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General Studies – 1
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IE
Why the question:
For a hundred years, scholars have tried and failed to decipher the script of the Indus Valley Civilisation. Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister has now announced a $1 million prize for anyone who succeeds.Key demand of the question:
The question requires identifying key challenges in deciphering the Indus script, discussing potential benefits, and highlighting its broader significance in understanding the legacy of the Indus Valley Civilisation.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the significance of the Indus script as an undeciphered writing system of an advanced Bronze Age civilisation and its potential to unlock historical knowledge.Body:
- Challenges: Discuss issues like short inscriptions, lack of bilingual texts, and uncertainty in linguistic lineage.
- Prospects: Highlight potential revelations about trade systems, governance, and cultural exchanges.
- Significance: Emphasize its role in understanding urban planning, religious practices, and India’s ancient cultural identity.
Conclusion:
End by underscoring the transformative potential of deciphering the script in rewriting ancient history and strengthening the understanding of India’s civilisational roots.
Topic: Population and associated issues
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IE
Why the question:
The sex ratio at birth in Haryana dropped to 910 in 2024, the lowest since it has been since 2016 when the ratio was 900Key Demand of the Question:
Examine how the declining sex ratio reflects and perpetuates gender inequality, analyze its cyclical nature, and suggest effective strategies to address this issue comprehensively.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Begin with a fact or observation about the declining sex ratio as a marker of gender disparity and its implications for society.Body:
- Cyclical relationship: Discuss how the declining sex ratio is both a symptom (reflecting gender discrimination) and a cause (worsening gender inequality) of societal biases.
- Strategies: Suggest measures like strict enforcement of laws, attitudinal changes, economic empowerment, and incentivization of girl child welfare to break the cycle.
Conclusion:
End by emphasizing the need for a multi-pronged approach to ensure gender justice and sustainable societal development.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question:
Supreme Court judge said the ball was in the courts of the legislature and the government to take a call on whether the ‘creamy layer’ of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes’ (STs) beneficiaries of reservation in education and public service must be excluded from quota benefits.Key Demand of the Question:
Analyze the rationale for excluding the creamy layer among SC/STs, the challenges in implementing it, and its implications for social justice and affirmative action policies.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly highlight the importance of affirmative action in India and the emerging need to address intra-group inequalities among SC/STs.Body:
- Relevance of exclusion: Discuss how excluding the creamy layer aligns with achieving real equality and equitable benefit distribution.
- Challenges in implementation: Highlight issues like criteria formulation, socio-political resistance, and administrative complexities.
Conclusion:
Emphasize the need for a balanced approach that combines exclusion criteria with robust socio-economic data and stakeholder consensus to achieve substantive equality.
Topic: India and its neighbourhood- relations
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IE
Why the question
Recently senior officials from India and Afghanistan met in Dubai and conversed on several issues ranging from security concerns to cricket.
Key Demand of the Question:
Examine Afghanistan’s strategic importance for India, analyze challenges posed by the Taliban regime, and propose measures to strengthen India’s role in Afghanistan’s reconstruction and stability.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly highlight Afghanistan’s geopolitical importance as a gateway to Central Asia and its historical ties with India.Body:
- Strategic importance for India: Discuss Afghanistan’s relevance for connectivity, counterterrorism, and regional trade.
- Challenges posed by the Taliban regime: Address issues like terrorism, growing Chinese and Pakistani influence, and humanitarian crises.
- Measures to strengthen India’s role: Suggest steps such as developmental aid, diplomatic engagement, and leveraging multilateral forums.
Conclusion:
Emphasize the need for a balanced approach combining diplomatic, developmental, and security strategies to ensure regional peace and protect India’s interests.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Article 370 Abrogation
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: InsightsIAS
Why the question
The question addresses the implications of the abrogation of Article 370 on the security and counterterrorism framework in Jammu and Kashmir, considering its political and strategic significance.Key Demand of the Question
The answer must analyze the changes in the security landscape, counterterrorism measures, and challenges post-abrogation, providing a balanced perspective with relevant examples.Structure of the Answer
Introduction
Briefly explain the abrogation of Article 370 as a landmark decision, emphasizing its intended goals of integration, security, and governance.Body
- Impact on security scenario: Discuss improvements such as reduced terror incidents, strengthened border security, and enhanced civilian safety.
- Impact on counterterrorism efforts: Highlight legal, operational, and developmental measures that have bolstered counterterrorism.
- Challenges: Address persistent issues like cross-border terrorism, digital radicalization, and local grievances post-abrogation.
Conclusion
Provide a solution-oriented conclusion, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach involving security measures, socio-economic development, and political inclusion to ensure long-term peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.
Topic: Terrorism and role of External State and Non-State Actors
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: InsightsIAS
Why the question
Terrorism extends beyond physical violence to include economic destabilization and psychological warfare, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of its multifaceted impact.Key Demand of the Question
The answer must analyze the economic and psychological dimensions of terrorism, discuss their implications, and suggest actionable measures to counter these threats effectively.Structure of the Answer
Introduction
Provide a concise definition of terrorism as a multidimensional threat that disrupts security, economies, and societal stability, with a relevant contemporary example.Body
- Economic destabilization: Discuss how terrorism disrupts infrastructure, funding mechanisms, trade, and livelihoods.
- Psychological warfare: Highlight its impact on fear, communal harmony, and the manipulation of perceptions through misinformation.
- Countermeasures: Suggest measures such as financial oversight, community engagement, technological regulations, and international cooperation to address these dimensions.
Conclusion
Summarize the need for a multi-pronged approach to counter terrorism’s economic and psychological impacts, emphasizing global cooperation and societal resilience.
General Studies – 4
In the given circumstances, address the following:
- Discuss the ethical implications of unrestricted access to digital content on the upbringing and moral development of children
- How would you propose to foster moral attitudes among today’s children to prevent similar incidents in the future? Introduction:
Difficulty Level: Medium
Why the question
The growing ethical concerns surrounding excessive digital content consumption by children and its impact on moral development, as highlighted by a tragic criminal case.Key demand of the question
The answer must analyze the ethical implications of unrestricted digital exposure on children and propose measures to foster moral development to prevent such incidents in the future.Structure of the Answer
Introduction
Provide data or a recent observation highlighting the growing connectivity of children to the digital world and its dual impact—opportunities and challenges for ethical development.Body
- Part (a): Ethical implications of excessive social media exposure
Discuss the moral and behavioral concerns arising from exposure to violent or harmful digital content, like desensitization to violence, erosion of empathy, and isolation.- Part (b): Proposals to foster moral attitudes
Suggest strategies such as parental supervision, educational reforms, promoting positive role models, and encouraging real-world interactions to balance digital engagement with moral and ethical growth.Conclusion
Highlight the importance of a balanced approach to technology use, emphasizing proactive measures like education, parental guidance, and mental health support to ensure ethical and responsible digital consumption.
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