[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 10 MAY 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.
From Plassey to Partition, Pg 414
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to analyze the strategies followed in quit India movement and analyze whether they were in line with the principles espoused by Mahatma Gandhi, whether the clarion call of Do or Die was in accordance with Gandhian principle of non violence etc.
Directive word
Critically analyze – Here we have to bring out the distinguishing features of quit India movement, the various principles espoused by Gandhi and analyze whether the movement was in line with those principles. The question expects us to provide our view on the assertion made in the question at the end.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Give a brief background of quit India movement – last mass movement for independence, call of Do or Die given by gandhi, World war 2 had heightened fears and sensitivities.
Body
- Examine the direction to the movement given by gandhi.
- Disciplined anarchy vs complete lawlessness
- Freedom to regional movements to take control
- Difference evident from NCM where Chauri Chaura led to termination of movements but in QIM, no such directive by Gandhi
- Etc
- Examine the key features of QIM which made it distinctive
- Examine whether QIM was really different from other mass movements
- Mention that gandhi ji was a very smart tactician who knew how to galvanize people. Earlier he was trying to take the freedom struggle to masses, now that popular sentiment was with him, he wanted to make a final push for independence. War of position vs ear of manoeuvre of Gandhi
Conclusion – summarise your arguments and present your view
TOPIC: Events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.
World History by Norman Lowe
Why this question
Vietnam War was one of the most protracted modern wars in which the world’s most powerful country suffered defeat at the hands of a small newly independent country. Question is related to GS 1 syllabus under the following heading-
Events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to write in detail about the background, reasons and progress of the war and discuss how the war was a part of the larger rivalry between US and allies on one side and Russia along with its allies on the other.
Directive word
Discuss – we have to write in detail about the main cause of the war, goals of the warring groups and how the rivalry between communism and capitalism shaped the war.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- give a brief description of the duration of the war along with the main parties involved and battlegrounds involved.
Body –
- discuss the parties to the war in detail. e.g Army of the Republic of Vietnam and US army vs People’s army of Vietnam and Viet Cong.
- discuss the main reasons behind the war ( communism vs anti-communism headed by US).
- discuss the main goals of the warring groups and their level of involvement.
Conclusion– mention the effect of the war on Vietnam- politically strengthened but economically shattered, build up of American anti-war opinion etc and ultimately the withdrawal of US and victory for Vietnam.
General Studies – 2
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
India has shown a recalibration in its foreign policy as can be deduced from the recent Wuhan summit and the Nepal PM visit to India. This was a much needed reform given the spiralling down of the relationship with these countries, which was yielding no results and stifling mutual progress. However, the relationship with Pakistan has deteriorated which is also hampering our several diplomatic and developmental efforts. 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 recent events which show a change in approach of our foreign policy towards our neighbours like Nepal and China and then discuss why it is also necessary to ease our relationship with Pakistan.
Directive word
Discuss- we have to write in detail about the given issue i.e recent events which testify betterment of relations between India and its neighbours. We have to connect this part of the answer with India’s relationship with Pakistan and discuss the need for accommodating it.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- Briefly discuss the economic and political reality of South Asia and China as a whole. e.g GDP, dominance of India and China in the region, low cross border connectivity and trade, terrorism issues, boundary disputes etc.
Body–
- Discuss the negative effects of a bad relationship with Pakistan ( escalation of terrorism, cross border shelling, kashmir problem, loss of trade and investment opportunities, china-pak nexus strengthened, Afghanistan problem worsened threatening Indian investment etc) while briefly mentioning the reasons behind the current scenario( Pathankot attack, Hafiz Saeed, Kashmir and terrorism support).
- Discuss the recent events which depict easing of the relationship between India and its neighbours. e.g China (Wuhan Summit), Nepal (PM visit), Bangladesh (land agreement)etc. And positive implications of these initiatives.
Conclusion- Briefly discuss the need for peace, greater economic and physical integration, mutual prosperity between India and its neighbours and mention the higher responsibility on part of China and India.
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
The US recently unilaterally pulled out of the Iran Nuclear deal, formerly known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The move will reverse the progress of Iran- US relationship and complemented by economic sanctions it will have serious ramifications for Iran. It will also have several ramifications for India. Questions 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 bring out the possible implications, particularly the negative ones associated with withdrawing of US from the Iran Nuclear deal. It also wants us to dig deep into the topic and discuss the ramifications of this event on India.
