[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 8 May 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: Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues.

Topic: Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues.

1. By addressing the root causes of child marriage and implementing targeted interventions, we can create a future where girls are empowered to reach their full potential, free from the harmful effects of early and forced marriage. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question: In recent years, several high courts have opined that child marriage is allowed under personal laws in various communities. Key Demand of the question: To write about the factors leading to child marriages and its impact on girl child and measures needed to stop this. 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 citing statistic relating to child marriages. Body: First, mention the factors leading to child marriages – historical factors, poverty, lack of education, girls being considered as burden etc. Next, write about the impact of child marriages on child brides – health indicators, education, psychology, pregnancy etc. Next, write about the steps that are needed to put an end to this practise. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

In recent years, several high courts have opined that child marriage is allowed under personal laws in various communities.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the factors leading to child marriages and its impact on girl child and measures needed to stop this.

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 citing statistic relating to child marriages.

First, mention the factors leading to child marriages – historical factors, poverty, lack of education, girls being considered as burden etc.

Next, write about the impact of child marriages on child brides – health indicators, education, psychology, pregnancy etc.

Next, write about the steps that are needed to put an end to this practise.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

Child marriage usually refers to a social phenomenon practiced in some societies in India, where a young child (usually a girl below the age of fifteen) is married to an adult man. A second form of practice of child marriage is that in which the parents of the two children (the girl and boy) arrange a future marriage.

Recent analysis by UNICEF points out that one in three of the world’s child brides live in India. It has also warned India against the increase in child marriages owing to the adversaries of COVID-19.

The factors that encourage its subsistence are usually a combination of poverty, the lack of education, continued perpetration of patriarchal relations that encourage and facilitate gender inequalities, and cultural perspectives that encourage the phenomenon to thrive.

Factors leading to continued prevalence of child marriage in India

• Lack of education: A big determinant of the age of marriage is education. Around 45% of women with no education and 40% with primary education married before the age of 18, according to NFHS-4.

• Seen as a Burden: Economically, child marriages work as mechanisms that are quick income earners. A girl child is seen as a leeway to a large dowry, to be given to her family upon her marriage.

• Poverty: In terms of economic status, women from poor households tend to marry earlier. While more than 30% of women from the lowest two wealth quintiles were married by the age of 18, the corresponding figure in the richest quintile was 8%.

• Social background: Child marriages are more prevalent in rural areas and among Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

• Trafficking: Poor families are tempted to sell their girls not just into marriage, but into prostitution, as the transaction enables large sums of money to benefit the girl’s family and harms the girl. There is apathy towards their girls and the money by selling their girls is used for the benefit of their sons

• In recent years, several high courts have opined that child marriage is allowed under personal laws in various communities.

Measures to curb child marriage

Education

• It is one of the most effective strategiesto protect children against marriage.

• When girls are able to stay in school an attitudinal change can also occur towards their opportunities within the community.

Congregating child protection workers:

• One way of keeping a check on child marriages during the pandemicwould be to ensure that there is a strong cohort of child protection workers among essential health workers.

• India has a robust system of grassroots workerswho have done commendable work in ensuring that health and other social security services reach people on in these dire times.

• If such workers were incorporated into the system, they couldkeep a check on girl children at risk of early marriage and take steps to avert these.

• This could be in the form of awareness counsellingand helping some benefits reach the family concerned.

Gender sensitization programs:

• Gender training programs should be spread throughout the district for police and NGOs. Government of India along with organizations like UNICEF and NGOs should make the efforts for the implementation of the convergent national strategy, which includes:

Law enforcement:

• Capacity-building on laws, support mechanisms such as a child marriage telephone hotlineshould be implemented in true letter and spirit. E.g.: Odisha Child Marriage Resistance Forum.

Girls’ empowerment:

• Imparting Life skills, protection skills, higher education and employment opportunitiesshould be ensured to each and every girl child.

• Primary and secondary education for girls should be promoted.

Community mobilization:

• Working with influential leaders, oaths and pledges, counselling, folk and traditional media.

• Government’s partnerships with civil society organizations and communitiesare key to supporting community mobilization efforts and mindset changes and partnerships with the media are very important for raising awareness of child marriage.

Promoting convergence:

• programs and sectors at all levels should be converged, in particular with education and social protection schemes and programmes.

• Government of India has already enacted laws like Child marriage prohibition act 2006 and started many initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojanato incentivize the people to give equal treatment to their daughters as their sons.

Incentives:

• Conditional Cash Transfer schemesaddresses issues more towards the individual rather than the household, which is the focus of the government.

• Certain national schemes, is, related to maternity benefits and the survival and education of the girl child which addresses the problem of child marriage directly or indirectly. E.g.: Dhanalakshmi, Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent girls (SABLA)

• CCTs have benefits of legal protection of the marriage as well as ensuring education of girls.

Conclusion

Transformative and well-resourced measures that increase access to education, health and overall girl’s empowerment will not just help in eliminating child marriage but also lead to the long-term positive health and education outcomes thus help India reach its SDG targets by 2030.

Topic: Effects of globalization on Indian society.

Topic: Effects of globalization on Indian society.

2. Hyper-globalization has exacerbated various inequalities within and between countries. Examine. Suggest measures to overcome the negative impact of hyper-globalisation. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1. Key Demand of the question: To write about hyper-globalisation, its impact on the society and measures needed to counter its impact. 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: Begin the answer by defining hyper-globalisation. Body: First, write about the various features of hyper-globalisation citing a few examples. Next, write about the impact of hyper-globalisation on the various aspects of Indian society – freer movement of goods, resources and enterprises, and ultimately more jobs, cheaper products and increasing economic growth, prosperity and wealth. Also, mention the negative impacts like – increasing inequalities, lack of opportunities, dependence and political disconnect etc. Next, write about the ways in which risks posed by hyper-globalisation could be overcome. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about hyper-globalisation, its impact on the society and measures needed to counter its impact.

