[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 29 April 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
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: Social empowerment
Topic: Social empowerment
1. Female Bhakti saints in medieval India made significant contributions to religious, social, and cultural spheres. Discuss. (150 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on Inia
Why the question: The article explains that three mediaeval women saints stand particularly tall in the Indian faithscape – Mirabai, Akka Mahadevi and Lal Ded. Key Demand of the question: To write about the contributions of female bhakti saints of India during the medieval period. 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: Start by giving context about Female saints during Bhakti period. Body: First, write about the contributions of female bhakti saints- popularized the Bhakti movement through their songs and teachings, challenging social norms and advocating for equality and empowerment of women, enriched regional traditions, while their advocacy for social justice and spiritual leadership left a lasting legacy. Cite examples to substantiate. Conclusion: Conclude by summarising.
Why the question:
The article explains that three mediaeval women saints stand particularly tall in the Indian faithscape – Mirabai, Akka Mahadevi and Lal Ded.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the contributions of female bhakti saints of India during the medieval period.
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:
Start by giving context about Female saints during Bhakti period.
First, write about the contributions of female bhakti saints- popularized the Bhakti movement through their songs and teachings, challenging social norms and advocating for equality and empowerment of women, enriched regional traditions, while their advocacy for social justice and spiritual leadership left a lasting legacy. Cite examples to substantiate.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
Bhakti was accepted as a means to attain moksha along with jnana and karma. The Bhakti Movement originated in the seventh-century in Tamil, South India (now parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala), and spread northwards. It swept over east and north India from the 15th century onwards, reached its peak between the 15th and 17th century CE. The Bhakti Saints moved against the austerities propagated by the Buddhist and Jain schools and professed that ultimate devotion to god was the means to salvation.
The Bhakti movement in medieval India witnessed the emergence of remarkable female saints who made significant contributions to religious, social, and cultural spheres. These women, through their devotion, poetry, and spiritual experiences, challenged norms, advocated for equality, and left an indelible mark on Indian history.
• Popularizing the Bhakti Movement: Meera Bai: A Rajput princess from Rajasthan, Meera Bai’s unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna transcended societal boundaries. Her soul-stirring bhajans and poems continue to resonate across generations. Andal (Godadevi): A Tamil saint-poetess, Andal’s passionate love for Lord Vishnu found expression in her Tiruppavaiand Nachiyar Tirumozhi. Her verses celebrate divine union and devotion.
• Meera Bai: A Rajput princess from Rajasthan, Meera Bai’s unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna transcended societal boundaries. Her soul-stirring bhajans and poems continue to resonate across generations.
• Andal (Godadevi): A Tamil saint-poetess, Andal’s passionate love for Lord Vishnu found expression in her Tiruppavaiand Nachiyar Tirumozhi. Her verses celebrate divine union and devotion.
• Challenging Social Norms: Akka Mahadevi: A 12th-century Kannada saint, Akka Mahadevi defied conventions by renouncing worldly life and embracing nakedness. Her vachanas (devotional poems) express her intense love for Lord Shiva. Lal Ded (Lalleshwari): A mystic poetess from Kashmir, Lal Ded’s verses blend devotion with social critique. She questioned ritualistic practices and emphasized inner spirituality.
• Akka Mahadevi: A 12th-century Kannada saint, Akka Mahadevi defied conventions by renouncing worldly life and embracing nakedness. Her vachanas (devotional poems) express her intense love for Lord Shiva.
• Lal Ded (Lalleshwari): A mystic poetess from Kashmir, Lal Ded’s verses blend devotion with social critique. She questioned ritualistic practices and emphasized inner spirituality.
• Advocacy for Equality and Empowerment: These female saints rejected traditional roles, transcending societal expectations. They sought direct communion with the divine, challenging male-dominated religious spaces. Their teachings emphasized that devotion was not bound by gender, caste, or social status. Their courage inspired other women to seek spiritual liberation.
• These female saints rejected traditional roles, transcending societal expectations. They sought direct communion with the divine, challenging male-dominated religious spaces.
• Their teachings emphasized that devotion was not bound by gender, caste, or social status. Their courage inspired other women to seek spiritual liberation.
• Enriching Regional Traditions: Mirabai: A devotee of Lord Krishna, Mirabai’s bhajans in Rajasthani and Braj Bhasha enriched North Indian devotional music. Her songs are sung even today during festivals and celebrations. Karaikkal Ammaiyar: A Tamil Shaivite saint, she composed powerful hymns in praise of Lord Shiva. Her verses reflect her unwavering devotion and spiritual wisdom.
