Why is it in News ? Late last week, India abstained from a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution which called for condemning the Russian military action against Ukraine. Q What is India’s position on the Ukraine issue ? New Delhi has taken a subtle pro-Moscow position on the question of Russian attacks against Ukraine. A geopolitical necessity: India’s Russia tilt should be
Read moreRussia-Ukraine leads to inflation Q What is the context ? With the Russia-Ukraine conflict flaring into a war, global commodity prices, especially that of crude oil and gas, are likely to see a strong surge. This poses a challenge not only for India to contain inflationary pressures but also the world at large. Q What is the problem of rising
Read moreModel Answer Vaccines help prepare the body to fight foreign invaders (pathogens such as bacteria or viruses), to prevent infection. mRNA or messenger RNA is a new type of vaccine that uses a molecule called messenger RNA. Messenger RNA is a type of RNA that is necessary for protein production.mRNA vaccines work by introducing a piece of mRNA that corresponds to
Read moreModel Answer Answer: The India–Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has witnessed repeated ceasefire violations (CFVs) over the past decade. With degrading bilateral relations between India and Pakistan, CFVs have gone up exponentially. These CFVs have the potential not only to begin a crisis but also to escalate an ongoing one. Reasons behind the ceasefire violations at LoC: To
Read moreModel Answer WHO is a specialized agency of UN responsible for international public health. The objective of the Organization is to ensure the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the controversies associated with it have raised questions about the credibility of WHO as a global health leader. WHO: failed to
Read moreModel Answer Space debris are artificial material that is orbiting Earth but is no longer functional.These include derelict spacecraft, fragmentation debris from the breakup of derelict rocket bodies, solidified liquids expelled from spacecraft, unburned particles from solid rocket motors, etc. Problem: 7,500 tonnes:The estimated amount of defunct, artificially created objects that are currently in space. It threatens both crewed and uncrewed spaceflight. 28,000 kph:The
Read moreModel Answer Ecological succession is the steady and gradual change in a species of a given area with respect to the changing environment. The succession moves towards achieving an equilibrium in the environment. In some environments, succession reaches a climax, which produces a stable community dominated by a small number of prominent species. This state of equilibrium, called the “climax community”. Ecologists have
Read moreModel Answer India-Nepal relations are based on multidimensional linkages. Acknowledging each other’s importance, both countries have described the relationship as ‘special’ on various occasions. However, the India-Nepal bilateral relationship is currently at its lowest ebb due to anti-India sentiments in Nepal, in reaction to the perceived political interference by India. Importance: People to people contact: Open border system (bordering 5 India
Read moreModel Answer Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) was launched by Gandhiji in 1930 on the issue of defiance of repressive salt law. It continued till 1934 and left and indelible mark on the Indian National Movement. How CDM was a step ahead of Non Cooperation movement (NCM) :- The philosophy behind CDM was not just non-cooperation with the British government, but
Read moreModel Answer The president can declare a national emergency under article 352, when the security of India or a part of it is threatened by war or external aggression or armed rebellion. The normal fabric of the Centre-state relations undergoes a basic change during national emergency. Effect on Centre-state relations Executive In normal times, the Centre state can give executive
Read moreModel Answer Fiscal Consolidation refers to the policies undertaken by Governments (national and sub-national levels) to reduce their deficits and accumulation of debt stock. Thus, it is a process where government’s fiscal health is getting improved and is indicated by reduced fiscal deficit. Improved tax revenue realization and better aligned expenditure are the components of fiscal consolidation as the fiscal deficit
Read moreModel Answer India-Nepal relations are based on multidimensional linkages. Acknowledging each other’s importance, both countries have described the relationship as ‘special’ on various occasions. However, the India-Nepal bilateral relationship is currently at its lowest ebb due to anti-India sentiments in Nepal, in reaction to the perceived political interference by India. Importance: People to people contact: Open border system (bordering 5 India
Read moreIn News: On Wednesday, May 26 — Buddha Jayanti, Buddha Purnima, or Vesak — India’s largest statue of the Reclining Buddha was to have been installed at the Buddha International Welfare Mission temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. The ceremony has been postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions. About the Reclining Buddha: A reclining Buddha is an image that represents Buddha lying
