NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same
General Studies – 1
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu , Indian Express
Why the question:
A draft Bill, aimed at protecting India’s geological heritage that includes fossils, sedimentary rocks, natural structures, has raised alarm in India’s geo-sciences and palaeontology community. The draft Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill, 2022, while deemed necessary by several researchers, vests powers entirely in the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
Key Demand of the question:
To write about Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics and the potential of draft Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill, 2022 in conserving them.
Directive word:
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by defining Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics.
Body:
First, a small representative map indicating major Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics of India.
Next, draft Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill, 2022 which has been proposed. Write about its strength and limitations about the bill in conserving the geo-heritage sites and relics.
Next, write about the steps that must be taken in order to holistically conserve geo-heritage sites and relics.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
Geo-heritage refers to the geological features which are inherently or culturally significant offering insight to earth’s evolution or history to earth science or that can be utilized for education.
Geological Survey of India (GSI) is the parent body which is making efforts towards identification and protection of geo-heritage sites/national geological monuments in the country.
Geo-relic is defined as “any relic or material of a geological significance or interest like sediments, rocks, minerals, meteorite or fossils”. The GSI will have the power to acquire geo-relics “for its preservation and maintenance”.
Body
Background
- The Geological Survey of India (GSI, established in 1851, comes under the Ministry of Mines) investigates and assesses coal and other mineral resources of the country through regional-level exploration.
- It declares geo-heritage sites/ national geological monuments and along with the respective state governments takes necessary measures to protect these sites.
- The 32 geo-heritage sites are spread across 13 states and despite identifying these sites, there are concerns over their preservation, including Fossil Parks (e.g. Siwalik Fossil Park, Himachal Pradesh); Geological Marvels (e.g. Lonar Lake, Maharashtra), Rock Monuments (e.g. Peninsular Gneiss, Karnataka) etc
Features of Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill, 2022
- It would authorise the Central Government to declare a geoheritage site to be of national importance.
- This would be under the provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (RFCTLARR Act).
- Through a public notification in the Official Gazette, the government would spell out what areas were to be acquired by it, and objections to this can be raised within two months.
- Provision is made for compensation to the owner or occupier of land who incurs loss or damage from the land due to the exercise of any power under this Act.
- The market value of any property will be ascertained in accordance with the principles set out in the RFCTLARR Act.
- The Bill imposes a prohibition on construction, reconstruction, repair or renovation of any building within the geoheritage site area or utilisation of such area in any other manner, except for construction for preservation and maintenance of geoheritage site or any public work essential to the public.
- Penalties for destruction, removal, defacement or contravention of any direction issued by the Director General, GSI in the geo-heritage site are mentioned.
- There is a penalty of imprisonment which may extend to six months or fine which may extend to Rs.5 lakh, or both.
- In the case of a continuing contravention, additional fine of upto Rs.50,000 for every day of continuing contravention may be imposed.
Criticisms
- The need for the preservation of such sites, and particular laws for them, has been felt for long. But as a Science article points out, there are concerns over the distribution of power as mentioned in the Bill.
- Guntupalli V R Prasad, a paleontologist at the University of Delhi who was recently leading the team that discovered titanosaur nests in Madhya Pradesh, told Science, “The GSI has been given sweeping powers.”
- It points to how the GSI has the authority to acquire any material of geological significance, including sediments, rocks, minerals, meteorites, and fossils, as well as sites of geological importance.
- The issue of land acquisition for the purpose of safeguarding these sites could also lead to issues with local communities.
Conclusion
The experts call for the creation of a more inclusive body, akin to a National Geoheritage Authority, that can more democratically decide locations of “geohistorical” significance and how best to preserve them.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about impact of national emergency on fundamental rights and the judicial interpretations of it.
Directive word:
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 the writing about the objective behind article of national emergency.
Body:
In the first part, bring out the effect of national emergency on fundamental rights – the nature of the modification, extent of modification, ability to enforce fundamental rights etc.
In the next part, mention the various judicial interpretations regarding the suspension of the fundamental rights – mention various cases such as Makhan Singh Vs. State of Punjab, A.D.M. Jabalpur Vs. shivkant Shukla etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with stressing that suspension is a temporary measure.
