[Mission 2023] SECURE SYNOPSIS: 11 November 2022

 

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

 

 

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General Studies – 1

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Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.

1. What were the causes that led to the outbreak of World War-I? Throw light on the Indian soldiers’ immense contribution to the world war-I. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

On the eleventh hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the guns fell silent over Europe, bringing an end to a brutal war that drew in soldiers and contributions from around the world. Indian blood was spilled in Europe, as it was in Africa, West Asia and Asia

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the reasons for the outbreak for the first world war and Indian soldiers’ contribution in it.

Directive word: 

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving the context of assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand that started the great war of 1914.

Body:

First, write about the geo-political Tensions had been brewing throughout Europe—especially in the troubled Balkan region of southeast Europe, the alliances involving European powers, the Ottoman Empire, Russia and other parties had existed for years, The political instability in the Balkans etc, Hyper nationalism leading to mutual distrust. Mention other factors such as economic and military causes.

Next, write about the immense participation and contribution of Indian soldiers in the world war-I. Give statistics to substantiate.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

 

Introduction

World War I occurred between July 1914 and November 11, 1918. By the end of the war, over 17 million people would be killed including over 100,000 American troops. The reason why war erupted is actually much more complicated than a simple list of causes. While there was a chain of events that directly led to the fighting, the actual root causes are much deeper and part of continued debate and discussion.

Body

Causes that led to outbreak of World War I

• Mutual Defense Alliances: Over time, countries throughout Europe made mutual defense agreements that would pull them into battle. These treaties meant that if one country was attacked, allied countries were bound to defend them. Before World War 1, the following alliances existed:
  • Russia and Serbia
  • Germany and Austria-Hungary
  • France and Russia
  • Britain and France and Belgium
  • Japan and Britain
• Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, Russia got involved to defend Serbia. Germany seeing Russia mobilizing, declared war on Russia.
  • France was then drawn in against Germany and Austria-Hungary. Germany attacked France through Belgium pulling Britain into war.
  • Then Japan entered the war. Later, Italy and the United States would enter on the side of the allies.
• Imperialism: Before World War I, Africa and parts of Asia were points of contention among the European countries. This was especially true because of the raw materials these areas could provide.
  • The increasing competition and desire for greater empires led to an increase in confrontation that helped push the world into WW I.
• Militarism: As the world entered the 20th century, an arms race had begun. By 1914, Germany had the greatest increase in military buildup.
  • Great Britain and Germany both greatly increased their navies in this time period. Further, in Germany and Russia particularly, the military establishment began to have a greater influence on public policy.
  • This increase in militarism helped push the countries involved into war.
• Nationalism: Much of the origin of the war was based on the desire of the Slavic peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovinato no longer be part of Austria Hungary but instead be part of Serbia.
  • In this way, nationalism led directly to the War. But in a more general way, the nationalism of the various countries throughout Europe contributed not only to the beginning but the extension of the war in Europe. Each country tried to prove their dominance and power
• Assassination of arch-duke: The immediate cause of World War I that made the aforementioned items come into play (alliances, imperialism, militarism, nationalism) was theassassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary.
  • This assassination led to Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia.
  • When Russia began to mobilize due to its alliance with Serbia, Germany declared war on Russia.
  • Thus began the expansion of the war to include all those involved in the mutual defense alliances.

Germany’s role in causing world war-I

• Germany played an important role. After the end of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, Germany became a unified state.
  • It quickly became thelargest industrial power in Europe.
  • Thischanged the balance of power and many of German’s neighbours became nervous.
• Because of this tension, Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany decided to form alliances in order to protect Germany and avoid a war on two fronts.
• After several default alliances, the Triple Alliance, consisting of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy, was formed in 1882.
• In 1907, afterGermany challenged the naval supremacy of Great Britain, the Triple Entente was formed, comprising Britain, France, and Russia.
• The emergence of alliances was a major cause of the First World War, because it divides the European powers, making them rivals, and countries forced to participate in war if one of his allies were involved in the war, which could turn a small war into a large one.
• In 1890, William II of Germany adopted Weltpolitik foreign policyto meet the colonial aspirations of Germany and created a strong navy and empire abroad.
• This imperialist policy had a great impact on relations between Germany and other countries and led Germany into conflict with Britain because of colonial conflicts.

