[Insights Secure – 2019] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 26 February 2019
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Tomorrow’s Static Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the
present- significant events, personalities, issues .
General Studies – 1
Topic– Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to discuss the role played by foreigners who settled in India in the various social, political, cultural movements that took place in India. We have to discuss their contributions and examine its impact.
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 that a lot of foreigners throughout history have made India their home and contributed immensely to the nation including during the freedom struggle.
Body
- Discuss the contributions of some of the foreigners to the various movements that took place in the pre independence era
- The members of Asiatic Society of Bengal were well acquainted with Indian traditions and led the debate in favor of Eastern education in vernacular language. Though they could not succeed in their efforts, it highlights the respect and recognition to Indian tradition.
- The efforts of Annie Besant for Home Rule along the Irish lines in India denote the reach of the moral voice of the Indian National Movement against British exploitation. She not only led the Home Rule League but was also elected as first woman President of Indian National Congress.
- The most significant event perhaps was A.O Hume’s contribution towards founding of Indian National Congress, which spearheaded the freedom struggle. etc
Conclusion – Summarize your answer by examining the impact of these contributions.
Topic– Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
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 key similarities between the two kinds of revenue systems put in place in India by the British.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- write a few introductory lines about the British land revenue system. E.g After gaining full control over Bengal in 1765, Company followed traditional land assessment system in the starting but gradually modified the existing land settlement from time to time to collect maximum possible land revenue which was a need of colonial administration. They initiated auction based farming system as the first experiment in 1772, where land revenue collection rights had been allotted on contract basis. This farming system slowly developed into three major land settlements, viz., Zamindari in Bengal, Raiyatwari in Madras and Bombay, and Mahalwari in North Western Provinces
Body-
Discuss in points about the similarities between the two systems. E.g
- In both cases, the British had favored certain categories of right holders to the detriments of the others by conferring on them full and undivided ownership of the land.
- Owing to the practice of the judicial sale of the properties of defaulting tax payers, on the one hand the domains of Zamindar were divided into medium and small properties, and on the other, Raiyats became medium or big owners by successive acquisitions.
- The introduction of ownership- and of a judicial conception of agrarian relation on a contractual basis- initially only reinforced in the villages the local power of the already dominant individuals or groups, who were to became the first users or the principal beneficiaries of the colonial legislative and legal machinery.
- Both the systems were exploitative and aimed at securing maximum revenue at the cost of Indian farmers and agriculture etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
Topic-Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
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 Gurdwara reform movement of the Punjab and bring out its contribution towards Indian freedom struggle.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about the Gurdwara reform movement. E.g The establishment of SGPC and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) proved to be a turning point in the history of the Sikhs. A new movement called Gurdwara Reform Movement was started against the Mahants and their mentor.
Body-
Discuss in points, the details of the movement and how it contributed towards Indian freedom struggle. E.g
- The SGPC sent many Akali jathas to various historical Gurdwaras to liberate them from the Mahants.
- Under these pressure many Mahants either surrendered to the Akalis or in many cases, agreed to work as employees of the SGPC.
- But the Mahants of prominent Gurdwaras like Panja Sahib, Taran-Taran, Nankana Sahib and Guru-Ka-Bagh did not agree to handover their Gurudwaras to the Akalis.
- They rather tried to resist them. In all these cases, the Akalis had to launch Morchas to get hold of these Gurudwaras.
- Discuss the Nankana Gurdwara tragedy and the role of the British in it.
- Discuss about the keys affairs of the Golden Temple.
- The Indian National Congress declared its support for the Akali agitation in the special congress session in Delhi.
- The Akali’s were the joined by several freedom fighters, including Jawaharlal Nehru and Kasturirangan Santhanam. Nehru and other were arrested during one such march etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
General Studies – 2
Topic– Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Why this question
President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday promulgated the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Ordinance and the article discusses the details of the ordinance and its impact.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to discuss in detail the key features of the ordinance and examine its impact in terms of how it protects small investors from frauds. We need to discuss any issues if there are in the ordinance 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 – Highlight that President Kovind promulgated the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Ordinance and state the purpose of yh ordinance.
Body
- Discuss the key provisions of the ordinance
- In a bid to protect gullible investors from ponzi schemes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government last week came out with an ordinance that banned unregulated deposit schemes, which will help to tackle the menace of illicit deposit-taking activities.
- Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Ordinance, 2019 does not ban small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from receiving loans in the course of, or for the purpose of, business, the government has clarified.
- The new law permits deposits from ‘relatives’, banks, financial institutions, property buyers, customers (extending an advance payment), and for other designated purposes. Similarly, a proprietor can borrow from a non-relative as long as it is strictly for business purposes.
- Discuss the impact of these measures
- Although the intent of the government behind bringing the ordinance is applaudable, experts believe this ordinance will have widespread ramification on some sectors and small traders.
- normal transactions like an individual reaching out to friends for a quick loan to tide over a crisis, a cash-strapped businessman borrowing from an acquaintance to meet a personal obligation; or, a charitable institution funding students and the ailing, cannot be done post this ordinance.
Conclusion – Give a fair and balanced view regarding the impact of the ordinance and discuss way forward.