• Mirabai: A devotee of Lord Krishna, Mirabai’s bhajans in Rajasthani and Braj Bhasha enriched North Indian devotional music. Her songs are sung even today during festivals and celebrations.
• Karaikkal Ammaiyar: A Tamil Shaivite saint, she composed powerful hymns in praise of Lord Shiva. Her verses reflect her unwavering devotion and spiritual wisdom.
• Legacy of Social Justice and Spiritual Leadership: These women saints advocated for compassion, love, and justice. Their teachings transcended religious boundaries, emphasizing the universality of devotion. Their spiritual leadership inspired social reforms, challenging oppressive practices. They championed the cause of women’s rights and dignity.
• These women saints advocated for compassion, love, and justice. Their teachings transcended religious boundaries, emphasizing the universality of devotion.
• Their spiritual leadership inspired social reforms, challenging oppressive practices. They championed the cause of women’s rights and dignity.
Conclusion
The female bhakti saints of India during the medieval period were torchbearers of devotion, courage, and social transformation. Their legacy continues to inspire generations, reminding us that spirituality knows no gender and that love for the divine can lead to profound realization.
Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent);
Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent);
2. Sundarbans, are one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Its resource richness is unparalleled, making it an invaluable ecological asset. Discuss the resource richness and major issues faced by the Sundarbans. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India.
Why the question: The article explains that for most of the world, the Sundarbans evoke a sense of awe for their flora and fauna. Key Demand of the question: To write about the resource richness of Sundarbans and issues it faces. 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: Start by giving context about Sundarbans. Body: First, write about the resource richness of Sundarbans – Bay of Bengal delta, boasts unparalleled biodiversity and invaluable resources, mangrove forests, diverse flora and fauna, serve as a crucial habitat for endangered species like the Bengal tiger and saltwater crocodile, supports thriving fisheries, sustains local livelihoods, and attracts tourists with its scenic beauty etc. Next, explain the concerns in the region – Climate change, deforestation, pollution, poaching, and human-wildlife conflicts are pressing issues. Next, discuss the efforts that are needed to be taken in this direction. Conclusion: Conclude with way forward.
Why the question:
The article explains that for most of the world, the Sundarbans evoke a sense of awe for their flora and fauna.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the resource richness of Sundarbans and issues it faces.
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:
Start by giving context about Sundarbans.
First, write about the resource richness of Sundarbans – Bay of Bengal delta, boasts unparalleled biodiversity and invaluable resources, mangrove forests, diverse flora and fauna, serve as a crucial habitat for endangered species like the Bengal tiger and saltwater crocodile, supports thriving fisheries, sustains local livelihoods, and attracts tourists with its scenic beauty etc.
Next, explain the concerns in the region – Climate change, deforestation, pollution, poaching, and human-wildlife conflicts are pressing issues.
Next, discuss the efforts that are needed to be taken in this direction.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction
The Sundarbans, a unique and dynamic ecosystem, sprawls across the Bay of Bengal delta, straddling India and Bangladesh. This vast mangrove forest, covering approximately 40,000 square kilometers, is a treasure trove of natural resources and biodiversity.
For most of the world, the Sundarbans evoke a sense of awe for their flora and fauna. The innumerable rivers, mangrove swamps, tidal backwaters, islands, creeks and forests depict nature at its most pristine and its most savage. There are Bengal tigers, saltwater crocodiles, bull sharks, venomous snakes, wild boar, monkeys, Bengal monitors and others.
Resource Richness of Sundarbans:
• Mangrove Forests: The Sundarbans is home to one of the largest contiguous mangrove forestsglobally, spanning both countries. These mangroves serve as a natural barrier against cyclones and tidal surges, protecting coastal communities.
• The Sundarbans is home to one of the largest contiguous mangrove forestsglobally, spanning both countries.
• These mangroves serve as a natural barrier against cyclones and tidal surges, protecting coastal communities.
• Biodiversity: The region boasts 373 faunal speciesand 324 floral species. It provides a critical habitatfor endangered species like the Bengal tiger, saltwater crocodile, and Ganges and Irawadi dolphins. The Royal Bengal Tigerfinds its only mangrove habitat here.
• The region boasts 373 faunal speciesand 324 floral species.
• It provides a critical habitatfor endangered species like the Bengal tiger, saltwater crocodile, and Ganges and Irawadi dolphins.
• The Royal Bengal Tigerfinds its only mangrove habitat here.
• Thriving Fisheries: The Sundarbans supports vibrant fisheries, providing livelihoods to local communities. Fish and crab are essential protein sources for inhabitants.
• The Sundarbans supports vibrant fisheries, providing livelihoods to local communities.
• Fish and crab are essential protein sources for inhabitants.
• Tourism Attraction: Its scenic beauty, mangrove boat safaris, and unique ecosystemdraw tourists. Visitors explore its mangrove creeks, spotting wildlife and experiencing its natural wonders.
• Its scenic beauty, mangrove boat safaris, and unique ecosystemdraw tourists.
• Visitors explore its mangrove creeks, spotting wildlife and experiencing its natural wonders.
Concerns in the Region:
• Climate Change: Rising sea levels, increased salinity, and extreme weather events threaten the Sundarbans. Permanent submergenceof landmass due to climate change affects biodiversity and human settlements.
• Rising sea levels, increased salinity, and extreme weather events threaten the Sundarbans.
• Permanent submergenceof landmass due to climate change affects biodiversity and human settlements.
• Deforestation and Pollution: Unsustainable exploitationof forest resources leads to habitat degradation. Chemical pollutionfrom industries contaminates rivers and water ecosystems.
• Unsustainable exploitationof forest resources leads to habitat degradation.
• Chemical pollutionfrom industries contaminates rivers and water ecosystems.
• Human-Wildlife Conflicts: Proximity to mangroves exposes communities to tiger attacksand other hazards. Loss of livelihoodsdue to conflicts impacts local well-being.
• Proximity to mangroves exposes communities to tiger attacksand other hazards.
• Loss of livelihoodsdue to conflicts impacts local well-being.
Efforts Needed:
• Climate-Resilient Policies: Implement policies to address climate change impacts. Afforestation, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable resource managementare crucial.
• Implement policies to address climate change impacts.
• Afforestation, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable resource managementare crucial.
• Community Engagement: Involve local communities in conservation efforts. Promote alternative livelihoodsto reduce dependence on forest resources.
• Involve local communities in conservation efforts.
• Promote alternative livelihoodsto reduce dependence on forest resources.
• Research and Monitoring: Continuously assess the ecosystem’s health. Mitigate human-wildlife conflictsthrough awareness and safety measures.
• Continuously assess the ecosystem’s health.
• Mitigate human-wildlife conflictsthrough awareness and safety measures.
Way Forward:
• Transboundary Cooperation: India and Bangladesh must collaborate for effective conservation. Integrated managementacross borders is essential.
• India and Bangladesh must collaborate for effective conservation.
• Integrated managementacross borders is essential.
• Nature-Based Solutions: Mangrove restoration, afforestation, and sustainable agricultureare key. Promote eco-tourismwith responsible practices.
• Mangrove restoration, afforestation, and sustainable agricultureare key.
• Promote eco-tourismwith responsible practices.
• Empower Local Communities: Education, healthcare, and livelihood diversificationare critical. Inclusive policiescan ensure a sustainable future for the Sundarbans.
• Education, healthcare, and livelihood diversificationare critical.
• Inclusive policiescan ensure a sustainable future for the Sundarbans.
Conclusion
Safeguarding the Sundarbans requires collective efforts, balancing ecological conservation with human well-being.
Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
3. Examine the reasons behind the increasing frequency of forest fires in India. What role is climate change playing in exacerbating the forest fire risk? (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question: The article explains the recent forest fires that occurred in Goa, India, in March 2023. It describes the causes and impact of the fires, which destroyed large areas of forest and wildlife habitats. Key Demand of the question: To write about causes of forest fires in India and measures need to mitigate them. 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: Start by defining forest fires and statistic regarding rising instances of forest fires in India. Body: Draw a small illustrative diagram showing major forest fire prone areas. Discuss first the reasons of forest fires; Thunderstorms are the most likely natural cause for forest fires. Slash and burn techniques etc. Write about the role of climate change in rising instances of forest fires. Next, explain the concerns posed by it. Explain why they are difficult to control. Next, discuss the efforts that are needed to be taken in this direction. Conclusion: Conclude with way forward.
Why the question:
The article explains the recent forest fires that occurred in Goa, India, in March 2023. It describes the causes and impact of the fires, which destroyed large areas of forest and wildlife habitats.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about causes of forest fires in India and measures need to mitigate them.
