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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: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
1. The Quit India Movement was nothing short of a radical revolution. Elucidate. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Chapter 35- India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question:
To write how Quit India movement was different from the previous mass movements and a revolution in itself.
Directive word:
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:
Give the context of political scene of the country that led to the launch of Quit India movement
Body:
Write about the factors that made the movement stand apart from other struggles or movements against the Imperial rule, on lines of, Gandhi’s strategy, emergence of new leaders, Violence, Princely States, new developments and mass involvement etc and the way it aligned the local interest with that of national interest.
Conclusion:
Conclude by mentioning that the much-needed impetus towards conclusion to the national freedom struggle can be credited to the Quit India movement.
Introduction
The Quit India Movement, also known as ‘August Kranti’, was a freedom movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. It began on 8th August, 1942 and turned out to be one of the most popular and powerful mass movements for independence. The immediate trigger for the movement was the failure of Cripps Mission and its offerings.
Body:
Quit India movement was nothing short of a radical revolution:
- Social radicalism of Gandhi:
- In a sharp contrast to Non-cooperation movement, where Gandhi withdrew after Chauri Chaura incident, in Quit India movement he not only refused to condemn the people’s resort to violence but unequivocally held government responsible for it.
- Though the need for non-violence was always reiterated, Gandhi’s mantra of Do or Die represents the militant mood of Gandhi.
- Gandhi also gave a call to all sections of the people, the princes, the Jaghirdars, the Zamindars, the propertied and moneyed classes, who derive their wealth and property from the workers in the fields and factories and elsewhere, to whom eventually power and authority belong.
- This indicates Gandhi’s social radicalism and shift in the philosophy of the Congress, by now people with the goals of socialism and communism have become a part of the broad-based Congress organization.
- Mahatma Gandhi refused to condemn the violence of the masses and held the government responsible for this violence.
- The spontaneous participation of the massesin the Quit India movement made it one of the most popular mass movements.
- Even before the formal launching of the movement, the government in a single sweep arrested all the top leaders of the Congress. This led to spontaneous outburst of mass anger against the arrest of leaders.
- This historic movement placed the demand for independence on the immediate agendaof the national movement.
- The spirit unleashed was carried further by Indian National Army of Subhas Chandra Bose. After ‘Quit India’ there could be no retreat. Independence was no longer a matter of bargain. It accelerated and sustained the urge for freedom and enabled India to achieve freedom in 1947.
- The movement had a local impact in some areas, especially at Satara in Maharashtra, Talcher in Odisha, and Midnapore.
- In Tamluk and Contai subdivisions of Midnapore in West Bengal, the local populace were successful in establishing parallel governments, which continued to function.
- QIM surpassed all previous mass movements organized by Congress in its level of anti-British militancy.
- Gandhi’s slogan of “Do or Die” stirred the emotions of people across the country.
- It exhibited people’s fighting spirit and their longing for freedom. It also demonstrated determined attitude of Indian masses of accepting nothing less than the realization of freedom.
- People devised a variety of ways of expressing their anger. In some places, huge crowds attacked police stations, post offices, courts, railway stations and other symbols of a government authority.
- It was a historic event. It was not merely a movement against foreign occupation but also awakening of Indian masses.
- The history of this movement is full of unsung heroes. There are untold stories of farmers, factory workers, journalists, artists, students, educationists, religious saints and Dalits.
- Quit India movement was unique in the sense that it saw women participation where they not only participated as equals but also led the movement. There was Matangini Hazra, who lead a procession of 6,000 people, mostly women, to ransack a local police station.
Conclusion
Quit India Movement was a watershed movement in the sense, that it prepared the ground for future politics in India. It is in the Quit India Movement that freedom struggle was owned by “We the People” who fought for India’s freedom.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about pros and cons of judicial activism in India.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic 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 defining judicial activism in India. Cite examples to substantiate.
Body:
First, write the role of judicial activism in India to improve the conditions of the masses in the country. Use various examples to substantive your points.
Next, explain the various criticism of judicial activism in India – overreach, not defined in constitution, judges acting as lawmakers etc. Cite examples to substantiate.
