[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 10 April 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
REVISION TIMETABLE FOR PRELIMS – 2018
General Studies – 1
Topic: Social empowerment; Art and culture; Poverty and developmental issues
Why this question
Tribal art offers huge scope for acting as an economic resource and a tool for socio-economic transformation of the tribals in India. The idea has been floated long ago but commercialization of these art forms has not been realised to the fullest potential. The erstwhile planning commission has also prepared a report over this issue. The question is indirectly related to GS-1 syllabus; Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. It is also related to 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 simply wants us to highlight and elaborate reasons behind poor level of commercialization of tribal art products and then suggest ways to increase their commercialization.
Directive word
Discuss- we have to write in length about impediments faced in full scale exploitation of tribal art products as commercial resources and suggest measures to overcome those impediments.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- in the introduction, highlight in 1-2 lines, the potential of tribal art products as a commercial resource.
Body- divide the body into two parts. In one part, discuss in points, impediments faced in full scale exploitation of tribal art products. In the other part, discuss the measures required to overcome the impediments.
Conclusion- in the conclusion part, mention the government initiatives undertaken in this regard and mention the need to strengthen them further by incorporating the suggestions provided in the answer.
Topic: The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country.
Bipan Chandra – India’a Struggle for Independence, Chapter 10
Key demand of the question
It is in the Static Topics List
The question is concerned with the system of national education, which was one of the chief aims of the movement. We have to focus on following things
- What is meant by system of national education
- Why was this move envisaged
- Steps taken in this regard
- Limitations
Directive word
Discuss – debate the merit of each step taken to realize the vision of national education and the efficacy of the steps
Structure of the answer
Introduction- Talk about the main aims of Swadeshi movement in general and education in particular.
Body- Answer the key demand of the question (as mentioned above). For each part, write 3-4 points and give examples. Make sure that examples are unique and you remember them well. It’s through good examples that you score well in GS.
Conclusion- Mention how the focus on national education set the course for future movements
General Studies – 2
Topic: mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections; Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
Why this question
- Triple Talaq has been in the news for the longest time. The Bill has caused some controversy. WIth the recent tumultuous session of the Parliament coming to a close, it is important to be critically examine the important bills that were discussed/passed/not passed.
Key demand of the question
- The question is asking us to examine the procedural and legal aspects of the bill in light of the SC verdict in Triple Talaq verdict. Essentially we have to contrast the legal and procedural aspects of the bill with the SC judgment on Triple Talaq. We also need to examine whether these aspects of the Bill are in line with the principles enshrined in Constitution and SC’s verdicts in the past. Legal here means the validity of law (principles therein) and procedural refers to the validity of the procedures to implement the law.
Directive word
- Examine – In this case we have to probe deeper into the legal and procedural aspects of the Bill and examine it in light of the SC verdict in Shayara Bano case. The SC verdict has to be contrasted/compared with the provisions of the Bill, it has to be seen if the guiding principles of the verdict is carried forward in the Bill. We also need to bring out whether these provisions of the Bill are in sync with the Constitution and past SC judgments.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- Mention about the Triple Talaq issue and the overall debates that are being discussed about the Bill.
Body– Can divide into 2 parts – Legal and Procedural
Legal
- Comparison with SC verdict (major portion)
- Examine against constitutional principles and past verdicts
Procedural
- Whether procedures in line with PNJ
- Whether procedures in line with those specified in the Triple Talaq verdict
Conclusion- Mention that the Bill needs to be refined through debates and discussions in Parliament.
Topic:Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education, Human Resources; Paper-3 (Awareness in IT)
Why this question
Ranging from mass copying in Bihar to incidents of paper leaks of various exams, portray the deep rooted malaise in our education system. However, rather than improving the education system, present technology offers us various solutions to manage examinations. This can be asked in UPSC mains examination and is related to GS-3 syllabus under the following heading; Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and issues relating to intellectual property rights. It is also related to GS-2 syllabus; Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,Education, Human Resources.
Key demand of the question
The question simply wants us to describe various technologies available today which can be used to manage such kind of examinations in our country.
Directive word
What- We have to simply describe those technologies one by one and also discuss their economic and operational feasibility.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- you can introduce your answer by briefly discuss the prevalence of mass copying and paper leaks and the effects of lack of integrity in the examination process.
Body- write in points about the technologies that could be used to avoid such incidents. Also discuss their economic and operational feasibility.
