SECURE SYNOPSIS: 27 FEBRUARY 2019
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 time gives you extra points in the form of background information.
Topic– Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
Directive word
Discuss- this is an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key demand of the question. we also have to discuss about the related and important aspects of the question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to write in detail about Bal Gangadhar Tilak- his role and contribution towards India’s freedom struggle.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about Tilak. E.g Bal Gangadhar Tilak was an Indian social reformer and freedom activist. He was one of the prime architects of modern India and probably the strongest advocates of Swaraj or Self Rule for India.
Body-
Discuss in points about his contribution towards India’s freedom struggle. E.g
- Gangadhar Tilak joined the Indian National Congress in 1890.
- He soon started vocalizing his strong opposition to the moderate views of the party on self-rule. He maintained that simple constitutional agitation in itself was futile against the British.
- Following the partition of Bengal by Lord Curzon, Tilak wholeheartedly supported the Swadeshi (Indigenous) movement and Boycott of British goods. But his methods also raised bitter controversies within the Indian National Congress (INC) and the movement itself.
- During 1908-1914, Bal Gangadhar Tilak spent had to undergo six years of rigorous imprisonment in Mandalay Jail, Burma.
- Tilak returned to India in 1915 when the political situation was fast changing under the shadow of the World War I. There was unprecedented celebration after Tilak was released.
- Deciding to reunite with his fellow nationalists, Tilak founded the All India Home Rule League in 1916 with Joseph Baptista, Annie Besant and Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak published two newspapers -‘Mahratta’ (English) and ‘Kesari’ (Marathi). Both the newspapers stressed on making the Indians aware of the glorious past and encouraged the masses to be self reliant etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
Introduction:
Bal Gangadhar Tilak was an Indian social reformer and freedom activist. He was one of the prime architects of modern India and probably the strongest advocates of Swaraj or Self Rule for India. His famous declaration “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it” served as an inspiration for future revolutionaries during India’s struggle for freedom. The British Government termed him as the “Father of Indian Unrest” and his followers bequeathed upon him the title of ‘Lokmanya’ meaning he who is revered by the people.
Body:
Tilak’s contribution towards India’s freedom struggle:
- Ideology:
- Tilak joined the Indian National Congress in 1890. He soon started vocalizing his strong opposition to the moderate views of the party on self-rule.
- He maintained that simple constitutional agitation in itself was futile against the British. This subsequently made him stand against the prominent Congress leader, Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
- He wanted an armed revolt to broom-away the British. Following the partition of Bengal by Lord Curzon, Tilak wholeheartedly supported the Swadeshi (Indigenous) movement and Boycott of British goods.
- Due to this fundamental difference in outlook, Tilak and his supporters came to be known as the extremist wing of INC.
- Tilak’s endeavours were supported by fellow nationalists Bipin Chandra Pal of Bengal and Lala Lajpat Rai of Punjab.
- Protests and Imprisonment:
- Under directives from Pune Commissioner W. C. Rand, the police and the army invaded private residences, violated personal sanctity of individuals, burned personal possessions and prevented individuals to move in and out of the city.
- Tilak protested against the oppressive nature of the British efforts and wrote provocative articles on it in his newspapers on the epidemic of Plague in Pune and adjacent regions
- His article inspired the Chapekar brothers and they carried out assassination of Commissioner Rand and Lt. Ayerst on June 22, 1897. As a result of this, Tilak was imprisoned for 18 months on Sedition charges for inciting murder.
- During 1908-1914, Bal Gangadhar Tilak spent had to undergo six years of rigorous imprisonment in Mandalay Jail, Burma.
- He openly supported the revolutionaries Khudiram Bose and Prafulla Chaki’s efforts to assassinate Chief Presidency Magistrate in 1908. He continued to write during his years of imprisonment and the most prominent of which is Gita Rahasya.
- Tilak and All India Home Rule League:
- Tilak returned to India in 1915 when the political situation was fast changing under the shadow of the World War I.
- He then returned to politics with a mellowed down outlook. Deciding to re-unite with his fellow nationalists, Tilak founded the All India Home Rule League in 1916 with Joseph Baptista, Annie Besant and Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
- By April 1916, the league had 1400 members that increased to 32,000 by 1917.
