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General Studies – 1
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
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 write about the impact of Achaemenian and Macedonian invasions.
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:
Start by giving context Iranian and Macedonian invasions in ancient India.
Body:
First, write impact of Iranian invasions – Indo-Iranian contact, impetus to Indo-Iranian trade and commerce, influx of foreign groups, religious impact, art and architecture, language and script etc.
Next, write impact of Macedonian invasions in ancient India- civilisational contacts, history, coinage, art and architecture etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
India had close relations with Persia (Iran) from very ancient times. Iranian contacts with India lasted for about two centuries (516 to 326 B.C). Greek Invasion is traced back to 327 BC when Alexander invaded North-West India.
Body
Persian invasion
- The Achaemenian rulers of Iran, who expanded their empire at the same time as the Magadhan princes, took advantage of the political disunity on the northwest frontier.
- The Iranians invaded India in the 6th century B.C, when king Darius I ruled over Iran.
- He invaded India and occupied the territories in the North-Western Frontier Province, Sind and Punjab in 516 B.C.
- These parts remained with the Iranian Empire till Alexander’s invasion of India..
Cultural impact of Iranian invasion
Short term
- India’s Political Weakness exposed: The Persian invasion and India’s defeat to defend her frontiers exposed India’s political This weakness encouraged the foreigners to invade the frontiers of India. The Iranians were followed by the Greeks, the Sakas, the Kushans and the Huns.
- Encouragement to Trade: The mutual contacts helped in the growth of trade between the two countries. The India Traders and merchants now reached distant places in the Vast Persian Empire to dispose of their goods. Similarly, the Persian goods began to flow smoothly into India.
- An Idea of Unified Empire: India learnt the necessity of a strong and united empire to repel the foreign invasions. It was for the first time that the small, scattered and mutually quarrelling states of India realized how essential it was to join hands together to meet the common enemy.
Long term
- Settlement of Foreigners on Indian Soil: A large number of foreigners, the Greek the Persians, Turks etc settled down in the North –Western parts of India. With the passage of time they completely absorbed among the Indians.
- Impact on Art and Architecture: The Iranian art also influenced the Indian art. Ashoka, followed the Iranian custom of preaching ideals by inscribing them on the stone pillars. The Indians also learnt the art of polishing.
- Kharosthi Script: The Indians adopted the Kharosthi Script of Iran. It was written from right to left.
- Interchange of Indo Persian culture: Indian Scholars and philosophers went to Persia and exchanged their views freely with the intellectuals of that country. This contact brought about a great change in the outlook of the people and bought the people closer.
Macedonian Invasion
- In the fourth century BC, under the leadership of Alexander of Macedonia, the Greeks eventually destroyed the Iranian empire. From Iran he marched to India.
- The political condition of north-west India suited his plans. The area was parcelled out into many independent monarchies and tribal republics, which were strongly wedded to the soil and had a fierce dedication to the principality in which they lived.
- Among the rulers of these territories, two were well known: Ambhi, the prince of Taxila, and Porus whose kingdom lay between the Jhelum and the Chenab.
- Following the conquest of Iran, Alexander moved on to Kabul, from where he marched to India through the Khyber pass in 326 BC. When he reached the Jhelum, Alexander encountered the first and the strongest resistance from Porus. Alexander defeated Porus.
Cultural impact of Macedonian invasion
Short term
- The immediate effect of Alexander’s invasion was that it encouraged political unification of north India under the Mauryas.
- The system of small independent states came to an end.
- Alexander’s invasion had also paved the way for direct contact between India and Greece.
- The routes opened by him and his naval explorations increased the existing facilities for trade between India and West Asia.
- His authority in the Indus valley was a short-lived one because of the expansion of Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya.
Long term
- Founding of the Mauryan Dynasty: Alexander’s invasion had reduced the strength of the various states as well as the warlike tribes of the Punjab, so that it became quite easy for Chandragupta to subdue Otherwise, Chandragupta Maurya had to face strong resistance from his Indian counter-parts.
- Promoting India’s Unity: One significant result of these petty state and warlike tribes being crushed by Alexander was the task of establishing a strong empire became too easy.
- Relations with Western Countries: Alexander’s invasion opened four new routes between India and Europe so that India could now have direct relations with the European countries. The discovery of these routes also encouraged trade. Several Indian traders, artisans and religious scholars went to other countries and some people came to India from other countries. In this way, Indian contacts with Europe developed rapidly.
