[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 4 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. What are the causes for urban poverty in India? Discuss the measures that can be taken in order to end urban poverty in the country. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question: The India Employment Report (IER) 2024 by the Institute for Human Development and International Labour shows a divergent trend between rural and urban areas in terms of employment and income. Key Demand of the question: To write about causes of urban poverty and steps that are needed in order to end it. Directive word: Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by giving statistic about the numbers of urban poor in India Body: First, mention the various causes of poverty in Urban areas and how it is much more severe than the rural areas. Next, write about the measures that are needed in order to end urban poverty – minimum wages, social security, food and nutritional security and rehabilitation and resettlement, Housing etc. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

The India Employment Report (IER) 2024 by the Institute for Human Development and International Labour shows a divergent trend between rural and urban areas in terms of employment and income.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about causes of urban poverty and steps that are needed in order to end it.

Directive word:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by giving statistic about the numbers of urban poor in India

First, mention the various causes of poverty in Urban areas and how it is much more severe than the rural areas.

Next, write about the measures that are needed in order to end urban poverty – minimum wages, social security, food and nutritional security and rehabilitation and resettlement, Housing etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

Urban poverty in India is over 25 percent; close to 81 million people in urban areas live below the poverty line. Over the years, due to high migration, the poverty in the country is transiting largely from rural to urban. To make rapid economic progress, India needs to improve the well-being of the workforce that migrates to cities in the hope of a better life.

The India Employment Report (IER) 2024 by the Institute for Human Development and International Labour Organization poses questions on the trickle-down effect of benefits to the working class in the backdrop of a 5.4% average real economic growth, from 2015-16 to 2022-23.

Present Status

• India lifted about 415 million people out of multidimensional poverty between 2005-06 and 2019-21, according to the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).

• Urban poverty dropped from 9% to 5.5%.

• The Atmanirbhar Health Infrastructure Yojana has prioritised strengthening urban health centres and the creation of frontline health teams.

Findings from the India Employment Report (IER) 2024 report

• It also shows a divergent trend between rural and urban areas in terms of employment and income.

• It demonstrates a relatively higher unemployment rate in urban areas, at 4.8% in 2000 over the 1.5% in rural areas.

• However, average monthly earnings are higher by 76% for self-employed, 44% for regular employed and 22% for casual labour in urban areas in 2022.

• The coexistence of higher unemployment and wages requires further investigation to understand its implications for the urban poor.

Causes for urban poverty

• High vulnerability Indian cities are vulnerable to multiple disasters like urban floods, urban heat islands, air pollution, inaccessibility of potable water etc.

• Indian cities are vulnerable to multiple disasters like urban floods, urban heat islands, air pollution, inaccessibility of potable water etc.

• Proliferation of slums land to people ratio in cities has been exacerbated. there is lack of hygienic and sanitation in slums

• land to people ratio in cities has been exacerbated.

• there is lack of hygienic and sanitation in slums

• Non-inclusive development Urban poor are not receiving the benefits of the development –rich are getting richer with development while poor are getting poorer. India is quite far behind in inclusivity index.

• Urban poor are not receiving the benefits of the development –rich are getting richer with development while poor are getting poorer.

• India is quite far behind in inclusivity index.

• Development at the cost of poor The peri-urban areas where tribes live are being occupied for establishments of industries without proper compensation and rehabilitation.

• The peri-urban areas where tribes live are being occupied for establishments of industries without proper compensation and rehabilitation.

Implications

• People living in slum areas are also prone to suffer from waterborne diseases such as typhoid and cholera.

• Women and children living in slums are prone to become victims of social evils like prostitution, beggary and child trafficking.

• Hunger, malnourishment, lack of quality education, high infant mortality, child marriage, child labour are some of the social problems prevalent for urban poor.

Concerns / Challenges

• Urban commons like lake, urban forests, green areas in Cities are adversely affected due to the need for development.

• As per a survey people in mega cities spend more time in office than home. Family life has been affected adversely.

• Municipal bodies have lost revenues after the introduction of GST as entry tax and octroi are no longer with them.

• While an increase in property tax is an option, this alone will not suffice.

• Stamp duty is a big revenue source in urban areas but it’s not directly available to local bodies.

• Contrary to B R Ambedkar’s hope that urbanisation will break caste hierarchies, our large cities are among the most segregated.

Conclusion & Way Forward

• The focus on urban employment generation programmes should be in coordination with local governments.

• A major local initiative would be to design and implement employment-intensive investment policies.