- He rejoined the INC but could not bring about reconciliation between the two opposite-minded factions.
- Newspapers:
- Towards his nationalistic goals, Bal Gangadhar Tilak published two newspapers –‘Mahratta’ (English) and ‘Kesari’ (Marathi).
- Both the newspapers stressed on making the Indians aware of the glorious past and encouraged the masses to be self reliant. The newspaper actively propagated the cause of national freedom.
- Tilak fearlessly published reports about the havoc caused by famine and plague and the government’s utter irresponsibility and indifference about ‘Famine Relief fund’.
- Social Reforms:
- After completing his education, Tilak spurned the lucrative offers of government service and decided to devote himself to the larger cause of national awakening.
- He was a great reformer and throughout his life he advocated the cause of women education and women empowerment.
- Tilak proposed Grand celebrations on ‘Ganesh Chaturthi’ and ‘Shivaji Jayanti’. He envisioned these celebrations inciting a sense of unity and inspiring nationalist sentiment among Indians.
Conclusion:
Tilak had a long political career agitating for Indian autonomy from the British rule. Before Gandhi, he was the most widely known Indian political leader. Unlike his fellow Maharashtrian contemporary, Gokhale, Tilak was considered a radical Nationalist but a Social conservative.
Topic– Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
Directive word
Examine- here we have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to dig deep into the Legislative Councils Act of 1861 and bring out why it introduced no real reforms and only disappointed the Indians.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- write a few introductory lines about the Act of 1861. E.g mention about the revolt of 1857 and then introduction of the Act of 1858 and then 1861.
Body
Discuss why it brought no real reform and disappointed the Indians. E.g
- Discuss about the salient provisions of the act. E.g
- It provided for portfolio system;
- executive council of governor general was expanded;
- restructuring and enlargement of governor general’s legislative council;
- Discuss why the act was hollow of any significant reforms. E.g
- No real powers to the legislature because of ordinance powers of the Governor General;
- Certain bills related to debt, religion, military or foreign relations could not be passed without the consent of the governor general;
- Imperial legislative council was essentially an advisory body which could not even discuss the budget etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
Introduction:
The Revolt of 1857 gave a severe jolt to the British administration in India and compelled it to reorganise its structure. This 1858 act is coterminous with Queen Victoria’s declaration, 1858. The Indian Councils Act 1861 was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom which was enacted to better the provisions of 1858 act.
Body:
Provisions of 1861 Act:
- This act is known to have made notable changes in the composition of the Governor General’s council for executive & legislative Purposes.
- The council of the Governor General of India performed dual functions of executive and legislature.
- For executive functions the notable change was that Council of the Governor General was expanded and a fifth member of law was added.
- With the Indian Councils Act for the first time Portfolio system started (Cabinet type). Each member of the Council of the Governor General was allocated portfolio of a particular department.
- For the purpose of Legislation, the Governor General’s Council was restructured and enlarged. Now the additional new not less than 6 and not more than 12 members were now to be nominated by the Governor General and they were to hold the office for two years.
- Out of these, not less than half were required to be Non-Official (English or Indian). This was a beginning towards the establishment of legislative system by adding legislative non official members to the Council of the Governor General.
- It was laid down that without the assent of the Governor General a bill relating to the public revenue or debt, religion, military, naval or foreign relations cannot be passed. However, any such act might be dissolved by the crown acting through the secretary of State of India.
- The Viceroy was allowed, under the provisions of the Act, to overrule the council on affairs if he deemed it necessary.
- The Act restored the power of legislation to the governor-in-councils of Madras and Bombay in respective matters.
- The legislative council at Calcutta was given extensive authority to pass laws for British India as a whole, while the legislative councils at Bombay and Madras were given the power to make laws for the “Peace and good Government” of their respective presidencies.
- The act also laid down the provision for the formation of legislative councils in other provinces.
- The Governor General was given the power to create new provinces for legislative purposes. He also could appoint Lt. Governors for the same . He could promulgate ordinances, without the concurrence of the legislative council, during and emergency.