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:

Begin the answer by defining hyper-globalisation.

First, write about the various features of hyper-globalisation citing a few examples.

Next, write about the impact of hyper-globalisation on the various aspects of Indian society – freer movement of goods, resources and enterprises, and ultimately more jobs, cheaper products and increasing economic growth, prosperity and wealth.

Also, mention the negative impacts like – increasing inequalities, lack of opportunities, dependence and political disconnect etc.

Next, write about the ways in which risks posed by hyper-globalisation could be overcome.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

Hyper Globalisation is the concept that believes that globalization is happening is an enormous way and there is an emergence of a homogenous global culture. The period of hyper globalization has been associated with the most dramatic turnaround in the economic fortunes of developing countries.

The main difference between globalization and hyper globalization is very narrow and can be best described as the rate of speed at which the process of globalization takes place. The period between 1870 and 1914 the Golden Age of globalization in which world trade in terms of gross domestic product went from a 9 percent to 16 percent share. However, in the current age of hyper-globalization, which includes both goods and services, the gross domestic product share has reached 33 percent.

Impact of hyper globalization on Indian society

• Economic inequality: Hyper Globalization is increasing the inequality around world. GAFA (Google, Apple, Facebook, and Amazon) are the wealthiest companies in the world. The wealth created is enjoyed by only few individuals. The increased income of persons with required new skills (such as knowledge of Artificial Intelligence) is far less than decreased income of unskilled person, leading to decrease in net prosperity.

• GAFA (Google, Apple, Facebook, and Amazon) are the wealthiest companies in the world. The wealth created is enjoyed by only few individuals.

• The increased income of persons with required new skills (such as knowledge of Artificial Intelligence) is far less than decreased income of unskilled person, leading to decrease in net prosperity.

• FDI and investment: Some countries are unable to attract FDI, other developing countries who have the ability to attract FDI, are unable to maximize the benefits for indigenous firms.

• Against the poor: WTO Agreement on Agriculture, are result of hyper globalism, which have capability to reduce the prosperity of farmers by limiting government’s support to them.

• Intellectual property: Similarly, agreements such as TRIPS do not let all to enjoy the benefits of innovation there by reducing their chance to increase their prosperity. All these are threatening human prosperity directly or indirectly.

• Ecology and indigenous people: Hyper globalism is also leading to increased extraction of raw materials, de-forestation without any value addition to indigenous people. Moreover, these people need to bear cost of resulting damage to ecology, increased pollution, hence reducing their prosperity. This can be better understood when we look at the plight of millions of climate refugees from island nations etc.

• This can be better understood when we look at the plight of millions of climate refugees from island nations etc.

• Technological warfare: Technology is going to make warfare more dreadful. Buying and selling dangerous weapons is never as easy as it is in era of hyper globalism. If at all war occurs, the damage to property is un-predictable. Eg: Russia-Ukraine war. Moreover, if the money used for defence is used for welfarist policies, it would have helped the poor and destitute by making them prosperous.

• If at all war occurs, the damage to property is un-predictable. Eg: Russia-Ukraine war.

• Moreover, if the money used for defence is used for welfarist policies, it would have helped the poor and destitute by making them prosperous.

• Overdependence and disruption: The increasing price risk due to disruption of supplies (eg crude oil and edible oil crisis due to Ukraine war) will have direct impact on poor due to inflation. Eg: Dependence on API’s from China during Covid-19 pandemic and people running from pillar to post for common cold medicines.

• Eg: Dependence on API’s from China during Covid-19 pandemic and people running from pillar to post for common cold medicines.

• Reduced to exporter of raw material: As industrialized countries have a better comparative advantage, poor nations are yet again becoming exporters of raw materials. This can also be called as neo-imperialism. Decision making powers are still with the Western nations continuing the trend from World War 2.

Measures needed to counter the risks

• Reduce over-dependence: In the real world, countries need to de-risk against overdependence on few suppliers, especially of products entailing heavy foreign exchange outgo. Halving import dependence in edible oils from the current 60-65 per cent is a goal worth pursuing, provided such Atmanirbharta does not degenerate into protectionism. Domestic producers can be given one-time capital subsidy and tariff support based on long-term import parity pricing.

• Halving import dependence in edible oils from the current 60-65 per cent is a goal worth pursuing, provided such Atmanirbharta does not degenerate into protectionism.

• Domestic producers can be given one-time capital subsidy and tariff support based on long-term import parity pricing.

• Domestic investment: When the global economy is sluggish, only domestic investment can move demand. India has an intrinsic advantage of population and its vibrant domestic demand. If enough manufacturing capacity as per the policy can be achieved, India can provide good market and employment its products and population. Eg: PLI scheme for electronics.

• India has an intrinsic advantage of population and its vibrant domestic demand.

• If enough manufacturing capacity as per the policy can be achieved, India can provide good market and employment its products and population.

• Eg: PLI scheme for electronics.

• Monetary policy: Appropriate monetary policy decisions should be made to boost investment. Moreover, reigning in inflation

• Infrastructure: Any policy should be accompanied with public infrastructure especially the transport sectors which also increase would demand. This would also reduce cost of logistics and make Indian goods competitive in the global market in turn increasing India’s prosperity.

Conclusion

Hyper globalization is not entirely detrimental to India, rather it has increased technology transfer and increased investment flow. India must reduce the risks to leverage the benefit of hyper globalism. Upskilling youth with new age technology can lead to reaping of rich demographic dividends while decreasing poverty.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

Topic: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

3. India is not a federation in the traditional sense. It combines the characteristics of a federal government with those of a unitary government. Elucidate. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2. Key Demand of the question: To write about the quasi-federal features of Indian polity. Directive word: Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by defining Quasi-Federal nature of Indian polity as mentioned by K.C Wheare. Body: First, write about the federal features of Indian polity – dual polity, division of powers, written constitution etc. Next, write about the unitary features of Indian polity – States Not Indestructible, No Equality of State Representation, emergency provisions etc. Conclusion: Conclude by summarising.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the quasi-federal features of Indian polity.

