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Essay Paper UPSC 2022 (Mains): Question Paper and Analysis

Last updated on September 16, 2022 by ClearIAS Team

The Essay Paper in UPSC CSE 2022 was easy compared to previous years. Please find the questions in the Essay Paper of the UPSC 2022 Civil Services Mains Examination (written).

UPSC conducted the Essay Paper , as part of the Civil Services Main Exam 2022 on 16-09-2022. The question paper was not as shocking as last year.

There were 8 Essay topics, out of which candidates were asked to write on two topics in 3 hours.

Candidates were supposed to answer about 1000 words for each essay (about 10-12 pages).

Table of Contents

Essay Paper UPSC 2022 Instructions

• Total Marks: 250 marks, Time duration: 3 hours.
• The essay must be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided.
• No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.
• Word limit, as specified, should be adhered to.
• Any page or portion of the page left blank, must be struck off clearly.

Essay Question Paper – UPSC Civil Services Main Exam (Written) 2022

Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the following Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each:

• Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence.
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.
• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man.
• A ship in the harbour is safe but that is not what a ship is for.
• The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.
• You cannot step twice in the same river.
• Smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities.
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.

UPSC , as always, has ensured that the essay topics were much different from the GS questions.

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A philosophical theme is clearly evident in most of the essay topics in Section A as well as Section B. This was the case in 2020 and 2021 as well. It is a clue about what UPSC expects from the essay paper.

Rather than asking candidates to write on topics most aspirants are familiar with or trained with, UPSC is now evaluating the essay writing skills of aspirants by providing them with abstract or philosophical topics. 

This year, most of the topics were either proverbs or famous quotes.

All 8 topics presented this year will test the spontaneous thinking, comprehension, writing skills, and time management of aspirants.

Thinkers, Philosophers, and their Quotes

Let’s analyse the source of some of the question topics.

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POETS ARE THE UNACKNOWLEDGED LEGISLATORS OF THE WORLD 

This essay topic is one of the best-known and most frequently quoted lines from the Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822).

Shelley thinks that poets can institute laws and create new materials for knowledge, determining the role of poets as legislators. 

Shelley’s account of poetic language seeks to find an order to the chaos, which, possibly, Shelley sees in human society: the mess that only poets can fathom. 

Therefore, he thinks, the poets’ enhanced poetic language can re-institute order in human society. 

A SHIP IN HARBOUR IS SAFE BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT A SHIP IS FOR 

This essay topic is connected with John A Shedd , an author and professor, who is attributed to this quote. Reference: his book Salt from My Attic , a collection of quotes and sayings (1928).

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This phrase means, that getting out of your comfort zone is key to experiencing new things and broadening your horizons.

Only taking risks helps us grow as people—to either achieve our goals or do the things we’ve always wanted to do.

THE TIME  TO REPAIR THE ROOF IS WHEN THE SUN IS SHINING 

This essay topic was connected with John F. Kennedy. In his 1962 State of the Union Address, John F. Kennedy declared, “The best time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining”.

The primary message of the quote is fixing a leak is best done when the weather is good, rather than when it is not.

Ideally, you should begin the work of fixing the roof as soon after the leak was found. The first sunny day would be ideal. It is not easy to fix a roof when it is raining.

This statement is being used to remind us to do the right things at the right time. It also points us to take the advantage of favourable time.

YOU CAN NOT STEP TWICE IN THE SAME RIVER 

This essay topic was quoted by Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher born in 544 b.c.

This means that you cannot step into the same river twice because the flow of the river will change each second. You will also change each second.

It is not possible to repeat past experiences, as time changes all things. You won’t get the exact experience twice. You need to live in the present and enjoy each moment.

A SMILE IS A CHOSEN VEHICLE FOR ALL AMBIGUITIES 

This essay topic was quoted by Herman Melville, an American novelist.

JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE A CHOICE DOES NOT MEAN THAT ANY OF THEM HAS TO BE RIGHT 

This essay topic was quoted by Norton Juster, an American academic, architect, and writer in his book The Phantom Tollbooth

What should aspirants preparing for next year do for an essay paper?

First of all, you should take the essay paper seriously.

Unless properly trained, it is not easy to write 10-12 pages on an abstract or philosophical topic.

You need to polish your comprehension and analytical skills.

Read different kinds of essays – particularly philosophical essays.

Give stress to the thoughts of philosophers like Immanuel Kant, Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, Friedrich Niche, Karl Marx etc. Start writing essays on famous quotes.

Also, be prepared to write essays touching on other areas like society, politics, economy, or technology. UPSC is known for surprises.

Remember that there is nothing like a constant trend with respect to UPSC questions.

What you get by analysing the previous year’s question papers are clues. And only those are what you need from UPSC questions!

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[UPSC Mains 2022] ESSAY PAPER- UPSC CIVIL SERVICES MAINS EXAM (CSE) 2022

• September 16, 2022

Important Updates , UPSC MAINS 2022 QUESTION PAPERS

1) Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence.

2) Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.

3) History is a series of victorious won by the scientific man over the romantic man.

4) A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what a ship is for.

1) The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.

2) You cannot step twice in the same river.

3) A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities.

4) Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.

