[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 10 April 2024

NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same

General Studies – 1

Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.

Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.

1. By recognizing and addressing the gendered dimensions of climate change and empowering women, societies can harness the full potential of all individuals to build a more sustainable and resilient future. Explain. (250 words).

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question: While climate action requires 100% involvement of the population, at the same time, empowering women would mean better climate solutions Key Demand of the question: To write about the role empowered women can play in finding better climate solutions. Directive word: 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: Start by giving context. Body: First, write about the disproportionate impact of climate change on women. Next, write about the role empowered women can play in this regard – role in sustainable development, their knowledge and innovation potential, and the benefits of addressing reproductive rights and economic empowerment. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

While climate action requires 100% involvement of the population, at the same time, empowering women would mean better climate solutions

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the role empowered women can play in finding better climate solutions.

Directive word:

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:

Start by giving context.

First, write about the disproportionate impact of climate change on women.

Next, write about the role empowered women can play in this regard – role in sustainable development, their knowledge and innovation potential, and the benefits of addressing reproductive rights and economic empowerment.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

The climate crisis is already here and does not impact everyone equally. Women and girls experience disproportionately high health risks, especially in situations of poverty, and due to existing roles, responsibilities and cultural norms. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), women and children are 14 times more likely than men to die in a disaster. The Supreme Court of India has just ruled that people have a right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change, and the right to a clean environment is already recognised as a fundamental right within the ambit of the right to life.

Impact of climate change on women

Impact on Women and Girls | Challenges | Consequences

Agriculture and Livelihood | Male migration for work due to poor productivity in agriculture | Women taking on extra chores traditionally carried out by men e.g., roof repair

Health Vulnerabilities | Inability to seek emergency medical services at night in male absence | Increased health risks due to limited access to healthcare

Increased Workload | Scarcity of resources like water and firewood | Burden on girls with more responsibilities leading to school dropouts and early marriages

Unsafe Migration | Limited awareness of migration safeguards | Safety concerns and harassment during migration

Lack of knowledge about safeguards against abuse

Poor Working Conditions | Women working in factories endure poor conditions, lower wages and health hazards | Health hazards, skin reactions, and long hours

Extreme heat and water scarcity | Water and firewood scarcity increases the time spent collecting them by women, and cattle must graze in distant areas due to a lack of available grass (creating issues about the safety of girls)

Disrupted Caregiving | When women migrate for work and leave their children in the care of their father or grandparents, caregiving gets disrupted in their absence, and many times, the men use the money they send back for alcohol, which makes the children more vulnerable.

Disproportionate Impact of Climate Change on Women:

• Gendered Vulnerability: Climate change disproportionately affects women and girls. They bear the brunt of its impacts due to existing gender inequalities.

• Resource Dependence: Women rely more on natural resources but have limited access to them. They secure food, water, and fuel, especially in rural areas.

• Increased Burden: During droughts and erratic rainfall, women work harder in agriculture to support their families. Girls often leave school to assist their mothers.

• Violence and Vulnerability: Climate change escalates conflict, making women more vulnerable to gender-based violence, trafficking, and other forms of harm.

• Post-Disaster Challenges: After disasters, women struggle to access relief and assistance, perpetuating vulnerability.

Role of Empowered Women in Sustainable Development:

• Resource Stewards: Women play a crucial role in nurturing natural resources and fostering biodiversity.

• Innovation Potential: Empowered women contribute to innovative solutions for climate resilience.

• Leadership and Advocacy: Women’s participation in decision-making processes is essential for effective environmental policies.

• Economic Agency: When women thrive in decent work conditions, they exercise agency and realize their rights.

Benefits of Addressing Reproductive Rights and Economic Empowerment:

• Reproductive Health: Access to reproductive healthcare empowers women. It leads to better health outcomes and economic gains.

• Labor Force Participation: Comprehensive reproductive services increase women’s chances of formal employment.

• Reduced Gender-Based Violence: Economic empowerment reduces violence against women.

• Political and Social Participation: Empowered women engage in leadership roles and advocate for sustainable practices.

Way Forward

• Invest in Women: Allocate resources to close the credit gap for women-owned businesses.

• Promote Internet Access: Bridging the digital divide is crucial for job opportunities and entrepreneurship.

• Secure Land Rights: Ensure equal access to and ownership of agricultural land.

• Support Sustainable Energy: Enhance knowledge about sustainable energy and climate protection.

• Financial Inclusion: Facilitate women’s access to financial resources.

• Recognize Reproductive Rights: Prioritize reproductive health services.

• Gender-Responsive Policies: Create an enabling environment for women’s economic empowerment.

Conclusion

Empowering women is not only a matter of justice but also a strategic imperative for sustainable development. The need of the hour is to invest in women, accelerate progress, and build a resilient, equitable future for all.

