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General Studies – 1
Topic: poverty and developmental issues
Reference: Times of India.
Why the question:
The rapid spread of the pandemic in the country had led to the loss of livelihood and productivity, increase in poverty and decline in nutrition levels. Thus, the question.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain in detail the impact of the pandemic and its consequences on poverty. Also suggest what needs to be done to address the issue.
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 background of the question.
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
Present in detail the catastrophic impacts of the pandemic such as – Increased poverty, Poverty rate in India likely rose to 9.7% in 2020. (Global poverty rate increased to 10.4% – IMF). Reversed decadal gains, Impact on Middle class: Middle-class section, earning Rs 700-1,500 daily, estimated to have shrunk by 3.2 crore in 2020. Impact on low-income group, Unequal impact on poor, Lacunae in state response etc.
Then move on to explain solutions to address the issue such as – Fix a universal basic income in the post-Covid period, Strive for improvements in Human Development Index, Introduce a wealth tax etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Topic: GS-1: Social empowerment
GS-2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Reference: Down to Earth.
Why the question:
According to the estimates from the Sample Registration System (SRS)-based Abridged Life Tables 2014-18 of the Census and Registrar General of India, the life expectancy of an Indian child born on World Health Day 2021 is below the world’s average. Thus the question.
Key Demand of the question:
Analyse in what way Socio-economic status and educational background of women play an important role in determining life expectancy.
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 the definition of life expectancy or some key data on it.
Body:
It is an estimate of the average number of additional years that a person of a given age can expect to live. The most common measure of life expectancy is life expectancy at birth. India’s life expectancy (for a child born in 2021) which is 69 years and 4 months is less than the world’s average lifespan of 72.81 years.
Discuss the underlying causes for such declining life expectancy.
Then explain the key role that empowered women can play in improvising the life expectancy.
Discuss how their socio-economic background and education can prove to be key factors.
Conclusion:
Increased government intervention for women empowerment combined with better access to healthcare, rising living standards, better nutrition, and improved water and sanitation facilities will lead to reduced mortality rates at all ages.
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:
The article explains the heart-wrenching scenes of Myanmarese citizens, including little children — fleeing from a junta bent on killing its way into power in Myanmar — being turned away at the Indian border in the Northeast has once again revived the domestic debate about refugee protection in India.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the flaws of refugee protection policies and framework 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 brief background of the question.
Body:
While the issue of illegal migration acts as a threat to the socio-political fabric of any nation and also has potential security implications, there is also a need to do justice to the refugees fleeing the persecution.
Explain the issues in Indian framework of handling refugees; Legal ambiguity in defining refugees, Not a party to international conventions, Moral complexities etc.
Suggest what needs to be done to address the solutions.
Conclusion:
Conclude by emphasizing on the urgent need for strong domestic laws for the Migrants.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Reference: Financial Express
Why the question:
The article explains that the Centre, states must tap into green bonds.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the concept of Green bonds and explain in what way they can prove to be a gateway for Environment-friendly Investment in the country.
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 Green Bonds.
Body:
A green bond is a debt instrument with which capital is being raised to fund ‘green’ projects, which typically include those relating to renewable energy, clean transportation, sustainable water management etc.
Today, green bonds help companies tap money from specialized funds focused on climate change. As of now, 120 institutional investors from nine countries have joined the Institutional Investors’ Group on Climate Change. Also, over 1,500 institutions are signatories to the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Investments.
Sovereign funds like GIC, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, and multilateral agencies such as International Monetary Fund, International Finance Corp. and Asian Development Bank, among others, are proactively channeling funds to invest in green sustainable projects.
These global institutions believe in growing responsibly and, hence, are committing funds to mitigate the impact of climate change and avail business opportunities associated with the transition to a lower-carbon society and economy.
Discuss the merits and demerits.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
The article presents a detailed analysis of IBC and the relief that it provides to MSME sector in India.
Key Demand of the question:
Analyse the features of IBC Amendment ordinance 2021 in providing relief to MSME sector 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:
Seeking to provide a quicker and value-maximizing outcome for stressed MSMEs, the government has introduced a pre-packaged resolution process for such enterprises by amending the insolvency law.
Body:
Explain that many MSMEs have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and experts opined that the latest amendment, which comes less than two weeks after the suspension of certain IBC provisions ended, is a welcome move.
Analysis the clause in detail, explain its merits and demerits to MSME sector.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
Reference: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications
Why the question:
The question is based on the theme of ethical competence.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the importance of ethical competence and ways and means to develop the same.
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 Ethical competence.
Body:
Ethical competence can be defined as a combination of skills, capacity and high degree of professionalism.
Explain that Public servants have to perform critical and tedious administrative works. Sometimes they even need to delegate responsibilities to other officials and team members. They have to manage huge funds and require listening to viewpoints of the public and political leaders.
Then suggest steps to inculcate and develop ethical competence, suggest methods such as – social influence, awareness etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance.
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: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications
Why the question:
The question is based on a quote by Mahatma Gandhi.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the statement in question, elaborate on the importance of it.
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:
Briefly explain meaning of statement in question.
Body:
The statement explains that we as human beings are not great because of technological advancements or advancements in defence capabilities rather it lies in ability to remake ourselves for purpose of betterment of society (Summum Bonum).
With examples, explain the meaning of statement in detail.
Give some measures to remake ourselves.
Conclusion:
Mahatma Gandhi, who not only transformed fear, greed, and violence in himself but inspired hundreds of thousands of ordinary men, women, and even children in India to do the same.