UPSC Mains 2022 Essay Paper Discussion – By Sunil Oberoi Sir Retd. IAS

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• Essay Paper 2022 , UPSC Mains Essay paper 2022 , UPSC Mains-2022: ESSAY PAPER- UPSC CIVIL SERVICES MAINS EXAM 2022

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UPSC CSE MAINS 2022 ESSAY PAPER ANALYSIS

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on September 16 conducted the first paper of CSE Mains 2022 that is the Essay Paper.

Essay Paper UPSC 2022 Instructions

• Total Marks: 250 marks, Time duration: 3 hours.
• The essay must be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided.
• No marks will be given for answers written in the medium other than the authorized one.
• Word limit, as specified, should be adhered to.
• Any page or portion of the page left blank, must be struck off clearly.

Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the following Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each:

• Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence.
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.
• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man.
• A ship in the harbour is safe but that is not what a ship is for.
• The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.
• You cannot step twice in the same river.
• Smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities.
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.

UPSC CSE Main 2022 essay paper analysis

• There has been a trend of increased number of philosophical essays in the past couple of years however this time around the benchmark was higher than the previous few years. However, considering the philosophical base of the questions, most candidates found the questions tricky. It was not easy to write 1000 words on each topic within the time constraints.
• UPSC has ensured that the essay topics were much different from the GS questions.
• Rather than asking candidates to write on topics that most candidates are familiar with or have practiced with, UPSC now assesses candidates' essay writing skills by providing them with abstract or philosophical topics.
• This year most of the themes were either proverbs or famous quotes.
• All 8 topics this year will test applicants' spontaneous thinking, understanding, writing and time management.
• Topics required broad interpretation
• Themes asked:
• Poetic language as a tool to re-institute order in human society. 
• Getting out of one’s comfort zone 
• Do the right things at the right time
•  You won’t get the exact time/experience twice.
• Importance of smile
• Theme related to choices and decision making

It is necessary to know that why essay paper is required in a competitive exam?

UPSC notification says that “candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay, to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.”

What can one make out from this? The following quote of Abraham Lincoln very aptly answers the question…..

‘Writing’ (essay) of the aspirant works as a window, for the highly experienced examiner, to the thought process of the candidate. Examiner will not only evaluate the content of the aspirant but also his thought process, viewpoints on critical matters, clarity in thinking, ability to explain his view point concisely and effectively, ability of coherence and putting his ideas in an orderly fashion, language. In a nutshell, it acts as a mean to bring out the traits of a potential civil servant and to evaluate if he is fit to be one.

Having discussed about the importance of the paper, it is essential to clear the misconceptions associated with essay paper before moving to how to prepare for it.

• There is no preparation required for essay paper-GS and optional knowledge will suffice.

Truth. This is wrong way of thinking. In GS marks will be awarded just for content. But in essay, examiner will pay attention to more than content as explained above.

• One needs to be champion in English-use technical jargons, vocabulary.

Truth. It is worth noting that in UPSC CSE, the simpler the language the better it is. There is no need of flowery jargons and expressions. 

•   There is no difference between language paper essay and ‘Essay’ paper.

Truth. This is highly misconceived notion on the part of aspirants to treat the essay paper just like essays asked in the language papers. The importance of both is vastly different. One is aimed to judge the language of the aspirant whereas the other is aimed to bring out the true traits of a potential Civil Servant. 

• Essay paper can’t be prepared so easily.

Truth. This is again a misconception. There have been candidates who have drastically increased their marks from scores like 100-110 to 150-160 with proper strategy and preparation. It is worth noting that essay paper requires relatively lesser effort to improve as compared to GS papers. The rate of investment is quite high.

From where to prepare for the essay paper?

• GS and optional preparation will give content.
• Reading non-fiction: will help to develop thinking process.
• Anecdotes, stories, quotes, facts and figures: A separate notebook should be kept for the same.
• Referring to magazines: Yojana, Kurukshetra, EPW, Economic Survey, DowntoEarth.
• Newspaper editorials, relevant lines said by eminent/constitutional posts like President, PM etc.
• Essay transcripts of previous year toppers.

How to prepare for the essay?

• Firstly read the transcripts of previous year toppers to get a feel of what comprises a well-written essay. 
• A separate notebook for essay should be prepared where fodder collected from the above mentioned sources should be written in point format. 
• An aspirant should prepare material on all the general topics that have been asked in the exam previously. This should include quotations, facts/ figures, anecdotes, sayings, case studies, government schemes.
• Give stress to the thoughts of philosophers like Immanuel Kant, Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, Friedrich Niche, Karl Marx etc. Start writing essays on famous quotes.
• Whenever aspirant takes a particular topic, he should to try to think of all the possible themes/ dimensions of it. For eg: Consider the topic “With great power, comes great responsibility”. Aspirant can think of the topic from SPECLIH perspective- Social, Political, Economic, Cultural, Legal, International and Humanistic. This is one way of covering multiple dimensions.
• Read different kinds of essays – particularly philosophical essays. Give stress to the thoughts of philosophers like Immanuel Kant, Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, Friedrich Niche, Karl Marx etc. 
• Next step is to write essays. Pick up the previous year papers and practice them at home in exam conditions. Self-evaluate and get a feedback from mentors, peers and teachers.

How to approach an essay? 

