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General Studies – 1
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
Rock cut architecture forms an important part of architectural history of India and is an important topic in art and culture section of GS1.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss how prehistoric rock cut architecture represents one of the vital sources our ancient history 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 by explaining that rock cut architecture occupies a very important place in the history of Indian Architecture.
Body:
Discuss the evolution of rock cut architecture from early caves like Bhimbetka, Mauryan era rock cut architecture such as Barabar caves. Suggest how these form the early and one of the vital sources of our history.
Explain their role in the reconstruction of past.
Best way to present such answers is through examples.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance of prehistoric rock cut architecture.
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Reference: Medieval history of India NCERT class XI
Why the question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper I , part art and culture.
Key Demand of the question:
The question is about assessing the features which remained common and the features which evolved under various Dynasties of Delhi Sultanate.
Directive:
Assess – 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 by explaining the broad changes witnessed after the arrival of Sultanate.
Body:
The body should be divided in to various Dynasties of Delhi Sultanate.
Then write the architectural changes seen from dynasty to dynasty. All the statements should be accompanied by prominent examples.
Then write the features which were common to all Dynasties.
Another way of answering will be to first write the common futures and then address the changes.
Conclusion:
The conclusion should include how this architecture got converted in to Mughal architecture.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The article explains – Petrol and diesel prices in India: Retail prices of automobile fuels have reached record highs across the country. Petrol and diesel are taxed heavily in India, and oil price decontrol is a one-way street — the consumer never benefits.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain why petrol price is increasing in India? How and why should India achieve “End of oil-age”.
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:
Start with some data that would reassert the demand of the question. The price of petrol is touching Rs 89 per litre in Delhi and diesel reaching Rs 86.30 per litre in Mumbai. The government states that the reason behind this rise in price is an increase in global crude prices by more than 50 per cent.
Body:
One has to explain that – Retail prices of petrol and diesel have reached record highs in India. One major reason is a heavy tax on Petrol and diesel in India. The present surge in oil prices is driven by the hope that COVID vaccines would lead to demand recovery and OPEC+ will delay a planned rise in oil output. Though this price rise may be a temporary phenomenon, but for India, the high oil price is a persistent problem.
Then explain why India should end oil age. Discuss factors such as – vehicular pollution, Oil as one of the heaviest burdens on India’s exchequer, over-dependence on imports for crude oil is also weakening Indian currency, inflation etc.
Conclusion:
Thus, conclude that for countries like India moving away from oil is not going to be easy like its developed counterpart. India needs some time and decreases in global fuel prices in the near future so that this transition becomes easier for India.
Topic: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, – different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.
Reference: Financial Express , Indian Express
Why the question:
The article presents the argument that Agri-market freedom and strict water accounting could address some of the longstanding problems of agriculture in India.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain in what way Agri-market autonomy and strict water accounting could address some of the longstanding glitches of agriculture in India.
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 with some key data relevant to the theme in the question, say, importance of agriculture.
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
- Discuss first the issues with Indian agriculture.
- Explain what agri-market economy is and why its autonomy or freedom is important.
- Explain why Indian agri requires strict water accounting.
- Present a Comparison of the Agriculture system in India with China and Israel.
Suggest solutions to address the issues.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Topic: GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
GS-3:Disaster and disaster management.
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article from The Hindu – “Death trap on labour reforms” brings to us closer look of the hazards in the firework industries in the country and emphasize on the need for reforms for the workers thereof.
Key Demand of the question:
One must discuss the need to regulate firework industry in India to prevent the hazards it has been witnessing. Also, discuss how labour laws can help in uplifting the workers’ pathetic condition in this industry.
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 present the context of the question.
Body:
First explain the hazards that are often witnessed in the firework industry and present the dismal picture of the labour therein.
Then explain why Labour reforms and technological advances within the fireworks industry are necessary.
The industry continues to be labour-intensive, lack of safety policies, training to the workers etc. are some of the key factors that need to be discussed.
Suggest solutions and what policies need to be adopted such as – automation of the hazardous manufacturing process etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by emphasizing on the need to bring reforms and technological advances.
Topic: Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life. Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The Ministry of Science and Technology Monday released new guidelines for the Geo-spatial sector in India, which deregulates existing protocol and liberalizes the sector to a more competitive field. Thus the question.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain what Geospatial data is and detail upon the present policy on the same while analytically presenting viewpoint on the liberalizing aspects of the same.
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 with what geospatial data is.
Body:
Geospatial data is data about objects, events, or phenomena that have a location on the surface of the earth.
Explain the key features of the present policy on geospatial data; till recently, the government had a near-monopoly regarding the collection, storage, use, sale, dissemination of geo-spatial data and mapping. This was because of concerns over internal as well as external security threats. Only government-run agencies such as the Survey of India, Defence and Home Ministries were allowed to use geospatial data. The lack of private participation led to the underdevelopment of the Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping etc.
Then move onto explain why the government has deregulated geospatial data.
Then explain the impact of it.
Conclusion:
Conclude by commenting on the importance of geospatial data for the country.
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: news.un.org , ctvnews.ca
Why the question:
The question is about the roles and responsibilities of organisations towards society amidst pandemic times. It aims to assess the ethical regulations that should be put upon these profit-oriented organizations, so that they act in the welfare of people.
Key Demand of the question:
One is
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 by presenting the current scenario of vaccination amidst Covid pandemic.
Body:
One can explain with the help of wisdom from philosophers such as – Gandhi’s Trusteeship Principle. The resources of society which are being used by corporate organizations to earn profit belong to society. These organizations are just using them and are trustees to such resources.
Hence this philosophical understanding needs to be inculcated in the corporate ethical framework of these companies. Moreover, the decision to earn 145 percent profit is morally unjustifiable according to Utilitarian Principle (because charging high profit will lead to suffering for a large section of people resulting in their unhappiness).
Present case studies to justify your stand and conclude with suitable solutions.
Conclusion:
Suggest what needs to be done to ensure complete welfare of the society.