Conclusion:
Conclude by giving a balanced opinion.
Introduction
The Constitution, under various provisions, has clearly drawn the line between Legislature and the Judiciary to maintain their independence in their respective functioning. Article 121 and 211 forbid the legislature from discussing the conduct of any judge in the discharge of his duties, while Articles 122 and 212, on the other hand, prevent the courts from sitting in judgment over the internal proceedings of the legislature. In recent times, there have been criticism levelled against judicial activism, calling it adventurism and overreach.
Body
Judicial activism needed in legislative vacuum
- Upholds Constitutional morality: An important case which employed this concept in an innovative manner was the Naz Foundation Case which used the concept of constitutional morality to strike down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code and decriminalize homosexuality.
- The Delhi High Court had said that “In our scheme of things, constitutional morality must outweigh the argument of public morality, even if it be the majoritarian view.”
- Executive lacks Political gumption: Justice Chandrachud’s view in the Sabarimala judgement, he held that women should be allowed entry in the Sabarimala temple against popularly held religious beliefs.
- Political parties and governments did not take a stand or repeal discriminatory laws in fear of losing support base of masses.
- To protect fundamental rights: Triple Talaq in 2017 was banned as being ultra vires to fundamental rights of Muslim women. This legislation would not have been accepted if it had come from the executive or through the Parliament.
- Right to privacy also became Fundamental right under Article 21
- Most trusted institution: A People’s Survey of India report noted that Indians had 80% trust in the Supreme court. Though not an elected body, the apex court is significant to uphold rule of law.
- Eg: Whistle Blowers Act against corrupt officials and politicians was given under Article 142, until Parliament made a law on the subject.
Demerits of Judicial activism
- Unelected body: Judiciary being the unelected body, does not enjoy the “General Will” of the people. Judicial restraint is more apt for such an institution rather than dictation a legislation. Eg: Ban on liquor sale on highways led to backlash as well as spurious means to overcome the dictum
- Lack of expertise: Judiciary lacks both time and resources to enact legislation. Sometimes practical difficulties of such enactments are not known to the courts.
- Eg: Ban on BS-IV vehicles from April 2020 which had to be extended many times.
- Against Constitution’s Mandate: Judicial Review is a basic structure of the Constitution; however enacting legislation is not. Courts can look into the validity of the law, but not necessarily make a law.
- Unaccountable: Politicians remain “accountable” to the people in at least some sense, because they depend upon them in order to continue in office after five years.
- Judges who are insulated from any external control are accountable only to themselves
- Judicial adventurism: Subhash Kashinath Mahajan v. State of Maharashtra (2018): the court amended the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, by annulling Section 18 which said that no anticipatory bail will be granted to persons accused under the Act.
- There was widespread protest and opposition to this from all quarters. Finally, the law brought in to undo this was also upheld in the court.
Conclusion
Each organ of our democracy must function within its own sphere and must not take over what is assigned to the others. Judicial activism must also function within the limits of the judicial process because the courts are the only forum for those wronged by administrative excesses and executive arbitrariness. Hence legislation enacted by Judiciary must be in the rare cases as mentioned above
Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the construction of the ‘India International Centre for Buddhist Culture & Heritage’ on Monday during a daylong visit to Lumbini in Nepal. The visit will coincide with the celebrations to mark the Buddha Jayanti.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about how cultural heritage can play a part in boosting Indo-Nepal ties.
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 mentioning the importance of Nepal for India.
Body:
First, write about the recent developments and changes witnessed in the Indo-Nepalese bilateral relations.
Next, mention about the various ways in which cultural heritage can server as a political and strategic opportunity for both countries.
Next, write about the various other measures that are required to bolster ties between India and Nepal.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
The Indian Prime Minister travelled to Lumbini in Nepal to participate in a ceremony to lay the foundation stone for a Buddhist cultural centre that coincided with Buddha Purnima. This visit is focused on bringing soft power to the centre stage of India-Nepal relations while also marking India’s formal presence at the holy site that’s barely 10 km away from the border.
