Geography answer 28th July

The Daily Answer Writing Practice
[Question 17, 29th July, 2020]

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"Territorial dispute between India and Nepal is merely a symptom of the structural changes unfolding in the external and internal context of the bilateral relationship" Discuss [15 marks, 250 words]

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Daily Answer Writing Practice
[Question 17, 29th July, 2020]
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Please find below the answer for daily answer writing practice for today
"Territorial dispute between India and Nepal is merely a symptom of the structural changes unfolding in the external and internal context of the bilateral relationship" Discuss [15 marks, 250 words]
Answer:
India and Nepal share a unique relationship of friendship and cooperation characterized by open borders and deep-rooted people-to-people contacts of kinship and culture. Nepal lies in the middle of India’s ‘Himalayan frontiers’, and along with Bhutan, it acts as northern ‘borderland’ flanks and acts as buffer states against any possible aggression from China.
The 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship between both the countries, is being chipped away amid the rise of mass politics in Nepal, growing Nepali nationalism which became essentially anti-Indian in nature, and Kathmandu’s acquisition of an international personality. Recently, the Nepal government referring to the Treaty of Sugauli, 1816, took a decision to adopt a new political map that claims Indian territory of Lipulekh, Kalapani and other areas, as a part of Nepal. Further, Indian Army Chief’s contention that Nepal raised the dispute at the “behest of an external force”, has opened a gateway for the territorial dispute. These developments over the Kalapani territorial issue appear to threaten the basis of their special relationship, which has nurtured open borders and the free movement of people.
The structural changes in the external sphere for India and Nepal are born from the changing equations of power game in the world in general and Asia in particular.
In the past, Chinese interest in Nepal was to ensure that Nepalese territory is not used by Tibetans for the breeding of discontent. However, in recent times, China has made inroads into Nepal in infrastructure, education and health sectors. Also, Nepal wants to take advantage of the BRI project built by China. India feels that the Chinese inroads into Nepal are necessarily to counterbalance the Indian influence in Nepal. However, Nepal has asserted that its relationship with China is purely economic and will not be hurting the Indian strategic interests in any way. Also, India is of the view that the rising Nepal and China cooperation would undermine Nepal’s distinction of buffer state between India and China.
By playing the China balancing card as a last resort, Nepali leaders often hope to get Delhi to pay attention to festering problems that Indian diplomacy neglects or forgets about. This is a risky game because it raises alarm bells in Delhi, especially in the security and strategic establishments, which are quick to step in and tend to resort to coercive tools that can further escalate the dispute. It is also risky because it assumes China is always willing to extend indefinite support to Nepal at the cost of its relations with India.
Way Forward:
• The sooner India settles this dispute with Nepal, the lesser the chances for China to get involved. Thus the need of the time is an action oriented Neighbourhood First policy.
• India should focus on working towards multifaceted relationships to the advantage of both nations. And the completion of the pending infrastructural projects will be a great point to start. It must also maintain a policy of keeping away from the internal affairs of Nepal.
• Rather than object to Kathmandu's China ties, Delhi must focus on how to advance India's relationship with Nepal. "India should bet that the logic of Nepal's Economic Geography, its pursuit of enlightened self-interest, and Kathmandu's natural balancing politics, will continue to provide a strong balancing framework for India's future engagement with Nepal"
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The Daily Answer Writing Practice
[Question 18, 30th July, 2020]

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Explain why the caste system in India is becoming more visible for the backward castes while at the same time less visible for the upper castes. [10 marks, 150 words]

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[Question 18, 30th July, 2020] Explain why the caste system in India is becoming more visible for the backward castes while at the same time, less visible for the upper castes. [10 marks, 150 words]

Answer:
The caste system is an ancient code of social stratification deriving its origin from the ancient Vedic varna system. It is a hierarchical division of society into the occupational division of labour like Brahmins, Kshatriyas etc. It has not remained static and its structure has changed over time.

Its utility varies from one section of society to another. Visibility (or invisibility) of caste is about more (or less) utility and expression in personal and public life. Caste as we experience today has increased utility for the backward groups like Dalits and OBCs whereas it has reduced utility for the better-off groups like Brahmins and Kshatriyas due to many historical and contemporary reasons.