*Value addition*

*Best Practices for Women’s Involvement in Climate Change Plans:*

Best Practices | Description

Clean Cook Burners in Kenya | Charlot Magayi assists Kenyan women in switching from dirty cook burners to clean ones, improving community health and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Solar Sister Program (Africa) | Women-led program, Solar Sister, helps communities establish small-scale solar systems for energy independence, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

Female Scientists in Africa | Female scientists contribute local knowledge to bridge gender gaps in climate research and agriculture across Africa.

Gender and Climate Change Development Programme (South Asia) | A program in South Asia aims to empower women in policymaking, providing them with a stronger voice in climate policy decisions.

SEWA in India | The Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in India educates women farmers on adapting to changing climate patterns for improved financial stability.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, and Human Resources.

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, and Human Resources.

2. India has one of the highest burdens of Tuberculosis (TB) globally, and ensuring an adequate supply of quality-assured drugs is crucial for effective treatment. Examine the major impediments to ending TB in India. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question: With less than two years left to achieve the ambitious goal set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 to “eliminate” TB in India, the pharmacy of the Global South is once again struggling to treat patients with drug-sensitive TB. Key Demand of the question: To write about the challenges posed by TB and ways to end it. Directive word: Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by giving statistic highlighting the incidence and impact of TB in India. Body: First, write about the various measures taken and progress made in fight against TB in India. Next, write about the shortcomings of the above with a special emphasis on drug shortage and other major challenges in India’s fight against TB. Next, write about the possible solutions to the above issue to end TB in India – improving awareness, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to diagnostics and treatment, targeting high-risk populations, and promoting research and innovation etc. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

With less than two years left to achieve the ambitious goal set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 to “eliminate” TB in India, the pharmacy of the Global South is once again struggling to treat patients with drug-sensitive TB.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the challenges posed by TB and ways to end it.

Directive word:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by giving statistic highlighting the incidence and impact of TB in India.

First, write about the various measures taken and progress made in fight against TB in India.

Next, write about the shortcomings of the above with a special emphasis on drug shortage and other major challenges in India’s fight against TB.

Next, write about the possible solutions to the above issue to end TB in India – improving awareness, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to diagnostics and treatment, targeting high-risk populations, and promoting research and innovation etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the biggest killer disease in India, outnumbering all other infectious diseases put together — this despite our battle against it from 1962, when the National TB Programme (NTP) was launched. According to the World Health Organization’s “Global Tuberculosis Report 2018“, India accounted for 27% of the 10 million people, who had developed TB in 2017, besides making up 32% of global TB deaths among HIV-negative people, and 27% of combined TB deaths. In India, the TB capital of the world, the disease kills some 1,400 persons every day.

Globally, and in India, tuberculosis (TB) continues to loom large as a public health challenge impacting millions. With less than two years left to achieve the ambitious goal set by PM Modi in 2018 to “eliminate” TB in India, the pharmacy of the Global South is once again struggling to treat patients with drug-sensitive TB.

India’s efforts to eliminate TB:

• In the 1950s and ’60s, India was the global leader in research in epidemiology, transmission and domiciliary treatment of TB. The National TB Control Programme of 1962 was a district-based one with public-private participation.

• Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program(RNTCP) It was renamed to National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP)) It is the state-run tuberculosis control initiative of the Government of India. RNTCP incorporates the principles of directly observed treatment-short course (DOTS).

• It was renamed to National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP))

• It is the state-run tuberculosis control initiative of the Government of India.

• RNTCP incorporates the principles of directly observed treatment-short course (DOTS).

• In 1992, the WHO devised the Directly Observed Treatment-Short Course (DOTS) strategyand advised all countries to adopt the strategy to combat the menace of tuberculosis. The DOTS strategy is based on 5 pillars: political commitment and continued funding for TB control programs diagnosis by sputum smear examinations uninterrupted supply of high-quality anti-TB drugs drug intake under direct observation accurate reporting and recording of all registered cases

• political commitment and continued funding for TB control programs

• diagnosis by sputum smear examinations

• uninterrupted supply of high-quality anti-TB drugs

• drug intake under direct observation

• accurate reporting and recording of all registered cases

• The Indian government has been implementing Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant TB (PMDT) services, for the management of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and TB-HIV collaborative activities for TB-HIV

• “Nikshay,” (2012) an online tuberculosis reporting system for medical practitioners and clinical establishments was set up. The aim is to increase the reporting of tuberculosis, especially from the private sector.

• In 2018, Indian government launched Joint Effort for Elimination of Tuberculosis (JEET), to increase the reporting of TB cases by the private sector.

