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

Thor

2.

Arctic region has been rich in natural resources and the oil of north sea is an example of the same. It was never explored prior due to the ice cover prevalent. But

with melting ice, the possibility of exploration and usage has become a reality.

Greenland has given some 300 permits for exploration and mining and the local Inuits have been protesting this actions, also Denmark and Canada are having a tussle of demarcation of the EEZ.

Initially the Arctic council was formed to safeguard the environment and living conditions of the the inhabitants but over time it has assumed commercial significance. Many countries with vested interests want to be a part of Arctic council and are already observer states of which India is also one.

melting of Arctic ice gives way to an array of possibilities:
1. Possibility of better research on global phenomena
2. Opening of newer sea routes leading to reduction in transportation costs which can increase global trade and also newer sea routes offer strategic advantages for countries to reroute in case of trouble along normal SLOC.
3. Exploration and utilization of natural resources

Few Issues:
1. Arctic council wants national interests and EEZ to be in place while a few countries want the arctic region to be treated as Global commons like the Antarctic.
2. Blurring of national interest and also between research and commercial prospects

But, given there is an Arctic council in place which has membership and observer status to all major nations, the possibility of a cold war is reduced and a collective comprehensive solution which is amicable in on the cards as stated under the Kiruna Declaration this year which talks about safeguarding indigenous rights, opening of sea lines, economic co-operation and maintaining peace in the arctic.

Thor

3.

Extremism as a concept is outside of the purview of mainstream society as it adopts the means of violence or revolution to achieve its desired objectives as against constitutional means.

Extremism in the past:
Independence movements: It was revolt against an oppressive foreign power which was exploiting the local population and draining them economically and pushing them

socially backward, their aim was to free the nation from the clutches of foreign power.
1. Extremists during the swadeshi movement
2.Bhagat singh and Surya Sen
3. INA and SC Bose

Other revolutionary movement post independence:
1. naxalbari movement: this was in retaliation to the exploitation and deprivation of sharecroppers and landless laborers by the landlords or the capitalist class. It had tinge of marxism as it was a class struggle when the landless fought for their right against exploitation
2. PWG - AP - similar in ideology and aims to Naxalbari

Presently extremism is more ideologically driven to instill fear.

Secessionist movements: ideology of non-affiliation to the country and self-rule and independence
1. Mizoram - MNF
2. Nagas
3. Punjab - Khalistan movement
4. J&K - jihadis and mujahideens - Islamic terror, Religious war against other faiths and belief in supremacy of allah and sharia law

mercenaries who are agents of other nations who fight for expansion of their national interest on foreign soil, geopolitical considerations lead to state sponsored terrorism like that in Syria, Lebanon and few regions of the middle east.

We can say that Extremism was in response to subjugation and tried to achieve independence, later it manifested itself to fight for the rights of the downtrodden and disadvantaged but as of now it have become a tool for terrorizing people and for expansion of vested interests of few people or nations.

Thor

@dp81

First qn - you kind of emphasised more on govt. policies and less on social underpinnings - we all know CSS has huge funding but is failing due to sociological issues.

I feel socio pe zyada dyaan dena chahiye iss sawaal mein.

Other answers, the content is fine But I feel if you are able to bring a few specific points, someone talked about EEZ issues, I talked about greenland and Inuits - there is nothing wrong in not quoting specifics but it tells the examiner that you indeed know very well the topic but are writing in a generic sense.

Showing off a little of the knowledge is good, overdose and making it factual makes no sense as well.
These are my things, Arctic waala, Extremism mein we can quote few instances or recent happenings.

Also, do review my answers, and also suggestions are both ways - waiting for your feedback then.

@deusAdeeb Zara hamare uttar ki zanch kijiye aur bataye usse behetar kaise kiya jaaye.

deusAdeeb

@Thor Bro, your answers are amazing but if you want, I can point out a few defects. I have reviewed Q1 answer.You haven't mentioned the MDG specifics like reducing IMR,MMR,education,hunger, poverty,ecology, HIV/malaria targets in your intro. It gives the immpression that you have just a vague idea of what MDGs are.

MDGs also have environmental sustainability/global partnership as one issue area. Your answer has focused on social aspects and ignored this sustainability thing.

Also, government efforts are not just through schemes. Formation of statutory organizations like NCE,NCPCR or passing stringent laws like criminal laws ammendment act, 2013, setting up Mahila banks also come under government efforts.

Like you have given concrete examples of government schemes, give concerete examples of NGO efforts too like ASER's evaluation of SSA, or SEWA working for women's financial inclusion.

In the sociological reasons, 3 of 6 reasons focus on women issues. That's why you left out social stratification, poverty, unawareness, political and financial exclusion etc.

The conclusion seems slightly abrupt. It can be on a positive, optimistic note .(I haven't figured out a way to end this answer but you can give it a try).

I have been severely critical bro. I know, time and word constraints are imposing and your answer resembles that of toppers. keep it up! My suggestions might be wrong. take what you think is constructive and leave the rest.
WIll evaluate your other answers later. I have to meet my girlfriend now or she will kill me.

Oceanus

@deusAdeeb I think you have missed the exact question. It is asking about MDG 5 not MDG, hence the focus on maternity issues.

@Thor I feel that your answer are good & to the point.

deusAdeeb

@Oceanus Actually I remembered the question vaguely and @Thor started his answer with "India on its part of achieving MDG goals...." That reinforced it. Anyways, my bad!!

@Thor Sorry for the misunderstanding bro!!

dp81

Bhai log bahut practice ho gayi answer ki ab revise karna padega...

waise bhi no two persons can have same answer and approach and answer format....upsc apne hisaab se hi marks dega....they know we r naive :P

deusAdeeb

@dp81 Bro you always steal words from my mouth. You type exactly what I am thinking !!

Thor

@dp81
To kya aaj raat naye question nahi update karu kya.

@deusAdeeb
I should have quoted the qn above my answer, i missed writing MDG-5 :P
Also, any criticism that is constructive is always welcome, I hate people passing on derogatory stuff which can be detrimental to one's own confidence.

Also, any criticism should be taken as such, we cannot expect flowers always, kabhi shoes bhi milte hain, Bush aur MMS ko hi pade, ham log to chotte aadmi hai

dp81

@dp81 Bro you always steal words from my mouth. You type exactly what I am thinking !!

haan bhai aur kya....kabhi lagta hai uska answer acha...thn we get tension...sometime our is good we r overconfident and think is baar...to hona hi...hai...its good that we r practicing answer but critical comments and analysis should b left to upsc and paper checker...becoz all the candidates view answer differently as per their base..and IQ and EQ..

humara kaam sirf answer likhna hai ha ha ha....bhai log...ye dont take it sermons..but ye aise likh raha hu frustrate hoke...because too much inputs and information has stalled my mind... @-) :-SS [-O<