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General Studies – 1
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.
Reference: Mastering World History by Norman Lowe
Why the question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper I , part World History.
Key Demand of the question:
The question expects us to explain that freedom struggles in several West African countries were also led by such western-educated Africans. It expects us to bring out the role played by leaders in African National movement and the impact of their struggles.
Directive:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Give a brief introduction to the anti-colonial upsurge in western Africa – Anti-colonial upsurge in West Africa was a part of the larger rush of decolonization after the massive wanton destruction of the World War II.
Body:
Highlight that just as Indian freedom movement, in the 20th century, found a leader in M. K. Gandhi, a western-educated lawyer, freedom struggles in several West African countries were also led by such western-educated Africans
Discuss the role of leaders such as
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, educated in London and US, led Gold Coast to freedom in 1957, and rechristened the country Ghana.
Nnamdi Azikiwe, educated in US, led Nigeria to a successful anti-colonial struggle, leading to its independence in 1960.
Amilcar Cabral, educated in Portugal, led Guinea-Bissau to freedom from Portugal. He was assassinated before the official independence declaration of the country, but served as an inspiration for other revolutionary leaders elsewhere, such as Fidel Castro.
Tovalou Houenou, defended the equality of race, opposed Eurocentricism and founded the Negritude movement, the writings of which gave a fillip to anti-colonial struggles in West Africa.
Leopold Sedar Senghol and Felix Houphouet- Boigny were western educated individuals who respectively led Senegal and Ivory Coast to independence.
Explain the nature of movement led by them – Some of these struggles were peaceful and constitutional while some had the blueprint of non-cooperation and civil disobedience. Some struggles were outright violent revolutions.
Conclusion:
Nations of West Africa, however, have seldom witnessed stability and peace after independence. The countries have been marred by civil wars, brutal dictatorships and military coups.
Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article brings to us the dismal picture of the impact of global warming on the coral reef system.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the impact of global warming on the coral life system of the World with examples.
Directive:
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidences. You have to appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming a personal opinion here.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with some key facts related to effect of global warming on coral reefs across the world.
Body:
Explain how is coral affected by climate change and global warming? – When conditions such as the temperature change, corals expel the symbiotic algae living in their tissues, responsible for their color. A spike of 1–2°C in ocean temperatures sustained over several weeks can lead to bleaching, turning corals white. If corals are bleached for prolonged periods, they eventually die.
Give examples to justify your argument.
Conclusion:
Suggest solutions and conclude with way forward.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Reference: Hindustan Times
Why the question:
The article explains in what way soft infrastructure, and a tablet for all, can catalyze India’s development.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the possible role that soft infrastructure can play in catalyzing India’s development and suggest some policy measures for equitable access to digital technologies.
Directive:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with what you understand by Soft power.
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
First account for how suddenly the entire world switched to digital form of living amidst the pandemic situation.
Discuss the importance and utility of soft infrastructure.
Addressing the digital divide, providing equal access to education, ensuring seamless health care delivery, water management, and unclogging the justice system should be prioritized in the next phase of reforms.
Suggest policy measures to encourage it.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.
Reference: Hindustan Times
Why the question:
The article discusses the importance of engagement of India with Taliban to tackle the issues in Afghanistan.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the importance of the view that engaging with the Taliban is vital for India’s approach towards Afghanistan.
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:
Start with brief background of the context of the question.
Body:
Before unpacking the costs and benefits of engaging with the Taliban, it is worth reiterating the central driver of India’s Afghanistan policy i.e., to ensure a strategic balance between Kabul and Islamabad.
The asymmetry of power between these countries notwithstanding, India wants to ensure that nationalist Afghan opinion — critical of Pakistan’s interventionism — remains alive and assertive.
This is why New Delhi persisted with its advocacy of an “Afghan-owned, Afghan-led” reconciliation process. Talking to the Taliban, then, is as much an exercise in preventing harm to India’s interests, as to gauge the depth and breadth of the group’s nationalism.
Conclusion:
Conclude with fair and balanced opinion.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Reference: Business Standard
Why the question:
The Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) transfer of seized assets of the three fugitive businessmen- Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi to the affected public sector banks. Thus the question.
Key Demand of the question:
Bring out the major short comings of India’s nationalized banks and suggest methods to improve efficiency and accountability.
Directive:
Deliberate – 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 agree with the original proposition.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with a brief account of India’s nationalized banks.
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
The answer must capture the major drawbacks of the India’s nationalized banks.
Discuss in detail the issues associated.
Suggest methods that can help improve efficiency and develop accountability.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The question is based on the theme of International Ethics.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the significance of values of apology and forgiveness in International ethics with examples.
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:
Start with importance of apology as a key value in general.
Body:
Start by expressing the recent incidences of apologies by the countries around the world such as – In May, Germany officially apologized to Namibia for the massacre of the Herero and Nama people in 1904-1908 and called it genocide for the first time. Around the same time, French President Emmanuel Macron said in Rwanda that he recognized his country’s role in the Rwandan genocide and hoped for forgiveness.
Explain the positive effects of apology in International relations. Apart from strengthening the relations between the countries involved, apologies by leaders help people reconcile with the past and countries and communities take lessons from history and avoid similar tragedies. Most importantly, they provide some solace to the victims’ descendants; they give them a sense of justice and rectitude.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance of it.
Topic: Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.
Reference: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications
Why the question:
The question is pertaining to the concept of Probity and its importance to Good Governance.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the significance of Probity and its indispensability to Good governance.
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:
Start with the definition of Probity first.
Body:
Probity is the quality of adhering to strong moral principles such as honesty and integrity as well as uprightness, good character and decency. It is the act of following the highest principles and ideals rather than merely avoiding corrupt or dishonest conduct. It balances service to the community against the self-interest of individuals.
Discuss the importance of Probity to Good governance.
Governance is the act and manner of managing public office. A working paper of the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution noted that probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socioeconomic development.
Illustrate with examples.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
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