Discussion of answers to questions of various test series (Synergy, Chronicle)

Oceanus

2. ”Global warming and a race for resources could spark a new ‘cold war’ in the Arctic”. Critically analyze.

Ans.
(1) Global warming- melting ice caps - new sea lanes- spark differences between countries (Russia, USA & other European nations) to get a stronghold on the lanes.
(2) Mineral resources- exploration races- Ownership claims.
(3) Arctic council- increasing observer states- shows the rising global interest in the region.
(4) If it leads to a 'cold war' then instead of USA & Russia, this time it may be between a coalition among, Russia, USA & European nations like finland, denmark etc. But it may not be a winning situation economically & strategically. Hence, chances are feeble.
(5) Since, all are members of arctic council- chances of conflict are lowered. Possibility of mutual cooperation & benefiting out of the oppurtunities.
(6) Not a very new concept. Resilience shown by nations till now further lowers the possibility of a conflict.

Oceanus

3. “Both historical and more recent trends would seem to suggest that rising (and frustrated) expectations are a far more frequent source of extremism than mere economic deprivation.” Evaluate in the context of India and its neighboring countries.

Ans- This evaluation requires to look after few major extremism cases-

Historical-
1.Extremism before independence-
(a) Localised revolts- Kuki, Santhal etc- Mainly due to economic/social exploitation
(b) National attempts- Bhagat Singh, Shukhdev etc- Frustation against british government & expectations of independence.
(c) International attempts- Azad Hind Fauz- SC Bose- Participation by NRIs- expectations of independence & improvement in their conditions.

Recent-
1. Extremism in Kashmir- expectations of autonomy & independence from India- mostly foriegn financed- frustration of past happenings (Maharaja Hari Singh incident).
2. Extremism in NE- expectations of a larger statehood & autonomy, frustration against other tribal people.
3. Naxalism-
(a) Starting- naxal bari- against economic deprivation & exploitation
(b) Gradual development - expectations of autonomy & self governance
4. Extremism in Pakistan- Terrorist groups, using Pakistan as a weapon against other nations- India, america etc.
5. Extremism in Afghanistan- Fundamentalist thought, frustration over changes in muslim ideology (self-proclaimed), expectation of islamic purity through political hijacking

Conclusion- This evaluation brings to light the fact that extremism when rises on a small & localised scale, usually is encouraged out of economic deprivation but the gradual rise & development is done under the aegis of rising illicit expectations unless they are foreign sponsored.

Oceanus

4. “The new food-security and land-acquisition laws underscore the Indian government’s gradual but firm move toward making the world’s largest democracy a society in which citizens’ welfare is based on rights and entitlements rather than ephemeral charity.” Do you agree with the statement? Critically analyze the two laws in the light of the given statement.

Ans-

Food Security Act- No, i don't agree.

(1) No universal coverage. Rights are universal.
(2) Not a firm move- Nothing clear about the food procurements. Times of droughts & disasters. Voices are being raised in many factions about it being a hasty step.
(3) Special provisions for special group of people, i.e lactating mothers, homeless etc. A right remains same for all, the need for special provisions should not start at the first place.
(3) Definitely, it can't be said ephemeral charity too.
First, money for the act is coming from their own paid taxes. It's not a charity. It's entitlement.
Second, careful designing of the act to maximise the benefit which will have long-term effects. So, not ephemeral.

Conclusion- Neither charity, nor a right (in true sense). It's a well designed selective entitlement.

Land Acquisition laws Yes, i agree.

(1) Universal, provided to all citizens.
(2) Strong provisions for its implementation.
(3) No special provisions. Same for all.
(4) Some lacunae are there, but still they can be improved in further amendments.

Conclusion- This is definitely a firm move toward making the world’s largest democracy a society in which citizens’ welfare is based on rights and entitlements.

dp81

@Oceanus

bhai tumhare answer badhiya....how much time it takes to collect, frame and put on paper....i m nt able to write this much in given time span..

Oceanus

@dp81

yaar fatli meri to, thoda pol sc. padh raha tha. isliye nahi dekha, will see in the morning. On the face of it, they look got for 1.15 hr effort

Also, Q5 i put in as I did not know what he was asking. It was asked in Synergy paper if I remember correctly

1) Is it Socialism vs Gandhian Swaraj
Or
2) Fascism vs Non-violence (Satyagraha)

@Thor I guess this might be an open ended question. If you are sticking to the exact wordings of the question, you are right.

The question says- “In the era of 1920s & 1930s the world witnessed a paradox of two contradictory philosophies of two leaders of Europe & Asia"

which two leaders were active during 1920s & 1930s having opposing philosophies? I guess, the question is about Gandhi vs Hitler.

dp81

Agree this must be on Gandhi and Nazi philosophy

Oceanus

@dp81 definitely, while typing, it takes a lot of time. But if i write it on paper, i can do it within the stipulated time span depending on the question.

dp81

@dp81 definitely, while typing, it takes a lot of time. But if i write it on paper, i can do it within the stipulated time span depending on the question.

@Oceanus
I just wanted to know that.....UPSC wants. just..informations about the govt programmes in depth or they want analysis...means i m confused what must be proportion of information and anaylsis..

Oceanus

@dp81 What i know is that UPSC tells you exactly what it wants in the question itself. If it wants details of the govt program, it will ask you about the salient features etc. When it asks you to analyse it, you have to analyse it while giving reference to the provisions of the program.

Thor

1.

India on its part of achieving MDG goals has taken a lot of measures in the form of various central sponspored schemes which were based on targetting segments of population.

The Schemes:
ICDS, SABLA, WIFS, MDM - to cater to nutrition and health of children
JSSK, JSY, IGMSY, NRHM - to cater to neo-natal and maternity care
SSA, RMSA, KGBY - to promote universal education
MNREGA - Reduce poverty
NBA, TSC - To provide sanitation
ARWP, NWM - Provide water to all habitations

NGOs have all been invovled in the delivery mechanisms of various schemes and also spreading awareness among the population.

There are various sociological aspects that hinder our efforts towards achieving MDG

1. Lack of education and belief in superstitions has led to medical negligence and continuing pratcice of unproven and untested medication
2. Girl child - treated as a burden, needed to be given away as early as possible to reduce the burden
3. The burden of girl child leads to her being restricted to household chores and not being educated as it is seen as a wasteful investment and also leads to early marriages and motherhood which impacts the health of the child and mother equally (higher IMR and MMR)
4. The systemic menace of Dowry and property rights pushing women to the corner and under the control of a partiarchal system
5. Lack of access to medical services and belief in superstitious practices leading to many neo-natal deaths
6. Practice of manual scavenging - leading to a mental block on construction of flush toilets