[Mission 2023] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 25 May 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: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

1. Discuss the unique features of Indus civilization sculptures and their role in understanding the cultural and social aspects of this ancient civilization. How do the sculptures from the Indus Valley Civilization contribute to our understanding of art, religion, and society during that time? (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question:

The article titled "What Mohenjo-daro's Dancing Girl figurine tells us about the prehistoric civilisation" explores the significance of the famous Dancing Girl figurine discovered at the archaeological site of Mohenjo-daro in present-day Pakistan.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the sculptural art of Indus valley civilisation and information it provides.

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 a brief about rich art of Indus valley civilisation.

Body:

Mention the various features of Indus valley civilisation that exhibited fine artistry and imagination – seals, bronze dancing girl, steatite images, copper sculptures etc. Elaborate upon their vivid features.

Next, write about the information provided by the Indus Valley Sculptures about the various aspects of the civilization.

Conclusion:

Conclude by the summarising.

Introduction

Sculpture art is one of the most ancient art forms in India. Archaeological studies have confirmed that Indians were familiar with sculptures about 4000 years before. 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.

Body

Sculpture art of Indus Valley Civilization :

Conclusion

Their artistic versatility showed in the range of materials they used and the forms they made out of it. The patterns, motives and designs found on the articles shows the creativity that existed and judging from the excavated evidences, one can only conclude the people of Indus civilization were indeed true art patrons.

Topic: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

2. India's diversity is a valuable asset that, when nurtured and celebrated, contributes to its social, cultural, and economic progress. By addressing the associated challenges, India can strive for a more inclusive and harmonious society. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1

Key Demand of the question:

To write about diversity in India and challenges associated with it and ways to overcome them.

Directive word:

Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by mentioning how India is a culturally diverse since time immemorial.

Body:

In the first, in detail write about the various aspects of diversity – linguistic, religious, ethnic, racial, caste etc. Write how these have shaped India.

Next, write about the various types of challenges associate with diversity in India and cite examples to substantiate.

Next, write about the ways to counter these challenges and uphold pluralism in the country.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

India is a plural society both in letter and spirit. It is rightly characterized by its unity and diversity. A grand synthesis of cultures, religions and languages of the people belonging to different castes and communities has upheld its unity and cohesiveness despite multiple foreign invasions.

National unity and integrity have been maintained even through sharp economic and social inequalities have obstructed the emergence of egalitarian social relations. It is this synthesis which has made India a unique mosque of cultures. Thus, India presents seemingly multicultural situation within in the framework of a single integrated cultural whole.

Body

Background: India's diversity

Challenges with India's diversity

Success as a republic

Conclusion

This diversity and the pluralism it fosters have been a key strength for India, creating a vibrant and dynamic society that is open to new ideas, and quick to adopt and adapt innovations regardless of their origin, as well as creating a strong democratic polity with checks and balances on its leadership. If properly leveraged, India's diversity is a fundamental strategic asset for the country's development and standing in the world.

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

3. Discuss the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and its role in addressing the gaps in the Indian education system. What are some of the key challenges faced in implementing the NCF, and how can they be overcome? (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question:

The article titled "National Curriculum Framework and the Gaps in the System" discusses the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) in India and highlights the gaps present in the education system.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about NCF, challenges int implementation and ways to address it.

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:

Briefly explain the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and its aims

Body:

First, explain how the NCF aims to address gaps in the system, provide examples of initiatives proposed in the NCF etc.

Next, write about the key Challenges in Implementing the NCF -Lack of infrastructure and resources, Resistance to change from traditional teaching methods, Inadequate teacher training and professional development and regional disparities and diversity of the Indian education system

Next, Mention the measures that are needed to remedy this situation.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

National Curriculum Frameworks (NCF) is a document that outlines the philosophy, goals, and objectives of education in India. It serves as a framework for designing school curricula, textbooks, and teaching practices. Previously, four NCFs (1975, 1988, 2000 and 2005) have been published by the NCERT in India. So, the current set of NCERT textbooks, barring the recent deletions, are all based on the NCF 2005.

The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 recommends the development of National Curriculum Frameworks (NCF) in four areas- School Education, Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), Teacher Education and Adult Education. The NCF includes the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE), the National Curriculum Framework for Early Childhood Care & Education (NCFECCE), the National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education (NCFTE), and the National Curriculum Framework for Adult Education (NCFAE).

Recently, the Union Education ministry launched the National Curriculum Framework for foundational stage education of children in the three to eight years age group.

Body

role in addressing the gaps in the Indian education system

key challenges faced in implementing the NCF

Way forward

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests.

4. Highlight the key areas of cooperation between India and Australia and analyse the potential implications of this strengthened partnership between the two countries on trade, defense, and regional security in the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

The editorial discusses the strengthening bilateral relations between India and Australia, focusing on the significance of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Australia.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the various facets of India-Australia relations especially with respect to space, critical minerals, strategic research, people-to-people links, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific.

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 with brief background of the context of the question.

Body:

First, write about the various aspects of growing trade between India and Australia – recently introduced Update to Australia's India Economic Strategy, space, critical minerals, strategic research and people-to-people links to boost cooperation with India, business engagement and an increased Australian presence in India etc.

Next, write about the geopolitical challenges – formation of AUKUS, QUAD and overall aspect of China.

Next, write about various bottlenecks in bilateral ties between both the nations.

Conclusion:

Suggest a way forward and conclude.

Introduction

India and Australia have several commonalities, which serve as a foundation for closer cooperation and multifaceted interaction, on lines similar to what India has developed with other Western countries. Both are strong, vibrant, secular and multicultural democracies.

The relationship has grown in strength and importance since India's economic reforms in the nineties and has made rapid strides in all areas – trade, energy and mining, science & technology, information technology, education and defence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three-day visit to Australia gave a fillip to growing bipartisan ties. Mr. Modi's Sydney sojourn was much more in the spotlight, particularly his address to the Indian community which Mr. Albanese joined in, as well as the address to business groups. This is sixth such meeting in the past year.

Body

Key outcomes of the bilateral meet

Key areas of Cooperation

Limitations of India-Australia ties

Way forward

Conclusion

Based on several commonalities and closely aligned values in principles of democracy, liberty, the rule of law, human rights, freedom of speech, free press and multiculturalism both must enhance the bilateral relationship by expanding engagement in various sectors like defence industry and commercial cyber activity etc.

Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

5. Despite the remarkable scientific progress achieved by Artificial Intelligence (AI), there are apprehensions and issues connected with it that require urgent attention and resolution. Critically analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

The article titled "A Word of Caution about India and the AI Wagon" published in The Hindu raises concerns about India's growing focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and highlights the need for cautious and responsible implementation of AI technologies.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the potential and concerns associated with AI.

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:

Define AI and its contributions in general.

Body:

First, explain that Artificial intelligence (AI) is competent to have a revolutionary impact on businesses and consumers globally.

Next, list down the advantages of AI in detail. Cite statistics and examples.

Next, Discuss the concerns associated with AI such as – job losses, robot bosses, human errors, high cost, ethical issues etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

New technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, big data, and networks are expected to revolutionize production processes, but they could also have a major impact on developing economies. The opportunities and potential sources of growth that, for example, the United States and China enjoyed during their early stages of economic development are remarkably different from what Cambodia and Tanzania are facing in today's world.

Body

Significant advances and applications of Artificial intelligence

Concerns associated with Artificial Intelligence

Conclusion

Regulation must be continuous and adapt with evolution of technology. There is need to find country specific data, trained workforce, fine-tuned algorithms and technology suited to local needs. For India to maximally benefit from the AI revolution, it must adopt a deliberate policy to drive AI innovation, adaptation, and proliferation in sectors beyond consumer goods and information technology services.

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;

6. For India to achieve sustained progress and become a global leader ("vishwaguru"), it is essential to embrace and embody the values envisioned by the founders of independent India. Discuss. (250 words)

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 the values envisaged by the founding fathers of India and the need to preserve 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:

Start by mentioning the major values envisaged by the founding father of India.

Body:

First, write about the rationale behind such values and how they continue to be relevant in the present times. Cite examples to substantiate.

Next, write about the impact they could create on the present times and help use address challenges of today.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

The five principal pillars of envisaged by founding father of India are, Nation-building, Democratic institution-building, Secularism, Democratic Socialist economics, and a Novel foreign policy (Non-alignment, Panchsheel) still form the cardinal values of India.

Body

Values envisaged by builders of Independent India

The role of value in addressing present day challenges

Conclusion

India has come a long way since 1947 in finding its footing among the comity of nations, but there still needs a lot more distance to be travelled in fulfilling the promise that Pandit Nehru spoke of, on the eve of Independence. India's Independence generation was clear that freedom from British rule was meaningless without a constitutional order that governs a democratic system predicated on social justice, equality and unity in diversity as these were the promises that gained them the intellectual ballast and the support of the people to overcome colonialism. India's progress in the 21st century would depend upon the re-ignition of these values.

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators

7. Buddhism encompasses a wealth of profound concepts pertaining to ethics and morality, providing guidance on the principles and behaviors involved in nurturing one's moral character. Explain. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: plato.stanford.edu

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.

Key Demand of the question:

To write the how Buddhist ethics help in shaping ones character.

Directive:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

In the introduction, given brief of major aspects of Buddhist ethics.

Body:

Explain the detail that Buddhism proposes a way of thinking about ethics based on the assumption that all sentient beings want to avoid pain. Thus, the Buddha teaches that an action is good if it leads to freedom from suffering.

Next, Mention the Do No Harm principle, Compassion, Justice and Accountability etc which the Buddhist philosophy emphasises.

Mention its application in daily life,

Conclusion:

Conclude by mentioning Buddhist moral claims of compassion and equality can contribute to the thinking of modern educational issues, such as peace education, ecological education

Introduction

Buddhism, represents a vast and rich intellectual tradition, tells us to purify our own minds and to develop lovingkindness and compassion for all beings. The various forms of Buddhism offer systematic frameworks for understanding the traits of character and types of actions that cause problems for ourselves and others, as well as those qualities and actions that help to heal the suffering of the world.

Body

Ideas of Buddhism which guides the method and action of cultivating one's moral character:

Conclusion

To live is to act, and our actions can have either harmful or beneficial consequences for oneself and others. Buddhist ethics is concerned with the principles and practices that help one to act in ways that help rather than harm. The core ethical code of Buddhism is known as the five precepts, and these are the distillation of its ethical principles. The precepts are not rules or commandments, but ‘principles of training’, which are undertaken freely and need to be put into practice with intelligence and sensitivity.

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