[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 08 JUNE 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 compare and contrast Nazism and Fascism, with greater emphasis on bringing out the differences between the two. We need to conclude with an overall view on the two ideologies, as to how similar or different they were.
Directive word
Discuss – Here the similarities and differences between the two far right political ideology is to be brought out.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Mention that Fascism ie a rightist extreme national ideology took root in Italy and few years later in Germany. Hitler followed his own brand of fascism, which was more ruthless, is known as Nazism.
Body – Briefly mention the similarities between the two and thereafter, bring out how the two ideologies differed.
Conclusion – Provide a fair and balanced conclusion on how similar or dissimilar the two extremist ideologies were.
General Studies – 2
Topic: India and its bilateral relations
Why this question
The current geopolitical environment is one which requires a fine balancing of relations, with both bilateral and plurilateral issues impacting a nation’s equation with other nations. India USA relationship is no different. Analyzing the India USA relationship in light of the several push and pull factors is thus important.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to bring out the impact that other stakeholders, apart from USA and India,have on India USA bilateral relationship. Thereafter, we need to analyze whether this is affecting India USA bilateral relationship adversely. A fair, balanced conclusion needs to be drawn at the end, along with a way forward.
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 – Paint a brief overview of the history of India USA relationship and mention that it has not reached its true potential.
Body
- Talk about the various external factors, where India’s attempt at balancing has led to constraints in India US partnership – JCPOA, Indo Pacific, QUAD, China etc
- Examine the impact that these factors have on their bilateral relationship. Analyze, whether despite these divergences the relationship is progressing or is searching for a balance. Here, discuss cooperation in various strategic areas like maritime cooperation, NSG membership etc. Also discuss where cooperation is failing as a result of not matching of vision.
Conclusion – Provide a fair and balanced view on the statement in question and discuss way forward.
TOPIC:Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
Why this question
There have been several measures undertaken in the previous years which have focussed on improving the status of science, technology and research in India. From implicit focus through schemes like Digital India, Make in India etc and explicit focus through creation of Atal Tinkering Labs to RAAY. Examining whether these measures have led to a holistic improvement in the status of science and technology is important.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to bring out what holistic improvement in science and research entails. Thereafter, the schemes and policies of the government which have led to holistic improvement in status of science of research needs to be examined – the impact of it as well. The areas, where gaps still exist also need to be highlighted. Finally, we need to provide a fair and balanced view along with way forward.
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 – Bring out that India has so far not unlocked it’s potential in science and research as evident in the low rank we occupy on GII etc. Efforts has been put in bettering the status quo and the results have started showing.
Body
- Highlight India’s current position and legacy issues in the field of science and research – GII position, lack of original research etc
- Highlight that the government has committed to improve the status of science and research in India including setting its eyes on the nobel prize.
- Bring out the steps taken. You can divide this part in categories like industrial research , building grassroot innovation culture, academic research, application of SnT in solving national issues etc
- Thereafter, highlight the key lacunae that still exist – funding issues, industry academia poor linkages, regulatory issues etc
Conclusion – provide a fair and balanced conclusion and how we can plug the gap.
Topic: Separation of powers between various organs; disputes redressal mechanisms and institutions. Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, the conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
Why this question
The question is related to GS2 syllabus under the following heading-
Separation of powers between various organs; disputes redressal mechanisms and institutions.
Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, the conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to write in detail about what, according to you are the most pressing problems faced by Indian democracy in the present times. We also have to provide a solution or suggest a way forward for each of these problems.
Directive word
Discuss- As an all-encompassing directive it wants us to analyse the political situation and the state of affairs of Indian democracy and write at length about the challenges faced by them. Then we have to provide solutions/ suggest a way forward for these problems.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– mention that India is the world’s largest democracy and one one of the most successful young democratic countries. Over there are certain challenges basic by Indian polity and democracy.
Body-
Discuss the challenges faced by Indian Polity and democracy, one by one and provide the specific solutions for each challenge/problem.
e.g issue of defections and horse trading- solution: Make the anti-defection law more stringent with higher punishments and debarment; issue of the discretionary power of the Governor in case of hung assembly- solution: Implement the recommendations of the commissions like sarkaria Commission which also devised the rule for giving priority in government formation; issue of post poll alliances etc.