Directive word:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by defining Quasi-Federal nature of Indian polity as mentioned by K.C Wheare.

First, write about the federal features of Indian polity – dual polity, division of powers, written constitution etc.

Next, write about the unitary features of Indian polity – States Not Indestructible, No Equality of State Representation, emergency provisions etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units. The Constitution of India establishes a federal structure to the Indian government, declaring it to be a “Union of States”.

The Indian Constitution is not truly federal but rather quasi-federal, according to K C Wheare. A state that stands between a unitary state and a federation is said to practice quasi-federalism. It incorporates the positive aspects of both a federal and a unitary government.

Uniqueness of principle of federalism in India:

Federal Features of the India Union:

• Two governments i.e. Union Government and State governments

• Division of powers between the union and its constituents (Seventh Schedule of the Constitution contains three lists such as the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List)

• Supremacy of the Constitution (Basic structure of the Constitution is made indestructible by the Judiciary)

• Partial rigidity of the Constitution

• Independent Judiciary

• Bicameralism

Unitary Features of the Constitution:

• A strong centre – The Union Government becomes all powerful in certain times like emergencies. Article 200 of the Constitution of India demands that the States must comply with the central laws.

• Single Constitution

• Single citizenship

• Flexibility of Constitution

• Integrated judiciary

• Appointment of the Centre. E.g.: Governor

• All India Services

• Emergency provisions

The following four characteristics highlighting the fact that the Indian Constitution is not a “traditional federal Constitution”:

• Firstly, being that there is no provision of separate Constitutions for each State as required in a federal state. The Constitution of India is the supreme document, which governs all the states.

• Secondly, the Constitution can be altered only by the Union Parliament; whereas the States have no power to alter it.

• Thirdly, in contradiction to a federal Constitution, the Indian Constitution renders supreme power upon the Courts to invalidate any action which violates the Constitution.

• Fourthly, the distribution of powers facilitates local governance by the states and national policies by the Centre.

Challenges to Federalism in India:

• For a country like India which is divided on the linguistic and communal basis, a pure federal structure could lead to disruption and division of states.

• India’s federal character has undergone, over the past sixty years, many trials and tribulations.

• Formation of Telangana under Article 3 of the constitution raised a lot of questions against the federal nature of the polity.

• 100th amendment of the constitution where land was transferred to Bangladesh posed as a threat to federalism in India.

• On the introduction of GST, critics argue on the autonomy of states.

• With too much power given to a state, it may want to shift away from the union. Jammu & Kashmir’s special powers are in question in the public time and again.

• The continued existence of provisions such as Article 356 (President’s rule) goes against the grain of federalism.

• States such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu have asserted their linguistic and cultural rights in the wake of the Centre’s interventions such as a promotion of Hindi.

• States perceive that their progress is being penalised: While the southern States contribute to the nation economically, they don’t occupy a central space politically and are further marginalised culturally.

• Disputes between states over sharing of river water, for example between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over Cauvery water.

Conclusion:

The Indian Constitution is a constitution sui generis. On one hand, the constitution contains features which are of high importance for a federal arrangement, at the same time it contains provisions which fight for a strong Centre, thus making it quasi-federal in nature. The fact to be appreciated here is that these dual federalism provisions were deliberately incorporated to best fit a polyglot country like India.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.

4. Critically examine the potential benefits and challenges associated with central bank digital currency (CBDC). (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India

Why the question: India’s CBDC can be popularized in various ways, like offline access and programmability. But to challenge cash, RBI’s e-money will need to offer anonymity. To firm up such a promise, it’s best to legislate it. Key Demand of the question: To write about CBDC, its potential benefits and challenges associated with it. Directive word: Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into 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. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Start by explaining the emerging concept central bank digital currency (CBDC) Body: In the first part, write about potential benefits that India can accrue from CBDC. financial inclusion, the cashless society, decrease the cost of printing, expanding the digital economy and empowering citizens etc. Next, write about potential challenges with regards to CBDC. User adoption, security, complexity, domination by Chinese and Opportunity cost due to RBI’s reluctance etc. Conclusion: Conclude with way forward as to how India should step up to CBDC.

Why the question:

India’s CBDC can be popularized in various ways, like offline access and programmability. But to challenge cash, RBI’s e-money will need to offer anonymity. To firm up such a promise, it’s best to legislate it.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about CBDC, its potential benefits and challenges associated with it.

Directive word:

Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into 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. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by explaining the emerging concept central bank digital currency (CBDC)

In the first part, write about potential benefits that India can accrue from CBDC. financial inclusion, the cashless society, decrease the cost of printing, expanding the digital economy and empowering citizens etc.

Next, write about potential challenges with regards to CBDC. User adoption, security, complexity, domination by Chinese and Opportunity cost due to RBI’s reluctance etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude with way forward as to how India should step up to CBDC.

Introduction

A Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), or national digital currency, is simply the digital form of a country’s fiat currency. Instead of printing paper currency or minting coins, the central bank issues electronic tokens. This token value is backed by the full faith and credit of the government.

Global interest in central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) is on the rise, with 80% of all central banks investigating their issuance and half having progressed past research to running pilots. India’s CBDC can be popularized in various ways, like offline access and programmability. But to challenge cash, RBI’s e-money will need to offer anonymity. To firm up such a promise, it’s best to legislate it.

Background

• The Reserve Bank of Indiais likely to soon kick off pilot projects to assess the viability of using digital currency to make wholesale and retail payments to help calibrate its strategy for introducing a full-scale central bank digital currency (CBDC).

• Union Finance Minister in the budget speech said the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will launch a central bank digital currency (CBDC) in 2022-23, marking the first official statement from the Union government on the launch of much-awaited digital currency.

Need for a CBDC:

• The growth of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum etc has raised challenges to fiat currencies.

• Along with their other vulnerabilities made the central bank of each country explore the possibility of introducing their own digital currencies.

