[Mission 2023] SECURE SYNOPSIS: 2 January 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

General Studies – 1

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

1. Buddhism originated as an alternative tradition to the excessive importance given to rituals and sacrifices in Vedic tradition. Examine. (250 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-2023 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about reasons for the emergence of Buddhism.

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: 

Start by giving context.

Body:

First, write about the various factors responsible for the emergence of Buddhism – Influence of Time, Simple Doctrines, Personality of Buddha, Inexpensive, No Caste, Royal Patronage etc.

Next, comment about the role of excessive importance given to rituals and sacrifices in Vedic tradition and its role in popularity of Buddhism.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

Buddhism is a religion that was founded by Siddhartha Gautama (“the Buddha”) more than 2,500 years ago in India. With about 470 million followers, scholars consider Buddhism one of the major world religions. The religion has historically been most prominent in East and Southeast Asia, but its influence is growing in the West. Many Buddhist ideas and philosophies overlap with those of other faiths.

Body

The primary cause for the rise of Jainism and Buddhism was the religious unrest in India in the 6th century B.C. The complex rituals and sacrifices advocated in the Later Vedic period were not acceptable to the common people. The sacrificial ceremonies were also found to be too expensive. However it took the social route due to the following factors.

Reasons for rise of Buddhism:

• Social cause: Caste system became rigid and it created inequality in the society. The Kshatriyas had resented the domination of the priestly class, and both Buddha and Mahavira belonged to Kshatriya origin.
• Religious unrest: Religious life in ancient India was originally very simple. But in the Later Vedic period complex rituals and ceremonies began to dominate the practice of worship. The complex rituals and sacrifices were not acceptable to the common people. It became expensive and elaborate. Blind faith and superstitious beliefs confused the people.
• Economic cause: The growth of trade led to the improvement in the economic conditions of the Vaisyas. Now, they wanted to enhance their social status but the orthodox Varna system did not allow this. Similarly, money-lending was imperative for traders, which was prohibited in Vedas. Thus, merchant class extended the chief support to these new religions.
• Moreover, rise of agriculture raised demand for drought animals which were being sacrificed for religious ceremonies. The principle of nonviolence, suited settled agrarian community better which was brought by Buddhism.
• Brahminic supremacy: Priests considered themselves superior and others as inferiors. They took advantage of knowing Sanskrit, and interpreted religion according to their convenience. Whereas these new religions were open for all and preached in local language like Prakrit and Pali, which found appeal to common masses.

Impact of Buddhism on Indian society

• Languages and Literature: Jaina contribution to Prakrit and Kannada literature. The language of Pali and other local languages developed through the teachings of Buddhism.
• Art and Architecture: The stupas at Sanchi, Bharhut and Gaya, Jaina temples at Mount Abu in Rajasthan in the domain of architecture are wonderful pieces of architecture. Buddhism takes the credit for the chaityas and viharas in different parts of India.
• Philosophy: The concept of ahimsa was chief contribution. Later, it became one of the cherished values of our nation.
• Political progress: Sabhas and samitis find its roots here. It had also promoted the spread of Indian culture to other parts of Asia.
• Simple Religion: Its principles were very simple. It was easily followed by the people. It was not complex like Vedic religion.
• Opposition to Caste System: Due to their opposition the complexity of caste system reduced from the society.

Conclusion

Buddhism arose to suit the needs of a changing society, patronized by an emerging class and left an indelible mark on India’s culture, architecture, philosophy and way of living. Some tenets of Buddhism have been adopted by Hinduism in their long course of association and have become an integrated part of the society. These religions also found their influence in neighboring countries and helped India expand its footprint in these regions; paving way for a cultural connects to this day.

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

2. There is much in common between Buddhism and Jainism. There are similarities between the two but the basic difference between the philosophies of the two provides each of them a place of distinct religion. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To compare and contrast the tenets of Buddhism and Jainism.

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: 

Highlight a fact such as – Numerous religious sects arouse in the middle of Gangetic plains in the second half of the sixth century B.C. Of these sects, Buddhism and Jainism were the most important and they emerged as the most potent religious reform movement.

Body:

First, write about the similarities in the two religious philosophies such as – both were inspired by Upanishads, ideas of misery, caste, rituals etc.

Next, write about the differences such as in the aspects of – Moksha and means of its attainment, ahimsa, concept of soul etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

The sixth century B.C. is considered a wonderful century in history. Great thinkers like Buddha, Mahavira, Heraclitus, Zoroaster, Confucius and Lao Tse lived and preached their ideas in this century. Among them the most successful were Jainism and Buddhism whose impact on the Indian society was remarkable.

Body

Similarities between Buddhism and Jainism

• Reason for rise of the religion: The primary cause for the rise of Jainism and Buddhism was the religious unrest in India in the 6 th century B.C. The complex rituals and sacrifices advocated in the Later Vedic period were not acceptable to the common people.
• Core philosophy: Jainism preaches the triratnas, which are right faith, knowledge and conduct. Buddhism also has eightfold pathwhich includes not only these three, in addition right speech, resolve, occupation etc.
• Ahimsa: Both religions espouse non-violence as the foundation of living.
• Sangha: Mahavira organised the Sangha to spread his teachings. Buddha had two kinds of disciples – monks (bhikshus) and lay worshippers (upasikas). The monks were organized into the Sangha for the purpose of spreading his teachings.
• Equality: Both men and women were accepted in the sanghas.

Differences between Buddhism and Jainism

• In Jainism, the doctrine of asceticism and renunciationwas also carried to extreme lengths by the practice of starvation, nudity and other forms of self-torture. This was not the case in Buddhism.
• Even the practice of agriculture was considered sinful in Jainism as it causes injury to the earth, worms and animals. Most of them were traders. No such distinction is there in Buddhism.
• Buddhism made adirect attack on the caste system. Though Jainism did not make a direct attack on the caste system, Mahavira was against any social distinctions and threw open his order to all.
• Prakritwas major language through which Jainism was preached. The language of Pali and other local languages developed through the teachings of Buddhism.
• Buddhism was more a social than religious revolution. It taught the code of practical ethics and laid down the principle of social equality.
• Through his missionary effort Asoka spread Buddhism into West Asia and Ceylon. Thus, a local religious sect was transformed into a world religion. Jainism was restricted to mainly Indian subcontinent.

Conclusion

Buddhism and Jainism provided people an alternative from the regressive religion and rituals of the time. They became a beacon of hope for the downtrodden and the marginalized. In this way, one can see many similarities between the two religions with minute differences.

General Studies – 2

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

3.  In the Indian context where marriage holds a special cultural and religious value, a denial of which may reinforce the stigma faced by same-sex couples. The foundation of equal treatment thus ought to pave the way for marriage equality in India and not be left to the vagaries of the legislature. Comment. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

A recent statement by a Member of Parliament that same-sex marriages are against the (so-called) cultural ethos of India has once again stirred up the debate on marriage equality. This is amidst a petition for marriage rights of same-sex couples (under the Special Marriage Act, 1954) pending before the Supreme Court of India.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about legalising same-sex marriages in the country.

Directive word: 

Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context with respect to same-sex marriages.

Body:

In the first part, write about the need to legalise same-sex marriages in the country post the Navtej Johar judgement – Equal rights, granting protection, for true inclusivity etc.

Next, mention write about the impediments and legal obstacles to legalising same-sex marriages.

Next, write a way forward.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a balanced opinion on the issue.

Introduction

The debate over same-sex marriages is more of morality than on law. People try to establish a line of distinction between the ‘societal norms’ and ‘individual liberty’ especially in the culture where religion enjoys more prominence. The law on same-sex marriages in India is already indirectly established by the apex court. In March 2018, the Supreme Court of India has held that an adult has a fundamental right to marry a person of their own choice. The collective reading of this case with Navtej Singh Johar (September 2018) can be taken as a tacit recognition of same-sex marriage. Further in 2019, The High Court of Madras decreed and allowed the marriage under the Act.

A Member of Parliament said that same-sex marriages are against the cultural ethos of India. A petition for marriage rights of same-sex couples (under the Special Marriage Act, 1954) is pending before the Supreme Court of India.

Body

Background

• With a steady advance in LGBTQ+ rights, a growing number of countries are legalising same sex weddings.
• The institution of marriage in its current form, encompasses love, conversations, sex, procreation, sharing responsibilities and happiness.
• There are technical aspects like property, inheritance, insurance, visitation rights in healthcare and custody and so on.
• Marriage is the building block of stable communities. By what logic then should the government regulate the relationship between two consenting adults.
• Specifically denying same sex couples the full rights of marriage is obviously discriminatory.
• In India we have seen the Court intervene in cases of inter-religion and inter-caste marriages to protect our choices. This must extend to other groups. The law must ensure equality in the truest sense.
• The battle for gay rights has been long and difficult. It took years for the courts to accept it is not an ‘unnatural offence’.
• There was much reason to celebrate the abolishment of Article 377, but that is just the beginning.

Time for allowing same-sex marriage in India

• The domain of marriages cannot be immune to reform and review.
• Reform of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 to bring self-respect marriagesunder its very umbrella, is seen as a strong move towards breaking caste-based practices within the institution of marriage.
• Self-respect marriages were legalised in Tamil Nadu (later, in Puducherry) through amendments to the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.
• Self-respect marriages have done away with priests and religious symbols such as fire or saptapadi.
• Solemnisation of such marriages requires only an exchange of rings or garlands or tying of the mangalsutra.
• Similarly, understanding the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community, the law must expand the institution of marriage to include all gender and sexual identities.

Global laws

• Globally, the recognition of the unequal laws discriminating against the LGBTQIA+ community has acted as a trigger to reform and modernise legal architecture to become more inclusive and equal.
• As a result of a verdict by the Constitutional Court of South Africa, the Civil Union Act, 2006 was enacted, enabling the voluntary union of two persons above 18 years of age, by way of marriage.
• In Australia, the Same-Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws – General Law Reform) Act 2008was enacted to provide equal entitlements for same-sex couples in matters of, inter alia, social security, employment and taxation.
• In England and Wales, the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013enabled same-sex couples to marry in civil ceremonies or with religious rites.
• In 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States decided that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples.It held the denial of marriage rights to same-sex couples to be a grave and continuing harm, serving to disrespect and subordinate gays and lesbians.

Conclusion

At least 29 countries in the world have legalised same-sex marriage. It is time that India thinks beyond the binary and reviews its existing legal architecture in order to legalise marriages irrespective of gender identity and sexual orientation. The law is however a dynamic concept. Inevitably the nature of marriage would change if there is a change in society.

Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

4. Given the regional variations in demographic trends and economic opportunities, India has a high rate of migration, Migrants often see their political and economic rights compromised at their place of origin and residence. Do you think remote voting for migrants is a good move to ensure higher voter turnout and to grant political rights to migrants? (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu , The Hindu

Why the question:

The Election Commission of India (ECI) said on December 28 that it was ready to pilot remote voting for domestic migrants through newly devised remote electronic voting machines (RVMs) so that the voter does not have to travel to their home State or district to cast their vote.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the pros and cons of granting remote voting rights to domestic migrants.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context about the recent proposal of ECI.

Body:

First, write about the mode in which domestic migrants will be allowed vote remotely without travelling to their home district.

Next, write about the pros and cons on the above proposal by ECI. Cite examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

The Election Commission of India said that it has developed a prototype for a Multi-Constituency Remote Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) which would enable remote voting by migrant voters.

Body

Background

• Remote Electronic Voting Machines (RVM) can handle multiple constituencies from a single remote polling booth.
  • The idea is to implement voter portability as a pilot project in the upcoming Assembly elections in nine states in 2023.
  • This means that if the pilot is successful then in the 2024 general elections voter portability can be fully implemented.
• Ensuring participative elections: The inability to vote due to internal migration is one of the prominent reasons to be addressed to improve voter turnout and ensure participative elections.
• Migration-based disenfranchisement: There were multifarious reasons for a voter not opting to register in a new place of residence, thus missing out on exercising the right to vote.
• Increasing voter turnout: The voter turnout in General Elections 2019 was 67.4% and the ECI is concerned about the issue of over 30 crore electors not exercising their franchise and also differential voter turnout in various States/UT.
• Panacea to migration-led deprivation: Out-migration due to the need to work, marriage, and education, is predominant among the rural population in overall domestic migration.
• Increasing voter turnout: Approximately 85% of the internal migration is within the States.
• Multiple booth targeting: This modified form of EVM can handle up to 72 multiple constituencies from a single remote polling booth.

Need for remote voting

• Due to Unfavorable Conditions: Voters migrate from the place of their registration to cities and other places for education, employment and other purposes. It becomes difficult for them to return to their registered polling stations to cast their vote.
  • It was also noted that in villages like Dumak and Kalgoth in Uttarakhand, about 20-25% of registered voters are unable to cast their vote in their constituencies as they are required to move out of their village/state broadly on account of their jobs or educational pursuits.
• Decrease in Voting Turnout: During the 2019 General elections, nearly 300 million citizens out of a total of 910 million electors didn’t cast their votes.
  • Precisely it is about 30 crore voters who hadn’t voted for various and obvious reasons.
• Concerns Regarding Metropolitan Areas: The ECI also noted the concern about low voter turnout in some of the metropolitan/city areas despite the fact that polling stations are set up within 2 km for any voter in urban areas. The need to address voting apathy in urban areas was felt.
• Increasing Registrations of Unorganised Workers: There are nearly 10 million migrant workers, which is for the unorganised sector, registered with the government’s e-SHRAM portal. If the remote voting project is implemented, it will have far reaching ramifications.
• Health Concerns: The health concerns of mainly the senior citizens also need to be discussed as they’re also becoming the main deliberation. In this context, the remote voting facility will result in increasing the voting percentage in urban areas as well as in rural areas

Challenges and technical issues

• Amendment to legacy laws: Among the laws and rules which would need an amendment to implement remote voting is The Representation of People’s Act of 1950 and 1951, The Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 and The Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
• Vagueness over Migration: The definition of migrant voter would also need to be reworked with respect to retaining registration at the original place in the context of the legal construct of “ordinary residence” and “temporary absence”.
• Territorial constituency concept: The territorial constituency concept of remote voting and defining remoteness itself that is an outside constituency, outside the district or outside state will need to be dealt with.
• Administrative challenges: These include enumerating remote voters-self declaration, ensuring secrecy of voting at remote locations, provision of polling agents at remote voting booths, and ensuring identification of voters to avoid impersonation.
• Acceptance issues: Acceptance of EVMs has been a contested issues. This has somehow eased after the introduction of the voters-verifiable paper-audit trial (VVPAT).
• Security: Any new technology systems, including those based on blockchain technologies and others, are vulnerable to cyber-attacks and other security vulnerabilities.
  • Technology-based voting systems may also entail privacy risks and concerns.
• Veracity and Verification: Furthermore, a voter verification system that uses biometric software, such as facial recognition, could lead to false positives or negatives in voter identification, thus facilitating a fraud or disenfranchising citizens.
• Internet Connection & Malware Security: There is a dependency on voters having a reliable internet connection. Internet penetration and availability and use of e-government services in some countries are limited.
  • Software errors or malware on voters’ devices may also affect vote casting.
• Privacy/Secrecy: Elections always require a high level of security in order to protect voter privacy and the integrity of final results. Meeting the security needs of elections means online voting technology must overcome barriers that can invade the voter’s privacy.
• Preferred Environment: It is also possible that voting takes place in an uncontrolled environment. It is difficult to ensure that the person votes freely and without coercion.
  • There is the risk that another person votes on behalf of the voter so, it is difficult to identify the voter.

Way forward

• Maintaining Election Integrity: An online voting system must also be able to provide verification that it has successfully maintained election integrity and that no manipulation had occurred during the voting or tallying processes.
• Acceptability of the Stakeholders: It is important that any system of remote voting has to take into account the confidence and acceptability of all the stakeholders of the electoral system – voters, political parties and election machinery, the officials are learnt to have informed the committee while political consensus is the way forward to introduce remote voting.
• Trust & Transparency: Even with all of the proper legal frameworks in place, using an online voting system would be pointless if the government or general public were not confident in its security, integrity, and accuracy.
  • For this reason, a number of transparency measures have to be developed to help ensure the transparency of online voting technology, building trust in the final results.
• Other Proposed Reforms: The standing committee is deliberating on key electoral reforms which have been proposed, including linking of Aadhaar with voter ID. The committee has also decided to take up three other proposed electoral reforms, which include remote voting, action against elected representatives filing false affidavits, and a common electoral roll for conducting all elections from village panchayat to Parliament.

Conclusion

The initiative, if implemented, can lead to a social transformation for the migrants and connect with their roots as many times they are reluctant to get themselves enrolled at their place of work. Frequently changing residences, not enough social and emotional connect with the issues of an area of migration will no longer remain obstacles.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.

5. Examine the causes behind high rate of unemployment in India in the recent past. Suggest measures to ensure adequate job creation in the Indian economy. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

India’s unemployment rate rose to 8.30% in December, the highest in 16 months, from 8.00% in the previous month, data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) showed.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about causes behind unemployment and measures need to create jobs.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by citing statistic to give a current scenario of unemployment in the country.

Body:

First, write about the causes behind unemployment in India – historical, unequal growth, lack of job specialisation, automation related losses etc.

Next, suggest measures that are needed in order to ensure job creation and to reduce unemployment in the country.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

India’s unemployment rate rose to 8.30% in December, the highest in 16 months, from 8.00% in the previous month, data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) showed. The urban unemployment rate rose to 10.09% in December from 8.96% in the previous month, while the rural unemployment rate slipped to 7.44% from 7.55%, the data showed.

In a jobless growth economy, unemployment remains stubbornly high even as the economy grows. This tends to happen when a relatively large number of people have lost their jobs, and the ensuing recovery is insufficient to absorb the unemployed, under-employed, and those first entering the workforce. Jobless growth of the Indian economy is a “5C” problem: a Complicated Condition Created by Combinations of Causes.

Body

 Causes of unemployment in India

• Jobless growth: There is mounting concern that future growth could turn out to be jobless due to de-industrialization, de-globalization, the fourth industrial revolution and technological progress. As per the NSSO Periodic Labour Force Survey 2017-18, India’s labour force participation rate for the age-group 15-59 years is around 53%, that is, around half of the working age population is jobless.
• Asymmetric demography:The growth in the working-age ratio is likely to be concentrated in some of India’s poorest states and the demographic dividend will be fully realized only if India is able to create gainful employment opportunities for this working-age population.
• Lack of skills:Most of the new jobs that will be created in the future will be highly skilled and lack of skill in Indian workforce is a major challenge. India may not be able to take advantage of the opportunities, due to a low human capital base and lack of skills.
• Low human development parameters:India ranks 130 out of 189 countries in UNDP’s Human Development Index, which is alarming. Therefore, health and education parameters need to be improved substantially to make the Indian workforce efficient and skilled.
• Informal nature of economy in Indiais another hurdle in reaping the benefits of demographic transition in India.

Public sector employment as a remedy: Critical analysis

• The latest data showed that there were 86 lakh vacant jobsamong all central government civilian posts as of March 2020.
• The government recently announcedAgnipath scheme for youth as a contract employment of four years.
• But even this measure would be ameliorative in the real economy that continues to remain distressed, a consequence ofeffects of the pandemic in the last few years.
• The country cannot afford to squander more years in its race to reap the benefits of its demographic dividend, and the push to provide jobs for those seeking to enter the labour force, even if belated, will help ease matters for the medium term.
• Real jobs in manufacturing, industries, MSME’s are the key to reaping demographic dividend. Skill development will also help in youth getting jobs in high paying services sector.

Measure needed and way forward

• Building human capital:Investing in people through healthcare, quality education, jobs and skills helps build human capital, which is key to supporting economic growth, ending extreme poverty, and creating a more inclusive society.
• Skill developmentto increase employability of young population. India’s labour force needs to be empowered with the right skills for the modern economy. Government has established the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) with the overall target of skilling/ up skilling 500 million people in India by 2022..
• Education:Enhancing educational levels by properly investing in primary, secondary and higher education. India, which has almost 41% of population below the age of 20 years, can reap the demographic dividend only if with a better education system. Also, academic-industry collaboration is necessary to synchronise modern industry demands and learning levels in academics.
  • Establishment of Higher Education Finance Agency (HEFA)is a welcome step in this direction.
• Health:Improvement in healthcare infrastructure would ensure higher number of productive days for young labourforce, thus increasing the productivity of the economy.
  • Success of schemes like Ayushman Bharatand National Health Protection scheme (NHPS) is necessary. Also nutrition level in women and children needs special care with effective implementation of Integrated Child Development (ICDS) programme.
• Job Creation:The nation needs to create ten million jobs per year to absorb the addition of young people into the workforce. Promoting businesses’ interests and entrepreneurship would help in job creation to provide employment to the large labourforce.
  • India’s improved ranking in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Indexis a good sign.
  • Schemes like Start-up Indiaand Make in India , if implemented properly, would bring the desired result in the near future.
• Urbanisation:The large young and working population in the years to come will migrate to urban areas within their own and other States, leading to rapid and large-scale increase in urban population. How these migrating people can have access to basic amenities, health and social services in urban areas need to be the focus of urban policy planning.
  • Schemes such as Smart City Mission andAMRUT needs to be effectively and carefully implemented.

 Conclusion

India is on the right side of demographic transition that provides golden opportunity for its rapid socio-economic development, if policymakers align the developmental policies with this demographic shift.

To reap the demographic dividend, proper investment in human capital is needed by focussing on education, skill development and healthcare facilities.

Value-addition

Steps taken by government in recent times

• Dedicated Shram Suvidha Portal:That would allot Labor Identification Number (LIN) to units and allow them to file online compliance for 16 out of 44 labor laws.
• Random Inspection Scheme:To eliminate human discretion in selection of units for Inspection, and uploading of Inspection Reports within 72 hours of inspection mandatory.
• Universal Account Number:Enables 4.17 crore employees to have their Provident Fund account portable, hassle-free and universally accessible.
• Apprentice Protsahan Yojana:Government will support manufacturing units mainly and other establishments by reimbursing 50% of the stipend paid to apprentices during first two years of their training.
• Revamped Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana:Introducing a Smart Card for the workers in the unorganized sector seeded with details of two more social security schemes.
• The National Career Service is being implemented as a mission mode project to provide various job-related services information on skills development courses, internships etc

Topic: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country

6. The government needs to focus on improving production, creating awareness on nutrition and health benefits and international outreach for mainstreaming millets. Elaborate. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question:

The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Since that was at the initiative of India, which also accounts for a fifth of the world’s millets production, the Narendra Modi government would be expected to do something different this year to promote these “nutri-cereals” — going beyond just spreading awareness, or organising “special millets lunch” for parliamentarians and journalists.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about plethora of benefits offered by Millet production and measures needed to popularise it.

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: 

Begin by mentioning giving context that the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets.

Body:

Mention about the low demand of water and soil fertility needs to cultivate millets and millets as a nutritional package with whole lot of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids etc. Also mention that millets also offer a significant cost advantage over maize as a feedstock for bio-ethanol production. Bring in the aspect of food security and ecological benefits.

Next, write about the measures that are needed to popularise millets.

Conclusion:

Conclude by saying millets are the way forward in the food consumption area as it addresses the twin challenge of both nutritional security as well as climate change.

Introduction

With nearly 60 percent of India’s cultivated area is rain-fed, the damage caused by climate change is huge in agriculture sector. In order to save the farmers from such calamities, climate smart agricultural practices are increasingly promoted by government and other stakeholders. Millets cultivation is one such practice which seems to be the answer to fighting climate change, poverty and malnutrition.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 2023 the International Year of Millets, as proposed by India to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). At India’s led initiative for the UN’s International Year of Millets 2023, India has called “Covid, conflict, and climate” the world’s main food security challenges, and placed the cultivation and popularisation of millets in the context of the wider imperative of “de-risking the global economy”.

Body:

Millets – a core component in climate smart agriculture:

• Millets help in reducing the atmospheric CO2 and thus contribute in mitigating the climate change. They have a good ability to sequester carbon and so help climate adaptation, particularly the global projection of increased methane emission from rice fields.
• Being hardy crops, they can withstand extreme temperatures, floods and droughts.
• They also help mitigate the effects of climate change through their low carbon footprint of 3,218-kilogram equivalent of carbon dioxide per hectare, as compared to wheat and rice, with 3,968kg and 3,401kg, respectively, on the same measure.
• Most bio-ethanol in India is produced using sugar molasses and maize.
• However, a study conducted among farmers in Madhya Pradesh showed that bio-ethanol can be created using sorghum (jowar) and pearl millet (bajra), and that this fuel could bring down carbon emissions by about half.
• Millets can play a role in India’s sustainability policy interventions. Contemporary research developments have shed light on the influence of millets on energy optimization, climate resilience and ecosystem restoration.

Nutritional and food security benefits:

• Millets are rich source of nutrients. A regular consumption can help to overcome malnutrition among majority of our Indian population. Research has established the following nutritional contributions of millets;
• Millets are richer in calcium, iron, beta-carotene etc. than rice and wheat.
• Millets are rich in dietary fibre, which is negligible in rice. Jowar has 8 times more fibre, ragi has 40 times more calcium and bajra has 8 times more iron and 5 times more both riboflavin and folic acid than rice.9
• Millets help check diabetes, improves digestive system, reduces cancer risk and strengthen the immune system.
• With no gluten and low glycaemic index, millet diet is ideal for those with celiac diseases and diabetes.
• Millets contain high amounts of lecithin are useful for strengthening the nervous system.
• Millets are comparatively richer in minerals and fibres.

Government’s Initiatives for Millets

• Government declared (in 2018)millets as “Nutri-Cereals”, considering their “high nutritive value” and also “anti-diabetic properties”.
• The 2018year: ‘National Year of Millets”.
• Increase in MSPfor millets
• The government has included millets in the public distribution system (PDS) and POSHAN Abhiyan.
• Millet Mission (under the National Food Security Mission): It will help develop farm-gate processing and empower farmers using FPOs.
• Kerala State Agriculture Department: Millet Village scheme
• Millet Startup Innovation Challenge
• A contest for designing a comic story, with the theme ‘India’s Wealth, Millets for Health’

Way forward:

• As millets farming has been traditionally fitted within the multi cropping farming approach, it needs to be ensured that millets do not follow the monoculture route under the government extension programmes.
• Government should make provisions for incentives to encourage millets cultivation.
• Greater thrust must be given to value addition of the millets to increase demand among the urban consumers.
• Government and CSOs should work together to generate awareness about the benefits conferred by millets and their role in nutrition and carbon sequestration needs.
• Farm mechanisation should be equally prioritized to remove the drudgery associated with its traditional processing of millets.

Conclusion

The value of millets is evident in their relevance to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of food security, nutrition and poverty eradication. Brimming with potential, millets can act as a vital cog in the country’s sustainable development wheel if backed by policies that promote their production, incentivize farmers and strengthen market linkages.

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

7. The three Jewels of Jainism: right faith, right knowledge and right conduct are a core aspect of Jain philosophy. Examine their relevance in modern society.

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-2023 Secure.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Write a few introductory lines about the Jain philosophy.

Body:

Discuss about the three jewels of Jainism – Right faith – Samyak darshan, Right knowledge – Samyak jnana, Right conduct – Samyak charitra.

Next, write about its relevance in modern society. Use examples to substantiate your points.

Conclusion:

Conclude by Summarising.

Introduction

Jainism is an ancient religion that is rooted in the philosophy that teaches the way to liberation and a path to spiritual purity and enlightenment through disciplined nonviolence to all living creatures.

Jainism believes that the universe and all its substances or entities are eternal. It has no beginning or end with respect to time. Universe runs on its own accord by its own cosmic laws.All the substances change or modify their forms continuously. Nothing can be destroyed or created in the universe.

There is no need for someone to create or manage the affairs of the universe.Hence Jainism does not believe in God as a creator, survivor, and destroyer of the universe.

Body

Jewels of Jainism

• Right faith/perception – Samyak darshana: In the process of self-realization one should avoid superstitious beliefs to exercise a logical attitude in life. According to this doctrine one should first try to realize, follow and appreciate the reality of life, one’s own self, aims of religion and its path. Right perception is therefore defined as faith in truth. The absence of that faith or having a wrong faith constitutes the wrong perception. We have remained ignorant of our true self since the time immemorial and have been identifying ourselves with the physical body and other worldly connections that we get as the result of our Karma. Moreover, we also come across wrong beliefs and happen to subscribe to them. That is termed as adopted wrong perception.3Cultivation of right perception is a great challenge or task to accept because it requires a great deal of discipline and enthusiasm. In order to have a better perception in the nature of the reality the followers will have to keep a total faith in the preaching of Térthaìkaras and their scriptures called Ägamas.
• Right knowledge – Samyak jnana: In order to differentiate between right knowledge and wrong knowledge, right perception is very important. From right perception comes the right knowledge. Right knowledge can be acquired from six eternal substances and nine principles or nine Tattvas.
  • The six eternal substances are : i) Soul (jéva), ii) Matter (pudgala), iii) Principle of Motion (dharma), iv) Principle of Rest (adharma), v) Space (äkäça) and vi) Time (käla). Each of these eternal entities is unbreakable, enduring, and everlasting and continuously goes through countless changes.
  • The nine Tattvas include : i) Jéva (soul), ii) Ajéva (non- living elements), iii) Puëya (good deeds), iv) Päpa (bad deeds), v) Äsrava (influx of karmas), vi) Saàvara (stoppage of karmas), vii) Bandha (bondage of karmas), viii) Nirjarä (eradication of karmas), ix) Moksha (liberation).
  • One writer puts it like this: “if our character is flawed and our conscience is not clear, knowledge alone will not help us achieve composure and happiness”.
• Right conduct – Samyak charitra: Right perception leads to right knowledge and right knowledge leads to right conduct. Right conduct aims to inculcate right ethics, values, principles and discipline by which a person can attain his ultimate freedom. Right conduct can be realized by doing what is right. In other words, one should live their lives according to some ethical rules of Jainism. The Jainism followers are expected to not harm any living being and also should not be attached with any worldly possessions. This resolves into taking twelve great vows to attain the right conduct.

Relevance in modern society

• The world is going through a crisis creating lots of chaos and confusion which is leading to uncertainty of our future. Day by day it is witnessing some unwanted situations and circumstances. The world has become a global village due to the advancement in science and technology but it failed to bring closeness in the minds of man who is seen drifting away from each other. The people are growing greedy, selfish, self centered and egoist without having concerns for the society and the community. There is no feeling of brotherhood among people but are ready for the bloodshed or massacre, sometimes in the name of caste or creed or sometimes in the name of religion so on and so forth.
• The violence against women is prevalent not only in India but all over the world. Everywhere there is report of sexual harassment, rape, murder, assault, domestic violence and gender discrimination etc. against women. However, the cause of the situation lies in the degradation of moral and social values in the society. It is disheartening to say that some of the religions are gender centric. But Jainism since time immemorial has been supporting women and its existence. The women not only acquire a very respectable position in the society but are also considered equal with men in every sphere.
• We are living in a modern world so are trying to accommodate ourselves with the characteristics of modernity. We are making ourselves accustomed with different advanced technological gadgets and equipment to keep pace with the changing time. The people with this new modern life are very busy and forget to have contacts with family, friends and society. But, however modern we might be we should never forget to keep our feet on earth. We should always try to do good things in life. Because it is our karma which will decide our fate. It is believed that if we do good karma, good things will happen but if we do bad karma then bad things will happen and would follow to many generations. Jainism denies the existence of God, and hence they worship the twenty four Tirthankaras. The Jains believe that man is the designer of his own fate and one can escape the brunt of karma by only living a simple life of purity and virtue.

Conclusion

It is true that our society is going through a horde of problems arising from different sectors. In the present day condition there is violence, communalism, regionalism, murders, rapes, gender discrimination, and lack of solidarity prevailing everywhere. It is the need of the hour to inculcate moral and social values among us to boost our physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects. The doctrines of Jainism with respect to the present time situation are found to be very much relevant. The Jainas has proved time and again the effectiveness of spiritual progress by putting it into the practice in their own lives. With these doctrines of Jainism we can bring back the peace and harmony in the society and the world.

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