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General Studies – 1
Topic: World War 1, Great Depression
Reference: Indian Express , Contemporary World History by Indira Arjun Dev
Why the question:
The Novel Coronavirus pandemic severely affects the global economy; some experts have begun comparing the current crisis with the Great Depression. Currently, unemployment levels in the US are already estimated to be at 13 per cent, highest since the Great Depression. Thus the question.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss first the policy measures that were deployed to contain the great economic depression and draw parallels of how the current pandemic is similar in impact.
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 facts related to global depression or corona pandemic.
Body:
Explain first what was the Great Depression? – The Great Depression was a major Economic crisis that began in the United States in 1929, and went to have a worldwide impact until 1939.
It began on October 24, 1929, a day that is referred to as “Black Thursday”, when a monumental crash occurred at the New York Stock Exchange as stock prices fell by 25 per cent.
Then discuss the policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression.
Then analyse in detail if the Covid-19 could trigger a Recession or Depression.
Conclusion:
Conclude with impact of the two.
Topic: world War 1, Great Depression
2. Discuss the social impact of World War I on India . (250 words)
Reference: Contemporary World History by Indira Arjun Dev
Why the question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper I , part World history.
Key Demand of the question:
The question is straightforward; one must discuss the social impact of World War I on India.
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:
World War I (WW I), also known as the Great War, lasted from 28 July 1914 to 11 November 1918. WW I was fought between the Allied Powers and the Central Powers.
Body:
The question is purely about the social impact of the World war I, thus explain in detail the social consequences of it such as – World war changed society completely. Birth rates declined because millions of young men died (eight million died, millions wounded, maimed, widows and orphans). Civilians lost their land and fled to other countries.
The role of women also changed. They played a major part in replacing men in factories and offices. Many countries gave women more rights after the war had ended, including the right to vote.
The upper classes lost their leading role in society. Young middle and lower class men and women demanded a say in forming their country after the war.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance of world war and its impact on the world as a lesson for the future generations.
Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.
3. Give an account of causes and consequences of American civil war of 1861. (250 words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
US President Joe Biden is soon expected to sign a law making June 19, or “Juneteenth”, a national holiday recognized by the federal government, commemorating the end of slavery after the American Civil War (1861-65). Thus the question.
Key Demand of the question:
Account in detail of causes and consequences of American civil war of 1861.
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 Civil War in the United States began in 1861, after decades of simmering tensions between northern and southern states over slavery, states’ rights and westward expansion.
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
What are the causes of American Civil War? – The difference in the attitude towards slavery can be seen as the root cause of the American Civil War. This had repercussions in the economic and political sphere too. Quote all reasons in detail
What were the consequences of the American Civil War? – Discuss that the Civil War confirmed the single political entity of the United States, led to freedom for more than four million enslaved Americans, established a more powerful and centralized federal government, and laid the foundation for America’s emergence as a world power in the 20th century.
Conclusion:
Conclude with its significance in the history of America.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article discusses the interplay between right to be forgotten and the right of the public to access courts of record, concepts of fair criticism and accountability.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the interplay of right to be forgotten and the right of the public to access courts of record amidst the values of fair criticism and accountability.
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 context of the question; The Delhi High Court recently ordered the removal of one of its own judgments from easy access. The High Court recognized that the petitioner may have a right to be forgotten, which must be balanced with the right of the public to access courts of record.
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
Explain what you understand by right to be forgotten.
Then move on to discuss in detail the interplay of right to be forgotten and the right of the public to access courts of record amidst the values of fair criticism and accountability.
Give relevant judgments of the Indian courts in association with the foresaid topic and justify your stand.
Conclusion:
The right to be forgotten needs to be studied along with the concepts of fair criticism and accountability.
General Studies – 5
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Reference: Financial Express
Why the question:
The article highlights the need for a clear blueprint to entice international green financing opportunities for India.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss in what way to achieve the global ambitions for a green transition, large sums of finance are needed, give ideas and solutions for how to achieve the goals.
Directive:
Elucidate – Give 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 brief background of the question.
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
Firstly, talk about India’s goal for cleaner and Greener fuel.
Explain that transition to clean energy will require financing to meet these large investment needs. Such investments include technologies that may be – 1) nascent and hence susceptible to failure even after deployment of significant capital, 2) expensive and hence unaffordable by citizens and consumers of some countries, or 3) simply too novel or patent-protected for seamless transfer between various nations.
Green financing requires finding the right capital willing to take risks of failure, or willing to underwrite relatively lower returns, or bundle technology together with financing.
Conclusion:
Conclude with solutions, take hints from the article and propose way forward.
Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The Union Cabinet has approved the long-pending Deep Ocean Mission since 2018. Thus the question.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the Deep Ocean Mission and its ambitions in detail and explain its importance in harnessing the Blue economy for sustainable growth.
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:
The Deep Ocean Mission is proposed as multi-ministerial multi-disciplinary programme to explore Deep Ocean for resources and develop deep sea technologies for sustainable use of ocean resources.
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
Discuss the details of the mission briefly.
Then highlight the significance of the mission; Indigenization of Technology, Employment creation etc.
Then specifically talk about how the mission will aid in harnessing the potential of blue economy; For India, with its three sides surrounded by the oceans and around 30% of the country’s population living in coastal areas, ocean is a major economic factor supporting fisheries and aquaculture, tourism, livelihoods and blue trade. Oceans are also storehouse of food, energy, minerals, medicines, modulator of weather and climate and underpin life on Earth.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Case study
Why the question:
The question is a case study based on the social acceptance of the LGBT community.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain the ways in which discrimination against LGBTQs creates problems for them in different aspects of life and suggest what needs to be done.
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:
Give a brief account of what and who all constitute the LGBTQ community.
Body:
First explain that LGBTQ refers to people who are non-heterosexual, but are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. The term emphasizes a diversity of sexuality and gender identity-based cultures. The LGBTQ community faces tremendous difficulties growing up in a society where heterosexuality is often presented as the only acceptable norm of sexuality and homosexuality is regarded as deviant.
Provide arguments to highlight the ways in which discrimination against LGBTQs creates problems. Despite decriminalizing provisions of Section 377, this community continues to face discrimination and exclusion in all spheres of life which further creates various problems for them in different walks of life, such as: Family conflicts, Lack of employment opportunities, Social stigma and marginalization, Lack of access to welfare programs and legal protection, Necessary attitudinal changes to adopt a more humane approach toward LGBTQ community etc.
Suggest necessary attitudinal changes to adopt a more humane approach towards this community.
Conclusion:
Conclude with solutions to address and need for the acceptance of transgenders as a human being not different from others.
