BPSC Mains PYQs

World Happiness Report 2020: Variables

The World Happiness Report 2020 ranks countries based on how happy their citizens perceive themselves to be. Several factors contribute to the ranking, and these factors, or variables, are as follows:

1. Income: The level of income per capita in a country is a significant factor. Wealthier nations tend to report higher happiness levels due to greater access to basic needs and comforts.
2. Social Support: The presence of a robust social safety net, including the availability of support from friends, family, and community, plays a crucial role in happiness. People who feel they can rely on others in times of need are generally happier.
3. Life Expectancy: Health is another major determinant. Longer life expectancy is correlated with happier countries because people are healthier and live longer, enjoying more years of life satisfaction.
4. Freedom to Make Life Choices: People who feel they have the freedom to make decisions about their life, career, and well-being tend to report higher happiness levels.
5. Generosity: Acts of kindness and charity are associated with happiness. Societies where people frequently help others, whether financially or through volunteer work, tend to score higher on the happiness index.
6. Perceptions of Corruption: Lower levels of corruption in the government and businesses are linked to greater happiness. People in countries with less corruption trust their institutions more, leading to a higher quality of life.
7. Dystopia (a benchmark): This variable is a baseline used to compare other countries’ happiness scores. It is a statistical tool that helps in standardizing the results across all nations.

Why Nordic Countries Are Top Ranking

The Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden—have consistently topped the World Happiness Report. Several reasons explain why these nations are regarded as some of the happiest in the world:

1. Strong Social Support Systems: Nordic countries have extensive welfare systems, including free or affordable healthcare, education, and social services. This support reduces stress and inequality, contributing to higher happiness levels.
2. High Trust in Government and Low Corruption: These nations have some of the lowest corruption levels globally. High trust in government institutions means that people feel confident in their leaders and systems, which leads to a greater sense of security and well-being​.
3. Work-Life Balance: The Nordic countries emphasize the importance of work-life balance, offering generous parental leaves, vacation time, and flexibility in work arrangements. This focus on personal time enhances overall life satisfaction​.
4. Environmental Quality: Clean air, low pollution, and access to natural beauty (like forests and lakes) play a significant role in people’s happiness in these countries. The environment is an important aspect of health and well-being​.
5. High Income Equality: While Nordic countries are wealthy, they also have policies that ensure the benefits of wealth are distributed more evenly among the population. Lower income inequality often leads to greater social harmony and overall happiness.
6. Cultural Emphasis on Social Cohesion: In these countries, there is a deep-rooted cultural value of equality and community, which fosters a sense of belonging and collective responsibility, thus enhancing happiness​.

Conclusion

The World Happiness Report 2020 uses a range of factors like income, social support, and perceptions of corruption to measure happiness. The Nordic countries are consistently ranked high due to their strong social support systems, low corruption, high levels of trust, and a culture of equality and work-life balance. These countries exemplify how well-designed policies and a strong societal framework can improve citizens’ quality of life and happiness.

The global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly influenced by international migration and trade patterns, revealing critical vulnerabilities in the interconnected world economy.

Impact of International Migration:

• Migration as a Carrier of the Virus: International migration played a key role in the spread of COVID-19, as travelers brought the virus with them from one country to another. Migrants, particularly in densely populated regions and from countries with high infection rates (like the Middle East and Europe), were crucial in facilitating the virus’s global spread. Border restrictions were implemented to control the movement of people, yet migrant workers often had limited access to healthcare and faced significant challenges during lockdowns, exacerbating the crisis in many regions​.
• Remittances and Economic Impact: Migration also impacted global remittances, with economic downturns in host countries reducing income and employment for migrant workers. The flow of money sent back to families in countries like India and the Philippines faced disruptions, especially when traditional channels were cut off. However, digital remittances surged as informal networks collapsed​. This highlighted the resilience of migrant communities and the shift towards digital financial systems.

Effect of Global Trade:

• Disruption in Global Supply Chains: Trade was severely disrupted due to the pandemic. With the closure of borders, manufacturing hubs (especially in China and Southeast Asia) were unable to supply goods to the rest of the world. This caused shortages of essential goods, from medical supplies to food products, and disrupted global supply chains. Some sectors, such as electronics, automotive, and retail, were hit hard by these delays​.
• Trade Recovery: As restrictions eased, trade began to bounce back, with an uptick in goods and services. The pandemic accelerated digital trade and e-commerce, with an increasing reliance on online platforms for both consumer goods and services​. However, the recovery was uneven across regions, with developing countries still struggling due to their reliance on international trade and remittances.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how intertwined migration and trade are with the global economy. The flow of people and goods helped spread the virus, but these same networks also facilitated recovery efforts, especially through digital platforms and remittance channels. The lessons learned during this crisis could shape future global policies on migration, trade, and public health responses.

Pala Art and Architecture and Its Relationship with Buddhism

The Pala dynasty, which ruled large parts of eastern India, including Bihar and Bengal, from the 8th to the 12th century, played a crucial role in the development of art and architecture, closely tied to the spread of Buddhism. Pala art is known for its distinctive features, and its relationship with Buddhism can be seen in the way it reflected and supported Buddhist practices.

