundwater
- Groundwater helps reduce the risk of temporary water shortage and caters to the needs of arid and semiarid regions.
- Due to its high storage capacity, groundwater is more resilient to the effects of climate change than surface water.
- More than 90 percent of groundwater in India is used for irrigated agriculture.
- The remainder — 24 billion cubic meters — supplies 85 percent of the country’s drinking water.
- Roughly 80 percent of India’s 1.35 billion residents depend on groundwater for both drinking and irrigation.
- Current statistics also show that nearly 50% of urban water supply comes from groundwater.
Problems with groundwater depletion
- Lowering of the water table
- Reduction of water in streams and lakes
- Land subsidence: A lack of groundwater limits biodiversity and dangerous sinkholes result from depleted aquifers.
- Increased costs for the user
- Deterioration of water quality
- Saltwater contamination can occur.
- Crop production decrease from lack of water availability (40% of global food production relies on groundwater).
- Groundwater depletion interrupts the ‘natural’ water cycle putting disproportionately more water into the sea.
- As large aquifers are depleted, food supply and people will suffer.
Measures needed
- The government should develop policies to determine which crops should be grown in which region according to the water availability, which “has not been the focus.” For instance, Punjab has a semi-arid climate but it grows rice, which depletes groundwater and is “highly unsustainable.”
- The Jal Jeevan Mission is working to ensure safely-managed piped water for all. It aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households.
- The Atal Bhujal Yojana emphasizes community participation and demand-side interventions for sustainable groundwater management in identified water-stressed areas in Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
- Jal Shakti Ministry is embarking on many groundwater recharging and micro-irrigation projects. This programme has five target interventions: water conservation and rainwater harvesting, renovation of traditional and other water bodies/tanks, reuse, and recharge of bore wells, watershed development, and intensive afforestation.
- River basins, catchments and watersheds are set to be utilized for water and soil conservation, which in turn will improve the hydrology of our river basins.
- Public-private partnerships offer a framework for the proverbial last-mile link between the vision and intent of the government, the technical expertise and funding of the private sector, and the zeal of the non-profit sector.
- Decentralized ‘water ATMs’ that provide affordable and safe water to low-income communities and also serve as water knowledge resource centres working with local communities on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (Wash) sensitization.
- Non-profit workers and others are aiming to generate awareness on Wash, water conservation and the judicious use of water.
Conclusion
Sustainable management of groundwater in India is vital for tackling growing challenges related to water availability. The effective answer to the groundwater crisis is to integrate conservation and development activities, from water extraction to water management, at the local level; making communities aware and involving them fully is therefore critical for success.
General Studies – 2
Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations
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 bring out the changing landscape of Indo-Nepal relation in light of recent developments between the two countries and need for rebalancing,
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:
In brief, give a historical perspective of Indo-Nepal relations.
Body:
Present a timeline that depicts major events between India and Nepal and highlights the controversies around their relations. Elaborate upon the recent boundary issue as well he internal strife being witnessed in Nepal.
Discuss the underlying factors responsible for unchanging perspectives for each other. Bring out their impacts on the relations of the both countries. Discuss ties at different levels between the two – people to people ties, government to government ties, the China factor etc.
Bring out the present picture of the Indo-Nepal ties.
Conclusion:
Mention a way forward to recalibrate the ties and ensure mutual prosperity between the two countries.
Introduction
Nepal is an important neighbour of India and occupies special significance in its foreign policy because of the geographic, historical, cultural and economic linkages/ties that span centuries. India and Nepal share similar ties in terms of Hinduism and Buddhism with Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini located in present day Nepal. Over the past few years, we have been witness to the deteriorating India-Nepal relations. Reserves of goodwill which India had accumulated is fast depleting in Nepal.
Recently Nepal’s Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba visited India, four years after a Nepali leader visited New Delhi. It is the first bilateral visit abroad for Mr. Deuba who leads an elected government.
