[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 26 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.
1) Discuss the role that Maulana Azad played in our freedom struggle?(250 words)
Key demand of the question
The question is quite straightforward. It expects us to bring out the contribution that maulana Azad made for the freedom movement.
Directive word
Discuss – Here the contribution has to be listed, the impact of those contribution has to be analyzed and an overall view on maulana Azad needs to be written in the end.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Mention about Maulana Azad in brief.
Body
- Discuss his contributions – publication, role as a Muslim leader, contribution to education etc
- Discuss the overall impact that these contributions had
Conclusion – Summarize his role in the freedom struggle and bring out his legacy in the freedom movement.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs,
various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
Why this question
Education is a critical link to development and progress of a country. Indian education system suffers from several serious problems- quality of learning and equitable access being the most important among them. Samagra Shiva Scheme (SSS) is a newly launched scheme by central government which aims to provide a holistic approach towards the problems of lower education in India. The scheme has been lauded as the most significant reform in Indian education sector. The question is related to GS 2 syllabus under the following heading-
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to write at length about the salient provisions/ features of the SSS and how it aims to improve the education system in India.
Directive word
Discuss- This is an all encompassing directive which mandates writing in detail about the key demand of the question. We have to give more stress on the discussion of, how the SSS will integrate teacher, technology and student learning.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– Give a brief description of SSS and previous schemes which will be affected/ subsumed by the SSS.
Body-
- Discuss in points about the salient features of SSS. e.g integration of technology and teacher, will cover all classes including senior secondary, grade wise subject wise learning outcomes, active participation of all stakeholders, libraries, sports facilities etc.
- Discuss how the SSS will integrate teacher, technology and student learning. e.g strengthening of SCERTs and DIETs, DIKSHA- the national digital platform for teachers,Operation Digital Board, Digital initiatives like ShaalaKosh, Shagun, Shaala Saarthi will be strengthened etc.
Conclusion– mention the holistic approach of SSS which aims to instill academic, extracurricular and vocational skills among the students. Form a personal opinion on the feasibility, desirability of the SSS.
Topic -Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or
affecting India’s interests
Why this question
Recent incidents like the Cambridge analytica, have highlighted the central but dynamic role of privacy in our lives. US and Europe have adopted contrasting approaches towards the issue and there are pros and cons of each approach. It is vital for India also to frame a framework for data protection and privacy. However, the issue is which approach to follow- the one adopted by US or the one adopted by EU.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to bring out the importance of data privacy and protection and why they are necessary for the long term growth of India’s technology sector and then discuss in detail which path India should follow in terms of data protection laws- the one chosen by US or the one by the EU.
Directive word
Discuss- we have to write in detail about the importance of data protection, the approach followed by US, the approach followed by EU and based on the discussion we have to suggest the way forward for India.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– mention the recent facebook controversy, the digital footprint and quantum of online activities which generate huge amount of personal data and hence data protection is vital.
Body-
- Discuss why data and privacy protection is good for the technology sector in India. ( e.g future demand for data protection and privacy will grow infusing sharp competition among the IT and associated companies, consumer confidence, fair competition and a level playing field will be ensured for all the companies etc.)
- mention briefly the approach followed by US- very liberal approach with little regard for data protection, 3rd party doctrine etc.
- mention briefly the approach followed by EU- GDPR, concerns regarding following the EU approach like effect on businesses and bureaucracy etc.
Conclusion– Mention the path India should follow- a one based on a correct mix of qualities/ key aspects of both US and EU.
General Studies – 3
Topic – Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development
Why this question
Bhushan case is an important milestone in our struggle to deal with bankruptcy and bad loans. The larger issues that it represents, the challenges in india’s banking sector that brought us to this state, how can we resolve this going forward etc are all issues that have to be discussed.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to probe deeper into the hypothesis that resolution of the Bhushan steel case signals that dealing with bankruptcy is no longer a problem for India. We have managed to understand its causes and through the bankruptcy code have learnt to resolve cases efficiently. Whether or not this is true is to be brought out in the answer
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 – mention the details of the case and what it signals – smoothening of the bankruptcy resolution process
Body
- Discuss the reasons behind the spate of bankruptcy cases
- Discuss the bankruptcy code and how it aimed to improve the status quo
- Discuss the performance of the bankruptcy code so far – the hits and the misses
- Discuss the implications that resolution of this case would have on other cases of similar nature.
- Discuss the shortcomings that are still remaining to understand the reforms required
Conclusion – mention the benefits that India would accrue such as EODB, bad debts resolution etc and thus the need to maintain constant vigil.
TOPIC: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
5) Disruptive technological innovation will enable India to transform itself. Discuss.(250 words)
Why this question
Disruptive technological innovation such as AI etc which help bring about transformational changes in processes like AI etc have immense application for India albeit with certain challenges. This makes it imperative to examine the issue in greater detail.
Key demand of the question
Following points are to brought out
- What do you mean disruptive technological innovation
- Discuss the pros and cons of its application in India’s context.
- Comment on whether India should brace itself for such technologies or we should proceed with caution and wait for the experience of other countries
- Challenges that would come about in bringing a transformational change
- 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 – explain disruptive technological innovation and highlight the fact that our PM has called for application of the technology for bringing about a transformational change.
Body
- Discuss the impact that can brought about by AI, robotics, IoT, AR, Blockchain etc
- Bring out the challenges pertaining to the application of such technologies in India’s context – data shortages, internet connectivity etc
- Mention how can we overcome these challenges
- Your view on the impact these technologies would have in India’s context
Conclusion – Mention the need for keeping up with the times and discuss the way forward
General Studies – 4
Topic:Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity
Why this question
Liturgy in ancient Greece was a public service established by the city-state whereby its richest members, more or less voluntarily, financed the State with their personal wealth. The question is related to GS 4 syllabus under the following heading-
Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to explain the meaning of the term liturgy. Note that liturgy has two meanings- one associated with Christianity and religion, and the other related to ancient Greece. We have to explain the meaning of the later. It then wants us to discuss whether such an arrangement exists today/ is required today/ can be implemented today etc.
Directive word
Discuss- It is an all encompassing directive which commands us to write in detail about the meaning, success, limitations liturgy and come up with an opinion on its relevance today.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– Briefly define the term liturgy and how long did the system exist.
Body-
- Further describe the term liturgy.
e.g uses- funding of wars, public projects etc; discuss its success and decline. Take help of the articles attached with this question to frame your answer.
- Discuss the relevance of liturgy in present world- can such a system be possible ( yes in case of digital payments as all wealth will be/ can be monitored etc) , desirable (No as inequality and demand for resources has grown, governments have evolved into stable institutions, modern taxation system is far too complex and vast to be replaced by liturgy )and sustainable ( will people accept it and will the system be able to satisfy their wants.
Conclusion- form a balanced and fair conclusion on the role of liturgy in ancient Greece and its desirability and feasibility today.
