[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 10 AUGUST 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
General Studies – 2
Topic– Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Why this question
The debate over article 370 and 35A has festered for long and is a sticking bone with respect to status of Kashmir. The article talks about the need for a nuanced debate wrt Article 35A and this question expects you to discuss the various aspects of the debate.
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.
Key demand of the question
The question is in context of the SC’s observation that it is going to examine whether Article 35A of Indian constitution violates basic structure of the constitution. We are expected to bring out the various facets of the debate over article 35A and examine whether the view expressed by those in favour of repealing Article 35A has merit.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Explain what article 35A is all about and the way it came into being
Body
- Bring out the arguments made by those who are opposed to Article 35A – that the amendment has been done by a presidential order and not via article 368, the discriminatory provisions wrt non residents of the state which are violative of Article 14 etc
- Bring out the arguments of those in favour of keeping Article 35A – would lead to erosion of political autonomy of Kashmir and create more challenges for the state, historical factors, preserves the demography of Kashmir etc
- Discuss the situation in Kashmir currently and the impact abrogating Article 35A will have on Kashmir
Conclusion – Give your view on what should be the way forward with respect to Article 35A.
Topic– Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Why this question
The introduction of DNA Bill in Parliament reignites the debate over storing DNA data, the regulatory provisions regarding protection of that data, effectiveness in solving crime etc. The article discusses these issues and will be useful in preparing this Bill.
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.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to analyze the Bill and discuss the effectiveness of these provisions in solving crimes, data privacy concerns raised, the nature of regulatory structure, its impact in privacy etc. The question expects us to form a fair and balanced view on the provisions of this Bill and suggest changes if any.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Explain what the Bill is all about
Body
- Discuss the key provisions of the Bill
- Examine the pros and cons of the Bill. Pros being it will help in crime investigation, establishing parentage, India will follow into the footsteps of several countries who have such an architecture in place. Discuss the cons such as privacy issues, unreliable data, limitations of the technology learnt from the experiences of other country, a simplistic regulatory architecture etc
- Examine the views of various committees with respect to utilizing DNA data – AP Shah committee, 271st report of LCI, Malimath committee report etc
Conclusion – Give your view on the Bill and suggest changes if required such as the need for a layered check mechanism in place of a single check mechanism.
Topic-Role of civil services in a democracy.
Why this question
Civil services play a vital role in governing and administering a vast and diverse country like India. Civil service reforms have been taking place gradually but the pace has been slow and recently the government has flouted the proposal of admitting lateral entry at higher levels, The idea has its own pros and cons which need to be discussed.
Directive word
Critically Examine- Here we have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any. We have to bring out the positive as well as negative implications of the move and then form an opinion thereupon.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to write at length about the possible positive as well as the negative implications of the decision to allow lateral entry in civil services. Based on our discussion, we have to form a personal opinion on the issue.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few lines about the need to reform civil services in India and mention that introducing lateral entry is one such reform measure aimed at improving the quality of civil services in India.
Body-
- Discuss the positive implications/pros. E.g bringing in specialists with a different experience from outside will improve efficiency, foster competition and influence the work culture; suits the present and future needs of the economy; administration in India is laden with a host of problems which need urgent redressal; growing importance of technology and decentralized decision making etc.
- Discuss the negative implications/ deficiencies. E.g chances of political patronage being favored on the outsiders; chances of further politicization of the administration and of divide and rule by the executive; low chances of attracting talent given the vast pay disparity between govt and private sector etc.
Conclusion– Based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
General Studies – 3
Topic- Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
4) What do you understand by LoU and LoC. Discuss their importance in modern finance.(250 words)
Why this question
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce has recently presented a report in which it has said that the Reserve Bank of India’s decision to discontinue the issuance of Letters of Undertaking (LoU) and Letters of Credit (LoC) for trade credit was a knee-jerk reaction to the Punjab National Bank fraud case and the facility should be restored at the earliest. It is thus important to discuss the meaning of LoU and LoC and to know their importance in modern finance.
Directive word
Discuss- This is an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key demand of the question. We also have to discuss about the related and important aspects of the question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to simply bring out the meaning of the two terms- LoU and LoC. It then wants us to discuss their importance in modern finance framework.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few lines on the popularity of LoU and LoC in the international finance system.
Body-
- Define LoC . E.g A letter of credit is a letter from a bank guaranteeing that a buyer’s payment to a seller will be received on time and for the correct amount. In the event that the buyer is unable to make payment on the purchase, the bank will be required to cover the full or remaining amount of the purchase.
- Give a simple definition of LoU-e.g. An LoU is an assurance given by one bank to another to meet a liability on behalf of a customer. The LoU is akin to a letter of credit or a guarantee. LoUs are used in international banking transactions. An LoU is issued for overseas import remittances and involves four parties — an issuing bank, a receiving bank, an importer and a beneficiary entity overseas. Since LoUs are a form of lending, they are typically backed by security.
- Discuss their importance in the modern financial system. E.g LoUs are important instruments that allow those in the import trade to transact their business. As an importer in India cannot simply buy dollars and send it abroad to make payments to his supplier, various instruments such as LoUs and Letters of Credit are required to carry out the transaction. LoUs, which are essentially a form of guarantee, have come to be a far cheaper and convenient way for importer to raise credit etc. Take the help of the articles attached to the question and other relevant material to from your answer.
Conclusion- Based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
Topic– Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Why this question
Mountain springs are the primary source of water for the rural households in the Himalayan region. For many people, springs are the sole source of water. Spring discharge is reported to be declining due to a host of natural and anthropogenic factors. It is therefore essential to discuss the need for a National Programme on Springshed Management.
Directive word
Discuss- This is an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key demand of the question. We also have to discuss about the related and important aspects of the question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to write in detail about the present grim situation of the springs in India, their importance and then write in detail about the need for a National Programme on Springshed Management- what should be its components etc.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- Write a few lines about the importance of springs as a source of water in India especially in the Himalayan region.
Body–
- Discuss why there is an urgent need for a comprehensive and a dedicated programme for springshed management. E.g Springs form the sources of many small and large rivers in India. Almost all non-Himalayan Rivers and many Himalayan Rivers originate in the form of thousands of springs in the catchment areas; Springs directly support either the whole or part of the water need of more than 15% of India’s population; The drying down of many springs has led to great distress for mountain populations, both rural and urban; The need to identify, conserve and protect the recharge areas of springs becomes important not just for local sustainability but also for the sustenance of our river systems; Integrating the understanding of the resource (mostly groundwater) alongside improved recharge, efficient supply and equitable demand hold the key to protecting and conserving springs.
- Discuss what is springshed -e.g A springshed is an area within a ground or surface water basin that contributes to the spring flow. The boundaries of springshed are dynamic – they change based on the level of the aquifer (otherwise known as its potentiometric surface). Discuss what should be the key components of a National Programme on Springshed Management- e.g must have both, a development component and a research component. The development component would enable the implementation while the research component could support the design, planning and impact assessment of springshed management. Briefly discuss the key components under each heading. Take the help of the article attached to the question to frame your answer.
Conclusion– sum up your discussion in a few lines and form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the above issue.
Topic – Part of static series under the heading – “Universe and Solar System”
NCERT Physical Geography class XI – Pg 14&15
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to explain our understanding of Big Bang theory and how the universe came into being. Thereafter, it expects us to explain how galaxies and stars came into being
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Explain that after long debates and multiple theories, scientists have come to believe that universe as we know today was formed 13.6 billion years ago as a result of Big Bang Theory
Body – Explain what Big Bang Theory is and how it resulted into the creation of universe as we know today. Thereafter, discuss how galaxies and stars came into being
General Studies – 4
Topic- Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.
Directive word
Discuss- This is an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key demand of the question. We also have to discuss about the related and important aspects (if any) of the question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to write in detail about how corruption in private sector can be dealt with.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few lines on the growing role of private sector in public service delivery. Mention that private sector does not come under the purview of the Prevention of Corruption Act. However, if the private sector (or any person engaged by them) is involved in bribing any public authority then he/she is liable to be punished for the offence of abetment of bribery under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Body-
Discuss in points, how corruption in private sector should be dealt with.
E.g Promoting cooperation between law enforcement agencies and relevant private entities; Promoting the development of standards and procedures designed to safeguard the integrity of relevant private entities; Promoting transparency among private entities, ; Preventing the misuse of procedures regulating private entities, including procedures regarding subsidies and licenses granted by public authorities for commercial activities; Preventing conflicts of interest by imposing restrictions, as appropriate and for a reasonable period of time, on the professional activities of former public officials or on the employment of public officials by the private sector after their resignation or retirement etc.
Conclusion– sum up your discussion in a few lines and form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the above issue.
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