Body
Need of a rebalancing India Nepal ties
- Nepal shares borders with 5 Indian states- Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Sikkim and Bihar and with free movement of people and thereby acting as an important point of cultural and economic exchange in India-Nepal relations.
- Nepal unveiled a new political map that claimed strategically important land Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh of Uttarakhand as part of its sovereign territory.
- The misunderstanding created during the constitution framing / Madhesi agitation changed the entire gamut of relations between India and Nepal.
- Internal Security is a major concern for India; Indo-Nepal border is virtually open and lightly policed which is exploited by terrorist outfits and insurgent groups from North Eastern part of India eg. supply of trained cadres, fake Indian currency.
- Nepal over the years has witnessed chronic political instability, including a 10-year violent insurgency, damaging Nepal’s development and economy.
- There is anti-India feeling among certain ethnic groups in Nepal which emanates from the perception that India indulges too much in Nepal and tinkers with their political sovereignty.
- The establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China and its growing influence in Nepal has resulted in declining traditional leverage of India in Nepal.
- Overtime trust deficit has widened between India-Nepal because of the Indian reputation for delaying implementation of various projects.
- The Mahakali agreement has remained in limbo for over two decades. In 2008, the collapse of Koshi’s embankment unleashed massive flooding, highlighting India’s failure to take precautionary measures and its refusal to take responsibility.
Prospects of India-Nepal Relations:
- Trade and economy:
- India is Nepal’s largest trade partner and the largest source of foreign investments, besides providing transit for almost the entire third country trade of Nepal.
- Indian firms engage in manufacturing, services (banking, insurance, dry port), power sector and tourism industries etc.
- Connectivity:
- Nepal being a landlocked country, it is surrounded by India from three sides and one side is open towards Tibet which has very limited vehicular access.
- India-Nepal has undertaken various connectivity programs to enhance people-to-people linkages and promote economic growth and development.
- MOUs have been signed between both the governments for laying electric rail track linking Kathmandu with Raxaul in India.
- India is looking to develop the inland waterways for the movement of cargo, within the framework of trade and transit arrangements, providing additional access to sea for Nepal calling it linking Sagarmath (Mt. Everest) with Sagar (Indian Ocean).
- Development Assistance:
- Government of India provides development assistance to Nepal, focusing on creation of infrastructure at the grass-root level.
- The areas assistance include infrastructure, health, water resources, and education and rural & community development.
- Defence Cooperation:
- Bilateral defence cooperation includes assistance to Nepalese Army in its modernization through provision of equipment and training.
- The Gorkha Regiments of the Indian Army are raised partly by recruitment from hill districts of Nepal.
- India from 2011, every year undertakes joint military exercise with Nepal known as Surya Kiran.
- Cultural:
- There have been initiatives to promote people-to-people contacts in the area of art & culture, academics and media with different local bodies of Nepal.
- India has signed three sister-city agreements for twinning of Kathmandu-Varanasi, Lumbini-Bodhgaya and Janakpur-Ayodhya.
- Humanitarian Assistance:
- Nepal lies in sensitive ecological fragile zone which is prone to earthquakes, floods causing massive damage to both life and money, whereby it remains the biggest recipient of India’s humanitarian assistance.
- Indian Community:
- Huge number of Indians lives in Nepal, these include businessmen, traders, doctors, engineers and labourers (including seasonal/migratory in the construction sector).
- Multilateral Partnership:
- India and Nepal shares multiple multilateral forums such as BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal), BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) NAM, and SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) etc.
Way forward
- On border issue:
- The two countries have managed to settle about 98% of the common border.
- More than 8,500 boundary pillars have been installed reflecting the agreed alignment.
- As both countries are laying claim to the same piece of land, the time has come for both countries to sit for talks to solve this issue.
- Completion of the ongoing process of updating the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship:
- India must recognise that as in all other developing economies, Nepal’s aspirational young population is also looking beyond the open Indian border for opportunities, and its desire to turn his “land-locked” country into a “land-linked” country with a merchant navy must be considered positively.
- People-to-people inter-dependence must lead the relationship along with civil society and business-commercial level interactions.
- India’s major foray should be in innovation and technology transfer, multidisciplinary dialogues, educational and technical institutions, local and global migration management and skills and capacity-building.
- India needs to finish the infrastructure projects on time for instance Pancheswar project has been pending for over 20 years now.
- Nepal could be the fountainhead of climate change knowledge and connect to India’s larger dynamics of the management of the ecology of hills and mountains.
- Effective delivery on the pending projects, the remaining ICPs, the five railway connections, postal road network in the Terai and the petroleum pipeline so that connectivity is enhanced and the idea of ‘inclusive development and prosperity’ assumes reality.
- Negotiate diplomatically to resolve the boundary dispute with Nepal under the aegis of International law on Trans-Boundary Water Disputes.In this case, boundary dispute resolution between India and Bangladesh should serve as a model for this.
- India should maintain a policy of keeping away from the internal affairs of Nepal, while at the same time, in the spirit of friendship, India should guide the nation towards a more inclusive democracy.
- With its immense strategic relevance in the Indian context as Indian security concern, stable and secure Nepal is one requisite which India can’t afford to overlook.
- India needs to formulate a comprehensive and long-term Nepal policy.
- India should stop looking at Nepal purely through a security prism, and at bilateral relations only as transactional and part of a zero-sum game with China.
- Focus on working towards multifaceted relationshipsto the advantage of both nations.
General Studies – 3
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: Times of India
Why the question:
India needs to develop a sustainable and resilient agriculture framework to balance food & fuel security and achieve environmental sustainability. Budget 2022-23 has highlighted a slew of new green projects in the energy and transportation sectors. However, it continues to be skewed towards the traditional strategy in the agriculture sector as it primarily focuses on food and fertiliser subsidies and grants.
Key Demand of the question:
To bring out the interlinkage between climate change, farming , poverty alleviation and food security in India and the role climate smart agriculture can play in this regard.
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 describing the vagaries of agriculture brought about by climate change such as higher ambient temperatures, less predictable rains, frequent droughts and cyclones.
Body:
First, write about the major features of climate smart agriculture and benefits offered by climate smart agriculture – increase sustainable productivity, strengthen farmers’ resilience, reduce agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration.
Next, write about scope of climate smart agriculture pan India with examples – organic farming in Sikkim, climate smart agriculture in Odisha, zero budget natural farming etc. mention Various government initiatives to promote climate smart agriculture.
Next, mention the limitations associated with by climate smart agriculture and ways to overcome it.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
Climate change directly affects agricultural production as this sector is inherently sensitive to climatic conditions and is one of the most vulnerable sectors at the risk and impact of global climate change.
FAO defines Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) as “agriculture that sustainably increases productivity, enhances resilience (adaptation), reduces/removes GHGs (mitigation) where possible, and enhances achievement of national food security and development goals”
Body
Vulnerability of agriculture to climate change in India
- India’s agricultural ecosystem is distinguished by high monsoon dependence and with 85% small and marginal landholdings, it is highly sensitive to weather abnormalities.
- There has been less than normal rainfall during the last four years, with 2014 and 2015 declared as drought years.
- There are also reports of an escalation in heat waves, which in turn affecting crops, aquatic systems and livestock.
- The Economic Survey 2017-18 has estimated farm income losses between 15% and 18% on average, which could rise to 20%-25% for unirrigated areas without any policy interventions.
- These projections underline the need for strategic change in dealing with climate change in agriculture.
- There will be an increased risk of pests and diseases due to change in the pattern of host and pathogen interaction. For every two-degree rise in temperature, the agriculture GDP of India will reduce by five percent.
- The recent locust attack is also attributed to climate change, which can have highly disastrous effect on food security.
- Poor agricultural performance can lead to inflation, farmer distress and unrest, and larger political and social disaffection, all of which can hold back the economy. It will force farmers to either adapt to challenges of climate change or face the risk of getting poorer.
Climate Smart Agriculture: Helps transform agri-food systems towards green and climate resilient practices
- Increased productivity: Produce more food to improve food and nutrition security and boost the incomes of 75 percent of the world’s poor who live in rural areas and mainly rely on agriculture for their livelihoods.
- Enhanced resilience: Reduce vulnerability to drought, pests, disease, and other shocks; and improve capacity to adapt and grow in the face of longer-term stresses like shortened seasons and erratic weather patterns.
- Reduced emissions: Pursue lower emissions for each calorie or kilo of food produced, avoid deforestation from agriculture and identify ways to suck carbon out of the atmosphere.
- The climate-smart agriculture approach seeks to reduce trade-offs to make crop and livestock systems, forestry, and fisheries and aquaculture more productive and more sustainable.
- Climate-smart agriculture explicitly looks for where there are synergies and trade-offs among food security, adaptation and mitigation. Climate smart agriculture works through several dimensions to reorient agricultural development and management to take climate change into account.
- Management of farms, crops, livestock, aquaculture and capture fisheries to balance near-term food security and livelihoods needs with priorities for adaptation and mitigation.
- Ecosystem and landscape management to conserve ecosystem services that are important for food security, agricultural development, adaptation and mitigation.
Way forward and Conclusion
- Farmers, especially smallholder farmers, need handholding during their scaling up to adopt CSA.
- Mobile telecommunication systems are increasingly cost-effective and an efficient way of delivering weather-based agro-advisories to farmers at a large scale.
Radio (especially community radio), television, newspapers, folk media, and village level public address systems will also need to be used to bridge this “communication divide.” - Weather-based agro-advisories must be locale-specific, crop-and farmer-specific; need to also recommend soil, water, and biodiversity conservation practices. Integrating this with Soil Health Card scheme will be a good step forward.
- Build adaptive capacities to climate variability and strengthen the sustainability of farming systems.
- On-site training and awareness campaigns, technology demonstrations, farmer-specialist interactions, and engagement with local governance bodies.
- Soil health and need-based irrigation management need to be addressed adequately.
- Closer collaboration between public, civil society, and private technology and financial service providers so that farmers get access to accurate information, and affordable technologies.
Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
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 limiting factors in the growth of nuclear energy.
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:
Begin by giving context regarding the development of nuclear energy in India.
Body:
First, mention about the huge potential for growth, emission-free nature and consistent nature of nuclear energy production in contrast with wind and solar energy.
Next, evaluate the various factors for a running nuclear power plant such as land requirement, man power, financing, fuel enrichment and manufacturing needs etc.
Next, highlight the delays in rolling out the second stage of the nuclear fuel program. Technological problems arising in the process of commissioning the Pressurized Fast Breeder Reactor and the associated time and cost overruns.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction
Nuclear Energy plays a critical role in achieving sustainable economic and social development. Modern civilization heavily depends on energy for daily activities. Energy is like a lifeline for the sustenance and progress of the entire world. Nuclear energy plays a vital role in the world economy by generating jobs, income and facilitating trade on a massive scale.
Expanded use of nuclear technologies offered immense potential to meet important development needs. In fact, to satisfy energy demands and to mitigate the threat of climate change — two of the 21st century’s greatest challenges — there are major opportunities for expansion of nuclear energy.
Body
Potential of nuclear energy as a source of power:
- Thorium and Uranium reserves: India has vast reserves of Thorium that can fuel India’s nuclear energy provided appropriate technology. India’s thorium deposits, estimated at 360,000 tonnes, and natural uranium deposits at 70,000 tonnes. The country’s thorium reserves make up 25% of the global reserves.