Introduction
The President, under article 352 of Indian constitution, can declare a national emergency when the security of India or a part of it is threatened by war or external aggression or armed rebellion. When a national emergency is declared on the grounds of ‘war’ or ‘external aggression’, it is known as ‘External Emergency’. On the other hand, when it is declared on the grounds of ‘armed rebellion’, it is known as ‘Internal Emergency’.
Body
Effects of the proclamation of national emergency on the fundamental rights
- According to Article 358, when a proclamation of national emergency is made, the six fundamental rights under Article 19 are automatically suspended. No separate order for their suspension is required
- When the proclamation of National Emergency is imposed under this, legislative and executive committed even if they are in violation of article 19 cannot be questioned by the courts
- However, the 44thamendment act, put two conditions to this- rights under article 19 can be suspended only when the National emergency is declared on the grounds of war or external aggression and only those laws which are related with the emergency are protected from being challenged and no other laws
- Article 359 authorizes the president to suspend the right to move any court for the enforcement of FR during a national emergency. Here, the FR are not suspended but only their enforcement
- The suspension of FRs is restricted to those which are only mentioned in the order.
- The 44thamendment act imposed two conditions on the usage of this article- president cannot suspend the right to move the court for the enforcement of FR guaranteed under Article 20 and 21 and only those laws which are related to the emergency are protected and no other laws
Judicial interpretations of validity of suspension of fundamental rights during emergency
- In the case of Minerva Mills ltd. vs Union of India, Supreme Court held that there is no bar to judicial review of the validity of the proclamation of emergency issued by the president under 352(1). However, court’s power is limited only to examining whether the limitations conferred by the constitution have been observed or not. It can check if the satisfaction of the president is valid or not. If the satisfaction is based on mala fide or absurd or irrelevant grounds, it is no satisfaction at all.
- suspension of art. 19- Makhan Singh Vs. State of Punjab
- 358 makes it clear that things done or omitted to be done during emergency could not be challenged even after the emergency was over.in other words the suspension so art.19 was complete during the period in question and legislative and executive action which contravened art.19 could not be questioned even after the emergency was over.
- suspension of art.20,21 – A.D.M. Jabalpur Vs. shivkant Shukla
- The President issued orders under the Constitution of India, art. 359(1) suspending the right of any person to move any court for enforcement of fundamental rights under arts. 14, 21 and 22 and 19 for the duration of the emergency. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ,art. 4 recognises the right to life and personal liberty to be a non- derogable right even during times of emergency.
- suspension of art.14 and 16 – Arjun Singh vs. State of Rajasthan
- The question arose whether art.16 is also suspended although it is not mentioned in order, the Rajasthan high court held that art.16 remained operative even though art.14 was suspended. The court emphasized that under art.359 the enforcement of only such fundamental rights was suspended as were specifically and expressly mentioned in the presidential order.
Conclusion
It is important to note that even when these provisions are provided for the nation’s security and protection of the people, the provisions in themselves give drastic discretionary powers in the hands of the Executive. This affects the federal structure of the nation and essentially turns it into a unitary one. Therefore, the courts should be given the power to expand the powers of the Centre, as the same will act as a built-in mechanism to check if the discretionary powers are being used arbitrarily by the Parliament and the Executive.
Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government;
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the function of Vice-President of India.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning about Article 63.
Body:
In the first part, write about the functions of the VP of India in detail – ex-officio chairman of RS, stepping in for president, second highest constitutional office. Elaborate upon the above.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising the importance of VP for the parliamentary democracy.
Introduction
Article 63 of the Indian Constitution states that “there shall be a Vice-President of India”. Jagdeep Dhankhar, the 14th Vice-President, is the incumbent Vice President of the country. Article 68 of the Constitution of India states that an election to fill the vacancy caused by the expiration of the term of office of the outgoing Vice-President is required to be completed before the expiration of the term.
Body
Roles & Responsibilities of Vice president of India
- Under Article 64, the Vice-President “shall be ex officio Chairman of the Council of the States” (Rajya Sabha).