Body
Recent developments in india-nepal bilateral relations
- China’s rising influence in Nepal’s economy, politics and society impacting India’s traditionally dominant influence.
- Nepal has joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative
- Border dispute: The disagreements between India and Nepal over the border dispute is over the regions which includes Kalapani, Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura (all three in Uttarakhand) and Susta (Bihar).
- Kalapani area is the largest territorial dispute between Nepal and India consisting of at least 37,000 hectares of land in the High Himalayas.
- It is a tri-junction between India, China and Nepal which is of strategic significance in South Asian diplomacy
- Anti-India rhetoric is running high in Nepal Nepal’s aggressive stance over border disputes.
- Nepal’s discontent in bilateral trade due to huge trade deficit that it incurs.
- Distrust towards India as a result of India’s big brother attitude, lackadaisical approach towards revising the Treaty of Peace and Friendship 1950 and its approach of dealing with river treaties.
- Unrestricted cross-border movement of people which hinders national security, Nepal’s domestic industry, local livelihood and law and order.
- Nepal internal politics: also pose problems as political parties flip from pro-India positions to anti-India positions.
Various ways in which cultural heritage can be leveraged to reset indo-nepal relation
- People-to-people relations: Since time immemorial, people-to-people relations between Nepal and India have remained unique mainly because it is based on the twin pillars of an open border system and people-to-people contacts of kinship.
- The anti-India rhetoric can be overturned by these contacts and soft power.
- Open border: Because of the open border system, the citizens of these countries cross over the Nepal-India border for livelihood opportunities apart from marriages; familial ties; cultural, social, and economic security; and even political affairs.
- Also, the over 80 percent Hindu population in both countries integrate the people.
- This can become a strong starting point to rekindle relations with Nepal.
- Religious tourism: From Pashupathinath to Kashi Vishwanath and Buddhist heritage, both nations share common religions and holy places. Such cultural ties can be used to build a strong friendship that is sustainable.
- Congenial environment: It also needs to create a congenial environment in the country to enable India to complete its projects in Nepal on time.
- Nepal could further attract Indian investment in the hydropower sector in the Himalayan River system.
- Also, Indian companies in Nepal should be given adequate protection in the country.
- These technical issues can be solved by leveraging cultural and kinship ties.
- Multilateral platforms and connectivity: The focus should be given to more air, road, train, and waterways connectivity, apart from playing an active role in several important multilateral forums such as BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal), BIMSTEC, NAM, and SAARC to serve their common interests.
Measures that are required to bolster ties between india and nepal.
- India should provide an alternative narrative for India-Nepal ties, one that takes into account longstanding people-to-people ties and cultural connect.
- India should focus on fructifying the potential of hydropower cooperation, which has remained untapped largely due to differing perceptions.
- India should maintain the policy of keeping away from internal affairs of Nepal, meanwhile in the spirit of friendship India should guide the nation towards more inclusive rhetoric.
- The urgent need today is to pause the rhetoric on territorial nationalism and lay the groundwork for a quiet dialogue where both sides need to display sensitivity as they explore the terms of a reset of the “special relationship”.
- A normal relationship where India can be a generous partner will be a better foundation for “neighbourhood first” in the 21st century.
Conclusion
Since Nepal’s dependence on India is more than India’s dependence on Nepal, it is all the more necessary to balance such relations. To increase India’s dependence on Nepal, it is necessary to place the increase in trade and economic activities at the forefront. Interdependence between Nepal and India is the secret to reset the relations between the neighbours.
Value addition
Indo-Nepal relations: background
Economic: India is the largest trading partner of Nepal (Bilateral trade –US$ 8.27 bn) and provides employment to 8mn Nepalese.
Defence: India assists the Nepal Army in its modernization (More than 30,000 Nepalese Gorkhas are presently serving in the Indian Army), Military exercises like Surya Kiran to boost interoperability.
Water resource: Kosi Treaty, Mahakali Treaty to discuss issues relating to cooperation in water resources, flood management etc.