Read moreModel Answer The Green Revolution in India began in the mid-1960s marking a transition from traditional agriculture in India and the introduction of high-yielding varieties of seeds and the associated agricultural techniques. The Main achievements of the Green Revolution are: Increase in Agricultural Production and productivity: The production and productivity of wheat, rice, maize and bajra has substantially increased. Less Dependence
Read moreModel Answer Fires are a major cause of forest degradation and have wide ranging adverse ecological, economic and social impacts including: Effects of forest fire: Loss of valuable timber resources: Forest fires cause indispensable loss to timber and deteriorate its quality. Valuable timber species like teak, sal, chir, deodar, sheesam, rosewood etc. are adversely affected by fire. However, the adhesive impact
Read moreModel Answer Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the ability of machines to learn and reason through analogy, analyze, interpret information, recognize speech, visual perception and take decisions. In other words, AI is application of human intelligence by the machines. Benefits of AI Contribution to Economy: The NITI Aayog estimates that AI could potentially give 15% boost to the gross value added (GVA)
Read moreModel Answer Budgets are key documents since they lay out a government’s priorities in terms of policies and programs. Opening up budgets and democratizing the budget process gives citizens a say in policy formulation and resource allocation. Budget transparency refers to the extent and ease with which citizens can access information about and provide feedback on government revenues, allocations, and
Read moreModel Answer APEC was established in 1989 as an intergovernmental platform for 21 Pacific Rim member economies to promote free-trade in the region. The grouping is facing the heat of unilateralism and protectionism. Competition and divergence in the form of US-China tensions was on full display at the 2018 APEC summit As a result, a debate pertaining to the question of the forum’s
Read moreModel Answer Indian freedom struggle was not only a political agitation for freedom but also an inclusive movement that included various sections of the society. The process of inclusion only intensified with the multidimensional role of women with renewed vigour after the arrival of Mahatma Gandhi. Role of Women in Indian Freedom Struggle – Earliest examples – Right from the revolt
Read moreApproach: Introduce with globalization List the multifaceted opportunities craeted for working women as a result of globalization. Mention the new challenges as well the women workers had to face. Conclude with measures to overcome the challenges Model Answer Globalization is the process of the cultural, social and economic integration of a country with the rest of the world through
Read moreModel Answer Structure of the answer: Meaning of volcano Mechanism and causes for its formation Distribution of volcano (with the help of data) Conclusion Volcanos or vulcanism comprises of all phenomena connected with movement of heated material from interior/mantle towards the earth surface. The volcano may be “active volcano” like Mount Etna or “dormant volcano” like Mount Vesuvius or Extinct volcano that have no indication of future eruption. Volcanos are
Read moreStructure of the answer: Introduction (India being indestructible but State destructible) Background Reorganization of the state under Article 3 Final analysis Model Answer India has been called as “indestructible union” by Dr.B.R. Ambedkar as no Indian state can secede from the Indian union as in the case of confederation or loosely held federation. But on the other hand there is situation of destructible nature of
Read moreStructure of the answer: Background Introduction (about IBC) Positive impact of IBC Lacunas Suggestion and way forward Model Answer Before the passing of IBC it took an average of 4.3 years to resolve insolvency and recovery rate was 25.9% as compared to developed countries where recovery rate was 72%. The salient features are: Consolidation of various laws on insolvency. The resolution process has to be
Read moreModel Answer The press was fiercely involved in rallying the masses and newspapers acted as the life breath of nationalistic rebellion. Inevitably, the British government became increasingly apprehensive and several acts were passed to curb the freedom of press. Major regulations enacted by the British rulers were: The Press Act of 1799: It imposed war time press restrictions. Which included pre-censorship,
Read moreStructure of the answer: Introduction (using data) Positive impact of FDI Negative impact of FDI Measures to increase FDI in India Model Answer FDI is an investment made by a firm or an individual into business interest located in other countries. Unlike, portfolio investment the investor in FDI acquire foreign business asset, ownership or controlling interest in foreign company. FDI equity inflow
Read moreStructure of the answer: Introduction Types of ecological succession Significance of ecological succession Way forward Model Answer Ecological succession is the steady and gradual change in a species of a given area with respect to the changing environment. The ultimate aim of this process is to reach equilibrium in the ecosystem. The community that achieves this aim is called a climax community. Further, in