• National Strategic Plan (NSP) for TB Elimination (2017-2025) was launched in 2017. The government also called for the elimination of TB by 2025, five years prior to the international target (2030). The NSP plans to provide incentives to private providers for following the standard protocols for diagnosis and treatment as well as for notifying the government of cases. Further, patients referred to the government will receive a cash transfer to compensate them for the direct and indirect costs of undergoing treatment and as an incentive to complete treatment.

• The NSP plans to provide incentives to private providers for following the standard protocols for diagnosis and treatment as well as for notifying the government of cases.

• Further, patients referred to the government will receive a cash transfer to compensate them for the direct and indirect costs of undergoing treatment and as an incentive to complete treatment.

Challenges to achieve TB free India by 2025:

• Poor socio-economic conditions: Poverty remains a stark reality in India with associated problems of hunger, undernourishment and poor and unhygienic living conditions. According to GTB Report, 2018, a majority of TB patients (6lakhs) in India are attributable to undernourishment.

• Poverty remains a stark reality in India with associated problems of hunger, undernourishment and poor and unhygienic living conditions.

• According to GTB Report, 2018, a majority of TB patients (6lakhs) in India are attributable to undernourishment.

• Underreporting and misdiagnosis: According to GTB Report 2018, India is one of the major contributors to under-reporting and under-diagnosis of TB cases in the world, accounting for 26% of the 3.6 million global gap in the reporting of tuberculosis cases. Biomarkers and other diagnostics that identify individuals at highest risk of progression to disease are inadequate.

• According to GTB Report 2018, India is one of the major contributors to under-reporting and under-diagnosis of TB cases in the world, accounting for 26% of the 3.6 million global gap in the reporting of tuberculosis cases.

• Biomarkers and other diagnostics that identify individuals at highest risk of progression to disease are inadequate.

• Treatment: Inequitable access to quality diagnosis and treatment remains a major issue in combating tuberculosis. Further, the private sector which contributes a major part of TB care is fragmented, made up of diverse types of healthcare providers, and largely unregulated. Standard TB treatment is not followed uniformly across the private sector, resulting in the rise of drug resistance.

• Inequitable access to quality diagnosis and treatment remains a major issue in combating tuberculosis. Further, the private sector which contributes a major part of TB care is fragmented, made up of diverse types of healthcare providers, and largely unregulated.

• Standard TB treatment is not followed uniformly across the private sector, resulting in the rise of drug resistance.

• Follow-up treatment: Though the reporting of TB cases has increased lately, the reporting of treatment outcomes has not been robust. The absence of consistent follow-up of treatment regimens and outcomes may result in relapse of cases and MDR-TB and XDR-TB. India has already been facing the problem of increasing MDR-TB cases

• Though the reporting of TB cases has increased lately, the reporting of treatment outcomes has not been robust.

• The absence of consistent follow-up of treatment regimens and outcomes may result in relapse of cases and MDR-TB and XDR-TB. India has already been facing the problem of increasing MDR-TB cases

• Drugs: The drugs used to treat TB, especially multidrug-resistant-TB, are decades old. It is only recently that Bedaquiline and Delamanid (drugs to treat MDR-TB) has been made available. However, access to such drugs remains low.

• The drugs used to treat TB, especially multidrug-resistant-TB, are decades old. It is only recently that Bedaquiline and Delamanid (drugs to treat MDR-TB) has been made available. However, access to such drugs remains low.

• Funds: The RNCTP remains inadequately funded. There has been a growing gap between the allocation of funds and the minimum investment required to reach the goals of the national strategic plan to address tuberculosis.

• The RNCTP remains inadequately funded. There has been a growing gap between the allocation of funds and the minimum investment required to reach the goals of the national strategic plan to address tuberculosis.

• Issues with RNCTP: No prescribed methods of monitoring: First, for a programme that is heavily funded by the government, there is no prescribed method of monitoring the trajectory of TB control. Programme is based on assumptions: The assumption that treating pulmonary TB patients alone would control TB was epidemiologically fallacious in India. Failed to elicit people’s participation: RNTCP has failed to elicit people’s partnership in TB control. In India’s AIDS Control Programme, public education was given high priority. Red ribbon clubs in schools and colleges are its legacy.

• No prescribed methods of monitoring: First, for a programme that is heavily funded by the government, there is no prescribed method of monitoring the trajectory of TB control.

• Programme is based on assumptions: The assumption that treating pulmonary TB patients alone would control TB was epidemiologically fallacious in India.

• Failed to elicit people’s participation: RNTCP has failed to elicit people’s partnership in TB control. In India’s AIDS Control Programme, public education was given high priority. Red ribbon clubs in schools and colleges are its legacy.

• R&D: R&D for new methods and technologies to detect the different modes of TB, new vaccines, and new drugs and shorter drug regimens have been slow, as compared to other such diseases like HIV/AIDS.

• R&D for new methods and technologies to detect the different modes of TB, new vaccines, and new drugs and shorter drug regimens have been slow, as compared to other such diseases like HIV/AIDS.

