[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 13 JUNE 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
REVISION TIMETABLE FOR PRELIMS – 2018
General Studies – 1
Topic: Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Why this question
The question is related to GS 1 syllabus under the following heading-
salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to write in detail about the origin and evolution of Indian temple architecture. We have to discuss how the ancient temple architecture was shaped around India and how it evolved over the time.
Directive word
Discuss- This is an all-encompassing directive which means that we have to write in detail about the origin of temple architecture in India, how they evolved over time different temple styles in India, their main features etc.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Mention the reasons for building the early temples and mention the bhakti movement which laid down the model temple architecture for the coming millenia.
Body–
- Discuss the main parts of the temple and how further parts were added to the parent structure.
- Discuss the Buddhist influence, contribution of further dynasties like the Guptas etc.
- Bring out the important differences and common points between two main temple architecture styles in India ( Dravidian vs Nagara style).
- Mention the materials used and how they changed over time. Mention a few important temples of India with marvellous architecture.
Conclusion- Mention the regional variations which produced exquisite samples of beauty but more or less the temple architecture in India followed a similar plan and evolution.
Topic: Redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to discuss the principle objective of the foreign policy of USA which has guided it’s world view. Thereafter, the reasons why US intervened in Vietnam and the impact of it.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Mention that the events in the question happened during cold war and it was a period when two superpowers were playing the game of one-upmanship.
Body – discuss the key contents of the foreign policy of USA in 20th century and post 2nd world war which guided it’s outlook – can look at Woodrow wilson’s 14 point agenda. Thereafter, mention the reason that led to USA’s involvement in Vietnam – Domino theory. Finally, discuss the impact that Vietnam war had on USA and the world.
Conclusion – Mention that USA believed that it had to play the role of global policeman which is being challenged with the emergence of multiple superpowers today.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Role of civil services in a democracy.
Why this question
Lateral entry in government service is an idea often discussed and has finally been implemented. Analyzing this decision is important for mains.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to discuss the pros and cons of the move and express our opinion on whether lateral entry is much needed at present.
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 – Mention the advertisement by GoI regarding lateral entry.
Body – Discuss the pros and cons of the move. In pros section analyze the recommendations of the various committees which have analyzed this question, our past experiences, requirement in modern economy where state has taken the key seat, in depth knowledge of subjects for policy making etc. Discuss the cons such as lack of on ground experience, little idea about the administrative leviathan etc. Present your view on whether the move is a right one considering the time we live in.
Conclusion – Mention the way forward.
Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures
4) Analyze the feasibility of holding simultaneous election in India in the near future? (250 words)
Why this question
The question of feasibility of simultaneous elections is a hotly analyzed topic currently and important for Mains.
Key demand of the question
The question demands us to discuss in detail the feasibility of holding simultaneous elections from various perspectives – constitutional, functional etc. We also need to provide a 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.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Mention that the question of simultaneous elections is a hotly discussed topic in indian polity. Explain what do you mean by it.
Body – Discuss the feasibility of holding simultaneous elections from various perspectives – constitutional, functional etc. Mention the problems that might arise as a result of holding simultaneous elections. Examine how can we solve those issues.
Conclusion – Present a fair and balanced view and the way forward
Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary
Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal
associations and their role in the Polity.
Why this question
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to write in detail about the reasons behind high prevalence of child labour in India and it wants us to simply describe the legal mechanism in place to address the issue.
Directive word
Discuss- We have ro write at length about both the parts of the question- reasons behind as well as legal mechanisms in place.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – mention some statistics about prevalence of child labor in India. E.g International Labour Organization’s World Report on Child Labour etc.
Body–
- Discuss in points the reasons behind high prevalence of child labour in India.
E.g poverty, family tradition, social and economic backwardness, social and economic backwardness, cheap labor, poor compliance with the law etc.
B, discuss the legal mechanisms in place to address the issue.
E.g Fundamental rights under article 21-A, 24; right to education, Mines Act, The Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act etc.
Conclusion- Mention the need to curb the problem of child labor in India and also suggest a few points as to what should be done in this matter.
General Studies – 3
Topic – Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers
Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
Why this question
Although Indian agriculture suffers from several perennial problems, permanent surpluses have only been a recent phenomena. Instead of ameliorating the condition of the farmers, the phenomena has further hurt the farmers. The issue is related to GS 3 syllabus under the following heading-
Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers
Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to express our knowledge/ understanding of the issue and present our opinion. We have to explain how Indian agriculture has entered the permanent surplus era, what impact it has on farmers and what should be done in this regard.
Directive word
Critically Comment- We have to express our personal opinion and understanding of the issue backed by adequate and proper/valid justification.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Explain the meaning of the term permanent surplus in agriculture.
Body-
- Discuss some statistics related to agricultural production and mention examples of places where farmers faced the problems of surplus production coupled with lower prices.
- Discuss how India has reached trade surplus- technology, infrastructure, diffusion and adoption rate of technology/ innovation etc.
- Discuss the good and bad of permanent/ near-permanent surplus in agricultural production.
Conclusion– Express your opinion in the form of what should be done in this matter- e.g providing proper knowledge inputs to farmers etc.
General Studies – 4
TOPIC: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships.
Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions
7) Discuss the ethical frameworks through which the act of suicide could be debated.(250 words)
Why this question
The question is related to GS 4 syllabus under the following heading-
Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships.
Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to mention and describe different ethical frameworks ,which debate the ethical aspects of the act of suicide. We have to discuss the individual frameworks and their main philosophy/ questions/ pursuits etc.
Directive word
Discuss- This is an all-encompassing directive which means that we have to write in detail about the key demand of the question.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– Give a simple ( preferably legal) definition of the act of suicide.
Body–
Discuss in points, different ethical frameworks through which the issue of the act of suicide can be debated.
Mention and discuss the theologian, libertarian, consequentialist, Kantian frameworks and what are their key philosophies. What question they ask and what answers they seek.
Conclusion– Form a fair and balanced personal opinion the overall issue of suicide, based on your understanding, convictions and more importantly the above-held discussion.