- Article 65 says that “in the event of the occurrence of any vacancy in the office of the President by reason of his death, resignation or removal, or otherwise, the Vice-President shall act as President until the date on which a new President…enters upon his office”.
- The Vice-President shall also discharge the functions of the President when the latter is unable to do so “owing to absence, illness or any other cause”.
- During this period, the Vice-President shall “have all the powers and immunities of the President and be entitled to emoluments, allowances and privileges” that are due to the President.
- The office of the Vice-President of India is the second-highest constitutional office after that of the President, and ranks second in the order of precedence.
- The election of a person as Vice-President cannot be challenged on the ground that the electoral college was incomplete (i.e., existence of any vacancy among the members of the electoral college).
- If the election of a person as Vice-President is declared void by the Supreme Court, acts done by him before the date of such declaration of the Supreme Court are not invalidated (i.e., they continue to remain in force).
- The Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Council of States. He may cast his vote when there is a tie.
- He represents the Council of States on ceremonial occasions.
- He protects the rights and privileges of the members of the Council of States.
- He visits foreign countries on goodwill missions.
Role of Vice President in forging better ties between the opposition and the executive
- Vice- President should ensure that Parliamentary proceedings are not continuously stalled, Members of Parliament are not suspended randomly and there is no complete breakdown of communication between the ruling dispensation and the Opposition parties.
- Vice- President should ensure that Government doesn’t repeatedly bypass the Rajya Sabha in the making of critical laws by arbitrarily classifying pieces of legislation as money Bills.
- His role as Chairman should be more to protect the Opposition’s space, debates and ensure accountability of the executive.
- The inauguration of the new Vice-President should renew hopes for parliamentary democracy.
Conclusion
However, the post of Vice-President is not superfluous. His position is one of honour, dignity, as well as of influence. He presides over the meetings of the Rajya Sabha. While acting as the President, the Vice-President has the same powers, privileges, and immunities as the President. As such, he is the ‘No.2 Citizen’ of the country. But he has potential to be promoted to the position of No.1 Citizen of India.
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
Karnataka has a worrying issue on its hands in the form of the high school dropout rate. In an attempt to arrest this, the Karnataka Administrative Reforms Commission-2, headed by retired chief secretary T M Vijay Bhaskar, has come up with a number of recommendations, among which is lowering the pass marks for SSLC (Class 10) and Pre-University (PU) exams
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the reasons for dropout rates from school education and ways to prevent it.
Directive word:
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 citing a statistic about drop out rates prevalent in the country.
Body:
First, write about the reasons for high drop out rate in the country – Poverty, accessibility and availability, toughness of curriculum, academic pressure etc.
Next. Write about the impact of high rate of drop outs can have on the country’s education system and demographic dividend.
Next, write about the steps that are needed to prevent drop outs and ensure that the children stay in school.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world” – Malala Yousafzai. Quality education plays an important role in one’s life which helps him/her to be socially acceptable, increase in job opportunities, economically sound etc so role of educators is of immense importance in providing quality education.
Every year, a large number of students drop out of school worldwide. This hinders their economic and social well-being as well as reduces the literacy rate of the country and creates a non-innovative environment. The issue of dropout in India is of particular importance and interest.
Body
Reasons for increasing dropout rates from formal school education
- Help in domestic work, economic condition, and lack of interest were found to be the topmost cause of discontinuing education.
- It becomes especially difficult for girls to continue studying because of concerns about their safety.
- They face sanitary problems due to poor school facilities ultimately forcing them to stay back at home.
- Considered to be a liability, many girls are imposed to stay back at home, or are forced to get married at an early age
- Many children believe that there is no point in studying if they have to do the same job as their parents, thus they leave school at primary level itself.
- Many children lack interest in studies and they prefer to drop out because whatever is being taught in schools barely intrigued them.
- India is also dealing with the problems of inclusion and equality, children from the marginalized sections of the population, or with physical disability/ health issues have to leave schools when they face hostile behavior from their peers.
Measures to prevent drop outs
- It is recommended that the government conducts awareness camps in cities, towns, and villages to expose the hazards of illiteracy and unemployment.
- National Education Policy 2020has mentioned two initiatives that will be undertaken to curb the problem.
