[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 23 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: urbanization, their problems and their remedies

Topic: urbanization, their problems and their remedies

1. The increased dumping of waste in landfills poses several issues that need to be addressed promptly. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Hindustan Times , Insights on India

Why the question: A thick cloud of smoke continued to billow out of the Ghazipur landfill site, enveloping the surrounding areas in east Delhi, after a portion of the country’s largest garbage dumpsite — which holds at least 8.4 million tonnes of waste — caught fire on Sunday evening. Key Demand of the question: To write issues with respect increased dumping of wastes in landfills, threats from it and remedies for better waste management. 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: Give a statistic about increasing municipal solid waste with the increasing rate of urbanisation. Body: First, write the problems associated with rapid urbanisation and waste management in India at landfills: Leaching of chemicals, spread of diseases, release of poisonous and toxic gages, fires, serious health and environmental hazards to the people etc. Next, suggest strategies to deal with solid waste so that it may prove a resource instead of waste. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

A thick cloud of smoke continued to billow out of the Ghazipur landfill site, enveloping the surrounding areas in east Delhi, after a portion of the country’s largest garbage dumpsite — which holds at least 8.4 million tonnes of waste — caught fire on Sunday evening.

Key Demand of the question:

To write issues with respect increased dumping of wastes in landfills, threats from it and remedies for better waste management.

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:

Give a statistic about increasing municipal solid waste with the increasing rate of urbanisation.

First, write the problems associated with rapid urbanisation and waste management in India at landfills: Leaching of chemicals, spread of diseases, release of poisonous and toxic gages, fires, serious health and environmental hazards to the people etc.

Next, suggest strategies to deal with solid waste so that it may prove a resource instead of waste.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

A landfill site is a site for the disposal of waste materials and is the oldest and most common form of waste disposal. The landfill sites in India are not scientifically planned. The efficiency of waste processing is only 30-40%, while India’s municipalities are collecting over 95% of the waste generated in cities.

Challenges posed by landfills in India

• The wastes are not segregated due to which the landfill sites receive mixed wastes which include organic waste/ignitable material/plastics. (Higher temperature + flammable material = a chance for the landfill to catch fire.)

• In India, more than 90% of the MSW generated finds its way to landfill sites, often in the most unhygienic manner possible. The landfilling process of the municipalities is the most unorganized one.

• The landfills are meant for reducing the exposure between humans and the environment from toxic waste but it takes a toll on humans as we are exposed to the problems associated with the waste directly i.e from the soil and groundwater pollution. There are concerns regarding the flow of toxins in the food chain of birds and animals, fires and explosions, vegetation damage, unpleasant odor, landfill settlement, groundwater pollution, air pollution and global warming.

• The disposal of these toxic chemicals leads to the exposure of rag pickers to these chemicals. The rag picker’s only means of income is by collecting waste but they are not aware of the fact that this waste will be toxic for them, their health as well as their surrounding.

• The anaerobic decomposition (breakdown of organic waste in the absence of oxygen) generates methane gas and heat. As soon as the methane gas comes in contact with oxygen, the combustible materials at the dumping site catch fire easily.

• The health problems related to various emissions from landfills include high PM10 exposure, breathing problems, bacterial infections, asthma, elevated cardiovascular risk, and other infections.

• In India scenario, open dumps are highly prevailing which causes the breeding of mosquitoes, flies, rats, cockroaches, and other pests. Some diseases are very common in the population living near the landfill site such as plague, histoplasmosis, murine typhus, malaria, dengue, West Nile fever, etc. as they are caused by the pests breeding in the landfills.

Way forward

• proper disciplinary action should be taken against officials who are responsible for management of municipal waste in the area. This will set a good precedent for future.

• State governments should provide adequate funds to local bodies so that they can take requisite measures to tackle the creation of giant landfills.

• States must also learn from good practices of each other to tackle the menace of landfills. For instance, the Delhi Government has agreed to study a system installed in Mumbai to capture methane from the rotting waste and replicate it in the national capital to prevent fires at the landfill site.

• India also has to develop skilled and trained professionals to operate and maintain the entire waste management chain. Right from the collection, operation and maintenance of waste-handling plants.

• There should be proper implementation of Solid Waste Management and Plastic Waste Management Rules so that less waste flows into landfills.

• The idea of a circular economy should be promoted in masses. Further, the government should do greater procurement of recycled goods for itself in order to incentivise the private sector.

