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: Salient features of world’s physical geography.
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-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the regional divisions in the northern plains, its geomorphological features and significance.
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 mentioning about Northern Plains of India and their composition.
Body:
In the first part of the body, bring forth the regional divisions: Sindh Plain, Rajasthan Plain, Punjab Plain, Ganga Plain, Brahmaputra Plain, Ganga – Brahmaputra Delta and explain them briefly.
In the next part, bring out the geomorphological features such as The Bhabar, The Terai, The Bhangar, The Khadar, Reh or Kollar and explain them briefly.
In the final part, mention about the significance such as Agriculture, Tourism, Soil profile, Ecology and cultural aspects etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
The great Northern Plains of India are an aggradation surface of great extent formed after the Himalayas. They are comparatively of recent origin and are believed to have formed by the filling up of a depression resulting from the uplifting of the Himalayas, by deposition of sediments brought by swift-flowing Himalayan rivers, originated in Himalayas. This plain is mainly developed by rivers Ganga, Indus and Brahmaputra. The fine and the deep alluvium deposits by the rivers make the northern plains one of the most fertile plains in the world.
Body
Regional divisions:
- Plains of northern India, a flat and enormous plain, extend in the east west direction between the Himalayan in the north and Great Indian Peninsular Plateau in the south.
- They are divided into three parts:
- Indus plain
- Ganga plain
- Brahmaputra plain.
- Northern plains are the youngest physiographic feature in India. They lie to the south of the Shivaliks, separated by the Himalayan Frontal Fault (HFF).
- These plains form an unbroken belt of alluvium varying in thickness from east Bihar Plain to Punjab and northern Rajasthan.
- Sutlej Plain in the west, the Ganga Plain in the middle, the Ganga Delta and the Brahmaputra Valley in the east constitute the northern plains.
- The southern boundary is a wavy irregular line along the northern edge of the Peninsular India.
- On the eastern side, the plains are bordered by the Purvanchal hills.
- These are among the largest plains of the world.
Geomorphological features:
- The most characteristic feature of the great plains of Northern India is their extreme horizontality. From the geomorphological aspect there is no difference between the Indus basin and the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin.
- They are classified into four distinct divisions:
- Bhabar belt: made up of pebbles and boulders, the streams flow underground, adjacent to foothills
- Terai belt: composed of new alluvium, region is damped and thickly forested and receives heavy rainfall throughout the year and has a variety of wildlife.
- Bangar Belt: composed of old alluvium, forms Gangetic delta, covered by laterite deposits
- Khadar Belt: made up of new alluvium of the flood zones.
- They are formed by the alluvial deposits of the rivers and their tributaries.
- They extend from Sutlej river in the west to Brahmaputra in the east.
- The northern plains are the largest alluvial tract of the world. These plains extend approximately 3200 km from west to east.
- The average width of these plains varies between 150 and 300 km. In general, the width of the northern plains increases from east to west (90-100km in Assam to about 500km in Punjab).
Importance of Northern Plains:
- The northern plains are a riverine region, being bountifully endowed with the fertile soil, favourable climate, flat surface rendering possible the construction of roads and railways, and slow moving rivers. All these factors have made this plain very important.
- Heavy Concentration of Population:
- The great plain of India with its deep, fertile, stoneless, alluvial soil and its many rivers, is the most favourable and most desirable part of the sub-continent.
- Economic Significance:
- The plains have a fertile soil and because of the slow moving perennial water courses and favourable climate and they are, the great agricultural tracts of the country, raising bumper crops of rice, wheat, oilseeds, sugarcane, tobacco and jute.
- They are even now the foci of industrial and commercial activities.
- Rivers are navigable throughout the year and support inland transportation
- Flat land- good for roads and railways,
- Irrigational facilities.
- For construction of H.E.P. Plants
- It has well developed roads, railways and navigable waterways which promotes trade and commerce in this region
- Northern Plains produces 60% of food in India. It is home to around 65 crore people.
- Agriculture, livestock, power plants, industries and tourism provide employment to more than half of population in India.
Conclusion
Altogether, the great Indian Northern plains play a substantial function in the geographical richness of India. One of the densely populated regions of the country, the plains add to the cultural and the traditional heritage of India. In a nutshell, the plains are a land of favorable attraction, tourism, and employment opportunities.
Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.
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-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about importance of monsoon for India and causes for its variation.
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 introducing Indian monsoon and its importance briefly.
Body:
First, write in detail about the overall importance of Indian monsoon.
Start by briefly mentioning about mechanism of the monsoon and the reasons for fluctuations in Indian monsoon according to the seasons. Divide the answer in to various months and how monsoon varies with it. Use a diagram to explain it more systematically. Do include the Western Disturbances, Somali Jet Streams, Easterly Jet streams etc, climate change. Write about its impact.
Next, write about the impact of the above.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward to deal with excess and well as deficit of monsoonal rain.
Introduction
Monsoons are seasonal winds which reverse their direction with the change of season. The monsoon is a double system of seasonal winds. They flow from sea to land during the summer and from land to sea during winter. Monsoons are peculiar to Indian Subcontinent, South East Asia, parts of Central Western Africa etc. Indian Monsoons are Convection cells on a very large scale. They are periodic or secondary winds which seasonal reversal in wind direction.
Body
Indian Monsoon and its significance to global monsoon
- Monsoon rainfall is the life-blood of more than half the world’s population, for whom agriculture is the main source of subsistence.
- The monsoon affects a region comprising nearly 25 countries and its influence stretches across a distance of 18,000 kilometres (from east to west) and 6,000 kilometres (from south to north).
- Over half of the globe’s population, most in developing countries, live under the influence of monsoon-dominated climates.
- Their culture and lifestyle have evolved around its cyclical nature, and agriculture is still the most common form of land use in most of these regions.
- The dependency of the agricultural sector on monsoonal rains – particularly in countries with poor infrastructure and increased urbanisation – results in societies that are highly vulnerable to variability in monsoonal characteristics, such as onset and termination dates, total rainfall amounts, and rainfall intensities
Changing patterns of Indian monsoon over the subcontinents
- Climate Change has been ruining quite a few things such and Indian Monsoon might be one of them.
- The worst part here is that the effects of the Indian Monsoon are also felt by others and not just India, making it an active feature of the weather across the globe.
- Research has confirmed that Monsoon in Asia is entwined with several aspects of global climate along with having an influence over the global atmospheric circulation as well.
- Since the year 1950, average summer rains in India have declined by around 7 percent.
- In 1990s, high concentrations of aerosols were found in the northern Indian Ocean. In fact, satellite images even showed a stain across the Indo-Gangetic Plain and over the Indian Ocean, which was named as the “brown cloud”. In 1999, a team of investigators set out to understand what brown cloud exactly was.
- Black carbon combines with sulfates and other aerosols, wherein the Indo-Gangetic Plain contributes highly due to intensive industrial and extractive activity.
- Regional Climate Change has been occurring also because of changes in land use.
- In the last 15 decades, forest cover over Asia has reduced significantly.
- Increase in agricultural production in India, excessive use of water for irrigation has caused a negative impact on the moisture of the soil thereby diminishing its capability to reflect or absorb heat.
- Due to all these factors, Monsoon is shifting its patterns.
- Aerosols absorb solar radiation due to which less of it reaching the surface of the Earth.
- This leads to cooling of land, reducing the contrast of temperature between sea and land, thereby weakening the atmospheric circulation that sustains the Indian Monsoon.
- Not only this, changes in circulation in the Indian subcontinent affect air-sea interaction which is the binding factor between Asia and the Indian Ocean.
Way forward:
- Monsoon does play a big role in India. It has social, political, as well as economic implications.
- Thus monsoon doesn’t only affect the crops but all the industries in the country.
- The monsoon-dependent Indian economy needs climate-sensitive budgeting.
- The excessive dependence on monsoon may be mitigated by the construction of modern irrigation canals, afforestation, and diversification of Indian industries.
- Farmers, especially smallholder farmers, need advance warning of emergent weather conditions at a local level.
- Develop climate-smart agriculture practices.
- Build adaptive capacities to climate variability and strengthen the sustainability of farming systems.
- Preventive measures for drought that include growing of pulses and oilseeds instead of rice.
- Mobile telecommunication systems are increasingly cost-effective and an efficient way of delivering weather-based agro-advisories to farmers at a large scale.
