[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 12 MAY 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
REVISION TIMETABLE FOR PRELIMS – 2018
General Studies – 1
TOPIC: Role of women and women’s organization. Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
Why this question
The discourse around the fight against gender discrimination is largely focused on the role of men, and women are usually denied any recognition of their contribution. Because it is related to GS 1 syllabus under the following heading-
Key demand of the question
The person wants us to bring out the role of women in highlighting gender issues and gender discrimination through the medium of art.
Directive word
Examine- we have to support our answer with the help of examples/ arguments/ facts i.e we have to justify that the Indian women highlighted gender issues and gender discrimination through art forms like painting, sculpture etc.
Structure of the answer
introduction- mention the discrimination faced by Indian women for centuries and countless attempts made to highlight an address the issue. Mention that women also played a significant role in this respect.
Body-
- Describe in points, the contribution of various women artists and their works with highlight gender issues and gender discrimination prevalent in India. e.g Amrita Sher Gill, Nilima Sheikh etc.
Conclusion– mention the need to recognise and channelise the contribution of women towards women empowerment add a better society.
TOPIC: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times ; Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
Why this question
The first part of the question demands us to critically analyze the role of ASI in maintaining and preserving the monuments of historical significance in India. Here the hits and misses of the role of ASI is to be brought out along with our own view on the significance and efficacy of ASI’s role. In the second part, we have to examine apni dharohar scheme, the discoloration of Taj Mahal and whether entrusting private parties with upkeep of world heritage site makes more sense.
Directive word
Discuss critically – The role of ASI has to be discussed. Since critically is suffixed, we need to provide our stand based on balanced arguments on how successfully ASI has played it’s mandated role.
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 – Mention in brief about ASI, SC’s observation on the role of ASI which has brought this topic in news.
Body
- Discuss the role and functions of ASI
- Discuss how successful ASI has been in fulfilling those roles and functions. Provide your view here
- Explain apni dharohar scheme
- Examine whether the upkeep of UNESCO world Heritage sites should be entrusted to private players in view of Taj experience. Provide both pros and cons of taking such a step.
Conclusion – Highlight the importance of preserving our heritage and the summary of your view on how it should be preserved based in your arguments above.
General Studies – 2
Topic -Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments,
significant provisions and basic structure.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to discuss about the following
- How did the plan reject the demand for Pakistan
- Recommendations of the cabinet mission which had elements of united India with Muslim autonomy
- The impact of the plan, whether the Hindu and Muslim leaders agreed with the provisions of the plan
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 .
In the case of above question on Cabinet Mission Plan, you have to probe the details of the provisions of the plan, find that if it really tried to create a united India with Muslim autonomy, how such a provision was received, and provide a balanced view. All within a given word limit.Structure of the answer
Introduction – details about Cabinet Mission Plan and the status quo in India at that time
Body
- How did the plan reject the demand for Pakistan
- Bring out the provisions of the plan which rejected such a demand
- What were the recommendations of the future constitution – which are in sync with united India with Muslim autonomy
- How the provisions were received by various sections of political spectrum
Conclusion – provide a balanced view based on your arguments above.
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or
affecting India’s interests
Why this question
After Pokhran-II tests, India declared itself as a full-fledged nuclear weapon state. But it brought adverse reaction from US, Japan, Australia etc. However, India has successfully managed to establish itself as a responsible power and is presently party to three out of four multilateral weapon export control regimes.The question is related to GS 2 syllabus under the following heading-
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to throw light on the Pokhran II tests and analyse the Indian response and how India managed to establish itself as a responsible power.
Direct word
Analyse- we have to dig deep into the question, identify key demands viz. Description of Pokhran II tests, their impact and how India managed to steer itself out of the adverse response of world powers and how it established itself as a responsible power.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- briefly describe the Pokhran II tests- date, type and number of bombs etc.
Body-
- Briefly discuss the aftermath of the tests- how world powers responded.
- Briefly discuss in points, factors which necessitated the development of nuclear weapons by India. e.g conflict with China and Pakistan, declaration of China as a nuclear state etc.
- Briefly discuss in points, how India managed to steer itself out of the controversy. e.g India’s no first use policy, adherence to the non-proliferation treaty without even being a signatory etc.
Conclusion– mention that India is presently a member of 3 out of 4 export control regimes and an established responsible nuclear power.
Topic – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health
Why this question
Capping or prices is a usual policy recourse of the government in trying to make healthcare more affordable. However, such quick fixes raises more questions than the answers it provide. Thus it is best to analyze whether this penchant of the government to cap prices helps in improving healthcare delivery and affordability.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to incorporate the following points in our answer
- Highlight the instances where price capping has been used as a tool
- Debate on the principles of such a move – whether capping of price is a well intentioned move which will make healthcare more affordable or whether it creates issues of quality, private sector apathy etc
- Conclude with your view
Directive word
Critically examine – Here we have to get into the depth of price capping method of the government, examine its pros and cons, causes and impacts, views of all stakeholders and come to a fair and balanced stand.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – discuss some recent move by the government introduction price controls in healthcare and the debates that it raises.
Body
- Highlight some of the instances of price capping – stents, medicines (NLEM) etc . Bring out the impacts of such a move
- Flowing from that discuss about the pros and cons of instituting price controls
- Discuss why the government goes for such a move and the impact it has on delivery of healthcare
- Identify some other steps that can be taken to ensure healthcare becomes more affordable
Conclusion – provide your view on the usefulness of price controls and the way forward.
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; accountability and ethical governance;
strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international
relations and funding; corporate governance.
6) There is an ample yet subtle difference between ethics, morals and laws. Discuss.(250 words)
Why this question
Morals and ethics are closely related concepts, which although similar in many respects have very subtle differences between them. Both are one of the basic concepts in the study of ethics and law is often compared to them. The question is related to GS 4 syllabus under the following heading-
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to simply differentiate between morals, laws and ethics; their source, meaning, aim etc.
Directive word
Discuss- we have to write in detail about the given issue i.e difference between morals, laws and ethics.
Structure of the answer-
Introduction- mention that ethics, morals and laws are closely related concepts but they differ from each other in many respects.
Body–
Discuss and differentiate between Laws morals and ethics in points- (origins, what they mean, what they intend, repercussions of not following them etc.).
Conclusion– form a fair, balanced and concise conclusion based on the above-held discussion and on the basis of similarities between them .
