Current Affairs Secondary School Level

The favourite season of most people is either the spring or the autumn. They like mild seasons. The harshness and severity of the Indian summer and winter frightens them. In summer they often go to the cool hilly places and in winter to sea-resorts. But my favourite is the winter season. The sharp, biting wind, the chilling cold, the hail and the snow are like tonic to me. They fill me with zest and energy. Winter is the season of games and sports, both in plains and on hills. Everywhere people can be seen participating in various games arid sports. Cricket-fever grips the whole country. Commentary can be heard everywhere. All the young persons are outdoors. In the hills people can be seen, skiing and ice-skating. Picnickers flock at their favourite picnic-spots. The different types of scenes are fascinating. After the snow-fall in the hills everything is covered in whiteness. There is nothing but whiteness as far as one can see. Even the trees are weighed down with snowflakes. It is breathtaking. Sometimes the whole landscape is full of fog. It presents a mysterious, unearthly spectacle. People and vehicles move about in a ghostly manner. One moment they are there and the next moment they are hidden in the thick fog. When there is sunshine, it is so pleasant to bask in it. People can be seen sun-bathing on the beaches, on their roof-tops or just half- lying in their chairs. Winter is the season of marriages and colorful woollen clothes and good food. A wide variety of vegetables is available in this season. Food doesn't get easily spoilt. One has no problem with digestion in this season. So people zestfully satisfy their taste for different types of dishes. The marriage feasts help them in this. Marriage, exhibitions, shows, fetes, parties etc. give opportunity to people to display their fine clothes. The festival of Christmas is celebrated on 25th of December. If is full of gaiety, fun and frolic. Christmas cake, plum-pudding, turkey, punch, Christmas carols and Santa Claus with his presents, make this festival so beautiful and eagerly awaited. One does not feel tired in cold weather. That is why with all these activities, one can still find time for one's studies. In fact my most important spell of studies is in this season. And that is why I like this season the most.

My grand mother was the one whom I loved the most. She lived with us in our house. She was very loving. She made delicious sweets for me. She also helped me to write poems. Knitting was her hobby. She knitted many woolen garments for my family. She made sweaters, socks, muffler, mittens and gloves for me and my doll. On my birthday when I woke up I saw a beautiful red sweater near my bed. My grand mother had especially made for me. It was the most beautiful sweater I hade ever seen. It had bright white embroidery and a big collar. I wore it all day long. My friends appreciated it a lot. Now my grand mother is no more but I still wear this sweater every winter and remember her a lot. I can feel the love and warmth of my grand mother around me.

While physical activity of any kind is good for children, team sports address much more than just exercise. They go much beyond the obvious goal scoring, centuries, home runs and winning. They benefit children on different levels viz. psychological, sociological and physical. Children are by nature very 'me' centric. Team sports do not foster this attitude; as the 'me' is always part of a greater 'us'. Everyone has a part to play and although winning might be the result of a goal struck by one player at the last second, the effort of the entire team cannot be discounted. Kids learn to be patient, persistent, and above all to curb their natural instinct of putting themselves before all else. When you play as a team everything you do is for the greater glory of the team and always translates in to the greater glory of the game. You learn to put your personal goals on the back burner just so you can help achieve the team goal. Winning is no longer about me but about us. The sheer fun of playing with others for a common purpose instills in the young a feeling of belonging and oneness which has numerous psychological benefits. Children who play team sports understand that life is not all about taking but about giving as well. Success is very gratifying when one's personal achievement translates in to the success of the team.