Conclusion
Monsoon does play a big role in India. It has social, political, as well as economic implications. Thus, monsoon doesn’t only affect the crops but all the industries in the country. The monsoon-dependent Indian economy needs climate-sensitive budgeting. The excessive dependence on monsoon may be mitigated by the construction of modern irrigation canals, afforestation, and diversification of Indian industries.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article discusses the prospects of the Women’s Reservation Bill in India, which aims to increase the representation of women in legislative bodies.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the significance of Blockchain technology and its application.
Directive word:
Critically analyze – 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. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly giving context.
Body:
First, write about the pros of giving 33% reservation to women in the parliament – enhancing political representation, promoting gender-sensitive policies, and serving as a source of inspiration.
Next, write about the arguments in favour of the policy – women empowerment, addressing historic inequalities etc.
Next, write about the challenges in implementing it – lack of political will, sociocultural barriers, concerns of tokenism, the need for qualified representatives, potential backlash, and the complex issue of intersectionality etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
The reservation of 33% seats for women in the Indian Parliament is a significant step towards achieving gender equality and empowerment in the political sphere. The Women’s Reservation Bill, aims to address historical gender imbalances and create a more inclusive and representative democracy.
The, Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023, seeks to introduce three new articles and one new clause in the Constitution.
Body
Background: Women’s reservation
- Originated from the pre-Independence era when several women’s organizations demanded political representation for women.
- In 1955: government appointed committee recommended that 10% of seats in the Lok Sabha and State legislative assemblies should be reserved for women.
- In the 1980s: demand for women’s reservations gained momentum.
- The National Perspective Plan for Women (1988) recommended that 30% of seats in all elected bodies should be reserved for women.
- This recommendation was reiterated in the National Policy for the Empowerment of Women, which was adopted in 2001.
- The Panchayati Raj Act(1993) was amended to reserve 33% of all seats in local government bodies for women
- In 1996, the Women’s Reservation Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha.
- The Bill proposed to reserve one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and State legislative Assemblies for women.
- Facing strong opposition from some political parties it lapsed.
- It gained more momentum again in the early 2000s.
- In 2010, the Bill was approved in the Rajya Sabha.
Need for women’s reservation in the Parliament
- According to Global Gender Gap Report 2022, India ranks 48th out of 146 in Political Empowerment (Percentage of Women in Parliament and in Ministerial Positions) dimension.
- 75 years after Independence, Parliament lacks substantial representation from the women population, with women holding just 14% of the seats.
- Affirmative action is necessary to better the condition of women, as political parties are inherently patriarchal.
- Women are still under-represented in Parliament, and reservations will ensure that women form a strong lobby to fight for issues that are often ignored.
- More women in decision-making positions are needed to address the high percentage of crimes against women, low participation of women in the workforce, low nutrition levels, and skewed sex ratio.
- The scenario for women Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) across all state assemblies in India is even worse, with the national average being a pitiable 9%.
- In the last 75 years of independence, women’s representation in Lok Sabha has not even increased by 10%.
- Notwithstanding its rank, its score is quite low at 0.267. Some of the best-ranking countries in this category score much better. For instance, Iceland is ranked 1 with a score of 0.874 and Bangladesh is ranked 9 with a score of 0.546.
- Women’s right to self-representation and self-determination;
- The various surveys do indicate that women representatives from Panchayati Raj have worked commendably in the development and overall well-being of society in villages and many of them would definitely want to work on the larger scale, however, they face various challenges in the political structure prevalent in India.
Arguments Against the Bill
- Reserving seats for women is opposed by some who claim that doing so violates the Constitution’s guarantee of equality. If there is a reserve, they claim, women won’t be competing on merit, which could decrease their status in society.
- It may also happen that, women won’t be able to stand for elections from unreserved constituencies, and their numbers may get confined to 33% of all seats because of this.