Read moreStructure of the answer: Introduction (regionalism) Factors responsible for regionalism Types of regionalism Conclusion/ way forward Model Answer Regionalism is a strong attachment to one’s own region. Thus, it is an ideology that seek to advance cause of a region. The rise of regionalism in India is a result of various factors: Historically, formation of various regional kingdoms and frequent regional wars
Read moreStructure of the answer: Introduction Features of tropical cyclone Factors contributing in formation of cyclones Difference between tropical and extra tropical cyclones Conclusion Model Answer Cyclone is an intense vortex or a whirl in the atmosphere with very strong winds circulating around it in anti-clockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere and in clockwise direction in the Southern Hemisphere. For Ex- Cyclone Titli Some of the special characteristics of
Read moreStructure of the answer: Introduction (Blue economy) Ocean as the source for various resources Importance of blue economy Final analysis Model Answer The concept of blue economy was given by Gunter Pauli. It is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs and ocean ecosystem health. Thus, it advocates the greening of ocean development for purposes of higher
Read moreStructure of the answer: Introduction (Article 368) Different types of amendment process Reflection of rigidity and flexibility Way forward Model Answer The nature of the amending process envisaged by the makers of our Constitution has been explained by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru as reconciliation of a written Constitution with Parliamentary Sovereignty. Article 368 (Part XX) of the Constitution deals with the power of Parliament to
Read moreStructure of the answer: Introduction (about WTO) Challenges faced by WTO Relevance of WTO Reform in functioning of WTO Model Answer WTO was set up under Marrakesh Treaty (1994) and as an organization aim to improve living standards, generate employment, and expand global trade. However, in recent years WTO is facing challenges on various counts such as: Consensus based rule making has become a
Read moreStructure of the answer: Introduction Significant features High level of sophistication Decline of Harappan civilisation Model Answer The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), also known as Harappan Civilization flourished around 2,500 BC in the western part of South Asia. The Harappan culture was distinguished by its system of town planning. Significant features of the Harappan town planning are as follows: Division of city into the Citadel e. mound built
Read moreStructure of the answer: Introduction (drain of wealth) Estimate of drain of wealth Constituent of economic drain Consequences Final analysis Model Answer The constant flow of wealth from India to England for which India did not get an adequate economic, commercial or material return has been described as drain of wealth from India. Dadabhai Naoroji gave ‘drain of wealth theory’ in his book ‘Poverty
Read moreStructure of the answer: Introduction Various peasant movement in British era Impact of peasant movement on freedom struggle Conclusion Model Answer Peasant movement in India arose due to Britishers economic policies that resulted in the change of ownership of agrarian land, massive debt burden and impoverishment of peasantry. Thus, the peasants rose in revolt against this injustice on many occasions. Some of
Read moreStructure of the answer: Introduction Rise of e-waste and issues relating to it Challenges posed by it Measures to handle such an issue Final analysis Model Answer Electronic waste/ e-waste is a term used for electronic products that have become unwanted, obsolete and have reached the end of their useful life. India generates near about 2 million metric tonne of e-waste annually and
Read moreStructure of the answer: Introduction Deficiencies in the MSP system Importance of price deficiency payment system Final analysis Model Answer MSP is the base price set by the Government and whenever the market prices fall below the announced MSPs, procurement agencies step in to procure the crop at the support price. In India, the MSP are recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Cost and
Read moreModel Answer The American Revolution of 1776 had transformed not only the America but also the Europe and other parts of the world. Its direct and indirect influences were felt worldwide in the time to come. The impact of the American Revolution was as follows: Ideological impact: The ideas of liberty, equality, fraternity were popularized all over the world as a result
Read moreStructure of the answer: Introduction Reason for averseness to the use of nuclear energy Positive things in relation to use of nuclear energy Conclusion Model Answer Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam described nuclear power as a gateway to a prosperous future. However, World Nuclear Association has reported that nuclear electricity generation in 2017 was at its lowest level since 1999. Even, Germany has decided to close
Read moreApproach: Explain the concept of Emotional Intelligence(EI) and discuss its components Highlight the significance and importance of EI for civil servants. Discuss the ways to develop EI among civil servants. Model Answer Emotional Intelligence (EI) refers to the capability of a person to recognize, understand and manage own emotions, as well as to understand, manage and influence emotions of others.