Outline: Meaning, slavery during Ancient time and today time. Importance of manual labour. Dignity of labour in west compared to India. Steps to impart dignity of labour among youth. The meaning of the phrase 'dignity of labour' involves respect and value given to all forms of work. Jobs, which involve manual labour must be equally respected. During Ancient times, slavery was a recognized institution.       Large number of slaves were bought and sold daily. They lost their dignity and performed alt sorts. Of laborious works. Today we are living in a democratic era. It must be realized by everyone that all forms of labour contribute to the welfare and development of the society. The labourers through trade unions and various organizations have gained success in achieving a recognized status in the society. When we talk about fundamental rights, the working class do not relish that respect which is enjoyed by business persons, white-collared people and traders. Many learned people in our country do not appreciate and practice the principle of dignity of labour. They prefer high profile jobs. For instance an arts graduate who is the son of a prosperous farmer, would like to be a clerk in a city bank rather than follow his father’s occupation. This is because he thinks it is foolish to look down upon manual labour. Manual labour is extremely important and necessary. Although in modern times most of the work in industries and factories is done by machines, but production can be terminated for want of labourers and workers. All over the country, lakhs of labourers work in mines, agricultural sectors, construction companies, and industries. They work with the help of machines but-it is their responsibility to operate and maintain them. Invention and introduction of machinery has given rise to a new class of industrial workers. Even for a week, if the workers slow or stop down their job then the entire nation can suffer a severe blow. Thus, it is our prime duty to show them respect and offer dignity. In many western countries, youth do not mind earning money by doing part-time jobs as food delivery boy or waiters at restaurants. Much of the domestic works like cooking food and washing clothes are done by the members of the family. On the other hand, in countries like India, domestic helps are scarce and their demands for wages are very high. Many middle class families have to pay through their nose in order to maintain their so called dignity and prestige. A sense of dignity of labour should be imparted into young minds in schools and colleges. They should be encouraged to participate in various rural upliftment programmes. If their minds are cleared of the notion that none of the works are undignified and humiliating, then the problem of unemployment will be solved to some extent. 

Social means 'pertaining to life in an organized community’, and Reform means 'to transform or to amend’. Thus, social reforms imply amending the ills pertaining to life which are prevalent in the community. India possesses tremendous contrasts and enormous ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity. Race, language, status and class are the main reasons of social inequality and discrimination. Indian intellectuals have seized upon caste divisions, untouchability, religious obscurantism, practices of dowry and sati, girl-child infanticide, child marriage, child labour and bonded labour as destructive evidence of India's perennial ills needing social reforms. The caste system and untouchability still survive in various forms, more so in rural areas, strengthened by a combination of social perceptions and divisive policies. The dalits earlier referred to as 'untouchables’, in the past suffered from social segregation in addition to extreme poverty. People of higher castes forbade those from the lower castes to perform a common temple worship, or interact with them .Those from the lower castes could not even collect water from the same source. If somehow a member of higher caste came into physical or social contact with them, the former was defiled and had to bathe thoroughly to purge oneself from the impurity. Caste can not preserve a non-existent 'racial purity’, and its worst feature is the anti-social spirit. There have been challenges to the caste system and caste-based prejudice from the time of Lord Buddha, and then renounced by Brahmo Samaj andArya Samaj. Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B. R. Ambedkar contributed greatly toward the emancipation of untouchables. Both of these ills have now been outlawed by the Constitution of India. The Indian culture and religion is of great complexity, with people being free to follow their own religion and cultural practices. These religious and linguistic factors prevent a fusion of different groups. Dowry deaths, sati practice, atrocity against women, female infanticide are all common aggressive social evils. Gender discrimination puts the women as the underprivileged member of the populace. Silenced by their culture, they tolerate abuse and subsequent death because their parents are unable to give the required dowry to satiate the greed of the groom or his family. Women who are beaten and unhappy must suppress their mind-set to keep the husbands blissful or face shame in the community. Payment of dowry was prohibited in 1961 under Indian Civil Law; and subsequently, provisions were made in Indian Penal Code against dowry deaths, in 1986, and for cruelty against women, in 1983. However the evil seems to have increased it's grip on the populace due to rising consumerism and materialism. Sati is the traditional practice of a widow immolating herself on her husband's funeral pyre. It was considered to be most virtuous act for a married woman and was believed that such a woman would transcend directly to heaven; she was worshipped as a goddess and temples were built in her memory. However, this practice was not made obligatory. Raja Ram Mohan Roy through his organization Brahmo Samaj was the first who more...