Clauses of the new Bill
- New clause in 239AA: Seats shall be reserved for women in the Delhi Legislative Assembly, 1/3rd of the seats reserved for SCs shall be reserved for women, 1/3rd of total number of seats to be filled by direct elections shall be reserved for women through law determined by parliament
- New Article – 330A: Reservation for women in Lok Sabha – 1/3rd of seats reserved for SCs and STs shall be reserved for women, 1/3rd of total seats to be filled by direct elections to the Lok Sabha shall be reserved for women
- New Article – 332A: Reserved seats for women in every state Legislative Assembly, 1/3rd of seats reserved for SCs and STs shall be reserved for women, 1/3rd of total seats to be filled by direct elections to the LA shall be reserved for women
- New article – 334A: Reservation shall come into effect after the delimitation is undertaken after the relevant figures for the first census have been published. Rotation of seats for women shall take effect after each subsequent exercise of delimitation
Conclusion and way forward
- The case for women’s reservation emanates from their lack of representation in legislative bodies. We cannot rely on incremental changes.
- We cannot let another generation fight for what is fundamental to participating in a democracy the right to be heard and make decisions.
- Women’s reservation will jump-start the democratic process. It will allow a significant majority to have a say in how their lives must be governed.
- Over the years, though, women’s vote share has increased significantly, but the number of women in positions of power has not.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to pay an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 13-14, 2024.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the growing India-UAE relations in aspects of trade, energy, diaspora as well as security.
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 growing India-UAE relations in the past.
Body:
In the first part, in brief, giving an account of tries between India-U.A.E till recent times. (You can make use of a flow chart for better presentation).
Next, describe the trade relations – in terms of trade, investments, technology, infrastructure, diaspora and cultural contacts etc. Write about the relations in relation with energy and diaspora.
Next, write about the major pillars of friendship between the both nations.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward for realisation of a long and stable partnership.
Introduction
India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) enjoy strong bonds of friendship based on age-old cultural, religious and economic ties between the two nations. As UAE ‘Look East’ to find partners for its economic growth and with security concerns emanating from turmoil in West Asia and growing threat from terrorism, it finds a natural partner in India. UAE is India’s closest partner in the Arab world and fortunately, there is enough resilience in bilateral ties to withstand minor convulsions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to pay an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 13-14, 2024.
Body
India-UAE relations: Growth in strategic aspect and security
- Energy Security: UAE is the 5th largest import source and accounts for about 6% of our total crude imports. Both signed agreements related to energy security on acquisition of stakes in Lower Zakum oil and gas field.
- Investment: The UAE government has committed USD 75 billion towards developing Indian infrastructure. The NIIF entered into an agreement with a Dubai based firm for investment up to USD 3 billion.
- Important trading Partner: Bilateral trade with UAE stood at around USD 59 billion last year.
- Indian Community: More than 2.5 million Indians live in the UAE, which is among the largest number of expatriates anywhere in the world, repatriating $13.6 billion a year to India.
- Shared Security Concern: The two countries have a common interest in ensuing maritime security in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf region.
- Further, given the current state of flux in West Asia, India sees the UAE as an important partner to maintain peace and stability in the region.
- In this background India looks to enhance security cooperation with the Gulf countries including the UAE to counter terrorist threats and combat online radicalization.
- Defense: Défense exercises are increasingly undertaken. For example, ‘Desert Eagle II’, a ten-day air combat exercise, was held in May-June 2016 between the air forces of India and UAE. Also, both elevated their relationship to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreement and have move beyond just buyer-seller relationship.
- Maritime security: India approved the bilateral pact on maritime education and training and a MoU to facilitate and promote maritime transport, simplification of customs and facilitation of use of existing installations for the disposal of waste.
Challenges
- Slow implementation process: As far as investments are concerned, the systemic problem faced due to slow implementation of various projects from Indian side is a major obstacle.
- Lack of commercial clarity in UAE: Indian companies operating in the UAE also face problems due to lack of clarity in many aspects of commercial regulations, labour laws and lack of transparency on part of Emirati businesses.
- Decrease in opportunities for Indian workers: There is also a need to smoothen problems faced by Indian migrants due to cumbersome and strict regulations that favour the Emirati employers and at times leads to serious problems for Indian workers, especially unskilled workers.
Conclusion
The growing engagements between India and the UAE has to be seen within the broader contexts of UAE’s policy of engaging with Asia to improve economic prospects and India’s search for foreign investments to expedite economic growth and address the threat of extremism and terrorism.
Medical tourism can be an important area where India can attract UAE given India’s high quality man power in medical sector and improving medical infrastructure in the country.
There are further untapped potentials in the arena of renewable energy. The cost for production and transmission of solar energy in the UAE are a fraction to that of India and this is a priority area for the UAE government.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Indian Express , education.nationalgeographic.org
Why the question:
February 12 is globally celebrated as Darwin Day to mark the birthday of naturalist Charles Darwin.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about Darwin’s theory, its significance and criticism.
Directive:
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 defining Darwin’s evolution theory.
Body:
Firstly, in detail, mention the various aspects of the theory such as natural selection and explain them with examples.
Next, write about the significance of the theory – development of complex biological structures and diverse species on Earth through gradual changes over time. It has transformed our understanding of the natural world and has practical applications in various fields etc.
Next, write the various criticism of the theory – gaps in the fossil record or religious and philosophical objections.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
Charles Darwin was a British naturalist who proposed the theory of biological evolution by natural selection. Darwin defined evolution as “descent with modification,” the idea that species change over time, give rise to new species, and share a common ancestor.
The Theory of Evolution by natural selection was first formulated in Charles Darwin’s book “On the Origin of Species published in 1859. In his book, Darwin describes how organisms evolve over generations through the inheritance of physical or behavioral traits.
Body
Postulates of Darwin’s theory
- Over-production or prodigality of over-production: Many more individuals are born each generation than will be able to survive and reproduce.
- Variation and Heredity: There is natural variation among individuals et the same species. Many of the favorable adaptations are hereditary and are passed on to the progeny of future generations. Darwin, like Lamarck believed in an incorrect theory of heredity: however, he interpreted the process in the proper context. Darwin himself was not satisfied with his blending theory of inheritance and as early as 1857 he wrote a letter to Huxley for an alternative to it.
- Struggle for existence: Organic beings increase by a geometrical ratio, while food production only increases in an arithmetic ratio. So that in a very short time, an area will be overpopulated with any one species, unless something happens to check the increase as a result there is a struggle for existence which is threefold as given below.
- Intraspecific struggle: The Intraspecific struggle is found among the Individuals of the same species. The competition is heavy in case of intraspecific struggle because the needs and requirements of the members of the same species are the same who live in the same environment. It is the most severe check on the rate of reproduction.
- Interspecific struggle: – It is found among organisms of different species living together. Members of one species struggle with other species for similar requirements i.e., food, shelter, and mating.
- Struggle with the environment: Living organisms struggle with adverse environmental conditions like floods, cold waves, heat waves, and earthquakes, etc.
- Survival of the fittest or natural selection: Individuals with certain Characteristics have a better chance of surviving and reproducing than others with less favorable ones. (This is the concept of the survival of the fittest through favorable adaptations to the conditions of life).
- Modifications of species: Gradual modification of species could have occurred over the long periods of geological time through additive processes occurring in the past in the same manner as they are occurring in the present.
Significance of the theory
- Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection is the only scientific explanation for the spectacular diversity of life on Earth.
- It provides a powerful framework for understanding nature and is one of the essential theories at the very core of science.
- Charles Darwin’s theories had a deep impact on the understanding of the evolution of human life.
- There is great importance of Darwin’s theory and its impact was not limited to science itself.
- Darwin’s theory, which combined with genetics make up the modern theory of evolution, is the theory of the evolution of life.
- Darwin was the first to describe this evolution and simultaneously explain how it took place. He did not have all the answers. But he knew that a natural explanation would suffice.
- Consequently, he established the foundation for all modern science.
- After Darwin, no scientific field has needed anything else.
Shortcomings of Darwin’s theory
- Darwin’s explanation is inadequate because selection creates nothing, merely eliminates or preserves already existing variations without indicating their cause, which is the main question.
- Individual difference that may give rise to variations affect the reproductive cells little or not at all.
- A number of useless or non-adaptive characters or organs could not have arisen by natural selection. In this connection, Darwin said that we are no sure of the non-adaptive nature of these organs.
- Overspecialized organ such as the huge antlers of the Irish deer cannot be explained on the basis of natural selections.
- There is doubt about the struggle for existence being as fierce as it had been supposed to be.
- It cannot account for degeneracy of certain characters.
- The superiority or inferiority of one individual as compared to another of the same species is apparently not the result of the development of a particular characteristic, but rather of the general capacity of the organism.