Contribution of Indian Soldiers to World War 1

• Indian Armycontributed in large numbers and distinctly to the European, Mediterranean and the Middle East theatres of war in WW I. Their contribution in the victory of Allied powers was vital.
• Indian Army was taken in the WW I by British rule without consulting the Indian leaders. Indians fought in the war hoping that they may be awarded with independence after the war ends.
• Almost 1.5 million Muslim, Sikh and Hindu men from regions such as the Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Bihar volunteered in the Indian Expeditionary Force 
• It is recorded that above 70,000 died and another 67,000 were wounded. A total of 11 Victoria Crosses were won by Indian soldiers.
• India also supplied various equipment, materials and animalsrequired during the war.
• The Indian Army served in France, Belgium, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Sinai, Gallipoli, etc.
• The Indian Army fought against the German Empirein German East Africa (a German colony in the African Great Lakes region) and on the Western Front.
• Western Frontwas opened by Germany by invading Luxembourg and Belgium which bordered France. It became a main theatre of WW I and saw many attacks between 1915 and 1917.
• After the war ended officially(by the signing of TREATY OF VERSAILLES on 28 June 1919), India was denied its promise of self-rule.
• Instead the British imposed the Rowlett act in 1919 that effectively authorized the government to imprison any suspected person for up to 2 years without a trial.

Conclusion

The two world wars were caused by several different factors and many countries participated in it. Several arguments exist as to who should be held responsible for the wars. World War I moved into full force from 1914 through 1918, ending when peace was brokered between the German and Central Forces and the Allied Powers with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. However, this treaty forced punitive measures on Germany that further destabilized Europe and laid the groundwork for the start of World War II. By understanding the causes of World War I, historians can develop a keen comprehension of how and why this devastating conflict began.

 

 

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General Studies – 2

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Topic: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies

2. Enumerate the functions of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Do you think that the Enforcement Directorate is being used to settle political scores? What measures are needed to maintain its neutrality? (250 words).

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

A Special Court dealing with cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Mumbai has made some extraordinarily scathing observations about the way the Enforcement Directorate (ED) functions.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the functions of ED and why it is seen a political weapon and measures needed to counter its politicisation.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by stating the aims and objectives of ED and its mandate.

Body:

In the first part, write about the functions of ED in fighting economic crimes. Substantiate with facts and examples.

Next, write about reasons as to why ED is being seen a political weapon against political rival to settle scores. Mention the impact of the same.

Next, write about the measures that are needed to make it neutral and accountable.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

 

Introduction

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) was established in 1956. ED is responsible for enforcement of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) and certain provisions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The ED Headquarters is situated at New Delhi.

The Directorate of Enforcement, with its Headquarters at New Delhi is headed by the Director of Enforcement. There are five Regional offices at Mumbai, Chennai, Chandigarh, Kolkata and Delhi headed by Special Directors of Enforcement. Zonal Offices of the Directorate are headed by a Joint Director. The officers are appointed from Indian Revenue Service, Indian Corporate Law Service, Indian Police Service and Administrative Services.

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Background

• The Enforcement Directorate recently searched a dozen locations, including the main office of the Congress-owned National Heraldnewspaper in Delhi, as part of its investigation into a money-laundering case,
• The fresh ED raids come days after interim Congress chief Sonia Gandhi was grilled by the central agency for three days in connection with the National Herald House alleged money laundering case.
• The Gandhis are being investigated in what is called the “National Herald case” involving the Young Indian’s takeover of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the company that runs the National Herald newspaper founded by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

Role of ED

• ED investigates suspected violations of the provisions of the FEMA. Suspected violations includes, non-realization of export proceeds, “hawala transactions”, purchase of assets abroad, possession of foreign currency in huge amount, non-repatriation of foreign exchange, foreign exchange violations and other forms of violations under FEMA.
• ED collects, develops and disseminates intelligence information related to violations of FEMA, 1999. The ED receives the intelligence inputs from Central and State Intelligence agencies, complaints etc.
• ED has the power to attach the asset of the culprits found guilty of violation of FEMA. “Attachment of the assets” means prohibition of transfer, conversion, disposition or movement of property by an order issued under Chapter III of the Money Laundering Act [Section 2(1) (d)].
• To undertake, search, seizure, arrest, prosecution action and survey etc. against offender of PMLA offence.
• To provide and seek mutual legal assistance to/from respective states in respect of attachment/confiscation of proceeds of crime and handed over the transfer of accused persons under Money Laundering Act.
• To settle cases of violations of the erstwhile FERA, 1973 and FEMA, 1999 and to decide penalties imposed on conclusion of settlement proceedings.
• ED is playing a very crucial role in fighting the menace of corruption in the country.

