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.
Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.
1. Account for changing temperature, pressure and density as we move deeper in to the interior of the earth. What is importance of studying interior of the earth? (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the reasons for changing temperature, pressure and density in earth’s interior and importance of studying interior of the earth.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving a brief about the composition of the interior of the earth.
Body:
First, draw a small representative diagram of the interior of the earth. Highlight the changes in temperature, density and pressure along with it.
Next, write the reasons for changing temperature, pressure and density in earth’s interior.
Next, write about importance of studying interior of the earth.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
The radius of the earth is 6,370 kms. Thus, it is impossible to reach the center of the earth and find out about the composition. Also, this composition is changing in nature. The rapid increase in temperature is also one of the factors that put a limit to direct observation of the earth’s interior. However, through some direct and indirect sources, the scientists have a fair idea about how the earth’s interior look like.
Body
Temperature
Pressure
Density
Importance of studying interior of the earth:
Conclusion
Studying the interior structure of Earth provides us with a better understanding of Earth, helps us to understand earthquakes, volcanoes, plate tectonics, how the atmosphere formed, and to study earth’s magnetic fields.
Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.
2. What are geomorphic processes? Explain the significance of the exogenic process in formation and deformation of landforms. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the geomorphic process and significance of exogenic processes.
Directive word:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by defining geomorphic processes.
Body:
First, write about the detailed classification of geomorphic processes in to endogenic and exogenic. Use a flow chart to show the classification and cite examples.
Next, exogenic forces and how the shape the landforms.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
The term geomorphic relates to the form of the landscape and other natural features of the earth’s surface. The forces causing physical and chemical changes on earth’s surface are known as geomorphic processes. All changes take place under the influence of certain forces working continuously within the earth as well as over the surface of the earth.
Body
The forces working over the earth’s surface are known as exogenic forces, while those working within the earth’s surface are called endogenic forces. They are further classified as per the diagram below:
The processes which occur on the earth’s surface due to the influence of exogenic forces are known as exogenic processes
significance of the exogenic process in formation and deformation of landforms
Conclusion
The formation and deformation of landforms on the earth’s surface is a constant process that is influenced by both external and internal forces. Geomorphic processes are the internal and external factors that cause stresses and chemical activity on earth materials, resulting in changes in the configuration of the earth’s surface.
Topic: poverty and developmental issues
3. Digital governance and initiatives are the future but it should not compromise the dignity and rights of the poor and needy. Examine. (250 words).
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
A recent article by Tapasya of The Reporters’ Collective highlights some alarming technocratic proposals for ICDS. As per Union government circulars, the updating of Aadhaar of ICDS rights-holders, including children, on the Poshan Tracker is mandatory, and subsequent Central funds for supplementary nutrition to States is being made contingent on this.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the digital governance and initiatives affects the rights and dignity of the poor people.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate 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:
Begin by giving context with the push seen for digital governance.
Body:
In the first part, write about importance of digital governance and its effect on the society.
Next, write about the negative impact of digital governance on the rights and dignity of poor people. Substantiate with facts/examples.
Next, write about the measures that are needed that to ensure the rights of citizens are not violated in the push for digital India.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
The right to live with dignity is a constitutional imperative. However, it rarely manifests in discussions surrounding digital initiatives in governance. Centralised data dashboards — valuable as they are — have become the go-to mode for assessing policies, relegating principles such as human dignity and hardships in accessing rights to its blind spots. Often when technological glitches prevent one from accessing rights, there is a tendency to make the rights-holder feel responsible for it.
Body
Digital governance compromising rights of poor and needy
Conclusion
With digital revolution there must be digital inclusion and transformation must be accompanied by empowerment of masses. Else the spoils will go to the victors and the poor will remain the vanquished in this new era of digital governance. Sabka Saath is more important for sabka vikas.
Topic: Role of civil services in a democracy.
4. An Agnipath type of scheme for All India Services will make the bureaucracy more efficient, become performance-oriented, acquire new skills and flair for innovation in administration. Critically Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The government has launched an Agnipath scheme for the armed forces of the country with a view to make these a leaner force without compromising on their combat abilities. A similar scheme is perhaps called for with regard to the All India Services (AIS).
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the pros and cons of introducing a scheme similar to Agnipath scheme for All India Services.
Directive word:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of Agnipath scheme.
Body:
In the first part, write about the broad features of Agnipath scheme and its advantages.
Next, write about the how a similar scheme can ensure improved performance of AIS. Write about the other advantages associated with it.
Next, mention the ways in which will adversely affect governance and administration. Suggest alternatives.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
The government has launched an Agnipath scheme for the armed forces of the country with a view to make these a leaner force without compromising on their combat abilities. A similar scheme is projected to be beneficial for All India Services. However, it is only an opinion that must be analysed critically because such ideas if implemented may destabilise governance set up of the nation.
