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INSIGHTS NEW SECURE – 2020: YEARLONG TIMETABLE
General Studies – 1
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Reference: Class XI NCERT – An introduction to Indian art .
Why the question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper I.
Key Demand of the question:
One must discuss the developments in the field of art and architecture during the Gupta period.
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:
Provide for a brief introduction about Gupta period in the introduction. The Gupta Empire stretched across Northern, Central and parts of Southern India from early 4th CE till 6th CE. The period witnessed a culmination of earlier style and the beginning new style and technique in the field of art, architecture, sculpture etc.
Body:
In the answer body one must discuss the developments in the various fields of art and architecture such as temple architecture, sculptures, numismatics, literature etc. in this period. Such discussions should be suitably substantiated with examples and diagrams wherever possible.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance of the architecture even today.
Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
Reference: Modern Indian history by spectrum
Why the question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper I.
Key Demand of the question:
The aim of the answer must be to provide for detailed account of how the interest of the British shaped the nature of Indian economy.
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, write about the colonial interest of the British rule in India.
Body:
The British arrived in India initially as a trading company, however, in order to consolidate Presence in India, their administrative and economic policies frequently changed during their rule. They never lost sight of their main objectives, which included: increase the company’s main Profits enhance the profitability of its possessions and maintain and strengthen the British Hold over India. Provide arguments to highlight the way the interest of the British shaped the nature of Indian Economy. Explain how these actions transformed Indian economy – from a Net exporter to net importer, Supplier of raw material, led to De-industrialization, Ruralisation etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with the impact of economic policies on Indian national movement.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Reference: Financial Express
Why the question:
The article talks about the need to recognize the gaps in rural health infrastructure and make the health sector of rural India self-reliant.
Key Demand of the question:
One must discuss in what way the Covid-19 crisis provides for an opportunity to plug the gaps in our health infrastructure, especially in rural areas. And explain the prospects of making rural health self-reliant.
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:
Start by suggesting how the spread of Covid-19 has shown some gaps in India’s health infrastructure preparedness. This crisis is an opportunity to plug these gaps in our health infrastructure, especially in rural areas.
Body:
Start by giving an account for the rural health infrastructure. Strengthening the NHM, especially its rural component, i.e., National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) is crucial as rural poor rely primarily on public health care that comprises of sub-centres (SC) and primary health centres (PHC) for immediate health needs, and community health centres (CHC) and district hospitals are opted for in case of complicated procedures and specialist care. Discuss specific lacunae in the system and how it can be handled.
Conclusion:
Take hints from the article and conclude with importance of making rural Indian health sector Atmanirbhar.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Reference: Financial Express
Why the question:
On the eve of the World Environment day, the article highlights how emphasis should be on the use of technology as a water conservation tool to achieve sustainability.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain the importance and need of using technology as a tool for water conservation to achieve sustainable use of water as a crucial resource.
Directive:
Account – 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:
Briefly account for water as a crucial resource in the current times, one should quote some data to substantiate the same.
Body:
Rising population and climate change have led to water becoming a scarce resource across the globe. Rightly so, the theme of World Water Day 2020 was centred on climate change to create a much-needed awareness about water and how the two are inextricably linked.
Discuss the challenges specific to water in the country -millions suffer due to issues related to inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene. The country’s water sources are getting drained, and those that are not, are getting polluted etc.
Explain how technology can play a key role – water management responsibility; Optimization of water usage for industrial purposes, deletion of obsolete process technology and deployment of the right recycling practices must all be part of their plan.
Give examples of use of technology in conservation of water resources.
Conclusion:
Conclude with need and importance of the use of technology in making water conservation sustainable.
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Reference: Times of India
Why the question:
With biodiversity the theme of World Environment Day (WED) (WED) this year, the ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC) will launch ‘Nagar Van’ (city forest) scheme on June 5. Thus the context of the question.
Key Demand of the question:
One has to elaborate on the concept of “Nagar – Van” and discuss its utility in forest resource management to provide improved environment in urban systems.
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 what “Nagar-Van” is.
Body:
A Nagar Van is a forested area lying in vicinity of cities which is accessible to the city dwellers and is suitably managed. These city forests provides wholesome natural environment for recreation, education, biodiversity, water and soil conservation and reduces pollution, heat. Govt. wants to create/ develop at least one CITY FOREST in each city having Municipal Corporation/ Class I Cities. This will provide wholesome healthy living environment and will also contribute to growth of Smart, Clean, Green, Sustainable and Healthy Cities.
Explain how the concept is integral to forest resource management.
Discuss its importance in overall management of bio diversities especially in the urban areas.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Disaster and disaster management.
6. Discuss the role of media in disaster management in India. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The question is based on the role of Media in disaster management of the country.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain the role of media in disaster management in India in detail with relevant examples.
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:
Introduce by defining disaster management and its status in India. Define disaster management- defined as the organization and management of resources and responsibilities for dealing with all humanitarian aspects of emergencies, in particular preparedness, response and recovery in order to lessen the impact of disasters.
Body:
Highlight the role, which media can play in disaster management in India, explain how Media can prove to be of immense use in different phases including pre-disaster, during disaster And post disaster. Briefly mention some challenges that may arise due to media. Media has the responsibility to make the message more valuable and credible for the General public in the wake of a disaster. It needs to desist from any type of sensitization of news, politicization of crisis situation or any leakage of critical strategy, which may further create panic among people.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance.
Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.
Reference: Ethics by Lexicon Publications
Why the question:
The question is premised on the concept of Empathy and its relevance to the government servants.
Key Demand of the question:
One has to explain the role that empathy plays to aid the government servants in implementing the welfare schemes for the poor and the needy.
Directive:
Elucidate – Give 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 empathy in general.
Body:
Firstly explain why is it important to have empathy, especially for a civil servant/government servant serving the welfare policies in the society. Explain how civil servants can inculcate empathy towards the poor and needy, explain the need for it. Public welfare is an important part of duty of a civil servant. He/she is liable to take decisions that help in improving lives of the citizens. For him/her to be sympathetic towards public cause there is a need for cultivating empathy in them.
Ex: A public official needs to be empathetic towards problems faced by women for collecting drinking water so as to make necessary arrangements.Conclusion:
Conclude that Empathy is a vital skill for the public sector. Seeing our work through a lens of empathy makes us better at our jobs and helps us fulfill our purpose.
