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General Studies – 1
Topic : population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Reference: NCERT Geography Class 12 Chapter 11 Population: Distribution, Density, Growth and Composition.
Why the question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper I.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain the concept of ‘Age-structure’ of a population; discuss its relevance for economic development and growth.
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 the definition of ‘age-structure’.
Body:
Discuss the concept and explain age structure of population. Relate it with demographics transition model and reasons for changing age structure.
Explain how age structure changes in response to changes in levels of development and the average life expectancy. Initially, poor medical facilities, prevalence of epidemic disease and other factors make for a relatively short life span. Moreover, high infant and maternal mortality rates also have an impact on the age structure.
Discuss and present its relevance for economic growth.
Conclusion:
Conclude by highlighting some ways of managing age structure related issues.
General Studies – 2
Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Reference: Economic Times
Why the question:
The government of India has blocked 43 new Chinese app which are prejudicial to sovereignty and Integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order. Thus the question.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain why India is on digital strike with China, explain the reasons with which India is banning apps, discuss the concerns associated with it. and suggest way forward.
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:
Suggest briefly the background of the question.
Body:
The ministry of information technology has announced the banned popular game PUBG and 117 other mobile applications. According to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the mobile game has been banned under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, on grounds that: “they are engaged in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order”.
Explain the underlying factors with which the apps have been banned.
Discuss what the concerns are.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Topic : Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The question is about the Ayurveda and Allopathic practices in India.
Key Demand of the question:
Account for the history of Ayurveda and Allopathic practices in India. And explain the issues associated with Ayurveda and Allopathic professionals of today.
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:
Recently, the Indian Medical systems of Ayurveda, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Unani Medicine have identified surgical procedures that can be performed by postgraduate Ayurvedic doctors in Shalya (surgery).
Body:
In the answer body first discuss the history of Ayurveda and Allopathic practices in India.
Discuss the issues associated with Ayurvedic and Allopathic professionals.
Explain the issues in detail, suggest what can be done; present solutions.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
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: Financial Express
Why the question:
The article from financial express explains that decentralisation has to be logically extended beyond designated district committees to gram panchayats.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain the importance of decentralisation at Gram Panchayat levels to accelerate skill development in the country.
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 that in the backdrop of covid-19, decentralisation has gained significance than ever before.
Body:
Explain the current decentralisation that exist the country. It is evident that building adequate capacities at the grass-roots levels for identifying employment opportunities early and anticipating skill requirements at the level of districts is critical for an outcome-focused skills training system. But how it has to be done and why has this not been done till date are the questions that require careful examination from the skill development ecosystem, its trajectory of expansion, and the extent of decentralisation of its planning and operations.
Explain the importance of Gram panchayats-skill development program linkages.
Take hints from the article and suggest your views.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, but perhaps in what is really the beginning, decentralisation has to be logically extended beyond DSCs to gram panchayats. A robust DSC underpinned by gram panchayats, active in skill planning and implementation, would not only help handle the current challenges of rural distress and sustained livelihood, but also improve qualitative growth of the labour market.
General Studies – 3
Topic : Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money laundering and its prevention.
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
At the fifth BRICS Media Forum, representatives of media organisations from BRICS have called for the member nations to work jointly to combat the virus of disinformation during the pandemic.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the efforts required at both global level and national level combat the virus of disinformation during the pandemic.
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:
Discuss first what the issues are about disinformation.
Body:
The COVID-19 outbreak is a global public health crisis, but unfortunately its impact goes much beyond the health dimension. From the very beginning, UN Secretary General, M. Antonio Guterres, has denounces the “massive infodemic” of disinformation and misinformation swirling amidst the COVID-19 pandemic as a driver of the crisis itself.
The COVID-19 outbreak has exposed fragilities in societies and economies across the globe. The dis-infodemic is deepening those fissures in societies and economy worldwide.
In recent years, mass media and social networks have played an important role in disseminating information regarding public health. During the COVID-19 epidemic, misinformation and fake news have represented an important issue generating confusion and insecurity among the population.
Explain the reasons; suggest efforts taken at both global level and national level combat the virus of disinformation during the pandemic.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way ahead.
General Studies – 4
Topic : Case Study
Why the question:
Case study based question.
Key Demand of the question:
The case study is based on the principles of honesty and integrity. One has to reason effectively the case at hand and justify views with suitable substantiation.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
First identify the stakeholders in the case and explain the case involved.
Body:
Discuss the case of potential “Conflict of interest” involved; define what you understand by it, how such situations can be resolved.
Give your opinion as to what should be the position of the judge; what are the routes available to him.
Discuss and evaluate each option and justify your viewpoint.
Conclusion:
Conclude with ethical solutions that satisfy the situation without harming or causing wrongs to the stakeholders involved.
Topic : Case Study
Why the question:
The case study is in the backdrop of scrapping of article 370.
Key Demand of the question:
Present your viewpoints as to whether civil servants be given more autonomy especially freedom of expression in such backdrop.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
In the introduction discuss briefly the effect of scrapping article 370.
Body:
Firstly map the ethical issues that would possibly arise owing to the decision – Security and order, Livelihood and employment, Economic development, Business friendly environment, Scrapping of Article 370 has one objective to bring economic development, integrate people, imbibe sense of confidence etc.
Explain the importance of more autonomy especially freedom of expression to civil servants.
Conclusion:
Conclude with solutions that ethically satisfy the situation.