UPSC Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 21 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: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

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: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

1. The Rajasthani painting sub-schools, despite their close proximity, exhibited significant diversity in style, technique, and themes due to local cultural influences and patronage. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

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 the main style and themes of Rajasthani School and its sub styles. Directive: Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Write in brief about aesthetics of Rajput paintings and their origins. Body: In the first part, write about the main style and themes that are depicted in the paintings. Elements depicted, colors used, notable genre and any other important features. Next, write about the major centers where it flourished – Mewar School, Bundi school and Kishangarh school. Write about their important features. Conclusion: Conclude by highlighting their special place in the artistic history of 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 the main style and themes of Rajasthani School and its sub styles.

Directive:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Write in brief about aesthetics of Rajput paintings and their origins.

In the first part, write about the main style and themes that are depicted in the paintings. Elements depicted, colors used, notable genre and any other important features.

Next, write about the major centers where it flourished – Mewar School, Bundi school and Kishangarh school. Write about their important features.

Conclusion:

Conclude by highlighting their special place in the artistic history of India.

Introduction

The term ‘Rajasthani Schools of Painting’ pertains to the schools of painting that prevailed in the princely kingdoms and thikanas of what roughly constitutes Rajasthan and parts of Madhya Pradesh in the present time, such as Mewar, Bundi, Kota, Jaipur, Bikaner, Kishangarh, Jodhpur (Marwar), Malwa, Sirohi and other such principalities largely between the sixteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Like the Mughal Emperors, the Rajput rulers were also lovers of art and gave their patronage to miniature paintings.

Scholar Annand Coomaraswamy in 1916 coined the term ‘Rajput Paintings’ to refer to these as most rulers and patrons of these kingdoms were Rajputs.

Main features of Rajasthani School of paintings

• Each Rajputana kingdom had its own distinct style with a few common features.

• Unlike Mughal painting which is primarily secular, the art of painting in Central India, Rajasthani and the Pahari region etc. is deeply rooted in the Indian traditions, taking inspiration from Indian epics, religious texts like the Puranas, love poems in Sanskrit and other Indian languages, Indian folk-lore and works on musical themes.

• The cults of Vaishnavism, Saivism and Shakti exercised tremendous influence on the pictorial art of these places.

• Among these the cult of Krishna was the most popular one which inspired the patrons and artists.

• The notion of ‘love’ was cherished as a religious theme, where a delightful synthesis of sensuousness and mysticism was perceived

• The themes from the Ramayana., the Mahabharata, the Bhagavata, the Siva Purana, the Naishadacarita, the Usha Aniruddha, the GitaGovinda of Jayadeva, the Rasamanjari of Bhanudatta, the Amaru Sataka, the Rasikapriya of Kesavadasa, the Bihari Satasayee and the Ragamala etc., provided a very rich field to the painter who with his artistic skill and devotion made a significant contribution to the development of Indian painting.

• Apart from depicting stories from the Ramayana and the royal lifestyle of kings and queens, Rajasthani miniature paintings often portrayed the legacy of present and past rulers.

• They also portrayed social values and the changes introduced by kings for the betterment of society. The background of the paintings formed a special feature of the Rajasthani school.

• Colours used were often bold and contrasting in nature.

• Natural colours, extracted from plants, minerals, shells, gold, silver and precious stones, were used.

• The preparation of colours itself would often take weeks and only fine brushes were used.

• The difficult art of miniature painting still exists in Rajasthan where the painters often use paper, ivory and silk as their canvas.

• However, natural colours are no longer used as they have been replaced by artificial colours.

Various schools

The Malwa School

• It flourished between 1600 and 1700 CE and is most representative of the Hindu Rajput courts.

• Its two-dimensional simplistic language appears as a consummation of stylistic progression from the Jain manuscripts to the Chaurpanchashika manuscript paintings.

• Unlike the specificity of Rajasthani schools that emerged and flourished in precise territorial kingdoms and courts of their respective kings, Malwa School defies a precise centre for its origin and instead suggests a vast territory of Central India, where it got articulated with a sporadic mention of few places, such as Mandu, Nusratgarh and Narsyang Sahar.

• Among the few early dated sets are an illustrated poetic text of Amaru Shatakadated 1652 CE and a Ragamala painting by Madho Das in 1680 CE.

Mewar school of painting

• Mewar is conjectured to be a significant early centre of painting in Rajasthan, from where, hypothetically, one would have been able to formalise a continuous stylistic tradition of painting—from pre-seventeenth century bold, indigenous styles to the subsequent refined and finer style post Karan Singh’s contact with the Mughals.

• However, long wars with the Mughals have wiped out earliest examples.

• Therefore, the emergence of the Mewar School is widely associated with an early dated set of Ragamala paintings painted at Chawed in 1605 by an artist named Narain.

• Sahibdin painted the Ragamala (1628), Rasikapriya, Bhagvata Purana (1648) and the Yuddha Kanda of Ramayana (1652).

Bundi School of Painting

• A prolific and distinct school of painting flourished in Bundi in the seventeenth century, which is remarkable for its unblemished colour sense and excellent formal design.

• Bundi Ragamala dated 1591, assigned to the earliest and formative phase of Bundi painting, has been painted at Chinar in the reign of Bhai Singh (1585–1607), the Hada Rajput ruler.

• A distinct feature of Bundi and Kota School is a keen interest in the depiction of lush vegetation; picturesque landscape with varied flora, wildlife and birds; hills and thick jungles; and water bodies.

• Bundi artists had their own standards of feminine beauty—women are petite with round faces, receding foreheads, sharp noses, full cheeks, sharply pencilled eyebrows and a ‘pinched’ waist.

Kota School of Painting:

• The accomplished tradition of painting at Bundi gave rise to one of the most outstanding Rajasthani Schools, Kota, which excels in the depiction of hunting scenes and reflects an exceptional excitement and obsession for animal chase.

• Kota paintings are characteristically spontaneous, calligraphic in execution and emphasise on marked shading, especially, the double–lid eye.

• Artists of the Kota School excelled in rendering animals and combat.

Bikaner School of Painting

• Rao Bika Rathore established one of the most prominent kingdoms of Rajasthan, Bikaner, in 1488.

• During his regime, Anup Singh (1669–1698) instituted a library in Bikaner that became a repository of manuscripts and paintings.

• As a result of long association with the Mughals, Bikaner developed a distinctive language of painting that was influenced by the Mughal elegance and subdued colour palette.

• The custom of having portraits of artists is unique to the Bikaner School and most of them are inscribed with information regarding their ancestry. They are referred to as Ustas or Ustad.

• Accounts from the Bahis, royal archival day-to-day diaries, and numerous inscriptions on Bikaner paintings make it one of the best documented schools of painting.