Energy: Power Exchange Agreement for meeting the power requirements in the border areas, Cross-border oil product pipeline from Motihari(Bihar) to Amlekhganj (Nepal).
Connectivity projects: Raxaul-Kathmandu Railway project, BBIN
Education: India provides scholarships to Nepalese students for various courses.
Culture: Strong historical and cultural links in terms of religion, language, cuisine, movies etc
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question:
India’s sudden decision to ban wheat exports with immediate effect citing food security may prove costly for its farmers. Many of them have held back their crop in the hopes of getting higher prices in the coming weeks.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the implications of ban on wheat exports by the government.
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, bring out the factors as to why the ban was announced.
Next, write about the implications of the ban – on food security, on farmers, wheat prices, exports, procurement etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a balanced opinion on the wheat export ban by India.
Introduction
The Government has banned wheat exports with effect from May 13, with some minor exceptions for those who have irrevocable letters of credit or where the governments of importing countries request the Indian government for food security purpose. The rationale was that wheat stocks were depleting as well as high food inflation. The move is said to help the poor man battle food inflation.
Body
Reasons for ban on wheat exports from India
- Government stock depletion: The anticipated production levels were not fulfilled and the fear of low wheat stocks due to less procurement paved way for this decision.
- Crop damage due to heat wave: The fall has been caused due to low wheat production after high temperatures in March resulted in the shrivelling of wheat grains, thus impacting the quantity of the crop.
- Keeping domestic prices in check: India’s ban on wheat exports is not a crisis-driven reaction but top keep food inflation in check as wheat prices were soaring and poor people were affected badly.
- The move to ban the export of wheat was prompted by rising inflation, (WPI) in India has moved up from26 per cent at the start of 2022 to 14.55 now.
- Retail inflation, too, hit an eight-year high of 7.79 per cent in April, driven by rising food and fuel prices.
- Food security of neighbours: This move is being done to manage overall food security of the country and to need the support of the neighbouring and vulnerable nations.
Implications of the ban
- Farmers exports hindered: India’s sudden decision to ban wheat exports with immediate effect citing food security may prove costly for its farmers. Many of them have held back their crop in the hopes of getting higher prices in the coming weeks.
- There was an expectation of a MEP (minimum export price below which shipments cannot happen) or a tariff and not a complete ban on private export. This may hurt farmers who have stocked their wheat crop and were hoping to reap gains from higher prices.
- Falling prices and farmer income impacted: The impact of this decision is already being seen in wheat mandis (wholesale markets), which have seen a fall of Rs 50-100 per quintal on average since the morning of May 14, 2022.
- Not all wheat gets procured from the government at MSP and hence most farmers who sell in open market are affected badly.
- Farmers may now be forced to sell to government procurement agencies at MSP, much below than what they were getting currently.
- Lost opportunity to capture global market: India had earlier hoped to export 10 million tonnes of wheat and capture the global market made available after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
- It had forecast a record output of 111 million tonnes.
- The sudden decision comes on the heels of an expected sharp fall in government wheat stocks.
Conclusion
With domestic cereal price inflation still on the rise, the current export ban could also be long lasting, if global food prices remain elevated. Earlier, India had banned wheat exports in February 2007 and maintained a status quo for over four years before lifting it in September 2011, due to record output and to free up storage space.
If India’s wheat ban leads to higher price of substitutes like rice, then there could be upward pressure on other food prices. India must not continue the ban for long time and must focus on improving food security and inflation through other monetary policy measures.
Topic: Disaster and disaster management.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
Floods and landslides have killed three persons and affected more than 56,000 people across eight districts of Assam since May 14. Three others were reported missing.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the difficulties in landslide management and the steps needed to overcome it.
Directive word:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by briefly citing statistics regarding the vulnerability of India to landslides.
Body:
First, Mention the causes of landslides in India which make landslide prevention and mitigation difficult. Mention the areas which are most prone to landslides. Draw a small illustrative map showing the same.
Next, write about the various measures taken to prevent landslides and the 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 by writing a 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.
Floods and landslides have killed three persons and affected more than 56,000 people across eight districts of Assam since May 14.
