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INSIGHTS NEW SECURE – 2020: YEARLONG TIMETABLE
General Studies – 1
Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.
1. What is a Magnetosphere? How it is formed? Discuss the significance of studying it.(250 words)
Reference: pib.gov.in
Why this question:
The question is based on the development of new computer simulation Code to study the Earth’s Magnetosphere that’s making news these days.
Key demand of the question:
Explain what Magnetosphere is, how it is formed, and what are the advantages and importance of studying it.
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:
Define in short what a Magnetosphere is. The magnetosphere is the region of space surrounding Earth where the dominant magnetic field is the magnetic field of Earth, rather than the magnetic field of interplanetary space. It is generated by the interaction of the solar wind with Earth’s magnetic field.
Body:
To start with explain the fact that world across scientists have been trying to study the Magnetosphere owing to its importance. Explain then, the key features of it. Discuss in detail its formation. Explain the importance and significance of studying it.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance of studying it.
General Studies – 2
Topic: 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 US Commission of International Religious Freedom’s (USCIRF) latest report places India in the “Countries of Particular Concern” list.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the impact of these recommendations and their effectiveness; also suggest measures to protect freedom of religion in the country.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly set the context of the question.
Body:
To start with explain the concerns posed by the report. Highlight the reasons responsible for this downgrade; Concerns about the Citizenship Amendment Act, the proposed National Register for Citizens, anti-conversion laws and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir etc. Explain how effective can these recommendations be. Highlight the response meted out by the Indian government.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward while suggesting measures as to what needs to be done to address the issues.
Topic: 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: Live Mint
Why this question:
The question is based on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic upon the Indian diaspora.
Key demand of the question:
Explain possible concerns associated with India’s Diaspora and its effect amidst the COVID-19 crisis also suggest solutions to address the same.
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:
Present brief overview of the Indian diaspora.
Body:
Explain the impact of COVID-19 on the Indian diaspora on various fronts. Discuss the unprecedented situation that the country is witnessing; explain specific issues and concerns Indian diaspora is facing away from homeland. Also highlight the positive side that an opportunity for the Indian diaspora to make a collective impact toward helping marginalized communities which have been disproportionately affected by the ongoing crisis.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way ahead.
Topic: Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
Reference: Economic Times
Why this question:
The question is based on the impact of the present COVID crisis on the poverty aspects of the entire world.
Key demand of the question:
One must discuss in detail the effects of pandemic on Global poverty.
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:
Start by quoting World Bank; It says, that the gains achieved in the last two decades in fighting poverty across the world, especially in developing countries are now at grave risk due to pandemic.
Body:
Explain the impact across the countries – developed, developing etc. The progress made by South Asian countries, especially India and Bangladesh will be reversed and funding for anti-poverty programmes may be cut as governments struggle with low economic growth rates. Discuss the impact across the sector and highlight the concerns.
Conclusion:
Conclude by suggesting both long term and short term measures to address the issue at hand.
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Reference: pib.gov.in
Why this question:
The question is amidst the efforts to introduce new and cheap drugs for the Alzheimer’s disease, the component called Berberine of traditional medicine, have been modified necessarily for introduction to for commercial purpose.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the importance of sound mental health and explain the various reasons for degenerating mental health of-late.
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 context of the question by presenting key facts that justify it.
Body:
To start with explain what you understand by sound mental health; “ a state of physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. Then explain why it is important – Physical health and mental health are closely associated and it is proved beyond doubt that depression leads to heart and vascular diseases, Mental disorders also affect persons health behavior like eating sensibly, regular exercise, adequate sleep, engaging in safe sexual practices, alcohol and tobacco use, adhering to medical therapies thus increasing the risk of physical illness etc. Discuss the different issues and concerns that challenge mental health in general. Highlight the difficulties in implementation of mental health programmers. Discuss the efforts being made by the GOI in this direction.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way ahead.
General Studies – 3
Topic: issues relating to intellectual property rights
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
The question is based on the premise of Vaccine and medicine for COVID-19, and need for a PPP pandemic patent pool.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the significance of ‘PPP pandemic patent pool’ and in what way it is time to reflect upon the role of intellectual property (IP) in the ongoing health crisis and dedicate IP to finding a solution.
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:
Present briefly the background of the question.
Body:
To start with discuss what the idea of patent pool implies. Then explain the fact that creating a patent pool will give all countries the right to implement innovations without further permission from patent holders. Explain how it becomes important to ensure Intellectual Protection regimes do not outweigh public health interests.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance of the idea of the ‘PPP pandemic patent pool’ and its relevance.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics – in private and public relationships. Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of Family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
Reference: Ethics by Lexicon Publications, carnegiecouncil.org
Why this question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper IV.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the concept of International ethics and discuss the possibilities of nationalism as a roadblock in achieving the goals of international ethics.
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:
Define what you understand by International ethics.
Body:
International Ethics means ethical obligations between States in an era of globalization. Nationalism, on the other hand, is a feeling of oneness among people living in a geographical area. People from one nation are generally considered to have common goals. Explain the Relation: Nationalism always demands that states should always represent national interest in any international platform. In most of the situations, these interests are not in sync with other nations. Highlight the fact that extreme nationalism, not only goes against international ethics but also against value of humanity. From the humane perspective international ethics represent humanism. It protects human wellbeing at large. Quote examples such as the refugee crisis etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with solutions to strike the balance between the two.