Kishangarh School of Painting

• Widely held among the most stylised of all Rajasthani miniatures, Kishangarh paintings are distinguished by their exquisite sophistication and distinct facial type exemplified by arched eyebrows, lotus petal shaped eyes slightly tinged with pink, having drooping eyelids, a sharp slender nose and thin lips.

• A distinctive style of the state with a general tendency to elongate the human form, making lavish use of green and penchant for depicting panoramic landscapes had evolved by the early eighteenth century

• With the Pushtimargiya cult of Vallabhacharya, Krishna Lila themes became personal favourites for the rulers of Kishangarh and represented a major portion of their court art.

• Savant Singh’s most celebrated and outstanding artist was Nihal Chand.

• Nihal Chand worked for Sawant Singh between 1735 and 1757, and composed paintings on Sawant Singh’s poetry that portrayed the theme of divine lovers—Radha and Krishna, in courtly surroundings, often appearing tiny in the vastness and minutiae of their panoramic landscape settings.

• Kishangarh artists revelled in the depiction of vistas in accentuated colours.

Jodhpur School of Painting

• With the political presence of Mughals since the sixteenth century, influence of their visual aesthetics made its way in the style of portraiture and depiction of court scenes, etc.

• However, the formidable indigenous folkish style was so widespread and deeply embedded in culture that it resisted getting overpowered and prevailed in most illustrated sets of paintings.

• One of the earliest sets painted in Pali is a Ragamala set by artist Virji in 1623.

• The last phase innovative of Jodhpur painting coincided with the reign of Man Singh (1803–1843).

• Significant sets painted during his time are the Ramayana (1804), Dhola-Maru, Panchatantra (1804) and Shiva Purana.

• Ramayana paintings are interesting as the artist has employed his understanding of Jodhpur to depict Rama’s Ayodhya.

• Hence, one gets an inkling into the bazaars, lanes, gateways, etc., of Jodhpur during that period.

• This is true for all schools, wherein, local architecture, costumes and cultural aspects get interwoven with the stories of Krishna, Rama and others, and get depicted in paintings

Jaipur School of Painting

• The Jaipur School of painting originated in its former capital Amer, which was nearest of all large Rajput states to Mughal capitals—Agra and Delhi.

• Jaipur School of paintings thrived under Sawai Jai Singh’s reign and emerged as a well-defined independent school.

• Court records reveal that some Mughal painters were brought from Delhi to become a part of his atelier.

• Artists during his reign painted sets based on Rasikapriya, Gita Govinda, Baramasa and Ragamala, where the hero’s figure is in striking resemblance with the king.

• Portrait painting was also popular during his time.

• During Pratap Singh’s time, apart from royal portraits and representations of courtly pomp and splendour, literary and religious themes, such as Gita Govinda, Ragamala, Bhagvata Purana, etc., got renewed stimulus.

• As elsewhere, many copies were also produced by means of tracing and pouncing.

• By the early nineteenth century, there was a lavish use of gold.

• Jaipur preferred large size formats and produced life-size portraits.

Conclusion

The Rajasthani style of painting including that of Malwa, is marked by bold drawing, strong and contrasting colours. The treatment of figures is flat without any attempt to show perspective in a naturalistic manner. Sometimes the surface of the painting is divided into several compartments of different colours in order to separate one scene from another. Mughal influence is seen in the refining of drawing and some element of naturalism introduced in figures and trees. Each school of painting has its distinct facial type, costume, landscape and colour scheme.

Topic: Social empowerment

Topic: Social empowerment

2. Achieving LGBTQIA+ inclusivity requires comprehensive education, protective policies, and safe spaces for the members of the community. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question: Today, various generations huddled in the same office want the voices of all genders and orientation want to be heard. Key Demand of the question: To write about achieving inclusivity among for the LGBTQIA+ community. Structure of the answer: Directive: 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 about the giving context about the recent move by Tamil Nadu regarding LGBTQIA+ community. Body: First, write about the various issues face the LGBTQIA+ in various aspect such as employment, housing, co-living, rights, harassment, lack of counselling. Next, write about the importance of ending harassment and beginning sensitization with respect to the LGBTQIA+ community and moving towards comprehensive education, protective policies, diverse representation, safe spaces, inclusive workplaces, allyship, and accessible healthcare. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward to further streamline the community to achieve true inclusivity.

Why the question:

Today, various generations huddled in the same office want the voices of all genders and orientation want to be heard.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about achieving inclusivity among for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Structure of the answer:

Directive:

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 about the giving context about the recent move by Tamil Nadu regarding LGBTQIA+ community.

First, write about the various issues face the LGBTQIA+ in various aspect such as employment, housing, co-living, rights, harassment, lack of counselling.

Next, write about the importance of ending harassment and beginning sensitization with respect to the LGBTQIA+ community and moving towards comprehensive education, protective policies, diverse representation, safe spaces, inclusive workplaces, allyship, and accessible healthcare.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward to further streamline the community to achieve true inclusivity.

Introduction

The LGBTQIA+ community faces a lot of problems. The main problem is acceptance from people outside the community. For the Indian LGBT community, a truly inclusive society remains a distant dream. In urban India, where social media and corporate initiatives have created increasing awareness of LGBT rights, the scenario looks more upbeat for gay men than for transgender people or lesbian women. While urban LGBT voices that are heard through several online and real-world platforms form an important part of LGBT activism, these expose only a small part of the diverse challenges faced by the community.

Issues faced by LGBTQIA+ community in India

• No legal recognition of marriage: Same-sex marriages are not legally recognized in India even though many countries like USA, UK have legalised it.

• Issue of rights:The rights enjoyed by opposite-sex couples are not enjoyed by same-sex couples. They are prohibited from those rights. For example- The lack of a legal structure around their relationship became increasingly stark when they tried to bring each other on as nominees in insurance and financial plans,just as a married couples did.

• The lack of a legal structure around their relationship became increasingly stark when they tried to bring each other on as nominees in insurance and financial plans,just as a married couples did.

• Lack of family support: Lack of communication between LGBT children and the parents often leads to conflict in the family. Many LGBT youths are placed in foster care or end up in juvenile detention or on the streets. Most often than not, LGBTQ children from poor families are abandoned. They end up begging as there is no avenue for education or employment. In some parts, secret honour killings are plannedso that the only way for a young gay man to survive is to run away in the cover of the night to some city, with no money or social support.

• Many LGBT youths are placed in foster care or end up in juvenile detention or on the streets.

• Most often than not, LGBTQ children from poor families are abandoned. They end up begging as there is no avenue for education or employment.

• In some parts, secret honour killings are plannedso that the only way for a young gay man to survive is to run away in the cover of the night to some city, with no money or social support.