ED as a political weapon

• Tool for Political Vendetta: The governments of the day have been accused of brazenly using agencies like the ED, CBI to settle their own political scores.
  • There are concerns of Enforcement Directorate’s powers being misused to harass political opponents and intimidating them.
  • It is said that “Cases and probe agencies spring out of cold storage before elections, and turn cold soon after”.
  • Many have held the agencies’ moves as motivated, aimed at tilting the scales in favor of the incumbent government, done also through selective leaks by the agencies to browbeat political opponents.
• The Investigation by ED is bound within the territory of India, while several high profile offenders have fled the country.
• There is also a problem of manpower and intelligence gathering in Enforcement Directorate, that leads to delay in timely identification and prosecution of offenders.

Solution to address the issues:

• Dedicated Fund and Grantfor the agency to ensure its independent functioning.
• Separate Recruitment for Enforcement Directorate on the lines of Civil Services.
• A separate Academy for training the manpower and to instill the right values and virtues in the functioning is needed.
  • To Act without malice, prejudice or bias, and not allow the abuse of power.
• More powers to ED: Under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, ED can now confiscate properties of offenders outside India, which may not be ‘proceeds of crime’.
• Separate wings within ED for intelligence, surveillance and investigation can bring more efficiency.
• Standard Trainingfrom time to time, to sharpen the investigative skills, and learning from global best practices.

Conclusion

As a premier financial investigation agency of the Government of India, the Enforcement Directorate must function in strict compliance with the Constitution and Laws of India. It must endeavour to establish and maintain high professional standards and credibility.

 

 

Topic: Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

3. Undernourished children are highly susceptible to serious infections because of poor immunity which have serious short-term as well as long-term consequences. This requires a coherent policy response which steers agriculture and food systems towards production and supply of healthier foods at affordable prices as well as regulation of unhealthy foods. Elaborate. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

A mix of dismay and debate has been the reaction to the persistently high rates of childhood undernutrition reported by the last National Family Health Survey. Dismay because the reported prevalence of 35.5% stunting, 32.1% underweight and 19.3% wasting in children under five years of age does not bode well for their present and future health or cognitive development.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about causes for Malnutrition and measures needed to overcome it.

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 statistic related to status of malnutrition in India.

Body:

First, write about the various causes of malnutrition – poverty, maternal health illiteracy, diseases like diarrhoea, home environment, dietary practices, hand washing and other hygiene practices, etc. Briefly mention its impact.

Next, write about the measures needed to overcome the above – making healthy foods affordable and regulation of unhealthy foods.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

 

Introduction

India has 5,772,472 children below five years affected by severe wasting, the most in the world, alerted UNICEF. It had been reported in 2017 by the National Health Survey that approximately 19 crore people in the country were compelled to sleep on an empty stomach every night.

Underweight is most common among the poor, the rural population, adults who have no education and scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. Hence it clear that hunger and malnutrition is also a direct consequence of socio-economic status of people in India.

A mix of dismay and debate has been the reaction to the persistently high rates of childhood undernutrition reported by the last National Family Health Survey. Dismay because the reported prevalence of 35.5% stunting, 32.1% underweight and 19.3% wasting in children under five years of age does not bode well for their present and future health or cognitive development.

Body

Malnutrition in India

• India, currently has the largest number of undernourished people in the world around 195 million.
• Nearly 47 million or 4 out of 10 children in India do not meet their full human potential because of chronic undernutrition or stunting.
• 9% of children under 5 years are stunted and 20.8% are wasted, compared to the Asia average of 22.7% and 9.4% respectively.
• Rate of overweight and obesity continues to rise, affecting almost a fifth of the adults, at 21.6% of women and 17.8% of men.
• Inequities in food and health systems increase inequalities in nutrition outcomes that in turn can lead to more inequity, perpetuating a vicious cycle.