• Social Stigma: According to a study which assessed social stigma associated with TB in Bangladesh, Colombia, India, India had the highest social stigma index. Patients often hesitate to seek treatment or deny their condition altogether for fear of social discrimination and stigmatization.

• According to a study which assessed social stigma associated with TB in Bangladesh, Colombia, India, India had the highest social stigma index.

• Patients often hesitate to seek treatment or deny their condition altogether for fear of social discrimination and stigmatization.

Measures needed:

• It is important to address the social conditions and factorswhich contribute to and increase vulnerability to tuberculosis. Concerted efforts should be made to address the issues of undernourishment, diabetes, alcohol and tobacco use.

• Increased political will, financial resources and increasing researchto develop new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent TB will help achieve the goal.

• Private sector engagementin combating TB needs to be strengthened. The private sector should also be incentivised to report TB cases. Example: The Kochi Model– Increasing TB cases reporting from private sector

• There is an urgent need for cost-effective point-of-care devicesthat can be deployed for TB diagnosis in different settings across India.

• Universal access to drug, susceptibility testing at diagnosis to ensure that all patients are given appropriate treatment, including access to second-line treatment for drug-resistant TB.

• To ensure public participation — a missing element in the RNTCP —in public-private participation mode.

• Mass awareness campaignslike ‘TB Harega Desh Jeetega’ can play an important role in breaking social taboos regarding TB.

• India’s leadership of the G20 and the focus on health could be catalytic, in the same manner, that the Japanese G7 presidency in 2001 was for the creation of the Global Fund.

• Providing historical symmetry, Japan leads the G7 in 2023, providing leaders of both nations and groupings to act synergistically towards ending TB.

Conclusion

India has the highest TB burden in the world. Given our inter-connected world and the airborne spread of TB, we need collective global action. Ending TB in India will have massive global impact in addition to saving the lives of tens of millions of India’s people over the next 25 years. Even if ending TB by 2025 is not complete, pulling the TB curve down by 2025 and sustaining the decline ever after is a possibility.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

3. The discovery of the Higgs boson was a significant milestone in the field of particle physics and had several profound impacts on our understanding of the universe. Comment. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question: Nobel prize-winning physicist Peter Higgs, who proposed the existence of the so-called ”God particle” that helped explain how matter formed after the Big Bang, has died at age 94. Key Demand of the question: To write about the importance of discovery of Higgs boson. 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: Begin by giving context of Higgs-Boson. Body: Write about the importance of the discovery of Higgs-Boson – confirmed the existence of the Higgs field and its mechanism for giving mass to particles, completing the Standard Model of particle physics, deepened our understanding of mass generation, provided insights into the early universe, and opened avenues for exploring new physics beyond the Standard Model. Conclusion: Conclude by summarising.

Why the question:

Nobel prize-winning physicist Peter Higgs, who proposed the existence of the so-called ”God particle” that helped explain how matter formed after the Big Bang, has died at age 94.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the importance of discovery of Higgs boson.

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:

Begin by giving context of Higgs-Boson.

Write about the importance of the discovery of Higgs-Boson – confirmed the existence of the Higgs field and its mechanism for giving mass to particles, completing the Standard Model of particle physics, deepened our understanding of mass generation, provided insights into the early universe, and opened avenues for exploring new physics beyond the Standard Model.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

The Higgs boson is a remarkable discovery that has transformed our understanding of the universe. Nobel prize-winning physicist Peter Higgs, who proposed the existence of the so-called” God particle” that helped explain how matter formed after the Big Bang, has died at age 94.

Context and Discovery:

• The Higgs boson emerged from the fertile minds of physicists in the 1960s.

• Proposed by Peter Higgs and others, it was the missing piece in the Standard Model – a theoretical framework describing fundamental particles and their interactions.

• The Higgs boson was elusive, requiring extreme conditions to be produced and detected.

• In 2012, the ATLAS and CMS experiments at CERN confirmed its existence, marking a monumental achievement.

The Higgs Field and Mass Generation:

• The Higgs boson is a manifestation of the Higgs field, an invisible energy field permeating the universe.

• The Higgs field provides the answer to the question of Why do particles have mass.

• As particles interact with this field, they acquire mass, akin to wading through a cosmic molasses.

• The Higgs boson completes the puzzle, allowing us to understand mass generation.

Completing the Standard Model:

• The Standard Model unifies electromagnetic and weak interactions.

• The Higgs mechanism, based on the Higgs field, explains how particles acquire mass.

• It’s like a cosmic jigsaw piece, fitting seamlessly into our understanding of the universe.

• The Higgs boson’s discovery validated this model, confirming its predictions.

Insights into the Early Universe:

• Just moments after the Big Bang, particles interacted with the Higgs field.