• There is a need to prioritise urban infrastructure.

• A labour-intensive approach to building municipal infrastructure can be a cost-effective alternative to capital intensive-approach as wage rates are low.

• Infrastructure investments would spur employment, generate earnings and contribute to small enterprise formation.

• Construction of low-cost housing can be carried out using labour-intensive methods, while yielding substantial benefits for urban dwellers.

• There is need for an urban employment scheme oriented toward building large-scale medical, health and sanitation infrastructure in cities and towns across India.

• Skilling, upskilling, and re-skilling opportunities must be readily available for poor households in ways that enable them to combine work with skill upgradation.

• Focusing on rural development and to enhance services like education, health, electricity and water and sanitation services are effective means to control rural to urban migration.

General Studies – 2

Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.

Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.

2. While the Kathchatheevu Island issue may remain a point of contention between India and Sri Lanka, it should not overshadow the broader imperative of strengthening bilateral ties for mutual benefit. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Indian Express , Times of India

Why the question: A small, uninhabited island that is part of Sri Lanka has sparked a political row in India weeks before general elections kick off. Key Demand of the question: To write about the Indo-Lanka relations, challenges especially withr respect to Kathchatheevu island and ways to iron out differences. 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 the context of India- Sri Lankan relations in the past and how it has changed over time. Body: First, write the issue of Kathchatheevu island and its impact on Indo-Lanka bilateral relations. Next, suggest strategies to deal with differences in order to maintain close relations for mutal benefit. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

A small, uninhabited island that is part of Sri Lanka has sparked a political row in India weeks before general elections kick off.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the Indo-Lanka relations, challenges especially withr respect to Kathchatheevu island and ways to iron out differences.

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 the context of India- Sri Lankan relations in the past and how it has changed over time.

First, write the issue of Kathchatheevu island and its impact on Indo-Lanka bilateral relations.

Next, suggest strategies to deal with differences in order to maintain close relations for mutal benefit.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

The Katchatheevu Islands have re-entered the discourse, driven by the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, presenting an opportune platform to court voters in Tamil Nadu, where the longstanding fisherman issues with Sri Lanka are fiercely discussed.

About Katchatheevu island

• The Katchatheevu Islands are a pair of uninhabited islands located in the Palk Strait, between the southeastern coast of India (Tamil Nadu) and the northern coast of Sri Lanka.

• The larger island is known as Katchatheevu, while the smaller one is called Imaravan.

• These islands have been historically significant due to their strategic location and their importance in the fishing activities of both India and Sri Lanka.

• The fishermen used it to dry their nets and catch fish.

• When the Zamindari system was abolished, Kachchatheevu became a part of the Presidency of Madras.

• When India became independent and initiated a boundary negotiation at the maritime level with Sri Lanka, Kachchatheevu was a disputed territory between Ceylon and the British and there was never an agreement on boundary ever.

• In 1947 and 1976, as per agreements, the issue was bilaterally resolved between India and Sri Lanka, and the resultant maritime agreement has allowed Indians to visit Kachchatheevu for pilgrimage for which no visa is required.

• The Indian government has maintained that the right of access to Kachchatheevu does not cover any fishing rights.

India-Sri Lanka Relations: A Historical Perspective

• Ancient Ties: The relationship between India and Sri Lanka dates back over 2,500 years. Both countries share a legacy of intellectual, cultural, religious, and linguistic interactions. Buddhism played a crucial role in connecting the two nations.

• The relationship between India and Sri Lanka dates back over 2,500 years.

• Both countries share a legacy of intellectual, cultural, religious, and linguistic interactions.

• Buddhism played a crucial role in connecting the two nations.

• Recent Developments: In recent years, bilateral relations have been marked by close contacts at all levels. Trade, investment, and cooperation in infrastructure, education, culture, and defense have strengthened ties.

• In recent years, bilateral relations have been marked by close contacts at all levels.

• Trade, investment, and cooperation in infrastructure, education, culture, and defense have strengthened ties.

• Post-Civil War Era: The Sri Lankan Civil War, which lasted nearly three decades, ended in 2009. India supported Sri Lanka’s fight against terrorism while advocating for a negotiated political settlement.

• The Sri Lankan Civil War, which lasted nearly three decades, ended in 2009.

• India supported Sri Lanka’s fight against terrorism while advocating for a negotiated political settlement.