Body
Perceived benefits of Agnipath like scheme for all India Services
Critical analysis
Conclusion
No reform can be made in haste and must be thought through thoroughly. Thye must be incremental and experimented like the lateral entry of civil services before rolling out in a big way.
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
5. The India–United States (US) defence and technology cooperation is pivotal in maintaining international security and order and could yet be the defining one for this century. Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
US and India are – and should be – closely aligned in addressing the threat posed by an authoritarian party controlling the state of China.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the scope of India–United States (US) Defence and technology cooperation.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context regarding the growth of India-U.S relationship in the recent past.
Body:
In the first part, write about US is India’s most comprehensive strategic partner, and cooperation between the two extends across multiple areas such as trade, defence, multilateralism, intelligence, cyberspace, civil nuclear energy, education, and healthcare.
Next, write about the how defence and technology cooperation between the two countries can shape the geopolitical order. Mention the opportunities and limitations in the above.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
In recent times, India and USA have strengthened their defence partnership accounting to nearly $15 billion since 2014. The signing of BECA agreement during the 2+2 dialogue shows the strategic convergence of India and USA’s world view. This is especially true with a rising China that threatens to revise the world order.
Body:
The India–United States (US) defence and technology cooperation so far
Importance of cooperation
Conclusion:
India and the United States need a landmark defense deal to strengthen their defense ties, similar to the 2005 nuclear agreement, which marked a turning point in their overall bilateral relationship. Such a deal will demonstrate to India that the U.S is capable of being a strong ally as Russia has been. The defence partnership between India and USA must aim to ensure rules-based world order and to ensure security and peace against hegemonic tendencies.
Topic: Government Budgeting.
6. What do you understand by investment led growth? Critically examine the efficacy of capital expenditure programmes in India’s long-term growth prospects. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitaraman, said recently that India’s long-term growth prospects are embedded in public capital expenditure programmes. She added that an increase in public investment would crowd in (or pull in) private investment, thus reviving the economy.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the investment led growth and efficacy of capital expenditure programmes in reviving the economy of India.
Directive word:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to 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. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining investment led growth.
Body:
First, write about the various components of investment led growth.
Next, write about the positive impact the increased capital expenditure programmes will have on the economy of India – speedy and sustainable revival, crowding in private investment, boost to investment activity and support economic growth in the next year etc.
Next, write the downside of increased capital expenditure programmes – higher inflation, higher fiscal deficit etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to have a prudent increase in capital expenditure whilst adhering to fiscal limits of borrowing.
Introduction
Public investment-led economic growth has a respectable academic pedigree, and forms a credible strand of explanation for India’s post-Independence economic growth.
Recently, India’s Finance minister addressed third G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting. She said that India’s long-term growth prospects are embedded in public capital expenditure programmes. Thus there is a need to analyse trends in government’s investment policies and their impacts.
Body
Investment-led growth
Conclusion
The lack of domestic capacity for essential raw industrial materials and capital goods could prove costly. It will likely test India’s ability to withstand external economic challenges. With a depreciating currency and rising (imported) inflation, prospects of sustaining investment recovery are likely to get harder. The deficit on balance of payment is already well above policy makers’ comfort level of 2.5% of GDP.
Topic: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics – in private and public relationships.
7. From a critical assessment of A Theory of Justice by John Rawls. (150 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: plato.stanford.edu
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Philosophical Mondays’ in Mission-2023 Secure.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by describing the Rawl’s theory of justice.
Body:
Elaborate on Rawls developed a theory of justice based on social contract theory, holding that the natural state of human beings is freedom, not subjugation to a monarch, no matter how benign or well intentioned. Rawls’s theory views human beings as inherently good and, echoing Kant, inclined toward moral rectitude and action.
Next, write a critique that Rawls’s theory focuses primarily on the issue of distribution, because decisions made in ignorance can neither reward innovation and enterprise nor encourage risk.
Conclusion:
Complete by summarising.
Introduction
John Rawls was an American moral and political philosopher in the liberal tradition. Rawls’s theory of justice revolves around the adaptation of two fundamental principles of justice which would, in turn, guarantee a just and morally acceptable society. The first principle guarantees the right of each person to have the most extensive basic liberty compatible with the liberty of others. The second principle states that social and economic positions are to be to everyone’s advantage and open to all.
Body:
John Rawls theory of Social Justice guarantees a just and morally acceptable society:
Critical assessment
Conclusion:
His works have influenced famous thinkers like Amartya Sen, Thomas Nagel, Thomas Pogge etc. The concept of Social and Economic Justice is adopted in our Constitution in the form of Directive Principles of State Policy.
Value addition:
Basic principles of his theory:
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