• Before this, all particles were massless and traveled at light speed.

• The Higgs field’s presence established mass, shaping the universe’s evolution.

• It’s a glimpse into the universe’s infancy, revealing its fundamental building blocks.

Avenues for New Physics:

• The Higgs boson opens doors to uncharted territories.

• Its discovery inspires curiosity, driving scientific progress.

• Technologies developed for its detection have far-reaching applications.

• Like the electron’s impact on electronics, the Higgs boson’s influence may surprise us.

Conclusion

The Higgs boson is more than a particle; it’s a key to understanding our existence. Its discovery deepens our knowledge, fuels our curiosity, and shapes our scientific journey. As we celebrate this landmark achievement, we remain poised for new revelations, guided by the Higgs boson’s enigmatic presence. The Higgs boson is not just a scientific triumph; it’s a testament to human curiosity and our relentless pursuit of knowledge.

Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

4. Assess the significance and challenges of harnessing tidal energy as a renewable source of power in India. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Down to Earth

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable. Key Demand of the question: To assess the significance and challenges of tidal energy, and to discuss the steps taken by MNRE in this regard. Directive word: Assess – When asked to assess, you must consider the strengths and weaknesses of an argument and come to a conclusion after weighing the evidence. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Introduce the concept of tidal energy. Body: First, discuss the Significance of Tidal Energy – explain the advantages of tidal energy, including its predictability, low environmental impact, and potential to contribute to India’s renewable energy goals. Next, analyse the challenges associated with harnessing tidal energy, such as technological limitations, high upfront costs, environmental concerns, and site-specific requirements. Next, provide an overview of the steps taken by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to assess tidal energy potential in India, including the establishment of pilot projects and research initiatives. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward to overcome above mentioned challenges.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To assess the significance and challenges of tidal energy, and to discuss the steps taken by MNRE in this regard.

Directive word:

Assess – When asked to assess, you must consider the strengths and weaknesses of an argument and come to a conclusion after weighing the evidence.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Introduce the concept of tidal energy.

First, discuss the Significance of Tidal Energy – explain the advantages of tidal energy, including its predictability, low environmental impact, and potential to contribute to India’s renewable energy goals.

Next, analyse the challenges associated with harnessing tidal energy, such as technological limitations, high upfront costs, environmental concerns, and site-specific requirements.

Next, provide an overview of the steps taken by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to assess tidal energy potential in India, including the establishment of pilot projects and research initiatives.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward to overcome above mentioned challenges.

Introduction

Tides are one of the most reliable phenomena in the world. As the sun rises in the east and the stars come out at night, we are confident that the ocean waters will regularly rise and fall along our shores.

Tidal Energy is the difference in water level from low tide and high tide is potential energy that can be harnessed. Similar to hydropower generated from dams, tidal water is captured in a barrage across an estuary during high tide and forced through a turbine during low tide.

The Standing Committee on Energy, in a new report tabled in both houses of the Parliament, has asked the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to apprise it of initiatives and their outcomes towards assessing the tidal, wave and thermal energy potential in the country.

Significance of Tidal energy

• The moon’s gravitational force causes the tidal cycle to occur every 12 hours.

• Potential energy is the difference in water height between low and high tide.

• The height of high tide must be at least five metres (16 feet) higher than low tide to capture enough power from the tidal energy potential.

• There areonly about 20 places on the planet where the tides are this high, and India is one of them.

• The Gulf of Cambay and the Gulf of Kutch on the west coast of Gujarat have maximum tidal ranges of 11m and 8m, respectively, with average tidal ranges of 6.77m and 5.23m

• Due to gravitational forces, tides are predictable and consistent in their energy output.

• Tidal energy will become more affordable and efficient as technology advances.

• Due to the stability under various design conditions, it protects against coastal flooding.

• Storm surges and waves can be absorbed by tidal lagoons once every 500 years.

• Tidal power equipment and facilities can last much longer and be more cost-effective than other renewable technologies.

challenges of harnessing tidal energy

• Construction of tidal power plants is currently costlier due to the high capital requirements.

• Blade strike on fish attempting to enter the lagoon, acoustic output from turbines, and changes in sedimentation processes and habitat change are the main environmental concerns.

• All of these effects, on the other hand, are localised and do not affect the entire estuary or bay.

• Equipment maintenance and repair can be difficult.

• Demand for energy is limited. Since powerful tides only occur 10 hours per day on average, tidal energy storage capacity must be developed.

• It’s difficult to provide tidal energy to coastal communities because the tides’ energy is often a long way from where the electricity will be used inland.

• It has been nearly 40 years since India began efforts to assess and harness tidal power, but the country has yet to make any significant progress in this area, despite rapid progress in other renewable energy sources.

• A parliamentary panel has now requested that the Indian government reassess the potential of tidal power in India, investigate the practically exploitable potential, conduct additional research in the field, and develop a tidal power pilot project.

• In 2007 and 2011, India began construction on two tidal power projects in West Bengal and Gujarat, with installed capacities of 3.75 and 50 megawatts, respectively.

• However, both of these projects were suspended due to exorbitant costs.

• The project cost for the 3.75 MW Durgaduani tidal power project in West Bengal was Rs. 238 crore.

• The estimated cost of the 50 MW tidal power project in Gujarat’s Gulf of Kutch was Rs. 750 crore per megawatt of power.

• Exorbitant costs and environmental risks are two major reasons why tidal power projects have yet to be developed in India.

• Because of various obstacles, tidal power is not actively pursued on a global scale as well.

Conclusion

India has a long coastline of over 7500 km with estuaries and gulfs that can be used to harness this energy to its full potential. Tidal streams and ocean currents are vast. Limitless resources can be harnessed for large-scale electricity generation with relatively minor environmental interactions. The National Institute of Ocean Technology in Chennai, which is part of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is in charge of basic research and development, but more input from other prominent institutions will help us understand and develop technologies more quickly.

Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

5. While 5G technology offers numerous benefits, the cost of upgrading infrastructure and acquiring new devices compatible with 5G can be prohibitive for consumers and businesses, especially in a country like India where affordability is a significant concern. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable. Key Demand of the question: To understand the potential of 5G technology and how India could harness it. 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 stating details of 5G network and its frequency range. Body: First, mention the various potential benefits of 5G technology such as faster access to critical services, building smart cities, developing competitiveness with other nations in service delivery standards etc. Next, discuss the challenges to roll out 5G such as high cost of installation, public apprehension regarding safety, need for a robust policy and Centre-state coordination etc. Conclusion: Conclude by stating that more and more discussions and quick action is the need of the hour for India to quickly harness the potential of 5G technology.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To understand the potential of 5G technology and how India could harness it.

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 stating details of 5G network and its frequency range.

First, mention the various potential benefits of 5G technology such as faster access to critical services, building smart cities, developing competitiveness with other nations in service delivery standards etc.

Next, discuss the challenges to roll out 5G such as high cost of installation, public apprehension regarding safety, need for a robust policy and Centre-state coordination etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by stating that more and more discussions and quick action is the need of the hour for India to quickly harness the potential of 5G technology.

Introduction

5G is the fifth generation mobile network. It’s a unified platform which is much more capable than previous mobile services with more capacity, lower latency, faster data delivery rate and better utilisation of spectrum. The standards for the usage of 5G are defined and driven by 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

Benefits of 5G technology:

The potential advantages it offers:

• Industry 4.0:

• The manufacturing industry is going through a digital revolution.

• Within the context of Industry 4.0, manufacturers are becoming more efficient through the application of automation and data exchange to their existing factory processes to enable better integrated workflows and smarter manufacturing.

• Industrial IoT technologies are streamlining and simplifying many manufacturing processes in revolutionary ways.

• Mixed reality (MR) applications: The MR Apps comprise augmented reality (AR) plus virtual reality (VR) apps. Beyond the consumer market (think Pokémon Go), interesting applications are also likely to be found in industrial and medical contexts. Remote medical procedures, engineering, public safety and field-service applications are all strong use case opportunities for the application of low latency 5G services.

• The MR Apps comprise augmented reality (AR) plus virtual reality (VR) apps.

• Beyond the consumer market (think Pokémon Go), interesting applications are also likely to be found in industrial and medical contexts.

• Remote medical procedures, engineering, public safety and field-service applications are all strong use case opportunities for the application of low latency 5G services.

• Sports and entertainment: A combination of VR and AR with ultra-high-fidelity enabled by 5G could transform the way fans interact in these events. Motorsports is ideal for VR in particular: equipped with their mobile device or headset, fans could be served information like lap or technical information about cars as they race on the track in a sport like Formula 1

• A combination of VR and AR with ultra-high-fidelity enabled by 5G could transform the way fans interact in these events.

• Motorsports is ideal for VR in particular: equipped with their mobile device or headset, fans could be served information like lap or technical information about cars as they race on the track in a sport like Formula 1

• Fixed wireless access: Fixed wireless access could also be used to bring high bandwidth digital services to under-served rural areas. Mobile operators will then be able to compete with wireline, satellite and cable companies, offering new revenue streams and faster RoI.

• Fixed wireless access could also be used to bring high bandwidth digital services to under-served rural areas.

• Mobile operators will then be able to compete with wireline, satellite and cable companies, offering new revenue streams and faster RoI.

• Autonomous vehicles:

• The idea that much of the car, if not all of it, is controlled not by the driver but by technology.

• 5G is critical to realize this as it will offer the connectivity and speed needed to deliver vast amounts of data to one another as well as other objects simultaneously.

