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Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
1. Discuss the major characteristics of art in the period between 200 B.C.E- 300 C.E with a special emphasis on Stupa architecture. (250 words)
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 artistic characteristic between 200 BCE and 300 CE and about Stupa architecture.
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.
Begin by giving context of development of art between 200 BCE and 300 CE.
First, write about the major features of art between 200 BCE and 300 CE – mostly related to religions, Buddha images, construction of Stupas, Chaityas and Viharas, non-Indian art in the artistic creations etc.
Next, write in detail about the features of Stupa architecture and its evolution during this period.
The Mauryan period witnessed production of splendid specimens of art by the state. With the emergence of social groups who could extend substantial patronage for production of specimens of art, new trends in art activities came about. There was also, from the Mauryan period onwards, a shift toward using non-perishable material i.e. stone as a medium of creative expression. There was also constant interaction in this period with those art forms that flourished beyond the frontiers of the Indian sub-continent. There emerged various schools of art.
In the period between 200 B.C.- 300 A.D. certain general characteristics of art may be highlighted :
The stupa (“stupa” is Sanskrit for heap) is an important form of Buddhist architecture, though it predates Buddhism. It is generally considered to be a sepulchral monument—a place of burial or a receptacle for religious objects. At its simplest, a stupa is a relic-filled mound-like or hemispheric structure used for meditation. From the Vedic time onwards, stupas were used as burial mounds in India.
Main characteristics of a Stupa
It is thus apparent that the stupa, which was conceived as a simple monument for the Buddha’s corporeal relics, has over time transformed in its form and nomenclature and resulted in various types of structures all over the world. In some regions, even supplementary structures like monasteries have come up alongside stupas, fuelling the inception of new Buddhist orders and sects. However, the core ideology of the stupa remains constant throughout each new development, as does its symbolism and several crucial architectural features. These characteristics must, therefore, be given due consideration and importance while designing any stupa project.
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
2. Pala art is in a naturalistic style with a great attention to the ornamental detail and certain elegant virtuosity. Discuss. (250 words)
Reference: Insights on India , ccrtindia.gov.in
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 the various features of Pala school of art.
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.
Begin by giving a brief about the origins of Pala school of art.
First, write about the detailed features of Pala school of art – Pala style was transmitted chiefly by means of bronze sculptures and palm-leaf paintings, celebrating the Buddha and other divinities.
Next, write about development of naturalistic style among Pala style and attention to detail. Elaborate with examples.
The Pala dynasty ruled from 8th century to 12th century CE in the regions comprising Bihar and Bengal. The development of art which had been in a full-fledged manner during the Mauryas and Guptas was further carried out by Palas. Distinctive achievements of Palas are seen in the arts of architecture, sculpture, terracotta, painting and wall painting.
The Pala art came to a sudden end after the destruction of the Buddhist monasteries at the hands of Muslim invaders in the first half of the 13th century. Some of the monks and artists escaped and fled to Nepal, which helped in reinforcing the existing art traditions there. Ramapala was the last strong Pala ruler. After his death, a rebellion broke out in Kamarupa during his son Kumarapala’s reign. So due to rebellions art was not focussed much.
Topic: Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
3. In the context of Nehru’s “temples of modern India”, discuss their contribution to India’s growth and development since independence. (250 words)
As India celebrates 75 years of Independence, Indians will see this as an occasion to recall Jawaharlal Nehru’s immortal speech, “A Tryst with Destiny”, delivered on the night of August 14, 1947, and its haunting poetic expressions — “At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India awakes to life and freedom.” For most, that speech and the man who spoke those words symbolised the spirit of a new nation just born. For them, some of the recent attempts to undermine Nehru’s place in history may seem like a minor distraction.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the “temples of modern India” and their contributions.
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.
Start by outlining “temples of modern India” as per Nehru.
First, in detail, mention the rationale behind considering institutions like Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIM), Bhakra-Nangal dam, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, the LIC, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Indian Oil Corporation, the National Library of India and the National Institute of Design as temples.
Next, write about the contribution of the above in growth and development of the country and substantiate with facts and examples.
Conclude by summarising the importance of the above.
Temples of modern India was a term coined by India’s first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru while starting the construction of the Bhakra Nangal Dam to describe scientific research institutes, steel plants, power plants, dams being launched in India after independence to jumpstart scientific and industrial progress. The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIM), the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, the LIC, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Indian Oil Corporation, the National Library of India and the National Institute of Design were envisaged as temples as they would rebuild India and take it to its rightful place in the world.
Contribution to India’s growth and development
Prime Minister Nehru’s 17-year rule set the stage for momentum in the Indian economy and his management model became a template for many succeeding Prime Ministers. This was a period which saw seismic shifts in the Indian economy. The Green Revolution which transformed India from a basket case to a grain-exporting nation, the telephone revolution that changed the telephone from being a symbol of elite lifestyle to mass ownership, and the digital revolution which turned India into a global technology hub all played out one after another.
The success of these missions owed a great deal to the Nehruvian model, with several scientists and technocrats playing a central role in these accomplishments. Collectively, these shifts have lifted over 300 million Indians above the poverty line and heralded the arrival of a modern, diversified globally connected economy with a significant digital component.
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
4. The isolated and diverse North-East India continues to witness serious challenges of integration and under development. Unless there is a change in the mindset of policy makers as well as policies responsive to the changing needs of the people, the problems will continue in the region. Analyse. (250 words).
The integration of Northeast India into mainstream Indian life has been on the national agenda from the very start of India’s journey as an independent nation. The region has always been seen to be somewhat alien and needing assimilation, which found (and finds) reflection in administrative terms too.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the issues of NE India and ways to overcome them.
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.
Begin by giving context of north eastern India.
In the first part, briefly trace the efforts at the integration of NE India.