• A 2021 BIS survey of central banks, which found that 86% were actively researching the potential for such currencies, 60% were experimenting with the technology, and 14% were deploying pilot projects.

• The need for inter-bank settlement would disappear as it would be a central bank liability handed over from one person to another.

Challenges posed:

• India is already facing many cyber security threats. With the advent of digital currency, cyberattacks might increase and threaten digital theft like Mt Gox bankruptcy case.

• According to the Digital Empowerment Foundation in 2018 report, around 90% of India’s population is digitally illiterate. So, without creating enough literary awareness introduction of digital currency will create a host of new challenges to the Indian economy.

• Introduction of digital currency also creates various associated challenges in regulation, tracking investment and purchase, taxing individuals, etc.

• The digital currency must collect certain basic information of an individual so that the person can prove that he’s the holder of that digital currency. This basic information can be sensitive ones such as the person’s identity, fingerprints etc.

Conclusion:

There are crucial decisions to be made about the design of the currency with regards to how it will be issued, the degree of anonymity it will have, the kind of technology that is to be used, and so on. There is no doubt that the introduction of National Digital currency prevents the various threats associated with the private-owned cryptocurrencies and take India the next step as a digital economy. But the government has to create necessary safeguards before rolling out. India needs to move forward on introducing an official digital currency.

*Value addition*

*Global situation of CBDC*

According to the Bank for International Settlements, more than 60 countries are currently experimenting with the CBDC. There are few Countries that already rolled out their national digital currency. Such as,

• *Swedenis conducting real-world trials of their digital currency (krona)*

• *The Bahamasalready issued their digital currency “Sand Dollar*” to all citizens

• *Chinastarted a trial run of their digital currencye- RMB *amid pandemic. They plan to implement pan-China in 2022. This is the first national digital currency operated by a major economy.

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

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

5. Protecting and restoring wetlands is essential for conservation efforts globally due to their unparalleled ecological importance, biodiversity value, and multitude of benefits to the environment and society. Elucidate. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India

W=y the question:

Constructed wetlands are nature’s ingenious solution for wastewater treatment in India

Key Demand of the question: To write about the importance of wetland ecosystem and need to protect them. Directive word: Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by defining a wetland and its types. Body: Write about the various functions performed by a wetland- water-related ecosystem services, productive areas for plant life and animals, major habitat for most of the world’s waterbirds and key habitat for migratory species, important source of food and high recreational, historical, scientific, and cultural values. Next, write about the major threats faced by wetlands and steps that are needed protect and conserve them. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the importance of wetland ecosystem and need to protect them.

Directive word:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by defining a wetland and its types.

Write about the various functions performed by a wetland- water-related ecosystem services, productive areas for plant life and animals, major habitat for most of the world’s waterbirds and key habitat for migratory species, important source of food and high recreational, historical, scientific, and cultural values.

Next, write about the major threats faced by wetlands and steps that are needed protect and conserve them.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

Wetlands are ecotones between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They get periodically get inundated with water. They support a flourishing community of aquatic organisms including frogs and other amphibians. Swamps, marshes and mangroves are examples of wetlands. Wetlands are indispensable for the countless benefits or “ecosystem services” that they provide humanity, ranging from freshwater supply, food and building materials, and biodiversity, to flood control, groundwater recharge, and climate change mitigation.

major types of wetlands across the world

• Swamps: A swamp is a wetland permanently saturated with water and dominated by trees, and are of two types Freshwater Swamps Freshwater swamps often form on flat land around lakes or streams, where the water table is high and runoff is slow Water-tolerant plants, such as cattails, lotus, and cypress, grow in the swamp’s wet soil. These plants are key to maintaining the swamp’s ecosystem Freshwater swamps are common in tropical areas near the Equator. Saltwater Swamps Formation of these swamps begins with bare flats of mud or sand that are thinly covered by seawater during high tides. The brackish water of saltwater swamps is not entirely seawater, but not entirely freshwater, either The Sundarbans, a saltwater swamp in India and Bangladesh, has the largest mangrove forest in the world Marshes North and south of the tropics, swamps give way to marshes. These wetlands form a flat, grassy fringe near river mouths, in bays, and along coastlines. Many are alternately flooded and exposed by the movement of tides. Marshes are often divided into Freshwater Marshes Freshwater marshes, often found hundreds of kilometers from the coast, are dominated by grasses and aquatic plants. These marshes often develop around lakes and streams. Many freshwater marshes lie in the prairie pothole region of North America, the heart of which extends from central Canada through the northern Midwest of the United States. Saltwater Marshes Salt marshes are some of the richest ecosystems for biodiversity. Dominated by grasses, they provide food and shelter for algae, fungi, shellfish, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. A few mangrove trees may dot saltwater marshes, but they are dominated by grasses and a layer of algae called an algal mat. This algal mat is home to many insects and amphibians. Bogs Swamps and marshes are generally found in warm climates. Bogs are more common in cold or even Arctic areas in North America, Europe, and Asia. Bogs are often called moors or fens in Europe, and muskegs in Canada. Like many wetlands, bogs develop in areas where the water table, or the upper surface of underground water, is high The oldest, partially decayed vegetation at the bottom of the bog forms a thick, spongy mat called peat. Unlike other wetlands, bogs usually are not agriculturally fertile. The amount of acid in the soil and water is generally higher than that in swamps or marshes. Because of the limited species of plants, bogs do not have the biodiversity common in other types of wetlands

• Freshwater Swamps Freshwater swamps often form on flat land around lakes or streams, where the water table is high and runoff is slow Water-tolerant plants, such as cattails, lotus, and cypress, grow in the swamp’s wet soil. These plants are key to maintaining the swamp’s ecosystem Freshwater swamps are common in tropical areas near the Equator.

• Freshwater swamps often form on flat land around lakes or streams, where the water table is high and runoff is slow

• Water-tolerant plants, such as cattails, lotus, and cypress, grow in the swamp’s wet soil. These plants are key to maintaining the swamp’s ecosystem

• Freshwater swamps are common in tropical areas near the Equator.

