UPSC Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 17 JUNE 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.

Topic: poverty and developmental issues

Topic: poverty and developmental issues

1. There is an interplay of complex economic and social factors that contribute to poor learning outcomes in education across the country. Analyse. (250 words).

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Insights on India

Key Demand of the question: To state the societal reasons for low productivity in learning outcomes. 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. Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Start by mentioning the link between social factors and progress of education. Body: First, write how poverty is limiting education – poor nutrition, lack of adult support, lack of resources and hindrance to quality education etc. Next, write about the societal factors which are limiting education –low priority, caste-based discrimination, inequalities, lack of continuity etc. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward to overcome the above societal hindrances.

Key Demand of the question:

To state the societal reasons for low productivity in learning outcomes.

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.

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by mentioning the link between social factors and progress of education.

First, write how poverty is limiting education – poor nutrition, lack of adult support, lack of resources and hindrance to quality education etc.

Next, write about the societal factors which are limiting education –low priority, caste-based discrimination, inequalities, lack of continuity etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward to overcome the above societal hindrances.

Introduction

Education is one of the most powerful instruments for reducing poverty and inequality. Education is equally key to enhance India’s competitiveness in the global economy. A public-school system becomes highly necessary to provide, universal and quality basic education for all, in particular for the poor and rural population. This is central to the economic and social development of India.

Poverty as a limiting factor in education

• Poor nutrition: Poverty means poor nutrition for children. Not only does it undermine their physical and social development, including their neurological responses, it also has day-to-day implications. Hungry children, which is unfortunately the state of too many, cannot concentrate in the classroom. A malnourished child falls ill frequently and can’t attend school. Education is not the only casualty of this tragic phenomenon. One has to just observe the wasting of our children because of poor nutrition.

• Hungry children, which is unfortunately the state of too many, cannot concentrate in the classroom.

• A malnourished child falls ill frequently and can’t attend school.

• Education is not the only casualty of this tragic phenomenon. One has to just observe the wasting of our children because of poor nutrition.

• Lack of proper adult supervision and care: Second, poverty ensures that children do not have the same kind of adult support and care at home as in middle-class families. It is simply because the adults are struggling to make a livelihoo Such adult care and contact are critical for learning.

• Resource deficit: Third, homes in poverty do not have resources that support and create an environment for learning. Their adults themselves are often inadequately educated and they are short of books, other learning material and time. Eg: Many poor households could not afford smartphone, internet or laptop to their children during pandemic.

• Eg: Many poor households could not afford smartphone, internet or laptop to their children during pandemic.

Societal factors limiting education

• Gender bias: Girls are often sent to government schools while a male child is sent to private school. Moreover, after intermediate school, girls are made to drop out either for marriage or to do household chores. Some cultures will allow education for girls and women but limit the content of the education or skew the education to prepare them for a limited number of social roles

• Some cultures will allow education for girls and women but limit the content of the education or skew the education to prepare them for a limited number of social roles

• Caste discrimination: In certain villages in India, even today children are segregated based on caste. Various researches reveals that the education system perpetuates and legitimizes social inequality, due to the economic, political, ideological and pedagogical practices that permeate schools.

• Various researches reveals that the education system perpetuates and legitimizes social inequality, due to the economic, political, ideological and pedagogical practices that permeate schools.

• Family income: Financial stress on the parents can cause a child to leave school early to work. Worries about financial hardship at home can negatively affect low-income children’s ability to learn.

• Tribal problem: Access to education is the biggest hindrance. Most of the tribal children drop out of school or are not sent to school as their integration is low in the society.

• Extreme inequality and decision-making power: The children of the well-to-do attend elite well-resourced schools, with access to more than enough support at home. They have no problems in learning. But the vast majority of children in our unequal country go to schools that might as well be on a different planet. Thus, the well-off, who control or influence the levers of power, have no personal stake in nor any exposure to the reality of most Indian lives.

• But the vast majority of children in our unequal country go to schools that might as well be on a different planet.

• Thus, the well-off, who control or influence the levers of power, have no personal stake in nor any exposure to the reality of most Indian lives.

