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General Studies – 1
Topic: Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues.
1) Closing the gender pay gap is key to achieving social justice, as well as economic growth for the nation. Discuss. (250 Words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
The question is in the context of rising trends of Gender wage disparity in India as pointed out by the recent report on pay disparity by Oxfam.
Demand of the question:
This question seeks to examine the current gender wage gap scenario prevalent in India. One has to address the question by listing out the various associated causes and suggest suitable measures to overcome them.
Directive word:
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.
Keywords:
occupational segregation, racial bias, disability, access to education etc.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction
Start by highlighting the alarming issue of the Gender wage gap and how and why it disfavors women as well as LGBTQ+.
Body
Discuss the following aspects –
What do you understand about the gender pay gap?
Factors leading to gender gap viz. – The primary industries in the state and the opportunities they create; Demographics such as race/ethnicity, age, and education level; Regional differences in attitudes and beliefs about work and gender; and Differences in the scope and strength of state pay discrimination laws and policies.
Facts and reports suggesting the prevalence of it.
Suggest what needs to be done to overcome it. – policy actions, government efforts, awareness, education for women, state-led facilitation for equal pay etc.
Conclusion
Conclude with the importance of gender equity.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Indian Judiciary
Q2. How are Supreme Court and High Court judges appointed? Trace the evolution of ‘Collegium system’ of appointment of higher judiciary in India with specific case laws and suggest reforms needed. (250 Words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
Recently, Union Minister for Law and Justice has suggested that the collegium system of appointments to the higher judiciary needs to be reconsidered in view of the concerns about the process.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the process of selection of SC and HC and evolution of the process of the appointment of Judges to the SC and the reforms that are needed to the existing collegium system.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin the answer by briefly describing the process of selection of HC and SC judges.
Body:
Show evolution of appointment process. Mention, in brief, the three judges’ cases and NJAC act, 2014.
Next, write about the reasons which call for reforms to the existing collegium system. Opaqueness, lack of accountability, lack of representation from weaker sections, slow pace of appointments and lack of public faith etc.
Suggest reforms to overcome the above issues that are affecting the collegium system.
Conclusion:
Mention the importance of an efficient, independent and vigilant judiciary for our democracy.
Topic: India – West Asia, India – Israel, India – Africa
3. West Asia is one of the foremost foreign policy challenges for New Delhi. Discuss. (150 Words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why this question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of the Mission-2023 Secure timetable.
Key demand of the question:
One must explain in what way West Asia is important to India for many factors like that of the presence Oil, Indian Diaspora etc. And how dealing with West Asia is a challenge.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Explain the current situation of the West in general.
Body:
Briefly elaborate on the recent attacks on Saudi and US sanctions on Iran and other Incidents in west Asia and its impact on India.
Explain the strategy of India towards west Asia in a broader perspective. Discuss the interests of India over West Asia.
Then, write about the challenges India Faces while dealing with West Asian Countries.
Quote data suggesting statistics of large number of Indian Diaspora present in West Asia and its significance.
Conclusion:
Conclude with need for geo-political stability in the region.
4. What is Abraham Accord? How this peace deal is significant for India. Explain. 10M
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of the Mission-2023 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about Abraham Accords and what is its significance to India.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by writing about the Abraham Accords deal signed between Israel and a consortium of Arab States led by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2020 and this how started a new chapter in their diplomatic relationships.
Body:
Give a brief context about the turmoil and hostile relationships between the Arab states and Israel in the past and how it impacted India.
Write about the new opportunities for India after the signing of the Abraham Accords in the middle east and west Asia and how it will lead to deepening cooperation with various stakeholders and increase the strategic footprint of India in that region.
Mention the need for a careful and calculated diplomatic balancing act with the multitude of stakeholders in the region with varied interests. The Iranian angle, the Palestinian issues etc must be written in brief.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
5. Explain what is monetary policy and how it is different from Fiscal policy. What explains the divergence between the RBI and govt on monetary policy in recent times? (250 Words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
While in recent times, the government has emphasised growth. RBI is focused on containing Inflation, thus creating divergence.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss what monetary policy is and its relationship with fiscal policy and draw the differences and comparisons and the reasons for the divergence.
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 them with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Monetary policy is the control of the quantity of money available in an economy and the channels by which new money is supplied.
Body:
Discuss the concept of monetary and fiscal policy in detail.
Discuss its objectives.
Draw a comparison of it with that of monetary policy. Suggest the reason for the divergence between the two in detail.
Conclusion:
Conclude with how to address the divergence.
General Studies – 4
6. Apart from intellectual competency and moral qualities, empathy and compassion are some of the other vital attributes that facilitate civil servants to be more competent in tackling crucial issues or taking critical decisions. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Difficulty Level: Tough
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Philosophical Mondays’ in Mission-2023 Secure. This was asked in UPSC 2022 GS4.
Key Demand of the question: To write about how universal values like empathy and compassion are much vital in tackling crucial issues.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by describing intellectual competency, empathy and compassion.
Body:
First, Write about how intellectual competency is very much important for a civil servant while tackling crucial issues. Give examples.
Then, mention how moral qualities like empathy and compassion also play a vital role in understanding issues.
Substantiate the above with examples.
Conclusion:
Conclude the answer by giving a balanced opinion.
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