[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 23 JUNE 2018
Click on EACH question to post/upload you answers.
How to Follow Secure Initiative?
How to Self-evaluate your answer?
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 issue is indirectly 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 bring out the uniqueness and innovativeness of the Chola empire during the imperial period (850-1200). We have to dig deep into the socio-economy and polity of the Chola state during the said period and form our answer accordingly.
Directive word
Comment- We have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and based on our discussion we have to form a concise opinion on the issue. Our discussion should present justification in the form of arguments/ facts as a stand to our opinion.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – mention that the Chola dynasty was one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the history of southern India which has left a lasting legacy behind. Vijayalaya was the founder of the Imperial Chola dynasty which was the beginning of one of the most splendid empires in Indian history.
Body– Discuss in points the innovations and uniqueness of Chola empire
E.g King’s orders were recorded in great detail in the inscriptions, usually on the walls of temples. A special type of official recorded the oral orders immediately on palm leaf manuscripts; A powerful bureaucracy assisted the king in the tasks of administration and in executing his orders and was well organized than in other contemporary states; careful balance between central control and local independence was maintained and non-interference in local government was sacrosanct ( local self government was born); constant audit and scrutiny of bureaucrats and other officials; revenue records were carefully maintained records of land rights, based on complete enquired and accurate surveys, and were kept up-to-date by regular surveys; Village assemblies exercised large powers in deciding local disputes. Small committees called Nyayattar heard matters that did not come under the jurisdiction of the voluntary village committees. The punishments in most cases were in the form of donations to the temples or other endowments etc.
Conclusion– form a fair, balanced and a concise conclusion on the overall issue, in accordance with the above-held discussion.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments,
significant provisions and basic structure.
Why this question
The NCT of Delhi has been surrounded by a lot of controversy, especially since the incumbent government took power. There have been calls for giving full-statehood to the UT. However, giving full statehood to Delhi comes with its own pros and cons. The issue is related to GS 2 syllabus under the following heading-
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to dig deep into the issue and identify the pros as well as cons of providing statehood to NCT. We have to form a personal opinion after considering both the sides of such a decision.
Directive word
Critically analyze- we have to dig deep into the issue and write in detail about the positive as well as negative implications of providing statehood to NCT. Based on our discussion, we have to form a personal opinion on the issue.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – mention that the 69th Amendment of the Constitution in 1992 gave the National Capital of Delhi, special status with its own democratically elected government and legislative assembly.
Body-
- Discuss the positive implications of giving full statehood to Delhi. E.g respecting democracy, decreasing friction between the Centre and NCT, better governance and accountability of the government etc.
- Discuss the negative implications of giving full statehood to Delhi. E.g the present system in place has worked finely before, the problem of having two governments in the same city-State, various administrative problems related to management of security in the capital etc.
Refer to other sources also in order to frame your answer.
Conclusion– Based on your discussion, form a concise, fair and a balanced opinion on the issue.
Topic – Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s
interests, Indian Diaspora.
Key demand of the question
We have to critically comment on the main assertion of the question that while reservation policy have helped us bridge significant gaps, it has now reached a dead end and needs reinvention.
Directive word
Critically comment – When you are asked to comment, you have to pick main points and give your ‘opinion’ on them based on evidences or arguments stemming from your wide reading. Critically comment is also forming opinion on main points but in the end you have to provide a fair judgement.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – It should focus on introducing reservation as a policy of social justice by explaining it and the related constitutional provisions.
Body – Highlight how reservation policy has helped us achieve a lot and was required in light of the social realities of India during independence and the decades following it. Highlight what are the shortcomings in the policy due to which it is said that it had reached a dead end.
Conclusion – Present a fair and balanced view and discuss way forward.
Topic:Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections
Why this question
Several incidents of lynchings have taken place in Assam, UP etc which paints a sad picture of societal ethics, increasing rage among people, violence against vulnerable sections. These incidents need to be given a serious thought and ways to deal with it needs to be devised.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to analyze the need, pros and cons, effectiveness and impact of an anti lynching law in the country. It also expects us to give an overview of the shape such law can take.
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 – Highlight the various incidents that have taken place in the past few years and the conclusion that can be drawn from it.
Body
- Explain lynching.
- Explain the need for forming an anti lynching law – rule of law, deal with societal violence, create deterrence etc
- Explain how an anti lynching law might be inadequate – mention the main cause of lynching being lack of faith in judicial mechanisms to deliver justice which would still remain, the need for societal harmony which is missing in the current times etc
- Briefly give an overview of the shape such a law might take
Conclusion – Write a fair and balanced view on how far you think an anti lynching law is the need of the hour and the alternatives to deal with this situation.
General Studies – 3
Topic -Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
Why this question
Many insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings undergoing in India involve cross-border presence of company’s assets. Therefore it is necessary to have a mechanism in place in order to solve cross-border insolvency cases. The issue 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 write in detail about the salient provisions of the draft on cross-border insolvency, recently released by the government and explain how they will lead to an effective resolution mechanism to resolve cross-border insolvency.
Directive word
Discuss- this is an all-encompassing directive which directs us to write at length about the salient provisions of the draft on cross border insolvency and also discuss how it will lead to an effective resolution mechanism to resolve cross-border insolvency.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – mention that in many of the ongoing cases under the IBC, several companies have assets and operations outside India, for which a legal framework is required to deal the assets overseas.
Body-
- Discuss that the existing IBC provides for two Sections –234 and 235 — relating to cross border insolvency but these are not adequate. Mention that under section 235, India may issue a letter of request to a court or an authority competent to deal with such request, of the foreign country.
- Discuss in points the salient provisions of the draft and bring out how the draft will place an effective mechanism to deal with cross-border insolvency. E.g the central government after entering into agreement with other countries, may bring overseas asset of a domestic corporate debtor into consideration of insolvency resolution in India, can be extended to cases of personal insolvency resolution as well, in line with UNICTRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency and thus cooperation can be sought from other countries who have adopted the model law etc.
Conclusion– Form a fair and a balanced opinion on the issue, based on your discussion.
Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy
Why this question
One of the biggest news item of the past few days has been the ongoing trade wars with tariffs and counter tariffs being imposed by several major economies including India. Discussing what it signifies and the impact of it is critical.
Key demand of the question
The question mentions that rules based trading system is the casualty. First we have to explain what means. Thereafter, we have to explain how trade wars is impacting rules based trading system. Also mention the counter view that these tariffs reflect a lack of faith in trading norms and are set to escalate. Present your view in conclusion.
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 – Bring out why this topic is in news.
Body – Explain what rules based trading system means. Highlight how creating a rules based trading system is the chief objective of WTO and, it being the casualty means the lack of faith in WTO and its laws. Post that, discuss why the tariff war is harmful as to ensure free and fair trade it is necessary to abide by the rules of international trade. Highlight how the trade rules are being violated by the tariff war. As an alternate view point, discuss how the present tariff war could be good as trade protectionism is the need of the hour, also that there should be quid pro quo in trade concessions as well as tariff wars.
Conclusion – Discuss the way forward and how India should respond.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Case Studies
Consider each of the following questions and evaluate the case study:
- What is the action or inaction that is the cause for concern?
- Who or what may be affected?
- How will they be affected? (i.e., what are the possible consequences?)
- Are there any laws, regulations written or unwritten that may apply?
- What actions might be taken and what would the consequences of these actions be?
- Can anything be done to prevent this from reoccurring or to minimize the severity of the consequences?
Why this question
The question is related to case studies part of GS 4.
Structure of the answer
The answer may be framed as per your own convictions, understanding and knowledge. However, for your guidance, answers for each question is also given here. You may further add to it and refine your answer.
The cause for concern is that the building Mr Ranbir designed could potentially topple in strong winds.
The building’s owners and occupants of whom there are thousands (large number).
The building occupants could be maimed or killed. The building’s owners would be ruined. Mr Ranbir’s professional reputation and career would certainly be ruined and he could also face imprisonment and civil lawsuits.
Certainly if the building collapsed and people died, Mr Ranbir would be guilty of many counts of murder. There are likely many laws and regulations that would also apply. Likely the code of ethics for Mr Ranbir’s profession holds its members responsible for ensuring public safety.
Mr Ranbir can go to the building owners and inform them of the problem and of what needs to be done in order to fix the skyscraper.
Certainly by informing the owners as soon as possible Mr Ranbir will minimize the severity of the consequences. Mr Ranbir should also carefully review his calculations to determine how/why he made the error in the first place. This will allow him to make sure that he doesn’t make the same mistake again in the future.
