Examine the Coastal Regulatory Zone Authority’s (CRZA) contributions to environmental preservation, sustainable development in coastal areas, and the management and conservation of India’s coastal resources.
Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions
Talk about the advances in science and mathematics made by ancient Indian scientists. (Answer in 200 words)
Explain the causes of the upsurge in revolutionary activity following the Non-Cooperation Movement. (Answer in 200 words)
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Answer: The revolutionaries had faced severe repression during the First World War. But in early 1920, many of them were released to allow a harmonious environment for the Montford Reforms to work. Gandhi soon launched the Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM). Persuaded by Gandhiji and C.R. Das, many revoRead more
Answer: The revolutionaries had faced severe repression during the First World War. But in early 1920, many of them were released to allow a harmonious environment for the Montford Reforms to work. Gandhi soon launched the Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM). Persuaded by Gandhiji and C.R. Das, many revolutionary groups either agreed to join the non-cooperation programme or suspend their activities to give the non-violent Non-Cooperation Movement a chance. However, there was a rise in revolutionary activities post the NCM due to the following reasons:
- The sudden withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement left many of the revolutionaries disillusioned leading to questioning the basic strategy of the nationalist leadership and began to look for alternatives.
- The younger nationalists were not convinced by the parliamentary work of the Swarajists or to the patient, undramatic, constructive work of the No-Changers. They were drawn to the idea that violent methods alone would free India and started reviving revolutionary activities.
- The upsurge of working-class trade unionism after the War influenced the revolutionaries who wanted to harness the revolutionary potential of the new emergent class for nationalist revolution.
- The influence of Russian Revolution (1917) and the success of the young Soviet state in consolidating itself led to newly sprouting communist groups with their emphasis on Marxism, socialism, and the proletariat. This furthered the rise of revolutionary activities.
- Literature publishing memoirs and articles extolling the self-sacrifice of revolutionaries started growing in popularity. Journals such as Atmasakti, Sarathi, and Bijoli and books such as Bandi Jiwan by Sachin Sanyal and Pather Dabi by Sharat Chandra Chatterjee fuelled the revolutionary activities too.
- There was an emphasis on group action aimed at organs of the colonial State, instead of individual action. The objective was to set an example before the youth and to demoralize the bureaucracy especially one operating in Bengal.
- Facing the classical dilemma and operational difficulties like mobilizing and recruiting people, the young intellectuals later decided to opt for propaganda by deed, i.e., through individual heroic action and by using courts as a forum for revolutionary propaganda. For example, Chandrasekhar Azad, Sukhdev, Bhagat Singh, Surya Sen, Pritilata Waddedar, Kalpana Dutt etc.
Two separate strands of revolutionary groups emerged during this period-one operating in Punjab-UP-Bihar and the other in Bengal. Owing to government repression and factionalism among the revolutionaries, revolutionary activity suffered a setback, but soon many of revolutionaries started regrouping new smaller groups and continued work underground like the new ‘Revolt Groups’, under Surya Sen (Chittagong Group).
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The architecture of the ancient Harappans reflects the existence of a contemporary urban culture. Talk about it with examples. (Answer in 200 words)
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The Harappan Civilization also known as the Indus Valley civilization is known to be a great civilization reflecting the modern as well urban civilization : THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM : Herein each household had a horizontal and vertical drainage system connecting it to the main road drain system There weRead more
The Harappan Civilization also known as the Indus Valley civilization is known to be a great civilization reflecting the modern as well urban civilization :
THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM : Herein each household had a horizontal and vertical drainage system connecting it to the main road drain system There were underground drains shieled the stone slabs for the streets maintaing the sanitataion in the city of Harappa .
GREAT BATH : This structure was there in the Harappan city which was having a 180 feet structure wherein water could be filled up and empted up, similar to the modern day swimming pools . It was overall a structured system built for the people of Harappa .
CITADEL : The larger cities in Harappa were divided up into CITADEL having a elevated structure. The eastern part of the town was meant for the residential area .
Overall the whole city, culture , trade was very modern and urbanized in character at Harappa .
What were the contributing elements to the 1917 Russian Revolution? Talk about the effects of it. (Answer in 200 words)
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The Russian Revolution of 1917 was a pivotal event in world history that led to the collapse of the Russian Empire and the rise of the Soviet Union. Several factors contributed to this revolution: Factors Leading to the Russian Revolution of 1917 Political Inefficiency and Autocracy: The autocraticRead more
The Russian Revolution of 1917 was a pivotal event in world history that led to the collapse of the Russian Empire and the rise of the Soviet Union. Several factors contributed to this revolution:
Factors Leading to the Russian Revolution of 1917
- Political Inefficiency and Autocracy:
- The autocratic rule of Tsar Nicholas II, who was perceived as disconnected from the needs and sufferings of the Russian people.
- The lack of political reforms and the suppression of political dissent.
- Economic Hardship:
- Russia’s predominantly agrarian economy lagged behind the industrial economies of Western Europe.
- Peasants faced severe poverty, land shortages, and high taxes, leading to widespread discontent.
- Military Defeats and World War I:
- The Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) and World War I exposed the weaknesses of the Russian military.
- Heavy military losses, high casualties, and poor conditions for soldiers caused morale to plummet.
- Social Inequality:
- The stark divide between the wealthy elite and the impoverished working class and peasantry.
- Industrial workers faced harsh conditions, low wages, and long hours.
- Rise of Revolutionary Movements:
- Revolutionary ideologies, including Marxism, gained popularity among the disillusioned population.
- The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, were particularly effective in organizing and mobilizing workers and soldiers.
- Failures of the Provisional Government:
- After the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II in February 1917, the Provisional Government failed to address key issues such as land reform, ending the war, and improving economic conditions.
- The continued participation in World War I was especially unpopular.
Consequences of the Russian Revolution
- End of the Romanov Dynasty:
- The abdication of Tsar Nicholas II ended over 300 years of Romanov rule in Russia.
- Civil War:
- The revolution led to a brutal civil war (1917-1922) between the Red Army (Bolsheviks) and the White Army (anti-Bolsheviks), resulting in millions of deaths and widespread destruction.
- Establishment of the Soviet Union:
- The Bolsheviks, after winning the civil war, established the Soviet Union in 1922, creating the world’s first socialist state.
- This new regime nationalized industry, redistributed land, and implemented state-controlled economic policies.
- Impact on World Politics:
- The revolution inspired communist movements worldwide and led to the establishment of communist regimes in several other countries over the next few decades.
- It also intensified the ideological conflict between capitalism and communism, setting the stage for the Cold War.
- Economic and Social Changes:
- The Soviet government implemented extensive land reforms, redistributed wealth, and attempted to rapidly industrialize the economy through central planning.
- The collectivization of agriculture and forced industrialization had significant human costs, including famines and forced labor camps.
- Cultural and Educational Reforms:
- The new regime promoted literacy, education, and women’s rights.
- Efforts were made to eliminate illiteracy and improve access to education and healthcare for the broader population.
The Russian Revolution fundamentally transformed Russian society and had a lasting impact on global history, shaping the political landscape of the 20th century and beyond.
The Russian Revolution of 1917 was driven by multiple factors:
- Autocratic Rule: Tsar Nicholas II’s oppressive regime and resistance to political reform fueled widespread discontent.
- Economic Struggles: Severe poverty, land shortages, and high taxes plagued the peasantry, while industrial workers faced harsh conditions and low wages.
- Military Failures: Defeats in the Russo-Japanese War and World War I demoralized the military and citizens, highlighting the government’s incompetence.
- Social Inequality: A stark divide between the wealthy elite and the impoverished masses exacerbated frustrations.
- Revolutionary Movements: Marxist ideologies gained traction, with the Bolsheviks effectively organizing and mobilizing disaffected workers and soldiers.
- Provisional Government Failures: After the Tsar’s abdication, the Provisional Government’s inability to address key issues, such as land reform and war withdrawal, led to its downfall.
Effects of the Russian Revolution:
- End of Romanov Dynasty: Tsar Nicholas II’s abdication ended over 300 years of Romanov rule.
- Civil War: The revolution sparked a civil war (1917-1922), leading to millions of deaths and devastation.
- Soviet Union Formation: The Bolsheviks’ victory established the Soviet Union, the first socialist state, leading to nationalized industry and centralized economic planning.
- Global Impact: Inspired communist movements worldwide, intensified the capitalism-communism ideological conflict, and set the stage for the Cold War.
- Economic and Social Changes: Land reforms, rapid industrialization, and efforts to improve literacy and education, despite significant human costs like famines and forced labor camps.
- Political Inefficiency and Autocracy:
List the factors that contributed to the Permanent Settlement system’s creation. Talk about the repercussions as well. (Answer in 200 words)
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Answer: The Permanent Settlement was a land revenue system introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. Under this system, the company's share in the revenue was fixed permanently with the Zamindars who were made hereditary owners of the lands under their possession. Reasons beRead more
Answer: The Permanent Settlement was a land revenue system introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. Under this system, the company’s share in the revenue was fixed permanently with the Zamindars who were made hereditary owners of the lands under their possession. Reasons behind introduction of the Permanent Settlement System:
- To develop a class of landlords who were loyal to British interests.
- It was hoped that the system would end corruption as the officials would not be able to alter assessment at will.
- It was meant to ensure ease in administration on part of the Company as the burden of revenue collection was given to the intermediaries or Zamindars.
- To ensure a fixed and stable income for the company and save the government from the expenses on making periodical assessments and settlements.
- It was expected that property ownership would induce Zamindars to make larger capital investments in agriculture. Cornwallis thought that the company could increase its revenue by taxing trade and commerce.
However, the introduction of the permanent settlement system had far-reaching consequences:
- Exploitation of peasants: Peasants suffered from the double injustice of surrendering their property rights and being left entirely at the mercy of Zamindars who extracted exorbitant taxes, much higher than the official tax rate.
- Decline in agricultural productivity: Zamindars had their focus on collection of maximum revenue and took little interest in the development of agriculture.
- Rise in absentee landlordism: Under it, new moneyed men from Calcutta with no local connections bought lands when Zamindars struggled to meet revenue obligations. The new landlords were often absentees from their lands, and generated resentment among the farmers.
- Increase in social inequality: This system strengthened feudalism in upper sections and slavery in lower sections of society. Absentee landlordism drained out the wealth produced in the countryside to the urban centres, leaving the peasants in miserable condition.
- Commercialization of agriculture: It led to commercialisation of land that previously did not exist in Bengal coercing the local agriculturalists to cultivate cash crops such as cotton, indigo, and jute.
Permanent settlement did more harm than good to Indian agriculture. It led to impoverishment of the peasantry and rural indebtedness and eventually became one of the contributing factors of agricultural crises including famines in and around Bengal.
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The imperialist countries’ rivalries and disputes were the fundamental causes of the First World War. (Answer in 200 words)
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Answer: The underlying cause behind the First World War was the simmering suspicion and hostility among various European powers due to historical and concurrent factors precipitated by imperial drives. The immediate trigger for the first world war was the assassination of the Archduke Franz FerdinanRead more
Answer: The underlying cause behind the First World War was the simmering suspicion and hostility among various European powers due to historical and concurrent factors precipitated by imperial drives. The immediate trigger for the first world war was the assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. Factors behind the first world war:
- Crisis preceding the World War: Moroccan crisis (1905-06) where Italy, Spain, Russia and Britain supported France and later got control over Moroccan Banks and Police, was a diplomatic defeat for Germany.
- Similarly, the Bosnia Crisis of 1908 wherein Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia from the weak Ottoman empire, which led to the humiliation of Russia that began its militarization.
- Balkan wars 1 and 2 of 1912 and 1913 further fueled the crisis.
- The alliance systems: The Triple Alliance involving Italy, Germany, and Austria and the Dual Alliance between France and Russia, which with inclusion of England became the Entente Cordiale, caused the split of Europe into two rival camps.
- Militarism and arms race: Starting with France, the countries of Europe developed a system of maintaining large armies and navies and engaged in arms race in the name of self-defence. It created fear and suspicion among the nations, especially between the British and the Germans.
- Colonial rivalry in Africa and the Far East: The countries of Europe competed with each for market access and new sources of raw materials. This led to the scramble for Africa and competition in the Asian countries such as India, China, and Malay regions. Countries which were left behind in this race, such as Germany, Italy, and Japan, aggressively pursued colonial imperial policies to secure and advance their interests.
- Nationalism: The whole of Europe was swept under a wave of nationalism that affected the relations between France and the UK; France and Russia; Germany and France & UK, the Habsburg empire and Serbia. All these countries tried to safeguard themselves by resorting to alliances, preventive wars, and militarism.
Also, there was a cultural belief amongst these imperialist nations that war was good, necessary, glorious and it established the notion of superiority. The First World War lasted more than four years between 1914 and 1919 and between 15 and 19 million people around the planet were killed. Also, the War devastated the global economy and contributed to massive disease outbreaks that killed millions more.
See less - Crisis preceding the World War: Moroccan crisis (1905-06) where Italy, Spain, Russia and Britain supported France and later got control over Moroccan Banks and Police, was a diplomatic defeat for Germany.
The Coastal Regulatory Zone Authority (CRZA) is a statutory body established under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2011, with the objective of managing and conserving India's coastal resources, preventing environmental degradation, and promoting sustainable development in coastal areRead more
The Coastal Regulatory Zone Authority (CRZA) is a statutory body established under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2011, with the objective of managing and conserving India’s coastal resources, preventing environmental degradation, and promoting sustainable development in coastal areas. Here’s an assessment of CRZA’s role and functions:
**Role:**
* CRZA is responsible for regulating and managing India’s coastal zones, which are critical ecosystems that support a vast array of biodiversity and provide vital ecosystem services.
* The authority ensures that development activities in the coastal areas are carried out in a sustainable manner, minimizing harm to the environment and the community.
**Functions:**
1. **Coastal Zone Management:** CRZA manages the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), which includes the high tide line, the low tide line, and the territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles from the coastline. The authority ensures that development activities within this zone are regulated to prevent environmental degradation.
2. **Environmental Impact Assessment:** CRZA conducts environmental impact assessments for proposed development projects in the coastal areas to identify potential environmental concerns and mitigate them.
3. **Regulation of Coastal Activities:** The authority regulates various coastal activities, such as construction, mining, and tourism, to ensure that they do not harm the environment or the community.
4. **Conservation of Coastal Ecosystems:** CRZA works to conserve and protect India’s coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs, and estuaries, which are critical habitats for many species.
5. **Disaster Management:** The authority plays a key role in disaster management, particularly during natural disasters like cyclones, floods, and tsunamis, by providing emergency response and recovery services.
6. **Public Awareness and Education:** CRZA raises awareness about the importance of coastal conservation and sustainable development among the public, stakeholders, and policymakers.
7. **Coordination with Other Agencies:** The authority coordinates with other government agencies, such as the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, the Ministry of Shipping, and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, to ensure a unified approach to coastal management.
**Challenges:**
* Insufficient funding and resources
* Limited institutional capacity and expertise
* Lack of public awareness about coastal conservation
* Conflict between economic development needs and environmental concerns
* Limited regulatory powers over state governments
**Achievements:**
* Development of a comprehensive Coastal Zone Management Plan
* Implementation of regulations to prevent coastal erosion
* Conservation of mangrove forests
* Promotion of sustainable tourism practices
* Collaboration with international organizations for capacity building and knowledge sharing
**Future Directions:**
* Strengthening institutional capacity and coordination with other agencies
* Enhancing public awareness and participation in coastal conservation efforts
* Developing more effective regulations and enforcement mechanisms
* Encouraging sustainable development practices in coastal areas
* Building partnerships with international organizations for knowledge sharing and capacity building
In conclusion, CRZA plays a vital role in managing India’s coastal resources, preventing environmental degradation, and promoting sustainable development in coastal areas. While it faces challenges, the authority has achieved several milestones in its efforts to conserve India’s coastal ecosystems. To overcome its limitations, CRZA must strengthen its institutional capacity, enhance public awareness, and develop more effective regulations and enforcement mechanisms.
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