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General Studies – 1
Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent);
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hind , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article discusses the distribution and utilization of water bodies in India. It highlights that India has a vast network of water bodies, but their distribution is uneven across the country.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the present status of water bodies, major issues affecting their distribution and utilisation.
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:
Start by giving context of water resources. Cite statistics.
Body:
First, write about the current status of water resources – current status of water bodies in India, including rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands, and groundwater resources etc.
Next, write about the various issues in the above – including encroachment and destruction due to urbanization and industrialization, pollution, climate change, and inadequate water management policies.
Next, write about the steps that must be taken in order to overcome the above issues.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Topic: Social empowerment
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
From March 22 to April 26, 2023, as many as eight people have died while cleaning sewers in various parts of the Gujarat, raising concerns about the continuing deaths of manual scavengers despite the fact that the practice has been declared illegal across the country.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the persistent practise of manual scavenging despite being banned and steps needed to stop it.
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 context.
Body:
First, write about reasons for lack of effective implementation of the law – lack of alternative livelihood opportunities for affected communities, political will, resources, and capacity-building of government agencies.
Next, write about the steps we can take in this regard – multi-pronged approach that addresses the root causes of the problem, provides alternative livelihood opportunities, ensures effective implementation of laws and policies, and promotes public awareness campaigns to change societal attitudes etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the powers, functions and responsibilities of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in India.
Directive word:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by stating that the Constitution of India provides for an independent office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) and relevant articles mentioned in the constitution.
Body:
In the first part, write about the major functions of CAG – responsible for auditing and accounting of all receipts and expenditures of the Government of India and the state governments.
Next, write about its audit functions – performance audits, compliance audits, and financial reviews of various government programs and initiatives.
Next, write about its reports to uphold transparency and accountability – reports prepared by the CAG are presented in the Parliament, and the findings are discussed and debated by the Members of Parliament.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article argues that India’s current development model, which prioritizes economic growth and industrialization, has resulted in social and environmental degradation, as well as increasing inequality. The author calls for a new path that prioritizes social justice, human well-being, and ecological sustainability.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about various issues in the current model of development and need for an alternative approach to development.
Directive word:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by giving context about the current model of development.
Body:
Firstly, write about the major issues in the current model of development – prioritizes economic growth and industrialization, has resulted in social and environmental degradation, as well as increasing inequality.
Next, write about alternative approach needed to development – prioritizes social justice, human well-being, and ecological sustainability, incorporate traditional knowledge and practices, prioritize the needs of marginalized communities, and promote decentralized, participatory decision-making processes. Mention ways of achieving it.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, while addressing the first meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors under India’s G20 Presidency, held on February 24-25, 2023, expressed concern that “progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) seems to be slowing down”.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about India’s performance with respect to SDG’s and changes required to achieve the target.
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:
Begin by giving context about 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are to be achieved by 2030.
Body:
First, mention the important SDGs in brief and write about the various measures taken in order to achieve them.
Next, evaluate India’s performance toward achieving various SDGs by 2030 and mention the shortfalls.
Next, write about the various course corrections that are required in order to ensure that SGDs are achieved by 2030.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Utilization of public funds;
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.
Key Demand of the question:
To explain how transparency associated with utilization of public funds of the country will improve it efficacy.
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:
Discuss the importance of transparency and accountability in public funds.
Body:
Explain the lacunae in the country with respect to utilization of public funds such as corruption, nepotism, incomplete works, bad quality work, siphoning funds etc.
Discuss the significance of Transparency and efficiency as tools for monitoring and supervising distribution of public fund.
Explain various mechanisms through which it can be done – Public Fund Management System, Auditing agencies – CAG, Budgeting – Outcome based budgeting, zero base budgeting, Participation and transparency – Social Auditing, Financial Prudence etc.
Conclusion:
Summarize of this will aid in the developmental process of the country as well as reduce corrupt practices.
Topic: Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity;
Difficulty level: Easy
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the impact of corruption and measures needed to prevent it.
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 corruption.
Body:
First, write about the factors that aid corruption – opportunity costs, quid pro quo, acceptance of corruption etc. Write about its impact on various dimensions. Substantiate with examples,
Next, suggest various measures to break the cycle of collusive corruption.
Conclusion:
Conclude by Summarising,
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