[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 08 March 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
General Studies – 1
Topic: Political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society; The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country
Why this question?
Lenin’s statue was toppled in Tripura recently. It gives us an opportunity to learn his influence on Indian revolutionaries. It’s also better to learn differences between Leninism and Marxism as these are directly related to GS-1 topics.
Key demand of the question:
It’s a direct question. First write Lenin’s influence on Indian revolutionaries and then differentiate between marxism and Leninism. Give equal weightage to both parts.
Directive Word:
Briefly Discuss– In a concise manner discuss differences in various aspects of both political philosophies.
First part is a direct question.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction, in 2-3 lines write about larger influence of communism and personalities like Lenin on the Indian National movement. Write a line on current affair too (this line should have a message – Example, recent toppling of Lenin’s statue show existing fault-lines between India’s rightist and leftist forces)
In the body, there should be TWO main parts: One to write about Lenin’s influence. In series of points, write this part. In the second part, in a table format, write differences with examples.
In the conclusion, write that clashes between various political philosophies should not be violent and they should be fought at ideological level. Also write why Lenin remains an ideological force even today.
Related Question Here
Tip: In history answers, write names of personalities, events, places without fail wherever they are necessary.
Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
Why this question?
Some idiots have vandalised statue of Periyar in Tamil Nadu. Hence, indirectly this question is asked about his role in two important events in India’s history.
Key demand of the question:
Write significance of these two events. You should also write brief background, but more than 70 percent of answer should be devoted to discussing significance (including role of Periyar and others).
Directive Word:
Discuss– Examine significance of these two events and their influence on various aspects. Discuss the role of important personalities too.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction, write how modern India is shaped by past events such as those given in the question. Also link with current affair.
Before writing the significance, briefly write why and where these movements took place.
In the body there should be TWO mains parts: One to discuss Vaikom Satyagraha’s significance. Second one for Self Respect Movement. Write in point-format.
Another way to divide answer is to identify broad significance of both events and discuss them under these categories (For ex – Ideological significance, National Impact, Upliftment of oppressed castes/classes etc)
In the conclusion, write relevance of larger message of these movements even today.
Related question: Here
General Studies – 2
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Why this question?
It’s in news. Important for Mains.
Key demand of the question:
Direct question – discuss how deepening nautical relationship benefit both India and France.
Directive Word:
Discuss: Discuss various dimensions of the benefits of deeper nautical relationship
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction write 2-3 lines why there is a need for India to engage deeply with France in the Indian Ocean region, and how it’s mutually beneficial.
In a small paragraph, briefly write background of nautical agreement.
In the body, divide answer into 4-5 broad dimensions: Security, Trade etc. Within them write 1-2 points on how India and France get benefited. Make sure, you also write negative side wherever it’s applicable.
In the conclusion, write in 1-2 lines about need for India to weigh in cost – benefits before going for such a partnerships.
Related question: Here
General Studies – 3
Topic: Basics of cyber security
Why this question?
Cyber Warfare is an important topic. Important for Mains.
Key demand of the question:
Why and how India should prepare for cyber warfare. Remember it’s Warfare related question and not a general question on cyber security.
Directive Word:
Examine: Write relevant facts and information as demanded by the question. If any opinions are there, quote them as expert’s opinions.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction write how India might face cyber warfare threats from assertive China and how it’s not ready to face such a war.
Write definition of cyber warfare and its components.
In the body, in TWO Mains parts, examine why and how India should prepare for cyber warfare. Give good examples. Highlight China angle.
In the conclusion, write about the need for preventing such wars through good preparedness.
Related question, Here, Here, Here,
General Studies – 4
Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators
5) Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower. Illustrate with examples.(150 Words)
Why this question?
Statement based question frequently asked in GS-4.
Key demand of the question:
First decipher the meaning of this statement and then illustrate it with examples.
Directive Word:
Illustrate: Explaining a concept/meaning through examples.
Structure of Answer:
Write a general introduction highlighting how good leaders have transformed our world/institutions through innovations.
Then explain the meaning of the statement. Write significance of innovation.
With minimum TWO examples – from real world, illustrate meaning of the statement. Try to find unique examples. Almost everyone gives examples of Gandhiji. If you want to give same example, give a specific incident from his life that’s relevant to question.
In the conclusion write why innovation is key to development.
Other IMPORTANT issues that are NOT covered Today in Secure:
- Why China is winning India’s Neighbours
- Rooftop Solar Power
- Wetlands – Significance in Urban regions
- Neighbourhood First Policy
- Partition of India – Who’s Guilty?
