[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 21 August 2023

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

Topic: static syllabus

1. The Indus Valley Civilization left a significant legacy and represents one of the earliest urban civilizations in the world. Discuss the key features of Indus Valley Civilisation. (150 words).

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable (revision).

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the features of Indus Valley Civilisation.

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 giving an overview of its geographical extent and timeframe

Body:

First, write the about the features of Harappan Civilisation – Agriculture, Urban Planning and Infrastructure, Trade and Economy, Writing System and Artifacts, Social Organization and Governance and Religion and Rituals etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

A flourishing civilisation emerged on the banks of river Indus in the second half of the third millennium BCE and spread across larger parts of Western India. A marked feature if this civilisation was the vivid imagination and artistic sensibilities. Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were the two major cities if this civilisation.

Body

Features of Indus Valley Civilization

Conclusion

The Indus valley civilization was the largest of all the four civilizations of the time and was contemporary to the Mesopotamian civilisation. The features of Indus-Valley such as the planned network of roads, houses and drainage systems indicate the planning and the engineering skills that developed during those times.

Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

2. The concept of Dhamma, as propounded by Emperor Ashoka, played a crucial role in shaping his reign and had a significant impact on ancient India. Explain. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: TN History – Class 11th Textbook (New Edition)

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 (revision).

Key Demand of the question:

To write about Dhamma, its features and measures taken to spread.

Directive:

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 Dhamma.

Body:

First, mention about the various components of Dhamma as propounded by Ashoka. The set of do’s and don’t that were part of the Dhamma.

Next, write about the measures taken by Ashoka to spread Dhamma across the subcontinent and the world.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing the legacy of dhamma.

Introduction

Ashoka’s Dhamma was neither a new religion nor a new political philosophy. Rather, it was a way of life, a code of conduct and a set of principles to be adopted and practiced by the people at large. Dhamma related to generalized norms of social activities and behaviors.

Body:

Nature of Dhamma as propounded by Ashoka:

Shortcomings:

Reasons for decline of Dhamma

Conclusion:

Dhamma being secular in nature and advocates humanitarian approach, making it a very practical solution. Dhamma promotes social equality and is realistic. So, Dhamma is the need of the hour of the present India. Ashoka’s Dhamma has all-time applicability in a divergent Indian society.

Value addition

Topic: Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

3. The outbursts of caste-based violence against the poor and vulnerable reflect the deep-rooted biases and prejudices ingrained within society. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The article discusses a recent caste-based attack in Nanguneri, Tamil Nadu, highlighting the failure of hope in addressing deeply ingrained casteism.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the how casteism leads to violence and its impact.

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.

Body:

First, discuss the reasons contributing to caste-based violence – tensions, grievances, or power dynamics tied to caste identities culminate in violent acts against those who are less privileged or economically disadvantaged within these systems.

Next, explain how in Indian societal setup caste a form of social stratification leads to discrimination, exploitation, intolerance and leads to violence. Cite examples to substantiate your points.

Next, discuss the impact of caste-based violence on Indian society; impact on social fabric, economy, polity etc.

Conclusion:

Suggest way forward for eradicating casteism in India.

Introduction

Caste-based violence in India is a form of discrimination and oppression that targets people belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), who are historically marginalized and disadvantaged groups in Indian society. Despite the constitutional safeguards and special legislation, such as the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 being in place, caste-based crimes continue to occur in various forms and regions, violating the fundamental and human rights of millions of people.

The recent incident in Nanguneri town in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district, where a Dalit teenager and his sister were brutally hacked by schoolmates belonging to an intermediate dominant caste is demonstrative of the failure of hope for a whole generation of a community living on the margins.

Body

Reasons contributing to caste-based violence

Measures needed

Conclusion

The government has now established a one-man commission headed by retired judge K. Chandru to suggest steps to stamp out caste differences among students. It would be a pity if Nanguneri does not serve as a wake-up call; a catalyst for destroying caste hierarchies, restoring peace and equality, and, hope.