• Aspirant should have clear cut plan ready for attempting the essay paper. It should be clear in his mind before entering the examination hall how he is going to manage the time. The answers to following questions should be ready beforehand. 
• How much time will be devoted in choosing the topic?
• How much time will be devoted in interpreting the topic?
• How much time will be devoted in making a rough skeleton of the essay?
• How much time will be devoted in attempting the essay?
• How much time will be devoted in revising and underlining the keywords?
• Aspirant should always keep a buffer of 10 minutes in order to meet any exigency.

Eg: Topic Selection: 5 minutes, Brainstorming: 10-15 minutes, writing: 1 hour, revision: 5 minutes.

• First thing is choosing the right topic from each section. This will depend upon the aspirant’s holistic understanding of the topic. Do not get swayed by the fact that since it is an easy topic I won’t choose it. I will choose unconventional topic just to impress the examiner. This is wrong way of thinking.
• Next thing is to interpret the topic. One should understand the theme of the topic. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT ESSAY WRITING IS PROPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE TOPIC AND “WRITING ON THAT TOPIC”. DOING THIS MUCH ENSURES THAT ONE WILL NOT GET BELOW ANERAGE MARKS.
• Brainstorm and prepare skeleton of the topic:
• Every essay should have an introduction, body and conclusion.
• Introduction: can be a fictitious story, real life anecdote, quote, a paragraph on what all is going be covered in the essay.
• Themes/ dimensions to be covered eg: SPECLIH, temporal, sectoral, walks of life, problem and solution format.
• Quotes, sayings, anecdotes, facts/ figures.
• Conclusion: it should always be on a futuristic and optimistic note. Summarize the essay in 4 to 5 lines and then write the vision for future. Some saying, quote, lines of eminent personalities can be used.
• Structuring of the essay:
• Language should  be  simple and clear
• Keep the sentences short and powerful
• An occasional use of powerful word or jargon can give the essay an edge
• Proper subheadings
• Transition smoothly from one para to the next through a link sentence/ through a question

What to avoid in the essay?

• Aspirant should never give one-sided arguments or viewpoints which are against constitutional spirit.
• Never focus excessively on only one dimension or theme.
• Always write what is asked not what one knows.
• Do not give disproportionate amount of time to one essay avoiding the other one.
• Avoid criticizing the government, its policies and schemes.
• Avoid being seen as a person belonging to a particular ideology.
• Avoid writing in bullets, making diagrams, figures, charts. Essay should always be in continuous para format.

It is often seen that aspirants do not give the necessary attention to the essay paper. They spend months preparing for the optional and the GS papers but hardly give dedicated time to essay paper. This leads them to score poorly in the exam and they fail to get the edge which they could have easily achieved with a proper strategy and preparation for the essay paper. If one compares GS papers score with that of essay one can find out that it is difficult to achieve a score of 120-125 marks in the former whereas aspirants touch 150 and even 160 in the essay paper which gives them an edge of almost 30 marks. CSE topper 2017 scored just 100 marks in the essay paper of CSE 2015 whereas after making the necessary effort and rectifying his mistakes he was able to score 155 in CSE 2017.

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UPSC Civil Services Mains 2022 Essay Paper

UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2022: The Union Public Service Commission started the UPSC Civil Services Main Exam 2022 on September 16, 2022. The UPSC mains exam started on September 16, 2022 , and will be held on 17, 18, 24, and 25, 2022, at various locations around the country. GeeksforGeeks have brought the UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2022 to make your exam preparation perfect. 

The highest score in the Mains Written level is crucial since 7 out of 9 papers are counted for merit ranking. Preliminary level marks, on the other hand, are not counted for merit ranking. As a result, the candidate’s attention should not only be on passing the exam but also on obtaining the best and highest possible grades. 

To gain a notion of Important Essay Topics for UPSC 2023 , one needs at least to look at the previous seven years of UPSC Essay Topics. Practicing the UPSC Essay Topics of Previous Years helps throughout the UPSC Mains exam, and the aspirant may ace the essay paper with enough preparation.

UPSC 2022 Mains Essay Question Paper:

The UPSC Essay paper is divided into two portions. Section A and Section B are the two. Each segment has four questions. Candidates must select one topic from each section, resulting in a total of two essay questions.

The word count for each question should be between 1000 and 1200 . Each question is worth 125 marks , thus the total number of marks is 250. The question paper will be evaluated on merit.

The Essay Topics asked in the UPSC Mains 2022 are given below:

1) Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence.

2) Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.

3) History is a series of victorious won by the scientific man over the romantic man.

4) A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what a ship is for. 

1) The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining. 

2) You cannot step twice in the same river. 

3) A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities. 

4) Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.

Aspirants can evaluate and plan their approach for the Civil Services Examination’s Mains level based on the question paper of 2022. UPSC Mains 2022 Essay Paper UPSC Mains 2022 GS Paper 1 UPSC Mains 2022 GS Paper 2 UPSC Mains 2022 GS Paper 3 UPSC Mains 2022 GS Paper 4

UPSC Mains Essay Previous Year Question Paper:

• UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2021
• UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2020
• UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2019
• UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2018
• UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2017
• UPSC Mains Essay Paper  2016 

How to Score Marks on UPSC Mains Essay Topics?