Limitations of the Act:
- Imperial legislative Council was merely an advisory body and didn’t have the power to discuss, question the budget. The role of council was limited to advice. No financial discussion could take place.
- Legislative Council’s scope was fixed in legislation purpose alone; they had no right to move some kind of vote of no confidence.
- It allowed for the decentralisation of administration with the vesting of legislative power to the presidencies of Bombay and Madras.
- Further, there was no statutory / specific provision for the nomination of Indians.
- The functions of nominated members were limited to the legislation and it had not to do any other function except the consideration or enactment of legislative measures.
- The ordinance making power of the Governor General allowed him to make laws it his own whim.
Conclusion:
The Secretary of State for India at the time the Act was passed, Sir Charles Wood, believed that the Act was of immense importance: “the act is a great experiment. That everything is changing in India is obvious, and that the old autocratic government cannot stand unmodified is indisputable.” However from India’s point of view the act did little to improve the influence of Indians in the legislative council.
Topic-Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
India’s Struggle for independence by Bipin Chandra Pal (TWENTY-EIGHT MONTHS OF CONGRESS RULE)
Directive word
Discuss- this is an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key demand of the question. we also have to discuss about the related and important aspects of the question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to write in detail the Congress rule during British India and bring out how it was a unique experiment in India’s freedom struggle.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about the GOI act, 1935 and the formation of ministries by the Congress. E.g After a few months’ tussle with the Government, the Congress Working Committee decided to accept office under the Act of 1935. During July, it formed Ministries in six provinces: Madras, Bombay, Central Provinces, Orissa, Bihar and U.P. Later, Congress Ministries were also formed in the North-West Frontier Province and Assam.
Body-
Discuss about the main aspects of the Congress rule and how it was a unique experiment. E.g
- To guide and coordinate their activities and to ensure that the British hopes of the provincialization of the Congress did not materialize, a central control board known as the Parliamentary Sub-Committee was formed.
- A party which was committed to liquidate British rule took charge of administration under a constitution which was framed by the British and which yielded only partial state power to the Indians; this power could moreover be taken away from the Indians whenever the imperial power so desired.
- The Congress was now to function both as a government in the provinces and as the opposition vis-a-vis the Central Government where effective state power lay.
- It was to bring about social reforms through the legislature and administration in the provinces and at the same time carry on the struggle for independence and prepare the people for the next phase of mass struggle.
- Thus the Congress had to implement its strategy of Struggle-Truce-Struggle (S-T-S’) in a historically unique situation etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
Introduction:
The 28 month congress rule based on the provisions of Government of India Act, 1935 was significant. During July 1937, it formed Ministries in six provinces: Madras, Bombay, Central Provinces, Orissa, Bihar and U.P. Later, Congress Ministries were also formed in the North-West Frontier Province and Assam.
Body:
Congress ministries tried to bring a lot of reforms in their sphere of jurisdiction. The reforms brought in with the achievements and limitations are as follows:
- Civil liberty:
- Achievements:
- Emergency powers related laws repealed.
- Restrictions and ban on press, certain books, newspapers, and illegal organisations was lifted.
- In Congress provinces, police powers were curbed and the reporting of public speeches and the shadowing of political workers by CID agents stopped.
- c Thousands of political prisoners were released and many revolutionaries involved in kakori & other conspiracies released
- Limitations:
- Yusuf Meherally and S.S.Batliwala were arrested for inflammatory and seditious speeches. K.M.Munshi used CID against communist and leftist.
- Agrarian Reforms:
- Achievements:
- Legislated a number of laws relating to land reforms, debt relief, forest grazing fee, arrears of rent, land tenure sect.
- In Bihar, Congress signed pact with Zamindars regarding the provisions of the Tenancy Bill .
- Kisan Sabha launched number of movements at regional level to remind congress to implement Faizpur Agrarian Programme
- In Bombay, They were able to restore lands to original owners which were confiscated due to no rent campaign of congress
- Limitations:
- Most of these benefits went to statutory and occupancy tenants while sub-tenants did not gain much.
- Agricultural labourers did not benefit as they had not been mobilised.
- Social welfare reforms:
- Achievements:
- Measures for welfare of Harijans taken-temple entry, education, etc.