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

4. The process of awarding the death penalty and its sentencing is a topic that warrants careful consideration and reflection. Over time, discussions have emerged regarding the efficacy and fairness of capital punishment. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:

The article argues for the abolition of the death penalty, stating that its foundational justifications have weakened over time.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the reforms needed in awarding and sentencing of capital punishment.

Directive word:

Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start giving the awarding of capital punishment in ‘rarest of rare’ case.

Body:

First, write about the various developments regarding capital punishment over the years – Bachan Singh vs State of Punjab, context death penalty.

Next, write about the various lacunae in the awarding of death penalty in Indian criminal justice.

Next, suggest reforms based on recent SC judgement and various recommendations of commissions.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

Capital punishment also called as death penalty is the execution of an offender sentenced to death after conviction by a court of law. The debate on whether to abolish the death penalty or not, has been raging in India and in several other countries for decades.

Body

Background

Rationale behind death penalty

Efficiency of death penalty

Death Penalty is not the panacea

Measures needed

Conclusion

As Law Commission said that it is the not right time of abolition experiment, the issue needs to be debated and researched in more detail. But, capital punishment should not become a pent-up of society’s misplaced anger and sense of judgment. It is also against the reformative purpose of the Criminal Justice System and we must remember the words of Oscar Wilde, “Every saint has a past and every sinner a future.”

Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

5. India has made commendable progress in infrastructure development, but challenges persist. To continue this momentum, the country needs to focus on addressing funding gaps, regulatory hurdles, and sustainability concerns while ensuring equitable access to the benefits of improved infrastructure. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India

Why the question:

The article discusses India’s efforts to mitigate risks in infrastructure development. It highlights that the Indian government has taken steps to reduce the various challenges associated with infrastructure projects, such as delays, financial uncertainties, and policy changes.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the progress made in infrastructure, challenges and areas for improvement.

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.

Body:

First, Write the about the progress made in developing infrastructure in the country and major initiatives taken for it and its achievements.

Next, write about the various limitations of the above – funding, slow paced development, environmental challenges etc.

Next, write about the steps that are needed for increased investment in infrastructure to support economic growth and improve the quality of life.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

Infrastructure sector is a key driver for the Indian economy. The sector is highly responsible for propelling India’s overall development and enjoys intense focus from Government for initiating policies that would ensure time-bound creation of world class infrastructure in the country. Infrastructure sector includes power, bridges, dams, roads, and urban infrastructure development.

Basic infrastructure facilities in the country provide the foundation of growth. In the absence of adequate infrastructure, the economy operates at a suboptimal level and remains distant from its potential and frontier growth trajectory.

Body

The infrastructure sector will be the key to overall economic growth and macroeconomic stability, the Survey said emphasising that the year after the crisis (2021-22) will require sustained and calibrated measures to facilitate the process of economic recovery and enable the economy to get back on its long-term growth trajectory.

Role of infrastructure in transformation of economy leading to economic development

Issues faced

Major Policies on Infrastructure

Way forward

Topic: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world to the concepts of morality;

6. The universalizability of moral principles and the emphasis on reason as the foundation of ethics are key features of Kant’s moral philosophy. Discuss. (150 words)

Difficulty Level: Tough

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Philosophical Mondays’ in Mission-2024 Secure.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about Kant’s Universal moral law.

Directive:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Write a writing about deontology of Kant.

Body:

In detail, explain the moral absolutism and use examples to substantiate you points.

Next, write a critique of moral absolutism.

Conclusion:

Conclude the answer by summarising.

Introduction

Kantian ethics refers to a deontological ethical theory ascribed to the German philosopher Immanuel Kant. The theory, developed as a result of Enlightenment rationalism, is based on the view that the only intrinsically good thing is a good will; an action can only be good if its maxim – the principle behind it – is duty to the moral law.

Body

Moral absolutism is an ethical view that particular actions are intrinsically right or wrong. Stealing, for instance, might be considered to be always immoral, even if done for the well-being of others (e.g., stealing food to feed a starving family), and even if it does in the end promote such a good.

Moral absolutism stands in contrast to other categories of normative ethical theories such as consequentialism. For example, someone who believes absolutely in non-violence considers it wrong to use violence even in self-defence.

Absolutism takes a universal view of humanity that there is one set of rules for everyone – which enables the drafting of universal rules – such as the Declaration of Human Rights. Religious views of ethics tend to be absolutist.

Moral law

How laws must be according to Kant:

Conclusion

Kant’s philosophy of human individuals as end in itself endorses the golden rule of “treating others as one’s self would wish to be treated”. As no one would wish to be used simply as a means, therefore one should not also use other human beings as means to achieve their ends. This philosophy can be of great help in resolving the ethical dilemmas where there is debate between relative importance of means and ends.

Value addition

Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) argued that the supreme principle of morality is a standard of rationality that he dubbed the “Categorical Imperative” (CI). Kant characterized the CI as an objective, rationally necessary and unconditional principle that we must always follow despite any natural desires or inclinations we may have to the contrary.

The CI states that it is immoral to use another person merely as a means to an end and that people must under all circumstances be treated as ends in themselves. This is in contrast to some interpretations of the utilitarian view, which allow for use of individuals as means to benefit the many.

Kant’s Categorical Imperative:

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. Certain ethical attributes are considered essential for civil servants to effectively carry out their duties and maintain public trust. Elaborate. (150 Words)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Philosophical Mondays’ in Mission-2024 Secure.

Directive word:

Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Key Demand of the question: To write about most important ethical attributes of civil servants and ways to inculcate them.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by mentioning the role of cardinal ethical values of civil servants as per you.

Body:

First, list down the ethical values of civil servants and justification behind their need.

Next, write about how these ethical values be inculcate among the civil servants so that they remain ethical and efficient.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

For a civil servant, acting ethically is of utmost importance. A civil servant is supposed to possess the virtues of objectivity and impartiality. The cardinal ethical traits – Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Objectivity, and commitment to public service– form the ethical foundation of a civil servant and other values like non-partisanship, tolerance, responsiveness can emanate from them.

Today there is a need for moral resurgence of civil services in the country to improve the delivery of services to the common man and to ensure the fruits of development reach the people. An ideal officer should ensure zero pendency of issues in his purview, must display the highest qualities of probity and integrity in office, be proactive in taking the measures of the government to the people, and above all be sympathetic to the cause of marginalised sections.

Body

Core value system for civil servants

Inculcating core value system

Celebrating the achievements of honest civil servants and recognizing their contributions should also be done. This will not only be an incentive for younger officials to push for excellence, but such publicity will also encourage the replication of innovative efforts by others.

Value-based training must be given to all civil servants to ensure probity in public life. Professional ethics should be an integral component in all the training courses and called for a comprehensive Code of Ethics for civil servants, based on the recommendations of the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC).

Due attention must be given to ensure that civil servants taking bona fide proactive actions are not discouraged or harassed. The amendment to PCA in 2018, with changes to the definition of ‘criminal misconduct’, ensures this to some extent. While the corrupt civil servants must be strictly dealt with, we must not dissuade officials from taking bold decisions in the larger public interest.

There is also a need to re-engineer our institutions and streamline the processes to cut down delays and ensure timely delivery of the services. People must be at the centre of a just and effective governance system. Some of the governance practices that helped in delivering results are single-window interfaces, e-governance, m-governance, third party appraisals, direct benefit transfer and participatory governance

Conclusion

Civil service involves decision-making in the public sphere. They have to deal with many matters that are anonymous and discrete. Due to this, Integrity is an eminent desirable quality in civil servants.

A civil servant needs fortitude to stand up for their principles and withstand immoral or illegal pressures. Temperance or moderation is especially important for public servants. While taking decisions or responding to situations, civil servants have to be moderate. They should not swing to extremes, but act judiciously in a balanced manner.

Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE

Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE

Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelHERE

Follow our Twitter Account HERE

Follow our Instagram ID HERE

Follow us on LinkedIn : HERE

No Related Posts found