Writing provides insight into your cognitive process. This is precisely what the examiner looks at when reading your answer script. An essay is essentially a well-organized collection of ideas on any given topic. Mastering the skill of getting the highest possible grade on a test involves a lot of effort and dedication. The UPSC Mains essay is more than just a test of factual knowledge; it is also a test of creativity and confidence. 

Follow these strategies to get high marks in the UPSC Mains Essay paper:

1. Choose your topic carefully

The UPSC Essay paper 2022 is divided into two portions, and applicants must write one essay from each area. Both essays are worth 125 points and are 1000-1200 words long. Before choosing a topic, consider if it is too contentious or whether you have enough facts to write about it.

2. Think about the subject

Once you’ve decided on a topic, think about it and jot down the essential keywords you’ll use in your essay. Try to take a multifaceted approach to the essay and stick to a decent format of introduction, body, and conclusion.

3. Structure the essay in a proper manner

The opening paragraph is the heart of the essay and should provide a clear overview of the issue. The main focus should be on your thoughts on the subject. The primary body of the essay should be broken into little paragraphs that are interconnected nicely. The essay’s wording should be simple, clear, and easy to grasp. 

The UPSC Mains essay assesses your critical thinking abilities rather than your use of fancy language. Facts and statistics should be supplied whenever necessary. The use of quotations and sayings strengthens the essays. The final paragraph should speak for itself. Candidates should aim to write the essay in an unbiased or balanced manner.

Economic Growth, women empowerment, art & culture, media & society, social justice or poverty, education, renowned quotes from notable individuals , and other themes are among the UPSC Essay Topics.

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UPPSC Mains Previous Year Paper: PDF Download

Uppsc mains previous year paper: download uppsc previous year mains question papers pdf for the past years. candidates must solve the uppsc's previous year's question paper to understand the difficulty level, and pattern of questions asked, and ascertain their performance.

UPPSC Mains Previous Year Papers are important for the students who are going to appear in the UPPSC PSC 2023 mains examination to check their preparation level. There are various benefits of practicing UPPSC's previous year's question paper including familiarity with the difficulty level, nature and level of questions asked, and important topics which have been repeatedly asked over the past years as well as checking where your preparation stands. 

The exam prep team of Jagran Josh has discussed the UPPSC question paper PDF for the past 5 years of the PCS exam. This will enable you to analyse the previous year's trend and boost your qualifying chances. 

UPPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers

Solving the UPPSC question paper pdf with solutions will help you to prepare the strategy based on the latest trend, curriculum, and actual exam format and help you to understand the difficulty level and topics from which questions are often asked in the exam.

UPPSC Mains Previous Year Papers PDF

Benefits of solving uppsc previous year question papers.

• Practicing previous years' question papers will provide insights into the actual exam structure, difficulty level, exam trends over the years, the standard of questions that will be asked, etc.
• Solving the UPPSC question paper with solutions helps you to gauge your performance level and discover your weak points that need improvements. 
• Practicing previous year's papers will increase your speed of solving questions and help you to manage your time effectively.
• Previous year papers are one of the reliable resources to revise the entire syllabus and retain concepts for a long time.

How to Attempt UPPSC Question Paper?

Uppsc question paper pattern.

• The prelims exam shall comprise two compulsory papers of 200 marks each.
• Both the question papers will be of the objective type (multiple choice questions) and each will be of two hours duration.
• The question papers will be set both in Hindi and English.
• The Main paper will be subjective

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• How to approach solving UPPSC Mains previous year's question paper? + The best approach to practice the previous year's question paper for the UPPSC exam is to set a countdown timer and solve all the questions in that time frame. Download and print the previous papers from the link shared above and start attempting questions at the specified time.
• Is the UPPSC Mains exam tough? + After checking the past trends and difficulty level of the UPPSC examination, the mains exam has been found to be moderate. However, candidates should use the right preparation approach to ace the exam.
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UPSC IAS Mains 2022 Examinations have started with the essay paper. After the completion of the examination in the first session, UPSC IAS Mains 2022 Essay Question Paper is out. If you are preparing for the 2023 examination, you can go through the question paper and check the type of topics that are being asked.

Download pdf of UPSC IAS Mains 2022 – Essay Question Paper or View the Images of UPSC IAS Mains 2022 – Essay Question Paper below:

• Forests are the best case studies of economic excellence
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world
• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic men
• A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what a ship is meant for
• The time to repair the roof is when sun is shining
• You cannot step twice in the same river
• A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right

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Prelims 2024 Current Affairs

• Art and Culture
• Indian Economy
• Science and Technology
• Environment  & Ecology
• International Relations
• Polity &  Nation
• Important Bills and Acts
• International Organizations
• Index, Reports and Summits
• Government Schemes and Programs
• Miscellaneous
• Species in news

09 Apr 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

09 April 2024 CNA Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related

Nothing here for today!!!

B. GS 2 Related

C. GS 3 Related

D. GS 4 Related

E. Editorials

Category: ECONOMY

1. Indian aviation, a case of air safety at a discount

Syllabus: GS-3, Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc.

Mains: Safety vs. Commercial Interests in Airways

Introduction: Safety Concerns in Indian Aviation

• Despite recommendations by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) after a 2020 crash, the provision of RESA at Karipur Airport remains unresolved.
• The Minister threatened to curtail runway length if the land wasn’t provided to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) by August 2023.
• In January 2024, revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) Regulations were announced by the Minister to address pilot fatigue.
• However, airlines raised concerns about additional crew requirements, leading to the deferral of the implementation deadline.