• 5G can provide a completely seamless mobile experience is a must so that cars can stay constantly connected.

Challenges wrt Spectrum

• Expensive spectrum: Indian spectrum prices are some of the highest in the world and the allocated quantity is well below global best practices, while 40% of the spectrum is lying unsold.

• The government in recent times, has had two failed auctions. The latter failed to attract any bids in the 5G spectrum.

• Lack of various approvals around spectrum such as uncertainty around auctions, high reserve price of spectrum, inadequate and poor development of test cases, low reach of optical fibre across India, and deficient back-haul capacity.

• Local Regulatory Issues: Many of the local rules and regulations are prohibiting the rapid and cost-effective roll-out of small cells in city centres where Fifth Generation (5G) is initially expected to be most in demand.

• Lesser Government Subsidies: A low likelihood of government subsidies is expected, given the history of high reserve prices set by the governments for spectrum auctions amid ongoing fiscal deficits.

Way Forward:

• Spectrum Policy: India’s spectrum allocation for public wireless services should be enhanced significantly. Also, the cost of spectrum relative to per capita GDP is high and should come down.

• The auction design must ensure the poor get a service at affordable price instead of concentrating on revenues.

• Reforms also need to be roped in to reduce the ridiculously high license/spectrum charges and address the problems faced by the industry for better ease of doing.

• Create a Fifth Generation (5G) Program Office within Department of Telecommunications and an Oversight Committee.

• The government has complete control over the inputs. One of the key inputs of 5G is the band spectrum.

• By managing the design of the spectrums, the government can control the price to be paid by the people.

• The government shall support the telecom companies to roll out networks which are sustainable and affordable for the public.

• The current proposals for the reserve price clearly suggest the need to change the prices in order to conduct a successful auction.

• The pricing will have to be worked out keeping in mind the financial stress in the sector and affordability of services.

Conclusion

The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2023 there will be a staggering 9.1 billion mobile subscriptions. 5G will act as the catalyst for Digital India—a watershed moment in digital transformation. India is at the cusp of a next generation of wireless technology 5G. It provides an opportunity for industry to reach out to global markets, and consumers to gain with the economies of scale. It can help in better service delivery, faster access to services and deeper penetration of digital services.

General Studies – 4

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

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

6. What do you understand by altruism? Discuss. (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. Directive: 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: Define altruism. Body: Elaborate, Everyday life is filled with small acts of altruism, from holding the door for strangers to giving money to people in need. News stories often focus on grander cases of altruism, such as a man who dives into an icy river to rescue a drowning stranger or a donor who gives thousands of dollars to a local charity. Conclusion: Summarise by highlighting the importance of altruism in present day and the need to use it for positive outcomes.

Why the question:

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

Directive:

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Define altruism.

Elaborate, Everyday life is filled with small acts of altruism, from holding the door for strangers to giving money to people in need. News stories often focus on grander cases of altruism, such as a man who dives into an icy river to rescue a drowning stranger or a donor who gives thousands of dollars to a local charity.

Conclusion:

Summarise by highlighting the importance of altruism in present day and the need to use it for positive outcomes.

Introduction

‘The Best Way to Find Yourself Is To Lose Yourself In The Service Of Others’ – Mahatma Gandhi.

Altruism is defined as acting in the best interests of others rather than one’s own. When a person’s behavior is motivated by a desire to help someone other than oneself, it is referred to as altruistic behavior.

Ethical altruism is an ethical doctrine that states that people have a moral obligation to help, serve, or benefit others, even if it means sacrificing their own interests. To put it another way, an action is morally right if the consequences of that action are more favorable than unfavorable for everyone except the agent.

Altruism and criticism

• Friedrich Nietzsche held that, the idea that it is virtuous to treat others more important than oneself is degrading and demeaning to the self.

• He also believed in the idea that others have a higher value than oneself hinders the individual’s pursuit of self-development, excellence, and creativity. Eg: America’s decision to abandon Afghanistan and letting Taliban takeover etc.

• He maintained that it was an ideology fabricated by the weak for the weak, and masks self-poisoning resentment about individual and collective powerlessness.

• Ayn Rand said that most problems in the world come from the doctrine of Altruism, and argues that there is no rational ground for asserting that sacrificing yourself in order to serve others is morally superior to pursuing your own self-interest.

• Furthermore, if the state were to enforce Altruism as a moral ideal, this could ultimately result in the state forcing everyone into a collectivist political system.

• Others have argued that actions formerly seen as altruistic are in reality just a form of enlightened self-interest.

Nonetheless, most moral philosophers hold altruistic actions in high regard and believe they play a role in morality. Mildly altruistic moral principles, on the other hand, may be rejected by altruistic principles that require extreme personal sacrifices.