Read moreModel Answer The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 were the two phases of a single revolution where due to the prevailing widespread discontent, Lenin overthrew Kerensky’s government with the help of his revolutionary Red Guard on the night of 6th and 7th November 1917 and declared Russia as a communist nation. Other significant achievements of the Bolshevik revolution are as follows:
Read moreStructure of the answer: Introduction Measures taken by government Suggestion Way forward Model Answer The government has set a target of doubling farmers’ income by 2022 to overcome the distressed situation of agriculture. The situation was evident after large scale farmer’s protest in various parts of India. The reorientation of strategy was needed due to following reasons: Earlier strategy focused primarily
Read moreApproach: Briefly discuss about the social reform movements in India. Discuss the contribution of various socio-cultural reformers in the 19th and 20th centuries. Model Answer Indian Society in the 19th century was caught in a vicious web created by religious superstitions and dogmas. All religions in general and Hinduism in particular had become a compound of magic, animism, and superstitions.
Read moreApproach: Briefly write about Right to Education (RTE) Act 2009 and its current status. Discuss the challenges faced at primary level of Education in India. Discuss the major reforms suggested at primary level in the recent draft education policy 2019. Model Answer With 86th amendment, education was made fundamental rights of the citizen under Article 21(a). Right to education act 2009
Read moreModel Answer India is going to be possibly the first country in the world to implement a SSR Policy on the lines of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Under the proposed policy, individual scientists or knowledge workers will be required to devote at least 10 person-days of SSR per year for exchanging scientific knowledge to society. Objectives The main objective of
Read moreModel Answer India adopted federal form of governance where the states are represented through the Upper House. Except Money Bills, Upper House plays an important role in the law making process in the country. It also plays the role of counsel to states; however, some experts are of the view that this House should be abolished as it is not serving
Read moreStructure of the answer: Introduction Justifying the statement Steps to improve ethical competence among civil servant Conclusion Model Answer With great power comes great responsibility. Civil servants have to ensure proper utilisation, appropriation and allocation of funds. The decisions undertaken by the Civil Servant impact large number of individuals and society as a whole. Moreover, it also has an impact on
Read moreApproach: Introduce the Chola bronze art – why it is considered as the high stage of development Divide the answer into subparts – patronage, religious purpose, technology, and iconography Also mention various examples to substantiate the points Within the subparts, try to trace the chronological development. Model Answer The Chola period is well known for the aesthetic and technical finesse
Read moreStructure of the answer: Introduction Causes of floods Steps to mitigate vulnerability Conclusion Model Answer Flood is a state of higher water level along a river channel or on coast leading to inundation of land that is not normally submerge. In India, 40 million hectares out of a geographical area of 3290 lakh hectares is prone to floods. Moreover, every year, 1600 lives are lost
Read moreModel Answer World War-I has its roots in the assassination of a prince. On 28 June 1914, Archduke Francis Ferdinand, the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary was assassinated by a Serbian terrorist at Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia. Austria saw the hands of Serbia behind this and served Serbia an ultimatum. Serbia refused to accept one of the demands
Read moreApproach: Start introduction mentioning the challenges in public service delivery. Define Citizen’s Charter stating its importance and it components. Discuss the limitation in implementation of Citizen’s Charter. Discuss the measures to ensure its effective implementation. Model Answer The public service delivery of India faced a problem of bureaucratic corruption and delays. The government functioned in a very opaque and unaccountable manner. There existed a
Read moreStructure of the answer: Introduction Steps needed for unemployment Steps taken by the government Way forward Model Answer Unemployment is a situation where person is capable of working both physically and mentally at the existing wage rate, but does not get a job to work. As per the recent statistics unemployment rate in India rose to 7.2% in 2019. Unemployment represent itself
Read moreStructure of the answer: Introduction Difference between Himalayan and Peninsular river system Importance of river system in India Conclusion Model Answer Rivers are considered as the lifelines of a country as they provide the most valuable thing for the survival i.e. water. The rivers in India can be broadly categorized into two different categories based on their origin: the Himalayan Rivers and the Peninsular
Read moreStructure of the answer: Introduction Causes of malnutrition in India Measures to overcome Conclusion Model Answer Malnutrition is a physical state that includes undernutrition (wasting, stunting, underweight), inadequate vitamins or minerals, overweight, obesity, and resulting diet-related non-communicable diseases. As per Reports 31.4% of children are malnourished. The factors contributing to malnutrition are as follows: Despite increase in food grain production access to rice, wheat
Read moreStructure of the answer: Introduction Safety valve theory/ Britisher’s intention on formation of INC Use of INC by Indians for propagating nationalist interest Conclusion Model Answer There is wide spread belief that reason behind the formation of INC was safety valve theory i.e. Britishers wanted to pacify the raising discontent among Indian masses through INC. The discontent among Indians was due to issues like
Read moreApproach: Briefly discuss about the code of ethics and the code of conduct. Differentiate between the given terms. Substantiate your answer with relevant examples. Model Answer Code of ethics and code of conduct specify the ethical standards that a group (e.g., staff or a professional group) should follow in order to continue as a member of the group. They are
Read moreApproach: Explain the meaning of climate forcing and related phenomenon with relevant examples. Discuss various natural and anthropogenic causes of climate change. Conclude the answer, as per the context. Model Answer Any external factor that originates from outside the climate system and can become a cause of climate change is called Climate Forcing. These factors are specifically known as forcings
Read moreApproach: Briefly write about the constitutional process of formation of Legislative Council. Discuss both the arguments: favour and against the existence of Legislative council. Write the final conclusion mentioning what should be the way forward. Model Answer Legislative councils of state are created under Article 169 of the Constitution. Parliament may by law create or abolish the second chamber in a state if
Read moreApproach: Brief introduction about suburbanisation phenomenon in most urbanising countries. Enumerating the reasons why it is occurring at a relatively early stage of India’s urban development. Highlight the challenges it is creating for Indian cities and suggest ways forward. Model Answer A 2013 World Bank report, “Urbanization beyond Municipal Boundaries”, found that suburban areas (or Suburbs) are generating higher economic
Read moreApproach: Write about the prevailing conditions after independence in the introduction. Mention how it created challenges for India- both external and internal. Conclude by mentioning India’s democratic credentials which helped India to survive as a nation. Model Answer 15th August 1947 marked the end of colonial rule in India and the country found itself standing on the threshold of a
Read more1) What is the economics behind e-vehicle batteries? What is the economics behind e-vehicle batteries? 2) Who are the 19 lakh excluded from Assam NRC, and what next for them? Who are the 19 lakh excluded from Assam NRC, and what next for them? 3)Science for disaster management Editorial 31st Aug’19 TimesOfIndia Science for disaster management Editorial 31st Aug’19 TimesOfIndia
Read moreHeadline : Explained: The new debate on defence funding Details : In News The Union Cabinet has amended the terms of reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission (FC) to widen their scope. Through the change, the government has requested the FC to look into the possibility of a separate mechanism for the funding of defence and internal security. Finance
