[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 15 March 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
General Studies – 1
Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
Why this question?
This topic is related to modern Indian history. Questions on India’s wars in its post-independence years are favourites of UPSC.
Key demand of the question:
Prove that India’s intervention was not an altruistic exercise, but had strategic objectives. Also write how it helped India maintain an image of humanitarian intervention.
Directive Word:
Analyse– In several parts(categories), address demand of the question through facts and opinions.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction, write why 1971 War is a milestone event for India – highlight the deftness with which India managed to maintain humanitarian image and also achieve its strategic objectives. https://www.insightsonindia.com/2015/05/05/6-what-did-india-gain-from-the-1971-bangladesh-war-critically-comment-200-words/
In the body, divide answer into TWO main parts: First to analyse strategic objectives that India achieved. Categorise into Breaking Pakistan, New Ally – something similar to these and within them explain why it was not an altruistic exercise (wherever necessary). Second part to analyse how India managed to make it appear as a humanitarian exercise – domestically and internationally.
In the conclusion write few lines how the 1971 War has helped India in the long term(Bangladesh is closer now, not a thorn in the flesh)
TIP: Don’t show strong emotions(nationalist/religious) in your answers. Try to be neutral and objective.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Role of civil services in a democracy
Why this question?
Question is related to syllabus and is often in news. PRS link has important data for you to comprehensively prepare this issue from exam point.
Key demand of the question:
Analyse key issues that are affecting functioning of the police in India and reforms needed to address these issues. Give equal weightage to both parts.
Directive Word:
Analyse: Divide answer into sub-parts within main parts and present facts and opinions.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction write in 2-3 lines why reforming police is important for Indian democracy especially in the light of communal and criminal challenges it’s facing these days. Quote a report about crimes/corruption/communal incidents.
In the body, divide answer into TWO main parts: One for analysing issues related to police functioning. Here, categorise points into accountability, overburdened forces, infrastructure, police-public relations etc. For each provide facts and opinion (wherever needed). Second part is about police reforms (you will find within the issues in the given document).
In the conclusion, 1-2 lines about need for political will. Or make any other related observation.
TIP: In the introduction and conclusion, make sure there is value addition (something new yet related point should be written)
Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability
Why this question?
It’s in news thanks to Nirav Modi issue. Though a draft bill, it’s an important issue to learn.
Key demand of the question:
Direct question – Discuss features of this Bill (both merits and demerits)
Directive Word:
Discuss critically: While highlighting all related dimensions, present both merits and demerits.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction write in 2-3 lines why government is forced to bring stringent measures to prevent defaulters to flee from the country.
Define economic offence (refer to standard government sources)
In the body, divide answer into TWO main parts. First part to discuss its features. Discuss so within 4-5 headings(dimensions). Second part – write shortcomings. Also write merits.
In the conclusion, write in 1-2 lines challenges posed by new frauds and need to strengthen regulation in India.
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora
Why this question?
It’s an interesting study that has insightful revelations that goes against conventional thinking. Helps in essay. Related to syllabus as well.
Key demand of the question:
Examine facts to prove that brain-drain is actually brain-gain for India.
Directive Word:
Examine: Investigate/explore relevant information from the article to show that Indian diaspora is helping India’s knowledge economy.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction write in 2-3 lines how diaspora contribute as human capital to India and need for India to integrate them to economic growth through certain policies.
In the body, divide answer 5-6 categories i.e. benefits and within each explain with suitable examples. Wherever necessary, write what India needs to do to make use of this brain-gain.
In the conclusion, write 1-2 line about the need for India to make these migrations short-term ones to benefit its knowledge economy.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Economics of animal-rearing
Why this question?
Directly related to syllabus and also an important issue related to government’s efforts to double income of farmers. Important for Mains-2018 (lets you learn two initiatives and link between them)
Key demand of the question:
Write objectives of National Action Plan for Dairy Development: Vision-2022 and write if it’s objectives are feasible especially when government is trying to encourage native breeds and also when there is strong lobbying against crossbreds.
Directive Word:
Examine critically: Objectively present facts – write yes if certain objectives can be met and say no if some objectives are over-ambitious and face hurdles (as given in the question)
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction write 2-3 lines about doubling farmers income goal and how government is trying this through various initiatives amongst which Dairy Development vision is also one of them. Write a line saying that objectives are noble but they face several hurdles in the form of govt initiatives.
In the body, in TWO main parts address demand of the question. First, objectives of the Dairy plan. Second to examine feasibility of its objectives. Here, divide further into Rashtriya Gokul Mission and lobbying against crossbreds. Examine how these act as roadblocks, but at the same time help preserve local breeds.
In the conclusion, express need for consistency and coordination in government schemes to achieve its objectives.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Ethical issues in international relations and funding
Why this question?
It’s related to syllabus topic. It’s also in news.
Key demand of the question:
Register your opinion on issues plaguing foreign aid especially in or related to the Islamic and Buddhist nations.
Directive Word:
Comment: Your opinion on this issue should be written based facts.
Structure of Answer:
Write an introduction highlighting dichotomy between principles and actions i.e. how religions and regions that preach compassion and charity have high incidence of suffering.
In the body, divide answer into TWO main parts: One for writing about Islamic world and another for Buddhist world. Within each with examples comment how charity and compassion are playing/not playing an important role in deciding aid to poor. Think of Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Palestine, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, China etc.
In the conclusion observe that foreign aid should be unconditional and should be based on humanitarian considerations rather than national interests.
Other IMPORTANT issues that are NOT covered Today in Secure/Covered Previously:
