NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same time gives you extra points in the form of background information.
General Studies – 1
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
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 the features of Mansabdari, its merits and demerits and learnings from it for present day administration.
Directive word:
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of Mansabdari system as an important corner stone of Mughal administration.
Body:
First, write about the various features of Mansabdari system – appointments, ranks, payments, purpose etc.
Next, write about various merits and demerits associated with the Mansabdari system in detail.
Next, write about the key learning from Mansabdari system to present day administrative practises which can be implemented to make the administration better.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
The Mansabdar was a military unit within the administrative system of the Mughal Empire introduced by Akbar. The word mansab is of Arabic origin meaning rank or position. The system determined the rank and status of a government official and military generals. Those mansabdars whose rank was one thousand or below were called Amir.
Body
The mansab of a Mughal noble denoted the following:
- Salary of the officer
- Status of the officer
- Number of soldiers, horses and elephants etc., maintained by an officer.
Every mansabdar had to maintain as many soldiers as were indicated by his rank of ‘Zat’ while the rank of ‘sawar’ indicated the number of horsemen among them. Irvin expressed the view that Zat indicated the actual number of cavalry under a mansabdar besides other soldiers while sawar was an additional honour.
During the reign of Akbar, the mansabdars were asked to keep as many horsemen as were indicated by numbers of their ranks of sawar. But, the practice was not being maintained by other Mughal emperors.
Main Characteristics of the Mansabdari System:
- The king himself appointed the Mansabdars. He could enhance the Mansab, lower down it or remove it.
- A Mansabdar could be asked to perform any civil or military service.
- There were many categories of the Mansabdars. Based on the rank salary was given. Only the princes of the royal family and most important Rajput rulers were given a Mansab of 10,000.
- A Mansabdar was paid his salary in cash.
- Sometimes Jagir was given to Mansabdars to realise revenue and salary.
- Mansabdari system was not hereditary.
- Mansabdar had to maintain out of his” salary a stipulated quota of horses, elephants, camels and mules and carts.
- The horses were classified into six categories and the elephants into five.
- For every ten cavalry men, the Mansabdar had to maintain twenty horses for horses had to be provided rest while on march and replacements were necessarily in times of war.
- A record of the description (‘huliy’) of each horseman under a Mansabdar and of branding (‘dag’) horses to prevent corruption was kept.
Changes introduced by Jahangir and Shah Jahan:
- Difference in the highest Mansab
- Reduction in the number of soldiers
- Difference in the categories of Mansabdars
- Relaxation in control
Merits of the Mansabdari System:
- Removal of the chief defects of the Jagirdari system
- Increased military efficiency
- Extra revenue to the state
- Merit as the basis of selection
Demerits of the Mansabdari System
- The mansabdars got their salaries from the emperor and paid themselves the salaries to their troops. This made the troops more loyal to the mansabdars than to the king.
- The system proved very expensive.
- Dishonest mansabdars and officials used to ally together during inspection, borrowed horses from one another and showed their full quota.
- Caste system prevailed in the mansabdari system.
- Since the property of a mansabdar was confiscated after his death, he used to spend it lavishly during his life time.
Conclusion
The Mughal rulers maintained a large and efficient army till the reign of Aurangzeb. This was necessary to do so for they conquered several parts of the country and were accordingly required to maintain law and order and check revolts and Mansabdari system was the most efficient system.
Topic: Effects of globalization on Indian society.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Indian Express , Outlook India
Why the question:
For several years, talk of India becoming a Vishwa Guru – the teacher or knowledge-giver of the world – has been in the air. Many take pleasure in rubbishing this idea. On the other hand, there are others who are understandably very passionate about making this happen.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about India adopting good aspects of modernity while rejective cons of westernisation and how being a Vishwa Guru can help in this regard.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by giving the need to adopt essential modernity and reject mindless westernisation.
Body:
First, write about modernity, its features and as to how India can adopt essential and good aspects of it.
Next, write about westernisation, its cons associated with impact and ways to avoid it.