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:
Start by defining forest fires and statistic regarding rising instances of forest fires in India.
Draw a small illustrative diagram showing major forest fire prone areas.
Discuss first the reasons of forest fires; Thunderstorms are the most likely natural cause for forest fires. Slash and burn techniques etc. Write about the role of climate change in rising instances of forest fires.
Next, explain the concerns posed by it. Explain why they are difficult to control.
Next, discuss the efforts that are needed to be taken in this direction.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction
Forest fires are considered as one of the most widespread hazards in a forested landscape. They have a serious threat to forest and its flora and fauna. Forest fires essentially are ‘quasi-natural’, which means that they are not entirely caused by natural reasons (like volcanoes, earthquakes and tropical storms), but are caused by human activities as well. In India’s case, a combination of hot weather, oxygen and dry vegetation is a potent recipe for forest fires.
Higher forest fire incidents are reported in India during March, April and May, due to the ample availability of dry biomass following the end of winter and the prevailing summer season. Amid forest fires in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district, the Indian Air Force was engaged in firefighting operations on Sunday (April 28), the second day the fires continued raging.
Reasons for Increasing frequency of forest fires
• Forest fires can be caused by a number of natural causes, but officials say many major fires in India are triggered mainly by human activities.
• Natural: Such as lightning, high atmospheric temperatures, and dryness (low humidity) offer favourable circumstances.
• Man-made: When a source of fire like naked flame, cigarette, or bidi comes into contact with inflammable material.
• Emerging studies link climate change to rising instances of fires globally, especially the massive fires of the Amazon forests in Brazil and in Australia in the last two years.
• Fires of longer duration, increasing intensity, higher frequency and highly inflammable nature are all being linked to climate change.
• In India, forest fires are most commonly reported during March and April, when the ground has large quantities of dry wood, logs, dead leaves, stumps, dry grass and weeds that can make forests easily go up in flames if there is a trigger.
• Under natural circumstances, extreme heat and dryness, friction created by rubbing of branches with each other also have been known to initiate fire.
• In Uttarakhand, the lack of soil moisture too is being seen as a key factor.
• In two consecutive monsoon seasons (2019 and 2020), rainfall has been deficient by 18% and 20% of the seasonal average, respectively.
the role of climate change in exacerbating the forest fire risk
• Climate change has been a key factor in increasing the risk and extent of wildfires.
• Research shows that changes in climate create warmer, drier conditions.
• Climate change induced increasing global temperature and variability in rainfall results in more dried vegetation, which works as fuel for the fire.
• Thus climate change, in addition to human population pressure is one of the main causes of the increased number of forest fires and their increased intensities.
• Since the beginning of the Industrial period, the Earth’s temperature has increased by almost 20C.
• This increasing heat is contributing to two main components for forest fire, i.e. heat and the availability of fuel in the form of dry vegetation.
• Increased drought, and a longer fire season are boosting these increases in wildfire risk.
Measures to control forest fires
• Forest fire line:Successive Five-Year Plans have provided funds for forests fighting. During the British period, fire was prevented in the summer through removal of forest litter all along the forest boundary. This was called “Forest Fire Line”. This line used to prevent fire breaking into the forest from one compartment to another. The collected litter was burnt in isolation.
• This line used to prevent fire breaking into the forest from one compartment to another.
• The collected litter was burnt in isolation.
• Firebreaks: Generally, the fire spreads only if there is continuous supply of fuel (Dry vegetation) along its path. The best way to control a forest fire is therefore, to prevent it from spreading, which can be done by creating firebreaksin the shape of small clearings of ditches in the forests.
• Forest Survey of India monitors forest fire events through satellites on two platforms– MODIS and SNPP-VIIRS, both in collaboration with the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). While the SNPP-VIIRS identifies, alerts and tracks fire incidents on real time data at 375X375 sq meter pixel, the older version MODIS detects it in the range of 1kmX1km. Forest fire suppression relies very heavily on “dry” firefighting techniques because of poor water availability.
• While the SNPP-VIIRS identifies, alerts and tracks fire incidents on real time data at 375X375 sq meter pixel, the older version MODIS detects it in the range of 1kmX1km.
• Forest fire suppression relies very heavily on “dry” firefighting techniques because of poor water availability.
