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
General Studies – 1
Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The article explores Jawaharlal Nehru’s lesser-known role as a historian and his passion for writing about the past.
Key Demand of the question:
To understand Nehru’s contributions in building New India and his criticism.
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 emphasising the crucial role of Nehru in freedom struggle and to go on to become the first Prime Minister of Independent India.
Body:
Write about various facets of contributions of Nehru such as Nehruvian socialism, Non Alignment Policy, Industrialisation, Contributions towards constitutional framework etc and how it is still relevant in the present day social dynamics.
Next, write about the criticism of Nehru and his policies.
Conclusion:
Summarise the above said points and how Nehru’s tryst with India’s destiny has remained relevant till date.
Introduction
Jawahar Lal Nehru (1889-1964) was the first Prime Minister of India and a control figure in Indian Politics before and after independence. He emerged as the paramount leader of the Indian independence movement under the tutelage of Mahatma Gandhi and ledIndia from its establishment as an independent nation in 1947 until his death in 1964.
Body
Nehruvian Policies that aided nation building post Independence
- Nehru’s vision of India was anchored in a set of ideas such as democracy, secularism, inclusive economic growth, free press and non-alignment in international affairs and also in institutions that would lay the foundation for India’s future growth.
- These institutions touched every kind of economic activity, ranging from agriculture to aviation and space research.
- Consolidation of the nation: Nehru took a firm stance against the possible division of India into smaller principalities. He established the State Reorganization Committee to fulfil regional aspirations of the people which would lower the chances of them wanting to cede from the nation. This way he strengthened the unity.
- Rehabilitation of refugees: Refugees from Pakistan were given shelter and attempts were made to reduce communalism.
- Secularism: It was mainly due to Jawahar Lal Nehru’s efforts that India emerged as a secular state in the mid-twentieth century. Much before independence, he played a heroic role in the development of a secular basis for Indian polity. This helped in building the narrative of ‘Unity in Diversity’.
- Welfare state: Nehru was a practical idealist and believed that socialism and democracy were not contradictory but complementary to each other. He wanted to build a welfare state for the equitable distribution of wealth.
- Planning Commission: Nehru, a pragmatic socialist understood the importance of the welfare state in a country which does not have sufficient infrastructure, established a planning commission for long term planning of social schemes.
- Non-Alllignment Policy (NAM): Nehru, being the Foreign Minister, did not want to join either of the power blocs. Also he did not want India to remain aloof from world politics. Therefore, Nehru’s visionary approach to establish NAM with other third world countries proved to be an ideal foreign policy approach.
Conclusion
The period of Nehru is recorded in the history as “Nehruvian Era” during which democracy took the roots; and social, economic, cultural and educational development for the nation building. Despite facing daunting tasks, he was successful in maintaining and strengthening the nation.
Topic: urbanization, their problems and their remedies
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
The editorial discusses the issue of a growing waste hill in Bhubaneswar, highlighting the environmental and health concerns associated with improper waste management.
Key Demand of the question:
To write issues with respect increased dumping of wastes in landfills and remedies for better waste management.
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:
Give a statistic about increasing municipal solid waste with the increasing rate of urbanisation.
Body:
First, write the problems associated with rapid urbanisation and waste management in India at landfills: Leaching of chemicals, spread of diseases, release of poisonous and toxic gages, fires, serious health and environmental hazards to the people etc.
Next, suggest strategies to deal with solid waste so that it may prove a resource instead of waste.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
India alone generates more than 1,00,000 metric tonnes of solid waste every day, which is higher than many countries’ total daily waste generation taken together. Large metropolis such as Mumbai and Delhi generate around 9,000 metric tonnes and 8,300 metric tonnes of waste per day, respectively. India suffers from inefficient and insufficient waste infrastructure and also from increasing rates of solid waste generation per capita. Besides, the infrastructure and technologies, we must also concede that we have not addressed the issue from a systemic perspective.
a growing waste hill in Bhubaneswar, highlighting the environmental and health concerns associated with improper waste management..
Body
Current Situation of MSW in India:
- ULBs are responsible for segregated waste collection, transporting waste in covered vehicle, processing, recyclables, separating domestic hazardous waste and disposing inert material in sanitary landfills
- Various studies reveal that about 90% of MSW is disposed of unscientifically in open dumps and landfills, creating problems to public health and the environment.
