> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.upscprep.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# UPSC Mains Daily Answer Writing - 13 November (GS 4)
- URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-daily-answer-writing-13-november-gs-4/
- Published: 2023-11-13T02:37:09.000Z
- Updated: 2023-11-13T02:37:09.000Z
- Author: UPSCprep.com
- Tags: UPSC Mains Daily Answer Writing

## **Questions**

**Q1\. (a) What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. (10)**

**(b) Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance? (10)**

---

### Model Solutions

**Q1\. (a) What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.(10)**

**Model Structure** 
**Introduction**

- Guru Nanak's teachings emphasized unity, equality, compassion, and the oneness of humanity which are relevant in today's diverse and interconnected world to foster peace, harmony and social justice.

**Main Body**  
Major teachings of Guru Nanak and their contemporary relevance needs to be understood in tandem rather than in silos.

| **Major Teachings of Guru Nanak**                                      | **Their contemporary relevance**                                                                                                                                                |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Seva i.e selfless service.                                             | Other religions like Christianity also promote it via ‘Service before self’. They do it by their community kitchens i.e langar even in times of disasters.                      |
| Social justice and inclusivity as he was against caste discrimination. | This idea echoes in part III and IV of our constitution and at the international level in UDHR.                                                                                 |
| Ik Onkar i.e monotheistic belief in one God and one creator.           | The crux of all religions is common and this idea promotes tolerance and brotherhood                                                                                            |
| Kirat Karo i.e put all the efforts in the work with honesty.           | It helps prevent easy paths of corruption and dereliction of duty. The dedication shown by Satyendra Dubey is a prime example.                                                  |
| Interfaith dialogues.                                                  | Core teachings of all religions are the same but practices are different. And these practices result in discord. To ensure discord is prevented, there is a need for dialogues. |
| Vaand Chakho i.e sharing with others and helping them when in need.    | Philanthropic activities, CSR, role of NGOs etc is a prime example of it.                                                                                                       |

**Conclusion**

- Guru Nanak’s message of compassion, equality, and social justice is relevant in today's world as it promotes interfaith dialogue, inclusive societies and unity across diverse communities.

---

**(b) Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance? (10)**

**Model Structure** 
**Introduction**

- Social capital is an intangible asset made of relationships and trust among communities which fosters cooperation, accountability, and citizen engagement to usher in good governance.

**Main Body**  
There are many ways in which social capital enhances good governance like-

- More social capital means more transparency and accountability in governance which allows citizens to make well-informed decisions.
- Easy to mobilize people for effective movements which help pressurize governments and bring in improved governance.
- It improves trust between individuals, communities and institutions and the outcome is increased compliance with laws.
- Social capital acts as guardian of values like pluralism, justice and freedom leading to improved governance.
- Better unity which leads to improved collaboration resulting in effective governance.
- Fostering inclusivity as diverse perspectives are accommodated in policy making.
- Community building by ensuring social cohesiveness which gives enough time and resources to administration to focus on governance.
- Active participation of all sections in times of crisis to improve resilience.

**Conclusion**

- There is a need to build strong social networks, improve community engagement and make communities more interconnected for improved social capital and prosperous societies.

---