The Katchatheevu Island Issue: Impact on Bilateral Relations

• Location and Significance: Katchatheevu is a 285-acre uninhabited island in the Palk Strait, between India and Sri Lanka. It lies northeast of Rameswaram and southwest of Jaffna. The island has a strategic location in the Indian Ocean.

• Katchatheevu is a 285-acre uninhabited island in the Palk Strait, between India and Sri Lanka.

• It lies northeast of Rameswaram and southwest of Jaffna.

• The island has a strategic location in the Indian Ocean.

• Historical Controversy: India, under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, relinquished its claims over Katchatheevu in 1974. Documents suggest that Congress never attached much importance to the island. The issue remains a hot-button political topic in Tamil Nadu.

• India, under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, relinquished its claims over Katchatheevu in 1974.

• Documents suggest that Congress never attached much importance to the island.

• The issue remains a hot-button political topic in Tamil Nadu.

• Political and Legal Stand: Politically, the issue of Katchatheevu has been used by various parties in India to criticise the government’s stance on the matter. Legal challenges have also been raised regarding the legality of the agreements ceding the island to Sri Lanka.

• Politically, the issue of Katchatheevu has been used by various parties in India to criticise the government’s stance on the matter.

• Legal challenges have also been raised regarding the legality of the agreements ceding the island to Sri Lanka.

• Bilateral Discussions: Despite the contentious nature of the issue, both India and Sri Lanka have engaged in bilateral discussions to address the concerns of fishermen from Tamil Nadu. Various proposals, such as joint patrolling and fishing zones, have been suggested to resolve the issue amicably.

• Despite the contentious nature of the issue, both India and Sri Lanka have engaged in bilateral discussions to address the concerns of fishermen from Tamil Nadu.

• Various proposals, such as joint patrolling and fishing zones, have been suggested to resolve the issue amicably.

Strategies for Strengthening India-Sri Lanka Relations

• Economic Collaboration: Enhance trade and investment ties. Explore joint ventures in infrastructure, technology, and tourism. Promote people-to-people exchanges.

• Enhance trade and investment ties.

• Explore joint ventures in infrastructure, technology, and tourism.

• Promote people-to-people exchanges.

• Maritime Cooperation: Develop a common security umbrella in the Indian Ocean. Collaborate on maritime surveillance, anti-piracy efforts, and disaster management.

• Develop a common security umbrella in the Indian Ocean.

• Collaborate on maritime surveillance, anti-piracy efforts, and disaster management.

• Cultural Diplomacy: Foster cultural exchanges, especially in areas like Buddhism. Restore or establish Buddhist monasteries, museums, and heritage sites.

• Foster cultural exchanges, especially in areas like Buddhism.

• Restore or establish Buddhist monasteries, museums, and heritage sites.

• Addressing Differences: Engage in open dialogue to resolve contentious issues. Sensitively handle historical controversies like Katchatheevu. Respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

• Engage in open dialogue to resolve contentious issues.

• Sensitively handle historical controversies like Katchatheevu.

• Respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Way Forward

• Strategic Vision: Elevate the existing relationship to a “special relationship”. Work towards shared goals in regional stability and prosperity.

• Elevate the existing relationship to a “special relationship”.

• Work towards shared goals in regional stability and prosperity.

• Connectivity and Infrastructure: Develop land and sea connectivity projects. Leverage Sri Lanka’s strategic ports for mutual benefit.

• Develop land and sea connectivity projects.

• Leverage Sri Lanka’s strategic ports for mutual benefit.

• Ocean Resources and Security: Collaborate on sustainable ocean resource management. Strengthen naval cooperation to ensure maritime security.

• Collaborate on sustainable ocean resource management.

• Strengthen naval cooperation to ensure maritime security.

• Public Diplomacy: Project a positive image of Sri Lanka in India. Foster goodwill through cultural events, educational exchanges, and media outreach.

• Project a positive image of Sri Lanka in India.

• Foster goodwill through cultural events, educational exchanges, and media outreach.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

3. The Environment Protection Act, 1986 remains an important piece of legislation in India’s environmental regulatory framework, and continued efforts are needed to ensure its effective implementation and enforcement. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: en.wikipedia.org

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 provisions of the Environment Protection Act, its strengths and limitations. 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 the answer by writing about the objectives of Environment Protection Act. Body: First, write about the major revisions of Environment Protection Act – set standards for emissions and discharge of environmental pollutants, establishes regulatory bodies to regulate pollution, and provides for the regulation of hazardous substances., penalties and punishment for violation of its provisions. Next, write about the strengths and limitations of the above. Conclusion: Conclude with 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 provisions of the Environment Protection Act, its strengths and limitations.

