Category: Ranker Webinars

Topics for Today’s questions:

GS-1          Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone. etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. 

GS-2          Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

GS-3        Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices

GS-4       Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity

Question 1)

Q.1 Climate change is leading to unpredictable weather extremes and their undesirable consequences. Explain how climate change is altering the Indian monsoon and its multidimensional impact. (15 Marks)

Question 2)

Q.2 Do you agree with the view that time has come to formulate an Urban Employment Guarantee scheme at the national level? (10 Marks)

Question 3)

Q.3 The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime. (15 Marks)

Question 4)  

Q.4 Is it justifiable to say that corruption is a social phenomenon? What are the various ways through which administrative corruption can be tackled? (10 Marks)

HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?

1. Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.

2. A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.

3. You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.

4.  Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.

5. Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.

6. If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 11th  February is uploaded on 11th February then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis

7. If you are writing answers late, for example, 11th February is uploaded on 13th February , then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.

8. We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.

*In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. 

1. For the philosophy of AWE and payment: 

UPSC 2023 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

Context

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) region has been afflicted by the problem of cross-border terrorism, separatist violence and armed militancy for more than 30 years.

Militancy in J&K: A Backgrounder

• Since the early 1990s, this militancy has transformed radically as various internal and external dynamics have impacted it, such as the driving role of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), evolution of Kashmir’s separatist politics, influence of terrorist groups and the emergence of social media.
• This makes the militancy in J&K today a qualitatively different challenge to the security establishment than it was in 1989 when scores of Kashmiri youths crossed the Line of Control (LoC) to train in Pakistan-occupied J&K (PoK) and joined the ranks of terrorist outfits.

J&K since the revocation of Art. 370

• The 5th of August 2022, marked three years since the Union Government revoked the special status of J&K and created two new Union Territories (UTs) of J&K and Ladakh.
• This change is said to be a landmark moment for the region, marking a break from the past to herald a new administrative and security approach to this strategically-important region.
• Several initiatives implemented by the J&K UT administration and security establishment since then demonstrate that there is hope for a better future.
• At present, the Indian security establishments extend their firm control of the situation in J&K. Security agencies have kept up the pressure on militants through dynamic operations and have cut off the support from terror ecosystems.
• Despite there being some evolving and emerging challenges from the Counter-Terrorism (CT) perspective, security forces are confident of tackling them effectively.

Success of counter-terrorism operations

Ans. Decline in militancy

• The current residual strength of the terrorists operating in the region is a key indicator of the improved security situation in the region.
• The numbers during the early 1990s were in the thousands. However, the situation has changed significantly. Current terrorist strength in Kashmir stands at about 163.
• It is also seen that the role of Pakistani terrorists has now been reduced to guiding and motivating the local terrorists.
• South Kashmir remains the main hub of militancy while North Kashmir has been a key entry point for Pakistani Militants through the LoC.

Major challenges

(1) Tackling cross-border infiltration

• Pakistan-based terrorist organizations have used the mountainous terrain in north Kashmir to sneak into the Kashmir Valley.
• Militants enter through the south of Pir Panjal range, Jammu-Samba-Kathua plains and the hilly Rajouri-Poonch areas.
• To counter this infiltration, security forces have set up a highly-effective three-tiered counter-infiltration grid.
• Further, the forces have deployed Anti Infiltration Obstacle System (AIOS) fencing and have enhanced surveillance through the use of drones, night-vision equipment, and hand-held thermal imaging devices.
• The security agencies have increased the pressure on the terrorist groups in the region through several Counter-Insurgency (CI) operations.
• The elimination of the top militant leadership and disruption of their subversive plan has yielded great results.

(2) Leftover terrorist groups

• A crucial part of the security crackdown is the punitive action against the subversive elements of the ecosystem that support the terrorists that include the network of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and terrorist sympathisers.
• Security agencies have targeted the OGWs who help the militants by providing multiple services such as recharging mobile phones, providing shelter and informing the terrorists about the security forces movements.
• Since 2019, J&K Police have arrested more than 900 OGWs under the Public Safety Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
• Countering terrorist finances has been another key area of focus. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched several investigations into the cases of terrorist financing.
• The MHA has set up a Terror Monitoring Group, comprising representatives of security agencies like NIA, Central Bureau of Investigation, Intelligence Bureau and JKP and financial agencies like Central Board of Direct Taxes, and Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs to closely monitor terrorist financing cases.
• Several soft measures such as exercising maximum restraint, avoiding pellet guns and minimizing collateral damage during the CI operations and protest demonstrations have also helped the cause by gaining the trust and respect of the civilians in the region.