- Gave an account of Indian history: Megasthenes and other Greek writers have written a lot about the contemporary Indian Their descriptions have proved valuable in this respect.
- Foundation of the Greek States: After Alexander’s departure, the Greek generals who were left in India established their independent states on the North Western Frontier of India. In this way, the Indians came in contact with the Greeks and both of them benefited from each other.
- Greek Art: The Indians learnt from the Greeks the art of making beautiful idols and coins. The Gandhara School of Art is a direct consequence of the Greek The Indians also learnt a lot from the Greek astronomers. On the other hand, the Indians greatly influenced the philosophy and several Greeks embraced the Hindu faith.
Conclusion
Thus, both Iranian and Macedonian invasions had a long term impacts on Indian culture.
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
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 write about the reasons for considering Gupta age as golden age.
Directive:
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:
Begin by giving context of Gupta age as golden era.
Body:
First, mention about the various reasons why it is considered to be the golden era – Political, economic, social, cultural and technological etc.
Next, write about the limitations of Gupta age as golden age of ancient Indian history.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a balanced opinion on the above view.
Introduction
After centuries of political disintegration an empire came to be established in A.D. 319, under the Guptas. The empire stretched across northern, central and parts of southern India between c. 320 and 550 CE, keeping north India politically united for more than a century. It was responsible for the Indian Golden Age, an era of peace in which great advances were made in arts, architecture, sciences, religion, and philosophical pursuits. Hindu culture also started to take form during this period.
Body:
The term golden age refers to the age of Indian history during which remarkable progress were witnessed in different spheres of human life like polity, economy, culture, society etc. The cultural creativity of the Golden Age of India produced magnificent architecture, including palaces and temples, as well as sculptures and paintings of the highest quality.
Elements of Golden age in Gupta period (320-550 AD)
Polity:
- With the decline of Mauryan Empire, the unity and integrity of India shattered. The central authority disappeared and regional principalities emerged everywhere.
- This trend was reversed by emergence of Gupta rulers in 4th Century AD. They ruled over extensive empire with their capital at Pataliputra.
- Therefore, the Gupta age witnessed political unification of India after long period of more than 500 years after the decline of Mauryans.
- A number of strong and efficient rulers came to power during Gupta period. For example, Chandragupta I, Samudragupta, Chandragupta II and Skandgupta ruled over extensive empires.
Economy:
- Gupta age was full of economic prosperity. According to Chinese traveller Fa-hien Magadh, the power centre of Gupta empire was full of cities and its rich people.
- In ancient India, the Guptas issued the largest number of gold coins which were called ‘dinaras’ in their inscriptions.
Art and Literature:
- Gupta rulers were patrons of art and literature. For example, Samudragupta was represented on his coins playing the veena and Chandragupta II is credited with maintaining in his court nine luminaries.
- During the Gupta age beautiful images of Buddha were fashioned at Sarnath and Mathura, but the finest specimens of Buddhist art in Gupta times are the Ajanta paintings. Although these paintings covered the period from the first century BC to the seventh century AD, most of them relate to Gupta times.
- The Gupta age is remarkable for the production of secular literature. For example, Kalidasa belonged to this age. He was the greatest poet of classical Sanskrit literature and wrote Abhijnanashakuntalam which is very highly regarded in world literature.
- There was also an increase in the production of religious literature. The two great epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata were almost completed by the fourth century AD.
Science and Technology:
- In mathematics, a work called Aryabhatiya was written by Aryabhata in age. Aryabhatta displayed an awareness of both the zero system and the decimal system. A Gupta inscription of 5th century AD from Allahabad suggests that decimal system was known in India.
- The Gupta age craftsmen distinguished themselves by their work in iron and bronze. For example, iron pillar found at Mehrauli in Delhi manufactured in the 4th century AD has not gathered any rust over the subsequent fifteen centuries which is a great tribute to the technological skill of the craftsmen.
Conclusion:
Gupta culture has carved a niche for itself in the annals of Indian history by virtue of its individuality and perfection. The period evolved an all-India norm which in due course was designated as the classical tradition of the country. No description of Indian culture can be complete without reference to the high standards of Gupta cultural heritage which attained its zenith of excellence.
Topic: Effects of globalization on Indian society.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
Ukraine crisis forces rethink on hyper-globalisation. Nations need to de-risk against overdependence on few suppliers.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about hyper-globalisation, its impact on the society and measures needed to counter its impact.
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:
Begin the answer by defining hyper-globalisation.
Body:
First, write about the various features of hyper-globalisation citing a few examples.
