[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 22 MAY 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
REVISION TIMETABLE FOR PRELIMS – 2018
General Studies – 1
Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the
present- significant events, personalities, issues.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to highlight the following aspects
- View of Gandhi ji on the issues mentioned in the question
- View of Subash Chandra Bose on the issues mentioned in the question
- Similarity and differences in their views
Directive word
Compare and contrast – Here the similarities and differences in their views are to be discussed.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Mention that both were iconic leaders of the freedom movement and explain how.
Body
- Mention the similarities and differences in their view regarding the future economy, polity, society of India
- Mention their similarities and differences in their view on the nature of freedom and how to achieve freedom, their differences in opinion which led to their split
Conclusion – Highlight that both of them despite their differences contributed immensely to the freedom struggle and had only the welfare of nation on their mind.
General Studies – 2
Topic:Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
Why this question
Indian courts suffer from huge pendency of cases and various attempts to resolve the same have not been largely successful. Besides, pending vacancies and deficit infrastructure, a host of issues related to organisational barriers and court processes delay justice delivery in India. The issue is related to GS-2 syllabus under the following heading-
Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to describe briefly the organisational barriers and court processes that cause delay in case disposal in India. Then the question wants us to write in detail about how these barriers can be removed.
Directive word
Examine- We have to describe and explain the ways/ means/ techniques/ technologies that could be deployed to elicit a reform in organisational barriers and court processes, in order to decrease case disposal rates in India.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– Mention the huge pendency of cases in indian courts and mention the main reasons behind the same- e.g pending vacancies, infrastructure deficit, legal ambiguities etc.
Body-
- Discuss some of the organisational barriers and court processes that hinder case disposal- e.g case listing process (e.g The uncertainty around which cases will come up for hearing means neither judges nor lawyers can plan their preparation, which compels lawyers to cite the simultaneous listing of multiple cases as an excuse for adjournments) , court infrastructure ( e.g inadequate support staff for judges to the dearth of basic courtroom facilities due to which judges are unable to perform their functions in a timely manner).
- Discuss how these barriers could be removed.
E.g bringing external support agencies to manage daily managemental operations of the court, increasing reliance on empirical data and courtroom technology, e-courts, national judicial data grid, Case Information System, file-tracking and knowledge management systems, provide Interoperability and compatibility with National Case Management System; Interoperable Criminal Justice System, National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and other programmes to enhance the quantity and quality of Justice Delivery System. etc.
Conclusion- mention the imperative of a prompt justice delivery system and provide further suggestions like filling of vacancies, improving court infrastructure, rationalization of laws etc.
Topic: India and its bilateral relationship
Why this question
The informal summit at Wuhan was an opportunity for India and China to reset their ties through a novel diplomatic method. A critical analysis of the relationship with an emphasis on understanding it’s impact on the future of India China ties and geopolitics of the world is important.
Key demand of the question
The question makes an assertion that there were very few concrete takeaways from India China meet at Wuhan. We have to analyze how true this assertion is. Thus following aspects are important –
- Details of the takeaway from the meet
- Whether those promises will help transform India China relationship and help India in managing its power equations with other nation states. We have to bring out both the hits and misses of the meet.
- Our own view based on the arguments made above
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 – Details of the Wuhan summit will become the introduction.
Body
- The content of the takeaways.
- Analyze the pros and cons of the takeaway. Take ideas from the article along with other sources.
- Provide a fair and balanced opinion based on your arguments made above
Conclusion – mention about the need for India to maintain good relations to secure its national aims and objectives. Mention that Wuhan was one single step in a journey of miles.
General Studies – 3
TOPIC: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development
Why this question
The Goldilocks phase of Indian economy is under threat on account of rising oil prices. This is a frequent challenge that indian economy has to deal with. Understanding the impact of rising oil prices on indian economy and thinking of steps to deal with this recurring challenge is of utmost importance.
Key demand of the question
Following aspects are to be highlighted in your answer
- The current situation with respect to oil prices along with a brief history of the prices
- The impact of the fluctuations in oil price on indian economy – highlight the impact both when prices are low and high
- Mention that price in the future is destined to rise because of so and so reasons
- Steps to deal with such a situation
Directive word
Discuss – Here discuss demands you to detail out the impact that changes in oil price bring on the economy – both the positive and the negative impact along with establishing that this is a recurring feature of Indian economy.
