[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 12 April 2018
Click on EACH question to post/upload you answers.
How to Follow Secure Initiative?
How to Self-evaluate your answer?
LIST of TOPICS (Static)
REVISION TIMETABLE FOR PRELIMS – 2018
General Studies – 1
Topic: – Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times ; and also- The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country.
Why this question
Indian nationalism was deeply nurtured by the literature of the times, which focussed on revivalism and reformism. India’s struggle for independence is a very important topic as far as UPSC mains is concerned. This topic is related to GS-1 syllabus- Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times ; and also- The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to discuss in length, the revivalist and reformist literature that emerged during colonial era. Then we have to discuss, how this literature was a natural corollary of newly emerged nationalism.
Directive word
Discuss- we have to look into the details, highlight key works of such literature, important contributors and discuss how this literature was related to the rise of nationalism.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- introduce your answer by mentioning some of the earliest contributors of the reformist movement in colonial India.
Body- Elaborate your answer by highlighting and briefly discussing the prominent revivalist and revisionist movements and their contributors. Also, discuss individually, how these movements and their contributors found their source in the newly emerging idea of nationalism.
Conclusion- In the conclusion you can cite how nationalism in many ways was nurtured by such revivalist and reformist movements and their contributors.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
Why this question
Ranging from resolution of impeaching the CJI to the press conference by four advocates of SC, the office of CJI has been going through a lot of controversies. The recent SC judgement will have significant impact on India’s judiciary confirming the unlimited power of CJI in allocation of cases. The question is related to GS-2 syllabus under the following headings; Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
And also ; Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to examine in length the SC judgement over the issue of CJI being the master of the roster. It wants us to present arguments in favour of the judgement and arguments against the judgement.
Directive word
Critically analyze- We have to see both sides of the judgement and then form an opinion on the issue. However, the opinion should reflect the constitutional and related judicial provisions.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- you can introduce your answer by directly stating the SC judgement.
Body- Divide the body of the answer into two parts. In one part discuss the constitutional provisions, judicial precedent and wisdom of the judgement. In other part, present arguments against the judgement.
Conclusion- you can conclude your answer by presenting your opinion on the issue and also cite related scheme in other countries.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
Why this question
One of the biggest event last year was the meteoric rise in Bitcoin’s value which led to Bitcoin becoming a household discussion in India. The statement issued by Finance Minister regarding cryptos and RBI’s continued stand against cryptos, Bitcoin regulation and the possibility of a CBDC are issues always in news and hence, important for UPSC.
Key demand of the question
The central discussion in this question will revolve around the idea whether cryptocurrencies are the most optimum way to achieve the government’s aim of going cashless. We have to do an assessment of past, present and future as well as learn from global experiments to figure out whether a CBDR is the way forward.
Directive word
Discuss – Here all aspects related to the possibility of a future CBDC for India needs to be discussed.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Talk about the growing acceptability of Bitcoins, changing technological scenario etc to establish that countries across the world are toying with the idea of a government issued cryptocurrency.
Body
- Discuss about the idea of CBDR
- Why is RBI toying with this idea
- Global experience
- Talk about India’s readiness for CBDR
- Legal issues
- Awareness / literacy
- Digital Infra readiness etc
- Talk about the problems of CBDR as a digital currency
- Here quote extensively from Ecuador’s experiment
- Present your view on whether India would benefit from adopting CBDC
- Discuss the impact on society (inequality issue etc), economy, polity etc
Conclusion : Mention your view whether Bitcoins are the future of digital currencies across the world in general and India in particular. Mention a short way forward such as govt and RBI should make its stand clear to end confusion.
Topic: Environmental pollution; Paper-2 – bilateral, global agreements
Why this question
IMO is trying to secure a shipping industry specific emission targets, in the wake of the report of one of its recently commissioned study. Some countries have called for reduction by 50% and some even higher. However, the proposals are being opposed by emerging economies including India. Thus it is an important issue and is related to GS-2 syllabus and GS-3 topics – Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora and Environmental pollution respectively.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to examine the role of shipping industry in global GHG emissions and, what imminent threats it poses. It also wants us to discuss impediments faced in reaching such agreement, and counter interests if any. Based on the examination, we have to form a personal opinion on the issue.
Directive word
Critically analyse- The key here is to analyse both sides of the issue. Why such an agreement is important and also what are the issues involved which inhibiting reaching such an agreement.
We have to present our personal opinion on the issue.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- in the introduction, mention the contribution of shipping industry towards global GHG emissions and the IMO’s endeavour to secure an agreement.
Body- Divide the body into two parts. In one part, discuss the threats posed by shipping industry emissions, and also present arguments which highlight the concerns of main supporting countries and need of such agreement. In the other part, discuss the concerns of developing economies with special focus on India.
Conclusion- you can conclude the answer by presenting your opinion along with a few suggestions.
Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints
Why this question
ZBNF has been quite successful in some southern states and is totally environment and budget friendly. In such times of agriculture distress, any issue related to agriculture becomes doubly important as far as UPSC exam is concerned (SIGH). The issue is related to GS-3 syllabus; Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints;
Key demand of the question
The question demands us to explain what is ZBNF, how is it different from conventional farming and what are its benefits.
Directive word
What- we have to simply explain the meaning of the term ZBNF and describe it briefly.
Discuss- We have to write in detail about the benefits of ZBNF.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- You can directly introduce your answer by defining the term ZBNF.
Body- Divide the body into two parts. In one part, discuss ZBNF by further explaining it. In the other discuss in points about how ZBNF is different from conventional farming and what economic and ecological benefits it provides vis a vis conventional farming.
Conclusion- you can mention the need to try ZBNF in other parts of the country and highlight government’s efforts to promote ZBNF, and what further could be done.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion
Why this question
Crimes against women are quite usual in Indian society. Past experience suggests that public memory in case of crimes against women is very short. Recent SC Court judgment in Rajesh Sharma and ors vs State of UP has diluted Section 498A which means that even legal safeguards for crimes against women are under threat. In this background, this case should strike the collective conscience of our society and make us ask pertinent questions for improving women safety.
Key demand of the question
The question basically demands us to address the reason why despite momentary uproar in cases of crimes against women, such crimes continue unabated. In our discussion, we have to bring out the reasons why attitude of society towards women continues to be dismissive, why laws are unable to provide adequate safety to women, the lacuna in laws etc. We also need to address the question of public morality and collective consciousness, whether they are by design transitory in nature and whether they are strong determinant of ethics.
Directive word
Discuss – We need to bring out the various facets of the discussion as highlighted above
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Present the sorry state of affairs when it comes to crimes against women.
Body : First part
- Discuss the nature of public morality and collective consciousness
- Discuss whether they are transitory by their very nature or represent a lack of empathy
Second part:
- Answer whether its only public apathy which is responsible for crimes against women. Here bring out the various reasons behind such crimes
- Bring out the fact that the reason behind public apathy is rooted in various systemic factors like patriarchy which needs to be addressed first
Bring out the fact that women constitute half of society, and society can’t progress until women do. Hence its necessary for such events to strike at the heart of society’s conscience such that people clamour for change.
