[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 18 April 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
REVISION TIMETABLE FOR PRELIMS – 2018
General Studies – 1
Topic: The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country
Bipan Chandra, India’s Struggle for Independence, Chapter 12
Key demand of the question
The question is basically asking us about the political significance of Komagata Maru incident. The positives which it had for India’s struggle for independence.
Directive word
Examine – The objective here is to get into the depth of each significance that Komagata Maru had for the national movement.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Describe the incident and write a line on its overall significance.
Body – Examine the objective and vision of the movement. Discuss the impact that it had on the political history of India. Also examine how successful the movement was in fulfilling the objectives it was trying to achieve. Also, discuss where the movement couldn’t make an impact
Conclusion – Discuss the overall significance of the movement.
Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
Why this question
Lord Curzon has been a controversial figure in India’s political history. On the one hand, he was responsible for the partition of Bengal, which epitomizes the British policy of divide and rule. But he also introduced some significant reforms in India’s education, administration, police, agriculture etc. Question is related to GS-1 syllabus under the following heading- Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country.
Key demand of the question.
The question demands us to analyze the role and contribution of Lord Curzon in India’s political history and give an opinion based on that analysis.
Directive word
Critically analyze- we have to examine both the positive as well as negative reforms, acts associated with Lord Curzon. We have to lay special emphasis on educational, scientific and political reforms. What we also have to discuss other reforms and the effects/repercussions of those acts, reforms.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- as the question involves many aspects, so in order to save time, you can directly introduce your answer by mentioning the positive role of Lord Curzon in India’s political history and then,
Body- in one part present in points those positive reforms.
e.g education- Raleigh Commission, Indian Universities Act, Agricultural Research Institute in Bihar; scientific- Ancient Monuments Preservation Act 1904 etc. Also police Commission, famine Commission, irrigation Commission etc.
In the second part, discuss the partition of Bengal and other negative acts or negative points of above-discussed forms.
In 3rd part, discuss how Indian freedom struggle was affected by the policies, acts of Lord Curzon.
Conclusion- Draw a balanced conclusion from the above analysis.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Why this question
The dynamics of relationship between US and CHina, has an impact on many other countries. China and India have a long history of cooperation and conflict. In recent years, it is believed that India has let go of non alignment when it comes to dealing with these two power behemoths. This has raised a debate over the best course of action for India in Ind – China – USA triangle.
Key demand of the question
The question is asking us to examine the best course of action for India in dealing with US-China-India triangle. The question also mentions “avoid becoming a swing state”. This is because both these countries want India to remain in their camp so as to gain an upper hand in the power play that is happening in Asia Pacific. This means that if India does not pursue the policy of non alignment, it is condemned to get involved in camp politics. This part also needs to be critically examined.
Directive word
Critically examine – We need to bring out the pros and cons of all the policies available at India’s disposal in dealing with China and US and provide a balanced stand in the end.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Explain the nature of India-China-USA triangle
Body – Provide pros and cons of each possible stand
- Non alignment = Principled equidistance
- China camp
- US camp (India currently here)
While providing pros and cons, should classify your points under broad heads like economy, strategic etc
Conclusion – End your answer with the stand you think would be most beneficial for India. Take help of quotes of some important scholars like Vivek Katju, SHivshankar Menon etc
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Why this question
Nordic countries have been largely neglected by India, due to the cold war and a hostile neighborhood. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Nordic countries individually as well as a group. There is a huge scope for cooperation between India and Nordic countries which can be successfully channeled into mutual prosperity. The question is related to GS-2 syllabus under the following heading – India and its neighborhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to discuss what are the shared commitments and mutual interests of India and Nordic countries and then analyze how they can be achieved by cooperation between the two entities.
Directive word
Critically analyze- we have to attend to all the aspects of the question and present our personal opinion. Here we have to discuss one by one, shared commitments, mutual interests which would be better achieved by cooperation between India and Nordic countries. Also how to analyze if there are any associated issues/ hurdles involved in materializing such cooperation.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- give a brief description of Nordic countries and the members and mention their distinctive identity.