- Over 377 million urban people live in 7,935 towns and cities and generate 62 million tonnes of municipal solid waste per annum.
- Only 43 million tonnes (MT) of the waste is collected, 11.9 MT is treated and 31 MT is dumped in landfill sites.
- Most cities have confined themselves to collection and transportation of solid waste. Processing and safe disposal are being attempted only in a few cases.
- The CPCB report also reveals that only 68% of the MSW generated in the country is collected of which, 28% is treated by the municipal authorities. Thus, merely 19% of the total waste generated is currently treated.
- Disappearance of urban water bodies and wetlands in urban areas can be attributed to illegal dumping of Construction & Demolition waste.
Some of the major issues concerning solid waste management are:
- Absence of segregation of waste at source
- Lack of funds for waste management at ULBs.
- Unwillingness of ULBs to introduce proper collection, segregation, transportation and treatment/ disposal systems.
- Lack of technical expertise and appropriate institutional arrangement
- lack of infrastructure and technology
- lack of involvement from the private sector and non-governmental organisations
- Indifference of citizens towards waste management due to lack of awareness
- Lack of community participation towards waste management and hygienic conditions
- Lack of sewage management plan.
- About 70% of the plastic packaging products turn into plastic waste within a short period.
- Unorganized vendors and markets, existence of slum areas and Corruption are other issues plaguing MSWM.
Remedies to tackle MSW
- State governments should provide financial support to ULBs to improve their waste management system under various schemes and programs.
- Initiatives like Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT should provide significant funding to improve civic services infrastructure.
- The key to efficient waste management is to ensure proper segregation of waste at source and to ensure that the waste goes through different streams of recycling and resource recovery as stated in the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
- Waste to energy is a key component of SWM. Installation of waste-to-compost and bio-methanation plants would reduce the load of landfill sites
- There is a need to encourage research and development so as to reinvent waste management system in India.
- The focus should be on recycling and recovering from waste and not landfill. Further, it is important to encourage recycling of e-waste so that the problem of e-waste
- Public- Private Partnership models for waste management should be encouraged.
- Construction and demolition waste should be stored, separately disposed off, as per the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016.
- Responsibilities of Generators have been introduced to segregate waste in to three streams, Wet (Biodegradable), Dry (Plastic, Paper, metal, wood, etc.) and domestic hazardous wastes (diapers, napkins, empty containers of cleaning agents, mosquito repellents, etc.) and handover segregated wastes to authorized rag-pickers or waste collectors or local bodies.
- Sensitization of citizens as well as government authorities, community participation, involvement of NGOs. Littering should be prohibited.
- International Best practices should be emulated. South Korea is one of the few countries to separate and recycle food waste. It has also launched landfill recovery projects such as the Nanjido recovery project which have successfully transformed hazardous waste sites into sustainable ecological attractions.
Conclusion
Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) is one of the major environmental problems of Indian cities. The need of the hour is scientific, sustainable and environment friendly management of wastes.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
India and the US have agreed to co-produce the Stryker armoured vehicles that will give a big boost to India’s defence preparedness against China.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the scope of India–United States (US) relations – in spheres of defence, technology, etc. Alignment of the above relations and their divergence.
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 regarding the growth of the India-U.S relationship in the recent past.
Body:
In the first part, write about the US as India’s most comprehensive strategic partner, and cooperation between the two extends across multiple areas such as trade, defense, multilateralism, intelligence, cyberspace, civil nuclear energy, education, and healthcare.
Next, write about how even though in all these spheres they cooperate and are parallel in ideologies but not the same as both have diverged aspirations, and are based on different ideologies. Cite examples to substantiate.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a balanced opinion.
Introduction
India USA have seen ascendance of relationship in the 21st century, which was crystalised by 2008 India Nuclear Civil Nuclear Agreement. Various factors, including LPG reforms, rise of China, increasing influence of Indian community in USA are the factors behind this. Also, the shared values of democracy, rule of law, human rights, religious freedom bind the countries together.
The Prime Minister of India is on an official state visit to the USA, where he will lead the 9th International Day of Yoga celebrations from the auspices of UN Headquarters in New York.