Conclusion

The menace of landfills is a result of decades of poor solid waste management practices adopted by the Governments and the masses. The rising number of landfill fires is a testimony to the huge magnitude of damage that a big landfill site can cause to the citizens. It is therefore imperative to take proactive measures towards their reduction and help in achievement of SDG 15 (Life on Land).

General Studies – 2

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

2. The Iran-Israel turmoil has raised concerns about the security of the large Indian diaspora residing in the Gulf region as well as India interests. Indian authorities must take proactive measures, including enhanced security protocols and diplomatic efforts, to ensure the safety of Indian nationals. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question: The article discusses what Iran-Israel conflict means for Middle East and India Key Demand of the question: To write issues for India with respect conflict Iran-Israel and steps that are needed 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 giving context. Body: First, write the problems associated with the conflict – security of the large Indian diaspora in the Gulf region, with added risks of piracy and hostage-taking, India’s economic and strategic interests etc. Next, suggest strategies to deal with the above. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

The article discusses what Iran-Israel conflict means for Middle East and India

Key Demand of the question:

To write issues for India with respect conflict Iran-Israel and steps that are needed 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 giving context.

First, write the problems associated with the conflict – security of the large Indian diaspora in the Gulf region, with added risks of piracy and hostage-taking, India’s economic and strategic interests etc.

Next, suggest strategies to deal with the above.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

The situation in the Middle East remained tense. The ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict has raged for over six months in Gaza and the West Bank. This is for the first time Iran has openly and directly attacked Israel. Before this, Israel had always alleged that Iran attacked through its proxy terrorist organizations Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthi rebels. The Iranian government also declared a prohibition on all vessels associated with the Zionist regime from navigating in the Oman Sea and the Persian Gulf. There is fresh concern about a potential Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear sites or high-value targets.

Current situation

• Iran’s promised retaliation to the Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus came in the early hours of Sunday morning.

• Swarms of attack drones and cruise and ballistic missiles were deployed in an unprecedented direct attack from Iran.

• Most of the drones and missiles were neutralised by Israel and its allies.

• However, a few ballistic missiles penetrated Israel’s formidable Iron Dome and struck the Nevatim and Ramon airbase in the southern Negev desert and a radar station in the north.

• Damage to infrastructure was minimal and no deaths were reported.

Challenges posed to India due to Iran – Israel Conflict

• India has strategic ties with both Iran and Israel and for decades, it has been able to balance between the two sides. But if the conflict widens, it would be difficult for it to maintain an ambivalent position.

• The emerging Iran Israel Conflict will test theIndian resilience in multiple domains be it political, diplomatic, economic or security.

• The escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict poses a grave risk to the lives and livelihoods of the large Indian diaspora in West Asia.

• Approximately 18,000 Indians reside in Israel, while 5,000-10,000 live in Iran. Additionally, around 90 lakh Indians are spread across the Gulf and other West Asian countries.

• Ensuring their safety becomes paramount, especially given the geopolitical tensions in the region.

• The ongoing turmoil increases the risk of piracy and hostage situations. Indian nationals working in maritime sectors or traveling through sensitive areas face heightened danger.

• India has significant economic interests in the Gulf region, including trade, energy, and investments. Any disruption due to conflict could adversely affect India’s economy.

• The Gulf region is strategically vital for India’s energy security and regional stability. Ensuring the safety of Indian nationals contributes to maintaining friendly relations with these nations.

Way forward

• Enhanced Security Protocols: Strengthen security measures at Indian embassies, consulates, and missions in the Gulf. Collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to enhance surveillance, intelligence sharing, and crisis response.

• Strengthen security measures at Indian embassies, consulates, and missions in the Gulf.

• Collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to enhance surveillance, intelligence sharing, and crisis response.

• Diplomatic Efforts: Engage in high-level diplomatic dialogues with Gulf nations to emphasize the safety of Indian nationals. Seek assurances from host countries regarding their protection. Establish crisis communication channels to swiftly address emergencies.

• Engage in high-level diplomatic dialogues with Gulf nations to emphasize the safety of Indian nationals.

• Seek assurances from host countries regarding their protection.

• Establish crisis communication channels to swiftly address emergencies.

• Evacuation Plans: Develop robust evacuation plans for Indian nationals in case of escalating conflict. Regularly update and rehearse evacuation procedures. Coordinate with airlines, shipping companies, and other transport providers.