- Energy poverty: Although India is the 3rdlargest producer of electricity, about 20 % of the population of the country does not have access to electricity today. The per capita consumption of electricity is very low at about 1,181 kWh per annum, about half of the world average and way below that of advanced countries. There exist shortages in energy and peak power in the range 10-15%.
- Energy demand:Nuclear energy is a critical part for India’s future energy security. As we know India’s annual energy demand is expected to rise to 800 GW by 2032, it is very important to consider every source of energy in the optimum energy mix.
- Energy efficiency: Quantities of nuclear fuel needed are considerably less than thermal power plants. For instance, 10000 MW generation by coal will need 30-35 million tons of coal, but nuclear fuel needed will be only 300-350 tons.
- Economic growth:Rapid economic growth is also critical to achieve developmental objectives and poverty alleviation. A sustained economic growth of about 8 to 10% is needed over the next few decades. As electricity is a key driver for economic growth, it is necessary that there is a massive augmentation in electricity capacity, apart from transmissions and distribution systems.
- Decrease in Energy Supply:Energy supply has been negatively affected by changing weather patterns. As water reservoirs decreases due to lower precipitation and increased evaporation, capacity for electricity production from hydropower and other water-intensive generation technologies may decline.
- Climate change:Due to its emission-free nature, nuclear energy can contribute to global efforts under the Paris Agreement. India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has outlined goals to reduce the carbon emissions intensity of its economy by 33-35% by 2030 as well as increase the clean energy electricity capacity to 40% of the total installed capacity in the same period.
Challenges of mainstreaming nuclear energy as a source of power:
- India’s domestic Uranium Reserve can support only 10000 MW of energy. So our future potential depends upon development of third stage of Nuclear Program.
- Otherwise, there will be again overdependence upon imported Uranium as it is case with Oil currently. Hence, long term strategy will be only determined when third stage is functional.
- Current Nuclear reactors consume significant amount of water. So, most of upcoming plants will be set up near sea coasts.
- It will put pressure on the coastline as India’s Western coastline is home to fragile ecology of Western Ghats.
- Further, till now only 21 plants have been operational. There are long gestation periods which increase costs of the plant significantly. Only a Nuclear Industry revolution in the future in nuclear energy can make this achievable.
- New safeguard requirements post Fukushima disaster, has pushed per MW costs of nuclear reactors significantly higher in comparison to Thermal, solar and wind plants.
- Jaitapur plant in Maharashtra (AREVA) is expected to cost 21 crore/ MW in comparison other sources cost 8-10 crore/ MW. It is to be seen that whether differences of operational/ running costs justify such higher capital expenditure on nuclear plants.
- Some argue that Total costs of a Nuclear Lifecycle which involves Mining of Uranium, transportation and storage, capital costs of plants, processing/ reprocessing of plants, possible disasters and then handling of waste generated for hundreds of years is significantly more that economic value generated during lifetime of the functioning of the plant, which is generally 40-50 years.
- Nuclear installations will be favorite targets of terrorists (also in case of war) which can cause irreversible damage to people living in nearby areas.
- In long run if worldwide dependence on nuclear energy increases, it will be most unavoidable way of nuclear proliferation as interest and attempt to invest in indigenous industry will increase.
- Otherwise, smaller counties will continue to buy relevant technologies or components from a few western countries which will serve private interest of few.
- India doesn’t yet have credible waste disposal policy and infrastructure in place.
Conclusion
Nuclear energy, though is critical for India’s energy security but is not panacea for the problem. People of India have right to have safe and sustainable energy. So future development should depend upon cost benefit analysis taking into account all the externalities involved in various components of energy mix. If this is done, it is most likely that policy will get incline strongly in favor of non-conventional sources of energy that is solar, wind and biomass.