Next, write about India as Vishwa Guru and how being the Vishwa Guru can help India accept essential elements of modernity while rejecting mindless westernisation.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
For several years, talk of India becoming a Vishwa Guru – the teacher or knowledge-giver of the world – has been in the air. Aurobindo dreamt of India becoming a leader that would lead the humanity towards spiritualism. Modernity today in west has led to mindless consumerism that is purely materialistic. India has embraced modernity while keeping its roots intact.
Body
Good aspects of modernity that India has embraced
- Gender equality: The empowerment of women and gender equality is an integral component of a modern society and India has been making progress in this regard, even though much remains to be done. Eg: uprooting patriarchy, equal wages, abolition of child marriage and safety laws for women.
- Adoption of Science and Technology: From record agricultural production to advancements in nuclear and space technology, from ensuring affordable healthcare to setting up world-class educational institutions, from ayurveda to biotechnology, from giant steel plants to becoming an IT power and having the third-biggest start-up ecosystem in the world.
- Transcending caste and class: Caste and creed are slowly going into shadows and there is embracing of cosmopolitan culture in India.
- Economic development: Infrastructure growth in roads and railways, the rapid growth of the telecom, technology and financial services sectors are some of the other defining achievements of the Indian economy.
India as a Vishwa Guru
- India’s unique worldview emanating from our civilisational culture; secondly, our remarkable achievements during the last 75 years; thirdly, our intrinsic strength to offer something that the global community so very critically requires.
- Firstly, our civilisational culture has provided us with a strong philosophical foundation that has several unique features. This needs to be shared world over. Eg : Yoga now is internationally celebrated.
- These features make India what it is. Our spiritual democracy, where Ekam Sat, Vipra Bahuda Vadanti (the truth is one, but the wise men describe the same differently) serves as the cornerstone of our approach to diverse ways of worship, makes India a home for all religions that live in harmony.
- This spiritual democracy has hugely contributed to the success of our political democracy. Also unique is the essentially Indian concept of Antyodaya – that the most deprived are considered the most deserving has helped us move beyond the binary of socialism and capitalism.
- Besides, while the talk of sustainable development has been a part of global discourse only for a few decades, our approach of respect and gratitude towards Mother Nature forms our basis and thus we reject the notion of conquering Nature. After all, living in harmony with Nature is the prerequisite of sustainability.
Conclusion
Sharing that worldview loud and clear with the requisite confidence and courage of conviction will make the world understand that yes, India is a Vishwa Guru. Another important message of the Idea of India is to consider the entire world as one family, or Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. This is what makes India aspire to be the knowledge-giver of the world. We were always a knowledge society indulging in debates and exchanges of ideas. The basics of our philosophy have shaped our worldview.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government;
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
Rumours are rife that age of retirement of Supreme Court of India judges is to be increased to 67 years, not immediately but come a couple of months.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the need for reforms in Indian judiciary and how to achieve them.
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:
Begin by giving context of judicial reforms.
Body:
First, write about the need of judicial reforms in India. In detail, enumerate the various issues in the Indian judiciary. Substantiate with facts and examples.
Next, write what reforms are needed in its place to ensure that Indian judiciary is efficient, effective and accountable.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
The Inter-State Council is a constitutional body to facilitate coordination between states and the centre. It was set up on the basis of provisions in Article 263 of the Constitution of India by a Presidential Order, 1990 based on the recommendation of Sarkaria Commission.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister recently wrote to Prime Minister, asking that at least three meetings of the Inter-State Council should be held every year to “strengthen the spirit of cooperative federalism”.
Body
Functions of inter-state council:
- Inquiring and advising upon disputes which may have emerged between the States:
- Investigating and discussing subjects in which the States or the Union has a common interest.
- Making suggestions on any such subject, for the better coordination of policy and action with respect to that subject.
Benefits of ISC:
- The ISC is the only multilateral centre-state forum that operates directly within the framework of the Constitution (Article 263 (b) and (c)) where topics like the GST and contemporary issues like disaster management, terrorism and internal security can be taken up.
- The constitutional backing of ISC puts the states on more solid footing—an essential ingredient in building the atmosphere of cooperation needed for calibrating centre-state relations.
- The council will help bridge the trust deficit between the centre and the states. If not always a problem solver, it at least acted as a safety valve.
Limitations:
- It is a recommendatory body to investigate and discuss subjects, in which some or all of the states or the Central government have a common interest.
