[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 05 April 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
REVISION TIMETABLE FOR PRELIMS – 2018
Henceforth, we will cover MORE issues in Secure, and provide explanations/directions/hints to 4-5 most important questions.
Meanwhile, Please Give us 3-4 days to come back to New Secure – Trying to cope up with many things at a Time.
General Studies – 1
Topic: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India; Social empowerment; Poverty and developmental issues
Why this question
This question comes under GS-1 (Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India) and GS-2(Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions). This topic is important in the light of recent SC judgement and subsequent agitations by SC/STs as well.
Key demand of the question
The question demands us to highlight the plight of SCs/ STs in India in terms of various atrocities committed against them and then give an opinion on the recent SC order. You have to justify the answer properly.
Directive word:
Highlight: Briefly cite key findings like conviction rates and trial pending rates under SC/ST Prevention of atrocities act.
Comment: Give your opinion on whether the recent SC order is a step in right direction or not. The answer should be properly justified.
Structure of the answer:-
Introduction- Briefly mention how the amendments made in 2015 to the SC/ST prevention of atrocities act intended to make it more stringent, have failed to serve their purpose.
The body of the answer should be divided into 2 parts. In one part, briefly cite the trial completion rates, conviction rates and trial pending rates under SC/ST Prevention of atrocities act.
In the second part, comment on the deficiencies in the implementation of the act, with special emphasis on the recent Supreme court order.
In the conclusion part, briefly write how to ensure that the act serves its desired purpose and, how its misuse can be prevented.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein
Why this question
Debate around federalism in India has been evolving over time and questions with varying contexts can be asked from the topic which comes under GS-2 syllabus- (Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein).
Key demand of the question
The question demands us to trace the evolution of debates around federalism in india and further delve into the present debate and examine its various aspects. In the second part, the question wants us to briefly describe various contentious issues related to the Terms of reference, of the 15th finance commission, with special emphasis on issues affecting federalism.
Directive word
Examine- Dig deep into the current debate around federalism in India and highlight various issues, aspects and components.
Discuss- Briefly describe the main contentious issues in the Terms of reference of 15th finance commission.
Structure of the answer
In the introduction, write in 1-2 lines about the incidents/reports/ findings that depict the current scenario of federalism in India.
Body-Divide the body of the answer into 2 parts.
In one part examine the new dimensions that have evolved with time around the debate of fiscal federalism in India. Also examine the aspects that have strengthened or weakened over time and have thereby altered the current debate.
In another part discuss the main issues in terms of reference of the 15th finance commission, which have led to debates around federalism.
Conclusion- briefly mention in 1-2 lines, the need for a robust cooperative federalism which caters to the aspirations of modern India and also fulfils the task of national integration.
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Why this question?
Judicial reforms are an important topic and part of the GS-2 mains syllabus under the heading-separation of powers between various organs, dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. It has often been in news and recently an impeachment process has been initiated against the incumbent CJI.
Key demand of the question
The question demands an analysis of the provisions regarding removal of judges, and thereof draw a conclusion, around the need for revision for these provisions. In the second part, the question simply demands that why Judicial Standards and Accountability bill, 2010 in its present form will not be successful in instating judicial accountability.
Directive word:
Critically analyse –
In one part, discuss in the light of various constitutional provisions, how impeachment of judges is susceptible to political bias and hence the process should be reviewed or not. You should provide your conclusion and justify them in the light of constitutional provisions.
Highlight- enlist key shortcomings of judicial standards and accountability bill, 2010.
Structure of the answer
In the introduction, write 2 to 3 lines on importance of judicial independence along with need for judicial accountability.
Divide the body of the answer into two parts.
Divide the first part of the answer into two subparts and, in one subpart analyse the constitutional provisions aiming to ensure judicial independence, and in another subpart analyse the provisions related to their removal.
In conclusion, mention the need to place an in-house as well as a legislative mechanism (also quote some examples), to maintain judicial accountability, without corroding judicial independence.
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Why this question:
Poor education outcomes have become a serious issue plaguing lower education in India. SSA project (proposals) was recently released with an aim to improve quality of education. It is hence an important topic of GS-2 and comes under the following headings.
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Key demand of the question
The question demands a thorough analysis of the SSA-2 project, and also explain why after so much efforts quality of education has not improved. You should briefly mention the different stakeholders and then discuss the issues involved in improving the quality of education.