Directive word
Analyse- we have to identify the key aspects of the question- why the withdrawal of US from the Iran Nuclear deal is a serious mistake and what would be the possible ramifications of this act on India.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- briefly describe the JCPOA, its signatories, and status after US withdrawal.
Body-
- Discuss in points, why the US withdrawal from Iran Nuclear deal is a mistake.
e.g unilateral nature of action, Iran was complying with the agreement, Iran’s capabilities to build nuclear weapons had been severely curtailed, etc.
- Discuss the possible implications of the US decision on India.
e.g oil prices may go up, investment and potential of Chabahar Port may be affected, International North-South Transport corridor may be affected etc.
Conclusion- mention the futility, irrational nature and a biased approach of the US in the above issue and need for a fair, effective agreement with Iran and more importantly need to respect the provisions of the agreement and also other international obligations.
General Studies – 3
Topic – Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Why this question
The data on forest area released by state of forest report (SFR) highlights the less than adequate increase in the forest cover of India. Due to declining forest cover, India is facing several environmental challenges and natural hazards which make it imperative for us to evaluate the performance of last forest policy and suggest changed in the new draft forest policy.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to bring out the following points in our answer
- The performance of forest policy 1988
- In protection and enhancement of forest cover
- Involvement of people in conservation efforts
- Etc
- The issue faced by forest management in India
- Whether those issues have been adequately handled in the draft forest policy. If yes, how and if not, what changes should be brought in.
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 .
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – mention that India has recently come out with a draft forest policy and the SFR data has highlighted the problems plaguing forests in India.
Body
- Discuss the broad principles of forest policy of 1988 and examine its impact on areas like forest area coverage, community participation in conservation etc
- Examine the issues that are still plaguing the forests despite NFP 1988
- Examine whether the draft forest policy will help in resolving the issues faced. Discuss the key provisions, principle and aims and objectives of the policy to see whether it is line with the changes required
Conclusion – Present your view on the efficacy of draft forest policy and suggest way forward.
Topic – Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
Why this question
The recent demonstration of Google assistant making phone calls and reservations for us opens our eyes to the potential of deep learning and neural networks. It is expected of us to know about this remarkable development in the case of virtual assistants.
Key demand of the question
The questions expects us to explain in brief what deep learning and neural network. Only it’s working principle and the non technical aspects to be discussed. Thereafter we need to bring out the features of Google Duplex which has made it the talk of the town.
Directive word
Explain – Briefly highlight what it is, how it is useful in AI
Discuss – Here we don’t have to bring out the pros and cons but just explain the use of Google duplex, the technology of Google duplex and the real world advantages of the same.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – highlight the technological advancement taking place in the field of AI which is making the idea of man vs machine a reality
Body
- Explain machine learning and neural network in brief
- Explain its application in Google duplex
- Explain what Google duplex is
- Discuss the advantages it has and the risks that it poses
Conclusion – Mention the overall debates that is going on wrt AI and your view on the Google duplex technology.
General Studies – 4
TOPIC : Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships.
Why this question
UPSC generally asks questions about commenting on a particular quote/ statement. The question is related to GS 4 syllabus under the following heading-
Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships.
Key demand of the question
Plus two discuss the importance of ethics in management and political leadership. We have to discuss, what happens when management and leadership are devoid of the ethics.
Directive word
Comment- we have to brainstorm on the given statement and form an opinion on it. The opinion here would be in favour of the statement and we have to provide the justifications in the form of arguments/ examples etc.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- briefly discuss how ethics is related to the management of a person’s life and mention some leaders who led a life of ethics e.g Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King etc.
Body–
- Discuss the importance of imbibing ethics in management.
e.g need to serve the customers/ consumers in the best way, good for the long-run survival of the firms, need to fulfill social obligations, improve organizations image/ brand etc.
- Discuss the importance of ethics in politics.
Take help of the reference article attached with the question to form the discussion.
- Discuss the controversies like unfair practices among big established corporations (e.g Volkswagen controversy), bad economics and ethics is good politics ( distribution of freebies, fiscal mismanagement etc)
Conclusion– form a balanced, fair, concise conclusion based on the above discussion.
