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Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
1. Buddhism originated as an alternative tradition to the excessive importance given to rituals and sacrifices in Vedic tradition. Examine. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about reasons for the emergence of Buddhism.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by giving context.
Body:
First, write about the various factors responsible for the emergence of Buddhism – Influence of Time, Simple Doctrines, Personality of Buddha, Inexpensive, No Caste, Royal Patronage etc.
Next, comment about the role of excessive importance given to rituals and sacrifices in Vedic tradition and its role in popularity of Buddhism.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
Buddhism is a religion that was founded by Siddhartha Gautama (“the Buddha”) more than 2,500 years ago in India. With about 470 million followers, scholars consider Buddhism one of the major world religions. The religion has historically been most prominent in East and Southeast Asia, but its influence is growing in the West. Many Buddhist ideas and philosophies overlap with those of other faiths.
Body
The primary cause for the rise of Jainism and Buddhism was the religious unrest in India in the 6th century B.C. The complex rituals and sacrifices advocated in the Later Vedic period were not acceptable to the common people. The sacrificial ceremonies were also found to be too expensive. However it took the social route due to the following factors.
Reasons for rise of Buddhism:
Impact of Buddhism on Indian society
Conclusion
Buddhism arose to suit the needs of a changing society, patronized by an emerging class and left an indelible mark on India’s culture, architecture, philosophy and way of living. Some tenets of Buddhism have been adopted by Hinduism in their long course of association and have become an integrated part of the society. These religions also found their influence in neighboring countries and helped India expand its footprint in these regions; paving way for a cultural connects to this day.
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
2. There is much in common between Buddhism and Jainism. There are similarities between the two but the basic difference between the philosophies of the two provides each of them a place of distinct religion. Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To compare and contrast the tenets of Buddhism and Jainism.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Highlight a fact such as – Numerous religious sects arouse in the middle of Gangetic plains in the second half of the sixth century B.C. Of these sects, Buddhism and Jainism were the most important and they emerged as the most potent religious reform movement.
Body:
First, write about the similarities in the two religious philosophies such as – both were inspired by Upanishads, ideas of misery, caste, rituals etc.
Next, write about the differences such as in the aspects of – Moksha and means of its attainment, ahimsa, concept of soul etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
The sixth century B.C. is considered a wonderful century in history. Great thinkers like Buddha, Mahavira, Heraclitus, Zoroaster, Confucius and Lao Tse lived and preached their ideas in this century. Among them the most successful were Jainism and Buddhism whose impact on the Indian society was remarkable.
Body
Similarities between Buddhism and Jainism
Differences between Buddhism and Jainism
Conclusion
Buddhism and Jainism provided people an alternative from the regressive religion and rituals of the time. They became a beacon of hope for the downtrodden and the marginalized. In this way, one can see many similarities between the two religions with minute differences.
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
3. In the Indian context where marriage holds a special cultural and religious value, a denial of which may reinforce the stigma faced by same-sex couples. The foundation of equal treatment thus ought to pave the way for marriage equality in India and not be left to the vagaries of the legislature. Comment. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
A recent statement by a Member of Parliament that same-sex marriages are against the (so-called) cultural ethos of India has once again stirred up the debate on marriage equality. This is amidst a petition for marriage rights of same-sex couples (under the Special Marriage Act, 1954) pending before the Supreme Court of India.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about legalising same-sex marriages in the country.
Directive word:
Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context with respect to same-sex marriages.
Body:
In the first part, write about the need to legalise same-sex marriages in the country post the Navtej Johar judgement – Equal rights, granting protection, for true inclusivity etc.
Next, mention write about the impediments and legal obstacles to legalising same-sex marriages.
Next, write a way forward.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a balanced opinion on the issue.
Introduction
The debate over same-sex marriages is more of morality than on law. People try to establish a line of distinction between the ‘societal norms’ and ‘individual liberty’ especially in the culture where religion enjoys more prominence. The law on same-sex marriages in India is already indirectly established by the apex court. In March 2018, the Supreme Court of India has held that an adult has a fundamental right to marry a person of their own choice. The collective reading of this case with Navtej Singh Johar (September 2018) can be taken as a tacit recognition of same-sex marriage. Further in 2019, The High Court of Madras decreed and allowed the marriage under the Act.
A Member of Parliament said that same-sex marriages are against the cultural ethos of India. A petition for marriage rights of same-sex couples (under the Special Marriage Act, 1954) is pending before the Supreme Court of India.
Body
Background
Time for allowing same-sex marriage in India
Global laws
Conclusion
At least 29 countries in the world have legalised same-sex marriage. It is time that India thinks beyond the binary and reviews its existing legal architecture in order to legalise marriages irrespective of gender identity and sexual orientation. The law is however a dynamic concept. Inevitably the nature of marriage would change if there is a change in society.
Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
4. Given the regional variations in demographic trends and economic opportunities, India has a high rate of migration, Migrants often see their political and economic rights compromised at their place of origin and residence. Do you think remote voting for migrants is a good move to ensure higher voter turnout and to grant political rights to migrants? (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu , The Hindu
Why the question:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) said on December 28 that it was ready to pilot remote voting for domestic migrants through newly devised remote electronic voting machines (RVMs) so that the voter does not have to travel to their home State or district to cast their vote.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the pros and cons of granting remote voting rights to domestic migrants.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context about the recent proposal of ECI.
Body:
First, write about the mode in which domestic migrants will be allowed vote remotely without travelling to their home district.
Next, write about the pros and cons on the above proposal by ECI. Cite examples to substantiate.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
The Election Commission of India said that it has developed a prototype for a Multi-Constituency Remote Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) which would enable remote voting by migrant voters.