- Encouragement was given to khadi and indigenous enterprises.
- In 1938 national planning committee set up under congress president Subhash Chandra Bose.
- Reforms in education, public health, sanitation as well as in prisons were undertaken.
- Economic Reforms:
- Encouragement given to indigenous enterprises
- Develop planning through National Planning Committee set up under Congress President Subhash Bose in 1938.
- Labour:
- Achievements:
- Goodwill sought to be created between labour and capital with mediation of ministries.
- Efforts were made to improve workers condition and secure wage increase for them.
- Labour Committee appointed by Congress accepted a programme with Holidays with pay, Employment insurance, to devise a way to fix minimum wage, leave with pay during sickness.
- Limitations:
- Ministries failed in Bombay as mediator.
- Leftist critics were unsatisfied.
- Ministries took recourse to section 144 and arrested the leaders.
Conclusion:
Congress ministries resigned in October 1939 after the outbreak of the Second World War. Indian self-government was necessary for radical social transformation got confirmed. It weakened the myth that Indians were not fit to rule. It did good work with minimum financial resources.
Topic– Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
Why this question
The recent SC judgement highlights the difficulties faced in the implementation of FRA. In this context it is essential to analyze the topic and the issues involved in detail.
Directive word
Critically analyze- here we have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts, and present them as a whole in a summary. Based on our discussion we have to form a concluding opinion on the issue.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to dig deep into the issue and discuss why there is a need for a balanced and nuanced approach in handling claims for tenure under the FRA- why there is a need to satisfy the needs of forest dwellers as well as the environment.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- write a few introductory lines about the recent controversy regarding the FRA. e.g The Supreme Court’s order to evict, occupants of forest lands who failed to make a successful claim for tenure under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, has once again highlighted the dilemma of reconciling inalienable tribal rights with biodiversity conservation.
Body-
- Discuss the need to satisfy the needs of the forest dwellers. E.g
- The Forest Rights Act protected possession and conferred heritability of land to over 23 lakh out of 44 lakh claimants who are either specified Scheduled Tribes, or people who have lived in forests traditionally, relying on forest produce for at least 75 years prior to the cut-off year of 2005.
- But over 20 lakh other applicants who could not establish their claim through gram sabhas and appellate authorities have now been ordered to be evicted.
- Discuss about the plight of traditional forest dwellers and problems faced by them.
- Discuss the need to address the environmental concerns. E.g
- Today, forests have shrunk to about 5% of the land in terms of protected areas, while human pressures are growing:
- landscapes are alienated for resource exploitation, road and dam building, and a lot of wildlife is lost to poaching.
- Man-animal conflict is growing etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
Introduction:
The Supreme Court has asked the governments of 17 states to evict an estimated one million tribal and other households living in forests after their claims of the right to live in forests were rejected under the Forest Rights Act. As a consequence, more than one million tribals could be displaced, mainly in central India. The court has directed the Dehradun-based Forest Survey of India to submit a satellite-image based report on the encroachments removed.
Body:
The petitioners, all conservationists, have qualified the objectives of their petition and highlighted the case for safeguarding the forests against “bogus claims to forest rights”, calling for the state to take action against the loss of forest cover. The SC ruling has once again highlighted the dilemma of reconciling inalienable tribal rights with biodiversity conservation.
The rationale to satisfy the needs of the forest dwellers:
- FRA was passed with the wholly welfarist goal of making these communities partners in conservation. They would be stewards of forests that have shrunk and become fragmented over the decades.
- By recognizing and vesting forest rights to local people, the FRA empowers forest dwelling communities to manage natural resources and conserve
- Forest Rights Act protected possession and conferred heritability of land to over 23 lakh out of 44 lakh claimants who are either specified Scheduled Tribes, or people who have lived in forests traditionally, relying on forest produce for at least 75 years prior to the cut-off year of 2005.
- Claims are being rejected without assigning reasons, or based on wrong interpretation of the provisions, or simply for lack of evidence or ‘absence of GPS survey’.
- The rejections are not being communicated to the claimants, and their right to appeal is not being explained to them or facilitated for.