Next, write about the impact of hyper-globalisation on the various aspects of Indian society – freer movement of goods, resources and enterprises, and ultimately more jobs, cheaper products and increasing economic growth, prosperity and wealth. Also, mention the negative impacts like – increasing inequalities, lack of opportunities, dependence and political disconnect etc.
Next, write about the ways in which risks posed by hyper-globalisation could be overcome.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
Hyper Globalisation is the concept that believes that globalization is happening is an enormous way and there is an emergence of a homogenous global culture. The period of hyper globalization has been associated with the most dramatic turnaround in the economic fortunes of developing countries.
The main difference between globalization and hyper globalization is very narrow and can be best described as the rate of speed at which the process of globalization takes place. The period between 1870 and 1914 the Golden Age of globalization in which world trade in terms of gross domestic product went from a 9 percent to 16 percent share. However, in the current age of hyper-globalization, which includes both goods and services, the gross domestic product share has reached 33 percent.
Body
Impact of hyper globalization on Indian society
- Economic inequality: Hyper Globalization is increasing the inequality around world.
- GAFA (Google, Apple, Facebook, and Amazon) are the wealthiest companies in the world. The wealth created is enjoyed by only few individuals.
- The increased income of persons with required new skills (such as knowledge of Artificial Intelligence) is far less than decreased income of unskilled person, leading to decrease in net prosperity.
- FDI and investment: Some countries are unable to attract FDI, other developing countries who have the ability to attract FDI, are unable to maximize the benefits for indigenous firms.
- Against the poor: WTO Agreement on Agriculture, are result of hyper globalism, which have capability to reduce the prosperity of farmers by limiting government’s support to them.
- Intellectual property: Similarly, agreements such as TRIPS do not let all to enjoy the benefits of innovation there by reducing their chance to increase their prosperity. All these are threatening human prosperity directly or indirectly.
- Ecology and indigenous people: Hyper globalism is also leading to increased extraction of raw materials, de-forestation without any value addition to indigenous people. Moreover, these people need to bear cost of resulting damage to ecology, increased pollution, hence reducing their prosperity.
- This can be better understood when we look at the plight of millions of climate refugees from island nations etc.
- Technological warfare: Technology is going to make warfare more dreadful. Buying and selling dangerous weapons is never as easy as it is in era of hyper globalism.
- If at all war occurs, the damage to property is un-predictable. Eg: Russia-Ukraine war.
- Moreover, if the money used for defence is used for welfarist policies, it would have helped the poor and destitute by making them prosperous.
- Overdependence and disruption: The increasing price risk due to disruption of supplies (eg crude oil and edible oil crisis due to Ukraine war) will have direct impact on poor due to inflation.
- Eg: Dependence on API’s from China during Covid-19 pandemic and people running from pillar to post for common cold medicines.
- Reduced to exporter of raw material: As industrialized countries have a better comparative advantage, poor nations are yet again becoming exporters of raw materials. This can also be called as neo-imperialism. Decision making powers are still with the Western nations continuing the trend from World War 2.
Measures needed to counter the risks
- Reduce over-dependence: In the real world, countries need to de-risk against overdependence on few suppliers, especially of products entailing heavy foreign exchange outgo.
- Halving import dependence in edible oils from the current 60-65 per cent is a goal worth pursuing, provided such Atmanirbharta does not degenerate into protectionism.
- Domestic producers can be given one-time capital subsidy and tariff support based on long-term import parity pricing.
- Domestic investment: When the global economy is sluggish, only domestic investment can move demand.
- India has an intrinsic advantage of population and its vibrant domestic demand.
- If enough manufacturing capacity as per the policy can be achieved, India can provide good market and employment its products and population.
- Eg: PLI scheme for electronics.
- Monetary policy: Appropriate monetary policy decisions should be made to boost investment. Moreover, reigning in inflation
- Infrastructure: Any policy should be accompanied with public infrastructure especially the transport sectors which also increase would demand. This would also reduce cost of logistics and make Indian goods competitive in the global market in turn increasing India’s prosperity.
Conclusion
Hyper globalization is not entirely detrimental to India, rather it has increased technology transfer and increased investment flow. India must reduce the risks to leverage the benefit of hyper globalism. Upskilling youth with new age technology can lead to reaping of rich demographic dividends while decreasing poverty.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
India, through the G20 presidency, intends to be remembered as the voice of the Global South at the heart of which is Africa. Most of the 54 countries of this continent are developing or least developed countries. To truly represent the South, it is essential to grasp the mood and changes in Africa, especially in its external partnerships. This will determine the contribution India can make to advance the African agenda.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about India’s priority with respect to Africa in its foreign policy and the need for revamping India-Africa policy to deepen its ties for mutual benefits.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
Body:
Briefly discuss the ties between India-Africa from the past to the present.