Key Features of Pala Art and Architecture

• Buddhist Monasteries: The Pala dynasty is particularly known for its patronage of Buddhist monasteries, or Mahaviharas, which became centers of learning and art. Notable examples include Nalanda and Vikramshila, which not only housed thousands of monks but also produced magnificent works of art. These monasteries were decorated with sculptures and paintings depicting Buddhist deities, such as Avalokiteshvara and Tara, contributing to the flourishing of Vajrayana Buddhism​.
• Sculpture and Paintings: The Pala period is renowned for its detailed sculptures and paintings. Buddhist figures, particularly those of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, were carved with fine detailing. The sculptures were made from stone, bronze, and terracotta, often placed in temples and monasteries. A key feature of Pala art is the depiction of serene and graceful figures, reflecting the calm and meditative nature of Buddhism​.
• Miniature Paintings: Pala miniature paintings, often created on palm-leaf manuscripts, were another significant feature. These artworks, such as the Astasahasrika-Prajnaparamita, depict Buddhist themes, illustrating the perfection of wisdom and the ideals of Buddhist philosophy. The use of fine lines and subtle color tones in these paintings shows the delicate and refined nature of Pala art​.
• Influence on Neighboring Regions: The spread of Pala art was not confined to India. The exquisite manuscripts, statues, and architectural styles were carried to regions such as Nepal, Tibet, Burma, and Sri Lanka. This widespread influence helped in the development of similar artistic traditions in these areas​.

Pala Architecture and Its Role in Buddhism

• Monastic Complexes: The architecture of the Pala period was marked by large Mahaviharas (monastic complexes), which were both places of worship and centers for learning. These institutions not only housed monks but were also involved in scholarly activities, preserving and transmitting Buddhist teachings. Notable examples of such architecture include the Somapura Mahavihara in Bangladesh and Nalanda Mahavihara in Bihar​.
• Stupas and Temples: Pala architecture also included the construction of stupas and temples, designed to house relics of the Buddha. These structures were often grand, with elaborate carvings and sculptures, symbolizing the spiritual and cultural significance of Buddhism in the region​.

Conclusion

The Pala dynasty’s contributions to art and architecture were deeply connected to Buddhism, as their patronage of Buddhist learning centers led to the development of a unique artistic style. The Pala period marked the zenith of Buddhist art in India, influencing not only religious practices but also the cultural landscapes of neighboring regions. The intricate sculptures, beautiful manuscripts, and grand monasteries created during this period remain a testament to the enduring legacy of the Pala dynasty in the realm of Buddhist art.

Social and Economic Ideas of Ram Manohar Lohia and Jayaprakash Narayan

Ram Manohar Lohia and Jayaprakash Narayan were prominent figures in Indian politics, especially known for their contributions to socialism and the empowerment of marginalized groups. While both had unique ideologies, they shared common views on social justice, economic equality, and democratic participation.

Ram Manohar Lohia’s Ideas

1. Socialism and Equality: Lohia advocated for a socialist society where the economic and social gaps between the rich and the poor were eliminated. He believed that economic democracy was essential for achieving social justice, which involved controlling the means of production, distribution, and exchange.
2. Caste and Social Justice: One of Lohia’s significant contributions was his focus on the eradication of the caste system. He believed in reservations for the backward classes and Dalits, and fought for their political empowerment.
3. Anti-colonialism and Nationalism: Lohia was an advocate of a strong, self-reliant India. He opposed the exploitation of India by both colonial powers and the wealthy elites within the country. His idea was to build a system that benefited all sections of society, especially the poorest.
4. Decentralization of Power: He supported decentralization of political power through a strong local government system, which he believed would give ordinary people more control over their lives.

Jayaprakash Narayan’s Ideas

1. Sarvodaya (Upliftment of All): JP’s ideology was centered around the concept of Sarvodaya, meaning “welfare of all”. This was an extension of Gandhian thought, advocating for a society where no one is left behind, economically or socially​.
2. Socialist and Democratic Roots: Like Lohia, JP was a socialist, but his socialism was rooted in democratic ideals. He rejected the authoritarian aspects of Soviet-style socialism and instead advocated for a democratic form of socialism that was both peaceful and non-violent​.
3. Participatory Democracy: JP strongly believed in participatory democracy, where power was not concentrated at the top, but distributed to local communities through the Panchayati Raj system. He emphasized the active involvement of ordinary people in decision-making processes.
4. Economic Reforms: JP was also critical of India’s economic model post-independence, which he felt ignored the needs of the rural population. He believed in land reforms and equal distribution of resources to reduce the gap between the urban and rural poor​.

Common Ideals Between Lohia and JP

• Social Justice: Both leaders strongly believed in equality and advocated for the empowerment of marginalized groups.
• Decentralization: They both pushed for decentralized systems that would empower the grassroots, whether through local panchayats or through reforms that reduced the power of centralized elites.
• Non-violence and Democracy: While they both embraced socialist ideals, they also believed in achieving these through democratic means and were influenced by Gandhi’s principles of non-violence.

Conclusion

In essence, Ram Manohar Lohia and Jayaprakash Narayan were advocates of a just society where the marginalized and oppressed could live with dignity and equality. Their ideas not only contributed significantly to the socialist thought in India but also laid the foundation for participatory democracy and social reforms that continue to inspire political movements today.