Daily Answer Writing

Model Answer

Development of the Swaraj Party in India

The Swaraj Party, formally known as the Congress-Khilafat Swarajya Party, was established in 1923 by C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru, following the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM) by Mahatma Gandhi after the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922. The suspension created a rift within the Indian National Congress, leading to a split between the “no-changers,” who opposed entering legislatures, and the “pro-changers,” who sought to engage with the British government from within. The pro-changers, including Das and Nehru, formed the Swaraj Party after their proposal to enter the legislatures was rejected at the Gaya session in 1922.

The party aimed to obstruct British rule through legislative means, and it quickly gained prominence. In the 1923 elections, the Swaraj Party emerged as the largest party in the Central Assembly and the councils of Bombay and Bengal, significantly influencing legislative proceedings. Notably, they blocked the passage of several government bills, including the Budget for 1924-25 and the Public Safety Bill in 1928, showcasing their effectiveness in the assembly (Source: historical accounts of the Swaraj Party).

Achievements

1. Legislative Influence: The Swarajists successfully blocked government bills, forcing reliance on certification for financial matters.
2. Political Presence: They became a significant political force, with a considerable presence in multiple legislative councils.
3. Awareness and Opposition: They kept the anti-British sentiment alive by exposing government misdeeds and the inadequacies of Montagu-Chelmsford reforms.

Shortcomings

Despite their achievements, the Swaraj Party faced several shortcomings:

1. Lack of Coherent Strategy: They struggled to coordinate their legislative efforts with mass movements outside, leading to disjointed activism.
2. Overreliance on Media: Their communication with the public relied heavily on newspaper reporting, limiting direct engagement.
3. Coalition Struggles: Conflicting ideologies hindered collaboration with coalition partners, reducing effectiveness.
4. Failure to Support Peasants: They did not adequately represent peasant interests in Bengal, leading to a loss of support among Muslim constituents who were pro-peasant.

Ultimately, the Swaraj Party’s significance waned after the 1926 elections, and it merged back with the Congress, but it played a crucial role in sustaining anti-British sentiment during a politically challenging period (Source: historical analysis of the Swaraj Party’s impact).

Model Answer

Introduction

Fortitude refers to the strength of mind and emotional resilience that enables individuals to withstand adversity with courage. It is a vital trait for leaders, especially during crises, as it allows them to guide others effectively and make tough decisions. Leaders with fortitude are often recognized for their ability to handle difficult situations and provide stability when it’s most needed.

Why People Turn to Leaders with Fortitude During Crisis

1. Leading from the Front: Leaders with fortitude take charge during a crisis, displaying confidence and clarity. They provide structured solutions, ensuring that the team remains focused and organized. For instance, Theodore Roosevelt led his regiment with distinction during the Spanish-American War, becoming a symbol of resilience.
2. Decisiveness and Adaptability: People look for leaders who can make swift, yet informed decisions. Sardar Patel’s leadership during the integration of princely states, particularly Junagadh and Hyderabad, exemplifies decisive action during a national crisis.
3. Controlling Chaos: In the face of chaos, fortitude enables leaders to manage emotions and restore order. India’s response to its 1991 economic crisis, spearheaded by leaders like Dr. Manmohan Singh, is a prime example of steady leadership under pressure.
4. Fueling Optimism: A leader with fortitude instills hope and drives positive change. Nelson Mandela’s unwavering commitment to democracy and equality inspired millions during the apartheid struggle.
5. Coaching Others on Core Principles: Leaders with fortitude are role models, consistently demonstrating core values. Mahatma Gandhi’s adherence to non-violence and truth during India’s freedom movement continues to inspire future generations.

Conclusion

Fortitude is not innate but developed through perseverance and consistent effort. Leaders who face challenges head-on, maintaining commitment to their goals, ultimately build this invaluable trait. Fortitude is key to successful leadership, particularly in times of crisis.

Model Answer

Global atmospheric circulation is the large-scale movement of air across the planet, driven by the uneven heating of Earth’s surface and influenced by Earth’s rotation, pressure belts, and the distribution of land and sea. This system is vital in regulating climate and weather patterns.

Key Drivers of Circulation

1. Latitudinal Temperature Gradient
   • Warm air rises at the equator due to intense solar heating. Cooler air sinks at the poles, creating a temperature-driven circulation.
2. Pressure Belts
   • Rising air at the equator forms low-pressure zones and rainfall, while sinking air at 30° north and south creates high-pressure zones and arid conditions.
3. Earth’s Rotation (Coriolis Effect)
   • This deflects moving air to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere, shaping wind patterns.
4. Continental and Oceanic Distribution
   • Land and water absorb and release heat differently, affecting air circulation.
5. Migration with the Sun’s Path
   • Pressure belts shift with the Sun’s apparent movement, influencing seasonal wind patterns.

The Three Major Circulation Cells

1. Hadley Cell
   • Air rises at the equator, travels poleward, and sinks at 30° latitude. Surface winds return as easterly trade winds due to deflection.
2. Ferrel Cell
   • Found between Hadley and Polar cells, this cell is driven by storm activity in mid-latitudes, creating westerly surface winds.
3. Polar Cell
   • Cold air sinks at the poles, flows equatorward, and rises around 60-70° latitude, creating easterly winds.

Impact on Climate

• These cells determine global wind patterns, rainfall, and temperature. They also drive ocean currents, creating feedback loops that influence weather systems globally.

Model Answer

Climate Change Impact on the Global South: South Asia as a Vulnerable Region

The Global South is disproportionately affected by climate change due to limited resources, underdeveloped infrastructure, and lower adaptive capacity. Among these, South Asia stands out as one of the most vulnerable regions. This discussion evaluates the severity of these impacts, supported by data and insights.

Urban Vulnerabilities and Resource Deficiency

The Global South, with its sprawling, unplanned urban areas, faces significant challenges in adapting to climate shocks. South Asia, home to 750 million people affected by climate disasters in the last two decades, exemplifies these vulnerabilities.

Key Climate Change Challenges in South Asia

1. Extreme Heat and Droughts

• Heatwaves are becoming more frequent, severe, and prolonged.
• In the Indus and Ganga river basins, such heatwaves could surpass human survivability thresholds, especially due to limited access to cooling solutions and worsening food insecurity.

2. Melting Himalayan Glaciers

• The Himalayas, serving as a water source for 1.5 billion people, are retreating faster than the global average due to rising temperatures.
• Rapid glacier melt leads to hazardous glacial lakes, endangering regions in India, Bhutan, and Nepal.

3. Rising Sea Levels

• Coastal areas in India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives face threats from sea-level rise, with predictions of a 15–38 cm increase by 2050.
• Consequences include saline water intrusion, loss of arable land, and large-scale climate migration.

4. Floods and Cyclones

• Recurrent flooding in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka is driven by heavy monsoons, cyclones, and glacial melt.
• Low-lying regions remain at heightened risk.

Economic Impacts

According to the IPCC Report 2022, climate change could result in a 2% GDP loss by 2050 in South Asia.

Call to Action

The Global South, particularly South Asia, must prioritize:

1. Climate-resilient infrastructure and social safety nets.
2. International collaboration to address climate crises, holding developed nations accountable for their historical emissions.

By implementing these measures, the region can better navigate the challenges posed by climate change.