Discrepancies in Safety Priorities:

• The actions of authorities raise questions about whether safety is truly a priority or if the commercial interests of airlines take precedence.
• Indefinite deferment of the FDTL regulations’ implementation suggests a prioritization of commercial concerns over passenger safety.
• The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) mandates Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS) due to safety reasons.
• Countries like Japan, Singapore, and the UK emphasize fatigue management, contrasting with Indian practices.

Human Factor and Financial Stress:

• Financial stress can adversely impact pilots, as seen in past incidents involving gambling debts and suicide.
• Instances like Vistara’s pay structure changes raise concerns about pilot welfare and its potential impact on flight safety.
• Airlines need to recognize copilots as future captains and invest in their long-term growth and well-being.
• Human resource departments must prioritise pilots’ welfare and consider the mental and financial strain they may face.

Proposed Solutions for Improvement:

• Adopting ICAO Annex 1 Standard could attract experienced Indian captains working abroad to return.
• Utilizing retired pilots for simulator training could address training needs and release active pilots for flying duties.
• Overhauling outdated rules and addressing corruption within the aviation system is essential for progress.
• Emphasizing transparency and prioritizing brand loyalty over excuses for flight disruptions can elevate Indian aviation standards.

Nut Graf: Safety concerns in Indian aviation arise from unresolved issues like runway safety at Karipur Airport and deferred fatigue management regulations. Commercial interests seem to outweigh safety priorities, calling for urgent reforms in regulations and practices.

Category: ENVIRONMENT

1. Heat affects India’s aim to move from coal to renewables

Syllabus: GS-3, Environmental Pollution and Degradation

Mains: Heatwave and their impact on water availability and electricity generation

Context: Forecasted Heat Waves and Their Impacts

• The India Meteorological Department ( IMD ) predicts an increase in the frequency of heat waves for the upcoming summer, posing significant challenges amidst an impending water crisis, political events like Lok Sabha polls, and rising food inflation.
• Elevated temperatures adversely affect agricultural productivity, crop yields, and labour efficiency, exacerbating the water scarcity issue in the southern regions of the country.
• IMD predicts the probability of above-normal temperatures across India for April- June 2024, with a predominant likelihood of temperatures surpassing normal levels.

Impact of Heat on Power Demand and Generation:

• Rising heat intensifies power demand in urban and industrial areas, straining existing infrastructure and resources.
• The power demand becomes crucial for mitigating the adverse effects of heat on health, productivity, and overall well-being.
• Coal-fired power plants currently play a significant role in meeting peak power demands due to their storage capabilities and consistent load factors, despite the government’s push towards renewable energy sources.
• While India aims for a substantial portion of its power generation to come from renewables by 2030, challenges such as intermittent solar output and limited power storage capacity continue to necessitate coal-based power generation to meet peak demands.

Challenges in Renewable Energy Storage:

• Despite ambitions for renewable energy expansion, India faces hurdles in energy storage, with battery-based and pumped hydro storage (PHS) being the most viable options.
• Both hydroelectric and PHS facilities encounter obstacles during periods of water scarcity, which are exacerbated during heat waves when water demand peaks for various purposes.
• The share of renewable energy sources in total electricity generation has remained relatively consistent since FY16, highlighting the ongoing challenges in transitioning away from fossil fuels.

Climate Change Concerns and Infrastructure Vulnerabilities:

• The unpredictability of climate change poses significant concerns for the performance of critical infrastructure, such as dams in the sub-Himalayan region, during periods of high heat and water stress.
• Thermal power generation also faces challenges due to water shortages, resulting in significant losses in power generation, as highlighted by the World Resources Institute’s analysis.
• These multifaceted challenges underscore the urgency of addressing the impacts of extreme weather events in India and transitioning towards more resilient and sustainable energy solutions.

Nut Graf: India faces increasing heat waves, exacerbating challenges like water scarcity and power demand. Despite aims for renewable energy, coal remains vital. Storage hurdles persist, while climate change adds uncertainty to infrastructure resilience.

Category: SECURITY

Syllabus: GS-3, Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

Mains: Integration of  disruptive technology in Armed Forces

Introduction: The Year of Technology Absorption

• The Indian Army designates 2024 as the ‘Year of Technology Absorption’ to emphasize its commitment to leveraging technology for military transformation and staying ahead of adversaries.
• The focus is on embracing disruptive technologies (DT) like artificial intelligence , autonomous systems, robotics, and space technology to enhance strategic capabilities.

Absorption of Disruptive Technologies:

• Absorption involves acquiring, adapting, and integrating technologies into existing structures, known as legacy systems, in military terms.
• Integration of DTs with legacy systems is crucial, complementing rather than replacing existing platforms.
• Time-tested weapon platforms and tactics remain relevant, with the practical application of new technologies being key.

Strategic Considerations and Operational Realities:

• The realization of technology’s potential in warfare hinges on strategic employment strategies rather than mere acquisition.
• Recent conflicts like Russia-Ukraine highlight the importance of traditional methodologies alongside technological advancements.
• Adaptation to new conditions is vital, requiring operational and tactical changes rather than solely technological solutions.

