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INSIGHTS NEW SECURE – 2020: YEARLONG TIMETABLE
General Studies – 1
Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The National Capital Region has witnessed seven mild earthquakes in the last 20 days. Thus the context of the question.
Key Demand of the question:
The answer must evaluate the threat perception in the Delhi region.
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 with some key facts related to the events – Since May 15 2020, the National Center for Seismology has recorded seven small earthquakes, ranging from 1.8 to 4.5 on the Richter scale, with epicenters at Faridabad, Rohtak and New Delhi. The spate of tremors has fuelled speculation of a high-magnitude earthquake in the region.
Body:
Discuss the underlying reasons that have been identified, that have led to the Earthquakes. Some experts have interpreted the recent earthquakes as being a sign that the region was unlikely to have a greater earthquake. Earthquakes in this region were due to “release of stress” accumulated from the movement of the Indian tectonic plate and its collision with the Eurasian tectonic plate. The recent tremors would have diffused the accumulated stress, reducing the risk of a more serious earthquake. Discuss that Consistent tremors would be a cause for concern only if they occurred in regions where tectonic plates met. Only larger faults and larger systems trigger bigger earthquakes. Highlight the associated concerns.
Conclusion:
Conclude with what needs to be done to address the situation; Given the threat perception, it is imperative to strictly impose building codes as a precautionary measure.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article talks about the current situation of the lockdown in the country and the dismal conditions caused due to the Covid pandemic.
Key Demand of the question:
One has to explain in detail how in such circumstances there is need to understand the importance of behavioural change among people.
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:
Though the over 2, 00,000 current novel coronavirus cases in India looks huge it is still modest for a country with a population of over 1.3 billion people.
Body:
In short first present the background of the situation. The measures taken in India, like the nationwide lockdown, had helped to slow transmission. The doubling time of cases in India was about three weeks at this stage. Hence, the increase in epidemic though not exponential is still growing.
Explain what the challenges are – Specific issues in India regarding a large amount of migration, the dense populations in the urban environment and the fact that many workers had no choice but to go to work every day could lead to a sudden spurt in the number of cases.
Discuss the importance of behavioural change in such circumstances. Quote relevant examples to justify the importance.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Topic: Issues relating to poverty and hunger. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The article talks about the a radical and rational systemic change that MGNREGA is potential of bringing in the current conditions and austerity caused due to the Covid situation in the country.
Key Demand of the question:
One has to explain in what way Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, is still a shining example of a radical and rational systemic change to address the challenges being faced by the poor in the rural areas of the country.
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:
In short explain the current conditions of the rural poor in the country amidst the pandemic.
Body:
One has to explain the key features of the scheme, but remember the answer is not about discussing the scheme in itself but about discussing the nuances of the scheme, as to how it is radical and rational and is capable of bringing systemic change in the system and aid in addressing the current situation.
Explain that with the Act in place – Any citizen in rural India now had the legal right to demand work and was guaranteed 100 days of work with minimum wages provided by the government. And it proved its worth very quickly — a grassroots, demand-driven, Right to Work programme, unprecedented in its scale and architecture, focused on poverty alleviation. Millions have been saved from hunger and worse in the 15 years since its inception.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a positive note; highlight the importance of the scheme in the current situation.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, And Railways etc.
4. Provide for a detailed analysis of the One Sun One World One Grid project of India. (250 words)
Reference: Financial Express
Why the question:
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has issued a request for proposal for developing a long-term vision, implementation plan, road map, and institutional framework for its One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) program. The question is straightforward and there isn’t much to deliberate, it aims to analyse in detail the “One Sun One World One Grid project of India”.
Key Demand of the question:
In detail provide for an analysis of One Sun One World One Grid project of India.
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:
Explain what “One Sun One World One Grid project” is.
Body:
Explain in detail the vision of the project – With India at the center, the solar spectrum is divided into two broad zones, namely, Far East, which would include countries like Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. The far west would cover the West Asia and the African region. Through this initiative, India plans to build a global ecosystem of interconnected renewable energy resources that can be seamlessly shared for mutual benefits and global sustainability. Discuss the positives and negatives associated with the project. Highlight the possible challenges associated.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance.
Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
Reference: Financial Express
Why the question:
The explains that the latest reforms are a significant step forward, but shifting to DBT for food & Fertiliser subsidies may do more to bridge the gap with the DFI goal.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain the idea of shifting to DBT for food and fertilizer subsidies and in what way it may lead to better achievement of the goal of doubling farmer’s income in the country.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by explaining the recent reforms and steps taken by the government amidst the current lockdown situation owing to the pandemic woes.
Body:
First explain the importance of agriculture to the country. Agriculture matters not just for food security, but also for the good of the large masses of this country, given almost 44% of the country’s labour force are engaged in agriculture. Highlight the issues pointed out by the author in the current proposed reforms by the government. Discuss the idea of shifting to the DBT methods in food and fertilizer subsidies; explain the advantages of switching to such methods.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.
Reference: Second administrative reforms Report
Why the question:
The question is about the role of social capital in achieving the goal of good governance, economic development and social harmony of the country.
Key Demand of the question:
One must discuss in detail the possible role that social capital would play in good governance, economic development and social harmony of the nation.
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 the term social capital in the introduction. Social capital is a sense of belonging and the concrete experience of social networking that can bring great benefits to people.
Body:
Discuss first the types of social capital along with its significance. Explain how social capital can play a role in the governance of the country. Explain the forms of social capital available, discuss about the social capital institutions. Highlight their role in achieving good governance, economic development and social harmony of the nation. Quote relevant examples to substantiate.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stating the need for the inclusion of the deprived and vulnerable sections of society under social capital.
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.
7. Discuss some of the key ethical values enshrined in the Indian constitution. (250 words)
Reference: Indian polity by Lakshmikant
Why the question:
The question is straightforward and aims to discuss the key ethical values enshrined in the Indian constitution.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain some of the key ethical values enshrined in the Indian constitution.
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 ethical values and briefly explain how Indian constitution is based on ethical values.
Body:
Ethical values are those values that determine what is right and wrong in different situations. Institutional ethical values like integrity, transparency, accountability, impartiality, public welfare and equity are guiding principles of the Indian Constitution.
Discuss in detail some of the constitutional ethical values and mention the related articles or part of the constitution associated with it. Some of the constitutional ethical values that can be discussed are liberty, justice, equity, equality etc. Suggest relevant articles from the constitution and explain them in detail.
Conclusion:
Conclude that the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution are based on a strong ethical foundation. Moreover, these values of the Indian constitution endeavor and inspire to make the Indian society more ethical and promote the spirit of tolerance and respect towards unity in diversity of India.
