Daily Answer Writing

Model Answer

A chemical disaster refers to the accidental and uncontrolled release of toxic chemicals, which can cause severe harm to human health, the environment, and property. These disasters can occur in industrial plants, during the transportation of hazardous substances, or due to the improper storage of chemicals.

Examples of Chemical Disasters in India

India has faced several significant chemical disasters:

1. Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984): This remains the world’s worst industrial disaster. The accidental release of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) gas from the Union Carbide plant led to thousands of deaths and injuries, making it one of the most devastating chemical accidents globally.
2. Tata Motors (2008): A chlorine gas leak exposed workers to a dense, poisonous gas, leading to health issues and panic among the community.
3. Visakhapatnam Gas Leak (2020): A styrene gas leak from an LG-owned plant affected five villages, causing deaths and injuries.

According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), India has witnessed 130 major chemical accidents in the last two decades, resulting in 259 deaths and over 500 injuries.

Challenges in Mitigating Chemical Disasters

1. Lack of Awareness: There is insufficient awareness and preparedness among communities and workers about chemical hazards, increasing vulnerability.
2. Coordination Issues: Various stakeholders involved in disaster management, such as the fire and health departments, lack effective coordination during chemical emergencies.
3. Weak Law Enforcement: Although India has laws such as the Environment Protection Act (1986) and Disaster Management Act (2005), their implementation is often weak, particularly in enforcing emergency management protocols.
4. Negligence in Chemical Handling: Poor handling, storage, and transportation of hazardous chemicals increase the likelihood of accidents.
5. Unorganized Sector: Many factories in the unorganized sector deal with hazardous materials but lack safety protocols and protective equipment.

Solutions to Address These Challenges

1. Hazard Mapping: Accurate mapping of hazardous chemicals should be done at district and state levels to prevent accidents.
2. Regular Inspections: Chemical plants and storage facilities should be regularly inspected to ensure compliance with safety norms.
3. Capacity Building: On-site and off-site emergency management should be improved by training government officials, industry workers, and local communities in safety measures.
4. Stakeholder Collaboration: A mechanism for effective coordination among various stakeholders should be established for better emergency response.
5. Rehearsal of Emergency Plans: Mock drills for both on-site and off-site emergencies should be conducted regularly to identify gaps and improve preparedness.

Legal Framework and Future Focus

India has implemented several laws, including the Explosives Act (1884), Petroleum Act (1934), and Disaster Management Act (2005). However, further focus should be on improving safety standards in the industry and enhancing the response capabilities of agencies like the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and fire services.

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

The Public Distribution System (PDS) in India plays a crucial role in managing food scarcity by ensuring the availability of essential food grains at subsidized prices. However, it has faced numerous challenges, including bogus cards, identification failures, leakages, and issues affecting married women.

Addressing Challenges through Digital Transformation

1. Combating Bogus Cards and Ghost Beneficiaries

The digital transformation, particularly the linkage of PDS with Aadhaar, has significantly reduced the incidence of bogus cards. In 2020, it was reported that around 22% of PDS cards in Chhattisgarh were fraudulent (16 lakh out of 72 lakh cards). The use of biometric authentication at Fair Price Shops (FPSs) has made it more difficult for ghost beneficiaries to exploit the system, thereby ensuring grains reach the intended beneficiaries (source: Government of India).

2. Improving Identification of Beneficiaries

Electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devices have been installed in approximately 95% of FPSs (about 5.07 lakh out of 5.33 lakh) for efficient identification and authentication of consumers. This technological advancement minimizes issues with biometric failures and ensures that deserving families receive their entitled rations (source: Government of India).

3. Enhancing Transparency and Reducing Leakages

End-to-end computerization and the establishment of smart ration cards have increased transparency in the distribution process. In states like Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi, these initiatives allow for better tracking of allocations and inventories, thus addressing the leakage of food grains, which was reported at 46.7% according to the NSSO (2011-2012) (source: NSSO).

4. Data Collection and Portability

The implementation of the Annavitran and IM-PDS portals has created a central repository for ration cards and beneficiaries’ data, facilitating the “One Nation, One Ration Card” scheme. This system allows beneficiaries to access their entitlements regardless of their location, thus improving mobility and reducing discrepancies in food distribution (source: Government of India).

Conclusion

The digital transformation of the PDS in India has played a pivotal role in addressing existing challenges, enhancing transparency, improving beneficiary identification, and reducing leakages. With continued investments in technology and infrastructure, these improvements can lead to a more efficient and equitable public distribution system.