• Develop robust evacuation plans for Indian nationals in case of escalating conflict.

• Regularly update and rehearse evacuation procedures.

• Coordinate with airlines, shipping companies, and other transport providers.

• Awareness Campaigns: Educate Indian expatriates about potential risks, safety protocols, and emergency contacts. Encourage registration with Indian missions for timely communication during crises.

• Educate Indian expatriates about potential risks, safety protocols, and emergency contacts.

• Encourage registration with Indian missions for timely communication during crises.

• Regional Cooperation: Collaborate with other countries to ensure the safety of their nationals as well. Jointly address security challenges arising from the conflict.

• Collaborate with other countries to ensure the safety of their nationals as well.

• Jointly address security challenges arising from the conflict.

• Global Governance Implications: The instability in the Middle East affects the Global South and global governance. India, as a responsible global actor, must actively engage in conflict resolution efforts. Advocate for peaceful dialogue, de-escalation, and adherence to international norms.

• The instability in the Middle East affects the Global South and global governance.

• India, as a responsible global actor, must actively engage in conflict resolution efforts.

• Advocate for peaceful dialogue, de-escalation, and adherence to international norms.

Conclusion

India wants there should be “immediate de-escalation” and “step back from violence” and “return to the path of diplomacy” is, therefore, crucial to its national interest. India’s authorities must adopt a proactive approach, combining security protocols, diplomatic efforts, and contingency planning to safeguard the welfare of Indian nationals in the Gulf region during these turbulent times

General Studies – 3

Topic: inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

Topic: inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

3. A well-designed Universal Basic Income (UBI) can be a powerful tool in promoting inclusive economic growth and social well-being. Critically analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question: The article discusses the concept of implementation of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) in the country. Key Demand of the question: To discuss the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a social welfare policy and assess its potential implications for poverty reduction and economic development in India. 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 giving context and defining the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) Body: First, write about Universal Basic Income (UBI) and its key features. Discuss the rationale behind implementing UBI, including its potential to alleviate poverty and provide a safety net to citizens. Next, write about the challenges of UBI implementation in India and potential implications of UBI on economic growth and development, including its impact on the labor market and government finances. Conclusion: Conclude by presenting a balanced view on the feasibility and desirability of implementing UBI in India.

Why the question:

The article discusses the concept of implementation of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) in the country.

Key Demand of the question:

To discuss the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a social welfare policy and assess its potential implications for poverty reduction and economic development in India.

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 giving context and defining the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI)

First, write about Universal Basic Income (UBI) and its key features. Discuss the rationale behind implementing UBI, including its potential to alleviate poverty and provide a safety net to citizens.

Next, write about the challenges of UBI implementation in India and potential implications of UBI on economic growth and development, including its impact on the labor market and government finances.

Conclusion:

Conclude by presenting a balanced view on the feasibility and desirability of implementing UBI in India.

Introduction

Universal basic income is a form of social security in which all citizens or residents of a country regularly receive an unconditional sum of money, either from a government or some other public institution, in addition to any income received from elsewhere. The payment is enough to cover the cost of living. The goal is to provide financial security.

Rationale behind UBI:

• The average Indian family’s monthly income in 1938 was Rs 25.

• Today, the average Indian family’s monthly income is roughly Rs 50,000, a 2,000 times increase since 1938.

• The poorest 10% of Indian families earn a mere Rs 5,000 a month.

• 25 million Indian families earn just a tenth of what the average Indian family earns.

• And, 50 million households earn just a fifth of the average Indian family.

• While the Indian economy continues to grow, the much touted trickle down impact of economic development seems elusive to the poorer sections of our society.

• There is a real risk of the bottom quarter of Indian families being left behind completely.

• The plan to ensure a basic minimum standard of living for every Indian family that was envisaged by Nehru and Bose in 1938 is applicable even today.

The pros of UBI include:

• Fights Poverty and vulnerability: Poverty and vulnerability will be reduced in one fell swoop. It increases equality among citizens as envisaged in our DPSP.

• new social contract: A social contract that will empower citizens with the freedom of choice. UBI treats beneficiaries as agents and entrusts citizens with the responsibility of using welfare spending as they see best; this may not be the case with in-kind transfers. Nobel laureate Amartya Sen had also propounded that choice should be given to people, which will lead to development.