Conclusion- in the conclusion you can mention some more measures which could help avoid mass copying and paper leaks.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Conservation; EIA
Why this question
Recently released draft forest policy accepts the fact that in order to achieve the national goal for eco-security, the country should have a minimum of one-third of the total land area under forest and tree cover. However, the strategies envisaged under the draft plan have been subjected to criticism on various accounts. The issue is related to GS-3 syllabus under the following heading; Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment, Disaster and disaster management.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to analyse the draft forest policy, 2018 and discuss how it aims to achieve sustainable development of forests and whether its strategies are ecologically robust as well as socially just. We have to form an opinion based on our analysis.
Directive word
Critically analyse- We have to analyse both the aspects of the draft forest policy and examine its strengths as well as limitations, in terms of being ecologically robust as well as socially just.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- in the introduction, mention India’s present forest cover and goals envisaged by draft Forest Policy, 2018.
Body- Divide the body into two parts. In one part the importance of a ecologically robust as well as socially just approach towards our forests. In the second part, analyse the draft policy and examine whether it incorporates ecologically robust and socially just approaches in its strategy. Divide the second part into subparts and discuss each issue (ecological and social) separately.
Conclusion- in the conclusion, briefly suggest some further measures/changes that should be made in our approach towards forest ecology and governance.
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment
Why this question
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) is an important measure of the government in dealing with the problem of NPA in general and the insolvency and bankruptcy resolution mechanism in particular. EODB is a very important policy objective of the current government and India’s success in EODB to a certain extent hinges on success of IBC. Economic Survey has also pointed towards the low success rate of IBC. The Committee’s recommendations are thus a merely a new addition in the ongoing saga that is IBC. Hence this topic needs to be prepared.
Key demand of the question
The question has two aspects that need answering. First of all, we need to evaluate the success IBC has had in improving India’s rank on the Resolving Insolvency metric of EODB rankings. We also need to evaluate the on ground realities as experiences by all sectors of economy with special emphasis on MSME sector. In the second part, we need to write about the reforms required quoting from the Committee’s recommendations.
Directive word
Evaluate – Here we have to pass a sound judgment on the success of IBC quoting from various sources to bolster our argument.
Discuss – The shortcomings have to be discussed along with the way forward based on the committee’s recommendations..
Structure of the answer
Introduction-Write about the IBC and its relation with EODB.
Body- The first part of the question should be answered in subparts. Impact of IBC on Resolving insolvency metric, on MSME, business houses etc needs to be evaluated. We need to come to a sound judgment here based on our arguments.
Discuss the problems with IBC under broader heads such as easing regulations, simplifying procedures, encouraging creditors along with way forward based on your understanding of the committee’s recommendations.
Conclusion- Highlight the importance of IBC for Indian Economy and how essential it is to bring reforms.
Topic:Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Why this question
Mix of SnT and Environment where a new technology has the potential to significantly alter the quality of life. Hence important.
Key demand of the question
Explaining green technology is the first part. Thereafter, focus on the status quo of India, her strength, weakness and the opportunities for India in the field of Green Technology
Directive word
What – Explain Green Technology
Discuss – Deep analysis (SWOT) of India’s progress in Green Technology
Structure of the answer
Introduction-Explain Green Tech and its application. Why is it important to develop it should also be explained.
The next part should be divided into subsections
- Status quo
- Strength of India
- Innovation
- HR
- Labour cost
- Market etc
- Challenges
- Finance
- Tech Transfer and IPR issues etc
Write all parts in point format.
Way forward should form part of the conclusion. Or write a cautionary message something like how India might become an outlier if it doesn’t make progress in creation and adoption of green technology.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
8) Science brings society to the next level, ethics keep us there. Critically analyse. (150 Words)
Why this question
Conflict between science and ethics has broadened in the wake of rise of new technologies like AI, genetic engineering etc. However, there is a need to integrate ethics with science, particularly when values of life and humanity become so vulnerable to cutting edge technologies. The question is an integral part of science-ethics discussions. It is related to the GS-4 syllabus; Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to analyse the given quotation and then form an opinion on its credibility, particularly in present times.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- You can introduce your answer with an example that corroborates or negates the essence of the given quotation. You can also mention some science-ethics dilemmas and connect them with the quotation.
Body- divide the body into two parts. In one part analyse different aspects of the given quotation. In the other part form an opinion on the given quotation by and then justify your opinion in points/examples. Compulsorily illustrate with minimum two examples.
Conclusion- In the conclusion you can quote a related thought or give a few more examples which support your stand. Or you may give a futuristic view where ethics would become indispensable due to over reliance on technology in future.