Topic: Disaster and disaster management.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: New Indian Express
Why the question:
As search and rescue efforts increased with the arrival of equipment, the death toll has risen to at least 56, with 28 others missing, after a summer tropical depression that unleashed days of pounding rain caused landslides and floods in the central and southern Philippines, officials said Wednesday. The latest reports put the death toll at over 60.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the various difficulties in landslide mitigation and steps to overcome it.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin the answer by defining a landslide.
Body:
First, Mention the natural factors behind the causes of landslides in India with a few examples. Mention the areas which are most prone to landslides. Draw a small illustrative map showing the same.
Next, write about the various difficulties in landslide mitigation – lack of data, poor predictability, lack of awareness, faulty evacuation strategies in landslide-prone areas etc.
Next, suggest measures to overcome the above.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction
A landslide is defined as the movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope. Landslides are a type of “mass wasting,” which denotes any down-slope movement of soil and rock under the direct influence of gravity.
Body
Vulnerability of India to landslides
- About 12.6 per cent of the total land mass of India falls under the landslide-prone hazardous zone, according to a study by the GSI
- The most recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)stated that a global rise of 1.5 degrees Celsius (from pre-Industrial times) was inevitable in the next two decades. This would increase glacier melt and more water would flow over the steep slopes, thereby generating more landslides.
- Highly unstable, relatively young mountainous areas in the Himalayas and Andaman and Nicobar, high rainfall regions with steep slopes in the Western Ghats and Nilgiris, the north-eastern regions, along with areas that experience frequent ground-shaking due to earthquakes, etc., which can result in an increased number of landslides.
- The rivers in Himalayan regions are mighty and in their youthful stage. They do a lot of downcutting, which enhances the occurrence of landslides.
- Landslides due to mining and subsidence are most common in states like Jharkhand, Orissa. Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Kerala.
- India was one of the countries most affected by human-triggered fatal landslides in the 2004-16 period, found a study by researchers at Sheffield University, UK.
- A 2011 estimate suggested that India suffers Rs 150-200 crore of monetary loss every year from landslides, said a study by the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM)
The causes of the landslides can be studied under the following heads.
- Natural Causes:
- Earthquakes: Himalayas are situated at the convergent plate boundary zone of two continental plates viz. Indo-Australian plate in the south and Eurasian plate in the north. Thus geologically Himalayas are highly active seismic zone and Orogenesis is still in process. The earthquakes loosen the soil, which trigger the landslides.
- Rainfall: Himalayan region receives quite heavy rainfall that leads to percolation of water in the lower layers, soil erosion, solifluction & landslides.
- Slope: The steep slopes of Himalayan Mountains are one of the major reasons of frequent landslides than any other mountain ranges in India.
- Structure: large portion of Himalayas is made up of sedimentary Rock which is more fragile.
- Anthropogenic Causes:
- Jhum Cultivation: popularly known as slash & burn type of cultivation practiced particularly in the Himalayan region.
- Deforestation & Grazing: Himalayan region is centre of huge diversity when it comes to trees & this diversity has led to indiscriminate chopping of trees. The trees help in holding the soil together, curbing the erosion and landslides to maximum extent. Increased grazing has led to wiping out of many grassland areas causing soil erosion and easy prey for landslides.
- Illegal mining & Industrial activities: The rampant commercial activities have huge impact on the sensitive zones of Himalayas. The constant blasting of rocks, increased vibrations due to drilling, boring etc. lead to loosening of rocks and soil particles in turn causing landslides when there is enough fluidity.
- Infrastructure projects: Himalayas being source of many rivers has led to construction of multipurpose dam projects like Tehri. This has affected the already fragile Himalayas. There has been increase in number of developmental projects of highways, tunnels through hills which cause stress and sheer in the surrounding regions. Example: Chenani-Nashri tunnel project.
- Unsustained Urbanization and Tourism: Increasing migration to cities has led to urban sprawl clearing the forest areas. Increased vehicular traffic, clearing of forest land to build infrastructure like roads, hotels etc. have affected the geography of the region.
