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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: Live Mint
Why this question:
The article talks about the possible systemic changes that can make a difference for the sustainable development in the country.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the current scenario of the COVID-19 and present the case as to how it presents the case for systematic development in the country.
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 need for sustainable development.
Body:
To start with, discuss that the recovery efforts from the fallout of the Covid pandemic present the country a chance to make systemic changes for sustainable development. This crisis has also demonstrated that governments and individuals are capable of strong action in the face of an overarching challenge. Explain how the pandemic has reinforced the links between health, environment and the economy. Take hints from the article and explain in what way the present scenario facilitates an opportunity to envision the goal of sustainable development.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
The author in the article tries to bring the lop sides of the digital bridge and in what way the gaps in the digital divide distance the needy from the State.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the need to aggressively bridge the digital divide in the country. Discuss its relevance and importance in bringing about access to e-governance.
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:
One can start by stating key facts/reports that highlight the digital divide in the country.
Body:
To start with, define what constitutes a digital divide. Present the Indian scenario. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the e-governance model to the people of the country, define the role of digital divide and explain why it is important to aggressively bridge it. One can present the case of COVID-19; highlight the issue of poor and the migrants who are at the receiving end.
Conclusion:
Conclude by suggesting solutions to address the problem, highlight the efforts of the government in this direction.
Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
The question is straightforward from the article that talks about issues pertaining to the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme.
Key demand of the question:
Examine the relevance of Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme in present times.
Directive:
Deliberate – Weigh up to what extent something is true. Persuade the reader of your argument by citing relevant research but also remember to point out any flaws and counter- arguments as well. Conclude by stating clearly how far you agree with the original proposition.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Recently, the Government of India in the event of struggle against Covid-19 has suspended Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme or MPLADS funds for two years (2020 and 2021) and directed these funds to be transferred to the Consolidated Fund of India.
Body:
To start with, explain what MPLADs is; The MPLAD scheme was formulated in 1993 to enable Members of Parliament (MPs) to recommend development works in their constituencies with emphasis on the creation of durable community assets based on the locally felt need. Discuss the key features of it. Explain the issues associated with it. Discuss the relevance of it.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
The article talks about the role of BRICS amidst the current crisis facing the world.
Key demand of the question:
One must explain the potential of BRICS to emerge as an important global governance institution.
Directive:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the background that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted a crisis of globalization and global governance.
Body:
Explain the relevance of BRICS in the present times. Discuss the possible opportunities that the BRICS has in presenting global response to the current crisis. BRICS looks better than other global governance institutions amidst the ongoing COVID crises. There is no blame-game or pointing fingers within BRICS, rather, there is a vision for intensifying cooperation, including in sectors like healthcare and social welfare. Contrary to initial estimates of lack of effectiveness of the BRICS grouping, BRICS has progressed on developing a common position on the most important matters of the global economy and security and it also got institutionalized with the setting up of the BRICS New Development Bank in 2015. Explain the challenges that the BRICS nations have before them.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a positive note.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Reference: narendramodi.in
Why this question:
On Panchayati Raj Diwas (April 24th), the Prime Minister of India launched ‘Swamitva Yojana’ or Ownership Scheme to map residential land ownership in the rural sector using modern technology like the use of drones.
Key demand of the question:
Explain in detail the significant possible contributions that the “Swamitva Yojana” can make to boost rural economy.
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 coming of the scheme into picture.
Body:
To start with, present a brief overview of the scheme. Explain the key features of the Yojana. Discuss the benefits of the scheme and highlight the need and significance of the scheme. Bring out challenges or concerns associated if any and suggest solutions to the same.
Conclusion:
Conclude that the new scheme is likely to become a tool for empowerment and entitlement, reducing social strife on account of discord over properties.
Topic: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, – different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
The author talks about the agrarian reforms that the country needs in the current crisis hours and in what way we require Marshall plan like that of USA to address the situation.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the factors responsible for the ongoing agrarian crisis; discuss what needs to be done to address the situation.
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:
Explain what Marshall plan of USA in 1948 was.
Body:
To start with, highlight the agrarian problems the country is facing currently. One can present the case study of eastern India as suggested in the article. List down the challenges in detail. Take hints from the article and explain what can be done and what lessons can be taken from the Marshall plan of USA,1948. Suggest solutions to address the scenario.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Case Study
Why this question:
The question is based on the ethical instincts of an individual and morals of a society.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the precepts of the case and suggest what actions you would take in such a scenario.
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:
Briefly discuss the case.
Body:
Explain the possible solutions available to you to address the situation and then present a detailed evaluation of each option available to you. Discuss the importance of values that you as an individual must uphold in such situations.
Conclusion:
Conclude with most apt solution which is ethically and morally sound to the situation.
