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General Studies – 1
Topic: Important Geophysical Phenomena
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Deccan herald
Why the question:
Ebbing El Nino effect and projected normal monsoon are likely to boost agriculture sector growth to 3.7 per cent in the current financial year from a sluggish 1.4 per cent expansion recorded in the previous year,
Key Demand of the question:To discuss the reasons behind India’s differing perspectives on La Niña and El Niño, focusing on their respective impacts on the Indian climate, agriculture, and economy.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Introduce La Niña and El Niño as climatic phenomena associated with the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. Briefly mention their general impacts on global weather patterns.
Body:
- Firstly, explain the reasons behind the positive reception of La Nina in India, including specific examples of its beneficial impacts.
- Secondly, discuss why El Nino causes concern in India, highlighting the negative effects it can have, supported by examples and recent events.
Conclusion:
In conclusion emphasize on the importance of understanding these climatic phenomena for better preparedness and mitigation strategies to protect India’s agriculture, water resources, and economy from their impacts.
Topic: Salient features of Indian Society
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The recent stampede at a religious congregation in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, resulting in more than 120 deaths, has reignited the debate on whether India has adequate legislation to address exploitative religious and superstitious practices.
Key Demand of the question:
To critically examine the various challenges in implementing laws against superstitious practices at the grassroots level in India and to propose ways to address these challenges.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly introduce the prevalence of superstitious practices in India and the significance of laws designed to curb these practices.
Body:
- Firstly, Highlight the complexity of implementing such laws at the grassroots level
- Cultural and Social Entrenchment – deep rooted beliefs, community resistance
- Lack of awareness and education- illiteracy and ignorance, misinformation.
- Inadequate legal framework and enforcement- vague, or lack comprehensive coverage of various superstitious practices, lack of trained personnel, resources, and infrastructure to enforce laws.
- Influence of Religious and traditional leaders
- Economic factors like economic reliance on superstitious practices for livelihood, such as traditional healing practices
- In second part, mention the measures to address the above challenges-
- Conducting awareness campaigns and educational programs
- Developing robust, comprehensive laws
- Training law enforcement officials, judiciary, and community leaders
- Supporting reformist leaders
- Leveraging television, radio, and social media to spread awareness etc.
Conclusion:
Emphasize the importance of a multi-faceted approach to effectively combat superstitious practices at the grassroots level in India.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Social Justice (Education)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express, Insights on India
Why the question:
While budgetary allocations for improving infrastructure, quality, and access to education have increased over the last three years, the allocation for Research and Development (R&D) continues to stand at an abysmal level of 0.7 per cent of the GDP, much below the global average of 1.8 per cent.
Key Demand of the question:
To identify the issues in the Indian education system and propose measures for improvement.
Directive:
Highlight – Point out the main issues and suggest solutions concisely.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly introduce the Indian education system with some data
Body:
First part: Issues in the Indian Education System
Mention poor quality of education, inadequate infrastructure, disparities in access and equity and Point out low investment in R&D.
Second part: Measures to Improve the Education System
Suggest updating and modernising the curriculum, improving teacher training programs, developing infrastructure, especially in rural areas, increased funding in R&D, policies for equitable access to education.
Conclusion:
Emphasise the need to address these issues for a robust and inclusive education system.
Topic: Constitutional Bodies
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu, Insights on India
Why the question:
The sixteenth Finance Commission headed by former Niti Aayog Vice-Chairman Arvind Panagariya has begun its work by inviting suggestions from the public on the mandate set for it by the Centre
Key Demand of the question:
To explain the role of the Finance Commission in maintaining fiscal federalism and discuss the challenges faced by the 16th Finance Commission.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the role and significance of the Finance Commission, and then identify and discuss the specific challenges.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly introduce the Finance Commission and its constitutional mandate.
Body:
First part: Role of Finance Commission in Maintaining Fiscal Federalism
Allocation of tax revenue between the Centre and states, the grant-in-aid to state, recommendations on fiscal policies to ensure equitable growth.
Second part: Challenges Ahead for the 16th Finance Commission
Addressing fiscal deficits and debt sustainability, Balancing regional disparities, Managing GST revenue sharing, Adapting to economic changes post-pandemic, Incorporating climate change and sustainable development in fiscal planning, and regulating the overuse of cess and surcharge by the centre.
Conclusion:
Provide the solutions for overcoming the challenges faced by the 16th Finance Commission.
General Studies – 3
Topic: changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
Difficulty level: Easy
Why the question?
India’s goods exports rose for the third consecutive month in June, growing 2.55% to $35.2 billion, while imports grew 5% to $56.2 billion.
Key Demand of the question: To write about the reasons for India’s record growth in its exports and suggest measures to sustain it.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must look into 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 answer by giving context to India’s export performance.
Body:
First, write about the reasons for the performance – protection offered to domestic manufacturing, fiscal subsidies, productivity linked incentives under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make In India’ and increasing merchandise trade etc.
Next, write about the steps that are needed to sustain this growth in exports – emphasising on export competitiveness, focus on small and labour-intensive firms and removing supply chain bottlenecks etc.
Also, mentions few of the provision of Foreign Trade Policy 2023.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
General Studies – 4
Reports of paper leaks have circulated globally, drawing widespread attention and concern. Initially, the NTA denied any malpractice, asserting the integrity of the examination process. However, following intense scrutiny and mounting evidence, the NTA has since acknowledged some irregularities in the conduct of the exam. This admission has further fueled demands for transparency and accountability.
In the given circumstances, address the following:
-
- Identify the key stakeholders and ethical issues involved in this case.
- Being the head of the committee, what will be the course of your action in the given case?
- What measures will you propose to restore trust and confidence among students, parents, and the public in the NEET UG examination system?
Reference: Deccan Herald
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Why the question: The NTA NEET exam has been in the news lately due to allegations of irregularities and malpractice in exams and the case study is part of ‘Case Study Fridays’.
Key Demand of the question: To write about stakeholders, ethical issues, and measures that can be adopted.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context or start with the issue of exam malpractices and paper leaks issue.
Body:
- First, identify stakeholders and list out the ethical issues involved in the case.
- Next, discuss what will be your approach to resolve this case.
- Lastly, explain the measures that you would propose to maintain the integrity of exams.
- Try to use ethical philosophy and quotes in case studies to fetch more marks.
Conclusion: Conclude by summarising.
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