Way Forward

• Since education is a concurrent subject (both the Centre and the state governments can make laws on it), the reforms proposed can only be implemented collaboratively by the Centre and the states.

• Thus, the Centre has the giant task of building a consensus on the many ambitious plans.

• There is a need to strive Towards Universalisation of Education. Also, creation of ‘inclusion funds’ to help socially and educationally disadvantaged children pursue education.

Conclusion : Improvement in education requires continuity of direction and action. Most educational interventions would take 10 -15 years before they show any sign of real success. However, our governance culture is such that the priorities and directions are changed rapidly. Education, which is a matter of inter-generational change, just can’t improve with this kind of instability that prevails.

Value addition

*Measures being taken*

• *Digital Gender Atlas for advancing Girls’ Education: *This tool is developed by Department of School Education and Literacy with support from UNICEF. It will identify low performing geographic pockets for girls, especially from marginalized groups such as scheduled caste and scheduled tribes.

• *‘Adarsh’ integrated school system of Rajasthan is an example of a school complex system. *Here one school provides classes from l to XII under one principal. There is one such school in every gram panchayat.

• Economic Survey 2018-19 opines that BBBP(Beti Bachao Beti Padhao) has been a success and propose to extend the cause of Gender equality by coining the slogan of BADLAV (Beti Aapki Dhan Lakshmi Aur Vijay-Lakshmi) to enhance the contribution of women in the workforce and the economy.

• *Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat: *Nationwide sub-program of SSA to improve comprehensive early reading, writing and early mathematics program for children in Classes I and II.

• *Teacher Competency: In line with this, MHRD and the National Council for Teacher Education launched the National Teacher Platform or Diksha in 2017*. It is a one-stop solution to address teacher competency gaps.

• *Increasing focus on early childhood education as per the draft New Education Policy (under Chairmanship of Kasturirangan).* Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. 2. The evolution of Indo-Japan relations from historical ties to a robust strategic partnership highlights the potential for deepening bilateral cooperation. Discuss. (250 words) *Difficulty level: Moderate* *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 evolution of Indo-Japan relations and scope for deepening bilateral ties. 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: Start with a brief history of India-Japan ties and its evolution in the recent times. Body: First, Write about the Indo-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership – Balancing security policy against China, Scope for technology partnership, Economic ties, Scope for expansion: Support for key manufacturing initiatives such as ‘Make in India’ and Japan Industrial Townships, secure infrastructure investments in strategically vital connectivity, Japan’s economic assistance to India, Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, and increasing defense collaborations like the Malabar naval exercises etc. Next, write about the how countries can seek a deeper engagement in the current geopolitical scenario. Conclusion:** Conclude writing a way forward.

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

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

2. The evolution of Indo-Japan relations from historical ties to a robust strategic partnership highlights the potential for deepening bilateral cooperation. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

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 evolution of Indo-Japan relations and scope for deepening bilateral ties. 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: Start with a brief history of India-Japan ties and its evolution in the recent times. Body: First, Write about the Indo-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership – Balancing security policy against China, Scope for technology partnership, Economic ties, Scope for expansion: Support for key manufacturing initiatives such as ‘Make in India’ and Japan Industrial Townships, secure infrastructure investments in strategically vital connectivity, Japan’s economic assistance to India, Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, and increasing defense collaborations like the Malabar naval exercises etc. Next, write about the how countries can seek a deeper engagement in the current geopolitical scenario. Conclusion: Conclude writing a way forward.

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 evolution of Indo-Japan relations and scope for deepening bilateral ties.

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:

Start with a brief history of India-Japan ties and its evolution in the recent times.

First, Write about the Indo-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership – Balancing security policy against China, Scope for technology partnership, Economic ties, Scope for expansion: Support for key manufacturing initiatives such as ‘Make in India’ and Japan Industrial Townships, secure infrastructure investments in strategically vital connectivity, Japan’s economic assistance to India, Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, and increasing defense collaborations like the Malabar naval exercises etc.

Next, write about the how countries can seek a deeper engagement in the current geopolitical scenario.

Conclusion:

Conclude writing a way forward.

Introduction

It is significant that despite the recent developments in Ukraine, Tokyo and New Delhi have managed to present a united front vis-a-vis China. While Kishida condemned the Russian attack, the Indian side called for peace and dialogue. This is in line with the two countries’ positions, and individual strategic needs — and that common interests outweigh the differences.