- The first is to provide efficient and sufficient infrastructure to all students and the second is to set up alternative and innovative education centers for the children of migrant laborers.
- These are vital steps to ensure that children have access to safe and engaging school education as well as bring back the ones out of school.
- A dropout early warning systemenables schools to identify students who are at risk of dropping out of school, and to focus on individuals who struggle to perform well.
- Schools should practice innovative teaching methods to draw students towards education and spark interest in them.
- Digital learning strategies can be used to provide education in the confines of their homes, students can access free educational content through smart-phone applications or YouTube provided by different institutions.
Conclusion
Education enables a person to achieve a better job or means of self-employment, and climb out of intergenerational poverty. It cultivates cultural values and beliefs in the child. Once the awareness to send students regularly to the school continues, slow but sure results will follow.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India
Why the question:
India’s wholesale price inflation eased for the eighth month in a row to a two-year low of 4.73% in January, year-on-year, according to government data. This is unlikely to offer much relief to policymakers since the rate of consumer price inflation, the benchmark gauge they track, leapt above the 6% upper limit of our legal target band last month.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the differences between WPI and CPI and measures that are needed to contain core inflation.
Directive word:
Compare and contrast – provide for a detailed comparison of the two types, their features that are similar as well as different. One must provide for detailed assessment of the two.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining inflation.
Body:
First, write about WPI and CPI are two commonly used terms to determine inflation in the country and in detailed write how they are different from each other.
Next, write about the core inflation and how it is impacting the economy. Suggest measure that are required to contain core inflation in the economy.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
The wholesale price inflation (WPI) and consumer price inflation (CPI) are two commonly used terms to determine inflation in the country.
WPI is an indicator that determines the average changes in the price of goods that are sold in bulk in a wholesale market. This index is useful in calculating the change in commodity prices at different stages before it reaches the retailer.
CPI is a measure of change in the price of goods and services, which are sold in retail directly to the consumer. It can also be defined as the price that a consumer needs to shell out to purchase goods or services over a given period.
Body
Differences between WPI and CPI
- CPI captures price change at the consumer level, WPI captures the production side.
- WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, CPI does.
- WPI gives more weight to manufactured goods, CPI gives more weight to food items.
- WPI uses Financial Year as a reference, CPI uses the calendar year.
- WPI measures the initial or first stage of a transaction, CPI is the final or last stage of a transaction
Similarities between CPI and WPI
- Both WPI and CPI are used to calculate the inflation rate.
- Monetary policyprimarily focuses on price stability, which can be achieved by controlling inflation which can be tracked and measured by WPI and CPI.
Measures to tackle inflation
- Monitory Policy : Monetary policy is one of the most commonly used measures taken by the government to control inflation. It uses tools like – Bank rate, Repo Rate, Open market operations, etc.
- Fiscal Policy : The two main components of fiscal policy are government revenue and government expenditure. In fiscal policy, the government controls inflation either by reducing private spending or by decreasing government expenditure, or by using both. It reduces private spending by increasing taxes on private businesses. When private spending is more, the government reduces its expenditure to control inflation. However, in present scenario, reducing government expenditure is not possible because there may be certain on-going projects for social welfare that cannot be postponed.
- Price Control : In this method, inflation is suppressed by price control, but cannot be controlled for the long term. The historical evidences have shown that price control alone cannot control inflation, but only reduces the extent of inflation.
Way forward to tackle core inflation
- Monetary policy Measures: Maintaining price stability is the foremost objective of the monetary policy committee of RBI. However, during the pandemic, growth has taken centre stage and RBI has rightly cut interest rates.
- Commodity prices: GoI needs to remove supply side bottlenecks. For example, GoI can immediately offload 10-20% of its pulses stock with NAFED in the open market.
- Policy measures: Navigating out of this will need a fiscal stimulus to shore up consumer spending, an investment revival to increase the productive capacity of the economy, and a careful management of inflationary expectations.
- Concomitantly, the government will also need to pursue redistribution of income to reduce the widening disparity.
- This also calls for fiscal prudence to cut wasteful spending, find new revenue through asset sales, mining and spectrum auctions, and build investor confidence.