In the 21st century, Africa has transformed from a lost continent to a continent of hope. Subsequently, in recent years, Africa occupies a central place in the Indian government’s foreign and economic policy.
How in the current world of rising challenges, India and Africa can work towards addressing them. Elaborate upon – pandemic response, climate crisis preparedness, promoting food security and improving diasporic ties.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
As India assumed the G20 Presidency, the External Affairs Minister of India iterated the country’s role as the “voice of the Global South”, that is otherwise under-represented in global forums at the heart of which is Africa. Most of the 54 countries of this continent are developing or least developed countries. To truly represent the South, it is essential to grasp the mood and changes in Africa, especially in its external partnerships. This will determine the contribution India can make to advance the African agenda.
Body
India-Africa partnership
- India-Africa trade reached $62 billion in 2018 compared to $39 billion during 2009-10.
- After South Asia, Africa is the second-largest recipient of Indian overseas assistance with Lines of Credit (LOC) worth nearly $10 billion (42 per cent of the total) spread over 100 projects in 41 countries.
- Ties were boosted at the India Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) in 2015.
- Forty per cent of all training and capacity building slots under the ITEC programme have traditionally been reserved for Africa.
- Approximately 6,000 Indian soldiers are deployed in UN peace-keeping missions in five conflict zones in Africa.
- Bilateral cooperation includes solar energy development, information technology, cyber security, maritime security, disaster relief, counter-terrorism and military training.
- India has also launched several initiatives to develop closer relations, including the first-ever India Africa Defence Ministers conclave in February 2020 on the margins of the Defence Expo 2020.
- India provides about 50,000 scholarships to African students each year. The huge Indian diaspora is a major asset.
Considering the robust ties with Africa, India must now engage with the continent more pro-actively especially during the times of pandemic that can ravage human security and livelihoods in Africa.
Ways to deepen ties with Africa
- India is a development partner unlike China. China’s engagement of Africa, as elsewhere, is huge but increasingly regarded as predatory and exploitative.
- The Aarogya Setu App and the E-Gram Swaraj App for rural areas for mapping COVID-19 are technological achievements that could be shared with Africa.
- Since the movement of African students to India for higher education has been disrupted, India may expand the e-VidyaBharti (tele education) project to establish an India-Africa Virtual University.
- Agriculture and food security can also be a fulcrum for deepening ties. With the locust scourge devastating the Horn of Africa and the pandemic worsening the food crisis, India could ramp up its collaboration in this sector.
- India could also create a new fund for Africa and adapt its grant-in-aid assistance to reflect the current priorities.
- This could include support for new investment projects by Indian entrepreneurs especially in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors in Africa.
- Convergence of interest: Two partners are aligned on the outstanding issues at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and are in favor of multilateral trading systems.
- At the Bali Ministerial in 2013 too, Africa and India had united in seeking an interim mechanism for safeguarding minimum support prices to farmers against WTO caps till a permanent solution is found and adopted.
- Cooperation to tackle terrorism: India strongly advocated stepped-up cooperation through intelligence exchange and training with 54 African countries.
- There’s a convergence of interest for reforming the Security Council. It is imperative for both sides to speak in “one voice” for Security Council reforms.
Way forward
- Championing the Global South today would demand more active Indian engagement with the messy regional politics within the developing world.
- India must also come to terms with the fact that the Global South is not a coherent group and does not have a single shared agenda. There is much differentiation within the South today in terms of wealth and power, needs and capabilities.
- This demands a tailored Indian policy to different regions and groups of the developing world.
- India is eager to become a bridge between the North and the South by focusing on practical outcomes rather than returning to old ideological battles. If India can translate this ambition into effective policy, there will be no contradiction between the simultaneous pursuit of universal and particular goals.
Conclusion
India’s equity in Africa is older and richer than that of China and the U.S., but that should not be a source of complacency. India has striven hard, in the past two decades, to strengthen its political and economic partnership with Africa at the continental, regional and bilateral levels. The Modi government created a special momentum in arranging high-level exchanges and forging cooperation initiatives during the 2015-19 period.
Value addition
Significance of Africa for India
- Resource rich region: Africa is very resource-rich and has moved from being an underdeveloped continent to having several fast-growing economies, and new democracies.