Planning for Future Challenges:

• Future planning must prioritize technology’s role, acknowledging vulnerabilities and bridging gaps.
• Technology absorption should permeate unit levels, democratizing its use for true transformation.
• Macro-level considerations include organizational restructuring, human resource management, civil-military fusion, data integrity, and procurement policies tailored for DTs.

Conclusion:  While the Indian military progresses towards technology absorption, sustaining momentum requires a nuanced understanding of requirements, informed by the recent and ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict . 

Nut Graf: The Indian Army’s focus on the ‘Year of Technology Absorption’ underscores its commitment to embracing disruptive technologies to stay ahead in warfare, emphasizing integration with existing systems and strategic adaptation over mere acquisition.

F. Prelims Facts

1. Households’ debt surged to fresh high by December 2023

Context: India’s household debt has surged to a record high of 40% of GDP by December 2023, while net financial savings plummeted to approximately 5%, as per a report.

Despite the Finance Ministry’s reassurances, concerns persist over the implications of increased borrowing. The Reserve Bank of India’s earlier report highlighted a 47-year low in net financial savings at 5.1% of GDP for 2022-23. Analysts attribute the rise in household debt to a significant increase in unsecured personal loans. Weak income growth, coupled with robust consumption and physical savings, contributed to the decline in savings. This trend is expected to negatively impact private consumption and investment growth.

Significance: With household financial savings projected to remain low, the data underscores growing financial strain among Indian households, posing challenges to economic stability and growth.

2. Right against climate change a fundamental right, says SC

Context: In a groundbreaking decision, the Supreme Court of India has acknowledged the right against the adverse effects of climate change as a distinct fundamental right in the Constitution. 

About: Citing Articles 14 and 21, which guarantee the right to equality and the right to life respectively, the court emphasized the interconnectedness between environmental stability and fundamental human rights. The judgment, issued in a case concerning the survival of the endangered Great Indian Bustard species, underscores the urgent need to address climate change’s impact on biodiversity and human well-being. The court highlighted the pivotal role of solar power in combating climate change, citing its potential to enhance energy security, mitigate air pollution, and safeguard public health. 

Significance: This decision marks a significant step towards recognizing and protecting environmental rights in India’s legal framework, signalling a commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience.

3. Cochin Shipyard signs ship repair agreement with U.S. Navy

Context: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has entered into a Master Shipyard Repair Agreement (MRSA) with the U.S., making it the third Indian shipyard to do so after Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL). 

About: This agreement allows CSL to repair U.S. Navy ships, furthering cooperation between India and the U.S. in ship maintenance. The move aligns with the goal of positioning India as a regional hub for ship repair and maintenance. Both countries see this collaboration as mutually beneficial, providing business opportunities and expertise to Indian shipyards while offering the U.S. Navy convenient options for ship repairs. 

Significance: The agreement underscores the commitment expressed by both Indian and U.S. leaders to enhance India’s role in maintaining and repairing U.S. Navy assets, promoting closer bilateral ties in defense and maritime cooperation.

4. TASL’s satellite successfully deployed in space

Context: Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL) has celebrated a milestone with the successful launch of its TSAT-1A satellite into space aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. 

About: The satellite, boasting sub-metre resolution optical capabilities was deployed as part of the Bandwagon-1 mission from Kennedy Space Center, Florida. This achievement stems from TASL’s collaboration with Satellogic, which combined Satellogic’s expertise in earth observation satellites with TASL’s proficiency in complex system integration.

Significance: The deployment marks a significant advancement in India’s space capabilities and underscores the country’s growing prowess in the field of satellite technology.

H. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

• Critically examine the strategic importance of technology absorption for modern warfare, highlighting the key challenges and opportunities India faces in this endeavour. (10 marks, 150 words) [GS-3, Security & Defence]
• Discuss the challenges and implications of India’s transition from coal to renewable energy sources amidst increasing heat waves and climate change concerns. (10 marks, 150 words) [GS-3, Environment]

Read previous CNA articles here .

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InstaLinks :  help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions ina your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background. This helps you study a topic holistically and add new dimensions to every current event to help you think analytically

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 2:

SC: Right against adverse Climate Impacts as integral to Right to Life and Equality

Rising role of women in finance and workforce, facts for prelims (ffp), arctic’s polar vortex, southern ocean, suvidha portal, gulf cooperation council (gcc), forever chemicals, spotted deer, esz around sukhna wildlife sanctuary, sittwe port (myanmar).

Syllabus: Polity: Fundamental Rights

Source:  DTE

  Context: The Supreme Court has for the first time recognizedthe right against adverse climate impacts as integral to the right to life and equality.

What is the background of the case?

The recent judgment stemmed from a petition by wildlife activists aiming to safeguard the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) , found only in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

In April 2021 , the Supreme Court issued an order imposing restrictions on overhead transmission lines within a vast area, proposing their conversion into underground power lines.

However, the government, citing concerns about hindering India’s global commitments to reduce carbon emissions, requested a modification of the directives.

In March 2024, the Supreme Court revisited the ruling , acknowledging practical challenges such as technical complexities and high costs. Consequently, the court modified its order, emphasizing the importance of balancing GIB conservation with promoting renewable energy and environmental preservation .

