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Synopsis and Review – Think and Learn [Day 9]
1) The freedom struggle was deeply influenced by the Press started by various National leaders, in both English and other vernacular languages. Critically examine this phenomenon and also comment on the reactions of the British on this peculiar national awakening. (200 Words, 10 Marks)
This question is a mixture of both factual and conceptual part of history. In such questions, one has to concentrate more on the “phenomenon”, studded with relevant facts here and there. And if we see the directive here, it says “critically examine”, which means that we need to give some negatives about the influence of press on the masses too.
After answering those two parts of the first question, then we need to discuss about the reaction of the British(Mainly legislative ones). So, all in all, three parts, within 200 words for 10 Marks.
Today’s Top Answer is by – Nishant
Ans) Be it the economic critique of British rule by Dadabhai Noaroji through ‘Voice of India’ or mass litigation by G.K Gokhale through ‘Sudharak’, emergence of ‘Indian Press’ played a pivotal role in the Nationalist Movement.
Founders of the INC were all prolific writers and used press as the chief instrument for politicization and formation of a national ideology. The press became the connecting link between the leaders and the masses. Mass-readings in remote villages became a national phenomenon. Every act of the government was subjected to criticism and dispersed through newspapers and magazines all over India.
Later, Mahatma Gandhi used the medium (through Harijan) to popularize his efforts for upliftment of the depressed class. Ironically, the press was also used to incite communal sentiments by both Hindu and Muslim extremists.
Seeing the popularity of Indian press, British government came down with a heavy hand to curb its impact. Through the Vernacular Press Act 1878, it empowered the magistrate to ban ‘vernacular’ papers spreading anti-government sentiments. In the aftermath of Swadeshi and Boycott movement, Indian Press Act 1910 was passed on similar lines as the VPA.
Despite the oppressing acts by the British, Indian Press was successful in achieving its goal with elan.
2) Critically examine the strategic implications of the nuclear deal between the West and Iran on the Middle East and India’s neighbourhood? Comment on India’s role in the deal. (200 Words, 10 Marks)
This is a direct question from the Current Affairs. If we read any of the recent editorials and have a basic understanding of the nuclear deal, then this would be fairly simple to write.
The division of this question would be in a total of five parts – Positive and Negative strategic implications on the Middle East, Positive and Negative implications on India’s neighbourhood. And India’s role in the deal(which is not much).
One must start with a good introduction to briefly explain what the nuclear deal is all about, and then give an apt conclusion too.
Today’s Top Answer is by – Deepansh
A) The nuclear deal aims to ensure that the nuclear research in Iran is primarily to fulfill its energy requirements and simultaneously restricts its capacity to develop nuclear weapons.
Significance in the middle-east region:
1. With the removal economic sanctions, Iran’s influence in the geopolitics of the region will increase manifold. This could fracture Israel’s hegemony in the region.
2. It will impact the Saudi Arabia-Iran proxy war in Yemen, where Iran’s diplomatic engagement is important.
3. Saudi Arabia’s dominance in controlling oil prices will end when Iranian oil enters global oil trade.
4. Iran’s cooperation will be critical to weed out terrorist groups like ISIS which will help restore stability to the region.
Implications in India’s neighborhood:
1. India invested in Iran to develop the Chabahar port, which is strategically important to enter Afghanistan. Lifting of the ban could invite competition from other countries like China.
2. It would enable increased cooperation to fight emerging terror groups in Central Asia, Afghanistan and Iraq.
3. Renewed impetus to the North-South Transport Corridor.
Although India isn’t directly involved in the negotiations, its vote against Iran on IAEA’s resolution makes its stand clear. India should continuously work on improving ties with Iran and help achieve regional peace.
3) What are the important factors that determine the location of an industry? With suitable examples, examine the factors responsible for the location and growth of automobile industry in India. (200 Words, 10 Marks)
Such kind of questions are oft-repeated in Mains. The structure here is fairly simple to write. The first part would be to give a general list of factors, around 5-6 should be enough, with one-line description for each factor.
The second part would be to concentrate on the Indian automobile industry, by giving some examples.
Today’s Top Answer is by – Enticer
A) The important factors which govern the location of industries –
1) Geographical factors:
a)Availability of raw materials: Like Iron and steel industries are mostly located near ore rich areas
b)Power : Energy requirement of industries are very high for production, those areas having power sources favour setting up of industry.
c) Cheap and skilled labour availability.
d) Climate and Terrain : Harsh climate and terrain resist setting up of industries in that region.
e) Market: For footloose industries market plays dominant role in setting up of industries.
2) Non-Geographical factors:
a) Government policies: A favourable government policy leads to setting up of industries in those regions.
Eg: Tata NANO setup in Gujarat due to their industry friendly policies.
b) Banking and Insurance availability : Industries require credit for setting up units, banks provide for the same.
In India automobile sector witnessed great growth, alongwith this they are mainly located in most urbanised centers like in North zone in Delhi-NCR areas, in western zone majorly in Maharashtra and in south in Chennai region.
The major factors which led to this growth are:
a) High demand of automobiles due to large population with sufficient disposable income.
b) Opening of Indian automobile sector for FDI leading to many foreign players entering this sector like Suzuki, Hundai etc.
c) Requirement of efficient transport system for solving the problem of commutation.
d) Providing for strategic support to armed forces for security of borders Eg: Tartra trucks
