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General Studies – 1
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India
Why the question:
In December 2023, India’s Upper House of Parliament debated menstrual leave at workplaces, sparking widespread debate. The key point of discussion was the importance of menstrual leave in empowering individuals across various job roles and workplaces.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the issue of menstrual leave for women and its impact.
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 by giving context.
Body:
First, write about the issue of menstrual leave and its impact – promotes gender equality, acknowledges health needs, and enhances productivity etc.
Next, write about impediments about menstrual leave – potential discrimination, stigmatization, and operational challenges etc.
Next, write about what India must do in this regard.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Topic: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about erosion of the traditional Indian family structure and its impact.
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, discuss in points as to how the modern family system in India has developed in India and how it has strengthened individual choices and changed the social realities.
Next, write about factors responsible for erosion of the traditional Indian family structure – hanging societal values, urbanization, globalization, and economic factors
Next, write about the impact of the same – loneliness, lack of support systems, intergenerational disconnect, and an increased focus on individualism.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to address the above issues.
General Studies – 2
Topic: issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
The Lok Sabha verdict has brought back Telugu Desam Party chief N Chandrababu Naidu and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to pole positions in the country’s governance. This will go a long way in strengthening the federal polity and make decision-making more democratic.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the evolution of fiscal federalism in India, issues in it and measures needed to overcome the issues.
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:
Begin by defining fiscal federalism in India.
Body:
First, write about the various issues with respect to fiscal federalism in India – opacity, fiscal imbalances, GST implementation challenges, constraints on state autonomy persist and FRMBA issues, etc.
Next, write about the measures needed to rectify the above.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Topic: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Indian Express ,Insights on India
Why the question:
The Delimitation Commission is a statutory body, but it lacks the protection of comprehensive constitutional guidelines.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about delimitation, functions of delimitation commission and problems associated with it.
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 defining delimitation under Article 82.
Body:
In the first part, write about rationale behind the delimitation – follow the principle of “One Vote One Value”, equality, Fair division of geographical areas etc.
Next, write in detail about the functions of delimitation commission.
Next, write about the various issues associated with delimitation and ways that it can be addressed.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the challenges in managing border areas by building infrastructure areas and steps that are needed to do so.
Directive word:
Elaborate – Give 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 giving context about extent of border areas in the country.
Body:
First, write about the various challenges pertaining to border areas in the country.
Next, write about a dynamic and sensitive approach to border management in the country by building infrastructure – strengthen regional connectivity, thereby boosting economic linkages at a sub-regional level, improve overall relations with border countries.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
General Studies – 2
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)
” It is harder to crack a prejudice than an atom” – Albert Einstein
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote.
Body:
Write about innate hypocrisy that is found in individuals and societies. When faced with Prejudice we are quick to raise voice and demand justice, yet we sometimes have our own biases and prejudices against others. Substantiate with examples.
Conclusion:
Summarise by highlighting the need to overcome our biases and prejudices.
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.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote.
Body:
Write about the importance of emotional intelligence lies in its ability to foster self-awareness, enhance relationships, and drive personal and professional success. Cite examples to substantiate.
Conclusion:
Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.
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