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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.
1. Give an account of the distribution of different types of soils found in India. (250 words)
Reference: Indian geography by Majid Hussain
Why the question:
The question is straightforward and is from the static portions of GS paper I, geography.
Key Demand of the question:
One has to account for the distribution of different types of soils found in India.
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:
The first scientific classification of soil was done by Vasily Dokuchaev. In India, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has classified soils into 8 categories. Alluvial Soil, Black Cotton Soil, Red Soil, Laterite Soil, Mountainous or Forest Soils, Arid or Desert Soil, Saline and Alkaline Soil, Peaty and Marshy Soil are the categories of Indian Soil.
Body:
There are eight types of soils categorized by ICAR but some Indian Soil like – Karewa soil, Sub-Montane Soil, Snowfield, Grey/Brown Soil are all sub-types of main Indian Soil.
Then move onto discuss each of the soil variety and their distribution in India with the help of a map. Ensure maps are more informative and conveying and not mere outline of the Indian land borders.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance of the diversity in soli varieties owing to regional characteristics and other geomorphological factors.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami has rejected the possibility of implementing the three-language formula advocated in the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) in the state of Tamil Nadu. Thus the context of the question.
Key Demand of the question:
The question aims to critically analyse the objective behind the three language formula proposed in the NEP 2020 and if it’s an attempt to ‘homogenize’ the diverse linguistic fabric of the country which consists of many regional languages.
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:
Present in short the background of coming of the concept of three language formula.
Body:
The three-language formula for language learning was formulated in 1968 by the Ministry of Education of the Government of India and made part of the National Policy on Education, 1968.
The three-language formula provides for the study of “Hindi, English and modern Indian language (preferably one of the southern languages) in the Hindi speaking states and Hindi, English and the Regional language in the non-Hindi speaking States”.
Present arguments in favour and against the three language formula. Discuss why critics of the three-language formula have alleged that its implementation is an attempt to ‘homogenize’ the diverse linguistic fabric of the country which consists of many regional languages.
Conclusion:
Conclude with solutions to address the concerns of the state as India’s federal nature and diversity demand that no language is given supremacy over another.
Topic : Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Reference: shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in , Indian polity by Lakshmikant
Why the question:
The question is based on the saying of Sir Ivor Jennings, who said “All constitutions are heirs of the past and testators of the future”.
Key Demand of the question:
Elaborate in detail the nuances captured in the quote given by Sir Ivor Jennings and discuss to what extent it holds true for Indian constitution.
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 defining what constitution is and its importance in general.
Body:
The very fact that the Constitution of the Indian Republic is a product not of a political revolution but of the research and deliberation of a body of eminent representatives of the people who sought to improve upon the existing systems of administration, makes a retrospect of the constitutional development indispensable for a proper understanding of this Constitution.
One must discuss and present relevant examples to justify how all constitutions including the Indian constitution is an heir of the past and testator of the future, for example Federal Scheme, Office of governor, Judiciary, Public Service Commission, Emergency provisions, Administrative details, etc. are result of the past and on the other hand values such as secularism, equality of opportunity, economic and political justice etc. are testators of future.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance.
Topic : Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
Reference: www.prsindia.org, Hindustan Times
Why the question:
The question is premised on the concept of anti-defection law and its utility.
Key Demand of the question:
Critically analyse the failures and lacunae of the anti-defection law in the country and suggest way out to it.
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:
The Anti-Defection law was passed by the parliament in 1985, by the 52nd amendment to the Constitution which added the Tenth Schedule which laid down the process by which the legislators may be disqualified on grounds of Defection. It was passed by parliament to provide stability to governments and promoting party discipline, however the repeated cases of defections have questioned the viability of Anti-Defection Law.
Body:
Mention briefly what is Anti-Defection law, its importance but how it has been misused. Mention about the working of Anti-Defection law, the issues concerning the same.
Also, mention the importance of intra-party debates and dissent and the effect of anti-defection law on healthy democracy.
Present relevant court judgments to substantiate your stand wherever required.
Conclusion:
Conclude that there is a need to define the procedure clearly and set a definite and reasonable time limit for each step of the process, ensuring transparency.
Topic : Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Reference: pib.gov.in
Why the question:
The article talks about identifying grass root talent and strengthening sports infrastructure, Sports Minister recently urged states to host annual Khelo India Games to strengthen grassroots-level talent identification.
Key Demand of the question:
One must present a detailed analysis of the importance of reviving the sports culture in India at the grass-root level by building a strong framework for all sports.
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:
Highlight the present Sports culture in India in brief.
Body:
Discuss how sports culture in India has evolved from nothing to something where efforts to recognise talent is being made, To make India a sporting superpower, we need to identify talent as young as 5-10 years old and groom them to be future champions.
Discuss the efforts of government in this direction, quote the programs such as Khelo India etc.
Present the concerns and challenges associated, suggest solutions.
Conclusion:
Conclude with need and importance of identifying the talent from the grassroots.
Topic : Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Disaster and disaster management.
6. Discuss in detail the impact of Covid-19 on the world’s education system. (250 words)
Reference: Hindustan Times
Why the question:
The editorial explains in detail that while the focus must be now be ensuring the safety of students, teachers and staff, and putting in place protocols for school reopening, there has to be an extensive assessment of the learning loss and well-thought-out plans to bridge the learning gap, and schemes to retain students.
Key Demand of the question:
Present in detail the impact of Covid-19 on the world’s education system.
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:
Start with some key data/facts such as – the closure of schools and other learning spaces have impacted 94% of the world’s student population (up to 99% in low and lower-middle income countries).
Body:
Start explaining the issues posed by the Covid-19 pandemic one by one; despite the delivery of lessons by radio, TV and online, and efforts of teachers and parents, many students still do not have access to education. It highlights how learners with disabilities, those from marginalised communities, displaced and refugee students, and those in remote areas are at highest risk of being left behind. And it warns that the knock-on effects on child nutrition, child marriage and gender equality could be enormous. The cumulative impact of all these on children may lead to a “generational catastrophe” that could waste human potential, undermine decades of progress, and exacerbate entrenched inequalities.
Discuss what needs to be done, present a case study of India and its education system facing the impact and blow of covid-19 and in what way government is taking steps in this regard to resolve.
Conclusion:
Conclude with solutions and suitable 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.
7. Analyse the potential of e-governance in India. (250 words)
Reference: Ethics by lexicon Publications
Why the question:
The question is straightforward and aims to analyse and present the potential of e-governance in the country.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the potential of e-governance in 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:
Introduce the answer by defining e-governance.
Body:
As per the World Bank, e-governance can be defined as the use by government agencies of information technologies that have the ability to transform relations with citizens, businesses, and other arms of government. It aims to create SMART governance which is to provide smart, moral, accountable, responsive and transparent governance.
Highlight the potential of e-governance in India including examples of different initiatives taken by government.
Discuss the constraints that limit the potential of e-governance in India.
Conclusion:
Conclude that thus, toward building a digital and inclusive India, various measures addressing above challenges need to be undertaken to ensure that e-governance initiatives can help the country achieve its socioeconomic and welfare targets.