• Integrated forest protection: The main objective is to control forest fires and strengthen the forest protection. The works like Fireline clearing,assistance to Joint Forest Management committees, creating water bodies, purchase of vehicles and communication equipment, purchase of firefighting tools, etc., needs to be undertaken.
• Prevention of human-caused firesthrough education and environmental modification. It will include silvicultural activities, engineering works, people participation, and education and enforcement. It is proposed that more emphasis be given to people participation through Joint Forest Fire Management for fire prevention.
• Prompt detectionof fires through a well-coordinated network of observation points, efficient ground patrolling, and communication networks. Remote sensing technology is to be given due importance in fire detection. For successful fire management and administration, a National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) and Fire Forecasting System are to be developed in the country.
• Introducing a forest fuel modification system at strategic points.
• National Action Plan on Forest Fires (NAPFF): It was launched in 2018 to minimize forest fires by informing, enabling and empowering forest fringe communities and incentivizing them to work with the State Forest Departments.
Conclusion
It is important to prevent the lungs of the nation from ravages of fire. With climate change and global warming on the rise, India must prevent human-made disaster to ensure our carbon sinks are protected.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges
Topic: Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges
4. The dissemination of rumours via fabricated news has the potential to generate significant social unrest within a nation and present a threat to its internal security. Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
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 the threats posed by disinformation and ways to tackle it. Directive: Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by giving the context of spread of misinformation in the digital age. Body: First, write about the various political, economic and social consequences of the spread of misinformation and fake news. Substantiate with examples. Next, write about how the above can compromise national security. Next, write about the measures that are needed to tackle the above. 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 the threats posed by disinformation and ways to tackle it.
Directive:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving the context of spread of misinformation in the digital age.
First, write about the various political, economic and social consequences of the spread of misinformation and fake news. Substantiate with examples.
Next, write about how the above can compromise national security.
Next, write about the measures that are needed to tackle the above.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
The world has been battling a deluge of misinformation and influence operations for a long time now. The advent of internet, social media platforms and real time messengers has given a free run to criminals, miscreants, nation states and other motivated actors. In fact, society, today is experiencing something called an ‘information disorder’ where it has become extremely difficult to disambiguate truth from falsehood.
Consequences of spreading fake news
• Fake news with malicious intent : Manipulation through the social media allegedly spurred the mass exodus of north east Indians in Bangalore in 2012.
• Spread hatred and mistrust: False information propagated through fake news have helped people developing racist and xenophobic sentiments against people of Asian origin around the world, as we saw in the case of Corona epidemic. Such messages can often be a means of reinforcing existing prejudices.
• Fake news is created to deliberately misinform or deceive readers. Usually, these stories are created to either influence people’s views, push a political agenda or cause confusion and can often be a profitable business for online publishers. Ex: Muzaffarnagar riots of 2013: fake video fuelled communal passions.
• Social media has led to a dislocation of politics with people weighing in on abstractions online while being disengaged from their immediate surroundings. Social media has led to a degradation of our political discourse where serious engagement has been supplanted by “hot takes” and memes. It has obscured the providence of consequential interventions in our political discourse because of opacity in technology.
• Social media has led to a degradation of our political discourse where serious engagement has been supplanted by “hot takes” and memes.
• It has obscured the providence of consequential interventions in our political discourse because of opacity in technology.
• Misinformation and disinformation spread in media is becoming a serious social challenge. It is leading to the poisonous atmosphere on the web and causing riots and lynching on the road.
• Platforms for harmful conspiracy theories and hate speech Spread of false or discredited science – e.g. anti-vax movement
• Spread of false or discredited science – e.g. anti-vax movement
• In the age of the internet (WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter,) it is a serious problem as rumours, morphed images, click-baits, motivated stories, unverified information, planted stories for various interests spread easily among 35 crore internet users in India.
• Violence :There have been many instances of online rumours leading to killings of innocent people. In some cases, ministers have deleted tweets after realizing the fake news which they shared earlier.
• Fake news has also been used to deceive illiterate people financially. Example- Chit fund schemes introduced the concept of online fraud through spam emails.
• Fake news has reduced people’s belief in social, print and electronic media = affect the benefits of these media.
Measures needed to curb fake news
• The current response to fake news primarily revolves around three prongs— rebuttal, removal of the fake news item and educating the public. Rebuttal:It is a form of fact-checking wherein the fake news is debunked by pointing out errors like mismatch, malicious editing and misattribution. Removal of Fake news:Technical companies like Facebook and YouTube uses algorithms to proactively remove fake news from their platforms. Also, WhatsApp has put a limit on forwarding messages, so as to limit the spread to fake news.