Read moreHeadline : Why the attack in Gadchiroli is significant? Details : The News The Maoist attack in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district led to the death of 15 Police personnel. Background This attack in Gadchiroli is another significant event in the long history of Maoist violencein Gadchiroli, where the naxal movement began in 1980. This district has been the hot-bed of naxal
Read moreMust Read, Nothing Required. 0. Syllabus+ Past Papers 1. Polity- Laxmikant, 11th NCERT 2. Geography – 11th or 12th NCERT + World ATLAS 3. History- TN NCERT/ OLD NCERT/ THEMES + Spectrum 4. Art and Culture- 11th- Introduction to Arts 5. Environment – Shankar IAS 6. Economy – Sanjiv Verma + Reddy Sir Notes + Eco Survey (Crux) 7. Newspaper
Read moreBorder management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and long and porous borders with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective management of India-Bangladesh border. (15 marks) Approach Introduce with the India-Bangladesh border Enumerate various issues along the border List steps taken by Government to address them – make sure to highlight the recent CIBMS and BOLD-QIT
Read moreWhat do you understand by the term ‘sustainable agriculture’? Suggest strategies to make agriculture in India sustainable. (10 marks) Approach: Introduce explaining about sustainable agriculture Suggest various strategies like appropriate production systems, ZBNF etc. Conclude appropriately Model Answer : Sustainable agriculture is that form of agriculture which attempts to produce sufficient food to meet the needs of the present without
Read moreProactive policing Security forces are no longer reactive. Example of Gariaband region in Chhattisgarh: When the Maoists decided to deepen their roots into Gariaband, the State government notified this division as a new district (in 2012). This gave a fillip to development work. Many new police stations and security camps were set up to prevent any major Maoist attack. The cadre
Read moreApproach: ● Introduce with what gender violence is ● Talk about various forms of violence – preferably under different categories ● Talk about the causes – can break it into various categories. ● Discuss aspects of women development that get affected by gender violence ● Conclude by summarizing and giving brief suggestions to end gender violence. Answer: Gender based violence
Read moreEffects of Globalization on Indian Culture Globalisation has affected what we eat and the way we prepare food (Mcdonaldization), what we wear , purchase etc( Walmartization). There is trend toward homogenization of culture with similar food habits, dressing pattern, music, news , TV programs, movies etc. However, there is also increasing tendency toward Glocalization of Culture. Glocalization refers to mixing
Read moreWhat is a missile? A missile is essentially a sophisticated bomb which after being released is governed by the laws of ballistics. The laws of ballistics means only the force of gravity acts upon it. It can be made more accurate and faster by attaching a propulsion system to the bomb and then it is called a rocket. If guided
Read moreAir to air refuelling It is also known as Aerial refuelling, air refuelling, in-flight refuelling and tanking. It is the process of transferring aviation fuel from one military aircraft to another during flight. During air-to-air refuelling, both aircraft must maintain accurate flying parameters. The two main refuelling systems are: Probe-and-drogue: It requires exceptional flying skills as the receiving aircraft has to
Read more“Being the centers of concentration of the industrial proletariat, urban areas play an important part within the political strategy of the new Democratic Revolution”. Examine this statement in the light of rising Maoist activity in the urban areas and why is it essential to keep a close watch on Maoist activities in towns and cities? Approach: Introduce the first
Read moreHow is atomic bomb different from hydrogen bomb? A hydrogen bomb, also called a thermonuclear bomb or an H-bomb. It is far more powerful than the relatively simple atomic weapons. It uses a second stage of reactions to magnify the force of an atomic explosion. The second stage is fusion. Fusion is mashing hydrogen atoms together in the same process
Read moreInternal security is the security of country within its borders. Maintenance of peace and law and order. Upholding sovereignty of country within its borders. Responsibility of Police and state government and Ministry of Home affairs. External Security is security against aggression by a foreign country. Responsibility of armed forces and Ministry of Defense . Four Kinds of threats to any state as
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