- Climate change: Global warming has led to quicker melting of snow and more percolation of water within the underlying surface of hill.
The measures to control landslides are
- Structural measures:
- Stopping Jhum cultivation.
- Store Excess water in catchments areas to reduce the fury of flash floods, recharge the ground water and improve the environment. Dig runoff collection ponds in the catchments.
- Grow fuel / fodder trees in all of the common lands.
- Plantation in barren areas, especially on slopes, with grass cover is an important component of integrated watershed management programme.
- Grazing should be restricted. The grasses of industrial importance should also be planted so that there is some economic return to the farmers as well.
- Use the surface vegetative cover to protect the land from raindrop’s beating action, bind the soil particles and decrease the velocity of flowing water.
- Construction of engineering structures like buttress beams, retaining walls, geogids, nailings, anchors to stabilise the slopes.
- Non-structural measures:
- Environmental Impact Assessment of the infrastructure projects before commencing the work.
- Declaration of eco-sensitive zones where mining and other industrial activities are banned. Eco-tourism should be promoted.
- Hazard mapping of the region to identify the most vulnerable zones and take measures to safeguard it.
- Local Disaster Management force for quick relief and safety of the people affected by landslides.
- Teaching people about landslides & ways to mitigate.
- Constructing a permanent assessment team comprising scientists & geologists for better mitigation and adaptation techniques.
- Involving the local people for sustainable development of Himalayas
Conclusion
Himalayas are of vital importance to India in terms of climate, monsoon, water source and a natural barrier safeguarding the peninsula. The National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem under NAPCC is a step ahead to address a variety of issues Himalayas is facing today.
Value addition
The impacts of the landslides are:
- Every year, landslides in the region kill dozens of people and cause widespread damage to several villages such that they have now become almost unfit for habitation.
- They create blockades in the road network and river system, which in turn, cause floods.
- The terraced farm fields have been destroyed that cannot be easily renovated or made productive again.
- The road network remains closed for long periods causing indescribable hardship to the villagers who get their basic supplies and provisions from the neighbouring areas.
- Water sources are disrupted and choked by debris from landslides.
- The river sediment load is increased considerably, causing irregular courses and frequent breaching of the banks- resulting into unexpected floods.
- The water channels are affected from the up hillside due to which the villagers are devoid of water for irrigation purposes. This adversely affects agriculture production in the region.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics – in private and public relationships.
Difficulty level: Tough
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 ethics and importance of core values in a ever changing environment.
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 the answer by defining ethics.
Body:
Explain in detail the importance of core values system in changing and turbulent times – how integrity and core values help a person stay on the right path despite changing standards. Substantiate with examples.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stressing on the importance of core value system.
Introduction
Core values are a defined system of beliefs that helps people tell the difference between right from wrong. According to Montrose & Sweeney (2010), professional values differ from personal ones, and different generations tend to uphold different ones. Values are elements of life that we hold as important or desirable. They are standards of conduct and guide of human behaviour.
Body
Core values drive behaviour and form beliefs. Examples of core values include reliability, dependability, loyalty, honesty, commitment, consistency, and efficiency. People in satisfying relationships will often say their partner shares their values. They are usually talking about core values, which dictate how they live their lives.
Examples of positive core values include a belief in managing resources wisely and being frugal, that family is crucial, that one must earn trust, or that honesty is the best policy. Another reason core values are important is that parents rely on them as guiding principles for their children on how to be happy and successful in their adult lives.
If we lived in an ideal world, core values would be exclusively positive. However, values like greed and self-interest are sometimes among them. Negative values develop when people are forced to survive in difficult situations or live in insecurity or fear.
People’s values tend to change over time as well. Values that suited you as a child change as you become a young adult, which may further change as you become an old person. They change because we want them to; or sometimes they change even if when we didn’t mean them to. We may have believed that something is wrong but now we might not be so sure that it’s true. We may have believed that we’d never do something; but then we do it and we decide that it’s okay to do it. Over a period of time, new ethical issues have arisen and values have changed.