• Better targeting of poor: As all individuals are targeted, exclusion error (poor being left out) is zero though inclusion error (rich gaining access to the scheme) is 60 percent. Example: The India Human Development Survey found that in 2011-12 about half of the officially poor did not have the BPL card, while about one-third of the non-poor had it.

• Example: The India Human Development Survey found that in 2011-12 about half of the officially poor did not have the BPL card, while about one-third of the non-poor had it.

• Fighting technological unemployment: With IR4.0 on the rise, there is an increase in the automation leading to loss of many white and blue collared jobs. UBI can act as a sort of security net for the millions of people who will be left jobless by the tech revolution.

• Supporting unpaid care workers: Those with ill or differently abled relatives are often forced to quit their jobs and look after them full-time. UBI would allow care-workers to support themselves, encouraging care work and taking pressure off public services that provide care to the sick and elderly.

• Expanding the middle class: The economic growth of high-income countries is making the rich richer, but having very little effect on the working classes. The research of economists Emmanuel Saez and Thomas Piketty showed that “the bottom half of earners went from making 20 percent of overall income in 1979 to just 13 percent in 2014. The top 1 percent, on the other hand, have gone from making 11 percent to 20 percent. The pie has gotten vastly bigger, and the richest families have reaped bigger and bigger pieces from it.” UBI would help balance this inequality and expand the ever-shrinking middle class.

• Insurance against shocks: This income floor will provide a safety net against health, income and other shocks.

• Improvement in financial inclusion Payment: transfers will encourage greater usage of bank accounts, leading to higher profits for banking correspondents (BC) and an endogenous improvement in financial inclusion. Credit – increased income will release the constraints on access to credit for those with low income levels.

• Psychological benefits: A guaranteed income will reduce the pressures of finding a basic living on a daily basis.

• Ending abuse: Those who suffer domestic abuse, mainly women, become trapped in violent situations because they don’t have the means to leave them. UBI would make leaving an abusive partner easy, and would unleash the potential of countless people trapped by domestic violence.

• Administrative efficiency: A UBI in place of a plethora of separate government schemes will reduce the administrative burden on the state.

The cons of UBI:

• Conspicuous spending: Households, especially male members, may spend this additional income on wasteful activities.

• Disincentive to work: A minimum guaranteed income might make people lazy and opt out of the labour market.

• Gender disparity induced by cash Gender norms may regulate the sharing of UBI within a household – men are likely to exercise control over spending of the UBI. This may not always be the case with other in-kind transfer

• Implementation: Given the current status of financial access among the poor, a UBI may put too much stress on the banking system.

• Poor fiscal capacity: India doesn’t have the fiscal capacity to implement Universal Basic Income. Economic Survey calculations showed that a 75% universality rate with an annual Universal Basic Income of Rs 7,620 per year at 2016-17 prices will cost about 5% of the GDP. Economist Pranab Bardhan showed that inflation– indexed Universal Basic Income of Rs 10,000 at 2014-15 prices—about three-quarters of that year’s poverty line—will cost about 10% of the GDP.

• Distort labour Market: Universal Basic Income can create distortions in the labour market. A steady, permanent and guaranteed income without any work is likely to affect labour mobility and participation. It can cause a rise in the wages too.

• Political economy of universality: ideas for self-exclusion Opposition may arise from the provision of the transfer to rich individuals as it might seem to trump the idea of equity and state welfare for the poor.

• Exposure to market risks (cash vs. food): Unlike food subsidies that are not subject to fluctuating market prices, a cash transfer’s purchasing power may severely be curtailed by market fluctuations.

Economic Survey 2016-17 views:

• Universal Basic Income should replace the welfare scheme. The Economic survey wants UBI to replace and NOT supplement the existing social welfare, anti-poverty schemes like MGNREGA, PMJSY etc

• Economic Survey has suggested replacing all current cash transfers with universal basic income.

• Survey in a bold step ensured that universal basic income will not be distributive in nature. The burden to distribute the income will not be shared by the rich.

• The Survey points out that the two prerequisites for a successful UBI are: functional JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhar and Mobile) system as it ensures that the cash transfer goes directly into the account of a beneficiary and Centre-State negotiations on cost sharing for the programme.