Body
India and USA relations aligned with each other
- Security: Combat terrorism and weapons of mass destruction Protect global commons like sea routes and sea lanes of communication.
- Eg:India has mentioned Taiwan issue in public for the first time while USA has been passing through South China sea and Taiwan straits to protect freedom of navigation in high seas.
- Recently, India and the US have agreed to co-produce the Stryker armoured vehicles that will give a big boost to India’s defence preparedness against China.
- Global cooperation:International Cooperation through platforms like UN, ASEAN, G-20, IMF, Quad. Quad security dialogue has been initiated to reign in China’s dominance in the region.
- Defence cooperation: Defence agreements Iike LEMOA, COMCASA, Industrial Security Agreement and BECA; Bilateral military exercises like Yudh Abhyaas, Vajra prahar, etc have been taking place every year.
- Space cooperation: Indo-US science and technology cooperation agreement; Joint Microwave remote sensing satellite named NISAR.
- Diaspora and people to people ties: Strength of Indian diaspora in US is around 4.5 million which is around 1% of its population. Indian diaspora is a source and agent of soft power, an effective public diplomacy tool and is acknowledged for its work ethos, discipline, non-interference and peaceful living with the locals.
Divergences and friction areas
- Tariffs war: Since 2018 both countries were engaged in tariffs war. E.g. In 2018, the US imposed additional tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminium imports from various countries, including India. India’s refusal to remove the 20% tariffs on ICT products caused the trade deal between India and USA to delay which remains still pending.
- WTO disputes: India USA are involved in WTO disputes on issues like, Capping prices of medical devices by India, greater Indian market access for American agriculture and dairy products etc.
- IPR: India is also on U.S.’s “Priority Watch List” which identifies countries posing challenges to American intellectual property rights. Also, The US wants India to strengthen patent regulations, and to ease the limitations American companies investing in India face.
- USA tensions with Iran, Russia: Putting unilateral curbs on Russian and Iranian imports into India through CAATSA would impinge on India’s relations with Iran, Russia, both relations in which India has strong stakes.
- Divergence of interests in Afghanistan: In the backdrop of Afghan Peace deal, U.S. left Afghanistan. Decades of work was scrapped as Taliban took over and freedom of people and the developmental work India did is hampered.
Conclusion
Despite the differences in some areas, the upward trajectory in India USA relations indicates a sense of greater nuance to the need for institutionalisation of bilateral ties — towards not only graduating the bilateral dynamic away from over-dependence on chemistry between the top political leadership, but also design frameworks in a manner that maximise convergences between the two countries.
The changing geopolitics, and increased Chinese aggression necessitates closer cooperation between India USA. Thus, the relationship is two-sided. Just as India benefited from US inputs during Doklam and recent India China standoff, the US has benefited from Indian defence spending.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Indian Express. , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article discusses the significance of decentralized energy systems, particularly solar power, in enhancing energy security, especially in climate-vulnerable regions.
Key Demand of the question:
-To write about the scope and limiting factors in the growth of solar energy and measures taken by the government to promote them,
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 giving context regarding the development of solar energy in India.
Body:
First, mention about the huge potential for growth, emission-free nature and consistent nature of solar energy production in contrast with other forms of energy.
Next, evaluate the various constraining factors for a solar energy – such as land requirement, man power, financing, efficiency and manufacturing needs etc.
Next, write about the various measures taken by the government to promote solar energy.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction
Since 2011, India’s solar sector has grown at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 59%. From less than 10 MW in 2010, India has added significant solar PV capacity over the past decade, achieving over 50 GW by 2022. By 2030, India is targeting about 500 GW of renewable energy deployment, out of which 280 GW is expected from solar PV.
Body
Current status of Solar Energy in India
- The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), also known as the National Solar Mission (NSM),which commenced in January 2010, marked the first time the government focused on promoting and developing solar power in India.
- Under the scheme, the total installed capacity target was set as 20GW by 2022. In 2015, the target was revised to 100GW and in August 2021, the government set a solar target of 300GW by 2030.
- India currently ranks fifth after China, U.S., Japan and Germany in terms of installed solar power capacity.
- As of December 2021, the cumulative solar installed capacity of India is 55GW, which is roughly half the renewable energy (RE) capacity (excluding large hydro power) and 14% of the overall power generation capacity of India.
