[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 21 MAY 2018

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LIST of TOPICS (Static)

REVISION TIMETABLE FOR PRELIMS – 2018 

Revision Tests

General Studies – 1

Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the
present- significant events, personalities, issues.

1) Examine how Subhash Chandra Bose tried to give the Indian National Congress a socialist direction?(250 words)

Bipin Chandra – India’s struggle for independence , Pg 16

Reference

Key demand of the question

The focus of the question is not on the role played by Bose in the national movement but on bringing out how he attempted to give the national Congress a socialist direction. We also need to discuss the impact that this push had on the direction that the freedom struggle took.

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. Here the focus has to be on how subash Bose tried to give the Congress socialist leanings, the impact of it and whether or not he succeeded.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – introduce Subash Bose, the role he played in the national movement, the number of times he became congress president etc

Body

• Mention how he managed to give Congress a socialist push – under his chairmanship, by being involved in left leaning student politics along with Nehru, his views on economy and industrialization etc
• Mention the impact that this had on the course of Congress and national struggle – discuss about the split and Bose’s attempts at winning freedom through an all out war.
• Examine whether Bose succeeded in his attempt to give a socialist push to Congress

Conclusion – conclude by underlining the immense role that Bose played in our freedom struggle.

TOPIC:  poverty and developmental issues, Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

2) Gender inequalities in access to formal credit have long manifested in India’s scarce gender-wise financial statistics. Analyze.(250 words)

Financial express

Why this question

Global Findex Survey released by World Bank has underlined a critical issue – gender inequality in access to formal finance. This issue has multiple linkages with GS 1, 2 and 3. The issue of gender inequality, access of finance to SHGs etc, inclusive growth, gender empowerment are all linked to this finding. Thus, it becomes important from Mains perspective.

Key demand of the question

The question demands us to bring out the issue in its entirety. There are two important keywords here which have to be explained and connected – “gender inequalities in access to formal credit” and “scarce gender wise financial statistics”. Following aspects are to be mentioned in your answer

• Status quo – reflecting gender inequality presently
• The impacts of gender inequality in access to formal finance
• Causes behind the issue – here lack of data highlights the lack of policy focus to specifically address this issue.
• Way forward

Directive word

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. In the above question, post discussing the issues as highlighted above, Summarize your answer by linking the points.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – Give details about Global Findex Survey and highlight the finding linked to gender inequality in access to formal finance which should set the course of your answer

Body

• Highlight the detailed findings of the report both the positives (gender gap is reducing in opening of accounts) and the negatives (access to formal finance, refer to stats in article)
• Explain the statistics by linking it to real issues on ground such as access to finance for SHGs, women start ups etc
• Highlight the impact of the present situation if it continues to remain so – women are today seen as agents of development , access to finance is thus critical
• Highlight where have we gone wrong – mention that the lack of policy focus is evident in the lack of finance related statistics from a gender perspective. Mention other causes too

Conclusion – Briefly Summarize and mention a way forward.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

3)The ordinance making power of the legislature should be used sparingly and with due respect to the constitution. Discuss.(250 words) 

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Why this question

Recently the Parliament promulgated 3 ordinances and it is a known fact that the state and the central govt have been resorting to indiscriminate use of ordinances, without any regard for the constitutional ethos. The question is related to GS 2 syllabus under the following heading-

Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

Key demand of the question

The question simply wants us to discuss, why ordinances should not be promulgated frequently and what are its implications.

Directive word

Discuss- We have to write in detail about the cons of resorting to ordinance route frequently by the central and state governments.

Structure of the answer

Introduction– Mention article 123, 213; and some recent ordinances promulgated by the legislature. e.g Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018, Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance, 2018 etc.

Body–

1. Discuss in points, why ordinances should be promulgated only rarely.

e.g- it is against the constitutional scheme of responsibility of the executive towards the legislature, it is opposed to two core tenets of the rule of law- stability and consistency, absence of Parliamentary scrutiny and feedback,  ordinances passed in haste are often ill-designed etc.

1. Discuss in points the need to promulgate ordinances. e.g when parliament is not in session, during emergency, in cases where immediate action is necessary etc.

Conclusion– Give a fair and concise opinion on the need and desirability of ordinance making power of the legislature and mention the SC judgements i.e C Wadhwa v State of Bihar (1987)and Krishna Kumar Singh v State of Bihar (2017).

 

Topic: India and its bilateral relationship

4) New challenges confront India and Russia in their bilateral relationship which requires India to tread cautiously. Examine. (250 words)

Reference

Why this question

With Modi’s visit to Sochi coming soon, a time to have a relook at the India Russia bilateral relationship is required. The relationship is passing through tumultuous times on account of the geopolitical changes taking place. It requires India to tread cautiously in how it deals with Russia, who has been a time tested partner of India. This question thus becomes important in preparing for India Russia relationship.

Key demand of the question

The question expects us to bring out the following points

• What are the new challenges that confront India and Russia in their relationship going forward
• What impact would it have on the future of India Russia relationship and India’s overall foreign policy.
• How should India deal with these new challenges

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. The issues discussed above need to be brought out.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – The overall trend of India Russia relationship is to be brought out with special emphasis on the fact that India and Russia have been time tested partners so far, and the emerging divergences are a matter of concern.

Body

• Discuss the new challenges confronting India and Russia in their bilateral relationship. Discuss it under heads like
  • Geopolitical situation impacts – China factory, Pakistan factor, USA factor
  • Geostrategic situation impacts – Similarity of interests in central Asia, Indo Pacific and alliances being formed there
  • Economic challenges – India Russia trade not picking up
  • Lack of people to people contacts
  • Also discuss the strong points of the relationship such as nuclear and defence cooperation etc to show that the situation is not entirely bleak
• Discuss the impacts that the challenges would have on India Russia partnership going ahead and on India’s overall foreign policy
• Discuss in brief the need for India to maintain the balancing act.