Topic– Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Why this question
The article digs deep into controversies and criticism faced by e-pharmacies and discusses at length as to how e-pharmacies will be beneficial for the Indian patients.
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 e-pharmacies in India and bring out how they would help in increasing competition and lead to reduced prices of medicines for the customers.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about the e-pharmacies in India. E.g Amid a slew of conflicting judicial decisions from different High Courts, the legality of e-pharmacies continues to be questioned and unclear.
Body-
Discuss in points as to how they would lead to lower prices of medicines for Indian patients. E.g
- The more prudent way of looking at the entry of e-pharmacies is competition and the resultant effect it will have on lowering the price of medicine for Indian patients.
- In a fully functional, competitive market, pharmacists would compete with each other for business. This competition could happen in the form of discounts or improving operational efficiency.
- Over the last decade, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has had to deal with several complaints alleging that trade associations of pharmacists are providing platforms for cartelisation where pharmacists are basically rigging the market.
- The practice of requiring pharmaceutical companies to apply for a no-objection-certificate (NOC) from the regional trade association before they appoint new stockists in a region to sell a particular drug has the effect of artificially restricting competition in certain markets because more stockists mean more competition. By creating such artificial, extra-legal barriers to the free trade of medicines within India, these trade associations create huge distortions in the Indian market.
- It is suspected that these practices continue despite multiple restraining orders by the CCI.
- One major factor that contributes to high drug prices in India is the unreasonably high trade margins.”
- One of the culprits for this phenomenon identified by the CCI was “self-regulation by trade associations [which] also contributes towards high margins as these trade associations control the entire drug distribution system in a manner that mutes competition etc.
Conclusion- based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
General Studies – 3
Topic– money-laundering and its prevention
Why this question
Recently in the wake of the Pulwama attack the FATF has criticized Pakistan for its role. In this context it is important to discuss about FATF, its mandate and its role.
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 role of the FATF in preventing money laundering and terror financing across the world.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about the FATF. E.g The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) was established in July 1989 by a Group of Seven (G-7) Summit in Paris, initially to examine and develop measures to combat money laundering. In October 2001, the FATF expanded its mandate to incorporate efforts to combat terrorist financing, in addition to money laundering.
Body-
- Discuss about the objectives of the FATF. E.g
- The objectives of the FATF are to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.
- Discuss about the role played by FATF. E.g
- The FATF has developed a series of Recommendations that are recognised as the international standard for combating of money laundering and the financing of terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
- They form the basis for a co-ordinated response to these threats to the integrity of the financial system and help ensure a level playing field.
- First issued in 1990, the FATF Recommendations were revised in 1996, 2001, 2003 and most recently in 2012 to ensure that they remain up to date and relevant, and they are intended to be of universal application.
- The FATF monitors the progress of its members in implementing necessary measures, reviews money laundering and terrorist financing techniques and counter-measures, and promotes the adoption and implementation of appropriate measures globally.
- In collaboration with other international stakeholders, the FATF works to identify national-level vulnerabilities with the aim of protecting the international financial system from misuse etc.
Conclusion- based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
General Studies – 4
Topic – corporate governance
Why this question
The article discusses the recommendations of Uday Kotak committee on corporate governance and the impact that the implementation of the recommendations have had on the corporate sector in India and the ethical dilemmas that it presents before them. This question will be important for the corporate ethics of paper 4.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to discuss the recommendations of the committee and thereafter, bring out what the impact of the reforms have been on corporate governance in India. Next, we need to discuss how the family run corporations in India are faced with certain ethical dilemmas and discuss 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 – Highlight why corporate governance in India has been in focus because of certain scandals etc and how SEBI constituted the Uday Kotak committee.
Body
- Discuss the recommendations of the committee
- Reduction in the maximum number of listed entity directorships from 10 to 8 by April 01, 2019 and to 7 by April 1, 2020
- Expanding the eligibility criteria for independent directors
- Enhanced role of the Audit Committee, Nomination and Remuneration Committee and Risk Management Committee
- Disclosures of auditor credentials, audit fee, reasons for resignation of auditors, etc.
- Disclosure of expertise/skills of directors
- Enhanced disclosure of related party transactions (RPTs) and related parties to be permitted to vote against RPTs
- Mandatory disclosure of consolidated quarterly results with effect from FY 2019-20
- Enhanced obligations on the listed entities with respect to subsidiaries
- Discuss the reason why such reforms were necessitated and the impact that it’s implementation have had on corporate governance.
- Discuss the ethical dilemmas presented before family run businesses, higher level of accountability to stakeholders etc
Conclusion – Give your view and discuss way forward.
Topic- Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
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 seven deadly sins, expounded by Mahatma Gandhi and how they affect the society at large.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about the Mahatma Gandhi. E.g mention about his role in freedom struggle vis a vis his policies of nonviolence and satyagraha.
Body-
Discuss in detail about the seven deadly sins, mentioned by M.K Gandhi. E.g
- Wealth Without Work
- Pleasure Without Conscience
- Knowledge Without Character
- Commerce (Business) Without Morality (Ethics)
- Science Without Humanity
- Religion Without Sacrifice
- Politics Without Principle
Discuss briefly about each principle and how it affects the society.
Conclusion- based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
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