• Sanctioned rape: In other parts, lesbian women are subjected to family-sanctioned corrective rapes,which are often perpetrated by their own family members. Village medics and babas oftenprescribe rape to cure lesbians of homosexuality. Refusal to marry brings more physical abuse

• Village medics and babas oftenprescribe rape to cure lesbians of homosexuality. Refusal to marry brings more physical abuse

• Education and health: The LGBTQ children are abandoned and marginalised, who end up being isolated by the rest of the society. They are denied the fundamental right of education as well as health.

Measures needed

• The LGTBQ communityneeds an anti-discrimination law that empowers them to build productive lives and relationships irrespective of gender identity or sexual orientation and place the onus to change on state and society and not the individual.

• Policemust not harass sexual minorities. There must be changes to the police conduct rules to provide for punishing erring police personnel in this regard.

• Government bodies, especially related to Health, and Law and Order need to be sensitised and made aware about the changed position of law to ensure that the LGBTQ community is not denied public servicesor harassed for their sexual orientation.

• Enumerating sexual orientation and gender identity in non-discrimination andanti-bullying policies is an important step toward acknowledging diversity, protecting vulnerable students.

• Training school staff empowers themto respond when they encounter abuse. Younger generations of Indians will grow up knowing of criminalisation as a thing of the past, and that will be a boon to their basic rights.

• In 2014, the Supreme Court issued a sweeping judgment inNALSA v. India, which held that transgender people should be legally recognised according to their gender identity, enjoy all fundamental rights, and receive special benefits in education and employment. This must be implemented and enforced.

Conclusion

The queer and gender non-conforming people have found an ally in the court, but they would need greater effort on the part of the authorities at various levels, if their rights are to be protected. In any case, any change in law in terms of recognising same-sex relations or understanding self-identification of gender must be complemented by an attitudinal change in society at large.

Government must sensitise the general public and officials, to reduce and finally eliminate the stigma associated with LGBTQ+ community through the mass media and the official channels. School and university students too should be sensitised about the diversity of sexuality to deconstruct the myth of heteronormativity. Heteronormativity is the root cause of hetero-sexism and homophobia.

Topic: Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

Topic: Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

3. Hooch tragedies in India resulting from the consumption of illicitly brewed alcohol, have been a recurring problem. Examine the reasons the same. Suggest measures to prevent them. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question: The death toll from the illicit arrack tragedy in Kallakurichi rose to 39. Key Demand of the question: To write about reasons for hooch tragedies and measures to prevent them. Structure of the answer: Directive: 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 about the giving context. Body: First, write about the major causes for it – economic hardships, availability, lack of regulation, toxic ingredients, Poor law enforcement, corruption, efficient illegal supply chains and cultural acceptance. Next, write about the measures required to prevent them – stricter regulations and enforcement, public education campaigns, economic interventions like subsidies for legal alcohol and job creation, community involvement through vigilance committees etc. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

The death toll from the illicit arrack tragedy in Kallakurichi rose to 39.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about reasons for hooch tragedies and measures to prevent them.

Structure of the answer:

Directive:

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin about the giving context.

First, write about the major causes for it – economic hardships, availability, lack of regulation, toxic ingredients, Poor law enforcement, corruption, efficient illegal supply chains and cultural acceptance.

Next, write about the measures required to prevent them – stricter regulations and enforcement, public education campaigns, economic interventions like subsidies for legal alcohol and job creation, community involvement through vigilance committees etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

Hooch tragedies refer to incidents where people suffer severe health consequences or lose their lives due to consuming illegally brewed or adulterated alcohol. These tragedies often occur because of factors like economic hardships, lack of regulation, and the presence of toxic ingredients in the illicit liquor.

The death toll from the illicit arrack tragedy in Kallakurichi rose to 39 on Thursday, as several victims being treated in various hospitals succumbed to the poisoning without showing signs of improvement. The deceased include 34 men, four women and one transgender person.

Causes of Hooch Tragedies in India:

• Economic Hardships: Many individuals, especially those facing financial difficulties, turn to cheap, illicitly brewed alcohol due to its affordability compared to legally produced brands.

• Many individuals, especially those facing financial difficulties, turn to cheap, illicitly brewed alcohol due to its affordability compared to legally produced brands.

• Availability and Lack of Regulation: Illicitly brewed alcohol is readily available in local markets and often evades regulatory oversight. Bootleggers operate outside the legal framework, making it challenging to enforce regulations effectively.

• Illicitly brewed alcohol is readily available in local markets and often evades regulatory oversight.

• Bootleggers operate outside the legal framework, making it challenging to enforce regulations effectively.

• Toxic Ingredients: Illicit liquor often contains harmful additives such as pesticides or methanol to increase potency. These toxic ingredients pose severe health risks to consumers.

• Illicit liquor often contains harmful additives such as pesticides or methanol to increase potency.

• These toxic ingredients pose severe health risks to consumers.

• Poor Law Enforcement: Inadequate enforcement of existing laws allows illegal alcohol production and distribution to thrive. Lack of stringent penalties for offenders contributes to the persistence of this problem.

• Inadequate enforcement of existing laws allows illegal alcohol production and distribution to thrive.

• Lack of stringent penalties for offenders contributes to the persistence of this problem.

• Corruption: Corruption within law enforcement agencies and local administration enables the illicit alcohol trade. Bribery and collusion hinder effective crackdowns on bootlegging operations.

• Corruption within law enforcement agencies and local administration enables the illicit alcohol trade.

• Bribery and collusion hinder effective crackdowns on bootlegging operations.

• Efficient Illegal Supply Chains: Well-established networks facilitate the production, distribution, and sale of illicit alcohol. These supply chains operate seamlessly, making it difficult for authorities to dismantle them.

• Well-established networks facilitate the production, distribution, and sale of illicit alcohol.

• These supply chains operate seamlessly, making it difficult for authorities to dismantle them.

• Cultural Acceptance: In some regions, consuming homemade or illicit alcohol is culturally accepted or even normalized. Social attitudes play a role in perpetuating this dangerous practice.

• In some regions, consuming homemade or illicit alcohol is culturally accepted or even normalized.

• Social attitudes play a role in perpetuating this dangerous practice.

Preventive Measures:

• Stricter Regulations and Enforcement: Strengthen existing laws related to alcohol production, distribution, and sale. Increase penalties for offenders, including both producers and suppliers. Regular inspections and raids should target illicit distilleries and supply chains.

• Strengthen existing laws related to alcohol production, distribution, and sale.

• Increase penalties for offenders, including both producers and suppliers.

• Regular inspections and raids should target illicit distilleries and supply chains.