Causes of hunger and malnutrition in India

• Poverty: Poverty restricts the food choices and has been the causative factor of hunger related deaths.
  • If the persistent high prices of food items and the regional disparities in terms of development, especially the backwardness among the hilly and tribal areasalso taken into account, the percentage of people who cannot afford balanced nutrition will be much higher in India.
• Poor access to safe drinking water: Safe and tap drinking water is still a luxury in many parts of rural India and urban slums/shanties. Unsafe water causes water borne diseases and children are prone to it more than adults.
• Issues with agriculture:The change from multi to mono cropping systems limits the diversity of agricultural products.
  • Inclinationtowards cash crops and changing food habits result in malnutrition, undernutrition and even micro-nutrient deficiencies.
  • Local cuisine such as millets arenot being consumed causing nutrient deficiencies and anaemia.
• Food wastage: Food wastage is also an emerging challenge that undermines the efforts to end hunger and malnutrition. According to the FAO, the global volume of food wastage is estimated at 6 billion tonnes of primary product equivalents.
• Poor health services:The relationship between poverty and access to health care can be seen as part of a larger cycle, where poverty leads to ill health and ill health maintains poverty.
• Insufficient education and training:In developing countries, children do not have access to basic education because of inequalities that originate in sex, health and cultural identity. It has been revealed in reports that illiteracy and lack of education are common factor that lead to poverty and in turn hunger.
• Covid-19 impact: The momentum set by this entire nutrition movement wasdisturbed once Covid lockdowns led to the shutting of schools, Anganwadi centres, Nutritional Rehabilitation Centres.
  • Further, frontline workers had to be engaged in Covid-related work that took precedence over their daily duties, which entailed identifying, referring and monitoring children suffering from severe acute malnutrition and moderate acute malnutrition among other nutrition-strengthening activities.
• States tried to cope to the best of their abilities by replacing hot-cooked meals with dry ration or cash transfers.
• Moreover, indirect forces triggered by the pandemic such as disruption in food systems, dried-up income sources, job losses and consequent financial hardshipsalso mean that access to nutrient-rich food might have reduced among economically vulnerable people.

Measures needed to tackle hunger

• Agriculture-Nutrition linkage schemes have the potential for greater impact in dealing with malnutrition and thus, needs greater emphasis.
  • Recognising the importance of this link, the Ministry for Women and Child Development launched theBharatiya Poshan Krishi Kosh in 2019.
  • There is a need to promote schemes directed to nutrition-agriculture link activities in rural areas. However, implementation remains the key.
• Early fund disbursement: The government needs to ensure early disbursement of funds and optimum utilisation of funds in schemes linked to nutrition.
• Underutilisation of Resources:It has been pointed out many a times that expenditure made under many nutrition-based schemes is considerably lower than what was allocated under them. Thus, emphasis needs to be on implementation.
• Convergence with other Schemes:Nutrition goes beyond just food, with economic, health, water, sanitation, gender perspectives and social norms contributing to better nutrition. This is why the proper implementation of other schemes can also contribute to better nutrition.
  • The convergence of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jal Jeevan Mission with schemes pertaining to nutrition, will bring holistic changes to India’s nutrition scenario.
• Mid-Day Meal Scheme: The Mid-Day Meal Scheme aims to enhance the nutrition of school children by providing a balanced diet in schools.
  • By including milk and eggs in each states’ menu, preparing a menu based on climatic conditions, local foods etc. can help in providing the right nutrition to children in different States.

Conclusion

Welfare measures must continue to reach the most vulnerable population and children and mothers must be at the centre of the focus to target hunger and malnutrition. Achieving zero hunger requires agriculture and food systems to become more efficient, sustainable, climate-smart and nutrition–sensitive. It is important to look at the future of food production to achieve the zero-hunger goal. Human resource capacity building is the key as is access to education and health services and empowering the poor through partnerships.

Value Addition

Government welfare measures

• Eat Right India: An outreach activity organised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for citizens to nudge them towards eating right.
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana:A centrally sponsored scheme executed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, is a maternity benefit programme being implemented in all districts of the country with effect from 1st January, 2017.
• Food Fortification: Food Fortification or Food Enrichment is the addition of key vitamins and minerals such as iron, iodine, zinc, Vitamin A & D to staple foods such as rice, milk and salt to improve their nutritional content.
• National Food Security Act, 2013:It legally entitled up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population to receive subsidized food grains under the Targeted Public Distribution System.
• Mission Indradhanush: It targets children under 2 years of age and pregnant women for immunization against 12 Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD).
• Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme:Launched on 2nd October, 1975, the ICDS Scheme offers a package of six services to children in the age group of 0-6 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
  • Supplementary Nutrition,
  • Pre-school non-formal education,
  • Nutrition & health education,
  • Immunization,
  • Health check-up and
  • Referral services.
• POSHAN Abhiyaan: Also called National Nutrition Mission, was launched by the government on the occasion of the International Women’s Day on 8th March, 2018.
• The Abhiyaan targets toreduce Stunting, undernutrition, Anaemia (among young children, women and adolescent girls) and reduce low birth weight by 2%, 2%, 3% and 2% per annum respectively.
• It also targets to bring downstunting among children in the age group 0-6 years from 4% to 25% by 2022.