- The mere rejection of claims by the state therefore does not mean that their possession of land is a crime of “encroachment”.
- Additionally, by envisaging and providing for local stewardship of forests, it creates a possibility of collaboration between local people, state agencies and other actors, on equal terms.
- The FRA offers the chance to rethink wildlife conservation approaches in protected areas too, by making local communities rights-holders in the forest and improving the governance at the local level.
- The presence of large resorts and the heavy footfall of tourists on these sites be legitimised while the rights of their original inhabitants remain challenged
- The Forest Rights Act was passed to enable them to regain their lost habitats. But there has been a failure of political will to implement this piece of legislation
- Hounded for the mineral wealth that their lands contain, cheated out of land rights by money lenders, and, caught between left-wing mobilisation, a life of penury and rampant alcoholism, many Adivasi communities live a disturbed life.
- Nature conservation programmes such as “Project Tiger” that seek to restore forests as pristine nature spaces have transformed forest-dwellers and turned Adivasis into eco-refugees.
- The original inhabitants live in impoverished colonies outside the sanctuaries and parks while the forest department’s writ runs large over these terrains.
The need to address the environmental concerns:
- Forests have shrunk to about 5% of the land in terms of protected areas, while human pressures are growing: landscapes are alienated for resource exploitation, road and dam building, and a lot of wildlife is lost to poaching.
- Man-animal conflict is growing.
- The illegal regimes of forest extraction continue, administrative laxity has permitted the growth of a nature tourism industry in the garb of ‘Eco-tourism’.
- The government’s own data shows that 14,00,000 ha of forests have been diverted since 1980 for non-forestry purposes, mainly for mining, defence projects, and hydroelectric projects. In response to a query in Parliament in 2016, it was officially accepted that up to 25,000 ha of forests are being diverted every year for non-forestry activities.
- Increasing incidents of forest fires like recently in Bandipur tiger reserve and Mudumalai reserve is a cause of concern.
- The despoliation of India’s forests by the mining, timber and tourism industries not been addressed.
Way Forward:
- There is an urgent need to treat Adivasis as envisaged in Nehru’s Tribal Panchsheel policy which was in support by Anthropologist s like Verrier Elwin, Thakar Bapa etc.
- Studies indicate the strength of tribal knowledge of forests and ecological resources. Such knowledge enabled not only the conservation of flora and biodiversity but also that of fauna.
- Resettlement: In some well-documented cases, such as in the Western Ghats, alternative land and cash compensation convinced tribals to move out of core areas. One example is that of the Nagarahole National Park, where the outcome has been good for both people and wildlife, as evidenced by the recovery of tiger density over three decades.
- State governments need to pursue such programmes in a humane and vigorous fashion. They must also come forward to declare critical wildlife habitats under the Act. This will aid in formulating resettlement schemes for tribal residents.
Conclusion:
Claims for tenure under the Forest Rights Act must therefore satisfy the primary test of whether they are legally unimpeachable, and even if they are, whether they would impose additional pressures on forests and wildlife.
Topic– Important aspects of governance,
Why this question
The article provides insights into the Indian socio-political landscape and analyzes India’s poor performance as per the “State of Democracy in the World in 2018- report”.
Directive word
Comment- here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to express our knowledge and understanding of the Indian socio-political landscape and express our opinion as to whether or not India is a paradox in itself as being the world’s largest electoral wonder, but a flawed democracy.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about Indian democracy. E.g mention about the India being the world’s largest democracy and at the same time poor performer on the front of governance and human development.
Body-
Discuss about the recent “State of Democracy in the World in 2018- report” and how India is a paradox in terms of being an electoral wonder but a flawed democracy. E.g
- The Economist Intelligence Unit recently published its 11th report on the “State of Democracy in the World in 2018” titled “Me Too? Political participation, protest and democracy”.
- The survey ranks 165 independent countries based on five parameters — namely, electoral process and pluralism, civil liberties, functioning of the government, political participation and political culture.
- India, which had reached its highest-ever position of 27 in 2014 (just two ranks away from becoming a full democracy), slipped to 42 last year, registering the second largest fall in ranking.