• Public Education Campaigns: Raise awareness about the dangers of consuming illicit alcohol. Educate communities about the risks associated with toxic additives. Promote responsible alcohol consumption and discourage reliance on cheap, unregulated liquor.

• Raise awareness about the dangers of consuming illicit alcohol.

• Educate communities about the risks associated with toxic additives.

• Promote responsible alcohol consumption and discourage reliance on cheap, unregulated liquor.

• Economic Interventions: Provide subsidies for legal alcohol to make it more affordable for low-income individuals. Create job opportunities in legal alcohol production and distribution to discourage involvement in the illicit trade.

• Provide subsidies for legal alcohol to make it more affordable for low-income individuals.

• Create job opportunities in legal alcohol production and distribution to discourage involvement in the illicit trade.

• Community Involvement: Establish vigilance committees at the local level. Encourage community members to report illegal alcohol operations. Foster a sense of responsibility and ownership in preventing hooch tragedies.

• Establish vigilance committees at the local level.

• Encourage community members to report illegal alcohol operations.

• Foster a sense of responsibility and ownership in preventing hooch tragedies.

Way Forward:

• Integrated Approach: Collaborate across government departments, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations. Address hooch tragedies holistically by combining legal, social, and economic strategies.

• Collaborate across government departments, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations.

• Address hooch tragedies holistically by combining legal, social, and economic strategies.

• Strengthen Legal Framework: Amend existing laws to enhance penalties for bootlegging. Streamline procedures for licensing legal alcohol production.

• Amend existing laws to enhance penalties for bootlegging.

• Streamline procedures for licensing legal alcohol production.

• Target High-Risk Areas: Identify regions with a history of hooch tragedies. Conduct targeted awareness campaigns and enforcement operations.

• Identify regions with a history of hooch tragedies.

• Conduct targeted awareness campaigns and enforcement operations.

• Community Empowerment: Involve local communities in monitoring and reporting illicit alcohol activities. Educate citizens about their role in preventing tragedies.

• Involve local communities in monitoring and reporting illicit alcohol activities.

• Educate citizens about their role in preventing tragedies.

• Swift Justice: Expedite legal proceedings against offenders. Ensure that justice is served promptly to deter others.

• Expedite legal proceedings against offenders.

• Ensure that justice is served promptly to deter others.

• Long-Term Solutions: Invest in economic development to reduce poverty and dependency on cheap alcohol. Promote a cultural shift toward responsible drinking.

• Invest in economic development to reduce poverty and dependency on cheap alcohol.

• Promote a cultural shift toward responsible drinking.

Conclusion

Addressing hooch tragedies requires a multi-pronged approach involving regulation, education, community engagement, and economic upliftment. By working together, we can prevent further loss of lives due to illicitly brewed alcohol.

Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.

Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.

4. By effectively harnessing artificial intelligence (AI), governments can enhance their interactions with citizens and improve the efficiency and quality of public services. 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 – 1. Key Demand of the question: To write about how artificial intelligence will transform governance to improve service delivery and what applications will these technologies offer in the near future. Directive: 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 mentioning the rising use of A.I in governance with examples. Body: First, mention the potential uses of artificial Intelligence and machine learning in governance and its advantages – efficiency, transparency, seamless connectivity etc. Cite examples to substantiate. Next, mention various limitations and bottlenecks that hinder use of A.I in governance to improve service delivery – security issues, privacy, lack of infrastructure etc. 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 how artificial intelligence will transform governance to improve service delivery and what applications will these technologies offer in the near future.

Directive:

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by mentioning the rising use of A.I in governance with examples.

First, mention the potential uses of artificial Intelligence and machine learning in governance and its advantages – efficiency, transparency, seamless connectivity etc. Cite examples to substantiate.

Next, mention various limitations and bottlenecks that hinder use of A.I in governance to improve service delivery – security issues, privacy, lack of infrastructure etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the branch of computer science concerned with developing machines that can complete tasks that typically require human intelligence. The growing use of artificial intelligence in public policy is perhaps the most important thing to track about India’s governance.

Background on India’s artificial intelligence journey

• India’s National Programme for AI, which was developed by NITI Aayog, defines artificial intelligence for social good (and for all) as its goal.

• One of its first steps towards this goal has been the development of PARAM SIDDHI AI, the country’s largest High Performance Computing (HPC) supercomputer.

• This is ranked among the top 100 supercomputers in the world.

• Some of the key areas where India first wants to deploy artificial intelligence are health, agriculture, education, manufacturing and the financial sector.

• Thus, the national Jal Shakti Ministry has been using internet of things (IoT)-based sensors to monitor water availability and flow in 6,00,000 villages, and the Tamil Nadu administration has used AI-based screening (through a mobile app called e-Paarwai) to check for cataract problems in patients.

AI in governance

• Economic impact:The widespread adoption of AI has the potential to stimulate economic growth by creating new industries, job opportunities, and revenue streams. It can also lead to the development of novel business models.

• Smart cities: AI can contribute to the development of smart cities by optimizing transportation systems, managing energy consumption, and enhancing public services. This can lead to more sustainable and efficient urban living.

• Healthcare Advancements: AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by improving diagnostics, treatment planning, and drug discovery. Machine learning algorithms can analyze medical data to identify patterns and assist in the early detection of diseases.

• Automation and Efficiency: AI enables the automation of repetitive and routine tasks, leading to increased efficiency in various industries. This can result in cost savings, improved productivity, and the ability to allocate human resources to more complex and creative tasks.

• Autonomous Systems: The use of autonomous systems, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ground-based robots, powered by AI, can enhance military capabilities. These systems can be used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and even in certain combat situations, reducing the risk to human lives.

• Cyber Warfare and Defense: AI plays a crucial role in both offensive and defensive cyber operations. AI-driven tools can be used to identify vulnerabilities, conduct automated attacks, and develop countermeasures to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats.

• Surveillance and Reconnaissance: AI-powered surveillance systems can analyze vast amounts of data from various sources, including satellite imagery, drones, and social media, to enhance situational awareness. This capability is crucial for monitoring borders, identifying security threats, and responding to potential risks.

AI in public service delivery

• Reducing fraud and error in the tax and benefits systems: Governments today can benefit from the application of anomaly detection to benefits claims and tax rebates.

• Examine service delivery processes: Many public services are becoming digital, creating electronic footprints of the business processes in operation. The use ofprocess mining, a technology which uses timestamps to identify workflows, can be used to understand the flows of citizens through public services. This can help understand where there are bottlenecks, where processes are going awry, and where digital services are failing.

• The use ofprocess mining, a technology which uses timestamps to identify workflows, can be used to understand the flows of citizens through public services.

• This can help understand where there are bottlenecks, where processes are going awry, and where digital services are failing.