- The Inter-state council is not a permanent constitutional body for coordination between the states and Central government. Rather, President can establish it at any time if it appears to him that the public interests would be served by the establishment of such a council
- The interstate council is proposed to meet thrice a year. Inter-State Council has had just 12 meetings since it was set up in 1990. There was a gap of a decade between the 10th meeting in 2006 and the 11th meeting in 2016, and the council met again in November 2017.
- The ISC also has to have a permanent secretariat which will ensure that the periodic meetings are more fruitful.
Way forward to strengthen ISC
- Discuss important bills in ISC first: Bills of national importance should be placed before the Council before being tabled in Parliament.
- This will enable “effective and interactive communication” between the states and the Centre on issues of common interest.
- Sarkaria Commission recommendation: In 1988, the Sarkaria Commission suggested the Council should exist as a permanent body, and in 1990 it came into existence through a Presidential Order.
- Effective working of ISC will reduce judicial intervention: What could be settled amicably among the executive branches is often taken to the doorsteps of the judicial branch.
Conclusion
The interstate council is the most dynamic platform to discuss policies and strengthen the Centre- State relations. This works as an instrument for cooperation, coordination and the evolution of common policies and acts as a bridge to trust deficit between center and state. The Inter-State Council should become the forum for political and legislative give and take between the centre and states
Topic: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: New Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
A defining feature of the eight-year rule of the Narendra Modi government is its often baffling adherence to secrecy while framing and implementing policies. From demonetisation to the Covid-19 lockdown to the farmers’ bill to the scrapping of Article 370, every major decision of the government was shrouded in mystery.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the importance of Inter-State Council for centre-state relations and development of India.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by writing about Inter-State Council Article 263, its aims and objectives.
Body:
First, give brief context of development of ISC with respect to centre-state relations and issues associated with the ISC.
Next, write about how the ISC can play a part in improving governance, bridging trust deficit between centre and state and better fiscal management. Substantive with examples.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
The Inter-State Council is a constitutional body to facilitate coordination between states and the centre. It was set up on the basis of provisions in Article 263 of the Constitution of India by a Presidential Order, 1990 based on the recommendation of Sarkaria Commission.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister recently wrote to Prime Minister, asking that at least three meetings of the Inter-State Council should be held every year to “strengthen the spirit of cooperative federalism”.
Body
Functions of inter-state council:
- Inquiring and advising upon disputes which may have emerged between the States:
- Investigating and discussing subjects in which the States or the Union has a common interest.
- Making suggestions on any such subject, for the better coordination of policy and action with respect to that subject.
Benefits of ISC:
- The ISC is the only multilateral centre-state forum that operates directly within the framework of the Constitution (Article 263 (b) and (c)) where topics like the GST and contemporary issues like disaster management, terrorism and internal security can be taken up.
- The constitutional backing of ISC puts the states on more solid footing—an essential ingredient in building the atmosphere of cooperation needed for calibrating centre-state relations.
- The council will help bridge the trust deficit between the centre and the states. If not always a problem solver, it at least acted as a safety valve.
Limitations:
- It is a recommendatory body to investigate and discuss subjects, in which some or all of the states or the Central government have a common interest.
- The Inter-state council is not a permanent constitutional body for coordination between the states and Central government. Rather, President can establish it at any time if it appears to him that the public interests would be served by the establishment of such a council
- The interstate council is proposed to meet thrice a year. Inter-State Council has had just 12 meetings since it was set up in 1990. There was a gap of a decade between the 10th meeting in 2006 and the 11th meeting in 2016, and the council met again in November 2017.
- The ISC also has to have a permanent secretariat which will ensure that the periodic meetings are more fruitful.
Way forward to strengthen ISC
- Discuss important bills in ISC first: Bills of national importance should be placed before the Council before being tabled in Parliament.
- This will enable “effective and interactive communication” between the states and the Centre on issues of common interest.
- Sarkaria Commission recommendation: In 1988, the Sarkaria Commission suggested the Council should exist as a permanent body, and in 1990 it came into existence through a Presidential Order.
- Effective working of ISC will reduce judicial intervention: What could be settled amicably among the executive branches is often taken to the doorsteps of the judicial branch.
