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NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same time gives you extra points in the form of background information.
General Studies – 1
Topic: World War 1, Great Depression
Reference: Indian Express , Contemporary World History by Indira Arjun Dev
Why the question:
The Novel Coronavirus pandemic severely affects the global economy; some experts have begun comparing the current crisis with the Great Depression. Currently, unemployment levels in the US are already estimated to be at 13 per cent, highest since the Great Depression. Thus the question.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss first the policy measures that were deployed to contain the great economic depression and draw parallels of how the current pandemic is similar in impact.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with some key facts related to global depression or corona pandemic.
Body:
Explain first what was the Great Depression? – The Great Depression was a major Economic crisis that began in the United States in 1929, and went to have a worldwide impact until 1939.
It began on October 24, 1929, a day that is referred to as “Black Thursday”, when a monumental crash occurred at the New York Stock Exchange as stock prices fell by 25 per cent.
Then discuss the policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression.
Then analyse in detail if the Covid-19 could trigger a Recession or Depression.
Conclusion:
Conclude with impact of the two.
Introduction:
With the novel coronavirus pandemic severely affecting the global economy, some experts have begun comparing the current crisis with the Great Depression — the devastating economic decline of the 1930s that went on to shape countless world events.
Body
Great Depression:
- The Great Depression was a major economic crisis that began in the United States in 1929, and went to have a worldwide impact until 1939.
- It began on October 24, 1929, a day that is referred to as “Black Thursday”, when a monumental crash occurred at the New York Stock Exchange as stock prices fell by 25 per cent.
- Though the crash was triggered by minor events, the extent of the decline was due to more deep-rooted factors such as a fall in aggregate demand, misplaced monetary policies, and an unintended rise in inventory levels.
- In the United States, prices and real output fell dramatically. Industrial production fell by 47 per cent, the wholesale price index by 33 per cent, and real GDP by 30 per cent.
Policy instruments used to deal with Great Depression:
- Encouraging employees to not reduce wages or lay off workers
- Government led proactive lending to banks industrialists and farmers to save them from bankruptcy:
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- Buying surplus grains from farmers
- Loan Moratorium on financial debts
- Addressing the bad loans of Banks by effective restructuring of loans.
- New Deal of President Roosevelt focussing on:
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- Relief: give direct help to poverty-stricken people battling with hunger and shelter.
- Recovery: Reducing unemployment by stimulating demand for goods
- Reform: measures to strengthen the economy.
- Improving conditions of labour through social security act, Emergency relief act,
- Progressive taxation and tariff reduction on exports
Similar policies were adopted by different nations, These policies were based on Keynesian economics.
Global economic crisis:
Recently, WTO accessing the impact of covid 19 on world trade it held that, besides its worrying effects on human life, Covid-19 has the potential to significantly affect global trade and bring slowdown to the global economy.
The International Monetary Fund observed that the global economy is set to contract sharply in 2020 due to the lockdown, needed to fight the pandemic affecting billions of people worldwide.
The tight restrictions on movement and social distancing norms across geographies have led to severe curbs on labour supply, transport and travel and the shuttering of whole sectors from hotels and non-essential retail to tourism and significant parts of manufacturing.
WTO Observations Regarding Global Trade and Economic Crisis:
- World merchandise trade is set to plummet by between 13% and 32% in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Though recovery in global trade is expected in 202, it depends on the duration of the outbreak and the effectiveness of the policy responses.
- Nearly all regions will suffer double-digit declines in trade volumes in 2020, with exports from North America and Asia hit hardest.
- Trade will likely fall steeper in sectors with complex value chains, particularly electronics and automotive products.
- Services trade may also be affected by Covid-19 through transport and travel restrictions.
Similarity between Great Depression and Current Global Trade Disruption:
- Domino Effect:The spill over effects of the Great Depression led to default of many Global Systemic Important Banks” (G-SIB). This default got turned into the Sovereign debt crisis of many European economies. For example, PIGS countries (Portugal, Ireland, Greece and Spain).
- Similarly, the economic crisis emanating from the Covid-19 pandemic, has caused severe demand and supply side shock in the global trade scenario.
- Stock Market Crash:The initial drops in the stock exchanges of major countries (up to one-fourth of their valuation) are hitherto analogous between both crises.
- Uncertainty:Both crises share a non-quantifiable risk as a key factor in their emergence and spread.
Way Forward:
- Invest in sustainable infrastructure
- Infrastructure investments are an effective way to boost economic activity and create jobs. In United States’ 2009 Great Recession recovery package, investments in clean energy and public transport created more jobs than traditional investments.
- India too should take this opportunity to increase support for renewable energy, particularly rooftop solar, through appropriate policies and business models.
- Decentralized solar power can help spread critical services in remote regions. It should revisit the potential import duties on solar panels, since this may not increase domestic production, but may raise the cost of solar power.
- Build the resilience for the most vulnerable
- About 90% of India’s workforce is informally employed, which includes gig economy workers.
- Provision for universal basic income – broader than current schemes that are conditional upon occupation and land ownership – can help provide vital resources for subsistence, or for investing in education and health.
- It is critically important to expand access to clean water, clean air and primary health care. These will improve life expectancy and increase economic and physical resilience.
- Use fiscal mechanisms for recovery and resilience: Fiscal mechanisms can help support recovery and resilience efforts, while promoting low-carbon development.
- Encourage long-term change in behaviour: For instance, encouraging conservation in energy – through nudges and tariff reforms – can drive down consumption. Promoting reuse, recycling and repair models for consumption can contribute to a circular economy and reduce the waste generated by current business models. Supporting the continuation of work-from-home policies can drive down road traffic congestion and air pollution.
- Regulate enabling technologies: Finally, it is useful to consider that the future may see greater employment in the gig economy and e-commerce sectors, as well as in new technologies that can help support future response and resilience mechanisms. While supporting the development of such sectors, it is important to put the right regulations in place to ensure data privacy and consumer protection.
Topic: world War 1, Great Depression
2. Discuss the social impact of World War I on India . (250 words)
Reference: Contemporary World History by Indira Arjun Dev
Why the question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper I , part World history.
Key Demand of the question:
The question is straightforward; one must discuss the social impact of World War I on India.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
World War I (WW I), also known as the Great War, lasted from 28 July 1914 to 11 November 1918. WW I was fought between the Allied Powers and the Central Powers.
Body:
The question is purely about the social impact of the World war I, thus explain in detail the social consequences of it such as – World war changed society completely. Birth rates declined because millions of young men died (eight million died, millions wounded, maimed, widows and orphans). Civilians lost their land and fled to other countries.
The role of women also changed. They played a major part in replacing men in factories and offices. Many countries gave women more rights after the war had ended, including the right to vote.
The upper classes lost their leading role in society. Young middle and lower class men and women demanded a say in forming their country after the war.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance of world war and its impact on the world as a lesson for the future generations.
Introduction:
The First World War (1914–18) was a momentous event in world history. It also left a deep impact on India, which was then under the British rule.
Body
Social Impact of World War 1:
- Over 74,000 were killed which is five times more than the combined death toll from every war that India has fought since independence and 80,000 were held prisoners.
- Villagers and farmers were forcefully recruited in the British army.
- Large numbers of able-bodied young men from the countryside were recruited into the British army. Such induction of Indians disrupted social life in rural areas. Villages experienced shortage of farm hands, carpenters, blacksmiths and other such artisans.
- Volunteering in the war offered a chance to break through the caste system, because becoming a soldier paid well and meant becoming part of the ‘warrior’ caste, which gave high status.
- Between 1911 and 1921,literacy rates increased significantly in heavily recruited communities. This effect is strongest for men of military age, which is consistent with the notion that soldiers learned to read and write on their foreign campaigns.
- Respect for particular communities who participated in the war grew in the society.
- The huge number of non-combatants were also recruited from India- such as nurses, doctors etc. leaving Indian society deprived of essential services in a situation where such skills were already scarce in India.
- Birth rates declined because millions of young men died (eight million died, millions wounded, maimed, widows and orphans).
- Civilians lost their land and fled to other countries.
- Role of women also changed. They played a major part in replacing men in factories and offices. Many countries gave women more rights after the war had ended, including the right to vote.
- Upper classes lost their leading role in society. Young middle and lower class men and women demanded a say in forming their country after the war.
Overall Impact of World War 1 on India:
- The world war ended the myth of invincibility of British Empire in India as the British faced many humiliating defeats during the war
- The soldiers that returned after war raised the morale of masses.
- India supported Britain in world war on its promise of fighting for democracy but serving Indian with Rowlatt act immediately after war shattered Indians. This led to the rise of national consciousness and soon Non Cooperation movement was launched.
- For many Indian troops the war was an experience that broadened their horizons and increased their knowledge of the world – they had been exposed to new geographies, cultures and ideas and this impacted the way they negotiated life in India as well.
Conclusion
The Indian national movement, and the country’s socio-economic development did have its repercussions due to World War I, as it linked India to global events in profound ways with far-reaching consequences.
Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.
3. Give an account of causes and consequences of American civil war of 1861. (250 words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
US President Joe Biden is soon expected to sign a law making June 19, or “Juneteenth”, a national holiday recognized by the federal government, commemorating the end of slavery after the American Civil War (1861-65). Thus the question.
Key Demand of the question:
Account in detail of causes and consequences of American civil war of 1861.
Directive:
Account – Weigh up to what extent something is true. Persuade the reader of your argument by citing relevant research but also remember to point out any flaws and counter- arguments as well. Conclude by stating clearly how far you are in agreement with the original proposition.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
The Civil War in the United States began in 1861, after decades of simmering tensions between northern and southern states over slavery, states’ rights and westward expansion.
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
What are the causes of American Civil War? – The difference in the attitude towards slavery can be seen as the root cause of the American Civil War. This had repercussions in the economic and political sphere too. Quote all reasons in detail
What were the consequences of the American Civil War? – Discuss that the Civil War confirmed the single political entity of the United States, led to freedom for more than four million enslaved Americans, established a more powerful and centralized federal government, and laid the foundation for America’s emergence as a world power in the 20th century.
Conclusion:
Conclude with its significance in the history of America.
Introduction:
The American Civil War is also known as the “War Between the States”. It was one of the worst wars in American history and was fought between the northern and southern states of the US. The Civil War started in 1861 when the group of slaves of the south founded the Confederate States of America whose president was Jefferson Davis. The northern states, under, President Abraham Lincoln, were totally against slavery. Although the Confederates won some early battles but later the Union became stronger and defeated the southern states in 1865.
Body:
Causes of the American Civil War
- The disparity between Northern and Southern States on Economy: The states in the north were industrialized while southern states where primarily agricultural. Northern states wanted a tax on imports from Britain while southern states wanted tax-free trade with Britain.
- Attitude towards slaves: The northern states which were industrialized preferred paid labourers while agricultural southern states which had large plantations were dependent on slave labour. Slavery was abolished in northern states in 1804 and then they became ‘free states’.
- Abolition of slavery: A strong movement for the abolition of slavery began in the northern states. It called for the correction of the controversial Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.
- The fear of reforms by Abraham Lincoln and the Republican Party: An immediate cause of the civil war was the American Presidential election in which the RepublicanParty candidate, Abraham Lincoln, won.
Consequences
- The civil war was one of the most important and historic wars in history. It brought about a revolution in the entire world. Some of the points are worth remembering and they are:
- The war put an end to the so-called institution of slavery.
- Because of the war, there was the use of more machines – which enhanced production.
- National Banking Act was introduced and the use of paper currency which contributed to the growth of nations wide business.
- After the war, new and advanced weapons were used.
- The war led to the growth of large scale manufacturing industries and small scale industries as well.
- The abolishment of the secession of states was done for all times to come.
- More area was brought under cultivation – particularly in the western regions on North America.
- Transport and communication were improved to a very large extent.
- The war was an inspiration to other countries – to abolish slavery.
- The Civil War of 1861-1865 determined what kind of nation is about to begin.
Conclusion:
After the war the defeated states were gradually allowed back into the United States. The period after the war in which attempts were made to solve the political, social, and economic problems arising from the readmission to the Union of the former Confederate states is known as Reconstruction (1865–77).
General Studies – 2
Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article discusses the interplay between right to be forgotten and the right of the public to access courts of record, concepts of fair criticism and accountability.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the interplay of right to be forgotten and the right of the public to access courts of record amidst the values of fair criticism and accountability.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with the context of the question; The Delhi High Court recently ordered the removal of one of its own judgments from easy access. The High Court recognized that the petitioner may have a right to be forgotten, which must be balanced with the right of the public to access courts of record.
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
Explain what you understand by right to be forgotten.
Then move on to discuss in detail the interplay of right to be forgotten and the right of the public to access courts of record amidst the values of fair criticism and accountability.
Give relevant judgments of the Indian courts in association with the foresaid topic and justify your stand.
Conclusion:
The right to be forgotten needs to be studied along with the concepts of fair criticism and accountability.
Introduction:
The Delhi High Court recently ordered the removal of one of its own judgments from easy access. The High Court recognized that the petitioner may have a right to be forgotten, which must be balanced with the right of the public to access courts of record.
Body:
Background:
- Delhi High Court recently ordered the removal of one of its own judgments from easy access.
- The petitioner was acquitted of certain crimes by the court and the judgment was freely accessible on the Internet.
- Unhappy with this, the petitioner sought removal of the judgment from a leading database platform and search engines.