Key highlights of the Supreme Court judgment include:  

• SC emphasized constitutional provisions, including Articles 48A ( to protect the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife ), 51A(g) ( to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures )
• Expansion of Fundamental Rights : The scope of fundamental rights is expanded to include the right against adverse effects of climate change , with failure to ensure a stable, clean environment impacting the right to life, health, and equality.
• The intersection of Climate Change and Human Rights : The court emphasizes the intersection between climate change and human rights, underscoring the imperative for states to address climate impacts through the lens of rights .
• Technical Challenges in Implementation: The court pointed out technical challenges in implementing the April 2021 order, including limitations of underground power transmission cables and lack of provisions in the Electricity Act for land acquisition.
• Formation of Committee : A nine-member committee of experts was formed to assess the feasibility of undergrounding power lines in specific areas , with a deadline to submit a report by July 31, 2024.
• India’s Commitment to Renewable Energy : The court highlighted India’s commitment to renewable energy, aiming for 175 GW by 2022 and 450 GW by 2030 , viewing the transition to non-fossil fuels as a fundamental necessity for environmental preservation.
• Benefits of Renewable Energy Promotion : The promotion of renewable energy sources is seen as crucial for promoting social equity, poverty alleviation, enhancing quality of life, and fostering inclusive growth and development.

Referral to important Supreme Court judgments:

• C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath (1996): Acknowledgment that any disturbance of basic environmental elements is hazardous to “life” within the meaning of Article 21.
• Virender Gaur v. State of Haryana (1994): Recognition that the right to a clean environment is an integral facet of the right to a healthy life.

Impact of Climate Change on Human Rights:

Effects of Mitigation and Adaptation Measures on Human Rights:

• Hydroelectric projects can displace local communities, destroy ecosystems, and harm downstream populations.
• Biofuel policies may lead to food shortages, water scarcity, deforestation, and displacement of indigenous peoples and farmers.
• Some adaptation measures may benefit certain groups while disadvantaging others, such as coastal fortifications.
• Relocation and resettlement programs can pose risks of human rights violations for affected communities.

Measures Taken by India and the World to Protect Human Rights Against Climate Change:

• Implementation of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), which includes various missions targeting climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• Adoption of renewable energy initiatives like the National Solar Mission and promotion of clean energy sources.
• Integration of climate change considerations into national policies and programs, including water resource management and disaster preparedness.
• Promotion of sustainable agriculture practices to enhance resilience to climate change impacts.
• Implementation of the Afforestation and Reforestation programs to combat deforestation and enhance carbon sequestration.
• The United Nations (through a resolution in 2022) declared access to a clean, healthy environment as a  universal human right.
• Establishment of frameworks for climate finance, such as the Green Climate Fund , to support developing countries in their climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.
• Promotion of climate-resilient infrastructure and urban planning to enhance resilience to extreme weather events and sea-level rise.
• Support for capacity-building initiatives to enhance the ability of vulnerable communities to adapt to climate change impacts.

UNEP recommendations:

• International Cooperation : Recognize the link between climate change and human rights in the Paris Agreement.
• Ensure climate funds’ safeguards fully consider human rights.
• Increase financial assistance to developing countries , especially for adaptation measures.
• Pursue domestic GHG reductions and align adaptation objectives with human rights.
• Incorporate human rights norms into domestic legal frameworks, including climate change laws.
• Local Governments and Private Actors: Local governments should reduce GHG emissions and pursue adaptation objectives. Private actors should adopt policies in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights .

Conclusion:

Climate change and its responses will significantly impact human rights worldwide, affecting both individuals and ecosystems. States must fulfil their obligations to mitigate GHG emissions, protect citizens from climate change, and ensure responses do not violate human rights. More ambitious actions and global cooperation are needed to safeguard human rights effectively.

Mains Link:

Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analysing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures. (UPSC 2021)

Prelims Link:

Other than the Fundamental Rights, which of the following parts of the Constitution of India reflect/ reflects the principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)? (UPSC 2020)

• Directive Principles of State Policy
• Fundamental Duties

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Source: The Print

Context: More Indian women are actively participating in financial decision-making, with 98% of urban women involved in long-term family decisions , including household financial investments, according to the recent AMFi-CRISIL report .

• Female LFPR up to 41.5% (Oct 2023) from 24.6% (2017-18), with rural women showing a faster growth rate
• 47% of women make independent financial decisions. Autonomy varies with income, age, and affluence stage

Challenges in Women’s Financial Autonomy : Socio-cultural: Patriarchy, gender stereotypes., Lower workforce participation, gender pay gap, unpaid domestic work burden

Significance of Women’s Role in Financial Decision-Making:

• Social Impact : Empowerment, gender equality, reduced conflict, better education, and healthcare.
• Economic Impact : Financial literacy, wealth management, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Values exhibited:

• Gender equality : Addressing disparities and promoting equal opportunities.
• Social justice : Reducing gender-based discrimination and fostering inclusivity.
• Empowerment : Enhancing autonomy and decision-making power.
• Fairness : Ensuring equitable treatment and opportunities for all genders.
• Respect : Valuing diverse perspectives and contributions in the workforce.

Source: NDTV

Context: In a surprising turn of events, scientists observed the Arctic’s polar vortex spinning in the opposite direction , marking one of the six strongest occurrences of its kind since 1979.

