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General Studies – 1
Topic Indian Art and culture
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to highlight the various facets of classical dance in India especially with respect to Kathak (Pt. Birju Maharaj died recently)
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Explain that dance has always been considered ad a complete art and has had a close association with god and worship. The earliest examples of dance in India can be traced back to the dancing pictures in Bhimbetka caves and the bronze statue of a dancing girl in Mohenjodaro.
Body
- Discuss the various texts on dance in India such as Bharatmuni’s Natyashashtra
- Highlight that. Sangeet Natak Academy confers “classical” status on 8 dances. Highlight that Dance forms in India were kept alive by devadasis and later revived by various artists.
- Explain that Dance has two aspects: Tandava and Lasya. Tandava emphasizes body movements and masculinity while Lasya focuses on grace and abhinaya, so more feminine. Dances were scripted around 9 rasas or emotions like heroism, love, anger, etc. Themes were derived from mythology like Radha-Krishna, Shiva-Parvati, etc. Many Muslim kings also added their elements and learned traditional dance like Nawab Wajid Ali of Oudh.
- Explain Kathak dance, its proponent (esp. Birju Maharaj), and its various forms
Conclusion –
Emphasize on India’s rich history of dance.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures—Structure, Functioning, Conduct of Business, Powers & Privileges and Issues Arising out of these.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Reference: Polity by M. Laxmikanth
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2022 Secure timetable
Key Demand of the question:
The importance of Parliamentary Privileges
Directive word:
Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the topic and form an overall opinion thereupon
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Brief on Parliamentary Privileges and articles related
Body:
First, mention the Various Parliamentary Privileges
Then, mention the significance of Parliamentary Privileges in enabling MPs to function freely in parliament, relating to how it would get difficult for MPs if not for these privileges
Conclusion:
A relevant closing statement
Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures—Structure, Functioning, Conduct of Business, Powers & Privileges and Issues Arising out of these.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Reference: Polity by M. Laxmikanth
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2022 Secure timetable
Key Demand of the question:
The importance of Anti defection law
Directive word:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyze, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Brief on Anti-defection framework, schedule, and articles related
Body:
First mention why the framework was included in Indian Constitution, citing historical references and amendments
Then, analyze the act by mentioning the advantages of the anti-defection law
Further, mention the criticisms associated, followed by recommendations in this perspective
Conclusion:
A relevant closing statement
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The article analyses the scope and potential of India-Japan ties in the background of new dynamism of global politics and closeness of US-Japan relations.
Key Demand of the question:
Analyze the scope and potential of India-Japan ties and their relevance for securing world peace.
Directive:
Analyze – When asked to analyze, 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 a brief history of India-Japan ties.
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
Discuss the Scope for a deepened India-Japan ties – Balancing security policy against China, Scope for technology partnership, Economic ties, Scope for expansion: Support for key manufacturing initiatives such as ‘Make in India’ and Japan Industrial Townships, secure infrastructure investments in strategically vital connectivity projects currently underway in Northeast and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Etc.
Explain that time has come for India and Japan to take a hard look at reports suggesting that joint infrastructure projects in Africa and Iran have stalled with substantial cost overruns and different stands on Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Also, both the nation, as democratic countries in Asia, can cooperate to contribute to global peace and prosperity. The partnership can further strengthen the economy of the Indo-Pacific, as well as the world economy.
Conclusion:
Writing in 2006, Shinzo Abe, in his book, Utsukushii Kuni E (Toward a Beautiful Country), expressed his hope that “it would not be a surprise if, in another 10 years, JapanIndia relations over take JapanU.S. And JapanChina relations.”
General Studies – 3
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc.
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The question was asked in this year’s UPSC GS3 a week back.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the need to focus on infrastructure development, both physical and social, as this would have a multiplier effect on the economy.
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 key data on the current status of infrastructure in the country.
Body:
Give a brief outline of India’s Infrastructure journey (e.g. key schemes of the government and its benefits).
Discuss briefly the challenges India is facing.
Then in detail give how investment in Infrastructure will bring about economic and inclusive growth e.g. creation of jobs, more entrepreneurship, increasing value of assets and thus income, benefits for farmers, etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with the way forward.
General Studies – 4
Topic : Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers, and administrators
Structure of the question
Introduction
Define leadership in a brief manner
Body
- Explain the salient characteristics which are highlighted in the quote vis a vis the role of leadership. Ex: Adding value, blessing lives through work, influence, connection, etc.
- List examples for each of the above characteristics
Conclusion
Suggest in a brief manner as to how one can emphasize this role of leadership in both public and private enterprise.
Topic: GS 4: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance, and compassion towards the weaker sections.
Structure of the question
Introduction
Highlight the major challenges in the world as of now or you can define the value of ‘kindness’ which is at the core of this quote in a brief manner
Body
- Highlight any major events in the past where scores of people came together through their small acts to bring about a transformation in society. Ex: Helping migrants during the pandemic, arranging for medical supplies during the pandemic, etc.
- Highlight major challenges in the present world. Ex: Climate change, poverty, Refugee crisis and how small acts of millions of people could address these existential challenges
Conclusion
Suggest what could be done to evoke such small acts among individuals in the society in a brief manner.