Emerging challenges

• Radicalization and Terrorist Recruitment: Increase in the local terrorist recruitment in areas such as Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam and Awantipora have been a key cause of concern.
• Hybrid terrorists and virtual terrorist outfits: With increased Counter-Insurgency ops and neutralization of many active militants, terrorist masterminds have changed their strategies.
• Technological advances: With the advent of modern technologies in cyberspace such as the dark web, the militants are using technological advancements to achieve their agenda.
• Pakistan’s information warfare:  The ISI is working hard to spread disinformation on social media platforms as Pakistan’s material and financial support to terrorist groups such as LeT and JeM have attracted global scanners.

Way forward

• Comprehensive national efforts: Countering terrorism will require a comprehensive national effort anchored in India’s democratic credentials.
• Sahi Raasta Initiative: by Indian Army aims to tackle the issue of radicalization by bringing the youth on the right track through national integration tours, sports training programs and festivals, and skill development workshops.

UPSC 2023 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

Topics for Today’s questions:

GS-1          Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).

GS-2          Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting  India’s interests.

GS-3          Indian Economy

GS-4           Ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.

Question 1)

Q.1 What are the important features of footloose industries? What are the factors that influence the location of these industries? (10 Marks)

Question 2)

Q.2 In Washington’s first major security assistance to Islamabad in four years, it has approved a military sustenance package for the country’s aging F-16 fleet. What are India’s concerns with the deal? Do you think such a decision from US is justified in the backdrop of strong relations with India? (10 Marks)

Question 3)

Q.3 What is windfall tax and why is it needed? Highlight the challenges involved in imposing such a tax? (15 Marks)

Question 4)  

Q.4 Do you agree that foreign aid is a form of neo-colonialism? (10 Marks)

HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?

1. Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.

2. A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.

3. You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.

4.  Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.

5. Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.

6. If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 11th  February is uploaded on 11th February then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis

7. If you are writing answers late, for example, 11th February is uploaded on 13th February , then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.

8. We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.

*In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. 

1. For the philosophy of AWE and payment: 

Topics for Today’s questions:

GS-1          Salient features of world’s physical geography.

GS-2          Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures. 

GS-3          Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate. 

GS-4        Ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance

Question 1)

Q.1 What do you mean by temperature inversion? Highlighting the suitable conditions for temperature inversion, discuss its multidimensional impacts. (10 Marks)

Question 2)

Q.2 Social audit is a good instrument for participatory governance and transparency, but it has limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for increasing the effectiveness and usefulness of social audit. (10 Marks)

Question 3)

Q.3 The Government’s decision to create the post of a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), a long-pending demand to bring in tri-service synergy and integration, is touted as one of the biggest top-level military reforms since independence. Highlighting the role of the CDS, evaluate the challenges ahead. (15 Marks)

Question 4)  

Q.4 If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (10 Marks)

HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?

1. Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.

2. A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.

3. You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.

4.  Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.

5. Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.

6. If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 11th  February is uploaded on 11th February then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis

7. If you are writing answers late, for example, 11th February is uploaded on 13th February , then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.

8. We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.

*In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. 

1. For the philosophy of AWE and payment: 

UPSC 2023 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

Context

• The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW) is being observed for the third time on 29 September 2022 with the theme ‘Stop Food Loss and Waste! For People and Planet.’
• This day assumes huge importance due to the rising food insecurity across the globe.
• Food loss and waste (FLW) is an important topic due to its high socioeconomic costs and its relationship to waste management and climate change challenges.

Worldwide Food Loss and Waste (FLW)

• According to the United Nations Environment Programme, an estimated 14 percent of the world’s food is lost between harvest and retail.
• Moreover, an estimated 17 per cent is wasted in retail and at the consumption level.
• This food loss and waste accounts for 8-10 per cent of the total global greenhouse gas emissions.
• As the data suggests that approx 4 to 5 lakhs people die without food every year and this includes the dependent population of the country as well.

What is Food Loss and Waste?

• Food loss and waste is food that is not eaten.
• The causes of food waste or loss are numerous and occur throughout the food system, during production, processing, distribution, retail and food service sales, and consumption.

Why should we discuss this?