Next, write about the challenges with respect to development in NE India – Historical discrimination, violence, lack of rights, lack of accessibility, poverty, crime, tribal insurgency etc. Substantiate with facts and examples.
Next, write about the measures that are required to overcome the above challenges.
Conclude by writing a way forward.
India’s North Eastern Region is a rainbow country, known for its diversity. It stretches from the foothills of the Himalayas in the eastern range and is surrounded by Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Nepal and Myanmar. The region is rich in natural resources, covered with dense forests, has the highest rainfall in the country, with large and small river systems nesting the land and is a treasure house of flora and fauna. Marked by diversity in customs, cultures, traditions and languages, it is home to multifarious social, ethnic and linguistic groups.
Efforts towards integration of NE to mainstream India
Issues hindering the growth of Northeast India
Innovation, Initiatives, Ideas and Implementation–all the four needs to go together. Inclusive growth is possible through improved governance, doing away with the draconian laws and ensuring the local communities are empowered to implement basic services. For this, all the stakeholders need to formulate a comprehensive realistic plan for the overall development of North East.
Government Initiatives for NE Region
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
5. Both India and the EU have been keen to maintain the momentum in their bilateral interactions, despite various challenges. Can the unfulfilled bilateral potential be realised? Comment. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu ,Insights on India
While India celebrates its 75th year of Independence, it also celebrates 60 years of diplomatic relations with the European Union (EU). A cooperation agreement signed in 1994 took the bilateral relationship beyond trade and economic cooperation.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the need for great cooperation between India-EU in critical areas and ways to achieve it.
Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Start with brief background of the context of the question.
Explain first that after limited economic gains from its FTAs with Asian partners, India is reassessing its FTA options. While a good beginning has been made with the UK, India must also renegotiate with the EU—the bloc is very important for India as far as trade relations are concerned, and an FTA with the EU is, thus, based on sound reasoning.
Discuss that FTAs need to be designed in a manner that they enhance complementarities amongst partners and overcome regulatory hurdles that inhibit trade. Account for potential of India –EU trade relations.
Present the challenges before India in realizing this potential.
Suggest way forward and conclude.
India-EU relationship dates back to 1960s when India was the first country to establish relationship with European economic union which later evolved into common market -European union. For more than a decade, the EU and India partnership had been slow-moving and fragmented, struggling to maintain momentum. India was acknowledged as a strategic partner in 2004. But seventeen years on there is still no mutually agreed set of clear priorities. The EU-India relationship fails to acknowledge each partner’s individual realities. Today’s changed circumstances provide the two sides with a new set of opportunities to move forward on the long-stalled agenda of stronger ties between India and European Union.
While India celebrates its 75th year of Independence, it also celebrates 60 years of diplomatic relations with the European Union (EU). A cooperation agreement signed in 1994 took the bilateral relationship beyond trade and economic cooperation..
Various facets of India-EU bilateral relations:
India and the EU have been keen to maintain the momentum in their bilateral interactions due to the opportunities
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
6. What is a carbon market? Evaluate the potential to have a carbon market framework in India to incentivize carbon emission reduction and fight climate change. (250 words)
This monsoon session of Parliament concluded with the passing of the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022) by the Lok Sabha. Among other things, the bill proposes a momentous carbon market framework in India to incentivize carbon emission reduction
Key Demand of the question:
To write about carbon market and India’s potential in using to fight climate change.
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.
Begin by defining carbon market.
In the first part, in detail, write about the structure and functioning of carbon market and its brief history.
Next, write about the potential of carbon markets in reducing carbon emissions and fighting climate change. Write the ways in which it would help. Substantiate with facts and examples.
Next, write about the challenges and limitations associated with carbon markets in India. Mention ways to overcome them.
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Carbon markets allow for buying and selling of carbon emissions with the objective of reducing global emissions. Carbon markets existed under the Kyoto Protocol, which is being replaced by the Paris Agreement in 2020. Carbon Markets can potentially deliver emissions reductions over and above what countries are doing on their own.
Potential to have carbon market framework In India
The establishment of a domestic carbon market is a progressive step. However, the actual benefit will depend upon the effectiveness of the market. For this, the Government must ensure that proper regulations are established. Moreover, there must be periodic assessment of its functioning and corrective steps its necessary. Climate Change is real and imminent, Government must take all possible steps to mitigate the challenges.
Topic: Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity;
7. Discuss the importance of Probity in public projects, which seeks to reduce vulnerabilities to corruption in Public Private Partnership projects (PPP). (150 Words)
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Conceptual Tuesdays’ in Mission-2023 Secure.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about importance of probity in public procurement and its role in reducing corruption.
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.
First, write about the need of Probity in Public Procurement and how it will affect the current challenges with respect to public projects. Cite examples to substantiate.
Next, write about the steps to ensure probity in PPP projects.
Complete by writing a way forward.
Probity can be defined as complete and confirmed integrity, uprightness and honesty. Upholding the highest standards of probity and integrity enables organisations to safeguard procurement activities to ensure those activities and processes are robust and can withstand scrutiny.
Probity is a fundamental part of every procurement project and activity. As probity issues can arise at any stage of a procurement activity, probity needs to be anticipated as early as possible when planning a procurement (pre-procurement) and must be considered throughout the entire procurement lifecycle including category management, early market engagement, market analysis, sourcing and the entire contract phase.
Importance of Probity in public projects
Measures to reduce corruption in PPPs
It is a shared belief that the adoption of standards like “accountability”, “transparency” and “responsiveness” will lead to clean and efficient governance. However, standards do not, by themselves, ensure ethical behaviour: which requires a robust culture of integrity and probity in public life. The crux of ethical behaviour does not lie only in standards, but in their adoption in action and in issuing sanctions against their violation.
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