Conclusion
The interstate council is the most dynamic platform to discuss policies and strengthen the Centre- State relations. This works as an instrument for cooperation, coordination and the evolution of common policies and acts as a bridge to trust deficit between center and state. The Inter-State Council should become the forum for political and legislative give and take between the centre and states
General Studies – 3
Topic: Government Budgeting.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Indian Express , business-standard
Why the question:
The finance ministry on Monday cautioned the re-emergence of the twin deficit problem in the economy, with higher commodity prices and rising subsidy burden leading to an increase in both fiscal deficit and current account deficit. It’s also the first time the government has explicitly talked about the possibility of fiscal slippage in the current fiscal year.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about twin deficit, concerns associated with it and measures needed to avoid the problem.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining twin deficit.
Body:
First, write about the concerns associated with it and how it impacts various macro-economic parameters.
Next, write about the ways in which it could be avoided – write about various Fiscal, Monetary and other policy measures that are needed to avoid the twin deficit problem.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
A twin deficit, also known as double deficit occurs when a nation has both a current account deficit and a fiscal deficit. Fiscal deficit means expenditure higher than income, while current account deficit (CAD) implies shrinking value of a country’s net foreign assets, which means less earnings and more payments in foreign currency. These two deficits are expressed as a percentage of GDP.
RBI in its ‘Monthly Economic Review’ report highlighted two key areas of concern for the Indian economy: the fiscal deficit and the current account deficit (or CAD).
Body
Highlights of the report
- Fiscal deficit
- Fiscal deficit may be high due to cuts in excise duties on diesel and petrol.
- Current account deficit
- Higher import bills may increase CAD: Costlier imports such as crude oil and other commoditieswill not only widen the CAD but also depreciate the rupee.
- A weaker rupee will, in turn, make future imports costlier.
- Pulling out of funds from emerging markets: Rupee can also weaken if, in response to higher interest rates in the western economies especially the US, foreign portfolio investors (FPI) continue to pull out money from the Indian markets, which too will hurt the rupee and further increase CAD.
- Higher import bills may increase CAD: Costlier imports such as crude oil and other commoditieswill not only widen the CAD but also depreciate the rupee.
Strategies to Reduce Fiscal Deficit:
- A deficit is usually financed through borrowing from either the central bank of the country or raising money from capital markets by issuing different instruments like treasury bills and bonds.
- A drastic reduction in expenditure on major subsidies. Reduction in expenditure on bonus, LTC, leaves encashment, etc. Austerity steps to curtail non-plan expenditure.
- Tax base should be broadened and concessions and reduction in taxes should be curtailed. Tax evasion should be effectively checked. More emphasis on direct taxes to increase revenue. Restructuring and sale of shares in public sector units.
- Famous economist John Maynard Keynes opined that deficits actually assist nations in climbing out of economic recessions.
- However, fiscal conservatives believe that deficits should be avoided by the government which should be inclined towards a balanced budget policy.
Strategies to tackle CAD
- The Current Account Deficit could be reduced by boosting exports and curbing non-essential imports such as gold, mobiles, and electronics.
- Currency hedging and bringing easier rules for manufacturing entities to raise foreign funds could also help.
- The government and RBI could also look to review debt investment limits for FPIs, among other measures.
- The imbalance in trade is now to be resolved by boosting exports.
- The blockage of funds under GST and uncertainties has left little or no working capital at the disposal of exporters.
- Focussing on manufacturing in the labour-intensive sectors would bring the double benefits of boosting exports and generating employment.
- Efforts are needed to reduce paperwork and costly over-regulation so as to make exporting easier.
- Besides, RBI should keep a check on the external commercial borrowings to keep debt under control.
Way forward
- Trim revenue expenditure(or the money government spends just to meet its daily needs)
- Rationalizing non-Capex (capital) expenditureto avoid fiscal slippages
- Use tight monetary policyto achieve fiscal consolidation
- Import cut of non-essential goodsand make exports of Indian goods competitive
- Reforming the Indian marketto make it attractive for FDI and FIIs.
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India
Why the question:
The Experts in Bangladesh have cautioned against solely blaming climate change for the ongoing floods in the country’s north-eastern Sylhet division. They say the destruction of Sylhet’s traditional wetlands, known as ‘haors’ are also part of the reason.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the importance of wetland ecosystem and its role in flood mitigation.