• The polar vortex is a massive spinning wheel of freezing cold air that forms high in the atmosphere near the North Pole, held together by a strong west-to-east wind current .
• This wind current, often referred to as the polar night jet, can reach speeds comparable to a Category 5 hurricane.
• The reversal in the vortex’s direction was attributed to “ Sudden Stratospheric Warming events,” which caused an influx of ozone from lower latitudes around the Arctic.

About Polar Vortex :  

The polar vortex is a large, persistent circulation of frigid air located in the stratosphere and typically centred near the Earth’s poles .

It is characterized by a strong wind current that circulates from west to east, trapping cold air within the polar regions during the winter months.

  The polar vortex plays a crucial role in maintaining the polar climate and can influence weather patterns in mid-latitude regions.

  Occasionally, disruptions in the polar vortex can occur, leading to phenomena such as sudden stratospheric warming events , which can result in shifts in weather patterns and colder temperatures in regions outside of the polar areas.

Context: The Southern Ocean is known for having the cleanest air on Earth, a fact previously attributed mainly to minimal human activity.

• However, recent research has unveiled that clouds and rain play a significant role in keeping the air pristine.

Role of clouds:

• The Southern Ocean experiences unique cloud patterns, particularly honeycomb-shaped clouds, which regulate climate by reflecting or allowing sunlight.
• These clouds generate sporadic but intense rain showers, effectively washing aerosol particles out of the air.

About Southern Ocean:

The Southern Ocean is the body of water that surrounds Antarctica and is bounded by the continents of Antarctica, South America, Africa, and Australia.

It is the southernmost ocean on Earth and is characterized by its vast expanse of open water, strong currents, and harsh climate conditions.

The Southern Ocean plays a critical role in regulating global climate and ocean circulation patterns .

Source: PIB

Context: Since the announcement of General Elections 2024, over 73,000 applications have been received on the Suvidha Portal, with more than 44,600 requests approved.

• The portal ensures transparency and a level playing field for political parties and candidates by adhering to the First in First out principle.
• It caters to a wide range of permission requests such as organizing rallies, opening temporary party offices, and distributing pamphlets.
• The data available on the portal aids in scrutinizing election expenditures, contributing to greater accountability.

Requests were highest from Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh, with minimum requests from Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, and Manipur.

The Suvidha portal is a technological solution created by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to facilitate fair and transparent elections.

Source: IDSA

  Context: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) launched its ‘Vision for Regional Security’ in December 2023 , aiming to establish a comprehensive framework for regional security .

Key highlights include:

• Prioritizing negotiation over conflict
• Combating terrorism and extremism
• Supporting non-proliferation efforts
• Addressing climate change and economic challenges

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) (est. 1981; HQ: Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)) is a political and economic union formed by Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates . It aims to promote cooperation among member states. Initially proposed as a “Gulf Union” for deeper coordination , its military arm, the Peninsula Shield Force , was created in 1984.

Context: A recent study by IIT Madras has uncovered the presence of ‘forever chemicals’ known as pre- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Chennai’s Buckingham Canal, Adyar River, and Chembarambakkam Lake.

• PFAS are synthetic chemicals found in everyday products and are known to persist in the environment, posing health risks including liver damage, hormonal imbalance, fertility issues, and cancer.
• PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because they do not easily break down in the environment and can persist for long periods of time.

  Context: The introduction of chital, or spotted deer , to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the early 1900s for game hunting by the British has resulted in a population explosion that now poses a significant problem for authorities.

• But now the chital population exceeding the carrying capacity of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island .

Spotted deer, also known as chital or axis deer , are a species of deer native to the Indian subcontinent.

They are characterized by their reddish-brown coat with white spots , which gives them their name.

Spotted deer are medium-sized herbivores, typically weighing between 50 to 100 kilograms .

They inhabit a variety of forested habitats, including deciduous forests, grasslands, and scrublands.

  Context: The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued a draft notification demarcating an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary on the Haryana side.

Rejecting Haryana’s proposal for only a 1,000-meter ESZ , the draft delineates an area of 1 km up to 2.035 km around Haryana’s side of the sanctuary. The sanctuary is ecologically sensitive and home to several endangered species. The draft seeks objections from stakeholders within 60 days.

Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ) are vital areas surrounding protected regions, designated by the central government under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These zones categorize activities into prohibited (e.g., commercial mining), regulated (e.g., felling of trees), and permitted (e.g., local agriculture) to safeguard the fragile ecosystem.

About the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary :  

It is situated in the Chandigarh Union Territory and encompasses the Shivalik Hills’ Sukhna Lake catchment area. It hosts diverse fauna including Sambar deer, Barking deer, and wild boar, alongside various bird, reptile, and amphibian species. The sanctuary features a blend of forests, grasslands, and wetlands, with Sukhna Lake playing a vital role in its ecosystem .

  Context: India has secured the rights to operate the Sittwe port in Myanmar , marking its second overseas port endeavour after Chabahar . The Ministry of External Affairs approved a proposal for India Ports Global (IPGL), wholly owned by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, to manage the port on the Kaladan River .

About Sittwe Port:  

It is a deepwater port situated at the Kaladan River’s estuary in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. It is a crucial component of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP), funded through grants-in-aid assistance from the Government of India. The port holds significant importance as it will create new trade and transit opportunities for India’s Northeast region , as well as enhance trade and commerce between India and Myanmar.

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