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INSIGHTS NEW SECURE – 2020: YEARLONG TIMETABLE
General Studies – 2
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Assam government and Bodo groups including the All Bodo Students’ Union and militant outfits signed an agreement on January 27, 2020. The article highlights the possible happenings thereafter.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must provide for a detailed analysis of the striking of the Bodo agreement and the threats that it possibly poses at the non-Bodo people of Assam and what needs to be done to address the issue.
Directive:
Analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with the coming of the Bodo accord.
Body:
Explain briefly the details of the accord that was recently signed. The new deal offers more hope than the earlier accords. Some of the most powerful factions of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland that had stayed away from the earlier agreements of 1993 and 2003 accords are now on board. Significantly, the stakeholders have agreed that the updated political arrangements would remain confined to the realm of wider autonomy within the State of Assam. The stakeholders have given up the demand for separate statehood and Union Territory. Then move onto explain the concerns involved – Social-political contestation, Concerns among the hill tribes, possible Ripple effect of the Bodo pact etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude that there is a need to ensure that a Bodo solution does not create a non-Bodo problem.
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
Amidst the high pitched visit of Trump to India, roars of India joining the US-led Blue Dot Network (BDN) is in the news again.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the concept of Blue dot Network and its possible benefits to India amidst the changing Indo-Pacific strategies of the US.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the concept of Blue dot Network.
Body:
The BDN was formally announced on 4th November, 2019 at the Indo-Pacific Business Forum in Bangkok, Thailand. It will be led by the US along with Japan and Australia. It is a multi-stakeholder initiative to bring together governments, the private sector and civil society to promote high-quality, trusted standards for global infrastructure development. It is expected to serve as a globally recognized evaluation and certification system for roads, ports and bridges with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region. Discuss the possible benefits it can bring to India, explain challenges involved.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
In an effort to stimulate investment in research and development (R&D), the Department of Science and Technology is mooting a fund that will match the contributions made by private companies in R&D. Thus the context of the question.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the significance and relevance of harnessing private sector investments to improve the spendings on R&D.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Explain the Research and Development investments scenario in India.
Body:
Highlight the present situation of low expenditures in the R&D sector. Substantiate with suitable facts such as – The total expenditure on R&D in India has tripled in the last decade in nominal terms. However, as a fraction of GDP, public expenditures on R&D have been stagnant over the years. It is between 0.6-0.7percent of GDP over the past two decades. Discuss the public sector dominance in the sector. Explain what is the present idea of harnessing the private sector investments for betterment of the R&D sector.
Conclusion:
Conclude with benefits of such policies and assert the significance of R&D for the growth and development of the country.
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
The article explains How India’s proposals at UN event can help elephants, migratory birds.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the significance of such proposals made by our country that can help in sustainable management and conservation of migratory species.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly highlight the fact that – 13th Conference of the Parties to the CMS (CMS COP13), is under way in Gandhinagar, with “Migratory species connect the planet and together we welcome them home” as its theme.
Body:
Detail about the conventions in general first – CMS is a treaty agreed by 129 countries plus the European Union, and functions under the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). It works for protection and conservation of species that migrate across frontiers and are facing threats of extinction or require urgent attention. Explain what the convention aims to do. Then briefly explain Why do migratory species need special attention for conservation? List out the intended actions by India on this front – India has proposed inclusion of the three species on Appendix-I of the Convention. Appendix-I lists species threatened with extinction, while Appendix-II lists those in need of global cooperation for favorable conservation status. If listed on Appendix-I, it would facilitate trans-boundary conservation efforts of the species.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting the significance of such measures.
Topic: Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
The question is premised on the article by Veteran agriculture economist Ashok Gulati wherein he explains stagnant consumption trend in both milk and pulses is largely due to incomes, which aren’t rising as before.
Key demand of the question:
One must examine the underlying factors responsible for this food consumption alarm that raises alert about Indians consuming less pulses and milk. Also suggest measures to tackle the issue and address it with suitable and relevant measures.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
State key facts brought out by the economist in the article.
Body:
Start by explaining the underlying causes of the issue – With rising income, the consumption of milk, pulses, eggs and meat had increased, especially among the poor. Flattening demand growth for protein-rich foods suggests incomes aren’t raising as before, lack of branding for pulses etc. Take cues from the article and suggest what measures should be taken to overcome this challenge, parellely highlight the ill-effects of such a situation. Suggest solutions.
Conclusion:
Conclude with need to urgently address the issue.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
The Author in the article highlights the irony that at a time when we are celebrating Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary, the campuses of higher education have witnessed an escalation of violence and conflicts and in what way Gandhian philosophy in particular, is immensely helpful in such a time of polarization.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the significance Gandhian philosophy of ‘enemylessness’ and how it contributes to Moral courage and conviction.
Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain what it meant for Mahatma Gandhi to be ‘enemyless’.
Body:
Explain how Gandhi believed in the fact that – A touch of forgiveness, a few gentle words of affection and empathy, and an undying belief in communication with compassion with the others can make a huge difference. Apply this philosophy to today’s times and situations like the violence and outrages happening at the college campuses and ascertain the significance. Define moral courage and conviction; establish how these are related to the Gandhian understanding of ‘enemylessness’.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting the significance of the contributions of such great leaders.
Topic: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
7. Analyse John Rawls’s concept of social justice in the Indian context. (250 words)
Reference: Ethics by Lexicon publications
Why this question:
The question has been asked in 2016 Civil services examination conducted by UPSC.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must analyse in detail the concept of social Justice as propounded by John Rawls.
Directive:
Analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain in what way the theory attempts to solve the problem of distributive justice.
Body:
Start by highlighting the basic premise of the theory. Explain the fact that Rawls derives two principles of Justice: the liberty principle and the difference principle. Elucidate upon the concept in detail. Highlight the application of the theory using suitable illustrations to enhance the quality of your answer.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting the significance of the theory and its usability even in today’s time.