Elucidate –
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 defining a wetland and its types.
Body:
Write about the various functions performed by a wetland- water-related ecosystem services, productive areas for plant life and animals, major habitat for most of the world’s waterbirds and key habitat for migratory species, important source of food and high recreational, historical, scientific, and cultural values.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising their importance.
Introduction
Wetlands are ecotones between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They get periodically get inundated with water. They support a flourishing community of aquatic organisms including frogs and other amphibians. Swamps, marshes and mangroves are examples of wetlands. Wetlands are indispensable for the countless benefits or “ecosystem services” that they provide humanity, ranging from freshwater supply, food and building materials, and biodiversity, to flood control, groundwater recharge, and climate change mitigation.
The total number of Ramsar sites in India are 46 in the country. Wetlands declared as Ramsar sites are protected under strict guidelines.
Body
Critical role played by Wetlands in the Ecological conservation of Earth:
- Carbon Sequestration: Swamps, mangroves, peat lands, mires and marshes play an important role in carbon cycle. Wetland soils may contain as much as 200 times more carbon than its vegetation.
- g.: In India, coastal wetlands are playing a major role in carbon sequestration. The total extent of coastal ecosystems (including mangroves) in India is around 43000 km. Overall, mangroves are able to sequester about 1.5 metric tonne of carbon per hectare per year and the upper layers of mangrove sediments have high carbon content, with conservative estimates indicating the levels of 10 percent.
- Flood attenuation: Wetlands function as natural sponges that trap and slowly release surface water, rain, snowmelt, groundwater and flood waters. Many water-stressed regions in South Africa are subject to high intensity rainfall over very short periods, often resulting in flash floods. Wetlands are effective in spreading out and slowing down floodwaters, thereby reducing the severity of floods downstream.
- g.: A large network of lakes and ponds in major cities like Srinagar, Bhopal, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad were constructed with the objective of flood control
- Regulation of stream flow & groundwater recharge: wetlands are often compared to sponges, in their ability to absorb water in wet periods, and release it during dry periods. The absorption thus helps in groundwater recharging too.
- g.: floodplains of rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra
- Nutrient assimilation & recycling: removal by the wetland of phosphates and nitrates carried by runoff water. This takes place through the presence of wetland vegetation and the action of anaerobic bacteria (which would otherwise not exist in fast-flowing, energized streams or rivers). Thus, they help in nutrients recycling and they carry out water purification by filtration of sediments and nutrients from surface water.
- Erosion control: wetlands can limit the extent of erosion, predominantly through the protection provided by vegetation, and through their ability to reduce stream flow velocity. Buffer (act as a riparian buffer) shorelines against erosion and pollutants.
- g.: the mangroves along the sea shores, especially on the western coast in West Bengal and Odisha have been playing a major role in protecting the coastal environment from the destruction of cyclones that frequently emanate in the Bay of Bengal.
- Microclimate regulation: Wetland ecosystems play an important role in regulating local and regional climates through evaporative cooling effects that affect the exchange of energy and water with atmosphere.
- g.: For every land cover type in wetlands, vegetation has a better stabilizing effect on temperature, whereas a water body has a better stabilizing effect on wind speed and humidity. Dal lake in Kashmir has a cooling effect on surroundings.
- Promotes Biodiversity: Wetlands are important in supporting species diversity. Because wetlands provide an environment where photosynthesis can occur and where the recycling of nutrients can take place, they play a significant role in the support of food chains.
- g.: In India lakes, rivers and other freshwater bodies support a large diversity of biota representing almost all taxonomic groups. For example, freshwater ecosystems of Western Ghats alone have 290 species of fish. Similarly, Loktak Lake is famous for being the only refuge of the endangered Sangai (Manipur brow-antlered deer).
- Productive Ecosystem: Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, comparable to rain forests and coral reefs. An immense variety of species of microbes, plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish and mammals can be part of a wetland ecosystem.
- g.: In many such wetland areas of India, like Bharatpur wild life sanctuary in Rajasthan, and little Rann of Kutch and coastal areas of Saurashtra in Gujarat, many migratory species of birds, including siberian crane, from western and European countries come during winter.