- This is the worst ranking ever on the index for India. It is a mid-range country among flawed democracies, with a high score of 9.17 in electoral process and pluralism but moderate record not crossing 7.5 on the rest of the parameters.
- What has adversely affected Indian rankings, according to the report last year, is the rise of “conservative religious ideologies”. Vigilantism, violence, narrowing scope for dissent, threat to minorities and marginalised groups has affected our ranking etc.
Conclusion- based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
Introduction:
Democracy is a form of government in which power ultimately comes from the people who are governed, either through direct voting or through elected representatives. India is today the largest functioning democracy in the world. The “State of Democracy in the World in 2018” index report titled “Me Too? Political participation, protest and democracy” was published recently by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). India was ranked 41, a mid-range country among flawed democracies.
Body:
India is world’s largest electoral wonder:
- Electoral process and pluralism:
- A vibrant electoral democracy has been India’s most enduring and endearing identity ever since India adopted a great constitution that made it a democratic republic with universal adult suffrage.
- Over the past sixty four years, the Election Commission of India has delivered sixteen elections to the LokSabha (the House of the People) and over 360 elections to State Legislative Assemblies without missing a single deadline.
- Civil liberties:
- The practice of free and fair elections, where Indian citizen above the age of 18 years irrespective of caste, creed, religion, colour, race has the right to cast his vote.
- An individual also has the right to contest elections by registering himself as an independent candidate or a party of his own or as a member of any political party.
- Functioning of the government:
- Peaceful, orderly and democratic transfer of power has been the envy of the entire democratic world.
- The outgoing prime minister (or chief minister) offering the chair to the incoming one with humility and folded hands has been a sight which many democracies only long to see.
- Political participation:
- Elections can be truly free and fair only if these are inclusive, socially just and participative.
- During the sixty four years of our democratic history, the voter turn-out has remained around 55-60%, definitely far less than what ECI aspires to achieve.
- Political culture:
- Multiple parties at national, regional levels which represent the interests of the people of the nation.
- Strong challenging nature of the opposition parties ensure that the ruling party will abide to the rule of law and work on democratic principles.
However, it is a flawed democracy:
- Illiteracy, Poverty, Gender Discrimination, Casteism, Communalism, Religious Fundamentalism, Regionalism, Corruption, and Criminalization of Politics are still plaguing Indian Democracy.
- According to the last two reports, there is a rise of “conservative religious ideologies” in the country.
- Vigilantism, violence, narrowing scope for dissent, threat to minorities and marginalised groups has affected India’s ranking.
- Important issues like horse-trading in politics, the anti-defection law, pros and cons of post-poll alliances and discretionary powers of the governor has brought to light the various challenges facing Indian democracy.
- Journalists are increasingly under attack, with murders taking place in several areas.
- As a result of limited scope for fair reportage, the Indian media is classified as only “partially free”. This is a fact which is also supported by the “Freedom in the World Report, 2018”.
- Unlike pre-poll alliances, where the voters are aware of whom they are voting for, post-poll alliances present a new set of challenges.
- Anti-Defection law does not seem to be doing much to stop MLAs from defecting.
- Dynastic politics, lack of strong opposition at the centre and Religion based politics. Ex: Government’s decision to classify Lingayats as a religious minority in Karnataka.
- The delay in disposal of cases by the courts is a concern to people.
- Misuse of data on social media sites, privacy of users and the power of social media to influence important political outcomes.
Way Forward
- Universal literacye. education for all, poverty alleviation, elimination of gender discrimination, removal of regional imbalances, administrative and judicial reforms and sustained economic, social and environmental development.
- A set of rules which would curb the menace of defection as well as the misuse of powers of the governor’s office is required.
- A defecting MLA must be disqualified from contesting or becoming a minister for at least six years.
- A distinction needs to be drawn whether a member is leaving a party for ideological differences or for money and power.
- In case of hung assembly, whether the governor must call the single largest party first, or a post-poll alliance, the process must be uniform across the country.
- The governors’ discretionary powers must be abolished and replaced with clear guidelines based on the Sarkaria Commission.
- Stricter data protection laws are required to ensure that political parties do not indulge in practices that involve undue influencing of voting behaviour.