Suggest measures – Here measures to deal with fluctuations in oil prices are to be highlighted
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Mention that indian economy has been passing through a Goldilocks phase largely on account of the low level of oil prices. The situation is about to change which requires us to understand the impact and stay prepared
Body
- The current situation with respect to oil prices along with a brief history of the prices to establish that the problem has been a recurring one for Indian economy
- Bring out the impact of fluctuations in oil prices – the impact of low oil prices as experienced by the economy so far and the impact of high prices. Discuss the impact on inflation, balance of payment, exchange rate, fuel subsidy bill etc
- Mention that price in the future is destined to rise because of so and so reasons to emphasize that preparation is required
- Suggest steps to be taken to deal with fluctuating oil prices
Conclusion – Mention the critical need of staying prepared and seeing this as an opportunity to use more renewables etc
Topic: transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints
5)Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana requires an urgent fix. Discuss. (250 words)
Why this question
PMFBY was initiated with much fanfare and was expected to resolve the problems related to agricultural insurance in India. However, the experience so far has been contrary to expectations which raises the question that what reforms are required in the scheme. Hence this question becomes important.
Key demand of the question
The question is enquiring whether PMFBY is in need of a fix. The following points are this required to be brought out
- Details of PMFBY
- The performance of PFFBY so far – whether it has helped in improving the situation of crop insurance and details of the shortcomings
- Whether or not and if yes, what reforms are required in PMFBY
- Way forward
Directive word
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 agricultural insurance did not pick up in India which was causing issues for farmers and hence PMFBY was brought in
Body
- Details of the scheme
- Analyze the performance – how successful has it been in changing the status quo. How have the new principles in PMFBY performed. Highlight the shortcomings in terms of achievement
- Examine why the scheme has not met expectation which would form the basis of why reforms are needed
- Mention the reforms that are needed to make the scheme successful.
Conclusion – Discuss the significance of the success of PMFBY for agriculture in India and way forward.
Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Why this question
Growth of digital technologies, and their increased adoption and integration into our daily lives necessitates revising our Nation Telecommunication Policy. With over a billion mobile phones and half a billion internet users, India’s mobile data consumption is already the highest in the world. In order to capitalize the growing digital penetration, adoption and integration. The Draft National Digital Communications Policy (DNDCP) , 2018 was recently released in this direction, to gather public comments and suggestions. The issue is related to GS 3 syllabus under the following heading-
Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to enlist and briefly describe the objectives of DNDCP, 2018 and also explain how it aims to achieve one of its key objectives- digital sovereignty.
Directive word
Discuss- we have to write about all the stated objectives of DNDCP and also write in detail about the strategy it envisages to achieve digital sovereignty.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- mention the increased proliferation of the mobile phone, the internet, social media platforms, digital payments, data consumption and generation across India. Also mention the emergence of digital technologies as an enabler and determinant of a country’s well being.
Body–
- Enlist in points and briefly describe the objectives of DNDCP-
E.g Provisioning of Broadband for All 2. Creating 4 Million additional jobs in the Digital Communications sector 3. Enhancing the contribution of the Digital Communications sector to 8% of India’s GDP from ~ 6% in 2017 4. Propelling India to the Top 50 Nations in the ICT Development Index of ITU from 134 in 2017 5. Enhancing India’s contribution to Global Value Chains 6. Ensuring Digital Sovereignty.
- Discuss in points the strategy envisaged to achieve the objective of ensuring digital sovereignty.
E.g Establish a strong, flexible and robust Data Protection Regime, Provide Autonomy and Choice for every citizen and enterprise, Assure Security of Digital Communications, Participating in global standard setting organisations to ensure consideration for local needs of the Indian communications industry etc.
Conclusion– Form a balanced, concise and fair opinion on the DNDCP.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
Why this question
This 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 wants us to delve into the normative ethics theory and probe the ancient Greek philosophy and philosophers which contributed to normative ethics theory.
Directive word
Discuss- We have to write in detail about the key demand of the given question- describe normative ethics theory and give an account of ancient Greek philosophers and their philosophy related to normative ethics.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– give a brief description of normative ethics theories along with the Golden principle.
Body- Discuss in points contribution of ancient Greek philosophers in the field of normative ethics. Quote as many philosophers and works as possible and try to provide a gist of their works and thoughts on normative ethics. Take help of the link attached with the question to frame your answer.
Conclusion– Mention other great philosophers like Kant, Locke etc and their duty theories.