• Efficiently allocate resources: Resource allocation is paramount in delivering effective public services, whether it is the management of intensive-care beds or the maintenance of the road and rail network. Eg: During covid pandemic, bed allocation, detecting outbreak in communities were all modelled using artifical intelligence. The ability to predict need before it occurs allows managers to make better decisions; giving them this capability will become increasingly important in the public sector.

• Eg: During covid pandemic, bed allocation, detecting outbreak in communities were all modelled using artifical intelligence.

• The ability to predict need before it occurs allows managers to make better decisions; giving them this capability will become increasingly important in the public sector.

• Precision farming: Accurate weather prediction, information dissemination on right time to harvest, even identifying any pest infestation using image processing are use cases in Agriculture. Government can provide these services to farmers.

These are just some of the examples of how AI is beginning to impact public services. As governments seek to speed up the pace of implementation, we can look forward to increased benefits because of this approach. Governments that form a clear data strategy, complete with AI implementation guidelines and ethical framework, are well placed to realize these gains and increase public trust. In a time of scepticism towards government around the world, AI is an opportunity to redefine what public services can deliver.

Conclusion

Governments are just starting to explore the potential of AI to transform public services. It is crucial to design systems to capture the right data at the outset, so that AI can be deployed efficiently. This will all be made possible by tailoring systems to the subject matter at hand, with the help of policy-makers, public servants and data scientists, all working together to fully realize the benefits of this technology.

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.

5. Goods and Services Tax (GST) has brought significant benefits to the Indian economy. However, it also faces several limitations. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question: Revenues from the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which completes seven years at the end of this month, hit a record high of ₹2.1 lakh crore in April that typically sees higher inflows due to a year-end compliance rush. Key Demand of the question: To write about various successes and limitations of GST and reforms that are needed in it. Directive word: Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by aims and objectives behind the launch of GST. Body: First, write about the achievements of GST – simplified tax structure, an increase in the tax base, and a reduction in tax evasion. Substantiate with examples, facts or statistics. Next, write about the shortcomings of GST – high tax rates, compliance burden, and complexities in the filing process have been faced. Substantiate with examples, facts or statistics. Next, suggest reforms in GST. Conclusion: Conclude with a way forward.

Why the question:

Revenues from the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which completes seven years at the end of this month, hit a record high of ₹2.1 lakh crore in April that typically sees higher inflows due to a year-end compliance rush.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about various successes and limitations of GST and reforms that are needed in it.

Directive word:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by aims and objectives behind the launch of GST.

First, write about the achievements of GST – simplified tax structure, an increase in the tax base, and a reduction in tax evasion. Substantiate with examples, facts or statistics.

Next, write about the shortcomings of GST – high tax rates, compliance burden, and complexities in the filing process have been faced. Substantiate with examples, facts or statistics.

Next, suggest reforms in GST.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is one indirect tax for the whole nation, which will make India one unified common market. GST is a single tax on the supply of goods and services, right from the manufacturer to the consumer. Credits of input taxes paid at each stage will be available in the subsequent stage of value addition, which makes GST essentially a tax only on value addition at each stage. The final consumer will thus bear only the GST charged by the last dealer in the supply chain, with set-off benefits at all the previous stages.

Performance of the GST regime

• Revenue collection: The average growth rate of Gross GST revenue from 2018-19 to 2022-23 stands at 3%, surpassing the nominal GDP growth rate of 9.8%. Revenues from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) crossed the ₹2 lakh crore mark for the first time in April 2024. This is noteworthy as indirect taxes typically exhibit lower buoyancy– an increase in its revenue rate without increasing the tax rate.

• The average growth rate of Gross GST revenue from 2018-19 to 2022-23 stands at 3%, surpassing the nominal GDP growth rate of 9.8%.

• Revenues from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) crossed the ₹2 lakh crore mark for the first time in April 2024.

• This is noteworthy as indirect taxes typically exhibit lower buoyancy– an increase in its revenue rate without increasing the tax rate.

• A seamless market and digitised compliance: GST laid the foundation for a seamless national market, reshaping India’s tax landscape and driving economic growth. By digitising processes from registration to return filing, the GST portal ensured smoother compliance for businesses, fostering a tech-enabled environment. It paved the way for other significant indirect tax reforms, including e-way bills and e-invoicing, promoting transparent data sharing between businesses and the government.

• GST laid the foundation for a seamless national market, reshaping India’s tax landscape and driving economic growth.

• By digitising processes from registration to return filing, the GST portal ensured smoother compliance for businesses, fostering a tech-enabled environment.

• It paved the way for other significant indirect tax reforms, including e-way bills and e-invoicing, promoting transparent data sharing between businesses and the government.

• Empowering the manufacturing sector:GST’s impact on the manufacturing sector was remarkable, as it eliminated the cascading effect of taxes and reduced manufacturing costs.

• Introduced as one of the biggest economic reforms by the incumbent government, the GST kicked off with the promise to streamline taxation and compliance burden.

• Based on the one nation one tax ideology, GST has helped in reducing the cascading effect of tax considerably.

• Also, multiplicity of compliances under various indirect taxes has been reduced.

• Hence, introduction of GST in India has brought in efficiencies in indirect tax compliance, incidence and reduced the number of indirect tax authorities that a taxpayer needed to interact with

• Another positive is the concept of e-invoicing which seeks to ensure greater transparency in supplier-receiver transactions.

• The introduction of e-way bill coupled with the crackdown on fake invoicing has helped in bringing in a substantial portion of GST revenues, which were either being evaded or under-reported, in order.

• Over 53 lakh taxpayers and 67,000 transporters are enrolled on the e-way portal, generating, on average, 7.81 crore e-way bills per month. Since the launch of the system, a total of 292 crore e-way bills have been generated of which 42 per cent are for the inter-state transport of goods.

• GST has eliminated the tax arbitrage that existed among the states under the CST/VAT regime.

• Increase in logistic supply chain: With no such arbitrage under the IGST and with the e-way bills, the logistics supply chain efficiencies have increased manifold.

Various issues with respect to goods and services tax (GST) regime

• The breakdown of trust and cooperative federalism between states and the Union government: It turned out to be prescient as GST failed to live up to its economic promises and states’ revenues were protected through this guarantee, despite Finance’s attempt to wriggle out of this commitment during the pandemic under the alibi of an “act of God”. The Union government’s proclivity to levy and appropriate cess revenues for itself without sharing them with the states has lent credence to the wisdom of guaranteed compensation for states. This guarantee is now set to expire..

• It turned out to be prescient as GST failed to live up to its economic promises and states’ revenues were protected through this guarantee, despite Finance’s attempt to wriggle out of this commitment during the pandemic under the alibi of an “act of God”.

