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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. Account for the erosional landforms formed by glaciers in detail. (250 words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The article highlights that study of glaciers requires a very multidisciplinary approach.
Key Demand of the question:
Account for the erosional landforms formed by glaciers in detail.
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:
Start with the basic definition of glaciers.
Body:
Glaciers are sheets of ice moving over plains, in sheet form, or slopes of mountains, in linear flows. Gravity moves them.
Then discuss the erosional forces that act upon and create landforms of glaciers.
Then explain the erosional landforms – Cirque, Horns and serrated ridges, Glacial valleys etc.
Ensure to present each landform using suitable diagrams and give examples of each to better substantiate.
Then throw light on recent Uttarakhand case and discuss the effect of anthropogenic activity and global warming.
Conclusion:
A multidisciplinary approach to understanding the geology and dynamics of glacial systems with technology like remote sensing, as well as sustainable use, will help preserve the long term stability of this ecosystem and mitigate the damage caused by disaster.
General Studies – 2
Topic: State legislature
Reference: Indian polity by Lakshmikant
Why the question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper I.
Key Demand of the question:
The question aims to bring out a fair comparison of powers of American senate and that of Rajya Sabha of India and highlight in what way former is constitutionally stronger than the later.
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 the bicameral nature of both the constitutions.
Body:
In bicameral legislature, the upper house is setup to provide representation to the states and to prevent any hasty decisions by the lower house. In USA, the upper house of Congress is known as Senate, whereas in India such body is called Rajya Sabha.
Then explain the Upper house’s power against Lower house in both cases.
Then talk about Upper house’s power against Executive.
Explain that American federalism is a result of the agreement among the states. Therefore, to provide adequate strength / effective checks and balances to the states against the Union Executive, their senate is given more powers than any upper house in the world -including Rajya Sabha of India.
Conclusion:
Thus from the above features, it is evident that US Senate is much powerful than any upper house in the world -including the Rajya Sabha of India.
Topic: Parliament
Reference: Indian Express , Indian polity by Lakshmikant
Why the question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper II.
Key Demand of the question:
The question is straightforward and aims to examine the mechanism for ensuring constitutionality of government bills in the country.
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 importance of constitutional procedure involved in passage of a bill.
Body:
The answer is straightforward and one must briefly put forth the procedure suggested in the Indian constitution for examining the constitutionality of government bills in Indian parliamentary system.
Parliament has three mechanisms for examining whether a government bill adheres to constitutional principles. First, any member of the Parliament can oppose the introduction of a bill by stating that it initiates legislation outside the legislative competence of the Parliament. There is limited debate, and the house in which the bill is getting introduced does not delve into constitutional niceties. MPs also get an opportunity to discuss a bill’s constitutionality while debating it in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. But on both these occasions, the strength of the argument does not determine the legislative outcome. The Parliament’s decision depends on the numbers that the treasury and opposition benches command on the house floor. So, when the treasury benches have the numbers, the government faces no difficulty getting its legislative proposals through Parliament.
Conclusion:
Present the shortcomings and conclude with suggestions.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The article explains that Decarbonization has become a buzzword. To ensure it does not remain just that but translates into effective action on the ground, policy makers will have to build structures that reflect the woven, multidimensional, interdependent and interconnected nature of the energy ecosystem.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain in what way defects in the Indian planning systems should be removed to bring out effective decarbonization in the country.
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:
First explain the context of the question in short.
Body:
Such answers are best explained with examples, the recent Uttarakhand glacial burst and the severe cold snap that crashed the electricity grid system in Texas.
Discuss in what way these examples reflect upon poor planning of the authorities. Take cues from the article and list down the lacunae.
Suggest solutions to address the problems.
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: role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article explains that the new rules introduced by the Centre last week to regulate all types of digital platforms, with the idea of redressing user grievances and ensuring compliance with the law, are deeply unsettling as they will end up giving the government a good deal of leverage over online news publishers and intermediaries.
Key Demand of the question:
One is expected to briefly analyse the Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
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:
Start with brief introduction of the newly propounded rules.
Body:
Explain first the significance of new rules to regulate digital media: having a “Soft-touch oversight mechanism.” List the positives such as – Progressive and liberal, Redress user grievances – Three-tier regulatory mechanism, Adherence to a Code of Ethics etc.
Then move onto present the shortcomings such as – Opens up floodgates for interventions, potential for misuse, Lack of legislative actions for regulation, Increased the compliance burden for social media platforms etc.
Conclusion:
In the conclusion weigh the pros and cons and present your opinion in a balanced manner.
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: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications
Why the question:
The question is based on the topic of RTI.
Key Demand of the question:
It is about examining the role of RTI in good governance and ensuring ethics in administration.
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:
Define and explain briefly about RTI.
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
- Few lines of introduction to RTI as a key to good governance; explain that RTI has been termed as a master key to good governance by second administrative reform commission as it ushers in an era of transparency, openness, participatory democracy and people centered governance. It has brought a significant shift in our administration and governance culture.
- Then its role in making administration and governance more ethical.
- Then separately its role in making them more responsive.
Conclusion:
Conclude by highlighting challenges and concerns and suggest how despite all that it still holds a key place.
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: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications
Why the question:
Its based on the theme of ethics and its role in preventing corruption.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the role played by ethics as first line of defence against corruption.
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:
Ethics refer to well-founded standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought to do, usually in terms of rights, obligations, fairness or specific virtues. Laws are usually based on an ethical framework and aim to bring social order while controlling the immoral or unethical behaviour of individuals in the society.
Body:
Describe the importance of ethics and laws in preventing corruption.
Elaborate the statement while taking a stand on it and justify with examples such as – A typical example is the role of an administrator where discretion has to be exercised. Discretion provides ample opportunities for corruption and a person with weak ethics may easily fall prey to money-making even at the cost of society’s wellbeing. Therefore, ethics is the first line of defense, even if there is no law on the subject.
Conclusion:
Hence, it is ethics that act as a strong defence mechanism for all societies to prevent corruption whereas laws are reactive and only a remedy. A permanent solution for wiping corruption from its roots shall only come with the internalization and not from the external forces.