- Voter education, electoral reforms and periodical highlighting of the performance (or non-performance) of elected representatives should be high priority.
- People must exercise their right to vote, participate in democracy and contribute towards the development of the country.
- The youth must be aware of the problems that the country is facing and choose the candidate who is most likely to bring about a change
- Democracy cannot survive without both citizens’ participation and politicians’ accountability.
- The promises of democracy can only be realised through collective action in civil society.
- The state must respect the articulation of the politics of voice and not just the politics of the vote
Topic– Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation,
Directive word
Discuss- this is an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key demand of the question. we also have to discuss about the related and important aspects of the question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to write in detail about the issue of air pollution and bring out why it is not just a technological issue but also a social concern.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about the problem of air pollution. E.g Air pollution is a silent killer in India, especially in the country’s northern belt. Eighteen percent of the world’s population lives in India, but the country bears 26 per cent of the global disease burden due to air pollution.
Body-
Discuss in points as to why the pollution problem is not merely a technological issue, but also a social concern. E.g
- Globally, there have been several technological breakthroughs in evaluating and improving air quality.
- In India too, researchers, entrepreneurs and environmentalists have voiced the need for devices such as sensor-based monitors, air purifiers and smog towers.
- Their increasing use might improve air quality. But their energy footfall is likely to offset recent gains in energy efficiency.
- Air pollution is not a local issue that can be resolved by using household gadgets or placing devices at a few places.
- It is a nationwide concern that requires systemic measures, long-term planning, stringent action against those violating emission laws and standards.
- The improvement in the quality of lives of the rich and middle classes should not be at the cost of the poor etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
Introduction:
Air pollution is a silent killer in India, especially in the country’s northern belt. 18% of the world’s population lives in India, but the country bears 26% of the global disease burden due to air pollution. According to estimates of the India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative — published last year in Lancet Planetary Health — over half the 12.4 lakh deaths in India attributed to air pollution in 2017 were of individuals under the age of 70. The average life expectancy in the country could be 1.7 years higher, if air pollution is contained at a level at which human health isn’t harmed.
Body:
The pollution problem is not merely a technological issue, but also a social concern because:
- Like all inequity, the weakest and the most disenfranchised suffer the worst health effects of toxic air first.
- It is caused by human behaviours and because it not only has a negative effect on the planet but also on people and society.
- Poverty exposes people to various stressors, such as polluted air, that increase pollution susceptibility.
- Some political particles have painted air pollution as an elite problem. It’s the opposite. The rich have easy access to masks, purifiers and filters to protect themselves.
- The increasing use of gadgets like air purifiers by a certain section of people becomes problematic. These devices require constant maintenance and constitute a lopsided and expensive answer to the air pollution problem.
- It is the poor, homeless, those working outdoors who are most affected. They include ragpickers, safai karamcharis, auto-rickshaw drivers, traffic policemen, small farmers, daily-wage labourers (especially in the construction and mining sectors).
- Besides emphasising on clean energy devices, energy efficiency technologies, dust control mechanisms and clean transport facilities, the government must be alive to the concerns of the people whose livelihoods are affected when polluting industries are banned.
- The improvement in the quality of lives of the rich and middle classes should not be at the cost of the poor. This perspective now informs the air pollution management programmes of several countries.
- Some states of the US, Singapore and China, for instance, have come out with citizen-friendly remedies that emphasise dust management, soil conservation and ecological restoration.
- Air pollution is not a local issue that can be resolved by using household gadgets or placing devices at a few places.
- It is a nationwide concern that requires systemic measures, long-term planning, stringent action against those violating emission laws and standards.
- Ecologically, air pollution can cause serious environmental damages to the groundwater, soil, and air. It is also a serious threat to the diversity of life. Studies on the relationship between air pollution and reducing species diversity clearly show the detrimental effects of environmental contaminants on the extinction of animals and plants species
The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago has devised a new metric called the ‘air quality life index’. It allows us to measure the systemic impact of air pollution in India relative to other countries. It has calculated that Indians lose 4.3 years of their lives on average simply because they live in India. Delhi’s residents lose a full 10 years because they live in Delhi.