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 the answer by writing about the objectives of Environment Protection Act.

First, write about the major revisions of Environment Protection Act – set standards for emissions and discharge of environmental pollutants, establishes regulatory bodies to regulate pollution, and provides for the regulation of hazardous substances., penalties and punishment for violation of its provisions.

Next, write about the strengths and limitations of the above.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward

Introduction

The Environment (Protection) Act (EPA) was enacted in 1986 with the objective of providing the protection and improvement of the environment. The Act is largely regarded as a response to the Bhopal gas tragedy. The Act was enacted by the Government of India in accordance with Article 253 of the Indian Constitution, which authorises the union government to establish legislation to give effect to foreign agreements made by the country.

Major features of EPA

• The Central government is also empowered to: Plan and Execute a nation-wide programmefor the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution. Lay down standards for the quality of environmentin its various aspects. Lay down standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutantsfrom various sources. The restriction of areas in which any industries, operations or processes or class of industries, operations or processes shall/ shall not be carried out subject to certain safeguards.

• Plan and Execute a nation-wide programmefor the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution.

• Lay down standards for the quality of environmentin its various aspects.

• Lay down standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutantsfrom various sources.

• The restriction of areas in which any industries, operations or processes or class of industries, operations or processes shall/ shall not be carried out subject to certain safeguards.

• The Central Government may appoint officers under this Act for various purposes and entrust them with the corresponding powers and functions.

• The central government as per the Act has the power to direct: The closure, prohibition or regulation of any industry, operation or process. The stoppage or regulation of the supply of electricity or water or any other service.

• The closure, prohibition or regulation of any industry, operation or process.

• The stoppage or regulation of the supply of electricity or water or any other service.

• Restriction on Pollutant Discharge: No individual or organization shall discharge/emit or permit to discharge/emit any environmental pollutant in excess of the prescribed standards.

• Compliance with Procedural Safeguards: No individual shall handle or shall be caused to handle any hazardous substance except in accordance with the procedure and without complying with the safeguards, as prescribed.

• Powers of Entry and Inspection: Any person empowered by the Central Government shall have a right to enter (with the assistance deemed necessary) at any place: For the inspection of compliance of any orders, notifications and directions given under the Act. For the purpose of examining (and if required seizing) any equipment, industrial plant, record, register, document or any other material object may furnish evidence of the commission of an offence punishable under this Act.

• For the inspection of compliance of any orders, notifications and directions given under the Act.

• For the purpose of examining (and if required seizing) any equipment, industrial plant, record, register, document or any other material object may furnish evidence of the commission of an offence punishable under this Act.

• Establishment of Environmental Laboratories: The Central Government, as per the Act, is entitled to: Establish environmental laboratories. Recognize any laboratory or institute as environmental laboratories to carry out the functions entrusted to such a laboratory. The Central Government is also entitled to make rules specifying the functions of environmental laboratories.

• Establish environmental laboratories.

• Recognize any laboratory or institute as environmental laboratories to carry out the functions entrusted to such a laboratory.

• The Central Government is also entitled to make rules specifying the functions of environmental laboratories.

• Appointment of Government Analyst: A Government Analyst is appointed by the Central Government for the analyzing the samples of air, water, soil or other substance sent to a recognized environmental laboratory.

• Penalties for Offences: Non-compliance or Contravention to any of the provisions of the Act is considered as an offence. Any offences under the EPA are punishable with the imprisonment of up to five years or a fine up to one lakh rupees or both.

• Any offences under the EPA are punishable with the imprisonment of up to five years or a fine up to one lakh rupees or both.

• Offences by Companies: If an offence under this Act is committed by a company, every person directly in charge of the company, at the time of the commitment of offence, is deemed to be guilty unless proven otherwise.

• Offences by Government Departments: If an offence under this Act has been committed by any Department of Government, the Head of the Department (HoD) shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence unless proven otherwise. Any officer, other than HoD, if proven guilty, shall also be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

• Any officer, other than HoD, if proven guilty, shall also be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

• Cognizance of offences: No Court shall take cognizance of any offence under this Act except on a complaint made by: The Central Government or any authority on behalf of the former. A person who has approached the Courts after a 60-day notice has been furnished to the Central Government or the authority on its behalf.

• The Central Government or any authority on behalf of the former.

• A person who has approached the Courts after a 60-day notice has been furnished to the Central Government or the authority on its behalf.

