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General Studies – 1
Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present significant events, personalities, issues
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
Vaikom Struggle marked the beginning of organized resistance against caste-based discrimination and influenced subsequent social reform movements.
Key demand of the question
Explain the socio-political circumstances that led to the Vaikom Struggle and analyze its role in shaping subsequent caste movements in pre-independent India.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Provide a brief introduction to the Vaikom Struggle, emphasizing its historical and social importance as a movement for equality.Body
- Socio-political circumstances: Briefly highlight the rigid caste system, reformist influences, and administrative policies that catalyzed the movement.
- Role in subsequent caste movements: Discuss how Vaikom inspired similar movements, legislative reforms, and leaders like Ambedkar to address caste inequality.
Conclusion
End with a forward-looking statement about the legacy of the Vaikom Struggle as a foundation for constitutional principles of equality and social justice.
Topic: Population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
The Supreme Court vowed to go to “any extent possible” to ensure that manual scavenging and hazardous manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks are wiped out, saying the issue dealt with the question of human dignity.
Key demand of the question
Examine why manual scavenging continues despite the 2013 Act and propose robust, actionable solutions for its eradication.
Structure of the Answer
Introduction
Briefly introduce manual scavenging as a persistent issue, despite its prohibition under the 2013 Act, and highlight its implications on human dignity and equality.Body
- Persistence despite the 2013 Act: Highlight poor implementation, ineffective rehabilitation, and societal stigma.
- Examine the reasons: Discuss systemic failures such as administrative apathy, lack of mechanization, and socio-economic vulnerabilities.
- Suggest robust measures: Focus on mechanization, stricter enforcement, awareness campaigns, and holistic rehabilitation measures.
Conclusion
End with a forward-looking statement emphasizing the importance of technology, policy enforcement, and societal transformation to ensure dignity and equality for all citizens.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
In September, Chief Justices were appointed to eight High Courts across India. While a good move, the fact that all of them, with the exception of one, will have very short tenures is unfortunate.
Key Demand of the Question
Analyze how short tenures limit institutional reform, discuss the reasons behind this trend, and suggest measures to address the issue effectively.
Structure of the Answer
Introduction
Introduce the importance of Chief Justices’ leadership in ensuring judicial efficiency and highlight how short tenures undermine institutional reforms.Body
- Limitation of short tenures: Discuss how leadership disruptions affect reforms, judge appointments, and regional issues.
- Reasons for short tenures: Examine factors like retirement age, delayed appointments, frequent transfers, and seniority-based norms.
- Measures to address the issue: Suggest solutions like increasing the retirement age, mandatory minimum tenures, streamlining appointments, and reforming transfer policies.
Conclusion
Conclude with the need for systemic reforms to ensure stability in judicial leadership, emphasizing its role in strengthening the judiciary’s institutional capacity.
Topic: Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
The question addresses the legal and ethical dimensions of assisted dying, focusing on the interplay of autonomy and privacy as upheld by the judiciary.
Key Demand of the Question
Explain how autonomy and privacy underpin the debate on assisted dying and analyze relevant Supreme Court judgments supporting these principles.
Structure of the Answer
Introduction
Briefly introduce assisted dying and its connection to the fundamental rights of autonomy and privacy, emphasizing their relevance to dignity and liberty.Body
- Autonomy in assisted dying: Mention its role in individual decision-making regarding life and death.
- Privacy as a basis for personal choices: Highlight how privacy supports freedom over life decisions.
- Judicial support: Reference key Supreme Court judgments like Common Cause (2018) and Aruna Shanbaug (2011) to demonstrate judicial recognition of these rights.
- Balancing autonomy and state duty: Discuss safeguards to prevent misuse and the state’s responsibility to protect life.
Conclusion
Conclude by emphasizing the need for a balanced framework that respects individual rights while ensuring robust safeguards to prevent exploitation.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Mining
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: InsightsIAS
Why the question:
Mineral exports play a crucial role in strengthening India’s trade balance and economic growth. However, the mining sector faces several bottlenecks that need to be addressed to maximize export potential.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must explain the significance of mineral exports for trade balance, identify the challenges faced by the mining sector in enhancing exports, and address both parts comprehensively.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly mention the importance of mineral exports in contributing to India’s trade balance and their role in diversifying export revenue.
Body:
- Importance of mineral exports for trade balance: Discuss how mineral exports support foreign exchange reserves, reduce the trade deficit, and boost allied sectors.
- Challenges in boosting exports: Highlight issues like regulatory hurdles, resource depletion, lack of value addition, and global price volatility.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a forward-looking statement on how sustainable and value-added mineral exports can strengthen India’s trade and economic prospects.
Topic: Urbanization
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: InsightsIAS
Why the question:
The question seeks to explore the significance of urban transport in enhancing economic growth and competitiveness, addressing challenges, and providing actionable solutions in the Indian context.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must emphasize the importance of urban transport for economic competitiveness, identify challenges hindering its development, and propose relevant solutions.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly highlight the role of urban transport in supporting India’s economic aspirations, linking it to urbanization and productivity.
Body:
- Importance of efficient urban transport: Explain how it boosts productivity, reduces costs, and supports sustainability.
- Challenges in urban transport: Outline key hurdles such as inadequate infrastructure, funding issues, unplanned urbanization, and lack of inclusivity.
- Potential solutions: Suggest integrated planning, innovative financing mechanisms, green mobility, and the adoption of smart technologies.
Conclusion: End with a forward-looking statement on the need for sustainable and inclusive urban mobility to bolster India’s global competitiveness.
General Studies – 4
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question:
An RTI activist from Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri district alleged that he was held hostage and threatened at a local municipal office when he went there to collect information.
Key Demand of the question:
The answer must identify the ethical duties of civic officials, discuss their importance in fostering accountability, and provide actionable measures to ensure fairness and justice in contentious cases.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly mention the role of ethical behaviour and transparency in public administration and its significance in dealing with RTI activists.
Body:
- Ethical responsibilities of civic officials: Highlight key ethical principles like transparency, accountability, neutrality, and integrity while dealing with RTI requests.
- Ensuring fairness and justice: Suggest measures such as grievance redressal mechanisms, ethical training, and leveraging technology for transparent and unbiased handling of requests.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a forward-looking statement emphasizing the need for ethical governance to strengthen public trust and democratic accountability.
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