- Economic Growth: The economic growth of the continent that is estimated to be 3.2 per cent in 2018. It also houses six of the world’s fastest growing economies as per world bank estimates. Additionally, several African countries have been providing incentives to attract foreign investors and partners in growth thus providing an opportunity for India.
- Reform in global institutions: India’s ambition to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council makes it imperative that it engages with all 54 countries of the continent.
- Investment opportunities for private sector: A number of Indian multinationals already have significant interests and investments in the region, with strategic sectors including agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, information and communications technology (ICT), and energy.
- Africa has emerged as an important market for Indian goods and services, as well as a vital element in India’s quest for strategic minerals and other natural resources needed to feed its burgeoning economy.
- India can also unleash massive possibilities in digital penetration in the continent.
- Peace keeping operation: India is the largest contributor to UN-mandated peacekeeping and other operations in Africa, with more than 30,000 personnel involved in 17 of 22 total missions in the region since 1960.
- India provides a useful model for African nations of democratic development. India is increasingly responding to requests from African governments to share its democratic experience, offering training on electronic voting systems, parliamentary procedures, federal governance, and an independent judicial system to strengthen the rule of law.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
The Union government and the Manipur government have signed a cessation of operations agreement with the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), a Manipur-based Naga armed group.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the obstacles to the Naga peace talks and suggest steps to resolve 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
Body:
In the first part, mention about Naga peace accord of 2015, the Centre signed a framework agreement with the NSCN (I-M) to resolve the Naga issue, but both sides maintaining secrecy about its contents.
Next write about the various obstacles in Naga peace process – Write about the friction between NSCN(I-M) and interlocutor R.N Ravi over some contents of the deal. Mention other hurdles such as sovereignty issues, demand for Greater Nagalim, Issues with non-Naga groups, Extortions by certain Naga groups and factions within the Nagas.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
The NSCN (IM) entered into a ceasefire agreement with the Centre in 1997 and the two have been holding talks since then, while a conglomerate of seven different Naga national political groups (NNPGs) also got into separate talks with the Centre since 2017. The Centre signed a “framework agreement” with NSCN (IM) in 2015, and an “agreed position” with the NNPGs in 2017. However, the NSCN (IM)’s demand for a separate Naga flag and constitution has been a delaying factor in signing a final deal on the protracted Naga political issue.
The Union government and the Manipur government have signed a cessation of operations agreement with the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), a Manipur-based Naga armed group.
Body
Naga Peace Accord and deadlock
- Enlarged Peace Talks: Talks were expanded in 2017 by including other Naga groups under the banner, the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs)
- Bilateral to Multilateral Negotiations: The Framework Agreement envisaged a bilateral truce between two entities, but today it is seen to be a multilateral one with involvement of seven prominent Naga groups
- Deadlock in Talks Since October 2019: The deadlock was on the insistence for a separate flag and constitution by the NSCN(IM) to make way for India and Nagaland to be independent allies in a shared-sovereignty federal relationship
- Differences within Naga Groups: The NSCN (I-M) still insists on a “Greater Nagalim”. However, most of the NNPGs based in Nagaland have sought to settle the issue without disturbing the State boundaries while keeping the “Greater Nagalim” question in abeyance.
Other issues in the peace process
- The agreement released by the NSCN-IM in August 2020 stated “sharing the sovereign power” and provide for an “enduring inclusive new relationship of peaceful co-existence of the two entities”.
- The NSCN-IM claims that the word ‘new’ is politically sensitive as it goes to define the meaning of peaceful co-existence of the two entities (two sovereign powers) and it strongly indicates outside the purview of the Constitution.
- The position of NSCN (IM) has been “with India, not within India”.
- Conceding to this demand, especially after the abrogation of Article 370, seems improbable for the Government.
- In November 2017, R N Ravi signed an agreement with seven groups who had come together under the banner of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), which did not include the NSCN (IM).
- The IM, which considers itself the principal representative of Naga aspirations, has been a rival of many of the NNPG groups. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020, the IM accused Ravi of attempting to “segregate the Naga civil society”.
- The NSCN-IM had claimed that the interlocutor Mr. Ravi, “craftily deleted the word new from the original” to justify his own narrative and circulated to the other Naga groups including NNGPs.
- NSCN-IM was also angered by Mr. Ravi’s letter to Nagaland CM, alleging the collapse of law and order and that armed gangs who question the sovereignty and integrity of the nation” were engaging in “blatant extortion”.
Way forward
- The government has roped in former IB officer Mishra as the new pointsperson for talks.