 

 

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General Studies – 3

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Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

4. Emphasis on biofuels will pave the way for Make in India drive thereby leading to reduction in import of petroleum products and give an impetus to Prime Minister’s vision of India becoming ‘energy independent’ by 2047. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the importance of biofuels in energy security of the country.

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: 

Start by defining biofuels.

Body:

First, write about the various advantages associated with biofuels

Next, write about the National Biofuel Policy, 2018 – to propel the use of biofuels in India, discussion should debate about the availability of resources, technology etc. and justify that one policy alone would not change the energy scenario but a framework regulating the energy sector in a multi-pronged approach is the need of the hour.

Next, write about the recent amendment to the National Biofuel Policy, 2018 and concerns associated with scaling up biofuels in general.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a forward.

 

Introduction

Any hydrocarbon fuel that is produced from an organic matter (living or once living material) in a short period of time (days, weeks, or even months) is considered a biofuel. Globally, biofuels have caught the attention in last decade and it is imperative to keep up with the pace of developments in the field of biofuels. Biofuels in India are of strategic importance as it augers well with the ongoing initiatives of the Government and offers great opportunity to integrate with the ambitious targets of doubling of Farmers Income, Import Reduction, Employment Generation, Waste to Wealth Creation.

Biofuels programme in India has been largely impacted due to the sustained and quantum non-availability of domestic feedstock for biofuel production which needs to be addressed.

 

Body

National biofuel policy: Objectives

• The Policy categorises biofuels as “Basic Biofuels” viz. First Generation (1G) bioethanol & biodiesel and “Advanced Biofuels” –Second Generation (2G) ethanol, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) to drop-in fuels, Third Generation (3G) biofuels, bio-CNG etc. to enable extension of appropriate financial and fiscal incentives under each category.
• The Policy expands the scope of raw material for ethanol production by allowing use of Sugarcane Juice, Sugar containing materials like Sugar Beet, Sweet Sorghum, Starch containing materials like Corn, Cassava, Damaged food grains like wheat, broken rice, Rotten Potatoes, unfit for human consumption for ethanol production.
• Farmers are at a risk of not getting appropriate price for their produce during the surplus production phase. Taking this into account, the Policy allows use of surplus food grains for production of ethanol for blending with petrol with the approval of National Biofuel Coordination Committee.
• With a thrust on Advanced Biofuels,the Policy indicates a viability gap funding scheme for 2G ethanol Bio refineries of Rs.5000 crore in 6 years in addition to additional tax incentives, higher purchase price as compared to 1G biofuels.
• The Policy encourages setting up of supply chain mechanisms for biodiesel productionfrom non-edible oilseeds, Used Cooking Oil, short gestation crops.

 

Role of biofuel policy in promoting biofuels

 

• Reduce Import Dependency: One crore lit of E10 saves Rs.28 crore of forex at current rates. The ethanol supply year 2017-18 is likely to see a supply of around 150 crore litres of ethanol which will result in savings of over Rs.4000 crore of forex.
• Cleaner Environment: One crore lit of E-10 saves around 20,000 ton of CO₂For the ethanol supply year 2017-18, there will be lesser emissions of CO₂ to the tune of 30 lakh ton. By reducing crop burning & conversion of agricultural residues/wastes to biofuels there will be further reduction in Green House Gas emissions.
• Health benefits: Prolonged reuse of Cooking Oil for preparing food, particularly in deep-frying is a potential health hazard and can lead to many diseases. Used Cooking Oil is a potential feedstock for biodiesel and its use for making biodiesel will prevent diversion of used cooking oil in the food industry.
• MSW Management: It is estimated that, annually 62 MMT of Municipal Solid Waste gets generated in India. There are technologies available which can convert waste/plastic, MSW to drop in fuels. One ton of such waste has the potential to provide around 20% of drop in fuels.
• Infrastructural Investment in Rural Areas: It is estimated that, one 100klpd bio refinery will require around Rs.800 crore capital investment. At present Oil Marketing Companies are in the process of setting up twelve 2G bio refineries with an investment of around Rs.10,000 crore. Further addition of 2G bio refineries across the Country will spur infrastructural investment in the rural areas.
• Employment Generation: One 100klpd 2G bio refinery can contribute 1200 jobs in Plant Operations, Village Level Entrepreneurs and Supply Chain Management.
• Additional Income to Farmers: By adopting 2G technologies, agricultural residues/waste which otherwise are burnt by the farmers can be converted to ethanol and can fetch a price for these waste if a market is developed for the same. Also, farmers are at a risk of not getting appropriate price for their produce during the surplus production phase. Thus conversion of surplus grains and agricultural biomass can help in price stabilization