Conclusion:

UBI holds a lot of potential as a welfare scheme, however in its present form needs to be re-evaluated. There is a need for a 10-fold increase in resource mobilisation combined with increasing the tax base for funding. However, the alternatives to UBI can be explored like direct benefits transfers, conditional cash transfers and other income support schemes which also hold the potential to yield the above mentioned benefits.

Topic: Disaster and disaster management.

Topic: Disaster and disaster management.

4. India is highly vulnerable to earthquakes due to its location in a seismically active region. Suggest measures to develop earthquake resilience in India. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question: India’s high population density exacerbates the impact of earthquakes, with millions of people living in seismically active zones. Informal settlements and poorly constructed buildings are common, increasing the risk of casualties and infrastructure damage during earthquakes. Key Demand of the question: To write about vulnerability of India to earthquakes and steps needed to build resilience. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin giving context. Body: First, write about vulnerability of India to earthquakes – location on active fault lines, dense population, and inadequate infrastructure etc. Next, write about the measures that are needed to develop resilience – strengthening building codes, enhancing public awareness and preparedness, deploying early warning systems, improving disaster response and recovery, and fostering regional cooperation. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

India’s high population density exacerbates the impact of earthquakes, with millions of people living in seismically active zones. Informal settlements and poorly constructed buildings are common, increasing the risk of casualties and infrastructure damage during earthquakes.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about vulnerability of India to earthquakes and steps needed to build resilience.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin giving context.

First, write about vulnerability of India to earthquakes – location on active fault lines, dense population, and inadequate infrastructure etc.

Next, write about the measures that are needed to develop resilience – strengthening building codes, enhancing public awareness and preparedness, deploying early warning systems, improving disaster response and recovery, and fostering regional cooperation.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

An earthquake is the shaking of the surface (occurs without warning) of the Earth resulting from a sudden release of energy in the Earth’s lithosphere that creates seismic waves. It is tectonic in origin and results from the release of accumulated stress of the moving lithospheric or crustal plates.

The Earthquake Risk in India:

• India has been divided into four zones– II, III, IV and V – according to the seismic zoning map of India prepared by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Zone V is seismically the most active region, while Zone II is the least.

• Around 11% of the country falls in Zone V, 18% in Zone IV, 30% in Zone III and the remaining in Zone II.

Reasons for the Earthquake proneness in India:

• The Indian plate is driving into Eurasiaat a rate of approximately 47 mm/year.

• Himalayan belt:Collision between Indo-Australian plate with Eurasian plate causes lots of strain in underlying rocks’ energy, which is released in the form of earthquakes.

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Seafloor displacement and underwater volcanoes disturb the equilibrium of earth’s surface.

• Deccan Plateau: The emergence of a fault line and energy build-up along the fault line of the river Bhima (Krishna) near Latur and Osmanabad (Maharashtra).

• Increasing population and unscientific land usefor construction make India a high-risk land for earthquakes.

Risks of high magnitude Earthquakes

• Primary damage: Damage occurs to human settlement, buildings, structures and infrastructure, especially bridges, elevated roads, railways, water towers, pipelines, electrical generating facilities.

• Aftershocks of an earthquake can cause much greater damage to already weakened structures.

• Secondary effects include fires, dam failure and landslides which may block water ways and also cause flooding, landslides, Tsunami, chemical spills, breakdown of communication facilities, human loss.

• There is also a huge loss to the public health system, transport and water supply in the affected areas.

• Tertiary impactof earthquake includes Post Trauma Stress Disorder (PTSD), long term psychological issues, loss of livelihood, disruption of social capital due to relocation related issues, etc.

India’s current policy on earthquake preparedness

• Operates primarily at the scale of structural details

• National Building Codes: Includes specifying dimensions of the structural members – columns, beams, etc.

• National Retrofitting Programme 2014: Under the programme, the RBI directed banks to deny loans for buildings that do not meet the earthquake-resistant design.

Earthquake preparedness measures needed

• Earthquake monitoring centres (seismological centres) for regular monitoring and fast dissemination of information among the people in the vulnerable areas should be established. Currently, Centre for Seismology (CS) is the nodal agency of Government of India responsible for monitoring seismic activity in and around the country.

• A vulnerability map of the country along with dissemination of vulnerability risk information among the people can be done to minimize the adverse impacts.

• Planning: The Bureau of Indian Standards has published building codes and guidelines for safe construction of buildings against earthquakes. Before the buildings are constructed the building plans have to be checked by the Municipality, according to the laid down by-laws.