Body
Measures undertaken to control landslides
- National Landslide Risk Management Strategy which addresses all the components of landslide disaster risk reduction and management was released in 2019.
- The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has done a national landslide susceptibility mappingfor 85% of the entire 4,20,000 square km landslide-prone area in the country. The areas have been divided into different zones according to the propensity of the disaster.
- Improvement in early warning systems, monitoring and susceptibility zoning can reduce the damage caused by landslides.
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Guidelines on Landslide Hazard Management (2009)
- Delineating areas susceptible to landslide hazards
- Encouraging implementation of successful landslide remediation and mitigation technologies.
- Developing institutional capacity and training for geoscientists, engineers, and planners is necessary for the effective management of the landslide hazard.
- National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), a premier institute that provides Capacity Building support to various National and State level agencies in the field of Disaster Management & Disaster Risk Reduction has been set up.
Reasons why impact of landslides are still high despite the above measures
- Lack of correct data and poor data collection strategies.
- The CAG reported the lack of communication systems which aggravated the problems. For instance, during the Uttarakhand landslides
- The issue of coordination and administration at different levels is still lingering.
- Poor predictability: The appropriate interpretation of the meteorological forecast is still lacking.
- Lack of awareness among the people.
- faulty evacuation strategies in landslide-prone areas
- Limited resources & Financial constraints
- use of obsolete technology for landslide management.
- The inappropriate hill area development including unscientific construction of roads, tunnels, hydroelectric projects do a lot of damage to the natural balance of the structures.
- Illegal encroachment of the rivers is still not contained through appropriate actions.
- Weak environmental impact assessment regime is in part responsible for increases problems.
- There is a lack of scientific analysis of landslide events and inventory of data analysis which makes mistakes recurring.
Way forward
- 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.
Topic: Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
A day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi was due to visit Paris to meet President Macron, the French defence major, Naval Group, announced its inability to participate in India’s Project 75-I, under which conventional (non-nuclear or diesel-electric) submarines are to be built domestically.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the significance of Project 75-I and the various bottlenecks in submarine manufacturing in India.
Directive word:
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning the aims and objectives of project 75-I.
Body:
First, write about the importance of project 75-I to Indian navy – ensuring serial-production, and eventual indigenisation of this vital weapon-platform.
Next, write about the various bottlenecks to India having a state-of-the-art submarine-building facility – losing expertise, allegations of corruption, non-deliverance of contracts and highly-skilled workers etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by mentioning ways to overcome the above bottlenecks.
Introduction
Project 75-I envisages indigenous construction of submarines equipped with the state-of-the-art Air Independent Propulsion system at an estimated cost of Rs. 43,000 crores. Project 75 (I), approved in 2007, is part of the Indian Navy’s 30-year Plan for indigenous submarine construction. It will be the first under the strategic partnership model which was promulgated in 2017 to boost indigenous defence manufacturing.
Body
About Project 75-I
- The Project 75I-class submarine is a follow-on of the Project 75 Kalvari-class submarines for the Indian Navy.
- Under this project, the Indian Navy intends to acquire six diesel-electric submarines, which will also feature advanced Air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems to enable them to stay submerged for longer duration and substantially increase their operational range.
- The Project 75I-class submarines will have a vertical launch system (VLS) to enable them to carry multiple Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles, making the submarines fully capable of anti-surface and anti-ship warfare missions.
Importance of project 75-I to Indian navy
- Mammoth ‘Make in India’ project: It will serve to facilitate faster and more significant absorption of technology and create a tiered industrial ecosystem for submarine construction in India.
- Self-reliance especially in volatile neighbourhood: From a strategic perspective, this will help reduce current dependence on imports and gradually ensure greater self-reliance and dependability of supplies from indigenous sources.
- To Protect Indo-Pacific: This is keeping in mind the rapid increase of nuclear submarine arsenal by People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) (CHINA) and to protect the Indo-Pacific from future domination by the adversary.
- Defence capabilities and exports: The long-term vision is to promote India as a manufacturing hub for defence equipment through the transfer of niche technologies and higher Indigenous Content thereby enhancing self-sufficiency for meeting the future requirements of the Armed Forces.