- The court, as a temporary relief, asked search engines to remove this order from search results, and ordered the database platform to block the judgment from being accessed by search engines.
Right to be forgotten
- The right to be forgotten is, generally, the right to have information about a person removed from public access.
- The proponents argue that individuals should be able to determine the development of their life in an autonomous way. Persons cannot be perpetually stigmatised for past conduct.
- In 2017, the Supreme Court recognised the right to be forgotten as being under the ambit of the right to privacy (specifically, informational privacy) under the Constitution.
- It observed that if someone desired to remove personal data from the virtual space, it ought to be respected.
- The top court observed that a lot of personal information may serve no “legitimate interest”, was “incorrect”, or was not “necessary” or “relevant”.
- However, the right to be forgotten was subject to reasonable restrictions based on countervailing rights such as free speech.
- But despite the Supreme Court’s judgment, the right remains underdeveloped in India.
Interplay of right to be forgotten vis-a-vis right of public to access records
- Individuals may request data hosts to take down some content, and it may be taken down based on the policies of the respective hosts.
- There is a general consensus that people should be allowed to modify or delete information uploaded by themselves. However, whether this extends to information uploaded by third parties is uncertain.
- While there may be significant merit to the right to be forgotten, whether it extends to the removal of judgments of courts of record is uncharted territory. Judgments are published for good reasons.
- Trials held under public scrutiny act as a check against judicial caprices and help in enhancing the confidence of the public in the fairness and objectivity of the administration of justice.
- The wrong that the Delhi High Court sought to correct could have been achieved by narrow tailoring.
- The court could have ordered that the name and personal details of the petitioner be redacted while maintaining public access to the judgment itself.
Conclusion:
Thus, right to be forgotten should not be absolute and must come with reasonable restrictions. The personal details of the petitioner must be removed from the judgement, however the judgement itself may be of some public value or act as a precedent in another case. India needs a law on the lines of European Union and have a framework on this right.
Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The Union Cabinet has approved the long-pending Deep Ocean Mission since 2018. Thus the question.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the Deep Ocean Mission and its ambitions in detail and explain its importance in harnessing the Blue economy for sustainable growth.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
The Deep Ocean Mission is proposed as multi-ministerial multi-disciplinary programme to explore Deep Ocean for resources and develop deep sea technologies for sustainable use of ocean resources.
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
Discuss the details of the mission briefly.
Then highlight the significance of the mission; Indigenization of Technology, Employment creation etc.
Then specifically talk about how the mission will aid in harnessing the potential of blue economy; For India, with its three sides surrounded by the oceans and around 30% of the country’s population living in coastal areas, ocean is a major economic factor supporting fisheries and aquaculture, tourism, livelihoods and blue trade. Oceans are also storehouse of food, energy, minerals, medicines, modulator of weather and climate and underpin life on Earth.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance.
Introduction:
The Deep Ocean Mission will be a mission mode project to support the blue economy initiatives of the Government of India. The Deep Ocean Mission is proposed as multi-ministerial multi-disciplinary programme with emphasis on development of deep sea technology, exploration of deep sea mineral resources and biodiversity, acquisition of a research vessel for exploration, deep sea observations, and capacity building.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs recently approved the Deep Ocean Mission of the Ministry of Earth Sciences with a view to explore the deep ocean for resources and develop deep-sea technologies for sustainable use of ocean resources.
Body:
The major objectives proposed under Deep Ocean Mission are as follows:
- Development of technologies for deep sea mining, underwater vehicles and underwater robotics;
- Development of ocean climate change advisory services;
- Technological innovations for exploration and conservation of deepsea biodiversity;
- Deep ocean survey and exploration;
- Proof of concept studies on energy and freshwater from the ocean; and
- Establishing advanced marine station for ocean biology
Deep Ocean Mission and its vision to harness Blue Economy:
- A manned submersible will be developed to carry three peopleto a depth of 6,000 metres in the ocean with a suite of scientific sensors and tools.
- An Integrated Mining Systemwill be also developed for mining polymetallic nodules at those depths in the central Indian Ocean.
- The exploration studies of minerals will pave the way for commercial exploitation in the near future,as and when commercial exploitation code is evolved by the International Seabed Authority, an United Nations (UN)
- It entails developing a suite of observations and models to understand and provide future projections of important climate variables on seasonal to decadal time scales.
- Bio-prospecting of deep sea flora and fauna including microbes and studies on sustainable utilization of deep sea bio-resources will be the main focus.
- It will explore and identify potential sites of multi-metal Hydrothermal Sulphides mineralization along the Indian Ocean mid-oceanic ridges.
- Studies and detailed engineering design for offshore Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)powered desalination plants are envisaged in this proof of concept proposal.
- It is aimed at the development of human capacity and enterprise in ocean biology and engineering.
- It will translate research into industrial application and product development through on-site business incubator facilities.
Conclusion:
As of now, around 95 per cent of the deep ocean remains unexplored. In the case of India, the country is surrounded by the ocean on three sides and has around 30 per cent of its population living in coastal areas. Therefore, the ocean is a major economic factor that supports fisheries and aquaculture, livelihoods, tourism, and blue trade, the government said in a statement. Apart from this, oceans are also a storehouse of energy, food, medicines, minerals, modulator of weather and climate and underpin life on Earth. Also, according to the government, India has a unique maritime position and there is a need to consider the importance of the oceans on sustainability.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Case study
Why the question:
The question is a case study based on the social acceptance of the LGBT community.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain the ways in which discrimination against LGBTQs creates problems for them in different aspects of life and suggest what needs to be done.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Give a brief account of what and who all constitute the LGBTQ community.
Body:
First explain that LGBTQ refers to people who are non-heterosexual, but are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. The term emphasizes a diversity of sexuality and gender identity-based cultures. The LGBTQ community faces tremendous difficulties growing up in a society where heterosexuality is often presented as the only acceptable norm of sexuality and homosexuality is regarded as deviant.
Provide arguments to highlight the ways in which discrimination against LGBTQs creates problems. Despite decriminalizing provisions of Section 377, this community continues to face discrimination and exclusion in all spheres of life which further creates various problems for them in different walks of life, such as: Family conflicts, Lack of employment opportunities, Social stigma and marginalization, Lack of access to welfare programs and legal protection, Necessary attitudinal changes to adopt a more humane approach toward LGBTQ community etc.
Suggest necessary attitudinal changes to adopt a more humane approach towards this community.
Conclusion:
Conclude with solutions to address and need for the acceptance of transgenders as a human being not different from others.
Introduction:
Every year in the month of February, thousands of people gather and celebrate LGBT pride by rallying on the streets and hoping for society to accept them in every state of the India. The LGBT community faces a lot of problems. The main problem is acceptance from people outside the community. For the Indian LGBT community, a truly inclusive society remains a distant dream
Body:
In urban India, where social media and corporate initiatives have created increasing awareness of LGBT rights, the scenario looks more upbeat for gay men than for transgender people or lesbian women. While urban LGBT voices that are heard through several online and real-world platforms form an important part of LGBT activism, these expose only a small part of the diverse challenges faced by the community.
Problems faced by LGBTQ due to discrimination
- Far away from gay pride parades, meet-ups and heated discussions on Twitter, families in rural India have their own ways of dealing with LGBT individuals.
- In some parts, secret honour killings are planned so that the only way for a young gay man to survive is to run away in the cover of the night to some city, with no money or social support.
- Hate crimes against LGBTQ individuals are still shockingly prevalent across the country.
- Village medics and babas often prescribe rape to cure lesbians of homosexuality. Refusal to marry brings more physical abuse. Stories of family acceptance that one sees on TV and other media are more of an urban phenomenon.
- A recent study found that one of the major factors that results in the stigmatization of LGBT people is parental reaction towards homosexuality. The study goes on to conclude that most LGBT people are acceptable to family only if they agree to behave like heterosexuals.
- LGBTQ individuals were sent to psychiatric wards when they came out to their families.
- Families that accept their identities put many restrictions in the way they choose to dress and interact with their partners.
- In the absence of family support, online groups and social media have offered accessible alternatives to form a community outside of family. Platforms like Gaysi and Gaylaxy, and publishers like Queer Ink have helped carve out spaces for LGBT people to interact, share and collaborate.
Way forward
- Though, theoretically, most educated citizens support alternative sexualities and gender identities, when it comes to day-to-day behaviour, there is an urgent need to change the ground reality.
- Bridging the gap between academic knowledge and everyday experience means we need people to question stereotypes.
- Say, for example, the rampant telling of homophobic jokes. We need people to pause and ask what’s so funny about such an oppressive take.
- We need our allies to point out that such behaviour costs us our freedom and dignity. Creating a critical mass of such an aware group is an important part of activism.
Conclusion:
Once educational institutions become allies of LGBTQ, throughout the country, future generations will have a better chance of living up to the ideals of equality. Each time a school or college decides to participate in LGBT activism, we come closer to bridging the gap between reality and a truly inclusive society
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