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General Studies – 1
Topic: Chola Empire
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights Ias
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2025 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To analyze the significance of Chola temple architecture in the context of the Dravidian architectural tradition and to comment on its achievements and influence.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly introduce the Dravidian architectural tradition, highlighting its significance in South Indian temple architecture. Mention the Chola dynasty (9th to 13th centuries CE) as a key contributor to this tradition.
Body:
- Firstly, briefly mention the Characteristics of Dravidian Architecture – rectangular layout with a central shrine, Use of Granitic Stone, Tall, ornate towers at the entrance of the temple complex.
- In second part, write the Contributions of Chola to Dravidian Architecture – Introduced innovations such as the towering vimana, extensive use of mandapas, detailed depictions of deities, mythological scenes, use of interlocking stones and precision carving.
Conclusion:
Conclude by highlighting the lasting legacy of Chola temples in South Indian architecture and their influence on subsequent architectural styles and religious practices.
Topic: Turkish conquest of India
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights ias
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2025 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To critically analyze the consequences of Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasions on India’s political structures, cultural developments, and economic conditions.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly introduce Mahmud of Ghazni, the ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire, who conducted multiple raids into India between 1000 and 1027 CE.
Body:
- In first part mention the political impact of Mahmud Ghazni’s invasion – political fragmentation and weakness of North Indian kingdoms, particularly the Rajput states, established Ghaznavid influence over parts of North-Western India, Introduction of New Military Strategies etc.
- Next discuss the cultural impact – destruction and looting of prominent Hindu temples, such as the Somnath temple, facilitated cultural exchanges between the Islamic world and India, legacy of hostility and conflict between Hindu and Muslim communities.
- At last, mention the economic impacts like – looting and economic drain, disrupted trade routes and commercial activities, new forms of taxation and revenue collection etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by acknowledging that while Mahmud’s invasions brought significant destruction, they also set the stage for the cultural and political transformations that would shape India’s future.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi judicial bodies.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
SEBI chief has come under radar for massive conflict of interest for favouring a particular company in the Stock market due to their alleged investments in offshore markets.
Key Demand of the Question:
Discuss the powers and functions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and analyze the major issues faced by this regulatory body.
Directive:
Discuss- it means to balance the overall answer- mention power, functions, issues and suggest reforms briefly in conclusion.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly introduce SEBI and its role in the Indian financial markets.
Body:
First part: Powers and Functions of SEBI:
Regulation of Securities Markets, Investor Protection
Market Development, Enforcement of Regulations
Second part: Major Issues Faced by SEBI:
Conflict of Interest, Regulatory Gaps
Enforcement Challenges, Resource Constraints
Conclusion:
Emphasise the importance of addressing its current challenges to ensure effective oversight and investor protection.
Topic: Functioning of the executive and the Judiciary
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Economic Times
Why the question:
The Supreme Court asserted that the principle of “bail as a rule, jail as an exception” must be upheld by trial courts and high courts.
Key Demand of the Question:
Analyze the concept of the right to default bail in the context of the principle of “bail as a rule, jail as an exception,” referring to relevant case laws. Suggest the need for reforms through bail law.
Directive:
Analyze- explain the statement in the context of right to default bail and then suggest thinned for bail law.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Define the principle of “bail as a rule, jail as an exception.” Data on trial delays.
Body:
First part: Concept of Right to Default Bail:
Definition and Legal Basis
Relevant Case Laws like H.C. Gupta v. State of Rajasthan (2017), Sanjay Chandra v. CBI (2012)
Application of Principle: How default bail upholds the principle of bail being a rule.
Second part: challenges like delays in trials
Third part: Need for Bail Law Reforms
Streamlining Procedures, Enhanced Oversight, Legislative Updates
Conclusion:
Summarize the importance of the right to default bail and the need for reforms in bail law to ensure justice and efficiency in the legal system.
General Studies – 3
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: IE
Why the question:
Ocean temperatures in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef now hottest in 400 years
Key Demand of the Question: To explain the dual role of coral reef destruction as both a driver and an outcome of climate change, highlighting the interconnectedness between the two.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction: Define coral reefs and explain their ecological importance, emphasizing their vulnerability to environmental changes.
Body:
- Major Coral Reef Distributions: Briefly outline the global distribution of major coral reefs, such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, to provide context on their geographical significance.
- Destruction of Coral Reefs Impacting Climate Change:
- Shift in Food Habits: Discuss how the destruction of coral reefs leads to changes in marine ecosystems, affecting fish populations, food supply, and increasing the carbon footprint.
- Biodiversity Loss: Explain how the loss of coral reefs reduces biodiversity, impacting species that help absorb carbon emissions and potentially accelerating climate change.
- Destruction of Corals as a Consequence of Climate Change:
- Rising Sea Surface Temperature: Describe how increasing ocean temperatures lead to coral bleaching and death, driven by climate-induced marine heatwaves.
- CO2 Emissions: Discuss how higher CO2 levels lead to harmful algal blooms, increased water turbidity, and further coral bleaching.
- Ocean Acidification: Explain how increased ocean acidity from CO2 absorption hampers corals’ ability to build their calcium carbonate skeletons, crucial for their survival.
- Altered Ocean Currents: Highlight how climate change-induced changes in ocean currents disrupt coral ecosystems and the dispersal of coral larvae.
- Changes in Storm Patterns: Discuss how stronger and more frequent storms, linked to climate change, physically damage coral reefs.
- Measures to Reduce Impact:
- Limiting Global Temperature Rise: Emphasize the need to adhere to the Paris Agreement targets to mitigate climate change and protect coral reefs.
- Addressing Local Pollution: Suggest local actions, such as reducing pollution and destructive fishing practices, to alleviate stress on coral reefs.
- Transforming Economic Systems: Advocate for a transition to low-emission economies to reduce global warming.
- Treating Corals as Assets: Propose long-term investments in coral preservation and research, including genetic selection of heat-resistant corals.
Conclusion: Summarize the cyclical relationship between coral reef destruction and climate change, stressing the urgent need for global and local actions to mitigate both. Highlight the importance of legal mechanisms, monitoring, and research in preserving coral reefs.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Foundational values
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Hindustan Times
Why the question:
Empathy and ethics should be the cornerstones of your professional journey, justice DY Chandrachud, the Chief Justice of India, advised young doctors at 37th annual convocation of PGIMER.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction: Begin by defining empathy.
Body:
- First, explain role of empathy in medical field.
- Then, suggest measures to inculcate empathy among medical professionals
- Use examples to justify your points.
Hint: Medical field means you can cover research ethics, health care, vaccine development etc and all
Conclusion:
Summarize by writing an ethical philosophy or quote.
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