MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. Since attitude formation is dependent on the experiences one has and the lessons one has learned throughout time, it is a lifelong process. Discuss the elements that contribute to the formation of attitudes in this situation.
GS I – Geography-related issues
Introduction:
- A reasonably stable arrangement of thoughts, emotions, and behavioural inclinations towards socially relevant things, people, occasions, or symbols is called an attitude. The transition from having no attitude towards an object to having either a good or negative attitude towards that object is referred to as attitude formation. Every person is subjected to environmental cues, both direct and indirect, from infancy onward, which shape their thoughts, values, and beliefs.
- Classical conditioning: When individuals see the same stimuli repeatedly, they develop particular habits in response to those stimuli. Some of the emotional components of attitudes and prejudice may be established by classical conditioning. For instance, when a mother interacts with a member of a specific ethnic group, the child witnesses her mother displaying symptoms of disapproval.
- Operant or instrumental conditioning: Depending on the incentive or punishment structure, people may also acquire particular attitudes. For example, when we witness someone getting in trouble for breaking traffic laws, we are more likely to view violations negatively and view obeying the rules favourably.
- Acquiring attitudes by modelling (observing others): People frequently pick up attitudes by watching other people behave in a certain way towards the object of the attitude. Children, for instance, may develop a respectful attitude towards seniors by witnessing their parents do the same.
- Family and School Environment: Peer group members, instructors, and parents are the main sources of attitudes and values. Attitudes are typically taught in the home and classroom by modelling, association, and incentives and penalties.
- Reference Groups: A person might learn the standards for appropriate behaviour and thought patterns from their reference group. They thus show how attitudes are acquired through adhering to social or cultural standards. Reference groups are frequently used to shape attitudes towards a variety of subjects, including political, religious, and social groups, as well as national and other issues.
- Direct personal experiences: A person’s attitude is greatly influenced by his or her own experiences, whether positive or negative. For example: Angulimala was able to rid his mind of all greed, anger, and illusion following his meeting with the Buddha.
- Media-related Influences: Recent technological developments have made the internet and audio-visual media extremely potent information sources that influence the development and modification of attitudes. The media has the power to shape opinions in both positive and negative ways. For instance, the media can be utilised to instill consumerist values where none previously existed and to generate optimistic attitudes that promote social cohesion.
- Therefore, learning processes, influences from family and school, peer groups, and the media all play a role in how people acquire attitudes, ideas, and behavioural inclinations. A person’s attitude has a big impact on their overall growth. The adage “the greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude” is accurate in this circumstance.
Q2. In India, organised gangs that were previously solely involved in extortion are now involved in drug trafficking and gun running, which is a new trend. Analyze the security risks arising from the drug-terrorist connection.
GS II – Internal Security
Introduction:
- Narco-terrorism, as defined by the 2nd Administrative Reform Commission (ARC), is the attempt by drug traffickers to sway government policies by using violence or threatening systemic violence. Drug trafficking and terrorist violence are two illegal enterprises that are combined in narco-terrorism. Due to its geographic location between the Golden Triangle and the Golden Crescent, India is particularly susceptible to drug trafficking. A new trend has emerged in India recently: organised crime groups are becoming involved in gun running and drug trafficking after becoming infiltrated by terrorist networks.
Terrorism-drug relationship-related security concerns:
- Terrorism and drug trafficking funded by Pakistan: Narcotics have been taken from terrorists in Kashmir on multiple occasions. Pakistan appears to be directly pushing drugs, particularly heroin, across the Line of Control into Kashmir lately. The drug trade has been supported and encouraged by terrorist organisations based in Pakistan and Afghanistan as well as the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency in order to finance anti-Indian actions.
- Growing use of marine channels for drug trafficking: Approximately 70% of all illegal drugs transported into India are accounted for by drug trafficking via sea routes in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, according to a 2022 study by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). Studies have shown a link between international drug traffickers and terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Toiba and Hizbul Mujahideen.
- Difficulties arising from the utilisation of dark nets and cryptocurrency: Research indicates that 62% of the darknet is devoted to illicit drug trafficking. Because they are low risk and anonymous, darknet markets are upending established drug markets. The ability to pay with cryptocurrency and receive doorstep deliveries via courier services has increased the appeal of darknet transactions.
- Terrorists’ use of organised gangs: Drug trafficking activities are drawing organised gangs due to their speed and increased financial gain. Nevertheless, these gangs are falling prey to ISI and Khalistani forces who have relocated overseas, particularly to the USA, Canada, Germany, and the UK.
- Challenges in the Northeast: The border to the northeast also offers a safe route for the passage of gunrunners, drug dealers, and rebels. There are difficulties in Myanmar’s bordering Shan and Kachin provinces with China. These methamphetamine and heroin-producing regions are controlled by rebel factions that receive a little help from China and have permeable borders.
- International drug cartel and connections to terrorism: South American drug cartels control the supply of cocaine, which has made India a popular destination for the narcotic. According to recent investigations, these cartels are connected to local drug lords and gangsters in India who have ties to ISI in Pakistan and Khalistani terrorists. These individuals are NRIs based in Canada, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and various European nations.
- India’s internal security is facing new risks as a result of the terrorist-drug relationship. Future efforts to address the problem can benefit from initiatives like international cooperation, educating the public about drug usage, deploying anti-drone technology, and developing a thorough drug policy.