• Saltwater Swamps Formation of these swamps begins with bare flats of mud or sand that are thinly covered by seawater during high tides. The brackish water of saltwater swamps is not entirely seawater, but not entirely freshwater, either The Sundarbans, a saltwater swamp in India and Bangladesh, has the largest mangrove forest in the world

• Formation of these swamps begins with bare flats of mud or sand that are thinly covered by seawater during high tides.

• The brackish water of saltwater swamps is not entirely seawater, but not entirely freshwater, either

• The Sundarbans, a saltwater swamp in India and Bangladesh, has the largest mangrove forest in the world

• Marshes North and south of the tropics, swamps give way to marshes. These wetlands form a flat, grassy fringe near river mouths, in bays, and along coastlines. Many are alternately flooded and exposed by the movement of tides. Marshes are often divided into Freshwater Marshes Freshwater marshes, often found hundreds of kilometers from the coast, are dominated by grasses and aquatic plants. These marshes often develop around lakes and streams. Many freshwater marshes lie in the prairie pothole region of North America, the heart of which extends from central Canada through the northern Midwest of the United States. Saltwater Marshes Salt marshes are some of the richest ecosystems for biodiversity. Dominated by grasses, they provide food and shelter for algae, fungi, shellfish, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. A few mangrove trees may dot saltwater marshes, but they are dominated by grasses and a layer of algae called an algal mat. This algal mat is home to many insects and amphibians. Bogs Swamps and marshes are generally found in warm climates. Bogs are more common in cold or even Arctic areas in North America, Europe, and Asia. Bogs are often called moors or fens in Europe, and muskegs in Canada. Like many wetlands, bogs develop in areas where the water table, or the upper surface of underground water, is high The oldest, partially decayed vegetation at the bottom of the bog forms a thick, spongy mat called peat. Unlike other wetlands, bogs usually are not agriculturally fertile. The amount of acid in the soil and water is generally higher than that in swamps or marshes. Because of the limited species of plants, bogs do not have the biodiversity common in other types of wetlands

• North and south of the tropics, swamps give way to marshes.

• These wetlands form a flat, grassy fringe near river mouths, in bays, and along coastlines. Many are alternately flooded and exposed by the movement of tides.

• Marshes are often divided into Freshwater Marshes Freshwater marshes, often found hundreds of kilometers from the coast, are dominated by grasses and aquatic plants. These marshes often develop around lakes and streams. Many freshwater marshes lie in the prairie pothole region of North America, the heart of which extends from central Canada through the northern Midwest of the United States. Saltwater Marshes Salt marshes are some of the richest ecosystems for biodiversity. Dominated by grasses, they provide food and shelter for algae, fungi, shellfish, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. A few mangrove trees may dot saltwater marshes, but they are dominated by grasses and a layer of algae called an algal mat. This algal mat is home to many insects and amphibians. Bogs Swamps and marshes are generally found in warm climates. Bogs are more common in cold or even Arctic areas in North America, Europe, and Asia. Bogs are often called moors or fens in Europe, and muskegs in Canada. Like many wetlands, bogs develop in areas where the water table, or the upper surface of underground water, is high The oldest, partially decayed vegetation at the bottom of the bog forms a thick, spongy mat called peat. Unlike other wetlands, bogs usually are not agriculturally fertile. The amount of acid in the soil and water is generally higher than that in swamps or marshes. Because of the limited species of plants, bogs do not have the biodiversity common in other types of wetlands

• Freshwater Marshes Freshwater marshes, often found hundreds of kilometers from the coast, are dominated by grasses and aquatic plants. These marshes often develop around lakes and streams. Many freshwater marshes lie in the prairie pothole region of North America, the heart of which extends from central Canada through the northern Midwest of the United States.

• Freshwater marshes, often found hundreds of kilometers from the coast, are dominated by grasses and aquatic plants. These marshes often develop around lakes and streams.

• Many freshwater marshes lie in the prairie pothole region of North America, the heart of which extends from central Canada through the northern Midwest of the United States.

• Saltwater Marshes Salt marshes are some of the richest ecosystems for biodiversity. Dominated by grasses, they provide food and shelter for algae, fungi, shellfish, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. A few mangrove trees may dot saltwater marshes, but they are dominated by grasses and a layer of algae called an algal mat. This algal mat is home to many insects and amphibians.

• Salt marshes are some of the richest ecosystems for biodiversity. Dominated by grasses, they provide food and shelter for algae, fungi, shellfish, fish, amphibians, and reptiles.

• A few mangrove trees may dot saltwater marshes, but they are dominated by grasses and a layer of algae called an algal mat. This algal mat is home to many insects and amphibians.

• Bogs Swamps and marshes are generally found in warm climates. Bogs are more common in cold or even Arctic areas in North America, Europe, and Asia. Bogs are often called moors or fens in Europe, and muskegs in Canada. Like many wetlands, bogs develop in areas where the water table, or the upper surface of underground water, is high The oldest, partially decayed vegetation at the bottom of the bog forms a thick, spongy mat called peat. Unlike other wetlands, bogs usually are not agriculturally fertile. The amount of acid in the soil and water is generally higher than that in swamps or marshes. Because of the limited species of plants, bogs do not have the biodiversity common in other types of wetlands

• Swamps and marshes are generally found in warm climates. Bogs are more common in cold or even Arctic areas in North America, Europe, and Asia.

• Bogs are often called moors or fens in Europe, and muskegs in Canada.

• Like many wetlands, bogs develop in areas where the water table, or the upper surface of underground water, is high

• The oldest, partially decayed vegetation at the bottom of the bog forms a thick, spongy mat called peat.

• Unlike other wetlands, bogs usually are not agriculturally fertile. The amount of acid in the soil and water is generally higher than that in swamps or marshes.