People’s moral judgments are often driven by emotion. And empathy for others seems to encourage altruism. Another emotion, called “elevation,” appears to inspire altruistic behavior, too. We feel elevation when we see another person act virtuously, such as by helping someone in need. Altruism also builds social connections. For example, studies show that people who are altruistic tend to be happier, to be healthier, and to live longer. So, while altruism leads us to do what’s best for others, it also makes us good human beings.

Importance of Altruism in contemporary society

• Although we often act selfishly, we also seem to be wired to cooperate with others. For example, studies show that when people look for mates, they tend to look for kindness more than any other quality.

• People’s moral judgments are often driven by emotion. And empathy for others seems to encourage altruism. Altruism is when we act to promote someone else’s welfare, even at a risk or cost to ourselves. Studies have found that people’s first impulse is to cooperate rather than compete. For e.g.: Good Samaritans are driven by sheer altruism to help road users involved in a crash.

• Altruism has deep roots in human nature because helping and cooperation promote the survival of our species. Darwin himself argued that altruism, which he called “sympathy” or “benevolence,” is “an essential part of the social instincts.”

• Another emotion, called “elevation,” appears to inspire altruistic behaviour, too. We feel elevation when we see another person act virtuously, such as by helping someone in need. For e.g.: Helping the homeless can be altruistic as long as it is not done for recognition or to make oneself feel better.

• Altruism also builds social connections. For example, studies show that people who are altruistic tend to be happier, to be healthier, and to live longer.

• So, while altruism leads us to do what’s best for others, it also makes us feel good in the process.

Conclusion

Altruism is a vital component of a good society precisely because one cannot anticipate all the occasions on which people may need to be helped, and therefore cannot formally assign duties to help. In a dog-eat-dog world where there is cut throat competition to survive or gain power over others, expectations of altruism personally or between nations is a distant dream. Yet, humans need to find better ways of sharing the burden of altruism so that everyone helps sometimes, and no one is required to sacrifice himself completely to altruistic causes.

Topic: moral and political attitudes.

Topic: moral and political attitudes.

7. What do you understand by public morality? Explain with examples. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Directive word: 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: Give a simple elaboration on the concept of public morality. Body: Write about aspects such as what is accepted within the realms of public morality, is it static and indestructible by quoting few examples. Influence of public morality on legislations and the changes with time such as legalisation of same-sex marriage etc. Conclusion: Conclude by stating that society evolves with time and thus the public morality also takes its shape, however certain historically sustainable values must be preserved as well.

Why the question:

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

Directive word:

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:

Give a simple elaboration on the concept of public morality.

Write about aspects such as what is accepted within the realms of public morality, is it static and indestructible by quoting few examples. Influence of public morality on legislations and the changes with time such as legalisation of same-sex marriage etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by stating that society evolves with time and thus the public morality also takes its shape, however certain historically sustainable values must be preserved as well.

Introduction

A morality is a system of principles and values concerning people’s behaviour, which is generally accepted by a society or by a particular group of people. Public morality refers to moral and ethical standards enforced in a society, by law or police work or social pressure, and applied to public life, to the content of the media, and to conduct in public places.

Public morality is concerned with collective obligations, and is generally based on the notion of consequentialism. For instance, Public morality often means regulation of sexual matters, including prostitution and homosexuality, but also matters of dress and nudity, pornography, acceptability in social terms of cohabitation before marriage, and the protection of children.

It is a main justification for censorship; it can lead to campaigns against profanity, and so be at odds with freedom of speech. Gambling is generally controlled: casinos have been considered much more of a threat than large-scale lotteries or football pools. Public drunkenness is quite unacceptable in some societies, and legal control of consumption of alcohol is often justified in terms of public morality, just as much as for medical reasons or to limit alcohol-related crime.

Abortion is sometimes treated as an aspect of public morality, even if it is legally defined, regulated by medical professionals, and almost entirely hidden from public view. AIDS as a health policy issue is linked to public morality in a complicated manner.

Views on public morality do change over time. Public views on which things are acceptable often move towards wider tolerance.

Various factors affecting Public morality

• Social & Religious mores. Eg. Animal slaughter still continues

• Inertial of the People to change their belief & attitude. Eg.: attitude towards homosexuality, transgenders etc.

• Lack of Scientific temper. E.g: a genetically impaired person is seen as a God’s curse

• Poor will of legislators and elected.

• Ineffective implementation of law mechanism

• Lack of ethical education

Conclusion

Public morality has been on a decline due to a host of factors such as legal, corruption, malpractices, cultural etc. Citizens in a political community must be bound together neither by feelings nor by self-interest but by a commitment to common values discovered by public reason — values such as political freedom, solidarity, shared traditions and cultural heritage.

Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE

Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE

Follow our Twitter Account HERE

Follow our Instagram ID HERE