Conclusion
With the rise in inflation amidst a second wave, the balancing acumen of the MPC will now be sorely tested. Factors like rising commodity prices, supply chain disruptions are expected to raise overall domestic inflation. Government and RBI need to chalk out a fiscal plan to ensure that the inflation doesn’t burden the common man in the country
General Studies – 4
Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;
6. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Quotes Wednesdays’ in Mission-2023 Secure.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote.
Body:
Write about the role of self-control in self-respect. Mention as to how have self-control over desires and vices can lead to self-respect and its relationship with development of courage. A man who has nothing to fear because of his self-respect. Cite examples to substantiate.
Conclusion:
Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.
Introduction
Self-control, an aspect of inhibitory control, is the ability to regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behavior in the face of temptations and impulses. As an executive function, it is a cognitive process that is necessary for regulating one’s behavior in order to achieve specific goals.
Self-respect is knowing you are worthy and treating yourself accordingly. Our level of self-respect acts almost like a blueprint to instruct others how to engage with us.
Body
A self-controlled person exhibits a great deal of willpower and personal control. They don’t act impulsively and can regulate their emotions and actions effectively. This in turn increases their self-worth and self-respect.
First motivation you need to stay in control is knowing consequences of uncontrolled yourself. You must first understand your uncontrolled version. Get to know that version of yourself and have a very clear picture of it.
If you need success, then you cannot do anything you like or desire to do . Because the success and failure is with-in. You must give up habits that act as obstacles and develop new habits that act as ladders for achieving your goals.
You must be in control until you build up a new habit or personality. Control yourself to get out from obstacle habits and get in to ladder habits. You have to control yourself to the success.
Now you know the damage of uncontrolled yourself. Next step is to understand benefits of self control. Get educated on good habits you need to develop and picture your version with new habits and developed yourself.
Your controlled version can guide you. Having control of yourself is the key. Control toward the goal. Control toward the target. Keep controlling until get it done. Once self-control is mastered, self-respect follows. That gives you the courage to overcome anything and everything. No one can tarnish your self-worth or image because you are confident about yourself and in your skillset.
Conclusion
Self-respect, self-esteem, and self-confidence are synonyms and they co-exist. Your self-respect is exclusively yours and no person or event should be allowed access to it, much less power over it. If you do not protect and safeguard your self-respect, nobody will.
Your self-respect and self-confidence infuses you with courage and will help you overcome crises and live with dignity and honour.
Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;
7. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Quotes Wednesdays’ in Mission-2023 Secure.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote.
Body:
Write about how legacy can be created by erecting monuments but that legacy is meaningless without contributing to improving lives of the others. Mention the true legacy is impacting the lives of others and enriching it. Cite examples to substantiate.
Conclusion:
Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.
Introduction
The life lived by a person is the impact he made on others. He is remembered long after he’s left the mortal world because he or she has left a lasting legacy. Mortal life is short lived and there will come a time to leave for everyone. But people still continue to live through memory of others who remember them for their profound impact.
Body
For instance, one may remember their family member for all the memories and happy times they had spent. In other instance, we all remember the greats of our country like Gandhiji. His legacy is immortal. It’s not just his stone statues that remain, but it is his philosophy, his deeds, his work that continue to inspire us to be better and do better.
Leaving a legacy means giving something that will be valued and treasured by those who survive after your death. When a person dies, they leave behind a space. This space is by no means empty, but rather it is a space that consists of a rich bed of unique memories that represent what this person was about, what they offered to this world, and how they touched and shaped our lives.
There is also another side to it. People are known for both good and evil. Adolf Hitler, the mastermind behind holocaust, the reason for genocide of millions of jews has also left a legacy. But such legacies are a lesson for generations to come, telling us of the greatest evil in history of mankind. Leaving a scarring legacy that gives shiver down the spine.
The One Question that should guide your daily life is how deeply our actions touch the lives of others.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” (Maya Angelou)
Conclusion
The greatest legacy anyone can leave behind is to positively impact the lives of others. Whenever you add value to other people’s lives, you are unknowingly leaving footprints on the sands of time that live on, even after your demise.
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