• Pre-consumption Losses: Nearly 40% of the food produced in India is wasted every year due to fragmented food systems and inefficient supply chains.
• Post-harvest damages: India does incur huge losses due to post-harvest damages. Economic cost of post-harvest loss is nearly 926.51 bn INR as per a 2014 study.
• Rotting in godowns: In the wake of the lockdown imposed last year, surplus stocks of grain — pegged at 65 lakh tonnes in the first four months of 2020 — continued to rot in godowns across India.
• Huge share of GDP: It is about 0.6% of India’s GDP and two and a half times the Budget estimate of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.

FLW in India: Causes

There are some reasons which cause huge food waste of food in the country:

• Food habits: First is that India is a nation where maximum foods are spicy and the reason for them to get rot very early.
• Cultural issues: The culture of our nation, let’s not take it otherwise but we can can’t deny that the wedding functions causes large amount of food waste.
• Household losses: The data on food wastage at the retail and household levels is at the nascent stage. 
• Replacement of manures: Chemical fertilizers has replaced the organic one which is a big replacement of leftover wastes.
• Logistics: Uneven transportation and warehousing is another factor for FLW.

Why is it important to reduce food loss and waste?

• Prevalence of hunger: If more food is wasted, then the remaining food is available at higher prices. This excludes many people from accessing quality food owing to poor socio-economic conditions.  
• Sustainability of food system: Food loss and waste undermine the sustainability of our food systems. When food is lost or wasted, all the resources that were used to produce this food – including water, land, energy, labour and capital – go to waste.
• Emissions by FLW: In addition, the disposal of food loss and waste in landfills, leads to greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change.
• Food insecurity: Food loss and waste can also negatively impact food security and food availability, and contribute to increasing the cost of food.

Steps taken by India

• SDG commitment: Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 talks about halving food loss and waste by 2030. It also talks about halving the food loss in production and supply chains.
• Institutional research: India has been systematically estimating food loss since 1968 and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research has also conducted several studies and quantified the loss at certain levels.
• NITI Aayog moves: Ashok Dalwai Committee has suggested various interventions that go beyond the supply chain in the report to double farmer’s income by 2025.
• SAMPADA Scheme: Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters was launched in 2016.  One of the core components of the scheme involves developing an integrated cold chain and value addition infrastructure.
• National Food Security Act, 2013: It places an obligation on the government to deliver quality food at affordable prices to the poor. This places an indirect obligation on the government to reduce food wastage.

Way forward

• Inducing behavior change: Public needs to be sensitized as the food resources belong to the community irrespective of their individual financial capacity. Nobody has the right to waste limited food (or any other resources).
• Food Banking: There are examples of many NGO-run food banks where leftover food is collected and shared to the needy.
• Boosting local supply chains: This should be optimized to reduce post-harvest and transportation losses.
• Prevention: Last but not the least. Prevention of food losses is far better than mitigation.

Conclusion

• Our food systems cannot be resilient if they are not sustainable, hence the need to focus on the adoption of integrated approaches designed to reduce food loss and waste.
• Actions are required globally and locally to maximize the use of the food we produce.
• The introduction of technologies, innovative solutions, new ways of working, and good practices to manage food quality and reduce food loss and waste are key to implementing this transformative change.

UPSC 2023 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

Topics for Today’s questions:

GS-1          Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

GS-2          Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting  India’s interests.

GS-3          Indian Economy; Changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth. 

GS-4         Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions;

Question 1)

Q.1 Cultural pluralism of the society is a manifestation of diverse religious issues. However, it is secular values that sustains it. (10 Marks)

Question 2)

Q.2 In the recent past, the India Japan relationship has transformed to a partnership of great substance and purpose. Discuss. (10 Marks)

Question 3)

Q.3 The Dharamshala Declaration aims to recognise India’s potential in supporting global tourism and also promote domestic tourism. Highlighting the importance of tourism sector in India, mention some government efforts to give it a boost. (15 Marks)

Question 4)  

Q.4 The moral fibre and ethical conduct of public officials not only influence the standard of governance but also their own interests and performance. Elaborate. (10 Marks)

HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?

1. Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.

2. A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.

3. You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.

4.  Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.

5. Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.

6. If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 11th  February is uploaded on 11th February then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis

7. If you are writing answers late, for example, 11th February is uploaded on 13th February , then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.

8. We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.

*In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. 

1. For the philosophy of AWE and payment: