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General Studies – 1
Topic: Art and Culture
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian express
Why the question:
Prehistoric sites like Bhimbetka and Attirampakkam offer crucial insights into early human history and cultural development in the Indian subcontinent.
Key Demand of the question:
Analyze the importance of these sites in shedding light on early human presence and cultural evolution in India, supported by specific examples and evidence.
Directive word:
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.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Introduce the answer by highlighting the significance of pre-historic sites in providing insights about early human history and cultural development in Indian subcontinent.
Body:
- First list down the significance of these sites in shedding light on early human presence:
- Then list down individually their significance with examples in understanding the early human presence and cultural evolution in the Indian subcontinent:
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: DTE
Why the question:
Variations in monsoon rainfall across India significantly affect agricultural productivity, water availability, and socio-economic conditions in different regions.
Key Demand of the question:
Explore the causes of varying monsoon rainfall patterns in India and their implications on drought and flood occurrences, supported by examples and data.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Introduce by writing about the significance of monsoon for Indian economy and how variation in rainfall affects the agriculture, water availability etc.
Body:
- First list down the causes of varying monsoon rainfall patterns in India that may include geographical, meteorological, and climatic factors.
- Next write about their implications on drought and flood occurrences in different parts of country, by providing appropriate examples.
- Next, discuss how these variations impact drought and flood conditions supported by examples and data.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a positive way forward.
Topic: Features of Indian Constitution
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
The return of coalition politics in India has brought questions of federalism and Centre-state relations back to the fore.
Key Demand of the question:
To define federalism, analyse whether federalism thrives under coalition politics, and propose solutions to strengthen India’s federal structure.
Directive:
Do you subscribe? (Open ended discussion similar to discuss and analyse)– This requires a detailed exploration of the concept of federalism, the relationship between federalism and coalition politics, and recommendations for strengthening the federal system.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining federalism and explaining its importance in the Indian context. Mention the relevance of coalition politics in shaping Centre-state relations.
Body:
- First part: Define federalism.
Explain the principles of federalism.
- Second part: Analyse the impact of coalition politics on federalism.
Provide arguments supporting the view that federalism thrives under coalition politics.
Present counterarguments highlighting potential challenges.
- Third part: Propose solutions to strengthen India’s federal structure.
Strengthen inter-state councils and mechanisms for dialogue.
Encourage cooperative federalism through collaborative governance.
Improve the division of powers and resources between the Centre and states.
Conclusion:
Summarise the role of federalism in India’s democracy, and emphasise the proposed solutions to reinforce the federal structure.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
Every year, June is observed as Pride Month the world over. The contributions of members of the LGBTQIA+ communities are commemorated. 31st June marks the end of Pride month.
Key Demand of the question:
To explore whether marriage is considered a sacrament in Indian society and discuss this in the context of recent Supreme Court rulings on same-sex marriage.
Directive:
Illustrate – This requires a detailed account, including relevant recent Supreme Court rulings, to explain in context of whether marriage is a sacrament in Indian society.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining the concept of marriage as a sacrament in Indian society, highlighting its cultural and religious significance.
Body:
- First part: Discuss the traditional view of marriage in Indian society.
Explain how marriage is seen as a sacred and religious duty.
Mention the importance of rituals and customs in traditional marriages.
- Second part: Analyse the recent Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage.
Summarise the key points of the ruling and government’s stand which emphasises society.
Discuss the court’s stance on the legal recognition of same-sex marriages.
- Third part: Connect the ruling to the concept of marriage as a sacrament.
Examine how the ruling challenges or aligns with traditional views.
Discuss the evolving perception of marriage in contemporary Indian society.
Conclusion:
Reflect on the implications of the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage and its potential to reshape societal norms.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Indian Economy/ Digital Economy
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question?
India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and FPSs of Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand will be interlinked through Project Nexus of RBI. Going ahead, the platform can be extended to more countries.
Key Demand of the question: Analyze UPI’s role in revolutionizing digital payments in India, its implications for society and the economy, and its global influence.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Introduce the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as a transformative digital payment system launched in India and its rapid adoption across the country.
Body:
- Revolutionizing Digital Payments:
- Ease of Use: Seamless, real-time transactions using mobile devices.
- Inclusivity: Increased financial inclusion by reaching unbanked and underbanked populations.
- Integration: Integration with multiple banks and fintech platforms, fostering a unified payment ecosystem.
- Implications for Indian Society and Economy:
- Economic Growth: Boost to digital economy, facilitating small businesses, and reducing cash dependency.
- Transparency: Enhanced transparency in financial transactions, reducing black money and corruption.
- Convenience: Simplified daily transactions, from bill payments to peer-to-peer transfers, enhancing user convenience.
- Global Inspiration:
- Model for Other Countries: UPI’s success story inspiring similar digital payment initiatives worldwide.
- Technological Innovation: Showcasing India’s capabilities in fintech innovation and digital infrastructure development.
- International Partnerships: Collaboration with other countries to implement UPI-like systems, enhancing global digital payment ecosystems.
Conclusion:
Summarize UPI’s role in revolutionizing digital payments in India, its socio-economic benefits, and its influence as a model for global digital payment solutions.
Topic: Disaster Management
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question?
The recent fires in Uttarakhand’s Binsar forest highlight the tragic costs of a siloed governance structure.
Key Demand of the question: Analyze the causes of forest fires, their effects on human populations and biodiversity, and propose mitigation measures.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly introduce the issue of rising forest fires in the Himalayan and Western Ghats regions, highlighting their significance as biodiversity hotspots.Body:
- Reasons for Increasing Forest Fires:
- Natural Causes: Climate change, prolonged dry spells, and lightning.
- Anthropogenic Causes: Illegal logging, slash-and-burn agriculture, and tourism activities.
- Management Issues: Inadequate Forest management and lack of early warning systems.
- Limitations of Measures Taken to Prevent Forest Fires: The response to forest fires in Uttarakhand is hindered by poor coordination among government agencies, inadequate training and equipment for firefighters, and poorly maintained roads that block emergency vehicles. Local discontent due to lack of development leads to deliberate fires, while the removal of incentives for villagers to assist in fire prevention has further reduced local participation.
- Measures to Mitigate Impact:
- Preventive Measures: Strengthening Forest management practices, implementing early warning systems, and promoting community awareness.
- Restorative Measures: Reforestation efforts, rehabilitation of affected areas, and support for affected communities.
- Policy and Governance: Formulating stringent policies on land use and forest conservation, ensuring effective enforcement, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Conclusion:
Summarize the critical need for a comprehensive approach combining prevention, restoration, and policy measures to mitigate the impact of forest fires on humans and biodiversity in these ecologically sensitive regions.
General Studies – 4
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Zee-News
Why the question?
The article discuss on people daily stressful life events and how to overcome it through attainment of mental wellbeing.
Key demand of question: Highlight the role played by mental wellbeing in people life. Also mention few of your routine refreshment activities.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction: Begin by defining mental wellbeing and mental clarity.
Body:
- Start with explaining why mental wellbeing is an asset to oneself.
- Then explain what role mental wellbeing plays in people life.
- Mentions few ways to attain mental wellbeing. Try to give personal touch to your answer.
Conclusion: End with quote on mental health.
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