• Rebuttal:It is a form of fact-checking wherein the fake news is debunked by pointing out errors like mismatch, malicious editing and misattribution.
• Removal of Fake news:Technical companies like Facebook and YouTube uses algorithms to proactively remove fake news from their platforms.
• Also, WhatsApp has put a limit on forwarding messages, so as to limit the spread to fake news.
• Education and Awareness: The government must take the initiative to make all sections of the population aware of the realities of this information war and evolve a consensus to fight this war. Itmust also take strict action against the fake news providers. Ex: Italy has experimentally added ‘recognizing fake news’ in school syllabus. India should also seriously emphasize cybersecurity, internet education, fake news education in the academic curriculum at all levels.
• Ex: Italy has experimentally added ‘recognizing fake news’ in school syllabus. India should also seriously emphasize cybersecurity, internet education, fake news education in the academic curriculum at all levels.
• Strict Regulation: News being spread using chatbots and other automated pieces of software should automatically be selected for special screening.
• Bring out policy-: The government should bring out a draft seeking opinion from stakeholders regarding issues of controlling fake news.Any future guidelines on ‘fake news’ should target ‘fake news’ and not try to regulate media in the name of ‘fake news’.
• Regulatory mechanism:The PCI needs to be reformed and empowered in a way so as to enable it tostrike a balance between the freedom of media and speech on the one hand, and right to know on the other.
• Government should have independent agency: to verify the data being circulated in social and other media. The agency should be tasked with presenting real facts and figures.
• An ombudsman Institution:To receive complaints on fake news and initiate immediate action.
• Accountability of Social Media:Social media websites should be made accountable of such activities so that it becomes their responsibility to have better control over the spread of fake news.
• Using Artificial Intelligence: The artificial intelligence technologies, particularly machine learning and natural language processing, might be leveraged to combat the fake news problem. AI technologies hold promise for significantly automating parts of the procedure human fact checkers use today to determine if a story is real or a hoax.
Conclusion
Fake news affects free speech and informed choices of citizens of the country, leading to the hijacking of democracy. Hence it is extremely important that there is a collective effort from all the stake holders involved to tackle this menace comprehensively.
*Value addition*
*Laws and Regulation to Curb Fake News in India:*
• Press Council of India:It is a regulatory body which can warn, admonish or censure the newspaper, the news agency, the editor or the journalist or disapprove the conduct of the editor or the journalist if it finds that a newspaper or a news agency has violated journalistic ethics.
• News Broadcasters Association:It represents the private television news and current affairs broadcasters. The self-regulatory body probes complaints against electronic media.**
• Indian Broadcast Foundation:It looks into the complaints against contents aired by channels.**
• Broadcasting Content Complaint Council: It admits complaints against TV broadcasters for objectionable TV content and fake news.**
• Indian Penal Code:Section 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) and Section 295 (injuring or defiling a place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class) can be invoked to guard against fake news.**
• Information Technology Act 2000: According to the Section 66 of the act, if any person, dishonestly or fraudulently, does any act referred to in Section 43 (damage to computer, computer system), shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine which may extend to five lakh rupees or with both.**
• Civil or Criminal Case for Defamation:It is another resort against fake news for individuals and groups hurt by the fake news. IPC Section 499 (defamation) and Section 500 (whoever defames another shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both) provide for a defamation suit.**
• Fake news has existed since the dawn of the printing press but in the age of the internet and social media, it has found a tremendous application.Manipulation of algorithms of social media and search engines is a global trend now.
• Misinformation and disinformation spread in the media is becoming a serious social challenge.It is leading to the poisonous atmosphere on the web and causing riots and lynching on the road.**
Topic: money laundering and its prevention.
Topic: money laundering and its prevention.
5. Cryptocurrencies can make it easy to obscure the source of criminal proceeds and are increasingly becoming the preferred currency because cryptocurrency offers a combination of anonymity, ease of use and the ability to circumvent international borders and regulations, in essence, to launder the ill-gotten proceeds. Examine. (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 how cryptocurrency has facilitated money laundering and measures needed to prevent it. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Start by giving context regarding the challenges posed by cryptocurrency. Body: First, explain in detail as to how crypto can facilitate money laundering and challenges it poses for the enforcement agencies to tack and analyse it. Next, write about the measures that are needed to ensure this growing technology is regulated and challenges associated with it are overcome. Conclusion: Conclude by summarising.
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 how cryptocurrency has facilitated money laundering and measures needed to prevent it.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by giving context regarding the challenges posed by cryptocurrency.
First, explain in detail as to how crypto can facilitate money laundering and challenges it poses for the enforcement agencies to tack and analyse it.
Next, write about the measures that are needed to ensure this growing technology is regulated and challenges associated with it are overcome.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
Cryptocurrency is a digital currency in which transactions are verified and records maintained by a decentralized system using cryptography, rather than by a centralized authority. It is not issued by any central authority, rendering it theoretically immune to government interference or manipulation.
On March 7, the government issued a notification bringing transactions involving crypto assets under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. It laid out the nature of transactions to be covered under PMLA.
Cryptocurrency and money laundering
• Criminals open online accounts with digital currency exchanges, which accept fiat currency from traditional bank accounts. Then, they start a ‘cleansing’ process (mixing and layering), i.e., moving money into the cryptocurrency system by using mixers, tumblers, and chain hopping (also called cross-currency). Money is moved from one cryptocurrency into another, across digital currency exchanges — the less-regulated the better — to create a money trail that is almost impossible to track.
• According to the “Cryptocurrency Anti-Money Laundering Report,” criminals also use theft and gambling to launder cryptocurrencies.
• Creation of Dark Web or Dark Market which cause it to exploit users through hacking.
• With a market capitalization of $350 billion, bitcoin is the largest cryptocurrency in the world. A distinctive feature of bitcoin is that a record of all transactions is held in a public ledger maintained simultaneously across thousands of computers. As per bitcoin proponents, the latter are prone to manipulation or hacking.
• Cryptocurrency does not have any legal tender. So, it cannot be authorized and can be subscribed by anyone which results in money laundering.
• Since it doesn’t have regulatory authority, it is easy to trade between countries and can cause money laundering in disguise of trading.
• Cryptocurrency is highly encrypted and cannot be traced easily.
• Layering: Cryptocurrencies can be purchased with cash (fiat) or other types of crypto (altcoin). Online cryptocurrency trading markets (exchanges) have varying levels of compliance with regulations regarding financial transactions. Legitimate exchanges follow regulatory requirements for identity verification and sourcing of funds and are Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliant. Other exchanges are not as AML compliant. This vulnerability is where most transactions related to bitcoin money laundering take place.
• Hiding: Crypto-based transactions can generally be followed via the blockchain. However, once a dirty cryptocurrency is in play, criminals can use an anonymizing service to hide the funds’ source, breaking the links between bitcoin transactions. This can be accomplished both on regular crypto exchanges or by participating in an Initial Coin Offering (ICO), where using one type of coin to pay for another type, can obfuscate the digital currency’s origin.
• Integration: The point at which you can no longer easily trace dirty currency back to criminal activity is the integration point – the final phase of currency laundering. Despite the currency no longer being directly tied to crime, money launderers still need a way to explain how they came into possession of the currency. Integration is that explanation. A simple method of legitimizing the illicit income is to present it as the result of a profitable venture or other currency appreciation. This can be very hard to disprove in a market when the value of any given altcoin can change by the second.
• Tumblers: Mixing services, known as “tumblers,” can effectively split up the dirty cryptocurrency. Tumblers send it through a series of various addresses, then recombine it. The reassembly results in a new, “clean” total (less any service fees, which can often be substantial.
• Unregulated Exchanges: Another avenue through which criminals can undertake bitcoin money laundering is unregulated cryptocurrency exchanges.
• Peer to Peer: To lower bitcoin money laundering risk, many criminals turn to decentralized peer-to-peer networks which are frequently international. Here, they can often use unsuspecting third parties to send funds on their way to the next destination.
• Gaming site: Online gambling and gaming through sites that accept bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies is another way to conduct a crypto money-laundering scheme. Crypto can be used to buy credit or virtual chips which users can cash out again after just a few small transactions.
Crypto assets covered under PMLA
• Exchange between virtual digital assets and fiat currencies; exchange between one or more forms of virtual digital assets
• Transfer of virtual digital assets.
• Safekeeping or administration of virtual digital assets or instruments enabling control over virtual digital assets.
• Participation in and provision of financial services related to an issuer’s offer and sale of a virtual digital asset.
• The measure is expected to aid investigative agencies in carrying out action against crypto firms.
• The Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax Department have either probed or are probing several cases against companies running cryptocurrency exchanges and transactions. ED, for instance, froze the bank balances of the popular WazirX exchange last year.
Conclusion
Publicly, the cryptocurrency industry has largely welcomed the move. Internally, however, there are concerns that the notification does not offer entities time to adhere to the fresh norms. The industry is also concerned that in the absence of a central regulator, crypto entities could end up dealing directly with enforcement agencies like the ED.
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)
“It is our moral failure that we still tolerate poverty” – Ela Bhatt
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 how prevalence and tolerance of poverty is moral failure of the society and why it displays a lack of compassion and altruism. Mention the values that must be promoted to end poverty. 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 how prevalence and tolerance of poverty is moral failure of the society and why it displays a lack of compassion and altruism. Mention the values that must be promoted to end poverty.
Conclusion:
Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.
Introduction
It’s bad reasoning, not human nature, that blinds us to the predicament of the poor. If poverty is intolerable, it is not just because serious deprivation makes our lives precarious and dreadful, but also because extreme poverty can rob us of the normal human feelings that we tend to have. Given the nastiness of extreme deprivation, and the wealth of the world, there is some difficulty in explaining how poverty is an accepted predicament of so many people across the world.
While the incidence of poverty varies from country to country, there is no country that is free from it: the question of why we tolerate the intolerable has relevance for every country in the world.
Blaming the victim is as common today as it was in the days when very mild attempts at poverty relief, such as the English Poor Laws, had their staunch opponents. It is not, however, easy to see how the army of the unemployed and the destitute can readily reverse their own predicament, without extensive social and economic change.
Human beings are basically self-centered creatures who do not worry about others. Going further, some argue that there is, in fact, no compelling reason why others should have any moral obligation to help remove deprivation unless they are themselves responsible for the condition of the deprived.
To conclude, it is hard to believe that the quiet tolerance of poverty and deprivation really arises from some basic inability of people to sympathise with each other. We get more help from the hypothesis of ignorance—not arising from the unavailability of empirical information, but from established barriers against paying attention to information about socially distanced people. In the case of India, it is almost certainly linked to hardened social stratifications of caste, class and gender and to the biases that these barriers impose on the coverage of the otherwise vibrant Indian media. The nature of that media, however, is not an immutable social fact, and a clear recognition of the need for change can itself be an important step towards remedying the limited nature of the coverage. The fact that the experience of the world—from Europe to east Asia—shows a positive connection between economic expansion, on the one hand, and public efforts to enhance human capability, on the other, has to be much more widely discussed and far better appreciated.
Conclusion
If it seems possible that the tolerance of the intolerable arises ultimately from fallacious reasoning, rather than from the unsympathetic nature of human beings, that recognition must surely provide some ground for relief. It also generates the understanding that there is work to be done.
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)
“One’s life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others.” ― Simone de Beauvoir
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 how one can generate value in his/her life by creating or generating value in others life or contribution to the happiness of others. Cite examples to substantiate wherein people to served others added value to their own life. 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 how one can generate value in his/her life by creating or generating value in others life or contribution to the happiness of others. Cite examples to substantiate wherein people to served others added value to their own life.
Conclusion:
Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.
Introduction
“One’s life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, indignation and compassion.”
You will be remembered more for your kindness, love, compassion than any level of success you could possibly attain. Mother Teresa was known for kindness, love, compassion and upliftment of the poor and downtrodden.
You may think you’re just doing a job, but the people around you notice who you are. They will remember your kindness. All too often, it can seem that history books are packed with marauding royals, dishonest politicians, warring nations and murderous plots. However, history is also full of examples of kind and good gestures.
Our life becomes meaningful because of our bonds with other fellow human beings. These bonds are made of love friendship and compassion. For instance, a child has no need for the mother’s wealth but for the love and care. Your true friends don’t ask you if you are wealthy to be friends with you, rather they stand by you during your tough times.
All our great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, were greatest souls that walked the earth simply because of the personalities they were and the work they did. Their clothes or how they looked didn’t matter. The impact they had on the lives of people is the only reason they are immortal. They liberated billions of people during their time and brought in social revolution.
Conclusion
When recalling people who are memorable in our own lives, they are not always people who we believed to be the smartest or most credentialed, but often those who made us feel the most comfortable, and who were most interested in us. Authentic interest is uniquely attractive. Not only will you remember what someone said, but they will also remember you.
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