• Important buildingssuch as hospitals, schools and fire stations need to be upgraded by retrofitting techniques.

• Community preparedness and public educationon causes and characteristics of an earthquake and preparedness measures is important. It can be created through sensitization and training programme for community, by preparation of disaster management plans by schools, malls, hospitals etc. and carrying out mock drills, by preparing documentation on lessons from previous earthquaes and widely disseminating it.

• Engineered structures: The soil type should be analysed before construction. Building structures on soft soil should be avoided. Similar problem persists in the buildings constructed on the river banks which have alluvial soil.

• Encouraging use of Indigenous methods – Indigenous earthquake-resistant houses like the bhongas in the Kutch Region of Gujarat, dhajji diwari buildings in Jammu & Kashmir, brick-nogged wood frame constructions in Himachal Pradesh and ekra constructions made of bamboo in Assam are helpful in this regard.

Way forward

• Earthquake preparedness needs to act – In the realm of policy and not just legal enforcement. At the scale of building details as well as that of cities.

• In the realm of policy and not just legal enforcement.

• At the scale of building details as well as that of cities.

• A comprehensive policyto create a system of retrofitting existing structures and enforcing seismic codes with more efficiency. Such a policy should include measures – To create a system of tax-based or development rights-based incentives for retrofitting one’s building up to seismic codes. To ensure better enforcement of seismic codes through a similar model.

• To create a system of tax-based or development rights-based incentives for retrofitting one’s building up to seismic codes.

• To ensure better enforcement of seismic codes through a similar model.

• Generate earthquake vulnerability mapswith the percentage of vulnerable structures in the area, the availability of evacuation routes, the location of nearest relief services, etc.

Conclusion

It is not possible to prevent the occurrence of an earthquake; hence, the next best option is to lay emphasis on disaster preparedness and mitigation rather than curative measures. A policy on earthquake preparedness will require a visionary, radical and transformative approach. It would be unwise to wait for another earthquake to learn how to be better prepared for one. Hence, a robust early warning system, decentralised response mechanism is the best way forward.

*Value addition*

*Best practices (Japan and San Francisco):*

• *Japan *has invested heavily in technological measures (skyscrapers with counterweights, small houses on flexible foundations, public infrastructure with automated triggers) by cultivating an industry around earthquake mitigation and fostering expertise.

• *San Francisco*is the world’s most famous earthquake-prone city which implemented policy changes similar to Japan.

• *The Gujarat government:Immediately adopted (after the 2001 Bhuj earthquake) new town planning schemes that widened roads* and created routes for evacuation and relief work.

• *Programmes like the ongoing Urban 20 meetings*: An excellent opportunity for international knowledge exchange on earthquake preparedness.

Topic: Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

Topic: Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

5. What are the causes for insurgency in the parts north-eastern India? Examine the reasons that sustain insurgency in north east India despite many efforts at eliminating it. (250 words)

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-2024 Secure timetable. Key Demand of the question: To write about causes for insurgency in N.E India and its sustenance despite various measures. 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 of the insurgencies in North east India. Body: First, draw a small map of the north-east showing major insurgent conflicts in the region. Next, mention the causes of the insurgency under various heads such as economic, political, social, cultural/ethnic reasons. Write briefly about its impact highlighting the issues associated with AFSPA, Naxalism and International borders. Next, write about the various measures taken to tackle insurgency and their limitations. Write about the factors for sustenance of insurgency. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

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 write about causes for insurgency in N.E India and its sustenance despite various measures.

Directive word:

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by giving context of the insurgencies in North east India.

First, draw a small map of the north-east showing major insurgent conflicts in the region.

Next, mention the causes of the insurgency under various heads such as economic, political, social, cultural/ethnic reasons. Write briefly about its impact highlighting the issues associated with AFSPA, Naxalism and International borders.

Next, write about the various measures taken to tackle insurgency and their limitations. Write about the factors for sustenance of insurgency.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

There are over a hundred of ethnic groups in the Northeast each having a strong sense of identity and their uniqueness. They want to retain this uniqueness in their political and social and orientations as well. Insurgency is essentially a violent rebellion against the political organisation when the ethnic communities feel that their interests have been neglected and they are not properly represented.

The large prevalence of insurgency has negatively impacted the prevalence of Peace in the Northeast. This not only affects the socio-economic development of the region but has a negative effect on the country as well.

