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General Studies – 1
Topic: Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
Sixty years later, we can take reassurance from the fact that India and its armed forces have come a long way and there will be no replay of the 1962 debacle. We must, however, bear in mind that China in this interregnum has seen phenomenal economic, technological and military growth and vies with the USA for the global “pole-position”.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the consequences and changes introduced after Sino-Indian War of 1962 and what further needs to be done.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Give the context of the outbreak of Sino-Indian War of 1962 and its outcome.
Body:
In the detail, mention the consequences of Sino-Indian war on various fronts like Political, Foreign Affairs, Defence and Military, and Ideological etc.
Next, write about the changes that were brought in to prevent such a debacle from happening and what further needs to be done.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing the bitter lessons learnt in 1962 are relevant in modern day geopolitics.
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.
2. What is a cold wave? How is it formed? Analyse its impact on the Indian subcontinent. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Down To Earth
Why the question:
Cold waves have gripped several parts of northwest India from December 15, 2022 that are expected to continue for the next few days as well.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about causes and impact of cold waves in north India.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining a cold wave.
Body:
In the first part, write about formation of cold waves – Cold wave conditions form due to lack of western disturbances which are extratropical storms that mostly appear during the winter months, change the wind patterns in the northern parts of India. Presence of an active western disturbance cold winds from the Himalayas continue to blow in to the northern parts of India thereby allowing the prevailing cold conditions to continue and intensify. Parts of the plains of north-west, central and west India encounter cold wave, fog and ground frost conditions etc.
Next, write about its impact on humans, health, transport and agriculture etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to deal with cold waves.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
Health needs to be a central agenda for the G20 2023. It has been one of the priority areas for G20 deliberations since 2017, when the first meet of health ministers of G20 countries was organised by the German presidency. The G20 now has health finance in its financial stream and health systems development in the Sherpa stream.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the need to promote primary healthcare as part of G20 agenda.
Directive word:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to 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. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving a brief about health care in India and cite statistics to substantiate.
Body:
First, write about the various issues plaguing the health care system in India.
Next, mention the need for promote primary healthcare as part of G20 agenda and ways to do it.
Next, bring out the impediments to the above.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Topic: India and its neighbourhood- relations.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
In its latest outrageous decision, the Taliban regime has announced a ban on female students studying in universities. The “cabinet” meeting decision is one in a series that wipes out the many societal gains since 2001, the last time the Taliban was in power. These decrees include banning Afghan schoolgirls from studying above grade six, job restrictions and a ban on women at gyms and public parks, with public floggings for those travelling without male relatives chaperoning them.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the course of action India must pursue to protect its interests in Afghanistan and while protecting rights of Afghans as a regional leader.
Directive word:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, 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:
Begin the providing context as to the paradigm shift of political power in Afghanistan and its impact on India.
Body:
In brief, using a flow chart, trace the Indo-Afghan relationship till date.
Write about the strategic interests of India in Afghanistan – India’s trade and investment, India and Afghanistan strategic partnership, India’s development portfolio in Afghanistan, gateway to Central Asia and Linkages with Iran especially the Chabahar port etc.
Next, in detail, write about the progress of Indo-Afghan relations since Taliban takeover and India’s various responses to it.
Next, in the wake of new restrictions in Afghanistan, mention the nature of engagement India should have with Afghanistan a reginal leader.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward which summarises that India needs to engage in order to protect its own interests and uphold interests of Afghans.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India
Why the question:
India is increasingly looking towards hydrogen as an alternative source of fuel to reduce its carbon footprint and meet its growing energy needs.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the potential of Hydrogen as an eco-friendly fuel and steps India has taken in this regard.
Directive word:
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:
Mention the properties of Hydrogen that makes it a favourable alternative to present day fossil fuels.
Body:
Distinguish between Brown, Blue and Green Hydrogen. Mention how the Hydrogen fuel can secure India’s energy security as well as help cut down carbon footprint.
Next mention the steps to promote hydrogen use instead of fossil fuels such as the National Hydrogen Mission being launched to promote Green Hydrogen and the pilot mode of blending hydrogen with CNG for buses in Delhi, various public and private sector intiative etc.
Mention that India has a number of obstacles to overcome in terms of technology, storage, transportation, new materials research, safety standards etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to maximise the benefits of the hydrogen fuel technology.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.
6. Happiness is inextricably tied to your Emotional Intelligence. Examine. (150 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Mission-2023 Secure (revision).
Key Demand of the question:
To develop a link between emotional intelligence and happiness.
Directive:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate 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:
Begin by giving the positive correlation between happiness and emotional intelligence.
Body:
First, write about as to how EI can lead to happiness – Emotionally intelligent people understand that happiness is worth short-term sacrifices, they don’t let what they cannot control affect what they can, they always abide by their values etc. Substantiate with examples.
Conclusion:
Complete the answer by summarising.
Topic: accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance;
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Mission-2023 Secure (revision).
Key Demand of the question:
To write about ways to build and maintain a culture of accountability in government organisations
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by defining accountability.
Body:
With relevant examples elaborate on how an culture of accountability can be instilled – citizen charters, RTI, Reward & Recognition, Autonomy & Trust, Feedback & Coaching, communication etc.
Conclusion:
Complete the answer writing about the link between accountability and efficiency.
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