Conclusion
The theory of origin of species by natural selection is regarded as a major advancement in evolutionary thought. Darwin contributed to the modern understanding of biological evolution by documenting the variation of living forms and identifying the key process of natural selection. Like most nineteenth century scientists, however, he did not understand heredity or how specific traits are passed from one generation to the next. His theory lacked the knowledge of modern genetics. However, mutation theory explained the causes of variations among organisms.
However, Darwin’s theory of evolution helped in removing all the conventional old beliefs which said that the formation of various species was a supernatural phenomenon or act of the Almighty. Darwin’s evolutionary theory of natural selection gave a more rational explanation with respect to the formation of new species.
Topic: Philosophical basis of governance and probity
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the attributes of ethical governance.
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving 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 ethical governance.
Body:
Write about the various attributes of ethical governance – ethical behaviours, processes, procedures, culture, ways of doing and being that ensure high standards of performance, economy, effectiveness, efficiency, quality and satisfaction etc. Cite examples to substantiate.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
The World Bank defines governance as the manner in which power is exercised in the management of a country’s economic and social resources for development
According to the United Nations Development Programme, Governance has been defined as the rules of the political system to solve conflicts between actors and adopt decision (legality). It has also been used to describe the “proper functioning of institutions and their acceptance by the public” (legitimacy). And it has been used to invoke the efficacy of government and the achievement of consensus by democratic means (participation)
Ethical governance meant that the manner in which power is exercised for an organisation by using its resources, including social and economic, is acceptable by all. It could range from personal rights to effective service delivery for all.
Body
Ethical governance is the right and justified conduct of activities of an organization (or government) to serve the larger public interest. Impartiality, accountability, transparency, honesty, integrity, probity, perseverance, truthfulness, citizen centricity, patriotism among other are some of the values which are must for attainment of ethical governance.
Major Features of Ethical Governance:
Participation
- Good Governance truly promotes inclusive democracy allowing Right to Freedom.
- Promote Citizen centric governance
Transparency
- Easy accessible available affordable information
- Promote accountable government
Rule of Law
- Rule of law warrants that fair legal frameworks are implemented impartially.
- It also means protection of human rights.
Responsiveness
- This implies that processes and institutions should serve all stakeholders within a reasonable time frame.
Consensus oriented
- Consensus oriented decision-making ensures that even if everyone does not achieve what they want to the fullest, a common minimum can be achieved by everyone which will not be detrimental to anyone.
Accountability
- Accountability should be there not just for the government, but also for citizens, the private sector, industry, NGOs, and all stakeholders.
Conclusion
Hence, governance shall be good as well as ethical to promote citizen centric participatory inclusive equitable development among all.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about importance of compassion in self-growth and ways to cultivate the attitude of giving.
Directive:
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 defining compassion.
Body:
First, write about the advantages of the practising compassion in our daily lives. Substantive with examples.
Next, write about the way in which one can develop the attitude of giving and be a compassionate towards others.
Conclusion:
Conclude the answer by summarising.
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.
Body
Compassion is a virtue that involves Acknowledgment, understanding, and emotional resonance linked with action aimed at understanding the person and the amelioration of suffering
Take for instance the example of Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa was the epitome of compassion. If ever one would dare to give a core competency to her, it is this single characteristic of being a compassionate person. She radiated this quality, when on earth, in a way, few humans could ever do; her love for the marginalized and the vulnerable and particularly for the poorest of the poor and the dying destitute was boundless.
Our compassion for others can lead to alleviation of great distress of people. For example, during the recent migrant crisis, the Bollywood Actor Sonu Sood became quite well known for his help to them on compassionate grounds. Thousands of poor and vulnerable people were given help through him.
Even at personal level, we have to be compassionate to our friends and family. Only then can we share both happiness and their sufferings together. This is the key to be happy.
On an individual level, one must be compassionate about themselves, to be happy in life. For instance, it is important to acknowledge our abilities and not be hard on ourselves when we encounter a failure. As candidates of UPSC, being demotivated and failure is part of the process. This does not mean; we have to believe ill about our capacity and self-loathe. Rather we must overcome that with compassion, trying to empathise with ourselves.
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, inequality and 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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