Causes of insurgency in north-east

• Nationality: Involving concept of a distinct ‘homeland’ as a separate nation and pursuit of the realisation of that goal by its votaries.

• Ethnic reasons: Involving assertion of numerically smaller and less dominant tribal groups against the political and cultural hold of the dominant tribal group. In Assam, this also takes the form of tension between local and migrant communities.

• Sub-regional reasons: Involving movements which ask for recognition of sub-regional aspirations and often come in direct conflict with the State Governments or even the autonomous Councils.

• Developmental issues: Poverty, unemployment, lack of connectivity, inadequate health care and educational facilities, feelings of neglect and non-participation in governing their own affairs have contributed to the insurgency in the region.

• Governance deficit:Informal economy and governance and shortage of resources.

• Porous international borderswith difficult topography

• Sense of alienation from mainstreamdue to overwhelming presence of security forces and associated issues of Human Rights.

Reasons that sustain insurgency in north-east

• Sense of Isolation, Deprivation and Exploitation: Distance from New Delhi and meagre representation in the Lok Sabha has further reduced the vox populi being heard in the corridors of powers, leading to more disillusionment in the dialogue process, thereby making call of the gun more attractive.

• Demographic Changes: The influx of refugees from former East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) into Assam led to a dramatic change in the demographic landscape of the region.

• Lack of Economic Development: GoI’s economic policies have also fuelled resentment and insecurity amongst the people. Due to various factors, the development of NEI has lagged behind thereby resulting in lack of employment opportunities. Thus, the youth are easily lured by various insurgent groups in order to earn easy money.

• Internal Displacement: Internal displacement is also an ongoing problem. From the 1990s to the start of 2011, over 800,000 people were forced to flee their homes in episodes of inter-ethnic violencein western Assam, along the border between Assam and Meghalaya, and in Tripura.

• External Support: There is ‘increasing evidence’ of China’s revival of its ‘covert offensive’ in the region.Pakistan’s Special Services Group (SSG) also trained the Naga guerrillas in the 1960s through their bases in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

Conclusion and way forward

• Multi-stakeholder approach:A wider representation not just of civil society, scholars and others, but also of professionals is required at any forum addressing the concerns in the North-East.

• Understanding emotionaland psychological aspects of the problems of the different states of the North-East: Any meaningful policy for the North-East should address the specifics of each state and region.

• Economic development: Opening up of economy of this region may be expedited making way for new investments, acquiring of productive assets, reaching potential in tourism etc.

• Tackling illegal immigrationfrom neighbouring countries: Identity cards and work permits for those who come for work should be made mandatory.

• Stress on Dialogueas an ongoing process to reach concrete solutions by involving all the stakeholders and not a single group.

*Value addition*

*Government measures*

• *Constitutional protection in Sixth Schedule*which protected not only the tribal laws, customs and land rights; but also gave sufficient autonomy to the tribes to administer themselves with minimum outside interference.

• *Protected Area Permit:*Due to security reasons, certain areas have been declared as Protected Area/Restricted Areas where no foreigner can enter or stay without obtaining permit from the competent authorities .

• *Act east policy *to enhance economic cooperation with South East Asian countries will benefit North East.

• *Infrastructural development Kaladan Multimodal project to provide connectivity of North East with rest of India through Mizoram. Trilateral highway (moreh (manipur) -mandalay – thailand) will facilitate north east trade with South east Asia. North-East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS) is a region-based road development programme in India.*

• Kaladan Multimodal project to provide connectivity of North East with rest of India through Mizoram.

• Trilateral highway (moreh (manipur) -mandalay – thailand) will facilitate north east trade with South east Asia.

• North-East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS) is a region-based road development programme in India.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;

6. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)

“In ethics, prudence is not enough; we need virtue.” – Aristotle

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote. Body: Write about the difference between prudence and virtue – Prudence and virtue are two concepts that are closely related to ethics, but they have different meanings and implications. Write about the need of being virtuous in ethics. Cite major virtues and examples to substantiate. Conclusion: Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.

Why the question:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote.

Write about the difference between prudence and virtue – Prudence and virtue are two concepts that are closely related to ethics, but they have different meanings and implications. Write about the need of being virtuous in ethics. Cite major virtues and examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.

Introduction

Virtue ethics is a broad term for theories that emphasize the role of character and virtue in moral philosophy rather than either doing one’s duty or acting in order to bring about good consequences.