- Within the 55GW, grid-connected utility-scale projects contribute 77% and the rest comes from grid-connected rooftop and off-grid projects.
Scope & Opportunities
- India, being a tropical country is endowed with plenty of solar energy; hence, exploitation of solar energy becomes an important component of renewable energy sector
- India is endowed with vast solar energy potential.
- About 5,000 trillion kWh per year energyis incident over India’s land area with most parts receiving 4-7 kWh per sq. m per day
- Karnataka leads India’s list of states producing solar energy, with a total installed solar power capacity of about 7,100MW; followed by Telangana, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat
- Also, India is now the fourth-largest solar power producer in the world
- India’s Bhadla Solar Park is the largest solar power park in the world, which contribute to an operational capacity of 2245MW.
Government Initiatives towards promotion of Solar Energy
- National Solar Mission (NSM): The 100 GW solar ambition at the heart of the world’s largest renewable energy expansion programme
- International Solar Alliance:In pursuance to enhance Solar Energy production, India along with France launched the International Solar Alliance with the aim to promote solar energy in 121 member countries and to mobilize over $1 trillion of investment for the deployment of solar energy at affordable costs.
- 100 GW target: The target set by India, for installed solar energy capacity is 100 GW by March 2023 — 40 GW rooftop solar and 60 GW ground-mounted utility scale
- Under ‘One sun One World One Grid’, India seeks to replicate its global solar leadership by encouraging the phased development of a single globally connected solar electricity grid to leverage the multiple benefits (Low cost, Zero pollution) of solar energy.
- India has pledged to mobilize more than US $ 1000 billion of investments needed by 2030 for massive deployment of solar energy.
Challenges
- India’s solar energy development is largely built over imported products.
- India is facing challenge to balance Prioritising domestic goals and WTO commitments.
- India is dependent on Chinese imports for solar equipment, such as solar cells, panels, etc.
- The dumping of products is leading to profit erosion of local manufacturers.
- Land availability in India for solar plant is less due to high population density.
- China’s strong manufacturing base is giving stiff challenge to domestic manufacturer.
- India’s solar waste is estimated to be around 1.8 million by 2050, which needs to be tackled.
- There is little fiscal space for large public investment in renewables, while private investment in renewables at scale is just starting.
- The willingness of developed countries to make available adequate low-cost finance and required technologies remains uncertain.
Way Forward
- Strong financial measures are required to finance the solar projects.
- Innovative steps like green bonds, institutional loans and clean energy fund can play a crucial role.
- Promotion of research and development in renewable energy sector, especially in storage technology.
- Along with prioritizing designing microgrids, public policy attention is needed for developing battery technologies at scale for local applications.
- India needs a Solar Waste Management and Manufacturing Standards Policy.
Conclusion
India’s bid to play a leadership role in setting up a World Solar Bank is laudable. It could galvanize domestic efforts and give the country a global voice in the push for a clean planet.
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: en.wikipedia.org
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the provisions of the Environment Protection Act, its strengths and limitations.
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 the answer by writing about the objectives of Environment Protection Act.
Body:
First, write about the major revisions of Environment Protection Act – set standards for emissions and discharge of environmental pollutants, establishes regulatory bodies to regulate pollution, and provides for the regulation of hazardous substances., penalties and punishment for violation of its provisions.
Next, write about the strengths and limitations of the above.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward
Introduction
The Environment (Protection) Act (EPA) was enacted in 1986 with the objective of providing the protection and improvement of the environment. The Act is largely regarded as a response to the Bhopal gas tragedy. The Act was enacted by the Government of India in accordance with Article 253 of the Indian Constitution, which authorises the union government to establish legislation to give effect to foreign agreements made by the country.
Body
Major features of EPA
- The Central government is also empowered to:
- Plan and Execute a nation-wide programmefor the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution.
- Lay down standards for the quality of environmentin its various aspects.
- Lay down standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutantsfrom various sources.
- The restriction of areasin which any industries, operations or processes or class of industries, operations or processes shall/ shall not be carried out subject to certain safeguards.
- The Central Government mayappoint officers under this Act for various purposes and entrust them with the corresponding powers and functions.
- The central government as per the Act has the power to direct:
- The closure, prohibition or regulation of any industry, operation or process.