However, Values are essential to build ourselves. We build ourselves to survive in the world and create a society. Since values needed to build a good society are constant or similar, values can be said to be constant, similar or universal as each of us tries to build a good society.
“Open your arms to change but don’t let go of your values.” – The 14th Dalai Lama. This tells us that good values are not supposed to change. They are eternal.
Conclusion
Thus, values can be either universal, relative or dynamic which keeps changing with time. As Einstein once rightly remarked, “Try not to become a man of success but try to become a man of values”. Values influence our thoughts, feelings and actions. They guide us to do the right things. Values give direction and firmness to life.
Topic: Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance;
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications.
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 an empathetic approach towards helping drug addicts recover from drug addiction.
Directive:
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:
Begin by stating that concept of retribution and deterrence approach to counter drug menace has not been fruitful and has only led to the drug networks remaining underground.
Body:
First mention that the harsh approach has created a lot of stigma and lack of intent to approach medical institutions people addicted to drugs. Many a times being unaware and unguided, leads to overdoses and death.
Next, state the need for a humane and persuasive approach to deaddiction on lines of Portugal model. This would lead to a number of people voluntarily accessing the public health care facilities for drug related concerns.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stating that human rights and public health must be centre of the discourse rather than punishing the victims of drug addiction.
Introduction
Substance abuse disorder, or drug addiction, can be defined as a progressive disease that causes people to lose control of the use of some substance despite worsening consequences of that use. Substance use disorder can be life-threatening.
Body
Issues with treating drug addict as a criminal
- The idea of treating drug users as criminals came from the fact they use or are in possession of drugs, which by law are declared illegal.
- According to legal logic, anybody who uses or is in possession of illegal things, be they drugs, guns or counterfeit money, is deemed a law offender.
- It dissuades the other drug addicts to get themselves absolved of the addiction.
- The stigma attached to drug addicts will further catapult.
Drug addicts should be treated as a victim
- Addiction should not be seen as a character flaw, but as an ailment that any other person could be struggling with. Therefore, the stigma associated with drug taking needs to be reduced. Society needs to understand that drug-addicts are victims and not criminals.
- Drug addiction is also considered a form of social disease, like prostitution. Not so long ago HIV was also regarded a social disease.
- All the available evidence shows, beyond any doubt, that punitive measures alone, no matter how harsh, do not achieve the goal of reducing drug consumption.
- Worse, in many cases prohibition and punishment have disastrous consequences.
- That is why Laws on narcotics and addictive drugs provides treatment and rehabilitation for drug addicts, but not for drug traffickers or dealers
- The stigmatization of drug users, the fear of police repression and the risk of criminal prosecution make access to treatment much more difficult.
- Instead of insisting on repressive measures that are, at best ineffective, at worst counterproductive, it chose a bold approach that favours more humane and efficient policies.
Portugal Model of Drug Policy
- Portugal’s national drug policy represents a desirable paradigm shift in global drug policy.
- Under the new strategy, the purchase, possession, and consumption of illicit drugs have been downgraded from criminal to administrative offenses.
- A key concept underlying Portugal’s drug policy is prevention
- Portugal is wisely investing in harm reduction and in forms of social regulation to reduce drug consumption. That is why it puts so much emphasis on dissuasion and prevention.
- Portugal proves that decriminalization does not increase drug use. To the contrary, it has demonstrated that humanitarian and pragmatic strategies can, in fact, reduce drug consumption, addiction, recidivism, and HIV infection.
- Preventive measures may only be effective when they are systematic and not onetime actions
Conclusion
Recognition of the need to respect human dignity, understand the life choices and social circumstances of others, and uphold the constitutional right to health lay behind the change of approach toward drug consumption.
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