Daily Answer Writing

Model Answer

Introduction

India is at the crossroads of balancing economic growth and addressing climate change. According to a report by the Overseas Development Institute, climate change could result in a loss of 3-10% of India’s GDP by 2100, with the poverty rate expected to rise by 3.5% by 2040. A traditional approach to budgeting will not be sufficient to address the challenges posed by climate change. Thus, adopting a climate-responsive budget is crucial for India’s sustainable development.

Key Components of Climate-Responsive Budgeting

Climate-responsive budgeting involves integrating climate considerations into public expenditure planning. Tools such as climate tagging of budget lines, carbon pricing, and environmental cost-benefit analysis are used to evaluate how public spending can contribute to achieving national climate goals. More advanced techniques include assessing the fiscal sustainability impacts of climate-oriented policies.

Boosting Public Spending Effectiveness

1. Spending on Social Infrastructure The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasizes the importance of social infrastructure in climate mitigation. Budget allocation toward social infrastructure would enhance the adaptive capacity of vulnerable groups, improving their livelihoods, access to services, and overall resilience.
2. Shifting Beyond GDP Metrics A climate-responsive budget shifts the focus from traditional GDP-based growth measurements to a broader, more inclusive view, incorporating environmental and social factors. This approach supports the integration of green metrics into national progress evaluations.
3. Triggering Structural Reforms Achieving a low-emission, resilient economy will require structural reforms and fiscal policies that encourage sustainable investments. Government efforts should focus on sectors like energy, transport, and industry that are both carbon-intensive and essential for GDP growth.
4. Low-Carbon Transition Sectors such as energy and transport are responsible for a significant portion of India’s emissions. A climate-responsive budget can finance low-carbon transition projects, helping India attract global climate finance and meet its international climate commitments.
5. Disaster Resilience With increasing climate-induced disasters, a climate-responsive budget can focus more on prevention and mitigation rather than recovery. This proactive approach will reduce the financial strain caused by recurring natural disasters.

Conclusion

A climate-responsive budget is essential for India’s economic and environmental future. It not only signals the government’s commitment to climate goals but also fosters low-carbon transitions and long-term resilience, making India better equipped to face future climate challenges while promoting inclusive growth.

Model Answer

Introduction

Fortitude refers to the strength of mind and emotional resilience that enables individuals to withstand adversity with courage. It is a vital trait for leaders, especially during crises, as it allows them to guide others effectively and make tough decisions. Leaders with fortitude are often recognized for their ability to handle difficult situations and provide stability when it’s most needed.

Why People Turn to Leaders with Fortitude During Crisis

1. Leading from the Front: Leaders with fortitude take charge during a crisis, displaying confidence and clarity. They provide structured solutions, ensuring that the team remains focused and organized. For instance, Theodore Roosevelt led his regiment with distinction during the Spanish-American War, becoming a symbol of resilience.
2. Decisiveness and Adaptability: People look for leaders who can make swift, yet informed decisions. Sardar Patel’s leadership during the integration of princely states, particularly Junagadh and Hyderabad, exemplifies decisive action during a national crisis.
3. Controlling Chaos: In the face of chaos, fortitude enables leaders to manage emotions and restore order. India’s response to its 1991 economic crisis, spearheaded by leaders like Dr. Manmohan Singh, is a prime example of steady leadership under pressure.
4. Fueling Optimism: A leader with fortitude instills hope and drives positive change. Nelson Mandela’s unwavering commitment to democracy and equality inspired millions during the apartheid struggle.
5. Coaching Others on Core Principles: Leaders with fortitude are role models, consistently demonstrating core values. Mahatma Gandhi’s adherence to non-violence and truth during India’s freedom movement continues to inspire future generations.

Conclusion

Fortitude is not innate but developed through perseverance and consistent effort. Leaders who face challenges head-on, maintaining commitment to their goals, ultimately build this invaluable trait. Fortitude is key to successful leadership, particularly in times of crisis.

Model Answer

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving social landscape of India, shaped by globalization and the 4th Industrial Revolution, the importance of value education alongside technical education cannot be overstated. As technical skills are emphasized for professional success, the equally crucial role of values in creating morally strong professionals needs attention.

Role of Value Education

1. Goals and Purpose: Value-based education instills values like compassion, kindness, and love, which guide individuals toward goals focused on societal betterment. These values ensure that individuals pursue professions that benefit the greater good rather than just personal gain.
2. Aspirations: Moral values help align personal aspirations with the collective happiness of others. For instance, while ambition can drive success, it should not come at the cost of personal relationships or ethical considerations. Without values, success may lead to self-destruction.
3. Attitudes and Actions: Strong values directly influence behavior and actions. Individuals with strong moral values are less likely to engage in unethical practices like corruption and nepotism. For example, professionals with integrity act as role models for their peers, maintaining fairness and equity in the workplace.
4. Mutual Trust and Collaboration: Values such as honesty, integrity, and transparency foster trust and respect within teams. Trust is a key driver of successful organizations and helps build a cooperative and supportive work environment, leading to collective success.
5. Emotional Intelligence: Leaders like Narayan Murthy and Ratan Tata exemplify how emotional intelligence, grounded in strong value systems, can positively influence both their organizations and society. Professionals with high emotional intelligence understand and empathize with others, creating a harmonious work culture.

Conclusion

In light of the moral decline seen in recent times, it is essential for educators to rekindle the desire for strong personal, social, and professional values. Combining technical skills with these ethical foundations will help shape well-rounded, successful professionals who can lead with integrity and contribute positively to society.

Model Answer

Impartiality and Compassion in Public Service

In the realm of public service, impartiality is often regarded as a core ethical value, signifying fairness and objectivity in decision-making. However, this principle should not be seen as preventing compassion in the delivery of services. Both values can coexist and complement each other, especially in a diverse and complex society like India.

Impartiality in Public Service

Impartiality ensures that all decisions are made based on merit without bias towards any individual. It aims to provide equal treatment and uphold justice. In public service, it is essential that civil servants follow the law and policies impartially, ensuring fairness and equity in their decisions.

Role of Compassion

Compassion, on the other hand, requires sensitivity to the needs of individuals and a willingness to help alleviate their suffering. Public servants must balance their responsibility to be impartial with the need to show empathy and understanding, particularly when dealing with vulnerable populations.

Impartiality and Compassion: Complementary, Not Contradictory

In India’s context, where the Constitution mandates affirmative action and policies to uplift marginalized groups, compassion is embedded in the framework of governance. For example, if a person does not possess necessary documentation like an Aadhaar number for availing services, impartiality would demand adherence to rules, but compassion would require helping the individual navigate the bureaucratic hurdles. In such cases, civil servants are expected to use discretion to ensure that policies are applied without causing harm to the disadvantaged.

Conclusion

Thus, while impartiality ensures fairness, compassion allows public servants to be more responsive to individual circumstances, making the public service system more effective and human. A balance between these two values is necessary to address the multifaceted challenges faced by India’s citizens, ensuring that the poorest and most marginalized are served with dignity and fairness.

Model Answer

The Power of Administrators: Benefits and Risks

Administrators in India wield considerable power, enabling them to shape policies, implement schemes, and manage resources. When this power is used appropriately, it can lead to significant benefits for the nation.

Positive Outcomes of Proper Use of Power

1. Improving Access to Basic Necessities: Administrators can leverage their resources to ensure the provision of basic services. For instance, Santha Sheela Nair spearheaded the mandatory implementation of rainwater harvesting in Chennai, alleviating the city’s water crisis in the early 2000s.
2. Empowering Marginalized Communities: Programs initiated by administrators like Aruna Sundararajan’s Kudumbashree project have empowered women, fostering social and economic inclusion.
3. Technological Advancements: Administrators have led the way in adopting e-governance, making government services more accessible and reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies.
4. Preventing Crime: Administrators like Durga Shakti Nagpal have used their authority to combat unlawful activities, such as the sand mafia, with notable courage.
5. Inspiring the Youth: Administrators also act as role models, as seen in the case of Krishna Gopal Tiwari, India’s first visually challenged district collector, who has motivated countless young people.

Consequences of Abusing Power

However, when power is misused, it can lead to serious repercussions:

1. Corruption: Some administrators misuse their authority for personal gain, leading to widespread corruption. For example, Pooja Singh, an IAS officer from Jharkhand, was found with unaccounted wealth worth crores.
2. Developmental Hindrances: Corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency can hinder national development, affecting investments and the ease of doing business in India.
3. Security Concerns: Abuse of power, such as the AgustaWestland deal, can compromise national security, as bureaucrats and officials prioritize personal benefits over the country’s safety.
4. Other Social Issues: Abuse of power contributes to criminal influence in politics, increasing inequality, and a lack of focus on essential reforms.

Conclusion

While transparency, such as digital record-keeping, can reduce abuses, the crux of the issue lies in the moral integrity of administrators. Without strong ethical grounding, controlling the misuse of power becomes a major challenge.