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General Studies – 1
Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: DTE
Why the question:
Despite unprecedented heatwave deaths, Finance Commission ruled against expanding disaster list, cited current coverage sufficiency: Union minister tells Parliament
Key Demand of the question:
To detail the specific criteria used by the IMD to declare a heatwave and to analyze how these criteria account for India’s varied geography and climate.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly introduce the concept of a heatwave and its significance in meteorological and public health contexts.
Body:
- Firstly, mention criteria for Declaring a Heatwave by the IMD – temperature threshold, time duration, additional factors.
- Next, mention the reflection of Geographical and Climatic Diversity in Criteria.
Conclusion:
Conclude by suggesting the need for continued refinement of these criteria in response to changing climate patterns and to enhance public safety and preparedness.
Topic: Population and related issues
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
There is growing demand for a caste-based census to be conducted by the Centre to precisely understand the economic well-being of the marginalised communities’
Key Demand of the question:
To provide a critical analysis of the arguments for and against a caste-based Census in India and to discuss the potential impact of such a Census on social justice policies.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Introduce the context of caste in India, highlighting its historical and social significance.
Body:
- Firstly, mention the Arguments for a Caste-Based Census- Data for Policy Making, Social Justice and Affirmative Action, Representation and Inclusion.
- In second part, Provide Arguments Against Conducting a Caste-Based Census: Risk of Reinforcing Caste Divisions, Political Manipulation, Administrative and Logistical Challenges, etc.
- At last, write the Impact on Social Justice Policies – covering both positive and negative aspect.
Conclusion:
Conclude by suggesting that any decision on conducting a caste-based Census should be accompanied by robust safeguards to ensure that it promotes social justice without exacerbating social divisions.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Global Groupings/agreements involving India
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu, Insights on India
Why the question:
The Quad intends to expand the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) into the Indian Ocean Region.
Key Demand of the Question:
Analyze the role of QUAD in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region and examine the challenges it faces.
Directive:
Analyze- Examine in detail both the role of QUAD in the Indo-Pacific region and identify its challenges
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly introduce the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) and its purpose.
Body:
First part: Role of QUAD
Promote maritime security and freedom of navigation.
Enhance regional cooperation through joint exercises and dialogues.
Address regional challenges like China’s assertiveness and territorial disputes.
Second part: Challenges Faced
Divergent national interests among member countries.
Diplomatic tensions with China.
Limited military and economic resources compared to China’s influence.
Coordination and implementation issues within the group.
Conclusion:
Emphasize the need for continued collaboration and strategic alignment to overcome challenges.
Topic: Indian Constitution and its features
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of GS-paper 2.
Key Demand of the Question:
Discuss the tension between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in the Indian Constitution.
Directive:
Discuss- describe key differences between Fundamental rights and DPSP and present an analysis of how conflicts arise between them.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction :
Briefly define Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP). State their significance in the Indian Constitution.
Body:
First part: Key differences between Fundamental rights and DPSP
Second part: Tension Between Fundamental Rights and DPSP
Article 39 (a) and 39 (b), Minerva Mills case
Conflict Examples: Case law where Fundamental Rights were in conflict with DPSP (e.g., Kesavananda Bharati case).
Instances where state policies influenced by DPSP were challenged on grounds of infringing Fundamental Rights.
Third part: Resolution Mechanisms
Constitutional provisions for reconciliation (e.g., the balance between Fundamental Rights and DPSP as interpreted by the judiciary).
Role of the judiciary in interpreting and harmonizing the two.
Conclusion:
Emphasize the need for a balanced approach to ensure both Fundamental Rights and DPSP are respected.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Disaster Management
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu,
Why the question:
The article emphasizes the increasing prevalence of drowning incidents (including the recent case of drowning in the Rau’s IAS Library in Delhi) due to various socio-economic and environmental factors, highlighting the need for urgent and comprehensive public health interventions.
Key Demand of the question: To explain the reasons behind the high incidence of drowning deaths and the steps taken at both global and national levels to prevent them.
Directive word: Explain – Clarify the reasons for the neglect of drowning as a public health issue and outline the measures being implemented to address it.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Define drowning as a major cause of death and mention its prevalence globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Body:
- Mention the factors contributing to the high incidence of drowning: rising sea levels, urbanization, poverty, risky livelihoods, and lack of safety measures.
- In the above point, highlight the specific vulnerabilities of children and adolescents.
- Describe global efforts, including the WHO’s Global Report on Drowning Prevention, UN resolution on drowning prevention, and country-specific initiatives like Australia’s water safety plans, Vietnam’s swimming lessons, and Bangladesh’s “Anchal” model.
- Next, mention India’s recent strategic framework for drowning prevention, focusing on data collection and multi-sectoral responses.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Corporate Governance
Difficulty level: Medium
Reference: The Hindu Business Line
Why the question:
Efforts are being made to provide CSR funds amounting to ₹500 crore to voluntary organizations in Kerala over the next three years, as announced at the National NGO Confederation’s first Social Innovation Summit.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction: Begin by writing a definition of corporate governance.
Body:
- First, explain regarding corporate governance and its elements.
- Then, briefly explain what you mean by CSR.
- Lastly, address what role CSR plays in a company’s social commitment and ethical standards towards the public.
- Use examples to justify your points.
Conclusion:
Summarize the above discussion in brief or write significance.
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