 

Conclusion and way forward

• Promotion of the use of biofuels in transportation in the countries like India will help in reducing the crude import bill.
• Biofuels can help in rural and agricultural development in the form of new cash crops.
• Efforts for producing sustainable biofuels should be made by ensuring use of wastelands and municipal wastes that get generated in cities.
• A properly designed and implemented biofuel solution can provide both food and energy.
• A community-based biodiesel distribution programme that benefits local economies, from the farmers growing the feedstock to local businesses producing and distributing the fuel to the end consumer, can be tried.

 

Value addition

Issues with biofuels

• Efficiency:Fossil Fuels produce more energy than some of the biofuels. E.g. 1 gallon of ethanol produces less energy as compared to 1 gallon of gasoline (a fossil fuel).
• Cost:Pumping fossil fuels from the ground is a difficult and expensive process leading to high costs. Production of biofuels require land, this impacts cost of biofuels as well as that of food crops. Also, though growing engineered biofuel crops can benefit farmers commercially but the excess number of such crops can also lead to loss of biodiversity.
• Food shortages:There is concern that using valuable cropland to grow fuel crops could have an impact on the cost of food and could possibly lead to food shortages.
• Water use:Massive quantities of water are required for proper irrigation of biofuel crops as well as to manufacture the fuel, which could strain local and regional water resources.

 

 

Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

5. What is metaverse? Discuss its applications and concerns associated with the development of metaverse ecosystem in India.  (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about metaverse, its applications and concerned associated with it.

Directive word:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start the answer by defining metaverse.

Body:

First, elaborate on the various components of the metaverse and its possible applications. Healthcare, Military, Real Estate, Education applications and Manufacturing. Substantiate with examples.

Next, write about the National Biofuel Policy, 2018 – to propel the use of biofuels in India, discussion should debate about the availability of resources, technology etc. and justify that one policy alone would not change the energy scenario but a framework regulating the energy sector in a multi-pronged approach is the need of the hour.

Next, write associated with metaverse – Infrastructure development, interoperability, Payments system, Preventing Cartelization by big companies, Security, Privacy and regulatory issues

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a forward.

 

Introduction

The term “metaverse” is used to describe the vision whereby the internet will evolve into a virtual world. The idea was first conceptualised in 1992 by the American novelist Neal Stephenson in his science fiction classic, Snow Crash. It foresees the internet as a 3D virtual living space, where individuals dip in and out, interacting with one another in real time.

The metaverse is a form of mixed reality that is fast becoming commonplace in everyday tech products. The combination of augmented and virtual reality will not only introduce digital elements in the real world, but it will also merge Internet with the virtual world.

Body

Potential of Metaverse

• Metaverse will incorporate current Meta products, like WhatsApp and Messenger, but also offer plenty of new tools like virtual homes, offices, and ecommerce opportunities for businesses and content creators.
• In Meta’s metaverse imagining, users will have complete creative control over their virtual worlds, designing everything from waterfront homes to space stations where you can work collaboratively, chat with friends, or study.
• Using VR, AR, and our current tech tools, the metaverse will combine both the physical and digital worlds.
• Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg believes augmented reality glasses will eventually be as widespread as smartphones. If that is the case, this will be a very big market.
• Huge scope in the development of software applications to support the meta-verse ecosystem.
• Heightened sales of physical goods and services will be linked to the virtual ecosystem in the future.
• Immersive Learning is a training methodology that uses Virtual Reality (VR) to simulate real-world scenarios and train students in a safe and engaging immersive training environment.
• Decentralized commerce (dCommerce) in-world transactions to happen peer-to-peer.
• Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) – the claim of ownership for a unique, non-interchangeable digital asset that is stored on a blockchain – may be widely adopted.