• The Union government’s proclivity to levy and appropriate cess revenues for itself without sharing them with the states has lent credence to the wisdom of guaranteed compensation for states.

• This guarantee is now set to expire..

• The recent Supreme Court’s judgment highlighting that the GST Council’s recommendations are not binding on the states: The SC recently observed that it is in the national interest to have both cooperative and competitive federalism, and hence, the GST Council’s decisions are not binding on the states. This means that states had and continue to have the right to either comply fully with the Council’s recommendations or modify them as they deem necessary. This has opened the window for states to override the fundamental GST premise of a “one nation one tax”. If pushed to a corner, states may now use the SC ruling as a shield.

• The SC recently observed that it is in the national interest to have both cooperative and competitive federalism, and hence, the GST Council’s decisions are not binding on the states.

• This means that states had and continue to have the right to either comply fully with the Council’s recommendations or modify them as they deem necessary.

• This has opened the window for states to override the fundamental GST premise of a “one nation one tax”.

• If pushed to a corner, states may now use the SC ruling as a shield.

• Expiry of the revenue guarantee that protected states’ revenues GST is too precariously perched to yank away the compensation guarantee for states. the Union government is not desirous of extending the compensation guarantee.

• GST is too precariously perched to yank away the compensation guarantee for states.

• the Union government is not desirous of extending the compensation guarantee.

• Difficulty in tax administration: Goes against the canons of taxation. A modern tax system should be fair, uncomplicated, transparent and easy to administer. It must yield revenues sufficient to cover the cost of government services and public goods. Lack of clarity on many rules is also leading to various litigation and different interpretations (of the same laws) by Advanced Ruling Authorities in different states.

• Goes against the canons of taxation.

• A modern tax system should be fair, uncomplicated, transparent and easy to administer.

• It must yield revenues sufficient to cover the cost of government services and public goods.

• Lack of clarity on many rules is also leading to various litigation and different interpretations (of the same laws) by Advanced Ruling Authorities in different states.

• Complicated taxation structure: A World Bank study published in May 2018 said that the Indian GST rate was the second highest among the 115 countries with a national value-added tax. It was also the most complicated, with five main tax rates, several exemptions, a cess and a special rate for gold. The multilateral lender said that only five countries had four or more non-zero tax rates—India, Italy, Pakistan, Luxembourg and Ghana. Falling revenue amid disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has continuously delayed the reform, leaving a large number of items in high tax slabs.

• A World Bank study published in May 2018 said that the Indian GST rate was the second highest among the 115 countries with a national value-added tax.

• It was also the most complicated, with five main tax rates, several exemptions, a cess and a special rate for gold.

• The multilateral lender said that only five countries had four or more non-zero tax rates—India, Italy, Pakistan, Luxembourg and Ghana.

• Falling revenue amid disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has continuously delayed the reform, leaving a large number of items in high tax slabs.

• High compliance costs:are also arising because the prevalence of multiple tax rates implies a need to classify inputs and outputs based on the applicable tax rate. Along with the need to apply the correct rate, firms are required to match invoices between their outputs and inputs to be eligible for full input tax credit, which increases compliance costs further.

• GST Council meetings: the meetings of the GST Council are not as frequent as they were earlier, if the recent incidents are anything to go by, and it often end up with disagreement, fight and strong letters and statements. States have also accused the Centre of cornering a substantial portion of tax in forms of cess.

• There has been lack of coordination between the Department of Revenue, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs and the GST Network.

Way Forward

• The first target should be to move to at least a three-rate structure, a lower rate for essential goods, a relatively high rate for luxury goods, and a standard rate for the majority of goods and services.

• The next step would be simplifying the tax returns process.

• The scope for lowering the GST rate is umbilically linked to direct tax reform.

• Commence taxation of petroleum crude, high-speed diesel, petrol, natural gas and aviation turbine fuel and similarly, alcohol meant for human consumption;

• Inclusion of other levies such as electricity duty, stamp duty, etc;

• Clarifying taxation of online gaming activities, transactions involving cryptocurrency, etc.

• A better way to make a tax system more just is by lowering regressive indirect tax rates while widening the base for progressive direct taxeson income and corporate profits.

• The government needs to establishGST Tribunals to reduce litigation timelines and the pressure on courts.

• The state authorities for Advance Ruling should ideally also have an independent jurist member, apart from a representative from the tax department.

• Emulating the best practices. The GST in New Zealand, widely regarded as the most efficient in the world, has a single standard rate of 12.5 percent across all industry groups.

• The Fifteenth finance commission, in its latest report, has addressed many issues including large shortfall in collections as compared to original forecast, high volatility in collections, accumulation of large integrated GST credit, glitches in invoice and input tax matching, and delay in refunds.

• The Commission also observed that the continuing dependence of states on compensation from the central government for making up for the shortfall in revenue is a concern.

• While at the same time it suggested that the structural implications of GST for low consumption states need to be considered.

Conclusion

While the GST’s journey has given its stakeholders some causes to celebrate, it has also given moments of worry. But then, no transformation of the scale and complexity can be achieved without its share of hiccups and challenges. The process of evolution will take a few years more for the mammoth structural change to stabilize. The four-year journey of GST has been a roller-coaster ride for all stakeholders with equitable share of hits, misses and expectations. A work-in-progress in its transformational journey, GST suffers from several shortcomings which need to be resolved quickly, but its journey to ‘Good & Simple Tax’ is still quite long.

Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.

Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.

6. India’s location as a transit route and its extensive coastline makes it highly susceptible to drug trafficking, necessitating enhanced border securityfor effective countermeasures. Elaborate. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question: The Border Security Force (BSF) thwarted a major narcotic smuggling bid along the International Border (IB) as it shot dead a Pakistani intruder in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district, a BSF spokesperson said on July 25. Key Demand of the question: To write about increasing trend in drug trafficking, what way India’s location makes it more vulnerable and counter measures taken by India. 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 giving context. Body: First, India’s vulnerability to the trafficking of narcotics and drugs and factors that render it vulnerable – porous land borders, difficult terrain, limited surveillance capabilities in coastal waters, and corruption etc. Next, write about the measures that are needed to counter the above – improved surveillance technology, stricter enforcement measures, and international collaboration Conclusion: Conclude with way forward.

Why the question:

The Border Security Force (BSF) thwarted a major narcotic smuggling bid along the International Border (IB) as it shot dead a Pakistani intruder in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district, a BSF spokesperson said on July 25.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about increasing trend in drug trafficking, what way India’s location makes it more vulnerable and counter measures taken by India.

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 giving context.

First, India’s vulnerability to the trafficking of narcotics and drugs and factors that render it vulnerable – porous land borders, difficult terrain, limited surveillance capabilities in coastal waters, and corruption etc.

