[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 09 MAY 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
REVISION TIMETABLE FOR PRELIMS – 2018
General Studies – 1
TOPIC: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc
Why this question
Several regions of North India have been hit by dust storms and squall recently which makes it important for us to understand this natural phenomena from a geographical perspective.
Key demand of the question
The question is fairly straightforward. Firstly, we have to explain the mechanism of formation of thunderstorms. Thereafter, we have to delve deeper into the impact climate change has had on dust storms. The frequency of dust storms, how climate change impacts dust storms, the regions of the world where the impact will be greater and how to deal with the situation are aspects to be mentioned.
Directive word
Discuss – here the mechanism of formation of dust storms is to be discussed
Examine – When you are asked to examine, you have to delve deeper into the topic and analyze it’s causes and impacts. The points as discussed in the section above need to be brought out.
Structure of the answer
Introduce – introduce your answer by highlighting the spate of dust storms that have hit north India recently.
Body
- Explain the mechanism of formation of dust storms (mentioned in detail in the first article). The mechanism of downdraft has to be explained
- Examine the impact of climate change on dust storms
- The frequency of its formation
- How climate change impacts the formation of dust storms
- Regions of the world where the impact will be greater
Conclusion – Mention how to deal with the situation as it will lead to greater loss of life and property in the future.
TOPIC: The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors
/contributions from different parts of the country.
Key demand of the question
The question is making an assertion that there was unflinching support for Quit India Movement, which needs to be analysed. We need to provide our opinion on whether there was unanimous support for the movement from the public and polity. If there were differing opinions, those have to be brought about.
Directive word
Critically analyze – When asked to analyze, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary. You need to conclude with a fair judgement, after analyzing the nature of each component part and interrelationship between them.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Introduce by explaining the significance of Quit India movement – final and most impactful Gandhian mass movement.
Body
- First discuss whether all sections of population such as farmers, industrialists, students, civil servants, women etc participated in the movement on the same scale like they did earlier
- Thereafter, discuss whether there was unanimous political support for the movement. Examine the viewpoint of communists, Hindu nationalists, BR Ambedkar etc on the movement.
Conclusion – present your view on the assertion made in the question by summarising the arguments made above.
General Studies – 2
Topic –Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
Why this question
Recently Bill Gates made a public statement saying that Aadhar does not pose any privacy concerns. However, Aadhar raises several issues related to privacy of an individual. The act of denying the problem is akin to an ostrich burying its head in the sand. Although Aadhar offers immense opportunities for improving public service delivery and governance, it is vital to allay the critical concerns attached with it. 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 wants us to highlight the benefits associated with the Aadhar and bring out the privacy concerns surrounding it.
Directive word
Analyse- we have to identify the key aspects of the question- privacy concerns with Aadhar and benefits associated with it, and then discuss these aspects in detail. We have to bring out reasons in support of the statement that, Aadhar poses several privacy concerns. Also we have to bring out the benefits of Aadhar.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- briefly discuss the importance of privacy and data protection in modern world.
Body-
- Discuss in points, what are the privacy concerns posed by Aadhar- e.g security of data, sharing of data with third parties, large discretionary powers of UIDAI and least accountability, leakage of information, surveillance etc.
- Briefly mention the benefits of Aadhar- efficient PDS, better targeting for social sector schemes, antiterrorism, detection economic frauds and offenders etc.
Conclusion- mention the importance and scope of Aadhar in better governance and more efficient service delivery. Also mention the need to protect and guard personal data collected under Aadhar act. You can also mention need for accountability of UIDAI and creation of an overseeing body for UIDAI which would be responsible for checking any irregularities and misconceived regulations.
Topic: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.
Why this question
Indo-pacific is one of the most important trade zone with immense strategic significance. The area becomes more important given India’s proximity to the region, huge trade activity and China’s assertiveness in the region. The issue 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 deliberate upon the potential, scope and feasibility of a trilateral cooperation framework involving India, Australia and France, in the Indo-pacific region.
Directive word
Discuss- we have to write in detail about the issue- need for such cooperation, its scope and potential and also plausibility of such an arrangement.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- give a brief mention of the importance of Indo-pacific region, especially for India.
Body-
- Discuss in points (and separately for each country) about the stakes, capacities and interests of the three countries and bring out a convergence of the individual priorities and ambitions- take the help of the article attached with the question.
e.g French territory and population in Indo-Pacific, its maritime capacity, sharing of common values among the three nations, scope of sharing of data etc.
- Discuss the related activities already being undertaken by the three countries and discuss how these efforts can be better put/ directed by a trilateral cooperation.
Conclusion– form a balanced, fair and clear conclusion on the need and prospects of a trilateral organisation catering to the needs and aspirations of all.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
5)Examine the advantages of and issues involved in creation of DNA database for India? (250 words)
Why this question
Creation of a DNA database has several advantages but raises several issues as well. The government has been making efforts in making a law on the subject with the DNA profiling Bill. DNA technology has also progressed a lot in recent years. All this has made it imperative for us to examine the issues and advantages in detail.
Key demand of the question
The advantages of DNA profiling has to be brought about. Thereafter the various issues that it raises like – civil liberties, efficiency in solving crimes, database management, issues with the technology etc need to be brought out.
Directive word
Examine – When you are asked to examine, you have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any .
Structure of the answer
Introduction – bring out the fact that DNA profiling is increasingly being used as a means of tackling crime and India is also making efforts to regulate DNA profiling.
Body
- Explain how DNA profiling or creation of DNA database works
- Explain the advantages of doing so
- Examine the issues from various perspectives as discussed above.
- Highlight the experiences of other countries and the lessons we can draw from them
- Examine the impact if these issues are not addressed through a suitable legislation
- Mention some ways to deal with this in light of SC judgement in K puttaswamy case etc
Conclusion – Mention the immense scope of these technologies but at the same time the need for an effective regulation.
General Studies – 4
TOPIC : Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance;
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to brainstorm on the given statement, form an opinion and justify the opinion with proper justifications. We have to justify that ancient and modern ethics and moral theories are not clearly distinct and have some common features, aspects.
Directive word
Comment- we have to delve deeper into the given statement and form a personal opinion over it. We need to justify our opinion with valid and proper arguments/ examples/ facts etc.
Structure of the answer
introduction- mention the important ancient and modern theories of ethics and morals- e.g ancient stoicism, modern hedonism, utilitarianism etc
Body-
Discuss briefly and individually the main propositions of important ancient and modern ethical and moral theories. Take the help of the article attached with the question to identify and highlight what is common between the two, even though they differ in their approach and aims.
Conclusion– Form a concise, fair and balanced opinion on the similarities and differences between the modern and ancient ethical and moral theories and mention how they are alike in several key aspects.
