GS1 (Indian freedom struggle)

What was the strategy of Indian capitalists w.r.t the Indian freedom struggle? Contrast this strategy with that of the communists and socialists.

Demand – What was the relationship of the Indian capitalists with the Indian freedom struggle?

Approach –

– Who were the Indian capitalists? Were they pro or anti-freedom struggle? (3 marks)

– What kind of support did they provide? (3.5 marks)

– What was the communist’s and socialist’s strategy? (3.5 marks)

GS2 (India’s neighbourhood)

China’s rising influence in India’s neighbourhood requires India to play a more active role in South Asia. Discuss the statement in the context of the ‘One Belt, One Road’ (OBOR) initiative.

Demand – How and why should India act to contain China’s rising influence in South Asia.

Approach –

– Explain the OBOR initiative. (3 marks)

– What are its instances in South Asia? How is Chinese influence increasing in South Asia? (3.5 marks)

– Should India be concerned? How can it counteract it? (3.5 marks)

GS3 (Disaster management)

How has the use of science and technology facilitated disaster prevention planning?

Demand – Discuss how science and technology help in disaster prevention planning.

Approach –

– What is disaster prevention planning? (4 marks)

– How does science and technology help (e.g. building earthquake proof buildings)? (6 marks)

GS4 (Case study)

You are a government official responsible for looking into Right to Education Act violations in your district. You come to know of a man who has beaten his daughter for not taking her 10^th class exams. After beating her, he took her to the exam hall. Such corporal punishment is a punishable offence with a 3 month jail term. In the investigation the farmer says that he does not want his children to live in poverty like him. If you send him to jail he says that his family will face severe hardships. What are your options? Evaluate each option, and choose the one you will implement.

Demand and Approach – No hints in case studies!