Next, write about the measures that are needed to counter the above – improved surveillance technology, stricter enforcement measures, and international collaboration

Conclusion:

Conclude with way forward.

Introduction

India is wedged between the world’s two largest areas of illicit opium production, the Golden Crescent and the Golden Triangle. This proximity has traditionally been viewed as a source of vulnerability, since it has made India both a destination and a transit route for opiates produced in these regions. the lockdown restrictions during Covid-19 have accelerated drug trafficking using the Internet. The drug trafficking scenario in India is largely attributed to various external and internal factors.

Background

• According to a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), opium production in Afghanistan has crossed 6,000 tonnes for the fifth consecutive year.

• The reported rise in global opium prices has resulted in the exponential production of opiates increasing by 8%.

• The Taliban, cash-strapped and still looking to establish a semblance of order in the country they captured in August 2021, could indeed be looking to generate revenue from the illegal cash crop, as cases of smuggling and seizures of large consignments of drugs in India have started increasing, indicating a turn towards this trend.

Implications of Drug trafficking in India

• Challenges in the Northeast Indo-Myanmar border encounters non-conventional security challenges as it provides a secure channel for the movement of insurgents, narcotics trafficking, gunrunning, smuggling of wildlife etc.

• Indo-Myanmar border encounters non-conventional security challenges as it provides a secure channel for the movement of insurgents, narcotics trafficking, gunrunning, smuggling of wildlife etc.

• Proxy-wars: In the context of the proxy war in J&K, Pakistan’s ISI has been using the narcotics trade to Generate funds to sustain militancy. Erode the vitality of the populace in the border belt. Win over the local youth, as informers. Increase the level of criminal activity.

• Generate funds to sustain militancy.

• Erode the vitality of the populace in the border belt.

• Win over the local youth, as informers.

• Increase the level of criminal activity.

• Narco-terrorism: Terrorism and militancy in India, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, waged by Islamist extremist groups based in and supported by Pakistan. This is mainly funded by trading narcotics illegally.

• Drug Abuse on rise: The easy availability of drugs in Indian market is increasing drug abuse cases, particularly amongst the youth. According to a report by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, around 2.1% of Indians use opioids like opium, heroin, and non-medical sedatives. Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram have the highest prevalence of this opioid use. Drug-peddling is taking place over the Dark Web eluding the scrutiny of enforcement officers.

• According to a report by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, around 2.1% of Indians use opioids like opium, heroin, and non-medical sedatives.

• Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram have the highest prevalence of this opioid use.

• Drug-peddling is taking place over the Dark Web eluding the scrutiny of enforcement officers.

• Endangering lives: The illicit drug cultivation causes environmental damage in the form of river pollution. Toxic chemical wastes generated are stealthily dumped into rivers flowing in the region.

• Toxic chemical wastes generated are stealthily dumped into rivers flowing in the region.

• Militancy: The nexus between Pakistan ISI and Pakistan Army with the drug mafia is a well-documented and established fact. This brought in a lot of easy money to the Pakistan’s ISI. With time, this money had been increasingly diverted towards fomenting, sustaining and exalting militancy in the peaceful paradise state of J&K in India.

• This brought in a lot of easy money to the Pakistan’s ISI.

• With time, this money had been increasingly diverted towards fomenting, sustaining and exalting militancy in the peaceful paradise state of J&K in India.

• Funds Naxalism: The region is near the Naxal affected areas who exploit the corridor for expanding their revenues and arms smuggling. Due to lack of infrastructural development, they illicitly grow opium and cannabis providing them ready money.

• Due to lack of infrastructural development, they illicitly grow opium and cannabis providing them ready money.

• Socio Economic impact: The Covid-19 crisis has pushed more than 100 million people into extreme poverty, and has greatly exacerbated unemployment and inequalities, as the world lost 255 million jobs in 2020. Mental health conditions are also on the rise worldwide. Such socioeconomic stressors have likely accelerated demand for the drugs.

• The Covid-19 crisis has pushed more than 100 million people into extreme poverty, and has greatly exacerbated unemployment and inequalities, as the world lost 255 million jobs in 2020.

• Mental health conditions are also on the rise worldwide. Such socioeconomic stressors have likely accelerated demand for the drugs.

Measures taken by the government

Government of India has devised a well laid out strategy to ensure inter agency coordination and revamp the prosecution mechanism to end the menace of drug trafficking.

• There is zero tolerance policy followed by Government of India against narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances trade.

• Strong Legislation: Accordingly, the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) was enacted in 1985. Under this act, cultivation, manufacturing, transportation, export and import of all narcotics drugs and psychotropic substances is prohibited except for medicinal and scientific purposes and as authorised by the government. The Act provides for rigorous punishment for any person violating this act and if a person is caught peddling drugs for the second time, death penalty could be awarded to the offender. In addition, the government of India has also enacted the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act in 1988, which allows detention of persons suspected to be involved in illicit trafficking of drugs.

• Under this act, cultivation, manufacturing, transportation, export and import of all narcotics drugs and psychotropic substances is prohibited except for medicinal and scientific purposes and as authorised by the government.

• The Act provides for rigorous punishment for any person violating this act and if a person is caught peddling drugs for the second time, death penalty could be awarded to the offender.

• In addition, the government of India has also enacted the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act in 1988, which allows detention of persons suspected to be involved in illicit trafficking of drugs.

• The Government has taken several policy and other initiatives to deal with drug trafficking problem.

• It constituted Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) in November, 2016 and revived the scheme of “Financial Assistance to States for Narcotics Control”.

• In 2017, the government approved new Reward Guidelines with increased quantum of reward for interdiction or seizure of different illicit drugs.

• Global Cooperation: For effective coordination with foreign countries, India has signed 37 Bilateral Agreements/Memoranda of Understanding.

• Narcotics Control Bureau has been provided funds for developing a new software i.e. Seizure Information Management System (SIMS) which will create a complete online database of drug offences and offenders.

• The government has constituted a fund called “National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse” to meet the expenditure incurred in connection with combating illicit traffic in Narcotic Drugs; rehabilitating addicts, and educating public against drug abuse, etc.

• The government is also conducting National Drug Abuse Survey to measure trends of drug abuse in India through Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment with the help of National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre of AIIMS.

• Pro-active border patrol: For instances, in 2009, the BSF seized 23 kg of heroin along with 12 pistols and several rounds of ammunition in Punjab. In the same year, consignments of 58 kg of heroin, 10 kg of hashish as well as pistols and RDX were seized by the BSF along Rajasthan border.

• Cooperation with neighbours: India is a signatory to the SAARC Convention on Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic substances, 1993. India is also a party to the Pentalateral Cooperation on Drug Control, which focuses on the prevention of illicit trade of precursor and other chemicals used for the manufacture of heroin.

