AIR 37 · CSE 2024 · GS4 · 50 pages

Shobhika: GS4 answer copy

6 answers by Shobhika, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1(a)Gandhiji's Nai Talim focused on an education system that brings about synchronisation in our thoughts, beliefs and actions. In present scenario of alleged NEET scam, poor learning outcomes & overall declining moral fabric of society, our education institutions need an overhaul.
  2. Q2(a)Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognise & manage one's emotions as well as that of others. (b) The Panchsheel Doctrine, though formalised in the 1960s, stands relevant even today, given the challenges of a multipolar world order. Discuss. 3(a) 'Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; Teach him how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime'. The above quote stands relevant in the era of growing freebies culture as a populist measure to win elections. Discuss the ethical issues involved and suggest ways to resolve this.
  3. Q5Probity in governance refers to adherence to sound principles of ethical administration ie accountability, integrity, transparency etc.
  4. Q5(a)Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (a) "Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school." In the light of this quote, explain the significance of 'tolerance' as a foundational value of education. (b) Explain the ethical dimension of 'service' and how it aligns with the concept of 'Sarvodaya'. (c) Discuss how 'faith' and 'strength' can be both constructive and destructive forces in human action.
  5. Q6(a)Corruption is a slippery slope. It refers to private appropriation of public resources for personal gains. Once a person gives into corrupt practices, it is difficult to come out of it, given the accountability of public administration & division of powers.
  6. Q11(a)Natural and man-made disasters require a multi-pronged strategy of response & rehabilitation. Given the gravity of the situation in the present railway accident, my role as commanding officer of NDRF, would be to ensure speedy rescue & relief to the victims. This shall be followed by rooting rehabilitation & mitigation approaches as a long term solution.

The answers

Question 1(a) · 402 words written

Gandhiji's Nai Talim focused on an education system that brings about synchronisation in our thoughts, beliefs and actions. In present scenario of alleged NEET scam, poor learning outcomes & overall declining moral fabric of society, our education institutions need an overhaul.

Opening · no separate opening

None written.

Body · points and prose

Education & Values

  1. Sympathy & empathy for the weak & vulnerable: This can be achieved by moral lessons, experiential training by visit to orphanages & old age homes.
  2. Respect for all kinds of work: This can be inculcated by vocational training. Boys may be encouraged for home science. Girls may be motivated to take up robotics. This will help break gender barriers. Japan's school curriculum also includes cleaning of toilets, gardening etc.

Education & Content

  1. Industry-academia linkage for better job prospects: This can be achieved via focus on R&D, curriculum updation etc. NEP 2020 & its focus on robotics, AI is a step in the right direction.
  2. Cultural relativism & holistic education: Focus on tribal languages, vernacular education, gender sensitive training etc. (Eg) Good-touch-bad touch, sex education, respect for consent etc.
Diagram
Values <---> Educational Institutions <---> Content | | | v | v reformation | enhancement of heart | of skills | | | +------------------------+----------+ v Learned & Informed citizen

In conclusion, Gandhiji's vision of Sarvodaya with Antyodaya may be realized only with proper balance of content & values both in our schools, colleges etc. Shantiniketan should be emulated.

Attitude is a learned tendency to act in particular ways towards an object/belief. As a mental construct, it plays a crucial role in our social capital, both positively & negatively.

Diagram
health & education | Social capital <---+---- networks of social bonds | degree of cohesion-+---- mutual trust in society

Building social capital:

  • Positive attitude:
    • Respect for all sections of society leads to inclusive growth
    • Social & reformative justice for equitable growth
    • Helps realize the importance of health & education for overall development

(Eg) i) Educating a mother helps in overcoming inter generational transfer of poverty due to investment in:

  • nutrition of children (malnourished & anaemic population as per NFHS-5)
  • greater say in decision making concerning gender barriers

(ii) Positive attitude of a bureaucrat helps in effective implementation of social welfare schemes (Eg) Armstrong Pame's initiative in Manipur.

Attitude not enough:- Social capital can be developed with the support of other crucial factors like:

  • Integrity of individuals
  • Transparency & accountability of administration (Eg) TN Seshan's role in cleansing electoral malpractices
  • Strong will power & commitment (Eg) Kailash Satyarthi's efforts towards child labour victims

Close · a way forward

Sometimes, positive attitude may be met with institutional barriers of corruption, red tapism etc (Eg) Satyendra Dubey's case. Likewise, negative attitude can lead to declining moral fabric & slippery slope (Eg) Osama bin Laden's resolve to avenge resulted in 9/11 attacks.

Therefore, attitude with right intentions, values & support of social institutions will lead to effective social capital formation in a sustainable manner.