- Promotes Genetic diversity: They act as a genetic reservoir for various species of plants, especially rice.
- Tourism: Wet-lands such as coral reefs, beaches, reservoirs, lakes and rivers are considered to be a significant part of the tourism experience in the country.
- For instance, as per an estimate, every year, around seven million tourist visit Kerala’s backwaters, beaches and wildlife sanctuaries, 3 million visit Uttarakhand’s lakes and other natural wetlands and one million visit Dal lake in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Cultural Significance: Wetlands especially lakes and ponds are intrinsically linked to the local culture. They are revered by the masses in recognition of the fact that they are the means of sustenance of their livelihood.
- g. Pushkar lake in Rajasthan and Ramappa lake in Telangana
Measures needed
- Protection: The primary necessity today is to protect the existing wetlands. Of the many wetlands in India only around 68 wetlands are protected. But there are thousands of other wetlands that are biologically and economically important but have no legal status.
- Planning, managing and monitoring: Wetlands that come under the Protected area network have management plans but others do not. It is important for various stakeholders along with the local community and corporate sector to come together for an effective management plan. Active monitoring of these wetland systems over a period of time is essential.
- Comprehensive inventory: There has been no comprehensive inventory of all the Indian wetlands despite the efforts by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Asian Wetland Bureau and World Wide Fund for Nature. The inventory should involve the flora, fauna, and biodiversity along with values. It should take into account the various stakeholders in the community too.
- Legislation: Although several laws protect wetlands there is no special legislation pertaining specially to these ecosystems. Environment Impact Assessment needed for major development projects highlighting threats to wetlands need to be formulated.
- Coordinated approach: Since wetlands are common property with multi-purpose utility, their protection and management also need to be a common responsibility.
- Research: There is a necessity for research in the formulation of national strategy to understand the dynamics of these ecosystems. This could be useful for the planners to formulate strategies for the mitigation of pollution.
- Building awareness: For achieving any sustainable success in the protection of these wetlands, awareness among the general public, educational and corporate institutions must be created.
Conclusion
Communities engage with wetlands in various ways – from seeking livelihoods to spiritual fulfilment. The values community hold for wetlands are expressed in diverse ways. It is important to integrate community linkages in wetlands management planning, and incentivize community stewardship. This is crucial as over 85% of wetlands in India are in the form of village ponds and tanks.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;
7. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)
“Many people lose the small joys in the hope for the big happiness.” ― Pearl S. Buck
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Quotes Wednesdays’ in Mission-2022 Secure.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote.
Body:
Write about need of various interpretation of being happy.
Next, using examples mention how in order to become more happier than others we end up being unhappy. Cite examples like wealth, power, status, social media fame etc.
Conclusion:
Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.
Introduction
“Enjoy the little things in life because one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things”. (Kurt Vonnegut)
The little things are essential because they comprise the vast majority of our lives. Significant events occur sporadically. Small ones happen from moment to moment. When you neglect the little things, you miss out on enjoying a considerable swath of your life.
Body
Thinking only about the big things without appreciating the little things can even be detrimental. There’s an outer and inner pressure connected to grand achievements, and being under a lot of pressure negatively affects your mental and physical health.
Feelings of anxiety, sleep difficulties, a compromised immune system, and unexplained aches and pains are not uncommon symptoms of being overly stressed. Always wanting more instead of enjoying the simple things we already have can lead to a very unsatisfying life.
While goals and dreams certainly are beneficial, an insatiable desire to have more can leave you feeling dissatisfied and resentful. Continually striving to get further ahead removes you from joy and gratitude in the present moment.
This type of mindset removes the focus from what you have and puts it on thoughts of lack. However, a grateful heart allows you to see the good in appreciating the little things happening right now.
The ability to appreciate the small things can upgrade your life in a big way. There is reason to celebrate the small things and be grateful every day with just a slight shift in perspective.
Conclusion
Just as each day has its joys, each day also has its struggles. When our lives are missing gratitude for the small things, these struggles can hit us harder. A positive and thankful mindset, however, will build up our resilience for when we are faced with daily disappointments.
Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel HERE
Follow our Twitter Account HERE
Follow our Instagram ID HERE