Strengths of the Act

• It empowers the Central Government to establish authorities charged with the mandate of preventing environmental pollution in all its forms and to tackle specific environmental problems that are peculiar to different parts of the country.

• The Central Government shall have the power to take all such measures as it deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of protecting and improving the quality of the environment in coordination with the State Governments.

• The Act is one of the most comprehensive legislations with a pretext to protection and improvement of the environment.

Limitations

• While the Centre is given broad powers, the state governments are given none, the former is prone to arbitrariness and abuse.

• The Act likewise makes no mention of public participation in environmental protection.

• Citizens must be involved in environmental preservation to counteract arbitrariness and promote understanding and empathy for the environment.

• The Act does not address current concepts of pollution such as noise, overcrowded transportation systems, and radiation waves, all of which contribute to the deterioration of the environment.

Conclusion

EPA was enacted with the primary purpose of conserving and enhancing the environment and associated issues. It empowers the Central Government to make all necessary efforts to avoid and control pollution, as well as to construct effective machinery to protect, improve, and regulate environmental pollution.

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

4. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) outlines India’s strategy to address the challenges posed by climate change. Elucidate. (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 National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) potential to achieve sustainable development. Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by mentioning the aims and objectives of climate change. Body: Write about 8 parts of NAPCC – which are aimed at ensuring both developments and combat climate crisis. Cite examples to substantiate the points as to how they achieve convergence. Hint: National solar mission is aimed achieving energy security as well as clean energy. Next, write about the limitation of the above to tackle climate change. 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 National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) potential to achieve sustainable development.

Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by mentioning the aims and objectives of climate change.

Write about 8 parts of NAPCC – which are aimed at ensuring both developments and combat climate crisis. Cite examples to substantiate the points as to how they achieve convergence. Hint: National solar mission is aimed achieving energy security as well as clean energy.

Next, write about the limitation of the above to tackle climate change.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

The National Action Plan on Climate change was formally launched on June 30th, 2008. The NAPCC identifies measures that promote development objectives while also yielding co-benefits for addressing climate change effectively. There are eight “National Missions” which form the core of the National action plan. They focus on promoting understanding of climate change, adaptation and mitigation, energy efficiency and natural resource conservation.

The eight missions are:

• National Solar Mission The objective of the mission is to increase the share of solar energy in the total energy mix of the country, while also expanding the scope of other renewable sources.

• The objective of the mission is to increase the share of solar energy in the total energy mix of the country, while also expanding the scope of other renewable sources.

• National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency Mandating specific energy consumption decreases in large energy consuming industries and creating a framework to certify excess energy savings along with market-based mechanisms to trade these savings. Innovative measures to make energy efficient appliances/products in certain sectors more affordable.

• Mandating specific energy consumption decreases in large energy consuming industries and creating a framework to certify excess energy savings along with market-based mechanisms to trade these savings.

• Innovative measures to make energy efficient appliances/products in certain sectors more affordable.

• National Mission on Sustainable Habitat The aim of the Mission is to make habitats more sustainable through a threefold approach that includes: Improvements in energy efficiency of buildings in residential and commercial sector; Management of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW); Promote urban public transport

• The aim of the Mission is to make habitats more sustainable through a threefold approach that includes: Improvements in energy efficiency of buildings in residential and commercial sector; Management of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW); Promote urban public transport

• National Water Mission The National Water Mission aims at conserving water, minimizing wastage and ensuring more equitable distribution through integrated water resource management. The Water Mission will develop a framework to increase the water use efficiency by 20%. It calls for strategies to tackle variability in rainfall and river flows such as enhancing surface and underground water storage, rainwater harvesting and more efficient irrigation systems like sprinklers or drip irrigation.

• The National Water Mission aims at conserving water, minimizing wastage and ensuring more equitable distribution through integrated water resource management.

• The Water Mission will develop a framework to increase the water use efficiency by 20%.

• It calls for strategies to tackle variability in rainfall and river flows such as enhancing surface and underground water storage, rainwater harvesting and more efficient irrigation systems like sprinklers or drip irrigation.

• National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem The Plan calls for empowering local communities especially Panchayats to play a greater role in managing ecological resources. It also reaffirms the following measures mentioned in the National Environment Policy, 2006.

• The Plan calls for empowering local communities especially Panchayats to play a greater role in managing ecological resources.

• It also reaffirms the following measures mentioned in the National Environment Policy, 2006.

