Model Answer

Introduction

In India, suicide has become the leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-29, with the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reporting 164,033 suicides in 2021, a 7.2% increase from the previous year.

Reasons for Rising Suicides

1. Family Problems: Family issues account for nearly one-third of all suicide cases. Changing family structures and a lack of communication lead to insecurity and emotional distress among individuals.
2. Economic and Professional Discontent: A significant factor is dissatisfaction with professional status and economic conditions. The Health Ministry notes that 63.3% of suicides occur among individuals earning less than Rs. 1 lakh per annum, indicating financial strain leads to despair.
3. Illness: Lack of access to medical care and treatment for life-threatening diseases contributes to feelings of hopelessness. Mental health conditions, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, also play a critical role.
4. Unemployment: With an unemployment rate of around 8%, many young individuals face pressure and depression, leading to suicidal thoughts.
5. Substance Abuse: According to the National Mental Health Survey (2015-16), over 22% of adults in India suffer from substance use disorders, significantly increasing the risk of suicide.

National Suicide Prevention Strategy

Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, aiming to reduce suicide mortality by 10% by 2030. Key focus areas include:

• Surveillance Mechanisms: Establishing effective surveillance for suicide within three years through enhanced leadership and partnerships.
• Psychiatric Services: Implementing psychiatric outpatient departments in all districts within five years to provide suicide prevention services.
• Mental Well-Being Curriculum: Integrating mental health education in schools over the next eight years to foster community resilience and societal support.
• Reducing Access to Means: Phasing out hazardous pesticides to limit means of suicide.
• Stigma Reduction: Creating guidelines for media to report responsibly on suicides, addressing the stigma that hinders individuals from seeking help.
• Data Collection: Strengthening data collection on suicides and attempts to better inform prevention strategies.

Conclusion

The successful implementation of this strategy requires sustained commitment from both central and state governments, aiming to inspire hope and create a supportive environment for mental health.

Model Answer

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various aspects of society, offering potential for greater efficiencies and new opportunities. However, this transformation raises significant questions about the evolving role of humans in an increasingly automated world. AI’s rapid growth in sectors like healthcare, banking, and manufacturing presents both exciting possibilities and challenging concerns, particularly regarding employment, ethics, and social inequality.

Opportunities

AI is driving innovation across industries, creating new opportunities that didn’t exist before. For example, in mining and fuel exploration, AI-powered robotics can explore areas like the ocean floor, surpassing human limitations in challenging environments. Moreover, sectors like data science, machine learning, and robotics are rapidly growing, providing new career opportunities. This expansion of AI-related fields leads to the emergence of entirely new industries and entrepreneurship.

Increasing Efficiencies

AI also enhances efficiency by automating repetitive tasks and reducing human error. In banking, AI enhances customer service and security while cutting down operational costs. The healthcare sector benefits from AI’s ability to diagnose and treat diseases more efficiently, leading to better patient outcomes. Additionally, industries like manufacturing and space exploration are increasingly relying on AI for automation and process optimization, increasing productivity and lowering costs.

Concerns about AI and the Role of Humans

Despite its benefits, AI raises several concerns. One major issue is job displacement, as automation could replace human workers, leading to unemployment and potential social unrest. AI also presents ethical challenges, such as bias in algorithms, privacy issues, and a lack of transparency in decision-making processes. Moreover, the reliance on AI could exacerbate social inequalities, as access to these technologies might be limited to certain groups.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while AI brings undeniable benefits in terms of opportunities and efficiencies, it also poses challenges that require careful consideration. A balanced approach, including ethical guidelines and policies to mitigate risks, is essential to ensure that AI serves society in a fair and responsible manner. The future role of humans will depend on how we navigate these complexities and ensure that technology remains aligned with human values.

Model Answer

Introduction

The Mauryan Empire, lasting from 321 to 185 BCE, marked a turning point in Indian history. Its reign brought about significant political, economic, social, and cultural transformations that would influence the subcontinent for centuries. Under the leadership of powerful rulers like Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka, the empire laid the foundations for a unified and prosperous India.

Significance of Mauryan Rule

• Political Unification: For the first time, the Mauryan Empire united almost the entire Indian subcontinent under one political authority. This consolidation ended the frequent warfare between smaller kingdoms, bringing stability and peace to the region.
• Centralized Administration: The Mauryan rulers established a centralized government with a structured administrative system. The council of ministers, known as the Mantriparishad, and provincial governance allowed for efficient control and management of the vast empire.
• Economic Development: The Mauryan administration fostered trade, commerce, and agriculture. Key infrastructure like roads (e.g., the Grand Trunk Road) and water tanks were built to boost economic activity.
• Diplomatic Relations: Mauryan rulers maintained diplomatic ties with foreign kingdoms, such as the Hellenistic states, enhancing cultural exchanges and strengthening their political position.

Changes Introduced by Mauryan Rule

• Political Changes: The creation of a unified state with a strong bureaucracy reduced internal conflicts. The empire was divided into provinces, each governed by officials, ensuring effective governance across the vast territory.
• Economic Reforms: A land revenue system was established, ensuring fair taxation and boosting agricultural productivity. This system helped maintain a stable financial base for the government, supporting a large army.
• Social Stability: The Mauryan Empire implemented laws to maintain social order and promoted religious tolerance, which helped maintain harmony within the empire’s diverse population.
• Cultural Contributions: Ashoka’s promotion of Buddhism and the establishment of universities like Taxila helped foster intellectual and religious development. The architectural legacy of the Mauryas, including the Ashoka Pillars and the Great Stupa at Sanchi, reflects the empire’s cultural significance.

Conclusion

The Mauryan Empire played a crucial role in shaping Indian history. Its impact on governance, economy, society, and culture is still visible today, especially in national symbols and cultural traditions.

Model Answer

Introduction

The family is a dynamic social institution in India, undergoing continuous transformation due to various factors. Traditionally, the family was seen as a collective unit, integral to Indian culture. However, changing social, economic, and cultural dynamics are reshaping family structures and roles.

1. Transition from Joint to Nuclear Families

One of the significant changes in the family structure is the shift from joint families to nuclear setups. Increased mobility for education and employment, both within India and abroad, has led to families becoming smaller and more independent. For instance, many Indians now live in nuclear families in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or even abroad, driven by job opportunities and the need for better living standards.

2. Changing Marriage Patterns

Marriage ages in India are rising, particularly for women, who are delaying marriage to focus on professional and educational goals. This shift is breaking traditional gender expectations, with educated urban women often marrying in their late 20s to advance in their careers.

3. Dissolution of Endogamy

Social mobility and access to education have led to a rise in interfaith and intercaste marriages, which were previously rare. This change challenges traditional norms, expanding the diversity within families and forcing them to adapt culturally. For instance, inter-caste marriages have increased from 2% to 5% of total marriages since the 1990s.

4. Redefinition of Family

The concept of family is broadening with the acceptance of same-sex relationships, cohabitation, single-parent families, adoption, and surrogate births. These developments challenge heteronormative views and further transform the family institution.

5. Gender Role Changes

Gender roles within families have evolved, with both men and women sharing income-earning, childcare, and household responsibilities. The increasing participation of women in the labor force is a key factor in this change.

6. Elder Care Shifts

The traditional model of caring for elderly parents at home is being replaced by reliance on old-age homes, as younger families in urban settings struggle to balance work and caregiving responsibilities.

7. Influence of Technology

Advances in technology and social media have redefined family relationships, enabling people to stay connected despite geographical distances. Tools like WhatsApp and Zoom are used daily by non-resident Indians (NRIs) to maintain close ties with their families in India.

Conclusion

In India, the family remains a crucial institution, but traditional assumptions about longevity, gender roles, and societal norms are being transformed. Changing societal attitudes, particularly regarding gender equality and individual autonomy, are re-shaping family structures and roles, reflecting the dynamic nature of the institution.