Body- divide the body into two main parts. In one part, further divided into subparts, discuss what are the a) shared commitments e.g multipolar world, democracy, human values, climate change etc. b) shared interests- Sweden’s defense products, trade liberalization and facilitation, innovation and technology sharing.
In the other part, discuss any hurdles or other associated issues involved.
Conclusion- In the conclusion, present your personal opinion drawn based on the above discussion and also suggest some measures which could improve the engagement between India and Nordic countries.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Irrigation; Cropping pattern
Why this question
Climate change and water scarcity are huge risks for agriculture and food security. Just like we are in need of guidelines to deal with pollution, similarly we need guidelines to deal with the situation of food scarcity. In this light, the water crisis in Kashmir and the subsequent government’s directive presents an opportunity to analyze ways to deal with this situation in a transparent and consistent manner.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to examine whether there is a need to come out with specific regulations to address the problem of cultivating paddy in water deficient states. The question wants us to address the following points:
- Details of India’s water crisis
- Why paddy is specifically mentioned
- What kind of checks and balances need to be put up for paddy cultivation
- Efficacy of government’s measures so far to deal with the situation
Directive word
Discuss – The various aspects of this issue needs to be brought out as discussed above.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – The Kashmir issue needs to be highlighted. Similarly bring out the problem with paddy cultivation in India and why this issue deserves attention.
Body – Start with explaining the water crisis situation in India and the reason why paddy accelerates this problem. Then talk about the checks and balances reqd such as growing less water intensive varieties, MSP adjustment etc. Thereafter talk about the various government measures to deal with this including the directive. Analyze the pros and cons of directive issued by JnK government.
Conclusion – End with highlighting the gravity of the situation and the way forward.
Topic: Environmental pollution; Disaster management
Why this question
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GBGP) is located about halfway between Hawaii and California. It’s the largest accumulation zone for ocean plastics on Earth. It has a lot of negative effects on Marine and human life. Also, the problem looks more simple than it is because of photodegradation of plastics. The issue is related to GS-1 syllabus add the following heading – geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
It’s also 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 discuss, what is the great Pacific garbage patch and come out with reasons that why the term is a misnomer. We also have to discuss its effects on marine life and also on human life.
Directive word
Comment- we have to describe the great Pacific garbage patch, its nature, location, contents, and other features. Then we have to bring out with reasons that why the term is a misnomer. We have to put arguments in its favor.
Discuss- we have to write in detail about the possible effects on marine life and on human life.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- in such kind of questions, you can introduce your answer by directly introducing the concept/ term in one or two lines and then elaborate it further in the body.
Body- in one part, bring out a complete description of the Great Pacific garbage patch like its location, size, contents, age (history), current status etc.
In the other part discuss why the term is a misnomer by mentioning photodegradation and dissolution of plastic particles.
In the third part, discuss in points its effects on marine life. And then discuss its effects on human life.
Conclusion – in conclusion, discuss briefly in one or two lines about the clean-up procedure and efforts required.
General Studies – 4
Topic:Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world
7) Discuss the significance of Indian philosophy in the history of philosophy. (150 Words)
Why this question
Indian philosophy has a rich history and occupies a unique place in the realm of philosophy of the world. It had many similarities as well as some marked differences from its western counterpart. Indian philosophy influenced and was in turn influenced by western philosophy. The question is related to GS-4 syllabus under the following heading- Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
Key demand of the question.
The question us to write in detail about how and to what extent Indian philosophy shaped and was in turn shaped by the western philosophy.
Directive word
Discuss- we have to dig deep into the issue and bring out facts/ arguments in favour of our propositions.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- bring out the most important differences between Indian and western philosophy in 2-3 lines.
Body- discuss how Indian philosophy influenced western philosophy and the field of philosophy in general. E.g.
- vedic hymns lead to deep cosmological concepts, Upanishads and their discussions enhanced our understanding about nature, life, mind, the human body, ethics and social philosophy;
- the relation of realism to idealism;
- the problem of whether universals or relations are basic; and
- the very important problem of moksha, or liberation.
In the other part, briefly discuss how Indian philosophy was influenced by western philosophy.
Conclusion- present a balanced and unbiased conclusion of the above discussion in 1-2 lines.
