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General Studies – 1

Topic: Non-cooperation Movement

Q1. Examine how the Non-Cooperation movement, with its successes and shortcomings, altered the trajectory of the freedom struggle and laid the foundation for more radical movements to emerge later. 15M

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 explore the influence of the Non-Cooperation Movement on the freedom struggle, focusing on its achievements and limitations, and how it set the stage for the emergence of more radical movements in India’s fight for independence.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Introduce the Non-Cooperation Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920 as a response to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Rowlatt Act, and in support of the Khilafat Movement.

Body:

Firstly, write Successes of the Non-Cooperation Movement: – Mass Mobilization and Participation, Boycott of British Institutions, Rise of Indigenous Institutions, International Attention and Moral Pressure on the British etc.

Next mention the Shortcomings of the Non-Cooperation Movement – Premature Withdrawal, Limited impact in some parts of southern India and princely states, Variations in the intensity and organization of the movement, Economic disruption due to the boycott of British goods and institutions.

Next write how NCM led to Alteration of the Trajectory of the Freedom Struggle – Shift from Elite to Mass-Based Movement, Emergence of More Radical Leaders and Ideas, Influence on Future Movements, etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by reflecting on the legacy of the NCM, which demonstrated the power of non-cooperation and set the stage for the eventual achievement of independence.

Topic: Issue of Khilafat

Q2. Gandhi’s support for the Khilafat Movement was a strategic move to forge Hindu-Muslim unity. Discuss. 10M

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 discuss Gandhi’s support for the Khilafat Movement as a deliberate strategy aimed at fostering Hindu-Muslim unity and to evaluate the impact and outcomes of this approach.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Introduce the Khilafat Movement in the context of post-World War I India.

Body:

In first part, mention the Background of the Khilafat Movement.

Secondly, write the Gandhi’s Decision to Support the Khilafat movement for – Forging Hindu-Muslim Unity, Integration with the Non-Cooperation Movement, Joint Hindu-Muslim participation in protests, strikes, and boycotts, etc.

Next, mention the outcomes – Initial Successes in Fostering Unity, Emergence of Communal Tensions, gradual alienation of Muslim leaders from the Congress.

Conclusion:

Conclude accordingly.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Statutory and Quasi-Judicial Bodies

Q3. Examine the mandate of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Highlight the challenges faced by the agency in ensuring its effective functioning. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

National Investigation Agency (NIA) probing the 2021 Visakhapatnam espionage case took into custody two contract workers at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).

Key Demand of the Question:

Examine the mandate of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the context of its role and responsibilities, and highlight the challenges it faces in ensuring effective functioning.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the NIA, mentioning its formation under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008, as India’s primary counter-terrorism law enforcement agency.

Body:

First part; Mandate of the NIA:

Investigation of Terrorism-Related Offenses, National Security, Jurisdiction:

Second part: Challenges Faced by the NIA

Interference and Jurisdictional Conflicts, Resource Constraints, Political Pressures, International Cooperation Issues

Conclusion:

Emphasise on addressing the need for transparency, resources, and inter-agency cooperation to overcome challenges.

Topic: International institutions and fora.

Q4. Analyze the role of global institutions like the World Health Organization (WHO) in managing international health crises and discuss the implications for India’s interests. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Hindustan Times

Why the question:

The WHO recommended vector control and protection against the bites of sandflies, mosquitoes and ticks to prevent the further spread of Chandipura virus.

Key Demand of the Question:

Analyze the role of global institutions like the World Health Organization (WHO) in managing international health crises and discuss the implications for India’s interests.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the WHO’s mandate in global health governance, including coordination during international health crises.

Body:

First part: Role of WHO in Managing International Health Crises

Surveillance and Monitoring, Guidelines and Standards, Coordination of Response, Capacity Building

Second part: Implications for India’s Interests

Enhanced Preparedness, Collaboration Opportunities, Addressing Domestic Challenges

Third part: Criticism of WHO in handling pandemics

Conclusion:

Emphasize the importance of WHO in managing health crises and how active engagement with it can safeguard India’s health interests.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Inclusive growth: Financial Inclusion through Government Schemes

Q5. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is necessary for bringing the unbanked to the institutional finance fold. Do you agree with this for the financial inclusion of the poorer section of Indian society? Give arguments to justify your opinion. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express, Insights on India

Why the Question:

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) was launched as a flagship financial inclusion initiative aimed at integrating the unbanked population into the formal financial system. The scheme’s achievements in providing banking services, especially to marginalized communities, form the foundation of India’s efforts toward financial inclusion.

Key Demand of the Question:
To critically evaluate how PMJDY has contributed to financial inclusion, particularly for poorer sections of society, and to justify its necessity in ensuring access to institutional finance.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Briefly introduce PMJDY as a key initiative for financial inclusion and the goals it aimed to achieve, including universal access to banking facilities and financial services.

Body:

First part:

Achievements of PMJDY in Financial Inclusion:
Discuss how PMJDY has opened over half a billion bank accounts, providing access to banking facilities for millions of unbanked individuals, particularly women and rural populations.

Second part:

Benefits for the Poorer Sections:
Highlight how access to savings accounts, insurance, direct benefit transfers (DBT), and credit opportunities has uplifted economically vulnerable sections.

Third part:

Challenges and Criticisms:
Address any criticisms such as low usage rates or account dormancy, and mention the need for further steps like financial literacy and support mechanisms to sustain inclusion.

Conclusion:
Reaffirm the importance of PMJDY in promoting financial inclusion for the poorer sections and suggest that further policy support and innovations can help overcome existing challenges.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Technology and ethics.

Q6. “An AI ethics council is very critical for the success of the AI projects in the longer term which require leaders to address strategies and methods related to the ethical development of AI”. Discuss [10M]

Difficulty level: Medium

Reference: Economic Times

Why the question:

IBM’s AI Ethics Board is co-chaired by Francesca Rossi, an IBM fellow and AI ethics global leader, along with Christina Montgomery, the company’s chief privacy and trust officer.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: Begin by giving context or writing an introduction on AI ethics.

Body:

First, write about the role of the AI ethics council in the development of AI.

Then write about the limitations.

Lastly recommend some suggestions.

Conclusion:

Write a quote on AI ethics and conclude.