[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 10 March 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
General Studies – 1
Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent);
Why this question?
Water security is an important issue to be learnt in depth from both GS and Essay point of view.
Key demand of the question:
Write on usage pattern of water in Indian cities (note the word cities) and about India’s readiness – i.e. preparedness to tackle water shortages in cities (Mechanisms/policies/plans we have in place). Give equal weightage to both parts.
Directive Word:
Discuss– Examine important dimensions related to two main parts of the questions. In the second part, you can comment too.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction, quote a recent report and highlight how bad is water situation in Indian cities. Write a line on indiscriminate usage of water and government’s apathy towards this.
In the body, as per question’s demand there are TWO main parts. Within each parts, identify 3-4 dimensions and write related points for them. Data and facts are important for this answer. You can give a brief case study of a city (Bangalore, Mumbai or Delhi) for the whole answer.
Briefly write few solutions too.
In the conclusion, write about the need for having sense of urgency in dealing with impending water crisis.
Related Question Here, Here, Here(Editorial)
Tip: Collect latest data for important issues and try to remember few of them to use in answers.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Indian constitution – salient features; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections
Why this question?
This issue is given a final shape in terms of guidelines by the SC. Ethically and constitutionally an important issue. Important for Mains.
Key demand of the question:
You should analyse why right to dignified life also means right to dignified death. Drawing from various rights related observations made by the SC (liberty, dignity, consent, autonomy, right to refuse etc), analyse each aspect in the light of the statement.
Directive Word:
Analyse: As mentioned above, divide answer into parts and examine each aspect within the demand of the question.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction write about importance of having guidelines in absence of a related law.
Define active and passive euthanasia (to let know examiner that your concepts are clear)
In the body, divide answer into 4-5 key aspects of this issue(as mentioned above). Within each write about SC observation and their implications. You should also write significance of these guidelines. Give facts related to the Law Commission, past cases etc.
In the conclusion, write in 1-2 lines about challenges involved in granting special status.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Agriculture issues
Why this question?
Though it’s a narrow issue, the Bill has wide implications. Moreover, farmers are opposing the Bill on many grounds. Important for Mains.
Key demand of the question:
Write features and important issues. Give more weightage to issues part.
Directive Word:
Analyse: Divide answer into various parts within Mains parts (as demanded by the question) and examine/comment on relevant information.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction write about the need for protecting interest of both farmers and environment in any policy formulation. Write a line on key issue that this draft Bill poses to various stakeholders.
In the body, there should be TWO mains part: One for features – here, you can categorise points as regulation, manufacture, liability etc. In the Second part, write about the issues – key concerns or objections etc.
In the conclusion, write about the need for taking on board interests of various stakeholders before passing this Bill.
Topic: Food security; Agriculture
4) Discuss why biodiversity is important for food security. (250 Words)
Why this question?
Very good concept to learn and apply in answers related to food security/biodiversity. Also very important for Essay.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss why food biodiversity is important for food security. Also write from both Indian and global perspective.
Directive Word:
Discuss: Write major dimensions – genetic diversity, role of animals and plants in food security, soil, marine, etc
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction write in 1-2 lines about linkages that exist between man’s survival and biodiversity around him.
Define biodiversity and food security.
In the body, there should be at least 4-5 parts: as mentioned above. Also write few challenges and consequences (of harming either one of them) Give ample facts – institutions/conventions/stats/studies etc. Write about India’s situation too(loss of biodiversity in some regions and how they have impacted agriculture/food production)
In the conclusion, write India’s perspective on this issue (huge population – less biodiversity – implication).
General Studies – 4
Topic: ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions;
Why this question?
Social networks are posing new ethical challenges to humanity. This questions tests one dimension of this issue.
Key demand of the question:
You should discuss nature, causes and consequences of ethical space where identities of communities and individuals are constructed, manages, presented, negotiated and performed. Discuss how society is impacted by these artificial constructions of identities (see below in ‘structure of answer’ for more clarity)
Directive Word:
Discuss: you should discuss nature, causes and consequences of the main dimension given in the statement of the question.
Structure of Answer:
Write an introduction on the phenomenon of creation of virtual identities of individuals/communities and the impact they have on societies. Also write a line about social media’s ethics.
In the body, there should be THREE dimensions: Nature – here, through examples explain the statement. Think about Twitter wars to have more number of followers, a Facebook page to create an identity for an individual to win votes/likes/followers (in order to buy power/make money). For example, a Facebook page of son of an MLA who was involved in brutal attack on an individual portrays him as benevolent and social worker.
In the second part write about reasons why such identities are constructed, manages, presented, negotiated and performed. All these words convey that identities are artificial and presented as real. Then, write about consequences (winning elections by manufacturing opinion, luring more customers by creating false illusion etc)
In the conclusion write in 1-2 lines need for regulation and challenges that exist in this regard.
Other IMPORTANT issues that are NOT covered Today in Secure:
