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Journalism of Courage
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today’s answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-1 to check your progress.
Suggest comprehensive strategies and policy actions that governments and stakeholders can use to establish a safer online environment for children without limiting their access to digital resources and opportunities.
What are the characteristics of ancient education system? List out the sources of ancient education.
Introduction
— The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction.
— It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts.
Body
— It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content.
— The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points.
— Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse.
— Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer.
— Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required.
Way forward/ conclusion
— The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction.
— You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers.
Self Evaluation
— It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers.
QUESTION 1: Suggest comprehensive strategies and policy actions that governments and stakeholders can use to establish a safer online environment for children without limiting their access to digital resources and opportunities.
Introduction:
— India has the world’s second largest base of Internet users and it is projected to be the global leader in data usage by 2028.
— The “provision of broadband for all” is the first objective of the National Digital Communication Policy, 2018. The New Telecom Policy of 1999 had aspired to ensure internet access to all district headquarters.
Body:
— The knowledge of how the internet affects society, particularly children and young adults, has not kept up with the rapid advancement of technology in the more than thirty years since the internet became widely available.
— The generations of so-called “digital natives” that have developed since the late 1990s have little or no experience with a world without the internet, even as those in charge of implementing protections continue to frame the specific difficulties of the digital world in analogue terms.
— There is little doubt that the widespread availability of the internet has made it easier for children and young people to be exposed to hazards such as child sexual abuse, online harassment, cyberbullying, and blackmail.
— Existing legislation, such as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, which require parental agreement for the processing of a child’s data, address some of these concerns.
— Effective child protection initiatives start at home and in the classroom, with open dialogue between kids and adults that also takes into consideration the kids’ experiences and worries.
— Teaching kids about “appropriate online behaviour, recognising warning signs of predatory behaviour, and understanding the importance of privacy settings and online boundaries” is part of this, according to Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma.
— The internet is a resource for both adults and children, who use it for education, amusement, socialisation, and self-realisation, and a fear-based strategy would be unproductive.
(Source: Keeping children safe online, while ensuring their right to access the internet)
Points to Ponder
How did the Internet come to India?
How to ensure that the Internet remains accessible to all?
Related Previous Year Questions
Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children. (2023)
How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer. (2020)
QUESTION 2: What are the characteristics of ancient education system? List out the sources of ancient education.
Introduction:
Characteristics of ancient education system
— Ancient education systems were viewed as sources of knowledge, traditions, and practices that guided and supported humanity.
— Our traditional education system evolved over time, beginning with the Rigveda and focusing on the complete development of the individual by caring for both the inner and outer self.
— The system emphasised the moral, physical, spiritual, and intellectual dimensions of existence.
— It promoted virtues like humility, honesty, discipline, self-sufficiency, and respect for all things.
— Students were taught to appreciate the harmony between humans and nature. Teaching and learning adhered to the principles of the Vedas and Upanishads, emphasising the importance of self, family, and society in all aspects of life. The education system emphasised both learning and physical development.
— In other words, the emphasis was on maintaining a healthy mind and body.
Body:
Sources of Ancient Education
— The Vedas, Brahmanas, Upanishads, and Dharmasutras formed the foundation of the ancient educational system.
— Some of the sources of learning included the writings of Aryabhata, Panini, Katyayana, and Patanjali, as well as Charaka and Sushruta’s medical treatises.
— A distinction was also made between Shastras (learned disciplines) and Kavyas (imaginative and creative writing).
— Learning came from a variety of disciplines, including Itihas (history), Anviksiki (logic), Mimamsa (interpretation), Shilpashastra (architecture), Arthashastra (politics), Varta (agricultural, trade, commerce, animal husbandry), and Dhanurvidya.
— A significant portion of the curriculum included physical education, where students engaged in a variety of activities such as yogasadhana (mind and body training), dhanurvidya (archery for learning martial arts), vyayamaprakara (exercises), and krida (games and leisure activities).
— Learned debates, or shastrartha, were arranged to evaluate students’ learning. Higher level students mentored lower level students.
— Additionally, there was the peer-to-peer learning method, which involved group and peer work.
Conclusion:
— In ancient India, both formal and informal educational systems existed. Indigenous education took place at home, in temples, pathshalas, tols, chatuspadis, and gurukuls.
— Education in India has a strong tradition of being practical, realistic, and life-changing.
— Temples were also sites of learning, to spread knowledge of our old system.
— Students travelled to viharas and universities to gain more knowledge. The majority of instruction was given orally, and pupils remembered and reflected on what they had learned in class.
(Source: ncert.nic.in)
Points to Ponder
Monasteries/viharas in news
Religious teachings of Buddhism
Nalanda University (UNESCO site)
Related Previous Year Questions
Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India. (2023)
Evaluate the nature of Bhakti Literature and its contribution to Indian culture. (2021)
Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. (2020)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 51)
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UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 52)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 51)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 51)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 52)
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