Factors that needs to be considered for creation of a seamless and accessible metaverse ecosystem in India:

• To achieve this, we will need to agree on a set of open standards that govern its essential aspects, ensuring interoperability across environments.
• We may ultimately need to pass regulationto ensure that other aspects of the metaverse—the devices we use to interface with it, the payment systems that drive its economy and the portals that connect the virtual world to the physical—comply with open protocols framed to ensure that we are not locked into any single device or service provider.
• India needs to put in place regulations that encourage the development of these new virtual environments while ensuring that they can still function in an open, interoperable manner.
• The government’s involvement in Metaverse is also a significant aspect as it may change the whole dynamic of the Metaverse since cryptocurrency is one of its driving forces.
• The metaverse is being seen as the Internet 2.0 and for a smooth transition to it, new tech infrastructure needs to be created and protocols written. Today’s internet as a file-sharing protocol will need to be re-imagined for the metaverse.
• If this is the next evolution of internet technology, we should ensure that the many features it is likely to offer are deployed to our advantage.
• Educating visitors about what constitutes potentially criminal behaviour would help mitigate harassment, too.
• India’s digital payments platforms, on the other hand, have demonstrated that they can operate at population scale—processing 10 billion transactions a month without breaking a sweat.
• Digital Indiaand the componentsunder it such as – Aadhar, Digital Health IDs and Digital Payments System, therefore, is the preparatory infrastructure that is needed for the transition to a digital economy and to the metaverse.

Conclusion

A new iteration of the internet is being worked on and this will have massive implications for society. Marketing, communications, and branding professionals will face new challenges but also new opportunities. This new era of the metaverse will unleash amazing creativity and open up new frontiers and horizons for brands and businesses.

India was a relatively late adopter of the internet, and, as a result, was unable to take advantage of its many features until much later. We have an extraordinary opportunity now to actively participate in the development of the metaverse. We would do well to dive right in.

 

 

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General Studies – 4

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Topic: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world to the concepts of morality;

6. The inconsistency between what people believe and how they behave, motivates them to engage in actions that will help minimize feelings of discomfort. Elaborate. (150 Words)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Key Demand of the question:

To write about cognitive dissonance and ways to deal with it.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by giving context regarding cognitive dissonance which causes inconsistence between beliefs and actions.

Body:

Next, mention the various reasons why cognitive dissonance occurs and the potential implications of it. Cite examples of substantiate.

Next, mention the ways to deal and adapt for cognitive dissonance.

Conclusion:

Conclude by stressing on the way to manage cognitive dissonance.

 

Introduction

Cognitive dissonance theory postulates that an underlying psychological tension is created when an individual’s behavior is inconsistent with his or her thoughts and beliefs. This underlying tension then motivates an individual to make an attitude change that would produce consistency between thoughts and behaviors

Body

Cognitive dissonance: Why people do it

• Induced Compliance: If a person finds themselves in a situation where they have to do something that they don’t agree with, they’ll experience discomfort. Since they can’t escape the action, they attempt to re-establish their reasons for doing it in a way that makes the action acceptable.
• Decision-making: When we say “yes” to a choice, whether it’s as small as what to order for lunch or as big as where to live, we have to say “no” to something else. This can be a difficult decision when the choices feel equally good or equally bad.
  • To ease the psychological pain of rejecting one choice we often start justifying our decision.
• Effort: As human beings, we place a higher value on outcomes that took a significant amount of time, effort, or resources to achieve. That’s why we tend to associate cost with quality — we rationalize that “we get what we pay for.”
  • When the effort doesn’t seem to be “worth it,” we often make up reasons why it was better than the alternative.
• New information: In today’s world, we’re inundated with information. One thirty-second social media video can totally shift our perspective. This is exciting, because it means we’re always learning, but it can lead to cognitive dissonance.
• Addiction: As we mentioned earlier, many people know that smoking is harmful to their health — yet they continue to do it. Addiction is one of the most powerful causes of cognitive dissonance.

Overcoming cognitive dissonance

• Cognitive dissonance is usually accompanied by a physical sensation. When you feel either physical or psychological discomfort, make a note of it to yourself.
• Instead of feeling defensive, dig into the information that your response gives you.
• It’s a rare human that doesn’t have a few contradictions. That’s part of what makes people who they are. We benefit, though, from approaching these inconsistencies with curiosity and grace, even when we want to change them.
• Cognitive dissonance is an internal tool for building self-awareness. In order to live our lives with purpose, clarity, and passion, we need these tools to understand when we’re losing sight of our internal compass.

Conclusion

Becoming aware of the effect of cognitive dissonance on our decisions and understanding how we can overcome it can help us make better decisions and help us make positive behavior changes rather than continue lying to ourselves.