Various bottlenecks to India having a state-of-the-art submarine-building facility
- Air propulsion system: A major issue of contention in Project 75-I appears to be the installation of an air independent propulsion system (AIP) on these vessels. Since conventional submarines are propelled underwater by electric-power, battery endurance remains a major limitation.
- While protracted negotiations between the MoD and the French Naval Group were underway, none of the AIP systems had been fully proven.
- Delays in implementation: Delays in decision-making stalled the 30-year plan, and since 1999, the navy’s submarine fleet has been seeing rapid obsolescence and steady depletion of force-levels.
- The 2005 contract for building six French Scorpene Class submarines under license from MDL served merely as a palliative measure, but even this programme saw huge delays over contractual issues.
- Allegations of corruption: MDL has faced corruption allegation which hindered indigenous submarine building.
- Non-deliverance of contracts: The sixth and last submarine of the Scorpene class was launched in April 2022, a full 17 years after signing of the contract.
- Lack of Highly-skilled workers: MDL, having launched the last of the Scorpenes, will start running down its state-of-the-art submarine-building facility, losing expertise and highly-skilled workers.
Conclusion
A practical way forward is for one of the strategic partners and DRDO to jointly seek a foreign collaborator for P-75I who will install the indigenous AIP on the selected submarine and conduct collaborative trials. Once proven at sea, the indigenous AIP could be installed in all new subs and retrofitted in the old ones.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
7. What do understand by the doctrine of Utilitarianism? (150 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: plato.stanford.edu
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Philosophical Mondays’ in Mission-2022 Secure.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the philosophy of Utilitarianism.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining the philosophy of Utilitarianism in brief.
Body:
In your own words, explain that Utilitarianism is a theory of morality that advocates actions that foster happiness or pleasure and oppose actions that cause unhappiness or harm. When directed toward making social, economic, or political decisions, a utilitarian philosophy would aim for the betterment of society as a whole.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
Utilitarianism would say that an action is right if it results in the happiness of the greatest number of people in a society or a group. Utilitarianism is a theory of morality, which advocates actions that foster happiness or pleasure and opposes actions that cause unhappiness or harm. When directed toward making social, economic, or political decisions, a utilitarian philosophy would aim for the betterment of society as a whole.
Body
Concept of Utilitarianism
Greatest good of the greatest number, was famously given by Jeremy Bentham, the father of utilitarianism. Bentham’s fundamental axiom, which underlies utilitarianism, was that all social morals and government legislation should aim for producing the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. Utilitarianism, therefore, emphasizes the consequences or ultimate purpose of an act rather than the character of the actor, the actor’s motivation, or the particular circumstances surrounding the act. It has these characteristics:
- Universality, because it applies to all acts of human behavior, even those that appear to be done from altruistic motives;
- Objectivity, meaning it operates beyond individual thought, desire, and perspective;
- Rationality, because it is not based in metaphysics or theology; and
- Quantifiability in its reliance on utility.
Limitations
- A limitation of utilitarianism is that it tends to create a black-and-white construct of morality. In utilitarian ethics, there are no shades of gray—either something is wrong or it is right.
- Utilitarianism also cannot predict with certainty whether the consequences of our actions will be good or bad—the results of our actions happen in the future.
- Utilitarianism also has trouble accounting for values like justice and individual rights. For example, say a hospital has four people whose lives depend upon receiving organ transplants: a heart, lungs, a kidney, and a liver. If a healthy person wanders into the hospital, his organs could be harvested to save four lives at the expense of his one life. This would arguably produce the greatest good for the greatest number. But few would consider it an acceptable course of action, let alone an ethical one.
Conclusion
Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism because it rests on the idea that it is the consequences or results of actions, laws, policies, etc. that determine whether they are good or bad, right or wrong. In general, whatever is being evaluated, we ought to choose the one that will produce the best overall results. In the language of utilitarians, we should choose the option that “maximizes utility,” i.e. that action or policy that produces the largest amount of good.
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