Body
Background
Need for remote voting
Challenges and technical issues
Way forward
Conclusion
The initiative, if implemented, can lead to a social transformation for the migrants and connect with their roots as many times they are reluctant to get themselves enrolled at their place of work. Frequently changing residences, not enough social and emotional connect with the issues of an area of migration will no longer remain obstacles.
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
5. Examine the causes behind high rate of unemployment in India in the recent past. Suggest measures to ensure adequate job creation in the Indian economy. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
India’s unemployment rate rose to 8.30% in December, the highest in 16 months, from 8.00% in the previous month, data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) showed.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about causes behind unemployment and measures need to create jobs.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by citing statistic to give a current scenario of unemployment in the country.
Body:
First, write about the causes behind unemployment in India – historical, unequal growth, lack of job specialisation, automation related losses etc.
Next, suggest measures that are needed in order to ensure job creation and to reduce unemployment in the country.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
India’s unemployment rate rose to 8.30% in December, the highest in 16 months, from 8.00% in the previous month, data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) showed. The urban unemployment rate rose to 10.09% in December from 8.96% in the previous month, while the rural unemployment rate slipped to 7.44% from 7.55%, the data showed.
In a jobless growth economy, unemployment remains stubbornly high even as the economy grows. This tends to happen when a relatively large number of people have lost their jobs, and the ensuing recovery is insufficient to absorb the unemployed, under-employed, and those first entering the workforce. Jobless growth of the Indian economy is a “5C” problem: a Complicated Condition Created by Combinations of Causes.
Body
Causes of unemployment in India
Public sector employment as a remedy: Critical analysis
Measure needed and way forward
Conclusion
India is on the right side of demographic transition that provides golden opportunity for its rapid socio-economic development, if policymakers align the developmental policies with this demographic shift.
To reap the demographic dividend, proper investment in human capital is needed by focussing on education, skill development and healthcare facilities.
Value-addition
Steps taken by government in recent times
Topic: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country
6. The government needs to focus on improving production, creating awareness on nutrition and health benefits and international outreach for mainstreaming millets. Elaborate. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Since that was at the initiative of India, which also accounts for a fifth of the world’s millets production, the Narendra Modi government would be expected to do something different this year to promote these “nutri-cereals” — going beyond just spreading awareness, or organising “special millets lunch” for parliamentarians and journalists.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about plethora of benefits offered by Millet production and measures needed to popularise it.
Directive word:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning giving context that the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
Body:
Mention about the low demand of water and soil fertility needs to cultivate millets and millets as a nutritional package with whole lot of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids etc. Also mention that millets also offer a significant cost advantage over maize as a feedstock for bio-ethanol production. Bring in the aspect of food security and ecological benefits.
Next, write about the measures that are needed to popularise millets.
Conclusion:
Conclude by saying millets are the way forward in the food consumption area as it addresses the twin challenge of both nutritional security as well as climate change.
Introduction
With nearly 60 percent of India’s cultivated area is rain-fed, the damage caused by climate change is huge in agriculture sector. In order to save the farmers from such calamities, climate smart agricultural practices are increasingly promoted by government and other stakeholders. Millets cultivation is one such practice which seems to be the answer to fighting climate change, poverty and malnutrition.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 2023 the International Year of Millets, as proposed by India to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). At India’s led initiative for the UN’s International Year of Millets 2023, India has called “Covid, conflict, and climate” the world’s main food security challenges, and placed the cultivation and popularisation of millets in the context of the wider imperative of “de-risking the global economy”.
Body:
Millets – a core component in climate smart agriculture:
Nutritional and food security benefits:
Government’s Initiatives for Millets
Way forward:
Conclusion
The value of millets is evident in their relevance to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of food security, nutrition and poverty eradication. Brimming with potential, millets can act as a vital cog in the country’s sustainable development wheel if backed by policies that promote their production, incentivize farmers and strengthen market linkages.
Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;
7. The three Jewels of Jainism: right faith, right knowledge and right conduct are a core aspect of Jain philosophy. Examine their relevance in modern society.
Difficulty level: Tough
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Philosophical Mondays’ in Mission-2023 Secure.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Write a few introductory lines about the Jain philosophy.
Body:
Discuss about the three jewels of Jainism – Right faith – Samyak darshan, Right knowledge – Samyak jnana, Right conduct – Samyak charitra.
Next, write about its relevance in modern society. Use examples to substantiate your points.
Conclusion:
Conclude by Summarising.
Introduction
Jainism is an ancient religion that is rooted in the philosophy that teaches the way to liberation and a path to spiritual purity and enlightenment through disciplined nonviolence to all living creatures.
Jainism believes that the universe and all its substances or entities are eternal. It has no beginning or end with respect to time. Universe runs on its own accord by its own cosmic laws.All the substances change or modify their forms continuously. Nothing can be destroyed or created in the universe.
There is no need for someone to create or manage the affairs of the universe.Hence Jainism does not believe in God as a creator, survivor, and destroyer of the universe.
Body
Jewels of Jainism
Relevance in modern society
Conclusion
It is true that our society is going through a horde of problems arising from different sectors. In the present day condition there is violence, communalism, regionalism, murders, rapes, gender discrimination, and lack of solidarity prevailing everywhere. It is the need of the hour to inculcate moral and social values among us to boost our physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects. The doctrines of Jainism with respect to the present time situation are found to be very much relevant. The Jainas has proved time and again the effectiveness of spiritual progress by putting it into the practice in their own lives. With these doctrines of Jainism we can bring back the peace and harmony in the society and the world.
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