The Indian I like most is Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902). His real name was Narendranath Dutta. He was born only 6 years after India's first revolutionary movement of independence in 1857. He came under the influence of Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, a poor priest in a temple near Calcutta, in the days of great national unrest. His master had deep faith in the real truth of all religions. But Vivekananda was not only a champion and interpreter, but his great personality gathered round him a band of followers. He went to America in 1893 and addressed the World Parliament of Religions. His speech, unprepared and short, made a very deep impression on the audience. He became famous overnight. The keynote of his speech was “universal tolerance and human brotherhood.” During a 3 - year stay in America and Europe, he founded the Vedanta movement and adopted the name Vivekananda. The great Swami established the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897. It was to preach and practice the positive faith and good news of social service that this Mission was established. The Mission, which has several activities, is today a world-wide organization. It runs hospitals, dispensaries, schools, libraries, etc. Its centers are open to all human beings. Swami Vivekananda firmly believed that the noblest way to serve God was through the service of Man, “Serve Man-Serve God”. He once remarked, “God comes to the poor in the form of Bread”. Although a great lover of his country, he dreamed of One World, through an integration of science and Vedanta. He died young, at the age of 39. His works include ‘Raja yoga’, 'Karma yoga’ and ‘Bhakti yoga’. The root of all evils, according to Swami Vivekananda, is poverty. He wished to give education to the poor people of India, in order to develop their lost individuality. If their eyes are opened, they will work out their own salvation. If they are given ideas, the rest will follow as the effect. Swami Vivekananda had patriotic and religious impulses. They aroused in him a great desire to lift the Indian poor people from their great misery. In his lifetime, he firmly believed that the noblest way to serve God was through the service of man, that temples should not become ivory towers. The term ‘Daridra Narayan’ which Gandhiji popularised was Swamiji's expression. It embodied his faith in and compassion for the weak, the humble and the lowly. The most practical firm which Vedanta should take, says he, is the upliftment of the masses of people. In this he was in every way a forerunner of Gandhiji. He once remarked, “An empty stomach is no good for religion.” Swami Vivekananda, known as the “cyclonic Hindu,” believed that the only hope of India is the masses. He who sees God in the poor, really worships God. The great religious reformer had a supreme desire to lift the poor, with a view to restore India to a self-respecting place in the comity of nations. “Serve Man, Serve God” indeed has more...

People call spring the king of seasons. I think the king of seasons in India is the autumn season. It comes washed and cleaned by the rains. The heat of the summer is over. There is a pleasant coolness in the air. The sky in the evenings generally glows with multi - coloured clouds. The magic of these clouds is really breathtaking. The mornings are bright and cool and refreshing. One is bursting with energy and enthusiasm to do things. It is the season of flowers and ripeness. One can see many-coloured flowers of many varieties. Chrysanthemums in hundreds of shapes, sizes and colours are the glory of this season. Flower-shows and flower-arrangements are frequently organized. Wonderful fruits like apples, apricots, peaches, and plums flood the market. They are so eye-catching and mouth-watering. Durga Pooja and Dussera are celebrated in this season. These are two of the finest festivals in India. For about ten days the atmosphere is full of gaiety and celebration, new clothes, music, joyful laughter, processions, shows, sweets and visits to people's houses. The wonderful festivals are closely followed by that marvellous festival of light 'Deepawali. It is a festival of lights, fireworks, Sweets and religious ceremonies. In schools and colleges there is short vacation called the 'autumn’ or Pooja' or Dussera' vacation. People can visit different places in this lovely season. There is a great rush at the hill- stations. Autumn-festivals are held here. The weather in the hills at this time is very fine. People from all over the country rush to the hills to enjoy the enchanting experience. Autumn is also 'the favourite season of players. All sorts of games can be played in this season. Cricket matches become the craze every where. Lovers of different games and sports can be seen practicing and playing. Exhibitions and fairs are held in different towns and cities. People in their best clothes move about everywhere. There is an atmosphere of joy and excitement all round. I love this season because in this season I can eat well, dress well and participate in the different activities of the festivals and games. The vacation also brings back my friends and relatives from different parts of the country. I have a wonderful time in this season.

