[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 18 JUNE 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
REVISION TIMETABLE FOR PRELIMS – 2018
General Studies – 2
Topic: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities
of various Constitutional Bodies.
1) How far preamble is useful in interpreting the constitution?(250 words)
Key demand of the question
The question basically expects us to examine the extent to which preamble can be utilised for understanding and interpreting the provisions of the constitution. This can be done by analyzing the view of SC on whether preamble forms a part of the constitution and what power is derived from the preamble.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Explain the controversy surrounding whether or not the preamble is a part of the constitution.
Body – Discuss the view of SC in Berubari Union Case regarding why preamble is not considered a part of the constitution and the impact of it. thereafter, analyze the view of SC in Keshavananand Bharti case on why it reversed it’s earlier stand on preamble as a part of the constitution and the impact of it.
Conclusion – Mention the present stand on preamble as a part of the constitution and how far is it useful in interpreting the provisions of the constitution.
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.
2) Analyze how Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan is an improvement over its constituent schemes? (250 words)
Why this question
Samagra Shikhsha Abhiyan aims at unifiying learning from pre-school to class 12 levels by treating education holistically as continuum from pre-school to class 12. It encapsulates elements of previous scheme and focuses on digital education by giving emphasis on integration of two Ts – Teacher and Technology. The scheme thus tries to create a paradigm shift in education system and how it does so needs to be analyzed in depth.
Key demand of the question
The question focuses on analyzing the improvements made in the current scheme with respect to its constituent schemes. Thus the positives of the scheme has to be brought out. In case, we feel that there are certain shortcomings, those can be highlighted as well.
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 Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
Body – Analyze how SSA is an improvement over the previous schemes. Bring out points like holistic assessment, focus on teacher quality, incentivizing states for good performance, incorporation of technology etc. Highlight any shortcomings that you feel are there.
Conclusion – Mention that SSA is in tune with the need of the hour and requires sound implementation.
Topic:Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
Yojana magazine, May 2018 (Nutrition) issue
Why this question
Malnourishment is a multi-dimensional problem and india is home to the largest number of malnourished children. The government has taken various initiatives to address the important dimensions of the problem. The issue is related to GS 2 syllabus under the following heading-
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
Key demand of the question.
The question simply wants us to discuss the initiatives taken by the government of to address the issue of malnourishment in India. However, we have to discuss the programs/ initiatives in relation to all the dimensions of the problem-health, hygiene, intake, quality etc.
Directive word
Discuss- This is an all-encompassing directive and it directs us to be exhaustive in our approach to the answer. We have to write at length about all the important initiatives taken by the govt to address the multidimensional issue of poverty.
Structure of the answer
Introduction-mention that malnourishment is a multidimensional problem (poverty, undernourished mother, sanitation, lack of awareness etc) and present some statistics about malnourishment in India.
Body–
Discuss in points various initiatives taken by the govt to address the issue in all its dimensions. Briefly discuss the aims of those initiatives.
E.g ICDS, Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana, Reproductive Child Health RCH-II, National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme, Total Sanitation Campaign, National Rural Drinking Water Programme, Mid day Meals, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for the Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG), Kishori Shakti Yojana, NRHM, MNREGS, Skill Development Mission, Women Welfare and Support Programme, Adult Literacy Programme, TPDS, AAY etc.
Conclusion- give your suggestions ( e.g need for coherence and linking together all initiatives, increased spending on health and nutrition etc) and form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the above issue.
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
Yojana magazine, May 2018 (Nutrition) issue
Why this question
Although government has taken several measures and introduced many schemes to address the issue of malnutrition in India, the efforts have not been enough in addressing the problem. Therefore if private sector can supplement the role of the govt, then it would hasten India’s progress towards a healthy society. The issue is related to GS 2 syllabus under the following heading-
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to bring out the role private sector can play in addressing India’s nutritional woes (malnourishment as well as obesity). We have to express our understanding of the issue and discuss how it can be done.
Directive word
Analyze- We have to dig deep into the question and discuss the need to rope in private sector and the role it can play in addressing the nutritional problems of India.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Present some statistics about the severity of malnourishment in India- its prevalence, and also obesity. Mention the SDG of ending malnutrition by 2030.
Body–
- Discuss the need to bring in private sector. E.g mention a few important govt schemes aimed at ending malnourishment and argue that despite so much efforts the progress has not been upto the mark; and given the severity of the problem and need to achieve SDG means that the efforts have to be scaled up.
