[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 15 JUNE 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
REVISION TIMETABLE FOR PRELIMS – 2018
General Studies – 1
Topic: World History
Why this question
Ever since Trump came to power, several changes in American foreign policy has taken place, which reflect that American hegemony is on the decline, and America is ready to accept this truth. What is the meaning of Pax Americana and American hegemony, what are the challenges to it in Trump era, how relevant is it in the changing geopolitical environment are important topics to be discussed.
Key demand of the question
The question demands us to bring out the meaning of Pax Americana, the history of it as well as the implications of it. Thereafter, we need to describe the policies of Trump which is challenging American hegemony and the impact of it.
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 – Explain what is meant by Pax Americana.
Body
- Mention how post world war, American hegemony grew and it became the global policeman
- Explain what are the components of American hegemony – pole position in Human Rights, global policeman, wide definition of national interest etc
- Examine how Trump’s policies are reversing this trend. Examine the major changes brought by his foreign policy (as explained in the article) and its impact on the global order
Conclusion – Mention that it will have a huge impact on power relations across the world and India must adapt to prosper.
Topic: Regionalisation of world politics
2) Examine the contrast in the story of ASEAN vs SAARC?(250 words)
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to delve deeper into the difference in growth trajectories of ASEAN and SAARC. The focus is to remain on bring out the contrast and examining the reasons why.
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 – Explain ASEAN and SAARC.
Body
- Highlight the contrast in economic, political, social progress of SAARC and ASEAN
- Examine the reasons why – external enemy vs internal enemy, disproportionate size of India which led to mistrust etc
Conclusion – bring out what should SAARC do to emulate ASEAN.
General Studies – 2
Topic: devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
Why this question
On one hand, we talk of democratic decentralization, and on the other hand, creation of SPVs for implementation of governmental schemes like Smart Cities Mission dilute the authority of local governments. This raises questions on the status of municipalities as genuine third tier of the government and needs to be critically analyzed.
Key demand of the question
The question demands us to assess the role of ULBs from the point of view of its powers and functioning and analyze whether it can be genuinely called as the third tier of governance. We need to provide arguments both for and against its role as third tier of governance and provide a fair and balanced conclusion.
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 – Explain the overall objective of 73rd and 74th constitutional amendment act. Mention that 35 years later, questions still arise on true nature of democratic decentralization in the country.
Body – Examine the main issues why questions arise over the role of ULBs as genuine third tier of government. Answer under headings like power, finance etc. Here, also assess the functioning of ULBs in rolling out schemes like JNNURM etc which compelled the government to institute SPVs. Examine how SPVs are eroding the authority of ULBs. Bring out how raising questions over the third tier of government is premature as the institution is indeed delivering albeit slowly.
Discuss the way forward as well.
Conclusion – provide a fair and balanced view by summarising the arguments made above.
Topic: e-governance- applications,
models, successes, limitations, and potential
4) LIMBS will play a key role in reducing the litigation burden. Examine.(250 words)
Why this question
Whenever we talk of judicial reforms, easing the litigation burden is an important concern. The role of LIMBS in their regard is crucial and needs to be examined in depth.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to describe what is LIMBS, how can it help in reducing the litigation burden, its shortcomings and the way forward.
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 – explain what LIMBS is – Legal Information Management and Briefing System (LIMBS) is a web based application created by the Department of Legal Affairs under the Ministry of Law and Justice, to make the legal data available at one single point and streamline the procedure of litigation matters conducted on behalf of Union of India
Body – Bring out the need for limbs in fulfilling objectives of “Minimum government, maximum governance”, “Digital India”, “Ease of doing business” and enhance the Transaction Capacity Governance of the government with an efficient legal framework for speedy resolution of disputes.
LIMBS reduces the huge expenditures involved in resolving the cases, saves time and makes the working of different departments under a ministry, efficient.Examine the impact that LIMBS can have on the judicial process and the risks that might arise.
Conclusion – Emphasize on the role of LIMBS and discuss the way forward.
General Studies – 3
Topic – Indian Economy – Issues
Why this question
The idea of PARA discussed in depth in last year’s economic survey has again gained traction. Understanding what PARA is, and how it can help in alleviating the stubborn problem of bad loans is thus important.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to first explain what PARA is and how will it function. The main focus of the question is on understanding how effective PARA will be in dealing with the problems of bad loans. Both the hits and misses need to be brought out.
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 the problem of bad loans and the suggestion of PARA to tackle this problem
Body
- Explain what PARA is and how will it function
- Highlight why an agency like PARA will be effective in tackling the problem of bad loans. These reasons have been discussed in detail in last year’s economic survey. Have a look.
- Explain why PARA might not be successful
Conclusion – Emphasize on the importance of resolving the problem of bad loans and whether PARA is the way forward.
General Studies – 4
TOPIC: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers
and administrators;
6) Critically analyze Plato’s thoughts on the system of democracy.(250 words)
Why this question
Plato was one of the most famous ancient philosopher who had great impact on the western philosophy. However his ideas and thoughts on democracy are not in line with the present liberal thought and given that democracy has so many virtues, it becomes important to discuss what views Plato had on democracy. The question is related to GS 4 syllabus under the following heading-
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to bring forward the thoughts and ideas of Plato on democracy. We have to discuss why Plato had such thoughts/ ideas, why he was right in having such thoughts and why he was wrong. We have to dig deep into the issue and come out with a personal opinion in the end.
Directive word
Critically analyze- we have to dig deep into the issue/ question and identify its key demand. We have to discuss all the essential and related aspects of the question. Discuss why Plato was right and why he was wrong. Based on our discussion, we have to form a personal opinion on the issue.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– Mention that Plato believed that, as a just and healthy person is governed by knowledge and reason, a just society must be under the control of society’s most cultivated and best informed minds, its “lovers of wisdom.”
Body– Take the help of the articles attached with the question to frame your answer in the following way;
- Discuss how Plato viewed the society ( comparing it with soul).
- Discuss why Plato was right. This could be best discussed by mentioning Plato’s own reasoning and thoughts on the topic.
- Discuss why Plato was wrong. You have to be creative as well as highly analytical in answering this part of the question.
Conclusion- Form a fair, balanced and a concise opinion on the issue.