Most virtue ethics theories take their inspiration from Aristotle who declared that a virtuous person is someone who has ideal character traits. These traits derive from natural internal tendencies, but need to be nurtured; however, once established, they will become stable. For example, a virtuous person is someone who is kind across many situations over a lifetime because that is her character and not because she wants to maximize utility or gain favors or simply do her duty. Unlike deontological and consequentialist theories, theories of virtue ethics do not aim primarily to identify universal principles that can be applied in any moral situation.

A virtuous actor chooses virtuous action knowingly and for its own sake. It is not enough to act kindly by accident, unthinkingly, or because everyone else is doing so; you must act kindly because you recognize that this is the right way to behave. Note here that although habituation is a tool for character development it is not equivalent to virtue; virtue requires conscious choice and affirmation.

Virtue “lies in a mean” because the right response to each situation is neither too much nor too little. Virtue is the appropriate response to different situations and different agents. The virtues are associated with feelings. For example: courage is associated with fear, modesty is associated with the feeling of shame, and friendliness associated with feelings about social conduct. The virtue lies in a mean because it involves displaying the mean amount of emotion, where mean stands for appropriate. (This does not imply that the right amount is a modest amount. Sometimes quite a lot may be the appropriate amount of emotion to display, as in the case of righteous indignation). The mean amount is neither too much nor too little and is sensitive to the requirements of the person and the situation.

Finally, virtue is determined by the right reason. Virtue requires the right desire and the right reason. To act from the wrong reason is to act viciously. On the other hand, the agent can try to act from the right reason but fail because he or she has the wrong desire. The virtuous agent acts effortlessly, perceives the right reason, has the harmonious right desire, and has an inner state of virtue that flows smoothly into action. The virtuous agent can act as an exemplar of virtue to others.

Conclusion

It is important to recognize that this is a perfunctory account of ideas that are developed in great detail in Aristotle. They are related briefly here as they have been central to virtue ethics’ claim to put forward a unique and rival account to other normative theories. Modern virtue ethicists have developed their theories around a central role for character and virtue and claim that this gives them a unique understanding of morality.

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;

7. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)

“It is wrong and immoral to seek to escape the consequences of one’s acts.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Difficulty level: Easy

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote. Body: Write about the importance taking responsibility for one’s actions and importance of being accountable. Accountability is crucial in personal, professional, and social contexts. It refers to the obligation of individuals, organizations, and institutions to take responsibility for their actions, decisions, and outcomes. Cite examples to substantiate. Conclusion: Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.

Why the question:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote.

Write about the importance taking responsibility for one’s actions and importance of being accountable. Accountability is crucial in personal, professional, and social contexts. It refers to the obligation of individuals, organizations, and institutions to take responsibility for their actions, decisions, and outcomes. Cite examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.

Introduction

“He that soweth vice does not reap virtue”.

The core of Gandhian philosophy is that Only right means leads to right destinations and ends do not justify the means as Machiavelli advocated.

It simply means that ends do not justify the means and you ll reap what you sow. Ultimately the unethical acts of humans will come to haunt them. The quote means to say that there will be accountability for the acts that we do.

As adults, we must take responsibility for what we say and do not say, what we do and do not do. It is for each of these choices that we are accountable.

When a person takes it to be their moral obligation to be responsible for their actions, it is known as accountability. When a person is accountable for his actions, they understand that their actions have a direct effect on greater things and take it up as a responsibility to see that action achieving the greater good. They look beyond personal goals and their intentions are clearer. For example, an office worker may work for a longer time than what they are paid for because they consider their work as personal responsibility and they are accountable for it. Delaying the work will only lead to the institution losing money.

It is wrong and immoral to seek to escape the consequences of one’s acts. It is good for a person who overeats to have an ache and a fast. It is bad for him to indulge his appetite and then escape the consequence by taking tonics or other medicine. It is still worse for a person to indulge in his animal passions and escape the consequences of his acts. Nature is relentless and will have full revenge for any such violation of her laws. Moral results can only be produced by moral restraints. All other restraints defeat the very purpose for which they are intended

Conclusion

Gandhiji said that if we sow the seeds of babool, one cannot expect or reap rose flowers. Only right means leads to right destination and unethical means will land us in bigger trouble and we will ultimately suffer the consequences.

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