• Because of the limited species of plants, bogs do not have the biodiversity common in other types of wetlands

Critical role played by Wetlands in the Ecological conservation of Earth:

• Carbon Sequestration:Swamps, mangroves, peat lands, mires and marshes play an important role in carbon cycle. Wetland soils may contain as much as 200 times more carbon than its vegetation. Eg: In India, coastal wetlands are playing a major role in carbon sequestration. The total extent of coastal ecosystems (including mangroves) in India is around 43000 km. Overall, mangroves are able to sequester about 1.5 metric tonne of carbon per hectare per year and the upper layers of mangrove sediments have high carbon content, with conservative estimates indicating the levels of 10 percent.

• Eg: In India, coastal wetlands are playing a major role in carbon sequestration. The total extent of coastal ecosystems (including mangroves) in India is around 43000 km. Overall, mangroves are able to sequester about 1.5 metric tonne of carbon per hectare per year and the upper layers of mangrove sediments have high carbon content, with conservative estimates indicating the levels of 10 percent.

• Flood attenuation: Wetlands function as natural sponges that trap and slowly release surface water, rain, snowmelt, groundwater and flood waters. Many water-stressed regions in South Africa are subject to high intensity rainfall over very short periods, often resulting in flash floods. Wetlands are effective in spreading out and slowing down floodwaters, thereby reducing the severity of floods downstream. Eg: A large network of lakes and ponds in major cities like Srinagar, Bhopal, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad were constructed with the objective of flood control

• Eg: A large network of lakes and ponds in major cities like Srinagar, Bhopal, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad were constructed with the objective of flood control

• Regulation of stream flow & groundwater recharge:wetlands are often compared to sponges, in their ability to absorb water in wet periods, and release it during dry periods. The absorption thus helps in groundwater recharging too. Eg: floodplains of rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra

• Eg: floodplains of rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra

• Nutrient assimilation & recycling: removal by the wetland of phosphates and nitrates carried by runoff water. This takes place through the presence of wetland vegetation and the action of anaerobic bacteria (which would otherwise not exist in fast-flowing, energized streams or rivers). Thus, they help in nutrients recyclingand they carry out water purificationby filtration of sediments and nutrients from surface water.

• Erosion control:wetlands can limit the extent of erosion, predominantly through the protection provided by vegetation, and through their ability to reduce stream flow velocity. Buffer (act as a riparian buffer) shorelines against erosion and pollutants. Eg:the mangroves along the sea shores, especially on the western coast in West Bengal and Odisha have been playing a major role in protecting the coastal environment from the destruction of cyclones that frequently emanate in the Bay of Bengal.

• Eg:the mangroves along the sea shores, especially on the western coast in West Bengal and Odisha have been playing a major role in protecting the coastal environment from the destruction of cyclones that frequently emanate in the Bay of Bengal.

• Microclimate regulation: Wetland ecosystems play an important role in regulating local and regional climates through evaporative cooling effects that affect the exchange of energy and water with atmosphere. Eg:For every land cover type in wetlands, vegetation has a better stabilizing effect on temperature, whereas a water body has a better stabilizing effect on wind speed and humidity. Dal lake in Kashmir has a cooling effect on surroundings.

• Eg:For every land cover type in wetlands, vegetation has a better stabilizing effect on temperature, whereas a water body has a better stabilizing effect on wind speed and humidity. Dal lake in Kashmir has a cooling effect on surroundings.

• Promotes Biodiversity: Wetlands are important in supporting species diversity. Because wetlands provide an environment where photosynthesis can occur and where the recycling of nutrients can take place, they play a significant role in the support of food chains. Eg: In India lakes, rivers and other freshwater bodies support a large diversity of biota representing almost all taxonomic groups. For example, freshwater ecosystems of Western Ghats alone have 290 species of fish. Similarly, Loktak Lake is famous for being the only refuge of the endangered Sangai (Manipur brow-antlered deer).

• Eg: In India lakes, rivers and other freshwater bodies support a large diversity of biota representing almost all taxonomic groups. For example, freshwater ecosystems of Western Ghats alone have 290 species of fish. Similarly, Loktak Lake is famous for being the only refuge of the endangered Sangai (Manipur brow-antlered deer).

• Productive Ecosystem: Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, comparable to rain forests and coral reefs. An immense variety of species of microbes, plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish and mammals can be part of a wetland ecosystem. Eg:In many such wetland areas of India, like Bharatpur wild life sanctuary in Rajasthan, and little Rann of Kutch and coastal areas of Saurashtra in Gujarat, many migratory species of birds, including siberian crane, from western and European countries come during winter.

• Eg:In many such wetland areas of India, like Bharatpur wild life sanctuary in Rajasthan, and little Rann of Kutch and coastal areas of Saurashtra in Gujarat, many migratory species of birds, including siberian crane, from western and European countries come during winter.

• Promotes Genetic diversity:They act as a genetic reservoir for various species of plants, especially rice.

• Tourism:Wet-lands such as coral reefs, beaches, reservoirs, lakes and rivers are considered to be a significant part of the tourism experience in the country. For instance, as per an estimate, every year, around seven million tourist visit Kerala’s backwaters, beaches and wildlife sanctuaries, 3 million visit Uttarakhand’s lakes and other natural wetlands and one million visit Dal lake in Jammu and Kashmir.

• For instance, as per an estimate, every year, around seven million tourist visit Kerala’s backwaters, beaches and wildlife sanctuaries, 3 million visit Uttarakhand’s lakes and other natural wetlands and one million visit Dal lake in Jammu and Kashmir.

• Cultural Significance: Wetlands especially lakes and ponds are intrinsically linked to the local culture. They are revered by the masses in recognition of the fact that they are the means of sustenance of their livelihood. Eg: Pushkar lake in Rajasthan and Ramappa lake in Telangana

• Eg: Pushkar lake in Rajasthan and Ramappa lake in Telangana

Threats to wetlands

Urbanization | Wetlands near urban centers are under increasing developmental pressure for residential, industrial and commercial facilities. Urban wetlands are essential for preserving public water supplies.

Anthropogenic activities | Due to unplanned urban and agricultural development, industries, road construction, impoundment, resource extraction and dredge disposal, wetlands have been drained and transformed, causing substantial economic and ecological losses in the long term.

Agricultural activities | Following the Green Revolution of the 1970s, vast stretches of wetlands have been converted to paddy fields. Construction of a large number of reservoirs, canals and dams to provide for irrigation significantly altered the hydrology of the associated wetlands.

Hydrologic activities | Construction of canals and diversion of streams and rivers to transport water to lower arid regions for irrigation has altered the drainage pattern and significantly degraded the wetlands of the region.

Deforestation | Removal of vegetation in the catchment leads to soil erosion and siltation

Pollution | Unrestricted dumping of sewage and toxic chemicals from industries has polluted many freshwater wetlands

Salinization | Over withdrawal of groundwater has led to salinization

Aquaculture | Demand for shrimps and fishes has provided economic incentives to convert wetlands and mangrove forests to develop pisciculture and aquaculture ponds.

Introduced species | Indian wetlands are threatened by exotic introduced plant species such as water hyacinth and salvinia. They clog waterways and compete with native vegetation.

Climate change | Increased air temperature; shifts in precipitation; increased frequency of storms, droughts, and floods; increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration; and sea level rise could also affect wetlands.

Measures needed

• Protection: The primary necessity today is to protect the existing wetlands. Of the many wetlands in India only around 68 wetlands are protected. But there are thousands of other wetlands that are biologically and economically important but have no legal status.

• Planning, managing and monitoring: Wetlands that come under the Protected area network have management plans but others do not. It is important for various stakeholders along with the local community and corporate sector to come together for an effective management plan. Active monitoring of these wetland systems over a period of time is essential.

• Comprehensive inventory: There has been no comprehensive inventory of all the Indian wetlands despite the efforts by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Asian Wetland Bureau and World Wide Fund for Nature. The inventory should involve the flora, fauna, and biodiversity along with values. It should take into account the various stakeholders in the community too.

• Legislation: Although several laws protect wetlands there is no special legislation pertaining specially to these ecosystems. Environment Impact Assessmentneeded for major development projects highlighting threats to wetlands need to be formulated.

• Coordinated approach: Since wetlands are common property with multi-purpose utility, their protection and management also need to be a common responsibility.

• Research: There is a necessity for research in the formulation of national strategy to understand the dynamics of these ecosystems. This could be useful for the planners to formulate strategies for the mitigation of pollution.

• Building awareness: For achieving any sustainable success in the protection of these wetlands, awareness among the general public, educational and corporate institutions must be created.

Conclusion

Communities engage with wetlands in various ways – from seeking livelihoods to spiritual fulfilment. The values community hold for wetlands are expressed in diverse ways. It is important to integrate community linkages in wetlands management planning, and incentivize community stewardship. This is crucial as over 85% of wetlands in India are in the form of village ponds and tanks.

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

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

6. Plastic pollution is a complex and pervasive problem that poses significant environmental, economic, and public health challenges worldwide. While the Global Plastics Treaty can play a crucial role in addressing plastic pollution, they are unlikely to be effective on their own without simultaneous investment in alternatives. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question: The Global Plastics Treaty, an ambitious initiative involving at least 175 United Nations member nations to eliminate the use of plastics, concluded its fourth round of negotiations recently. Key Demand of the question: To write about the Global Plastics Treaty, its role in tackling plastic pollution and limitations associated. Directive word: Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by giving context. Body: First, write about the impact a global treaty on plastics and plastic pollution can have – It would establish international standards and regulations to reduce plastic waste and its environmental impact. Next, write about the potential shortcomings on the above and need to invest in alternatives. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

The Global Plastics Treaty, an ambitious initiative involving at least 175 United Nations member nations to eliminate the use of plastics, concluded its fourth round of negotiations recently.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the Global Plastics Treaty, its role in tackling plastic pollution and limitations associated.

Directive word:

Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by giving context.

First, write about the impact a global treaty on plastics and plastic pollution can have – It would establish international standards and regulations to reduce plastic waste and its environmental impact.

Next, write about the potential shortcomings on the above and need to invest in alternatives.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

The Global Plastics Treaty, an ambitious initiative involving at least 175 United Nations member nations to eliminate the use of plastics, concluded its fourth round of negotiations recently. The goal is to finalise a legal document by the end of 2024 with timelines by when countries must agree to curb plastic production, eliminate its uses that create wastage, ban certain chemicals used in its production and set targets for recycling.

Background

• On May 29, 2023,members of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) gathered in Paris for the second meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution, also known as INC-2.

• INC-2, a successor of INC-1, held in Punta del Este, Uruguay, last year, is the international community’s chance set the stage for negotiations on a global deal to end plastic pollution.

Global treaty on plastic pollution

• The treaty aims to end plastic pollution across its entire lifespan: from the extraction of fossil fuels to refining for petrochemicals, plastics production, consumption, waste trade and disposal. Thus far, plastics have been approached as a littering problem to be managed after they are used.

• This has been the case despite resolution 5/14 adopted in the United Nations Environment Assembly in March last year that finally acknowledged the role of upstream industries as a source of the plastic pollution crises.

• Should a treaty be framed along the lines of this resolution, it will lead to a significant reduction and eventual phasing out of certain kinds of plastics.

Plastic waste scenario in India

• According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India generates close to 26,000 tonnes of plastic a day and over 10,000 tonnes a day of plastic waste remains uncollected.

• According to a Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)study the plastic processing industry is estimated to grow to 22 million tonnes (MT) a year by 2020 from 13.4 MT in 2015 and nearly half of this is single-use plastic.

• India’s per capita plastic consumption of less than 11 kg is nearly a tenth of the United States of America (109 kg).

Impact of a global treaty on plastic pollution in India

• An uniform set of laws applies to all countries thereby boosting the cumulative effort across globe to tackle plastic pollution.

• A legally binding framework, with measurable targets and periodic reviews will force the countries and India to take action.

• Without effective action, global plastic production is predicted to triple by 2060 and large amounts of plastic will end up in environment and oceans.

• Regulating plastic pollution on a global level is therefore an important step that can contribute to the climate transition, as well as protect the oceans, the environment and biodiversity.

• Strengthens the global drive to curb the plastic pollution of all types – land, marine etc.

• Helps build a financial mechanism to boost the efforts towards fighting plastic pollution.

• Not all countries could be able to abide by the treaty as alternative to plastic may be unaffordable or inaccessible or unavailable. In such cases, CBDR must be adopted.

• A significant direction that India has taken at the national level is recognising informal waste workers and has mandated their inclusion in the waste management systems. This needs to be amplified at the global level and India must strongly advocate for inclusion of the informal recycling waste workers in the current framework and the global treaty dialogues.

Conclusion

Plastic pollution is perhaps the biggest threat facing after planet after climate change. UNFCCC has provided a systematic framework for collective action to address Climate Change. The UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution can provide a similar mechanism to combat plastic pollution. The UNEA has set a deadline of 2024 to agree on the treaty. All nations should support the negotiation process to reach a consensus as early as possible and stick to the 2024 deadline.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.

Topic: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.

7. Immanuel Kant’s Categorical Imperative serves as a fundamental principle for evaluating the moral rightness of actions. Elaborate. (150 Words)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Reference: plato.stanford.edu

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Key Demand of the question: To write about about Kantian Categorical Imperative and its role in evaluating moral right actions. Directive word: Elaborate – 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 defining Categorical Imperative of Emmanuel Kant. Body: Begin the body by explaining in detail about your understanding of Categorical Imperative with examples. Mention how it can be used to evaluate moral actions. You can use simple but effective examples to put forward your ideas regarding Universal Moral Law etc. Conclusion: Give a concise summation of your views to conclude the answer.

Why the question:

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

Key Demand of the question:

To write about about Kantian Categorical Imperative and its role in evaluating moral right actions.

Directive word:

Elaborate – 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 defining Categorical Imperative of Emmanuel Kant.

Begin the body by explaining in detail about your understanding of Categorical Imperative with examples. Mention how it can be used to evaluate moral actions. You can use simple but effective examples to put forward your ideas regarding Universal Moral Law etc.

Conclusion:

Give a concise summation of your views to conclude the answer.

Introduction

Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) argued that the supreme principle of morality is a standard of rationality that he dubbed the “Categorical Imperative” (CI). Kant characterized the CI as an objective, rationally necessary and unconditional principle that we must always follow despite any natural desires or inclinations we may have to the contrary.

The CI states that it is immoral to use another person merely as a means to an end and that people must under all circumstances be treated as ends in themselves. This is in contrast to some interpretations of the utilitarian view, which allow for use of individuals as means to benefit the many.

Kantian ethics refers to a deontological ethical theory ascribed to the German philosopher Immanuel Kant. The theory, developed as a result of Enlightenment rationalism, is based on the view that the only intrinsically good thing is a good will; an action can only be good if its maxim – the principle behind it – is duty to the moral law.

CI provide a way for us to evaluate moral actions and to make moral judgments

• Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law. It states that one should choose our ‘codes of conduct’ only if they serve perfect / imperfect duty and are good for all. Perfect duties are blameworthy if not met and are the basic requirements for a human being. An exampleof perfect duty is the avoidance of suicide.

• It states that one should choose our ‘codes of conduct’ only if they serve perfect / imperfect duty and are good for all.

• Perfect duties are blameworthy if not met and are the basic requirements for a human being.

• An exampleof perfect duty is the avoidance of suicide.

• Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, always at the same time as an end and never merely as a means to an end. This states that we should not use humanity of ourselves or others as a means to an end. An examplewould be that of slavery or prostitution.

• This states that we should not use humanity of ourselves or others as a means to an end.

• An examplewould be that of slavery or prostitution.

• For Kant to treat people with dignitywas to treat them morally. This idea became a rallying point for those struggling against social hierarchies and for human rights. It represent what is called the moral conception of rights.

• Taking the example of forced labour and jajmani systemwhere human beings are treated as “means” for achieving the “ends” that is profit motive. Human intrinsic worth i.e. dignity is not respected and they are exploited for petty gains. This led to inequality in society where one section of people exploiting other section for self-motive.

• Every rational being must so act as if he were through his maxim always a legislating member in the universal kingdom of ends. This states that we should consider ourselves to be members in the universal realm of ends. We should consider our actions to be of consequence to everyone else in that our actions affect not only ourselves but that of others.

• This states that we should consider ourselves to be members in the universal realm of ends.

• We should consider our actions to be of consequence to everyone else in that our actions affect not only ourselves but that of others.

• :Eviction of tribes from forest land for construction of a dam and rendering them homeless.

Conclusion

Kant’s philosophy of human individuals as end in itself endorses the golden rule of “treating others as one’s self would wish to be treated”. As no one would wish to be used simply as a means, therefore one should not also use other human beings as means to achieve their ends. This philosophy can be of great help in resolving the ethical dilemmas where there is debate between relative importance of means and ends.

*Value addition*

*Kant’s Categorical Imperative:*

• Kant believed that there was a supreme principle of morality, and he referred to it as The Categorical Imperative.

• The CI determines what our moral duties are.Kant thought that all acts should be judged according to a rule he called the Categorical Imperative.

• A categorical imperative denotes an absolute, unconditional requirement that exerts its authority in all circumstances, both required and justified as an end in itself.

• He gives the highest honor for the categorical imperative because it became universal law that can be applied to any and every one.

• Kant is saying that simply willing that our moral rule become a universal law produces a logical contradiction.

• His categorical imperative ensures that we aren’t doing these acts in mimic of others but rather in line with one universal law.

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