- The stoppage or regulation of the supply of electricity or water or any other service.
- Restriction on Pollutant Discharge:No individual or organisation shall discharge/emit or permit to discharge/emit any environmental pollutant in excess of the prescribed standards.
- Compliance with Procedural Safeguards:No individual shall handle or shall be caused to handle any hazardous substance except in accordance with the procedure and without complying with the safeguards, as prescribed.
- Powers of Entry and Inspection:Any person empowered by the Central Government shall have a right to enter (with the assistance deemed necessary) at any place:
- For the inspection of compliance of any orders, notifications and directions given under the Act.
- For the purpose of examining (and if required seizing) any equipment, industrial plant, record, register, document or any other material object may furnish evidence of the commission of an offence punishable under this Act.
- Establishment of Environmental Laboratories:The Central Government, as per the Act, is entitled to:
- Establish environmental laboratories.
- Recognise any laboratory or institute as environmental laboratories to carry out the functions entrusted to such a laboratory.
- The Central Government is also entitled to make rules specifying the functions of environmental laboratories.
- Appointment of Government Analyst:A Government Analyst is appointed by the Central Government for the analysing the samples of air, water, soil or other substance sent to a recognised environmental laboratory.
- Penalties for Offences:Non-compliance or Contravention to any of the provisions of the Act is considered as an offence.
- Any offences under the EPA are punishable with the imprisonment of upto five years or a fine upto one lakh rupees or both.
- Offences by Companies:If an offence under this Act is committed by a company, every person directly in charge of the company, at the time of the commitment of offence, is deemed to be guilty unless proven otherwise.
- Offences by Government Departments:If an offence under this Act has been committed by any Department of Government, the Head of the Department (HoD) shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence unless proven otherwise.
- Any officer, other than HoD, if proven guilty, shall also be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.
- Cognizance of offences:No Court shall take cognizance of any offence under this Act except on a complaint made by:
- The Central Government or any authority on behalf of the former.
- A person who has approached the Courts after a 60-day notice has been furnished to the Central Government or the authority on its behalf.
Strengths of the Act
- It empowers the Central Governmentto establish authorities charged with the mandate of preventing environmental pollution in all its forms and to tackle specific environmental problems that are peculiar to different parts of the country.
- The Central Government shall have the power to take all such measures as it deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of protecting and improving the quality of the environment in coordination with the State Governments.
- The Act is one of the most comprehensive legislationswith a pretext to protection and improvement of the environment.
Limitations
- While the Centre is given broad powers, the state governments are given none, the former is prone to arbitrariness and abuse.
- The Act likewise makes no mention of public participation in environmental protection.
- Citizens must be involved in environmental preservation to counteract arbitrariness and promote understanding and empathy for the environment.
- The Act does not address current concepts of pollution such as noise, overcrowded transportation systems, and radiation waves, all of which contribute to the deterioration of the environment.
Conclusion
EPA was enacted with the primary purpose of conserving and enhancing the environment and associated issues. It empowers the Central Government to make all necessary efforts to avoid and control pollution, as well as to construct effective machinery to protect, improve, and regulate environmental pollution.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of Mission-2024 Secure.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about how Integrity is at the core of good character.
Directive word:
Substantiate – When you are asked to Substantiate, you must 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 using suitable case studies or/ and examples.
Introduction:
Begin by defining what is Integrity.
Body:
Mention how integrity boosts the moral values such as honesty, fairness, decency etc that boosts one’s moral character and contributes to an ethical system. Use examples to support the argument.
Also, write about how with having Integrity as foundational value, we can add more virtues for ethical development.
Conclusion:
Mention that it further boosts self-awareness of individuals and aids for a just society.
Introduction
“In looking for people to hire, look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence and energy. And if they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.” (Warren Buffet)
Integrity is having a strong set of ethical principles, being able to tell the truth no matter the consequences, admitting to a wrong even if you could get away without doing it. Integrity is about doing the right thing; it is being incorruptible, honest, and above all, doing all these things when no one is around to see it.
Body
Integrity is a four-step process: keeping in mind the aim/ purpose of one’s action or inaction and acting consistently with that choice—even when it is inconvenient or unprofitable to do so; choosing the right course of conduct in conformity with moral principles; openly declaring one’s intentions or where one stands; and results of one’s actions.