Directive word:
Critically analyse- The SSA-2 project is to be subjected to a detailed analysis, wherein points favouring and against the given project are to be discussed.
Discuss- enlist and briefly explain the reason behind the impediments faced by govt and other stakeholders in improving the quality of education in India.
Structure of the answer-
In the introduction quote figures and figures from studies/ reports like ASER, about quality of education in India.
Divide the body into 2 parts. In one part highlight the key proposals of the SSA-2 project and write points in favour of and against these proposals.
In second part, briefly discuss the impediments faced by the government and other stakeholders in improving the quality of education in India.
In the conclusion part, briefly mention ways/solutions which can be deployed to improvise the SSA-project.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Conservation ; Environmental pollution and degradation; Environmental impact assessment
Why this question?
Draft Policies are always important because they set the course of debate around a particular topic which remains in news. Thus it is important to examine the provisions of Draft National Forest Policy to see how successful they might be in achieving its stated objective.
Key demand of the question:
The key demand of the question is to examine whether the provisions of Draft National Forest Policy are adequate or ill conceived to enhance India’s forest cover. One also has to conclude with their own reasoning, why they feel the draft policy will be successful in achieving its objective.
Directive Word:
Critically examine. We have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the implications if any of the provisions of the draft policy. Since the question mentions critically, we have to mention our own opinion (based on reasoning) as to whether the draft policy will succeed or not.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction, you should write about the status of forest cover in India as per the recently released Indian Forest Report. One should also touch on the need for enhancing forest cover in light of climate change, shortage of rainfall and other such impacts. Thereafter, one can mention about the aim of draft policy.
The body of this answer is pretty straight forward. We need to delve into the provisions of the forest policy and how each provision would impact forest cover. Classify provisions of the forest policy into different heads such as Finance, Governance (FRA and Gram Sabha Issue), Awareness, Administration (diversion of land etc) and examine these heads in light of the provisions of the Forest Policy.
The conclusion should mention your stand. If you feel the forest policy will be successful, mention why and what else can be done. If not, mention why and what more should be done.
Topic: Cropping pattern; Food security
Why this question
It is an important topic of GS-3and comes under the heading-Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management; Major crops, cropping patterns in various parts of the country and issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices
Key demand of the question
The question demands brief description and explanation for the emergence of new nutritional deficiencies due to changed production and consumption patterns caused by green revolution. In the second part, it demands us to analyse the strengths/benefits and limitations of the recent budget proposals in this regard.
Directive word
Discuss: Explain how green Revolution has led to distortion in production and consumption of coarse grains in India.
Analyse
Write in depth about the recent budgetary proposals and their potential, limitations in achieving the goal of increased coarse grains production.
Structure of the answer
In the Introduction part, quote a study/report which supports the fact that green Revolution has evoked new nutritional deficiencies.
Divide the body of the answer into two parts. In one part, explain how green Revolution has led to new nutritional deficiencies.
In another part enlist the key budgetary proposals initiated recently; elaborate these proposals by analysing their potential and their shortcomings.
In the conclusion part briefly mention some plausible solutions to the problem.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Attitude: social influence and persuasion; Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance; Laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance
Why this question?
Freedom of press and role of press is constantly under scrutiny. Fake news has been a menace and government, news groups, ISPs etc are all brainstorming on how to check the menace of fake news.
Key demand of the question:
Your view on the quote is to be given on whether press is as critical as it is made out to be. Next, we will discuss whether laws are sufficient to check the menace or whether the problem has become so deep rooted that one has to instil attitudinal change to check fake news. Here we can discuss the effectiveness of laws, rules and regulations and how effective is their persuasive value.
Directive Word:
Comment – you have to pick main points which are significance of press in the future of any republic whether laws are sufficient in bringing attitudinal change, also whether laws can catch up with technology. Effectiveness of laws, rules and regulations vs change in moral consciousness should also be commented upon. Associated impact on freedom of speech also needs to be commented on
Structure of Answer:
Introduction – Explain the quote and the menace of fake news
Body – Present your views with examples on the main points discussed above.
Conclusion – Your view along with way forward such as self censorship etc
Other IMPORTANT issues that are NOT covered Today in Secure/Covered Previously:
- Do higher interest rates lead to lower growth? – Livemint
- The economics of privacy in the digital world- Livemint
- India to overhaul drug price control system – Livemint
- Anti-forest, anti-forest dweller – The Hindu