- Discuss how private sector can play a role n addressing the nutritional problems of India.
E.g Attracting/ influencing customers to purchase nutritional products, Tech-enabled nutrition awareness and service delivery, Influencing cooking practices through awareness programmes and strategies, Workplace nutrition programmes, CSR support for nutritional programmes etc.
Conclusion- based on the above discussion, form a fair and a balanced opinion on the overall issue.
General Studies – 3
Topic – Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation
5) Discuss the efficacy of banning single use plastics in solid waste management?(250 words)
Why this question
Tackling plastic waste was the theme of the world environment day and has come under intense focus. Several states have banned the use of single use plastics, while a few have reversed this step. The effectiveness of banning single use plastics need to be analyzed in depth.
Key demand of the question
We need to discuss the pros and cons of implementing the policy of banning single use plastic. Alternatives to banning single use plastic may also be provided.
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 – Highlight the recent pledge by the government to ban all forms of plastic by 2022 and the step taken by state governments like Maharashtra to ban single use plastic.
Body – Analyze the pros and cons of such a move. Highlight pros like the necessity to ban plastic because of its non biodegradable nature, the massive ill effects that dumping of plastic in oceans and as landfills have on ecosystem, the necessity of weaning people away from a convenient item like plastic etc. Highlight the cons like lack of assessment of its actual impact, lack of focus on collection and segregation which is the real bane of waste management etc. Discuss alternatives to banning.
Conclusion – Mention the way forward for mitigating the ill effects of plastic pollution.
Topic: Disaster and disaster management.
Why this question
Drought is a huge challenge for the government. With climate change adversely affecting monsoons each year, it is imperative for us to analyze whether we have been able to get the policy steps to tackle drought right.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to first explain the causes of drought, whether lack of rainfall is the only reason. Thereafter, we need to highlight the lacunae in governmental policy to tackle drought. We should briefly highlight the seriousness of the problem and end with a 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 – Bring out the fact through relevant data that drought is a recurring problem for India and needs deeper analysis.
Body – Examine the reasons of drought to evaluate whether lack of rainfall is the sole reason and how far mismanagement of drought by government is responsible for the current state. Delve deeper into the lacunae in governmental policies to prevent drought as well as in capacity building to withstand drought. Analyze whether we have been successful in creating natural assets, utilize our traditional water harvesting systems, our agricultural policies which have induced drought like situations in certain parts, our mismanagement of groundwater reserves etc. Discuss the impact of these gaps by emphasizing on how serious the situation has become.
Conclusion – Highlight the importance of urgently tackling this issue and discuss way forward.
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Why this question
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has recently mooted the idea of quickly scaling up the production and use of biofuels for aviation industry. However, the idea has been opposed by many environmentalists. The issue is related to GS-3 syllabus under the following heading-
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to delve deep into the issue, and identify and discuss the important aspects of the question. We have to deliberate on the pros and cons of such a policy/action and form a personal opinion on the issue, based on our understanding and knowledge on various aspects of the question.
Directive word
Critically analyze- We have to identify the key demand and discuss all the related and important aspects of the question. Here we have to discuss the pros and cons of increasing the use and production of biofuels in the aviation sector. Based on our discussion, we have to form a personal opinion on the issue.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – mention the rising aviation emissions and the recent ICAO proposal to scale up the production and use of biofuels for aviation sector. You can also put some statistics related to aviation emissions (e.g Global energy consumption in the transport sector accounted for approximately 2,300 Mtoe in 2009, with 10 % of it consumed by global aviation).
Body–
- Discuss the pros/need for such an action/ policy. E.g advanced liquid have a high specific energy content, growth of aviation sector and consequent fuel demand which must be environmentally sensitive, biofuels do not emit sulfur dioxide, technically it is the only alternate available right now etc.
- Discuss in points the cons/ challenges involved of /in such an action/policy. E.g oxidation and gel formation of biodiesel, damage to hoses and gaskets, presence of harmful bacteria and fungi in biofuel engines, it may drive new deforestation in the name of growing biofuels, it would further expand monoculture plantations, land-grabbing and food price volatility, more biodiversity destruction, more agrochemical use, and pollution of freshwater etc.
Conclusion– based on the above discussion, form a fair and a balanced opinion on the overall issue.
