Mains Question:
Q1. India’s rural economy holds significant potential for economic growth, however, the growth comes with its set of challenges. Discuss the role of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in addressing these challenges in rural India. (250 words)
Approach
- Introduction- Rural development in India and fast-changing socio-economic condition
- Discuss some important challenges faced by rural economy
- Role of GIS technologies in addressing the challenges
- Significance of data in effective government planning
- Mention recent government schemes (SVAMITVA, liberalised geospatial policy)
- Conclusion
Q2. “The essential distinction between the concepts of 'public order' and 'law and order' is not in the nature or quality of the act but in the degree, potentiality and extent of its reach upon society." Comment. (150 words)
Approach
- Introduction- define 'law & order', 'public order'
- Distinguish between these two terms
- Discuss important observations made by SC and other courts
- Recent happening/incidents
- Conclusion
In the last two years, India has achieved the dubious distinction of becoming the country with the second-longest COVID-19 pandemic-linked school closure in the world — next only to Uganda. According to a United Nations report, it is an estimated 82 weeks, with some intermittent classes in between.
Causes of school closure in India
- Misinformation- One of the biggest reasons for continued school closure has been widespread misinformation. Unsubstantiated statements such as ‘the third wave would affect children’ made parents cautious about sending their kids to school.
- Government’s response-The Government’s response, at all levels, to the misinformation was delayed and arguably insufficient. Politicians in most States played to the gallery and used the opposition to re-open schools as an excuse to delay school reopening.
- Experience of 2nd Wave-The lived experience of citizens from the second COVID-19 wave in India — in which people had to fend for themselves. It dented the trust of the average citizen in the Government and its institutions.