Conclusion- Bring out a fair, balanced and a concise conclusion based on your discussion and personal opinion as reflected in your answer.
General Studies – 3
Topic –Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Why this question
Blockchain technology has been in news for all the good and the bad reasons. The technology is not only revolutionary but also foundational in the sense other systems/ applications can be built on it. The issue is related to GS 3 syllabus under the following heading-
Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
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 express our understanding of blockchain Technology- how it works, what are its special features which give it a revolutionary and disruptive character. It also wants us to list its possible applications in the economic and political spheres in the near future.
Directive word
Discuss- this is an all-encompassing directive. We have to write in detail about the key demand of the question. We should give examples wherever possible.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– give a brief definition of blockchain Technology. This is one of the best and most simple definition that I could find. The blockchain is an incorruptible digital ledger of economic transactions that can be programmed to record not just financial transactions but virtually everything of value.
Body–
- Explain the mechanism behind blockchain Technology. For illustration purpose, you can draw a rough diagram also. Take help of the articles attached to the question to frame your answer.
- Enlist the possible applications of blockchain Technology in economic and political spheres. e.g sharing economy can be transformed through the use of blockchain technology, elections, decision making, public records, file storage, decentralized distribution of IPR material, tackling spam SMS etc.
Conclusion– mention the transformative, disruptive and foundational character of the blockchain technology. Also, mention the need for proper regulation and development of the technology in order to minimise the potential misuses.
Topic – Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
Why this question
The president recently gave his nod to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Amendment Ordinance, 2018. The ordinance will bring significant reforms in home buying, MSME sector and resolve other issues hampering NPA resolution in India. The question is related to GS 3 syllabus under the following heading –
Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to support with reasons/ facts/ arguments as to how the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Amendment Ordinance, 2018 will cause faster turnaround of MSME sector during insolvency, protect interests of home buyers and streamline various provisions to improve recovery from NPAs.
Directive word
Examine- we have to discuss the provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Amendment Ordinance, 2018 and discuss the reforms proposed by it for MSME sector, home buyers and for general NPA resolution.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- mention that the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC) is the bankruptcy law of India which seeks to consolidate the existing framework by creating a single law for insolvency and bankruptcy.
Body-
Discuss in points, the provisions of The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, Amendment Ordinance, 2018 and describe how they will benefit home buyers, MSME sector and what are the other reforms proposed to solve the problem of NPAs.
e.g giving representation to home buyers in the committee of creditors; no disqualification for the promoter of an MSME firm from bidding for his enterprise undergoing corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP), provided he is not a wilful defaulter and does not attract other disqualifications not related to default; The voting threshold for all major decisions has been brought down to 66% from earlier level of 75% to encourage resolution as against liquidation etc.
Conclusion- mention that although the ordinance is a progressive step, still there are certain deficiencies e.g home buyers have not been classified into secured or unsecured creditors etc.
General Studies – 4
Topic:Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections.
Why this question
The question is related to GS 4 syllabus under the following heading –
Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections.
Key demand of the question
The question wants to express our understanding and opinion on, how compassion makes not only the others happy (those who are helped) but also the actor ( one who is compassionate).
Directive word
Comment – we have to express our personal opinion on the issue. Our opinion should reflect and follow our knowledge and understanding of the issue.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– Define compassion (e.g Compassion is a deep feeling of wishing to alleviate
the suffering of others) and mention that happiness is the purpose of our existence and that long-term happiness can only be based on the act of compassion.
Body–
Discuss in points how being compassionate increases your happiness and also of those who are benefited by the acts of compassion.
e.g Compassion evokes positive feelings about ourselves and our own situation/ conditions, it gives a self-confidence and reduces fear, Frans de Waal’s scientific explanation of the importance of compassion etc. Take the help of the articles attached to the question to frame your answer.
Conclusion – Present share concise and a balanced opinion on the importance of compassion and empathy for the well being of the society as a whole as well as the person/ actor.