- It is important to understand that there cannot be an accord without the NSCN(IM). It continues to get young recruits and wields considerable influence in the region.
- The idea is to slowly bring them to accept what India can give.
- One of Mishra’s tasks would also be to delicately close the gap between the IM and NNPGs, which shared a good relationship with Ravi.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;
6. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)
“Men are what they are because of what they do. Not what they say.” ― Fredrik Backman
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-2023 Secure.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote.
Body:
Write about difference that people say one thing and do not follow it up with action. Mentions that practising what one preaches is the hallmark of one’s character. Substantiate with examples.
Conclusion:
Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.
Introduction
“You are what you do, not what you say you will do”.
The famously known quote ‘Action speaks louder than words’ captures the essence of the above line perfectly. When actions, thoughts and words are disconnected, a person lacks congruency. They end up out of sync and lacking in self-awareness.
It is much easier to lie with your words than with your actions because what you do more strongly correlates with what you want and what you believe. You can say anything without believing strongly in it.
Body
A good example can be seen in parenting. A parent might try to discipline their child by giving moral values to be truthful and honest. But the child emulates parents’ behavior. If the child sees the parent lying, he or she will learn and thinks that to be normal.
Mahatma Gandhi is the most noteworthy example here. His contribution to Indian independence was not just through words but through his actions. He not only propounded the theory of non-violence and truth but stood by it and practiced it. Infact, he led the people by upholding these values thorugh his actions. His actions towards the downtrodden, the oppressed made a huge impact on the society and upliftment of the poor. He truly gave way to Sarvodaya of all .
We should take care that our main focus is on our actions and hard work. We should be fully dedicated to our aim and fully concentrate with our whole heart on our work to give our full effort on our main aim. That is, if we are really focused then consequently our focus will not move towards what people say and suggest. Great personalities often save their precious time by speaking less and doing more. It has been aptly said, “An empty vessel makes the most noise”. And hence the person with an empty mind will talk much and make unnecessary excuses for the failure. So, whether we accept it or not but the truth is that actions prove to be much stronger than the words.
Conclusion
It is important to acknowledge the fact that our actions define us and not our choices. A winner always finds ways to turn the right ideas into good deeds. He or she will look for ways to give away to their dreams and transform them into reality.
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)
“Facts are many, but the truth is one” – Rabindranath Tagore
Difficulty level: Easy
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Quotes Wednesdays’ in Mission-2023 Secure.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote and highlighting its core meaning about importance of truth.
Body:
Write about facts can be manipulated and manufactures to suits the narrative. Give examples of justify your points. Mention that despite facts may point to different things generally the truth is only one.
Conclusion:
Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.
Introduction
Rabindranath Tagore, India’s first Nobel laureate, will always be remembered in India as his poetic composition reverberates in our hearts and spirits in the form of our national anthem. A poet, philosopher, patriot, and a social thinker put in one, Tagore is one of the greatest revolutionaries India has produced. Tagore felt nature is a treasure of wisdom and hence education must happen in a natural setting. He championed the ideals of naturalism, humanism, internationalism and idealism.
Body
A fact is something that’s indisputable, based on empirical research and quantifiable measures. Facts go beyond theories. They’re proven through calculation and experience, or they’re something that definitively occurred in the past.
Truth is entirely different; it may include fact, but it can also include belief. Oftentimes, people will accept things as true because they fall closer to their comfort zones, are assimilated easily into their comfort zones, or reflect their preconceived notions of reality.
The difference between fact and truth is that fact is something that exists in real form, while Truth is the true state of a particular thing or a matter like a person, place, animal or thing. Well, facts are things that can be seen visually and can be verified properly. Fact is indisputable while truth is acceptable. To call something a fact is, presumably, to make a claim that it is true. This isn’t a problem for many things, although defending such a claim can be harder than you think.
Truth used to be an absolute. In today’s world, it feels less so. While facts have always been cherry-picked to make an argument stand, the ability to see and understand the context of those facts used to be more of a constant.
In this post-truth era, perception is real, truth is not. Here, one chooses the narrative first and the facts will follow. And the data will meekly fit into the groove because, like water, it takes the shape of the container in which the narrative is served. Once you have picked your own narrative, you have chosen your own truth, a truth untainted by objective reality.
Conclusion
From an endless stream of political misinformation to inescapable lies on social media, the signs that we are living in a post-truth world are hard to ignore. Thus, there must be earnest efforts to ensure that truth is upheld despite many facts.
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