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INSIGHTS NEW SECURE – 2020: YEARLONG TIMETABLE
General Studies – 1
Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
Reference: Modern Indian history Spectrum Publications
Why this question:
The question is based on the contributions of Women in the Indian national movement and in what way the social discriminations faced by them were major hurdles to their contributions.
Key demand of the question:
Explain in what way role of women was marginal to the Indian national movement as it miscarried to develop right articulation of their social discrimination.
Directive:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to 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. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the context of the question.
Body:
To start with, highlight the societal discriminations faced by women during the freedom struggle period. Present the Indian Women’s Movement in Historical Perspective. Explain how these social discriminations impeded the involvement and participation of women in the movement, quote examples to justify.
Conclusion:
Conclude that however women had a major role to play in the national movement towards the end of 18th century owing to the social reforms that our society witnessed.
General Studies – 2
Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations
Reference: mea.gov.in
Why this question:
The question is based on the theme of – India and its neighborhood- relations.
Key demand of the question:
The question expects one to draw comparison between the development levels of India and China while highlighting the fact that China is the only country that is capable of being compared with the progress that India is making.
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 the India China factor.
Body:
One has to justify that in terms of geographic and demographic dimensions, skilled manpower, civilizational depth, China is the only country in the region which qualifies for comparison with India. Explain that the two countries have a long history of civilizational links. Discuss the bilateral relations; the two sides have established a Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity. The leaders of India and China have also been meeting on the sidelines of regional, plurilateral and multilateral gatherings and conferences etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude on a positive note that It remains to be answered precisely as to whether the modern China is an opportunity, challenge or threat, perhaps, a mix of all three.
Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations
Reference: Live Mint , Indian Express
Why this question:
The question is based on the theme of – India and its neighborhood- relations.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the concept of Maritime Neighborhood and its importance for India, also explain the course of action for Indian foreign policy towards successful maritime Neighborhood.
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 define Maritime Neighborhood.
Body:
Start by explaining what is the importance of the Maritime Neighborhood for India? – discuss the Geo-strategic, geopolitical, geo-economic prospects. Explain what should be India’s focus in the maritime domain. Discuss the past to present progress in this domain made by India. Highlight the concerns and challenges. Suggest solutions to the above challenges.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
The article examines the concerns regarding the government’s policies and measures employed during the pandemic.
Key demand of the question:
Explain in what way Right to privacy though has been held as a fundamental right by the apex court of the country still isn’t an absolute right in our country.
Directive:
Debate – 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:
Explain the concept of Fundamental rights in short.
Body:
To start with, talk about the Supreme Court’s judgment in S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017); which is a landmark judgment upholding the fundamental right to privacy. The observations made in the Judgment can help in the prevailing circumstances- The right to privacy is not absolute. There exist circumstances in which the right can be legitimately curtailed. However, any such restriction must be tested against the requirements of legality, necessity and the doctrine of proportionality. Give examples and present your arguments.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a fair and balanced opinion.
Topic: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
Reference: Live Mint
Why this question:
The author in the article discusses the significance of local governance amidst such challenging times and in what way it is yet to be empowered.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the current conditions with respect to local governance in the country and examine closely how they are constitutionally recognized but are yet to be empowered.
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:
In short present the local governance scenario of the country.
Body:
To start with, explain the coming of the concept of local governance, its origin, constitutionality etc. Discuss what are the challenges and concerns before the Indian local governance system. One can use the current case of COVID crisis to explain the lacunae in the local governance system. Suggest what needs to be done to address the challenges and ensure the system is more empowered.
Conclusion:
Conclude that it’s time for the States to devolve more functions and finances to local governments and build capacity before the next crisis hits the country.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing. Food processing and related industries in India- scope’ and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
Reference: Financial Express
Why this question:
The Author explains in detail the possible opportunities that the current pandemic brings with it with respect to the dairy farming in the country.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the prospects for second white revolution brought out by the COVID-19 pandemic to India.
Directive:
Give Reasons – 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 are in agreement with the original proposition.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
In short explain the effect of the pandemic in general on the agriculture sector and otherwise.
Body:
The body of the answer must explain How COVID-19 could benefit the dairy industry. Take hints from the article and present points in favour of your argument like – Covid-19 pandemic has thrown up the real possibility for our dairy industry to benefit as large sections of consumers may shift from meat-based to dairy-based protein. Covid-19 crisis has witnessed reverse migration of labour force from urban to rural areas leading to social disruptions. On the positive side, we can look at this as an opportunity; these workers can be encouraged and incentivized to join their family agriculture/dairy farms etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude on a positive note that it’s the right time to encash the opportunity and help and aid our farmers with a new ray of hope.
Topic: Disaster and disaster management. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
The question is amidst the possible geopolitical and geo-economic order that the world would witness owing to the COVID-19 scenario.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the entire world with special focus on the effect it brings to global institutions and regions..
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 elaborate on the ‘new normal’ brought by the COVID -19 pandemic.
Body:
To start with, Discuss in brief, what are the new geo political and Geo economic order shifts the pandemic brought. Explain the effect of it on the institutional changes with focus on WHO, UNSC etc. Bring out in detail how the changes are varied across the regions-West, Europe and Asia etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a forward looking approach.