Conclusion:
India requires inter-departmental coordination, continuous monitoring, appropriate warning systems and adequate protocols for assessment of air quality. There is a need for auditors who can enforce these standards. Long-term solutions to address air pollution require political will. The private sector should also start looking at social investments beyond statutory requirements.
Topic – Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
7) Discuss about the Schweitzer’s ethical concept of reverence for life. (250 words)
Directive word
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to write in detail about the Schweitzer’s ethical concept of reverence for life. We have to explain the concept in detail and bring out its significance/ importance.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about the Schweitzer. E.g Albert Schweitzer was an Alsatian theologian, organist, writer, humanitarian, philosopher, and physician.
Body-
Discuss about the concept in further detail. E.g
- Schweitzer’s central ethical concept is “Reverence for Life”.
- He sees this as stemming from a fundamental will-to-life inherent in all living things that, in self-conscious beings such as ourselves, establishes a drive towards both self-realization and empathy with other living things.
- Unlike Nietzsche’s will-to-power, it is not egoistic or individualistic. As living beings we are not only concerned for our own lives and development but also for the lives of other living beings and the environments in which we live.
- Along with the inclination towards self-perfection that this drive engenders, it gives rise to a nature-centered spirituality and to a form of ethical idealism.
- Rather than obeying moral rules which are conceived of as external impositions, the soul of the ethical life for Schweitzer is the drive towards fulfillment and authenticity. Insofar as we are a will to live, such authenticity will be felt as a need to show reverence for life in all its forms.
- The virtues that this gives rise to – which include compassion, gratitude, justice, hope, and the pursuit of peace – will be understood not as norms or principles to be followed, but as ideals and values in the light of which particular decisions must be made creatively and sincerely etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
Introduction:
Albert Schweitzer was born into an Alsatian family which for generations had been devoted to religion, music, and education. Schweitzer entered into his intensive theological studies in 1893. He obtained a doctorate in philosophy in 1899, with a dissertation on the religious philosophy of Kant, and received his licentiate in theology in 1900. In 1906 he published The Quest of the Historical Jesus, a book on which much of his fame as a theological scholar rests.
Body:
Schweitzer’s central ethical concept is “Reverence for Life”.
- He sees this as stemming from a fundamental will-to-life inherent in all living things that, in self-conscious beings such as ourselves, establishes a drive towards both self-realization and empathy with other living things.
- Unlike Nietzsche’s will-to-power, it is not egoistic or individualistic. As living beings we are not only concerned for our own lives and development but also for the lives of other living beings and the environments in which we live. Example: Care for stray and abandoned kids, pups etc.
- Along with the inclination towards self-perfection that this drive engenders, it gives rise to a nature-centered spirituality and to a form of ethical idealism. Example: Environmental conservation by the virtue of being a part of it.
- Rather than obeying moral rules which are conceived of as external impositions, the soul of the ethical life for Schweitzer is the drive towards fulfilment and authenticity.
- Insofar as we are a will to live, such authenticity will be felt as a need to show reverence for life in all its forms.
- The virtues that this gives rise to – which include compassion, gratitude, justice, hope, and the pursuit of peace – will be understood not as norms or principles to be followed, but as ideals and values in the light of which particular decisions must be made creatively and sincerely.
Present-day relevance:
- In a world of global injustice and exploitation, we all face the ethical difficulty of knowing what we should do.
- Most of us are fortunate to a degree which the downtrodden of the world can barely imagine.
- According to Schweitzer’s thought this gives us a motivation in gratitude to do what we can for others.
- But we must also be true to ourselves and to what we love most dearly: our loving relationships, vocations, and interests in art, knowledge, and progress.
- There is no formula for how to live life.
- But reverence for life does inspire the kind of concern for self and compassion for others which can lead one to adopt the virtuous stances which lead to such political commitments as the pursuit of human rights and lasting peace.
Conclusion:
The nature-centered spirituality which was central to Schweitzer’s thought values nature not just as a necessary resource for human flourishing or even as a repository of beauty and revitalization, but as the very ground of our being and source of motivation. Such ideas also led Schweitzer to an interest in Eastern religions with their stress on compassion for all living things.