Conclusion – Mention that the situation requires India to maintain relations with various stakeholders and how India should achieve this.

General Studies – 3

TOPIC: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

5) The arbitrary and indiscriminate use of the Public Safety Act, 1978 to stifle political dissent in the Kashmir Valley shows a blatant disregard for the Constitution and the right to personal liberty. Critically comment.(250 words)

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Why this question

Along with AFSPA, PSA has been criticized for its human right violations in Kashmir. In recent years the act has been alleged to be misused more frequently than AFSPA. The question is indirectly related to GS 3 syllabus under the following heading-

Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

Key demand of the question

the question wants us to bring out the need for PSA and how it affects the rights of the individual.

Directive word

Critically comment- we have to see both the sides of the issue here- need for PSA and how it undermines personal liberty and  other rights provided by the constitution.

Structure of the answer

Introduction– mention the nature, history of PSA. e.g its purpose of legislation, year and territorial limits involved

Body–

1. Discuss in points, need for PSA.

e.g law and order maintenance, prevention and handling of terrorism, need in case of emergency e.g during undeclared strikes and protests etc.

1.  Discuss in points the cons of PSA, especially with respect to constitutional rights. e.g

Acting in a manner prejudicial to the maintenance of public order has been defined in extremely broad terms, minors also booked under PSA, vague charges cited, non-application of mind on part of the executive authority etc.

Conclusion– Present a concise conclusion based on the above discussion and mentioning SC directives in this regard and suggest the need to apply them in letter and spirit.

 

Topic:Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; Challenges to internal security

6) Drone use for civilian purposes have immense applications but also poses regulatory challenges. Examine. Also evaluate whether India needs a policy for regulating drone use?(250 words)

Reference

 

Why this question

Drone technology has advanced significantly and drones are now being used for multiple purposes. At the same time, these applications are creating challenges for internal security. Moreover, India’s policy architecture is quite underdeveloped in this area. Thus this issue becomes important.

Key demand of the question

The question expects us to highlight the following points in our answer

• The applications of drone technology, also touch upon how India is making use of the technology with greater emphasis on civilian use
• The security challenges that India faces due to unregulàted use of drones
• The need for a robust policy and how should the contours of the policy look like

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. The issues discussed above need to be brought out.

Evaluate – Based on your examination of the issue conclude on the need of a drone policy for India.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – Mention in brief about the growing use of drones for civilian as well as military purposes.

Body

• Talk about the applications of drones for civilian purposes. Highlight the practical examples of where drones are being used.
• Talk about the security challenges that it poses
• Discuss the present policy architecture
• Examine the lacunae that needs to be filled through a robust drone policy

Conclusion – based on your arguments made above, conclude whether India needs a drone policy urgently or not

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

7) Critically analyze the process of removal of dams, as witnessed in several European countries, with special emphasis on India.(250 words) 

Reference

Why this question

Dams exert a huge influence on the environment, especially the rivers on which they are built. Recently many dams were removed by several countries in Europe. The process has its own strengths and limitations. The issue is related to GS 3 syllabus under the following heading-

Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

Key demand of the question

The question wants us to write in detail about the pros and cons/ limitations of the dam removal. We then have to form an opinion on the issue vis a vis India.

Directive word

Critically analyse- we have to dig deep into the question and identify the reasons/ logic behind, success of  dam removal projects. We have to form a personal opinion on the above issue.

Structure of the answer

Introduction– Mention the names of a few dams that were removed recently in Europe like the Vezons dam.

Body–

1. Discuss the purposes of dam removal. e.g protecting environment, preventing accidents, prevent maintenance of outdated plants, equipments etc.
2. Discuss the limitations of dam removal. e.g only a few dams are being removed and far greater no.is being built, updating the plant and equipment will avoid dam removal, huge costs involved especially for large and viable projects, not a sustainable solution in energy thirsty world etc.
3. Discuss the prospects of dam removal in India. e.g high costs involved, lack of availability of alternate sources of energy, no public pressure for dam removal etc.

Conclusion- form a concise, fair and a balanced conclusion based on the above discussion.

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

8) Discuss the problems faced by rivers in India. Examine the factors behind failure of river rejuvenation programs in India.(250 words) 

Reference

The hindu

Why this question

Most of Indian rivers are highly polluted and in stress and the situation  is exacerbated by the Climate Change and a growing population. The question is related to GS 3 syllabus under the following heading-

Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

Key demand of the question

The question wants us to write in detail about the problems faced by Indian rivers and why river rejuvenation programs in India are not successful.

Directive word

Discuss- we have to write in detail about  the first part of the question- problems faced by rivers;

Examine- we have to bring out the reasons behind poor performance of river rejuvenation programmes in India.

Structure of the answer

Introduction- mention the health and condition of most of the Indian rivers and programs like  Namami Ganga, Yamuna bachao etc.

Body–

1. discuss in points, problems faced by Indian rivers. e.g pollution, illegal occupation, sand mining, dams, declining flow in peninsular rivers, agricultural flow etc.
2. Discuss in points, reasons behind failure of river rejuvenation programs. e.g lack of proper planning and timely disbursement of resources, failure to control entry of pollutants, insufficient sewage treatment facilities, open defecation etc.

Conclusion– Present a fair, balanced and concise opinion.