Reasons for increased Visibility for lower castes
• To compete with entrenched upper castes due to a deficiency in economic, educational and political capital, caste is the only collective capital that is available. Eg. BSP party using Dalit politics to come to power.
• The affirmative action of reservations in jobs and education based on caste identity serve as protective discrimination and a positive lifeline for them.

Post Land reforms (1950s-60s) and Green revolution (1970s-80s), the middle-level ascendant castes/OBCs like Jats, Lingayats and Marathas have used their caste position and numerical strength to gain economic, social and political upward mobility. This was done by ownership over land, Sanskritisation, and political power capture through elections. The benefits of ‘Mandalisation’ of politics in the 1990s accrued to them.

Similarly, Dalits are using their caste status as seen from political mobilization through BSP party, Bhim army and rising Ambedkarism in Universities; and economic mobilization through Dalit capitalism, DICCI etc in the contemporary period.

Invisibility for upper castes due to their politico-economic empowerment:
• During the colonial period: Some of the upper castes had used colonial-era educational opportunities to take up a career in Law, Civil services, teaching and professional courses to rise up in the politico-economic sphere. Also, access to land accruing from caste status helped upper caste people become Zamindars or landowners after the Permanent Settlement act by the British. They also could rise politically due to the formation of an English educated middle class who pushed for council entry and Indianisation of civil services.
• During the post-colonial period: The nationalistic liberal democratic elites belonged mostly to the upper caste groups and thus utilized subsidized public education, especially professional education in science, technology, medicine and management. Also, they benefited from the state sector jobs in PSUs in the early decades after independence.

As their privileged status got consolidated in the second and third generations, these groups began to believe that their advancement had little to do with caste, thus making caste invisible to them. Caste has declined in its utility for them today though their caste status helped their rise earlier in class (economic-educational) and in power (political) structure. Caste stopped playing a role in public life for them and it got limited to private spheres of marriage, kinship etc.

Today, caste conflicts between the ascendant middle-level castes/OBCs and Dalits show the competition for visibility between these groups and are bound to continue in the wake of increasing competition for resources and jobs.

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Urban Flooding : Understanding and writing in 250 words

The Daily Answer Writing Practice
[Question 19, 31st July, 2020]

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"Deficit monetization could be a risky affair for the economy to handle in the current scenario" Critically Analyze [15 marks, 250 words]

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[31st July 2020]:Model Answer: "Deficit monetization could be a risky affair for the economy to handle in the current scenario" Critically Analyze [15 marks, 250 words] [#GS3 #Economy]

The lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the economic activities in the country. This in turn has had a dilapidating influence of government’s revenue. In these circumstances of increased fiscal deficit, deficit monetization is being suggested as an option to alleviate the current economic crisis.

Deficit monetization refers to RBI printing more money i.e. RBI buying government’s securities from primary market. The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act prohibits this in normal circumstances as it is associated with a number of disadvantages and could be risky for the economy:
1) Excess supply of money may trigger inflation.
2) It could lead to depreciation of Rupee which would be harmful for an energy importing country like India
3) Easy supply of money may also lead to unproductive spending by government.
4) It also impacts credibility of the government as the government is seen as not being able to take care of its fiscal needs at its own
5) It reduces RBI’s control over money supply and makes RBI’s monetary policy subordinate to financial policy of the government.

At the same time, supporters of deficit monetization argue that it could lead to following advantages:
1) Provide immediate funds to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic
2) Reduce debt to GDP ratio of the government. Increase in debt to GDP ratio may negatively impact Credit Rating which in turn may push away investments and depreciate Rupee.
3) It could also control rising bond yield which is making the government’s borrowing expensive.

Looking at both advantages and disadvantages, it is clear the deficit monetization should be a measure of last resort. If government is able to borrow money through bonds and if the bond yields are not unsustainably high, it should continue borrowing from market.

31st July Model Answers

The Daily Answer Writing Practice
[Question 20, 01 August, 2020]

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You are the District Collector in a district facing recurring floods, thus also responsible to ensure providing relief material to all the affected people. Like every year, during this year’s monsoon too, more than 40% area of the district is flooded up to dangerous level. As SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) you had floated tenders and awarded contracts for the supply of relief material in fair and transparent way well in advance.
A group of people, led by a local political leader, is making irrational demands from the administration. One day, the politician along with his followers decides to stage a sit-in on the national highway going through your area. The moment media started covering the news you get a call from your senior from state secretariat questioning your handling of relief operations.
However, you suspect that the real motive of the politician is to jeopardize relief efforts and to build general opinion against your efficiency, because the contracts were not awarded to his people.

a) Elaborate the different issues that are involved in the case.

b) What will be your course of action? Justify

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The Daily Answer Writing Practice
[Question 20, 01 August, 2020]

Answer Part 1:
Any disaster needs immediate attention. Flood paralyse the whole affected area and bring life to stand still. The given case depicts a situation where the struggle is required to fulfil my duty amidst the dubious opposition and an attack on my efficiency. It also indicates responsibility about the work to be finished to be of paramount importance, which would be getting hampered in case of irrational action on my part. The additional angle to be inquired about is - how the misuse of media can be tackled. I also need to restore the trust of senior administration and of the public in me.

Analysis of Case:

Facts Given:
• Floods affecting 40% area in the district
• Local politician trying to malign image of the DC as inefficient
• Hidden motive of getting the material Distributui Contract
• Misinformation by media
• 5.State Secretatriat Questionong the handiling of Situation

Values involved:
• Fiduciary Responsibility
• Empathy
• Welfarism
• Leadership
• Positive Attitude

Stakeholders:
• DC along Administration
• People affected by Flood
• Local Poltician
• Media

a) Issue involved in the case:
In this scenario in the role of DC, following are the issues involved:
Issue 1: Ensuring that all the flood-affected victims receive relief material due to them. This is my most important responsibility. Not just as a government official but also as a fellow human being. At the same time due medical attention is also provided, especially in the low lying area where water stagnation can create a havoc.

Issue 2: National Highway is blocked by followers of the political leader. That is needed to be opened and made functional as early as possible so that traffic is normal. This is an illegal act by a group of people as its destructs the working of state machinery. And appropriate action is required to be taken. This is to be addressed in an urgent manner/highest priority.

Issue 3: Misuse of media is being done to malign the image of the administration in general and the officer in particular. It is the need dof the hour to respond accordingly so that the trust of the public is restored. And at the same time a larger message is sent to all who are exploiting media in this hour of necessity.

Issue 4: Proper explanation and justification are required to be given to HQ administration/Stete Secretariat clarifying their doubts. It is my duty to report the details to HQ in order to convey the information and seek suggestions, in case they are relevant.

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The Daily Answer Writing Practice
[Question 20, 01 August, 2020]

Answer Part 2:

b) Course of action:

1) First and the foremost the National Highway has to be unblocked as much interstate traffic is stuck in the middle of the road. It is the most urgent issue. So, without any prejudice, talks can be initiated with the groups of the people protesting there. Here I need to act according to emotional intelligence. It can be conveyed to the protesters that already the relief materials are being delivered to the victims of the flood. Also they will be convinced that their demands are irrational. They would be convinced to vacate the National Highway with the pretext that talks.

2) Press and Media will be called to send corrected message about flood relief work going in the right direction and speed. The examples of such efficient implementation can be made visible to the normal public so that the trust of people in the administration can be restored. The right message on media can be sent about the officer also to restore the image about his capability as well.

3) The most crucial and vital responsibility is that of distributing relief material to flood victims. Real-time monitoring will be done to ensure that the distribution of the material is being done with not only efficiency but also sensitivity and compassion. Special care will be taken with respect to children and elderly persons. Immediate and strict action will be taken on miscreants. It would be ensured that no person is left wanting the material.

4) As a response to the call from Head Quarter, in addition to explanation over the call, a written report will be sent clarifying their doubts. The report will also talk about positive work done so far and the plans to extend the work further. The senior authorities must be made aware of the real situation, as they have the right to receive the information.

Any emergency situation, especially flood, requires an extremely responsible and sensitive approach from the administration. The goal of the whole exercise to ensure reaching of relief material to flood victims.

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The Daily Answer Writing Practice
[Question 21, 02 August, 2020]

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Governor’s use of discretionary power in the appointment of the Chief Minister has become an issue of frequent controversy especially because of the fractured mandates and pre- and post-poll political alliances. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)

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Ethics Case Study approach and detailed discussion through Question.