मॉडल उत्तर

भारत में 19वीं शताब्दी में सामाजिक कुरीतियों के उन्मूलन में समाज सुधारकों का योगदान

परिचय

19वीं शताब्दी में भारत में औपनिवेशिक शासन के प्रभाव ने सामाजिक संस्थाओं की कई कमियों को उजागर किया। इसके परिणामस्वरूप समाज सुधारकों ने सामाजिक कुरीतियों के उन्मूलन के लिए अनेक आंदोलन चलाए।

प्रमुख समाज सुधारक और उनके योगदान

1. राजा राम मोहन राय
   • स्थापना: आत्मीय सभा (1814) और ब्रह्म समाज (1828)।
   • उद्देश्य: बहुदेववाद, मूर्ति पूजा और जाति व्यवस्था की आलोचना की।
   • उपदेश: मानवीय तर्क और विवेक पर जोर दिया।
2. ईश्वर चंद्र विद्यासागर
   • शिक्षा: महिलाओं के लिए उच्च शिक्षा का मार्ग प्रशस्त किया।
   • विधवा पुनर्विवाह: विधवा पुनर्विवाह को वैध बनाने में मदद की।
   • संघर्ष: बाल विवाह और बहुविवाह के विरुद्ध काम किया।
3. स्वामी दयानंद सरस्वती
   • आर्य समाज: हिंदू धर्म को शुद्ध करने का प्रयास।
   • आंदोलन: शुद्धि आंदोलन का नेतृत्व किया।
4. ज्योतिराव फुले
   • आंदोलन: ब्राह्मणवादी वर्चस्व के विरुद्ध संघर्ष।
   • महिला शिक्षा: अपनी पत्नी सावित्रीबाई फुले के साथ महिला शिक्षा को बढ़ावा दिया।
5. स्वामी विवेकानंद
   • ज्ञान: धर्मनिरपेक्ष और आध्यात्मिक ज्ञान का प्रचार किया।
6. श्री नारायण गुरु
   • SNDP: इजावा समुदाय के लिए शिक्षा और समानता की आवाज उठाई।
   • भेदभाव का विरोध: जाति और पंथ के आधार पर भेदभाव के खिलाफ खड़े हुए।

निष्कर्ष

19वीं शताब्दी के समाज सुधारकों ने सामाजिक कुरीतियों के खिलाफ एक महत्वपूर्ण मोर्चा खोला। उनके प्रयासों ने भारतीय समाज में एक नई चेतना और जागरूकता को जन्म दिया। हालांकि, कुछ आंदोलनों ने पुनरुत्थानवादी दृष्टिकोण को भी प्रस्तुत किया, लेकिन उन्होंने सांस्कृतिक चेतना को जागृत करने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई।

Model Answer

Comparing and Contrasting Coming Together Federations and Holding Together Federations

Federalism is a system where power is divided between a central authority and constituent units. Federations can be classified into two main types: coming together federations and holding together federations.

Coming Together Federations

Definition: In coming together federations, independent states voluntarily unite to form a larger political entity, pooling their sovereignty while retaining their distinct identities. This often occurs to enhance security or economic benefits.

Examples:

• United States: The 13 original states united to form a federal government, maintaining equal power among states.
• Switzerland: Cantons retain significant autonomy while cooperating under a federal structure.
• Australia: States came together to form the Commonwealth, sharing powers equally.

Key Characteristics:

• Equal Power: Constituent states typically have equal powers.
• Strong States: States hold considerable power, nearly equivalent to the federal government.
• Secession Rights: States may have the right to secede under specific circumstances.

Holding Together Federations

Definition: Holding together federations involve a large nation-state that decentralizes power, dividing authority between the national government and various subnational units. This often aims to accommodate diverse groups within a single political framework.

Examples:

• India: The central government retains significant power while states have varying degrees of autonomy.
• Spain: Autonomous communities have distinct powers, reflecting regional identities.
• Belgium: The federal structure is designed to accommodate linguistic and regional differences.

Key Characteristics:

• Unequal Power Distribution: Different states may have different levels of power; some may have special powers.
• Centralized Authority: The central government typically has more authority, with states being less powerful.
• Indestructible Union: States do not have the right to secede, reflecting an indestructible union.

Conclusion

In summary, coming together federations emphasize equality and voluntary union among states, while holding together federations focus on maintaining unity within a diverse population, often with a stronger central authority. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the dynamics of federal systems worldwide.