• National Mission for a Green India This Mission aims at enhancing ecosystem services such as carbon sinks. It builds on the Prime Minister’s Green India campaign for afforestation of 6 million hectares and the national target of increasing land area under forest cover from 23% to 33%. It is to be implemented on degraded forest land through Joint Forest Management Committees set up under State Departments of Forests. These Committees will promote direct action by communities.

• This Mission aims at enhancing ecosystem services such as carbon sinks.

• It builds on the Prime Minister’s Green India campaign for afforestation of 6 million hectares and the national target of increasing land area under forest cover from 23% to 33%.

• It is to be implemented on degraded forest land through Joint Forest Management Committees set up under State Departments of Forests.

• These Committees will promote direct action by communities.

• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture The aim is to make Indian agriculture more resilient to climate change by identifying new varieties of crops, especially thermal resistant ones and alternative cropping patterns. This is to be supported by integration of traditional knowledge and practical systems, information technology and biotechnology, as well as new credit and insurance mechanisms.

• The aim is to make Indian agriculture more resilient to climate change by identifying new varieties of crops, especially thermal resistant ones and alternative cropping patterns.

• This is to be supported by integration of traditional knowledge and practical systems, information technology and biotechnology, as well as new credit and insurance mechanisms.

• National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change This Mission strives to work with the global community in research and technology development and collaboration through a variety of mechanisms and, in addition, will also have its own research agenda supported by a network of dedicated climate change related institutions and universities and a Climate Research Fund. The Mission will also encourage private sector initiatives for developing innovative technologies for adaptation and mitigation.

• This Mission strives to work with the global community in research and technology development and collaboration through a variety of mechanisms and, in addition, will also have its own research agenda supported by a network of dedicated climate change related institutions and universities and a Climate Research Fund.

• The Mission will also encourage private sector initiatives for developing innovative technologies for adaptation and mitigation.

Limitation of the above to tackle climate change

• The plan report makes no commitment to cut the country’s carbon emission which should have been an integral part of it.

• The focal point of NAPCC seems to be solar power mission only and the government’s efforts to maximize the solar energy seemingly approve it.

• Missions related to sustainable habitat, water, and agriculture and forestry are multi-sectoral, overlapping, multi-departmental, advisory and very slow moving in nature.

• Several ongoing activities are in principle aligned with the objectives of these missions which should either be integrated with the missions or scrapped to save the time and cost.

• Another challenge is the monitoring systems, which are either ineffective or absent.

• Progress reports for NSM, NMEEE, and NWM are currently available but mapping of progress for other missions has been difficult due to their cross-cutting nature.

• The cross-cutting subjects of the missions have not yielded any positive results on grounds yet so a new approach is needed to solve this and bring the agenda of climate change to the mainstream.

Conclusion

By releasing the NAPCC, the Indian government has shown its commitment to address climate change issues and also sent a positive message to the public, industries, and civil society about the government’s concern to address the climate change issue through concerted action. Issues related to the awareness regarding global warming and climate change among the general population and the issue related to agriculture and health hazards due to climate change must be addressed strongly and effectively.

Topic: Disaster and disaster management.

Topic: Disaster and disaster management.

5. What is a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF)? Analyse India’s vulnerabilities to GLOF. Is India prepared and equipped to handle a GLOF disaster? (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question: Rising temperatures have increased the risk of glacial lake bursts of the kind that devastated the Kedarnath valley in 2013 and parts of Chamoli in 2021. Uttarakhand has commissioned a GLOF risk-assessment study. Key Demand of the question: To write about GLOF, India’s vulnerability and preparedness in tackling it. Directive word: Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by defining a GLOF. Body: First, write about how vulnerable India is to a GLOF. Cite statistics to substantiate and previous GLOF disaster faced by India. Next, write about preparedness of India in handling a GLOF disaster – mention the steps that have been already taken, their strengths and limitations. Mention further steps that can be taken in this regard. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

Rising temperatures have increased the risk of glacial lake bursts of the kind that devastated the Kedarnath valley in 2013 and parts of Chamoli in 2021. Uttarakhand has commissioned a GLOF risk-assessment study.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about GLOF, India’s vulnerability and preparedness in tackling it.

Directive word:

Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by defining a GLOF.

First, write about how vulnerable India is to a GLOF. Cite statistics to substantiate and previous GLOF disaster faced by India.

Next, write about preparedness of India in handling a GLOF disaster – mention the steps that have been already taken, their strengths and limitations. Mention further steps that can be taken in this regard.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) is a release of meltwater from a moraine- or ice-dam glacial lake due to dam failure. GLOFs often result in catastrophic flooding downstream, with major geomorphic and socioeconomic impacts.

Glacial lakes form when a glacier retreats, leaving the debris mass at the end of the glacier – the end moraine – exposed. The moraine wall can act as a natural dam, trapping the meltwater from the glacier and leading to the formation of a lake. The moraine dams are composed of unconsolidated boulders, gravel, sand, and silt. As with landslide dams, they can eventually break catastrophically, leading to a glacial lake outburst flood or GLOF.

Background

• Fourteen people have died, and 102, including 23 Army personnel, are missing in Sikkim after the burst of the South Lhonak Lake, a glacial lake in North Sikkim, due to heavy rains.

• The released water created flash floods in four districts, including Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi, through the Teesta River.

India’s vulnerabilities to GLOF

• In August 2014, a glacial lake outburst flood hit the village of Gya in Ladakh, destroying houses, fields and bridges.

• Many settlements at Chungthang are potentially exposed to the future GLOF of South Lohnak Lake, one of the fastest-growing glacial lakes in Sikkim,

• Several Indian states are considered vulnerable as there are 9,575 glaciers in the Himalayan region contiguous to the country.

• According to an estimate, over 200 of these are susceptible to outbursts.

• Research by a group of scientists last year found that the highest GLOF risk currently is in the eastern Himalayan region where the risk level is at least twice that in adjacent regions. The scientists were of the view that the possibility of hazards in the future in this zone would “almost triple” due to more lake formations.

• The scientists were of the view that the possibility of hazards in the future in this zone would “almost triple” due to more lake formations.

• In the Indian Himalayan region, the first GLOF was reported in 1926 in Jammu and Kashmir.

• In the 1980s, scientists observed two instances of sudden emptying of moraine-dammed lakes in Himachal Pradesh.

• In 2013, Uttarakhand faced an unprecedented flood after the Chorabari glacier melted, leaving a death toll of more than 5,000 people.

Preparedness to handle disaster of GLOF

NDMA guidelines are extensively given to handle GLOF disasters as follows.

• Identifying Potentially Dangerous Lakes: Potentially dangerous lakes can be identified based on field observations, records of past events, geomorphologic and geotechnical characteristics of the lake/dam and surroundings, and other physical conditions.

• Use of Technology: Promoting use of Synthetic-Aperture Radar imagery (a form of radar that is used to create two-dimensional images) to automatically detect changes in water bodies, including new lake formations, during the monsoon months. Methods and protocols could also be developed to allow remote monitoring of lake bodies from space.

• Methods and protocols could also be developed to allow remote monitoring of lake bodies from space.

• Channeling Potential Floods: To manage lakes structurally, the NDMA recommends reducing the volume of water with methods such as controlled breaching, pumping or siphoning out water, and making a tunnel through the moraine barrier or under an ice dam.

• Uniform Codes for Construction Activity: Developing a broad framework for infrastructure development, construction and excavation in vulnerable zones. There is a need to accept procedures for land use planning in the GLOF prone areas.

• There is a need to accept procedures for land use planning in the GLOF prone areas.

• Enhancing Early Warning Systems (EWS): The number of implemented and operational GLOF EWS is very small, even at the global scale. In the Himalayan region, there are at three reported instances (two in Nepal and one in China) of implementation of sensor- and monitoring-based technical systems for GLOF early warning.

• In the Himalayan region, there are at three reported instances (two in Nepal and one in China) of implementation of sensor- and monitoring-based technical systems for GLOF early warning.

• Training Local Manpower: Apart from pressing specialized forces such as National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), ITBP and the Army, NDMA has emphasized the need for trained local manpower. It has been observed that over 80% of search and rescue is carried out by the local community before the intervention of the state machinery and specialized search and rescue teams. The local teams could also assist in planning and setting up emergency shelters, distributing relief packages, identifying missing people, and addressing the needs for food, healthcare, water supply etc.

• It has been observed that over 80% of search and rescue is carried out by the local community before the intervention of the state machinery and specialized search and rescue teams.

• The local teams could also assist in planning and setting up emergency shelters, distributing relief packages, identifying missing people, and addressing the needs for food, healthcare, water supply etc.

• Comprehensive Alarm Systems: Besides classical alarming infrastructure consisting of acoustic alarms by sirens, modern communication technology using cell and smartphones can complement or even replace traditional alarming infrastructure.