Winter is a very pleasant season. It starts from the month of November to February. In winter, the nights are long and the days are short. December 21 is the longest night. People wear warm clothes and woolen wear. Monkey caps protect the head and ears from the chilly wind. Some regions experience snowfall. It becomes very scenic. A layer of white covers all over. Children enjoy making snowman and throwing snowballs. The trees lose their leaves, they look barren. Birds, animals and insects have to take care. Food becomes scarce. Bees stay in their warm hives in this season. Festivals like Diwali and Christmas fall in this season. Schools arrange picnics and outings. Sports and Annual days are also held during this time. The air is cool and pleasant. People are cheerful and happy. I like this season very much.

Cursive writing with its smooth flowing curves and its fancy loops is fast disappearing and in years to come, it will be a relic. Those in favor of Cursive writing believe it's a basic skill and like all basic skills must be learned and mastered. Those in favor of letting go of cursive argue that this is the age of the computers and we must move with the times. Our ancestors used to hand wash their clothes but the washing machine changed that. The pestle and mortar got replaced by the food processor, the LP by the CD ROM and then the DVD. Old things have to make way for newer improved things. That is just how it works. Look around! Speed and efficiency are the driving forces today. You don't want to lose the chance at a job because you chose to cursive write your application and post it while the rest of the applicants chose to send it by email. There is no place today for someone who in not technologically literate. Efficiency is the key as typing of notes is lot faster than writing them besides making them viable to send through the Internet. It is true that the type written thank you note lacks the warmth of a handwritten one but it does convey the same message. Love letters would lose their personality if they were typed. Handwriting makes them personal. So what it boils down to is that cursive writing is more about emotional and sentimental preference than actual usefulness.

Outline: Explaining the meaning of family planning. Techniques for birth control. Importance of family planning. Government’s role. Compare to orthodox and modern families. Family planning can be explained as a deliberate effort in adapting suitable methods to restrict the growth of families. In other words, family planning refers to the natural and artificial birth control methods that helps in controlling the size of the family and the gap between the children. Family planning includes thoughtful limitation on the family's size. Family planning in country like. India is very necessary to check the rate of births. The parents must plan when to have child and the use of techniques to implement such plans. The techniques commonly used includes; sex education, prevention of sexually transmitted infections and infertility management. Considering population explosion, increase in inflation and scarcity of resources, the family trends have shifted to nuclear families with number of children limited to one or two. Due to limited economic resources, family planning has become very important. The rising population has to face acute shortage of various commodities. Even with an annual growth in agricultural production, large section of Indian population always lives from hand to mouth. This condition can be further worsening if the growth rate of population is not checked. Thus, family planning must be strictly followed to restrict the growing population. The government has shown a strong awareness of serious and urgent need of family planning. For this, they have implemented the five- year plans. However, it is difficult to handle the backward village population. Still some orthodox people in our country consider the birth of child as an act of God. On the other hand, the modern families living in the urban areas quickly respond to the needs and methods of family planning. It is right to say that family planning involves high amount of self-control, sacrifice and certain amount of self- determination. There is a large gap between awareness and practice of family planning though a widespread alertness has been made. This gap has to be bridged. Today family planning is backed on the ground of explosion of country's population. Having more than two children in a family can make an adverse effect on mother's health. Moreover, the future of the children can be in danger in terms of health and education. According to the UNO'S population report, within next four decades (that is by 2050) lndia’s population will be 165.8 crores. Thus, it will be the most population nation in the world.