 

 

Topic: Case Study

7. You are a young civil servant who has been posted as District Commissioner (DC) for the last 2 years. You have worked hard for the development and upliftment of the poor in rural areas. One day, as you are reading the local newspaper you find a mention of the possible corruption in the legal process to convert agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes. The column mentions the local political leaders who may have colluded to convert prime agricultural lands without the necessary approval. It’s an article published in the “citizens voice section” which is mostly citizens presenting their opinions and apprehensions. Many such article columns are published every week without necessary proof or evidence. The newspaper usually resorts to such tactics to publish unverified claims. You neglect the issue, but it keeps intriguing you as such a conversion wouldn’t be possible without the approval of the district commissioner. As an honest and upright officer, you don’t recognize any such misdoings. You start an inquiry of your own on the matter and you have found out that your sign has been forged for a document and the conversion is made. The people responsible for the scam have taken a high-definition JPEG image of your signature and have used it on a morphed document. Surprisingly, this document has found its way to the land records of the district, which had granted legitimacy to such documents. You suspect that this is an insider’s job. Further, you have found that the person mainly responsible for this is your own brother. Last year he colluded with local politicians and has done the illegal conversion of a small parcel of land. Your brother has recently lost his wife to covid and the atmosphere at your home is dull and depressing. Despite this, you confront your brother about the issue; he deeply regrets his actions and asks you not to proceed with any official or legal action which shall be punished with imprisonment of jail term which may extend to two years or with the penalty, or with both. You realize that he has done it due to the negative influence of the local politicians who have now offered to proceed with the conversion legally. As the case is for a small parcel of land, you can easily use your position of power to forgive the offenders and settle the issue without anyone knowing about issue. There is a possibility of more such corruption done by the politicians. At the same time, settling this issue peacefully is important for your family’s mental well-being as your parents would be devastated if their younger son is arrested.

1. 1. 1. What are the options available to you in this situation? Discuss their merits and demerits.
      2. If you choose to lodge an official complaint, detail the steps you would adopt as a son and as an elder brother in bringing tranquility to your home.
      3. Highlight the ethical issues involved with personal interest and the role of human emotions in decision making. Would your course of action change if you are a neutral observer in this scenario?

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by giving the context. Bring out the key stakeholders in the above case study.

Body:

In the body, Write about the various options available to you and their pros and cons.

Next, write about the measures that you can take to ensure cordial atmosphere at home

Next, write about your suggestions as an neutral observe in the above case.

Conclusion:

Conclude by stressing on the importance of kindness and compassion in such cases.

 

Introduction

Administrators face ethical dilemmas many times. This leads to difficulty in decision making and require conscience to resolve such dilemmas. Personal self-interest should be secondary to the common good in all situations, especially when such circumstances give rise to conflict of interest. To resolve such ethical dilemmas, an order or a sequence of logical reasoning is must to integrate and rearrange the process of dealing with ethical dilemmas.

Body

Stakeholders in the case

• Myself as District Commissioner
• My brother and family
• Local politicians
• General public
• Government

Ethical issues involved

• Choosing family ties vs professional ethics
• Overlooking wrongdoing leading to moral turpitude
• Conscience as a constant reminder
• Wellbeing of public and their welfare

Options available

#1 :  Overlook the issue and forgive my brother.

Merit: As it is a small parcel of land, I can make the conversion legal as the politicians have agreed and    ensure peace in the family. Moreover, it would be in my personal interest wrt prospective career.

Demerit: Once misused, can happen again and again. And morality and wrongdoings are a slippery slope. It will continue to happen unless it is stopped. My brother will find other avenues to exploit my position. Politicians will get a free hand for corruption if such a matter is overlooked or swept under the carpet.

 

#2 : File a complaint, initiate enquiry and bring everyone to justice.

Merit: My conscience will be clear and I would stop such incidents from happening in the future. It would set a precedent to my successors as well and serve as an example to juniors. People would become more conscious and not allow such things to happen.

Demerit: My brother would be punished and my family may become estranged due to this. Politicians make have vendetta against me.

 

Course of action

I would choose option 2, as it is a matter of principle and conscience. IT will put a stopper to all the corrupt activities and bring those who colluded against me to justice. Even if it my own kin, what is deserved will be attained in terms of punishment. If I let this one slide, more such things will follow and there will be total chaos in the system.

Conclusion

Integrity and honesty are traits of a good civil servant. They are the foundational values that are required in a civil servant. The motivation to become an IAS is that, to do good for the society and that starts at home. One cannot overlook even wrongs done by own kin.

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