[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 08-09 April 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
REVISION TIMETABLE FOR PRELIMS – 2018
(Today’s Secure Covers Sunday’s Current Affairs)
General Studies – 1
Topic: Changes in critical geographical features (including waterbodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes
Why this question
Various studies including IPCC AR have mentioned that the impact of climate change on rainfall pattern particularly in Monsoon type climate will be immense. We have already seen its manifestation in the erratic rains in recent years. Come peak summers, and issues of droughts etc will again come to the forefront. Thus it is prudent to prepare the impact of Climate Change on weather.
Key demand of the question
The question is divided into two parts. In the first part we need to describe in detail the impact of Climate Change on rainfall. In the second part we have to describe the risks posed by such erratic rainfall patterns and other implications of Climate Change on food security in India
Directive word
Discuss – The question simply expects you to describe the impact of Climate Change on rainfall patterns in India. The more reports you quote, the more data you give, the better your score.
Analyze – Here the question expects you to delve deep into the risk and whether it can be mitigated or not.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Describe the various ways in which Climate Change affects rainfall patterns – EL Nino, La Nina etc
Body
1st part – Describe the impact of Climate Change on rainfall
2nd part – Analyze the risks starting from the risk posed by erratic rainfall
Conclusion – Write about the overall gravity of the situation and the things that should be done to bring the situation under control.
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General Studies – 2
Topic: Functioning of judiciary
Why this question
The protests over SC Judgement in Subash Kashinath Mahajan Case has raised certain questions over the role of judiciary in reinterpreting provisions of the criminal laws and adding provisions other than those already specified in CrPC. The age old debate of Judicial Activism vs Judicial Overreach, whether India is a judicial democracy, role of judiciary in a democracy in general and India in particular have come to the fore. Moreover, the gravity of the current protests, and the potential ramifications of the protest make it imperative for us to study the issue from all possible angles.
Key demand of the question
Following are the debates which we have to critically examine in the question
- Judicial Activism vs Judicial Overreach
- Judiciary vs Legislature
- Whether Judiciary is representative or elitist
- Whether India has become a case of Judicial Democracy
Directive word
Critically Examine – You have to give arguments present both the thesis and the antithesis (accoerding to you) ans write a fair and balanced synthesis.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- In the introduction, start with elucidating why this debate has come up and what implications it has.
Body
- Analyze role of SC
- Envisaged by constitution makers – SC as protector of the constitution
- Mentioned in the Constitution – Article 142 debate
- Role wrt Leg and Exec
- Role of SC in unique Indian scenario
- Broader debate of what constitutes Judicial Activism and Judicial Overreach
- Unique Indian situation where judicial intervention is even desired
- Way forward
- Reforms in judiciary – Ceaser’s wife should be above suspicion
- Necessity of maintaining balance of power
While writing the answer, focus should be on highlighting SC’s role in this particular case and relating it to the systemic and legal issues at hand.
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Topic:Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health
Why this question
Healthcare is an important topic as far as UPSC exam is concerned. Health is the cornerstone of economic growth and given India’s dismal performance in providing quality healthcare to its citizens, there have been vociferous calls for overhauling the system. Various unethical practices are prevalent in private healthcare sector, which caters to more than 70% of the population. The question is directly related to GS-2 syllabus under the following heading; Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. It is also related to- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources(GS-2).
Key demand of the question
The question demands us to analyze unethical practices prevalent in India’s private healthcare and then form an opinion on, how establishing an authority on the lines of NGT, TRAI will help in curbing those practices.
Directive word
Critically analyze- Besides analyzing how a central regulatory authority on lines of NGT, TRAI will help in regulating private healthcare, we also have to briefly discuss its limitations.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- In the introduction, cite data from credible sources which highlight the performance of India’s healthcare, role of private healthcare, prevalence of unethical practices in private healthcare.
Body- Divide the body of the answer into two parts. In one part, discuss unethical practices prevalent in private healthcare sector and how they can be prevented by creating a central regulatory authority on the lines of TRAI, NGT.
In the other part, briefly discuss in points, about the limitations of such a body.
Conclusion- You can conclude the answer by briefly suggesting some further measures to better regulate private healthcare in India.
Topic: Important aspects of governance; Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
4) Legal tools are ill-suited to tackle the problem of fake news. Critically analyse. (250 Words)
Why this question
Fake news has been named as the word of the year 2017 and has prominently featured in public and political discussions across the world. Recently India’s I&B ministry had issued a press statement aimed at restricting the problem of fake news. However, the issue is intricately linked to the issue of free speech, and there are various other issues which undermine the capacity of legal tools to tackle the problem. The question is related to GS-2 syllabus under the following heading- Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
Key demand of the question
The question demands a critical analysis of employing legal tools to tackle the menace of fake news. We have to dig deep into the issue and explain why legal tools are not sufficient to handle the issue. We also have to form a personal opinion on, to what extent and how legal tools can be employed, and what associated efforts are required to tackle the issue.
Directive word
Critically analyse- The question demands a personal/subjective opinion on the issue. We have to break-up the issue into parts and analyse them. Here we have to discuss the limitations, as well as the scope of employing legal tools to tackle the problem of fake news.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- Mention about fake news named as word of the year 2017. Also briefly mention in 1-2 lines, the harm caused by fake news.
Body- Divide the body of the answer into 2 parts. In one part, analyse why legal tools are insufficient with regard to handling fake news and what are the closely related issues.
In the other part, analyse, to what extent/ in what form, legal tools can be employed.
Conclusion- in the conclusion mention in 1-2 lines, the recent I&B ministry’s initiative aimed at tackling fake news problem and what more could be done (you can also quote knowhere, a startup that combines machine learning technologies and human journalists to deliver the facts on popular news stories.
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General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
Why this question
Trading based on UPSI is among the most serious offences in the stock market. SEBI has stepped up on improving its surveillance mechanism after prescient messages, related to the financial results of several blue-chip companies, including Axis Bank, HDFC Bank and Tata Motors, were being circulated on WhatsApp. Early this year, Sebi had constituted a committee to suggest measures to improve surveillance and help prevent insider trading activities. This question comes under GS-3 syllabus under the following heading- Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to provide a concise yet comprehensive definition of USPIs. You can frame the definition in your own words also. The second part of the question wants us to briefly describe the slew of measures taken by SEBI in preventing trading based on USPI and also in we have to discuss their limitations and what more needs to be done.
Directive word
What- The question simply wants a complete, concise definition of the term. You can frame the definition in your own words also. You should be able to convey the essence of the term.
Discuss- the question demands us to mention briefly, the prevalence of trading based on USPI and then, discuss in detail the steps taken by the SEBI in tackling the problem.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- You can start the answer directly with the definition and/or you can mention the recently constituted Vishwanathan committee.
Body- Divide the body of the answer into two parts. In one part, discuss the measures already taken by SEBI. In the other part discuss what more needs to be done in the light of suggestions made by Vishwanathan committee (as reported in above articles).
In the conclusion, mention the importance of a fair trading environment in bolstering innovation, rewarding entrepreneurship, catalyzing development etc.
Topic: Awareness in IT, Robotics; e-technology in the aid of farmers
Why this question
Application of new technology – especially one as much in news as AI, particularly in a sector as crucial as agriculture is an aspirant’s pet peeve and UPSC’s favourite topic in SnT section. No wonder its important for Prelims as well as Mains.
Key demand of the question
The question is basically asking us to do a SWOT analysis of the application of Artificial Intelligence in farming sector in India.
Directive word
Critically Comment – Here we have to bring out the strengths and weakness of the application of AI in farming. Thereafter, use the opportunities and threats of AI in farming to come to a balanced conclusion.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Explain the need for new tech in farming and how AI is a tech which has revolutionized many fields.
Body – will be SWOT
Conclusion – Your fair opinion
Topic:Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices ;
Why this question
Developed nations are providing subsidies, which, at times, exceed 200 percent of the production value, despite the 5 percent de-minimis prescribed. This creates huge trade distortions across the world. India and China have raised their concerns about these subsidies. The question is related to GS-3 syllabus under the following heading- Land reforms in India, Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to examine the corpus of subsidies provided by rich nations to their farmers and, find out their effects on countries like India.
Directive word
Analyze- the question demands an in-depth examination of farm subsidies provided by rich nations and then, describe and briefly explain their price-distortion effects. We also have to describe and explain the environmental hazards caused by these subsidies in countries like India.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- in the introduction you can mention the amount(corpus) of farm subsidies provided by rich countries and how they are discriminatory even while being with the de-minimis range.
Body- Divide the body of the answer into two parts. In one part, briefly discuss in points, about the price-distortion effects of these subsidies and how they are caused.
In the other part, analyze the effects these subsidies have on the environment in countries like India.
Conclusion- in the conclusion part, mention the imperative for India to balance trade liberalization with the need to protect the livelihood of its farmers. you can also mention the formation of a collective front of developing and under-developed countries in WTO to counter the rich nations.
Topic: Infrastructure – transport
Why this question
Road safety targets form a part of final text of the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by UN member states (Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable). Recently Maruti Suzuki, the largest Indian car maker has introduced a yearly Road Safety Index that rates major Indian cities on key road safety parameters. The question is related to GS3 syllabus- Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Directive word
Discuss- The answer should identify the parameters that could be involved in measuring road safety. Maruti Suzuki’s Road safety index provides a good example of these parameters. You should add some more parameters, in case need felt.
What- the question simply wants a brief description of the initiatives taken by the government to address the issue of road safety.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- in the introduction, mention the severity of road traffic incidents in India by quoting some statistics regarding such accidents. You can also add to it by mentioning SDGs related to road safety.
Body- In one part of the body, discuss in points, about the parameters that should be included in measuring road safety. Provide a rationale for inclusion of each parameter.
In the other part of the body, briefly mention initiatives taken by the government in addressing the above issue.
In the conclusion, briefly suggest in 1-2 lines, what more could be done by different stakeholders involved in road safety.
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
Yojana Magazine, March 2018
Why this question
A recent world bank report indicated that over 30% of Indian population aged between 15 and 29 years are not in education, employment and training. This makes creating jobs in India a critical factor for ensuring a robust, inclusive development. This question is related to GS-3 syllabus; Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to discuss the initiatives taken by the government to generate employment. We have to lay special emphasis on 2018 budget proposals and discuss how they aim to generate employment.
Directive word
Discuss- the question wants a detailed account of various initiatives taken by the government, particularly in 2018 budget.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- in the introduction part of the answer, highlight the status of unemployment in India by citing various reports/ surveys etc.
Body- Discuss in points about the initiatives taken by the government. You should write about the 2018 budget proposals in detail while other initiatives can be discussed briefly.
Conclusion- In the conclusion, mention (highlight) in 1-2 lines, the importance of generating employment for a huge workforce in India.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators
Other IMPORTANT issues that are NOT covered Today in Secure/Covered Previously:
- Space Junk Problem – The Indian Express
- Contesting TWO seats – issue The Indian Express
- Genetic Testing and Personalised Medicine – Livemint
