[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 19 February 2018
Click on EACH question to post/upload you answers.
How to Follow Secure Initiative?
LIST of TOPICS (Static)
General Studies – 1
Topic: Art and culture; Features of Indian society
Why this question?
This question has contemporary relevance in the light of ongoing Dalit, Hindutva issues. This question also introduces you to the concept of Brahmanism (different from Brahminism).
Key demand of the question:
Comparison of Brahmanism and Buddhism with more emphasis on their effects on society (don’t focus too much on their philosophy and forms)
Directive Word:
Analyse – you should divide body of your answer into Parts – like, impact of these two ideologies on Caste, Occupation, Structure of society etc (use your ingenuity to divide answer into parts based on your understanding)
Structure of Answer:
-Introduction should give hint about their contrasting effect on society
-Body should have parts – 4-5 as mentioned above. Each part must have example.
-You can discuss both Brahmanism and Buddhism within one part (like in Caste) rather than dividing your answer into Brahmanism and Buddhism parts.
-Conclusion – see if you can relate to contemporary divisions in the Indian society and give an insight or new perspective here.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
Why this question?
In the light of series of scams and also misuse/misallocation of funds, financial oversight by both the Parliament and other regulatory bodies is an extremely important topic for Mains-2018.
Key demand of the question:
It’s a factual question with two demands: First, to check your understanding of Parliamentary mechanism (strengths and weaknesses) that keeps a vigil on government’s financial activities and your knowledge; secondly your grasp of concepts based on which you should make suggestions to strengthen parliamentary oversight on finances.
Directive Word:
There are two directives: Analyse and Examine.
In the first of the answer, there should be 2-3 parts (budget process, committees oversights etc) where you need to provide concept and fact. (Analyse)
In the second part, you may not divide your answer into parts – instead write 4-5 points i.e. your suggestions. make sure there are examples. (Examine is basically presenting facts as they are).
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction you should write about one line each on financial oversight and suggestion. Don’t write background etc.
As discussed above, body should have Two Parts and within First part, there should be 2-3 sub-parts. In the second part of the body, 4-5 points with examples should be there.
In the conclusion, write about recent incident of scam that has taken place due to weakness in financial oversight and how important are your suggestions to prevent such scams.
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,
Why this question?
AYUSH doctors controversy and deteriorating state of public health especially in rural regions demands in-depth understanding of various ways through which public health can be strengthened
Key demand of the question:
Wh’s LMP and your opinion whether LMP would address shortage of doctors in rural areas
Directive Word:
Comment: Your opinion – your stance is needed. It should be based on facts and analysis of merits and demerits of LMPs.
Structure of Answer:
In introduction, give your opinion – whether LMP is a good solution or not.
In the body, either you can divide your answer into small paragraphs or points – where you need to weigh in merits of each aspect of LMP and register your opinion (for ex. first point can discuss about training and qualification of LMP)
In the conclusion, while reiterating your core argument, you can suggest additional measures to strengthen rural health.
Topic: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act
Why this question?
As we go on facing elections this and next year, issue of electoral reforms will always be at forefront. It is good to have all SC verdicts in one place – which can help in essay as well. This issue is very important for mains – 2018.
Key demand of the question:
Analysing all electoral reform related verdicts of SC and highlighting their significance.
Directive Word:
Analyse – divide answer into parts i.e. categories (for ex, Funding, Campaigning, Criminalisation etc)
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction write about significance of SC’s verdicts and significance of SC as an institution in preserving sanctity of democracy in India
In the body, as said above divide answer into 4-5 parts based on focus of each SC verdict. Give examples/facts for each part.
In the conclusion, write about need for other institutions, EC, Political parties and the parliament to step-up to reform electoral process in India.
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Why this question?
Question on ‘Act East’ policy could be asked due to recent ASEAN summit. This issue should be covered from trade and security angle in detail. This article covers security aspect.
Key demand of the question:
Collaboration of India in the realm of Maritime security with east Asian countries – either bilaterally or collectively is key to strengthening India’s Act East policy. Also to counter China in the region.
Directive Word:
Comment: Register your opinion whether India has means and ability to strengthen Act East policy relying on maritime security alliances.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction, take a stand – it can be different based on your understanding of the issue.
In the body, in 4-5 points (or small paragraphs) cover each aspect of maritime cooperation – natural strength of India in the region, China factor, Quad factor, etc.
In the conclusion, reiterate your opinion with a positive or hopeful message that recent ASEAN summit gives impetus to deepening of India’s engagement in SE region.
(link with current affairs wherever possible)
General Studies – 3
Topic: Agriculture pricing; Marketing
Why this question?
Operation Greens will be a possible question this year. Especially when agri sector is reeling under distress and seeing low growth, this new initiative is very important.
Key demand of the question:
Compare with Operation Flood and suggest if Operation Greens can be made a viable and successful initiative to address fluctuating agri prices thereby doubling farmers income.
Directive Word:
Discuss: When you are asked to discuss, you should focus on all important dimensions of the issue. More like analysis, but you can give suggestions even if it’s not asked (that Way Forward thing)
Structure of Answer:
In the intro, be positive and write that Operation Greens if implemented like Operation Floods, will be a boon (Use your creativity to come up with catchy intro). Again, don’t write background info on Operation Flood or Green Revolution here.
In the body, divide your answer into parts: Brief points about reasons for success of Operation Flood; What lessons should Operation Greens implement – forward and backward linkages – markets, storage etc; Suggestions if any (again, try to be individualistic in dividing your answer)
In the conclusion, talk about agri distress and say why Operation Greens can be one of many interventions towards addressing this distress.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values
Why this question?
This is more important for Interview and also for you to be aware of dangers of restrictions and coercive measures which can endanger free thinking. You may use this argument in essay also (an essay topic can be made out of this issue as well )
Key demand of the question:
Argue that academic autonomy and heterogeneity are threatened by coercive measures such as strict attendance because of assault on free thinking and right to choice.
Directive Word:
Comment: A clear opinion on the issue should be registered. DOn’t try to balance your answer by writing positives and negatives.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction, write your stand.In the body, in paragraph format (not in point format), argue in each paragraph why forcing compulsory attendance is regressive measure. Bring of rights, duties, values related issues in your arguments. Make sure answer is confined to ethics framework.In the conclusion, show caution that such measures can set precedent for more regressive policies in other institutions.
