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General Studies – 1
Topic: Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the Question
Muttukadu reels under stench from sewage-mixed waters. The area also suffers from garbage being dumped on open plots. The locals demand action from the government.Key Demand of the Question
The question requires an analysis of how mismanagement of waste and sewage in urban and peri-urban areas leads to challenges for public health and environmental sustainability, followed by an examination of the socio-economic impacts and suggesting viable remedial measures.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Provide a brief overview of the waste management crisis in urban India, highlighting its link to rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure.Body
- Challenges of waste mismanagement: Discuss issues related to pollution, ecosystem degradation, and health hazards.
- Socio-economic implications: Analyze the impact on public health, livelihoods, economic burden, and infrastructure stress.
- Remedial measures: Suggest policy interventions, technological solutions, and community-driven approaches for effective waste management.
Conclusion
Emphasize the need for a multi-stakeholder approach and sustainable waste management strategies to achieve cleaner and healthier urban environments.
Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the Question
The scenic Harangi backwaters, a favourite picnic spot in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, is now under threat from increasing pollution and mismanagement.Key Demand of the Question
The question requires an analysis of the geomorphological factors that lead to the formation of backwaters in India and an examination of how these features influence regional climate dynamics such as temperature, humidity, and precipitation.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Provide a brief definition of backwaters and highlight their significance in India’s coastal geography and climate regulation.Body
- Geomorphological factors influencing backwater formation: Discuss aspects like sediment deposition, wave action, tectonic activity, and river dynamics that contribute to their development.
- Impact on regional climate: Analyze how backwaters influence temperature moderation, humidity levels, precipitation patterns, and cyclone mitigation.
Conclusion
Conclude with the dual importance of backwaters in terms of geographical stability and climate regulation, emphasizing the need for their sustainable conservation.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the Question
The role of the Governor as Chancellor of State universities is a subject of intense debate. It is often misconstrued as a post-Independence measure to safeguard universities against political interference.Key Demand of the Question
The question requires an analysis of how political influence hampers the governance of higher education institutions, the specific challenges posed by the Governor’s role as Chancellor, and reforms that can ensure academic excellence and institutional autonomy.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Provide a brief overview of the governance challenges in higher education in India, emphasizing the need for autonomy and neutrality for academic excellence.Body
- Impact of political influence on governance: Discuss how political interference affects institutional decision-making, appointments, and overall academic standards.
- Challenges related to the Governor’s role: Highlight issues such as lack of accountability, federal conflicts, and delays in decision-making.
- Reforms needed: Suggest structural, administrative, and legislative measures to ensure university autonomy and effective governance.
Conclusion
Emphasize the importance of depoliticizing university governance through stakeholder-driven reforms while ensuring alignment with federal principles and global best practices.
Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes;
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the Question
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has not received an additional budget for financial year 2024-25, resulting in delay in disbursal wages to workers.Key Demand of the Question
The question requires an examination of how underfunding affects the implementation of MGNREGS, leading to delays and inefficiencies, and demands practical measures to ensure adequate funding and smooth execution.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly introduce MGNREGS as a demand-driven employment guarantee scheme and highlight the recurring issue of budgetary constraints affecting its objectives.Body
- Impact of underfunding on implementation: Discuss wage delays, project disruptions, erosion of worker trust, and the cascading effects on rural development.
- Measures to address budgetary challenges: Suggest solutions such as dynamic budget allocation, decentralized financial planning, better monitoring, and leveraging technology for efficient fund management.
Conclusion
Highlight the need for a robust financial strategy and policy reforms to strengthen MGNREGS as a tool for rural empowerment and poverty alleviation.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: PIB
Why the Question
India’s investment ecosystem and external commercial borrowings (ECBs) have witnessed significant developments over the past few years. The recent report by the State Bank of India (SBI) has highlighted trends in investment announcements, private sector’s contribution, and role of ECBs in corporate financing.Key Demand of the Question
The question demands an analysis of the role of ECBs in India’s financial structure, their effectiveness in addressing investment gaps while maintaining financial stability, and the associated risks in the current economic landscape.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Define ECBs and briefly highlight their significance in India’s financial ecosystem with reference to recent trends or data.Body
- Role of ECBs in financing structure: Discuss how ECBs contribute to infrastructure financing, corporate expansion, and technology acquisition.
- Potential in bridging investment gaps and ensuring stability: Explain how ECBs help in addressing capital deficits, diversifying funding sources, and supporting long-term economic growth.
- Associated risks in the current scenario: Highlight concerns related to currency volatility, rising interest rates, and regulatory challenges.
Conclusion
Provide a forward-looking perspective on how ECBs can be optimized with better risk management and regulatory oversight to support India’s economic ambitions.
Topic: Economics of animal-rearing
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: PIB
Why the Question
The tableau of Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) was displayed during the 76th Republic Day. The tableau’s theme was “Honouring India’s Indigenous Cattle Breeds as Icons of Sustainable Rural Growth” which aligns with the 2025 theme, “Golden India: Heritage and Development.”Key Demand of the Question
The question requires an analysis of the factors leading to the underutilization of indigenous cattle breeds compared to exotic ones and suggests measures to enhance their usage for sustainable rural development.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Provide a brief overview of India’s indigenous cattle diversity and their significance, highlighting the dominance of exotic breeds and the need for balanced utilization.Body
- Factors responsible for underutilization: Discuss productivity concerns, economic challenges, market dynamics, policy gaps, and awareness issues.
- Measures to promote usage: Suggest solutions related to genetic improvement, financial incentives, awareness campaigns, niche market development, and veterinary infrastructure enhancement.
Conclusion
Summarize the need for a comprehensive and balanced approach, ensuring economic viability while preserving indigenous breeds for long-term sustainability.
General Studies – 4
Difficulty Level: Medium
Why the Question:
Ethical governance necessitates balancing firmness and empathy to address complex administrative challenges. Historical figures like Rani Lakshmibai and Mother Teresa provide valuable insights for civil servants in navigating ethical dilemmas effectively.Key Demand of the Question:
The question demands an analysis of how the contrasting yet complementary qualities of courage and compassion, as demonstrated by Rani Lakshmibai and Mother Teresa, can guide civil servants in ethical governance.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly introduce ethical governance and its relevance in public administration, highlighting the need for both courage and compassion in decision-making.Body:
- Lessons from Rani Lakshmibai: Discuss how her courage, resilience, and commitment to justice can guide civil servants in maintaining integrity and taking bold decisions in challenging circumstances.
- Lessons from Mother Teresa: Explain how her compassion, empathy, and dedication to the marginalized can help in building an inclusive and citizen-friendly administration.
- Balancing courage and compassion in governance: Illustrate how civil servants can integrate these qualities in policymaking, service delivery, and crisis management while adhering to constitutional values and ethical frameworks.
Conclusion:
Emphasize the importance of an ethical public service model that harmonizes strength and sensitivity to ensure good governance and public trust.
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