Conclusion and way forward

• Early warning system: There is an urgent need to use multiple methods for better risk assessment and early warning. It is important to regularly monitor lake development and dynamics. This approach could help limit the damages caused by the glacial lake outburst events.

• Better land planning: Further development processes in these ecologically fragile areas should be guided by better land-use planning.

Value addition

Causes of GLOF

• Rapid slope movement into the lake

• Heavy rainfall/snowmelt

• Cascading processes (flood from a lake situated upstream)

• Earthquake

• Melting of ice incorporated in dam/forming the dam (including volcanic activity-triggered jökulhlaups)

• Blocking of subsurface outflow tunnels (applies only to lakes without surface outflow or lakes with a combination of surface and subsurface outflow)

• Long-term dam degradation

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)

“Moral wounds have this peculiarity – they may be hidden, but they never close; always painful, always ready to bleed when touched, they remain fresh and open in the heart.” ― Alexandre Dumas

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 as to what you understand by moral wounds and how they are manifested. Mention about how they do not heal – as loss of morality can never be compensated. Cite examples. Next, suggest ways to heal moral wounds to an extent. 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 as to what you understand by moral wounds and how they are manifested. Mention about how they do not heal – as loss of morality can never be compensated. Cite examples.

Next, suggest ways to heal moral wounds to an extent.

Conclusion:

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

Introduction

Conscience is inner moral sense of a person which guides him/her to regulate his behaviour. Voice of conscience corresponds to an inner voice that judges your behaviour. Voice of conscience is the source of ethical decision making for many.

Moral wounds always remain in hearts because man has a conscience. Moral injury is understood to be the strong cognitive and emotional response that can occur following events that violate a person’s moral or ethical code. Potentially morally injurious events include a person’s own or other people’s acts of omission or commission, or betrayal by a trusted person in a high-stakes situation. For example, health-care staff working during the COVID-19 pandemic might experience moral injury because they perceive that they received inadequate protective equipment, or when their workload is such that they deliver care of a standard that falls well below what they would usually consider to be good enough.

Ultimately conscience will guide us home. It is the canvas of your emotional & psychological behaviour. The conscience keeps all the records of our conscious and subconscious behaviours, thoughts & actions.

If your body is a temple, your conscience is the God. A clear conscience helps us to connect to our inner powers & treasures, through its intuitive language, to guide through moments of crisis and difficult situations.

Conclusion

As long as we know right from wrong and have an active aware conscience, we will follow a moral compass. Without basic rules surrounding morality, there will always be chaos. This is where moral philosophies can aid an individual.

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 not enough to have a good mind; the main thing is to use it well.” ― Descartes

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 not having a good mind is enough as it will lead to no action. It is necessary to put that good mind to create a better society. 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 how not having a good mind is enough as it will lead to no action. It is necessary to put that good mind to create a better society. Cite examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

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

Introduction

The quote says that a good mind is a great place to start, but that it is only a starting place. A good mind is the foundation on which to build. The quote urges us to learn how to use our mind, and use it well. That takes practice, and that takes time, effort, and the willingness to think.

Descartes wants to shed light on the fact that we spend too much time in chasing things that are unimportant and of little value to us and we find it difficult to sit back and reflect on life. Life is indeed very fast-paced and competitive and we try to escape our difficulties by getting intoxicated so we forget about it but never really try to think and pursue things that we value. So this constant wastage of mental energy leaves us burned out and stressed chronically

The stoics believed in using our abilities in the right way for the right things as they argued that since we have limited time and energy, therefore we should use it for the right things which according to stoics are generally virtues and ethics and self-awareness.

So, we can only use our minds well if we know and accept that we have limited time and therefore ought to use it wisely. Even if we are born smarter than average or are really skilled in some way, if we lose our lives thinking about what is not in our control and worrying about future or past the this is sheer wastage of our tine and our mental abilities

Oppenheimer is credited as the father of the atomic bomb. But this one invention has changed the course of human history and has led to devastation of mankind. It is by virtue of this invention that there is a security dilemma, mutually assured destruction and fear of weapons falling in hands of rogue terror outfits. Hence this stands as a great example of not utilizing our abilities for the good of the world. With great mind power comes great repsonsibility.

Conclusion

“With great power comes great responsibility” has a simple meaning; if you have the ability to do something, make sure that you do it for the good of others. Highly admired people like Gandhi and Ninoy Aquino have done things that follow the spirit of this message. If you can stop something bad from happening, do it. You don’t have to be a superhero to follow those words of geek wisdom. It’s possible to do small actions that have a big impact in the world.

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