In 1964, Mandela was sentenced to 27 years in prison at Robben Island. He accepted it with dignity. He knew that overthrowing apartheid called for struggle and sacrifice, and was prepared for the long walk to freedom.
Ten thousand days in prison failed to break Mandela and he refused to compromise on his beliefs or leave the struggle midway.
Integrity embraces all qualities
- The civil servants need to be people of absolute integrity because only then they can take the civil service as a ’vocation’. It strengthens the sense of mission which a civil servant is supposed to undertake to serve the public; perform duties and fulfil obligations.
- A similar doctrine of vocation was enunciated several thousand years ago by Lord Krishna in Bhagwad Gita. It has been mentioned there, that ‘’Securing” universal welfare by one’s action is the ultimate measure of a human being but more so of those who hold the public office”.
- Civil servants have to set out highest standards of integrity and morality. This requires self-sacrifice a concept that rises above individualism and ‘hedonism’to create an environment of public duty among the civil servants. An exemplary civil servant is not simply one who obeys the laws and behaves within the confines of law but is also one who strives for a moral government.
- Integrity requires in a civil servant toincorporate the values of honesty, sympathy empathy, compassion, fairness, self-control and duty so that she/he will be able to uphold high personal and professional standards in all circumstances.
Conclusion
Honesty is telling truth to other people, but Integrity is about being truthful to oneself.
‘Civil Service Conduct Rules’ recommends ‘absolute integrity’ for civil servants, irrespective of their department. Also, every civil servant is supposed to take all possible steps to ensure the integrity of all government servants for the time being under his control and only be honest but should also have the reputation of being so. Integrity has been considerably widened by declaring that a civil servant must keep himself within bounds of administrative decency.
Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.
7. What are the factors that makes an individual develop compassion? (150 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of Mission-2024 Secure.
Key Demand of the question:
To distinguish factors that lead to the development of compassion.
Directive word:
Substantiate – When you are asked to Substantiate, you must 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 using suitable case studies or/ and examples.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining compassion.
Body:
Write about the factors that lead to development of compassion – influences, experiences, value education etc. Cite examples to substantiate.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing about importance of compassion.
Introduction
Compassion is a deeper level of empathy, demonstrating an actual desire to help the suffering person. It is a unique feeling of sympathy for the suffering of others that involves emotions and empathy towards others, a sense of understanding, and the drive to protect.
It is the willingness to relieve the suffering of another. It is the sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. It motivates people to go out of their way to help the physical, mental, or emotional pains of another and themselves. Compassion is often regarded as having sensitivity, an emotional aspect to suffering. Qualities of compassion are patience and wisdom; kindness and perseverance; warmth and resolve.
Body
Development of compassion: Intrinsic factors and extrinsic factors
- Family and friends: Emulating the behaviour of the authoritative figures in the family and friend circle makes one compassionate and gives a compassionate outlook to individual.
- Self-awareness: Being aware of one’s behaviour, privilege and understanding the factors influencing one’s attitude can alos make one compassionate.
- Role model: Fan worship, hero worship or inspirational leaders who lead by examples are extrinsic factors for being compassionate.
- Experiences: Understanding the pain of others comes easily when one’s has experiences someone else’s compassion towards themselves in time of crisis. This will make them compassionate in turn to return the good to the society.
- Seeing the injustices, inequalityand understanding why there is inequality will make one compassionate and philanthropic in nature.
Compassion is a guiding star to advance humanity in crisis settings. Without compassion, which literally means ‘suffering together,’ we would not be able to put ourselves into each other’s shoes, or see a crisis through the eyes of a child and realise that other human lives are worth saving, sometimes by taking risks.
“If we want societies to be inclusive, cohesive and peaceful, this is the time to foster an alliance between cultures, civilizations, and people”. Global fraternity and global village must become a reality to save human kind from an impending apocalypse which is man-made.
Conclusion
The world desperately stands in need of compassion today. A compassion, which reaches out to the unloved, the ostracized, the marginalized and the vulnerable. A compassion, that takes a stand for the poor, the victims of injustice, the refugees and the displaced. A compassion, that is able to negate and overcome the hate and divisiveness. The humankind must be compassionate to each other to see the world thrive.
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