• India is also a party to the Pentalateral Cooperation on Drug Control, which focuses on the prevention of illicit trade of precursor and other chemicals used for the manufacture of heroin.

Way Forward:

• Combating misinformation on the impact of the use of cannabis products is crucial.

• Awareness-raising and communication efforts that disseminate scientific information without stigmatizing people.

• Increasing the capacity of law enforcement agencies to address drug trafficking over the darknet remains a priority.

• Joint responses by Governments and the private sector can involve controlling and removing advertisements and listings of illegal drugs on the Internet.

• Continuously update scientific standards to keep abreast of the acceleration of Internet-based services.

• Prevention and solid support are the ways in which drug abuse can be dealt with.

• Prevention programmes involving families, schools and the immediate communities are important in this regard.

• Government must notify minimum standards for running de-addiction centres.

• Fast track courts.

• Integrating drug de-addiction centre’s with rehabilitation centres.

• Unlicensed centres and those committing human rights violations must be liable to closure.

• A chapter on the impact of drug abuse should be included in school curriculum so that children understand how addiction destroys lives of people.

• Focused sensitisation programmes on drug abuse in schools and a substance abuse policy could go a long way in curbing the menace.

• Parents must consult specialists in case there is change in behaviour of their children as it could be signs of drug abuse.

Conclusion

Prevention of drug trafficking has to be accorded greater priority. At present it forms part of the larger mandate of the border guarding forces to ‘prevent smuggling and any other illegal activity’. Special measures need to be formulated to check trafficking of drugs through the borders. Various domestic laws enacted for the control of drug trafficking should be implemented stringently and severe punishments should be accorded to drug stockists.

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

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

7.Gandhian Trusteeship is ethical use of wealth to uplift marginalized communities, thereby promoting a more equitable and dignified society. Elaborate. (150 words)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Key Demand of the question: To explain about the trusteeship of Mahatma Gandhi and its aim of protecting dignity of beings over materialism. Directive: 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: Start by defining the core idea of trusteeship philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi. Body: Further elaborate the concept of trusteeship with examples from Gandhian times to contemporary times. Gandhi’s economic ideas were part of his general crusade against poverty, exploitation against socio-economic injustice, and deteriorating moral standards. He wanted to liberate the modern economic philosophy from the quagmire of materialism and bring it to a higher spiritual plane. Human actions were motivated by social objectives of the protection of human rights. Conclusion: End the answer by stressing the need and importance of trusteeship in present times.

Why the question:

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

Key Demand of the question:

To explain about the trusteeship of Mahatma Gandhi and its aim of protecting dignity of beings over materialism.

Directive:

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:

Start by defining the core idea of trusteeship philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi.

Further elaborate the concept of trusteeship with examples from Gandhian times to contemporary times. Gandhi’s economic ideas were part of his general crusade against poverty, exploitation against socio-economic injustice, and deteriorating moral standards.

He wanted to liberate the modern economic philosophy from the quagmire of materialism and bring it to a higher spiritual plane. Human actions were motivated by social objectives of the protection of human rights.

Conclusion:

End the answer by stressing the need and importance of trusteeship in present times.

Introduction

Trusteeship is a socio-economic philosophy that was propounded by Mahatma Gandhi. It provides a means by which the wealthy people would be the trustees of trusts that looked after the welfare of the people in general. Gandhi believed that the wealthy people could be persuaded to part with their wealth to help the poor. Trusteeship is not merely a principle not even a philosophy. His idea of trusteeship needs to be revisited in today’s times of growing inequality.

Gandhiji’s doctrine of Trusteeship

• Gandhi’s economic ideas were part of his general crusade against poverty, exploitation against socio-economic injustice, and deteriorating moral standards.

• Gandhi was an economist of the masses and his approach was rooted in human dignity.

• His pragmatic approach gave a new direction to the existing socio-economic problems in the process of protecting human dignity.

• Gandhism as a socio-economic philosophy suits not only to accomplish the higher ideals of democratic freedom and socialism but it was also thoroughly developed to meet the challenge of national and international forces of communism and capitalism.

• The core of Gandhian economic thought is the protection of the dignity of human person and not mere material prosperity.

• He aimed at the development, upliftment, and enrichment of human liferather than a higher standard of living with scant respect for human and social values.

• Fundamental ethical valuesdominated his economic ideas. He wanted to liberate the modern economic philosophy from the quagmire of materialismand bring it to a higher spiritual plane.

• Human actionswere motivated by social objectives of the protection of human rights.

• He based his doctrine of trusteeship on the first sloka of Isopanisad, according to which one is asked to dedicate everything to God and then use it only to the required extent.

• The principal condition laid down in it is that one must not covet what belongs to others.

• In other words, in the first instance, everything must be surrendered to Godand then out of it one may use only that which is necessary for the service of God’s creation, according to one’s strict needs.

• This makes it clear beyond doubt that it is not in industrial and business sectors only that the doctrine of trusteeship is to be made applicable.

• The spirit of this doctrine is detachment and service. Unless these two virtues are inculcated, it is impossible to obey the command “covet not anybody’s riches.”

• Therefore, Gandhi’s idea of trusteeship arose from his faith in the law of non-possession.

• Man’s dignity,and not his material prosperity, is the centre of Gandhian economics. Gandhian economics aims at a distribution of material prosperity keeping only human dignity in view.

• Thus, it is dominated more by moral values than by economic ideas.

• According to Gandhi, trusteeship is the only ground on which he can work out an ideal combination of economics and morals.

Relevance of trusteeship in contemporary world:

• The revolutions that are raised from time to time in different countries are motivated by the same objectives of human dignity, justice, and equity.

• It is very clear that the idea is relevant today as it aims at the social, economic, and political changes in the world.

• One of the first steps to achieve this human dignity, justice, and equity is to eliminate the ever-present troublesome element of class struggle in the society.

• Though the Gandhian concept of trusteeship does not seek to destroy any particular class, it provides us with an idea of how to narrow the class gap.

• The practice of all the democratic nations has been to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor to a minimum.

• In India we find this motive behind our cooperative policies, the community development projects, and the taxation policy that heavily taxes the upper class and gives some relief to the lower strata of society.

• We find the manifestations of the Gandhian concept of trusteeship in these policies.

Conclusion

The philosophy of Trusteeship believes in inherent goodness of human beings. The Gandhian perspective is more relevant today than it was ever before. Gandhi wanted to ensure distributive justice by ensuring that business acts as a trustee to its many stakeholders, and specified that economic activities cannot be separated from humanitarian activities. Economics is part of the way of life which is related to collective values.

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