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General Studies – 1
Topic: Art and Culture
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Deccan Herald
Why the question:
Visual depictions and symbols in Indian art and sculpture serve as powerful mediums to express complex religious and philosophical concepts, offering insights into the cultural and spiritual heritage of India.
Key Demand of the question:
Examine the significance of visual symbols like the abhaya mudra in Indian art and sculpture, and how they convey religious and philosophical messages.
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 significance of visual depictions and symbols in Indian art and sculpture, emphasizing their role in religious and philosophical expression.
Body:
- Explain the general importance of visual symbols in Indian art and sculpture, highlighting their function in storytelling, religious instruction, and philosophical discourse.
- Discuss how these symbols serve as visual representations of abstract concepts, making them accessible to a broader audience.
- Analyze how visual symbols like the abhaya mudra effectively communicate complex religious and philosophical ideas, transcending language barriers.
- Highlight the role of these symbols in ritual practices, meditation, and devotional activities, enhancing spiritual experiences.
Conclusion:
Summarize the crucial role of visual depictions and symbols in conveying religious and philosophical ideas in Indian art and sculpture.
Reflect on the enduring power of these symbols to connect past and present, preserving and revitalizing India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insightsias
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss how ocean currents regulate the Earth’s climate, with specific examples of major ocean currents and their impacts.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Introduce the concept of ocean currents and their importance in the Earth’s climate system.
Body:
- Explain how ocean currents distribute heat from the equator to the poles, helping to regulate global temperatures.
- Discuss the role of ocean currents in driving weather patterns, influencing precipitation, and impacting climatic conditions.
- Then provide examples of Major Ocean Currents and their Effects like Gulf stream, Humboldt Current, Antarctic Circumpolar Current etc.
Conclusion:
Summarize the critical role of ocean currents in regulating the Earth’s climate and supporting marine ecosystems.
General Studies – 2
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The Bihar government goes to Supreme Court. The Patna High Court had annulled the Bihar govt’s notification increasing reservation from 50% to 65% for backward classes, scheduled castes, and tribes in government jobs and educational institutions.
Key Demand of the question:
To analyse whether the reservation policy in India has been effective in achieving equality and poverty alleviation.
Directive:
Analyse – This requires a detailed examination of the reservation policy’s effectiveness, considering both successes and shortcomings.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by briefly explaining the purpose of India’s reservation policy, which aims to promote equality and alleviate poverty among historically marginalised communities.
Body:
- First part: Discuss the achievements of the reservation policy.
Highlight improvements in access to education and employment for backward classes, scheduled castes, and tribes.
Mention specific examples or statistics demonstrating these advancements.
- Second part: Examine the limitations and challenges.
SC ruling: “Competition for backwardness”
Persistent inequalities and gaps in socioeconomic status.
Issues like caste-based discrimination and the policy’s limited reach in rural areas.
Mention criticisms such as the policy’s potential to perpetuate caste divisions and the debate over meritocracy.
Conclusion:
Suggest a way forward for reservation. Emphasise the need for complementary measures to address the root causes of inequality and poverty.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The Question is based on the article “Digital jurisprudence in India, in an AI era” published in The Hindu today.
Key Demand of the question:
To explore how existing legal frameworks and judicial precedents in India can be adapted to address issues related to Generative AI, including liability, copyright, and data privacy.
Directive:
Discuss – This requires a detailed exploration of how legal frameworks and judicial precedents can be adapted to effectively govern Generative AI.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by highlighting the significance of Generative AI in the contemporary digital landscape and the challenges it poses to existing legal frameworks.
Body:
- First part: Discuss issues of liability. Provide SC judgement.
Explain current liability frameworks and their limitations in the context of AI.
Propose adaptations such as defining AI developers and operators’ responsibilities and creating AI-specific regulations for liability.
- Second part: Address copyright concerns. Provide recent example.
Highlight how Generative AI can infringe on existing copyright laws.
Suggest updates to copyright legislation to include AI-generated content, ensuring clear ownership and protection rights for creators and users.
- Third part: Examine data privacy issues. Illustrate using Puttuswamy judgement.
Discuss existing data privacy laws and their applicability to AI.
Recommend enhancing data protection regulations to address AI’s unique challenges, such as data usage transparency, consent mechanisms, and robust enforcement mechanisms.
Conclusion:
Emphasise the importance of ongoing legal reforms and judicial interpretations to keep pace with rapid technological change and need for a forward-looking legal framework that integrates technological advancements and ensures accountability, protection of intellectual property, and data privacy.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy/Digital Economy
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: PM India
Why the question?
Digital India initiative (DII) completes 9 years
Key Demand of the question: Evaluate the effectiveness of the Digital India programme in bridging the digital divide and fostering a digitally empowered society.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction: The Digital India programme was launched to ensure digital access, inclusion, and empowerment across the country, aiming to bridge the digital divide and create a knowledge-based economy.
Body:
- Bridging the Digital Divide:
- Rural-Urban Divide: Initiatives like BharatNet have expanded internet connectivity to rural areas.
- Financial Inclusion: Aadhaar-linked payment systems and DBT schemes facilitate cashless transactions and direct benefit transfers.
- Fostering a Digitally Empowered Society:
- Accessible Digital Services: Digital locker, eSign frameworks, and online platforms simplify access to government services.
- Digital Literacy: Programs like Digital Saksharta Abhiyan aim to make at least one person in every household e-literate.
- Limitations:
- Persistent Digital Divide: Significant portions of the population, especially in rural areas, still lack internet access.
- Affordability: High costs of devices and data plans limit access for economically weaker segments.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Inadequate electricity and broadband connectivity in rural areas hinder adoption.
Conclusion: While Digital India has made substantial progress in bridging the digital divide and fostering a digitally empowered society, challenges remain. Continued investment in infrastructure, targeted digital literacy programs, and affordable access are essential to achieving comprehensive digital inclusion.
Topic: Indian Economy/Taxation
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: HT
Why the question?
Goods and Services Tax (GST) completes 7 years
Key Demand of the question: Analyze the challenges faced by GST reform in India and identify areas requiring further changes for effective implementation.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction: GST reform, introduced in 2017, aimed to unify India’s tax system under “One nation, One Market, One tax.”
Body:
Challenges Faced:
- Procedural Difficulties: Complex return forms and ambiguous tax rates.
- Exclusion: Many businesses remain outside the GST net.
- Tax Fraud: Issues with input tax credit and stricter enforcement affecting genuine taxpayers.
- Lack of GST Appellate Tribunal: Taxpayers frequently approaching high courts for disputes.
Need for Further Changes:
- Simplification of Tax Rates: Rationalizing tax slabs.
- Operationalizing GST Appellate Tribunal: Establishing for quicker dispute resolution.
- Enhanced Technological Solutions: Tackling GST evasions and upgrading laws.
- Inclusion of Excluded Sectors: Adding petroleum products, alcohol, etc.
Conclusion: While GST reform has streamlined India’s tax structure, addressing complexities, expanding the taxpayer base, and enhancing tech integration are crucial for success. Further refinements will ensure a more effective tax system.
General Studies – 4
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: India Today
Why the question:
In the context of Indian college students, developing EI is critical for navigating the complexities of academic life, building meaningful relationships, and preparing for future careers.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the issue of ragging, study stress among students linking to emotional intelligence.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by defining Emotional intelligence or give context of raising suicide in Kota students.
Body:
Write about EI and its determinants along with diagram.
Then write about the role that EI play in navigating student adulthood.
Cite suitable examples to substantiate your points.
Conclusion:
Complete the answer by stressing on its significance or quote.
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