Insights Secure – 2015
23 December 2014
Tomorrow’s Topics for GS-1: Themes in World History – Class XI – Chapters 8 – 11
General Studies – 1
Topic: NCERT Modern History (First Five Chapters)
1) “Social Reform in India did not ordinarily mean, as it did in the West, a reorganisation of the entire structure of society with a view to the alleviation of the conditions of the underprivileged; rather, it meant the infusion into the existing social structure of newer ways of life and modes of behaviour.” In the light of the statement critically comment on the statement and also explain which Western ideas influenced social reforms of the nineteenth century in India. (200 Words)
Topic: population and associated issues
2) What do you understand by replacement levels of fertility? Should India attain it? Explain why. (150 Words)
General Studies – 2
Topic: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein
3) Why some states are given special status by the Union government? Examine the criteria stipulated to get the special status and its benefits. Do you think this mechanism is antithetical to federalism? Comment. (200 Words)
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
4) The 70th report on the “Situation of Agricultural Households in India”, released by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO), reveals that much is wrong with Indian farmers’ economic status, despite several programmes being run by the government to raise their incomes. Critically comment on some of the highlights of this survey. (200 Words)
Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these
5) Can the incumbent government at the Centre pass an ordinance on a bill when the Parliament is session and when the bill in question is pending before the House? Does this ‘backdoor’ promulgation of ordinances on important bills bode well for democracy? Critically comment. (150 Words)
6) How does Constitution and the Supreme Court of India strives to correct the misbehaviour of judges? Critically examine. (150 Words)
General Studies – 3
Topic:Investment models; Industrial Policies
7) Both public and private investments in an economy act as engines of growth, but public investment has become more important in post – economic crises years. Examine why and also compare and contrast how public investment has fared well vis a vis private investment post liberalization period in India. (200 Words)
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy
8) If you are asked to suggest some measures to reform the coal and power sector, what would be your suggestion? Justify with examples. (150 Words)
9) The latest Census has revealed that only 28.5 per cent of households have reported LPG as their primary fuel for cooking, that too because of massive subsidy the government gives. Critically analyse if subsidies should be continued or not giving reasons. (200 Words)
General Studies – 4
Topic: moral and political attitudes
10) Your friend is arguing that all minority communities in India should be converted to the religion practised by the majority community in India. He argues that if uniformity exists, there will be unity in the country. He is trying to persuade you to accept his views.
Do you agree with his views? If not, how will you counter him? Critically comment. (150 Words)