The Daily Answer Writing Practice
[Question 21, 02 August, 2020]

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Please find below today’s answer for Daily Answer Writing Practice

Governor’s use of discretionary power in the appointment of the Chief Minister has become an issue of frequent controversy especially because of the fractured mandates and pre- and post-poll political alliances. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)
Answer:
Article 164(1) of the Indian Constitution provides that the Chief Minister shall be appointed by the Governor. After elections, when there is clear majority for a party or coalition, then the Governor appoints its leader as the CM and asks him to prove his majority on the floor of the house. However, in cases where no party or pre-poll alliance wins majority of seats, Governor uses his discretionary powers.

Fractured mandates and Governor's discretion:
With the plurality of political parties in play, and fractured mandates, there are multiple possibilities - largest party but without majority, pre-poll alliances, post-poll alliances, outside support etc. - on who can form the government. In this case, the Governor’s role has become increasingly controversial with allegations of partisanship, especially when the party in power at the Centre is also a contender in the State, or is inimical to a contender.

Absence of guidelines for Governor:
Despite the controversy of Governor's discretionary role in this situation, no clear solution has been found to navigate this situation. Even the Supreme Court hasn't ventured into framing guidelines in case of hung assemblies, and has only given directions on a case by case basis. The court only held that the Governor's choice of action should not be arbitrary or fanciful. It said that the appointment of the Chief Minister should be of one who commands or is expected to command the support of a majority of MLAs.
Sarkaria Commission (I Centre- State Relation Commission) has provided the basis:
This issue has been studied by various committees and commissions. The Sarkaria Commission (1983) recommended the order of preference that the Governor should follow in case of no clear majority:
1. A pre-poll alliance of parties.
2. The single largest party with the support of others.
3. A post-electoral coalition of parties, with all the partners in the coalition joining the government.
4. A post-electoral alliance of parties, with some of the parties in the alliance forming a government and the remaining supporting from outside.
These recommendations were subsequently affirmed by the Punchchi Commission (II Centre- State relation Commission) and The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC).

As there is no clear solution to this issue, Sarkaria commission's recommendations form a good basis on how to act. Whether or not its recommendations are followed, it is important for all parties to come together to frame guidelines for the Governor in such situations for a stable polity in the states.

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The Daily Answer Writing Practice
[Question 22, 03 August, 2020]

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Although the Indian National Army (INA) failed to achieve its goal, it made a significant impact on the freedom struggle. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)

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[Question 22, 3 August 2020] Although the Indian National Army (INA) failed to achieve its goal, it made a significant impact on the freedom struggle. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)

Indian National Army (INA) was formed by Indian nationalists and Imperial Japan in 1942 in Southeast Asia during World War II. Its aim was to secure Indian independence from British rule.

Fighting side by side with the Japanese armed forces the INA crossed the Indian frontier on 18th March 1944. The tri-colour was hoisted on Indian soil. However, the INA failed to capture Imphal due to two reasons:
• The Japanese failed to supply the necessary material and air cover to the INA.
• The Monsoon prevented their advance.

In the meantime, the British were able to group their forces and made counter attacks. Although the INA fought heroically with tremendous loss of manpower, the course of war was changing. With the collapse of Germany and set backs to the Japanese armies, the INA too could not stand on its own. With the disappearance of Subhas Bose, the leadership too vanished.

Even though the INA had failed to achieve its goal it made a significant impact on the freedom struggle:
• It became clear to the British that they could no longer depend on the loyalty of Indian soldiers and treat them as mercenary. The RIN mutiny post-war emphasised this point further.
• The struggles of the INA demonstrated that those who waged an armed struggle against the British were not affected by communal division. There were Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs in the INA who had fought as Indians.
• The actions of the Rani Jhansi Brigade – an exclusively women force – demonstrated the capabilities of Indian women wing armed struggle against the British.
• The INA had also demonstrated enthusiasm and concern of overseas Indians for the freedom of their motherland.
• During the post-war years, the Red Fort trials attracted wide public sympathy. Despite the British Government forbading the BBC from broadcasting the story, the public pressure and protests spread which ultimately forced the British to release the prisoners.

Therefore, in the long run, the INA episode led to the erosion of both the hard as well as soft power of the British over India, hastening India’s march to freedom.

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