India-Japan cooperation and bilateral relations

• Increased Economic Cooperation: Both signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2011 which helped in boosting bilateral trade. Japan has been one of the biggest sources of investment flows into India, accounting for $28.16 billion in FDI between April 2000 and June 2018.

• Japan has been one of the biggest sources of investment flows into India, accounting for $28.16 billion in FDI between April 2000 and June 2018.

• Connectivity through Huge Infrastructure projects: Within India- Japan has been a leading financial donor in the form of ODA (Official Development Assistance) to India. It continues to maintain a high degree of interest and support for India’s mega infrastructure projects like the Delhi-Mumbai Freight Corridor, Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor etc. North East integration– India’s Act east policy has North east development at its core. Japan promises to undertake several projects in the region under north East Forum. It has security (chicken neck corridor) and developmental implications for India.

• It continues to maintain a high degree of interest and support for India’s mega infrastructure projects like the Delhi-Mumbai Freight Corridor, Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor etc.

• North East integration– India’s Act east policy has North east development at its core. Japan promises to undertake several projects in the region under north East Forum. It has security (chicken neck corridor) and developmental implications for India.

• Asia-Africa Growth Corridor AAGC: Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) announced in 2017 and joint projects in some third countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka and in Africa as well will be taken jointly.

• Defence ties: Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is a strategic dialogue between India, United States, Japan and Australia will be carried out. India and Japan signed an “Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement” that would allow the militaries of the two countries to exchange supplies and services on a reciprocal basis during exercises in which both participate, U.N. and humanitarian assistance operations etc. Trilateral naval exercise Malabar involving the United States, Japan and India will be carried on continuous basis.

• India and Japan signed an “Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement” that would allow the militaries of the two countries to exchange supplies and services on a reciprocal basis during exercises in which both participate, U.N. and humanitarian assistance operations etc.

• Trilateral naval exercise Malabar involving the United States, Japan and India will be carried on continuous basis.

• Global and regional partnership: Both have come together, through platforms like QUAD, Asia-Africa Growth Corridor. Looming presence of China has led to the convergence of economic and strategic imperatives, especially in the India-Pacific region.

• Looming presence of China has led to the convergence of economic and strategic imperatives, especially in the India-Pacific region.

• Space cooperation: India and Japan conducted their first Annual Bilateral Space Dialogue, for enhancing bilateral cooperation in outer-space.

Ample scope to deepening the relations

• In spite of CEPA India Japan trade it has not produced the anticipated results. In 2011-12, the total volume of the bilateral trade was $18.43 billion, but it declined to $13.48 billion during 2016-17.

• In 2011-12, the total volume of the bilateral trade was $18.43 billion, but it declined to $13.48 billion during 2016-17.

• Both had diverging interest with respect to economic issues like on E-commerce rules (Osaka track), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership etc.

• Both countries do not have a specific China policy. Despite, converging interests of Japan, India, trade with China represents more than 20% of Japan’s total trade.

• No concrete action on projects like Asia Africa Growth Corridor, despite it being signed in 2017.

Conclusion

India Japan’s relationship has been defined as ‘indispensable natural partners.’ Also, Indian Prime Minister said, there are few partnerships that enjoy so much goodwill in India as our relationship with Japan. To realise the full potential of relationship, both need to expedite work on trade, defence and infrastructural issues. A strong Indo- Japan will arrest the inconsistency being witnessed in the region thus contributing to peace and prosperity in the Indo Pacific region and the world.

Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

3. Moving towards a Direct Tax Code can offer significant benefits in terms of simplification, transparency, and economic growth. Critically examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3. Key Demand of the question: To write about major tax reforms in recent times and to examine the feasibility of direct tax code. 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 defining direct tax code. Body: First, explain the concept of direct tax code and its components. Next, write about as to how it will be better than the existing mechanism – simplify the tax structure, broaden the tax base, enhance transparency, and boost investor confidence, Next, write about it uncertainties and issues with respect to it – implementation complexity and potential increased litigation etc. Conclusion: Conclude by stating a balanced opinion with regards to direct tax code.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about major tax reforms in recent times and to examine the feasibility of direct tax code.

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 defining direct tax code.

First, explain the concept of direct tax code and its components.

Next, write about as to how it will be better than the existing mechanism – simplify the tax structure, broaden the tax base, enhance transparency, and boost investor confidence,

Next, write about it uncertainties and issues with respect to it – implementation complexity and potential increased litigation etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by stating a balanced opinion with regards to direct tax code.

Introduction

The Direct Tax Code is a proposed set of rules intended to replace the existing Income Tax Act of 1961 in India. It aims to consolidate all direct taxes under one umbrella, including income tax, dividend distribution tax, fringe benefits tax, and wealth tax.

Benefits Over Existing Mechanism

• Simplification: The DTC proposes a more understandable tax structure for taxpayers, reducing compliance burdens and easing the filing process.

• Rationalization: It seeks to streamline deductions and exemptions, potentially reducing tax evasion.

• Economic Growth: By lowering corporate tax rates and phasing out exemptions, it aims to make businesses more competitive and increase the tax-GDP ratio.

Uncertainties and Issues

• Complexity: The wide range of exemptions and concessions could lead to a complex tax system.

• Discretionary Powers: Provisions like GAAR may give tax officers excessive discretionary powers, raising concerns about corruption and uncertainty.

Conclusion

The DTC has the potential to simplify the tax system, enhance transparency, and boost economic growth. However, its successful implementation will require careful consideration of complexities and mitigation of discretionary powers to avoid increased litigation.

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;

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

“We are like chameleons, we take our hue and the colour of our moral character, from those who are around us.” ― John Locke

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 the answer by explaining the quote in your own words. Body: Explain the role of influence from the family, teachers and friends in the shaping of our attitudes. Elaborate upon as to how these various factors leads to formation of moral attitudes and thereby governing our behaviour. Substantiate with examples. Conclusion: Conclude by writing about need of cultivating the right attitude via positive influence.

Why the question:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin the answer by explaining the quote in your own words.

Explain the role of influence from the family, teachers and friends in the shaping of our attitudes. Elaborate upon as to how these various factors leads to formation of moral attitudes and thereby governing our behaviour. Substantiate with examples.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing about need of cultivating the right attitude via positive influence.

Introduction

This quote relates to our time because many people today have to try to fit in everyday life to get anywhere in it. We notice others and automatically look up to them and they become the standard for us. Sometimes, the benchmarks we set for ourselves also is based on other people’s lives. While this may sometimes work in our favour when our role models are inspiring people but at the same time, it may be detrimental if we choose to surround ourselves with wrong people.

The best example is the Nazi Germany, where millions of Jews were killed in holocaust based on Hitler’s dictum to exterminated the Jews. During the Nuremburg trials, it was found that many Nazi Generals blindly followed the authority without questioning the moral judgement of Hitler.

Even people who were against such incarceration got co-opted eventually seeing their neighbours and fellow countrymen and accepted the Nazi superiority as blind truth.

More than sixty years ago Gustav Gilbert, a US Intelligence Officer, wrote ‘Nuremberg Diary’ about his experience at the Nuremberg prison. Nuremberg Diary contains detailed conversations with politicians, generals, businessmen, architects and engineers. Most senior Nazis were “normal” intelligent people who contributed to an organization that did extraordinarily evil things. This shows that not just ordinary people but those who were well educated also became privy to the most heinous genocide in history of the world.

In everyday life, it means you become the people you surround yourself with. If one surrounds himself with drug users, they will eventually see it as morally acceptable to behave in the same way. Contradictory to that, if one surrounds himself around athletes and people in healthy relationships, they will find themselves becoming fit and surrounded by people who are committed supporting us.

Conclusion

When one considers a personal worldview, one can see that there is always 4 elements. There is Origins, Purpose, Morality, and Destiny. Since Morality is one of the facets of worldview, it will be built in the same way as the other three elements; that is, by the lived experience of the holder of it. Our worldview is constructed through our experiences, our education, our up brings and family, our friends and our enemies. Through the collected experiences of our lives, we have unintentionally created a lens through which we make sense of the world.

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