[Insights Secure – 2019] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 22 March 2019
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INSIGHTS NEW SECURE – 2019: YEARLONG TIMETABLE
Tomorrow’s Static Topic: Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues,
poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
General Studies – 1
Topic: Role of women and women’s organization.
1) Evaluate the contribution of contemporary women movement in women empowerment.(250 words)
Why this question:
The question is in the context of contributions made by the contemporary women for the women movements held in demand for equal rights, equity, economic and social empowerment etc. Thus the question becomes important from the point of view of GS paper I.
Key demands of the question:
The question envisages us to discuss the phenomena of contemporary women led movements and the factors responsible for it. One has to track development of a number of feminist activities in various parts of the country justifying the contribution of contemporary women crusade in women empowerment.
Directive word
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidences. You have to appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming a personal opinion here.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction
Briefly discuss the significance of women empowerment.
Body
The body of the answer should address the following dimensions:
- First explain what exactly constitute women movement?
- Discuss in short how the role of women in Indian society has evolved over the ages.
- Discuss the rise of feminist movement in India in 1970s and how women have been empowered through legislations and societal changes.
- Elaborate on different streams of feminist orientations in India – one on aspects of polity, specific movements for social change in order to effect the revolutionary transformation of society, Radical Feminists, development of feminists etc.
- Quote case studies from India.
Conclusion
Conclude with few of their achievements made in this direction and suggest upon their crucial role.
Topic– population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
2) Regional disparity lies at the heart of social conflicts in India. Explain. (250 words)
Why this question:
The question is in the context of rising trends of regional disparity witnessed in India based on social causes. The question is based on the fact that the regional disparities in India are marked by the peculiarity of social conflicts rather than any other cause like economic or political factors, though those factors as well contribute to regional disparity.
Demand of the question:
This question seeks to examine the trends of regional disparity owing to social conflicts, one must thus analyse the factors of societal causes that are aggravating and fuelling regional disparity.
Directive word:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction
Start by explaining what you understand by regional disparity in India, list the causes in brief.
Body
Discuss the following aspects –
- Causes Responsible for Regional Imbalances – Historical Factors, Geographical Factors and most importantly the factors that often lead to social conflicts.
- Substantiate the responsible factors with specific examples.
- Suggest what needs to be done to overcome? – policy actions, government efforts, awareness, education ,special privileges to backward regions, affirmative action etc.
Conclusion
Conclude with importance of overcoming such regional disparities for the growth and development of the nation.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Why this question:
The article centers on the inadequacies in our bout against leprosy, which we often assume is a challenge that has been dealt with. The article doles out with a foremost health crisis that impacts the most vulnerable section of our society.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss leprosy as major health challenge still persistent in India. We need to reflects the poor state of affairs with respect to eradication of the program, the steps taken so far in dealing with leprosy, how they have managed to improve the situation from the past till present, and the new challenges that have arisen, and our view on tackling the leprosy problem.
Directive word:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer
Introduction:
Briefly highlight the leprosy challenge the country is facing and highlight the observation mentioned in the article regarding the growing incident of leprosy cases amongst the socially marginalized.
Body:
Answers must discuss the following aspects :
- Highlight the steps taken by the government such as the National Leprosy Eradication Programme, National Health Policy, multi drug therapy treatments etc., trace from past to present.
- Present the problems faced by leprosy patients, along with the deficiencies in government’s strategy.
- Point out the flawed policy regime, discriminatory laws etc.
- Discuss what needs to be done, suggest way forward – improved nationwide Leprosy Case Detection Campaign (LCDC), multi drug therapy (MDT), significance of Personal Laws Amendment Bill, 2018 etc.
Conclusion –
Emphasize that leprosy’s persistence reflects poorly on a country aspiring to become a world power, thus its high time to focus on the issue with all vigor and make efficient efforts to resolve.
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
Why this question:
The question is in the recent move of US President Trump backing Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights, a long-disputed piece of territory. Thus the recognition of the disputed area would mark a major shift in US policy, thus it becomes important for us to understand the nitty-gritties of the situation from geopolitical angle.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must revolve around the significance of Golan heights, Israel had captured much of the Golan from Syria in a 1967 war and annexed it, this move was not endorsed internationally. And amidst such a situation the marked policy shift of US around the Israeli Prime Minister’s re-election campaign calls for evaluation of the significance.
Directive word:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, 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. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgement.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin with quoting the locational facts of Golan heights.
Body:
- Draw a map of the location, if possible mark some relevant information showing geo-political significance of the region.
- Then move onto discussing strategic importance of Golan heights. Presently 2/3rd area of Golan Heights is under the control of Israel. Remaining part is under control of Syria.
- Importance of Golan Heights: It provides strategic significance to Israel as Damascus (Capital of Syria) is clearly visible from Golan Heights. The Soil of Golan Heights is so fertile that it is useful to cultivate Vine yards and Orchards.
- Then discuss the policy shift and its implication on the overall equation of geopolitics in the region.
Conclusion:
Conclude with possible consequences and realignment of global powers.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate./ Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
why this question:
In a significant first, India piloted resolutions on two important global environment issues relating to Single-use Plastics and Sustainable Nitrogen management at the fourth session of United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) which was held in Nairobi recently. Thus the question is important to ponder upon from the exam point of view.
Key demand of the question:
The global nitrogen use efficiency is low, resulting in pollution by reactive nitrogen which threatens human health, eco system services, and contributes to climate change and stratospheric ozone depletion. Thus the answer must appreciate the significance of such a step by providing facts to justify the need for sustainable carbon management.
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:
Introduce by appreciating India’s initiative to lead such an initiative and that too on a global platform.
Body:
In brief discuss the following points :
- What do you understand by Sustainable Nitrogen management?
- Discuss the salient features of Resolution on Sustainable Nitrogen Management – recognizes the multiple pollution threats resulting from anthropogenic reactive nitrogen, acknowledges the benefits of nitrogen, notes the initiatives like the Global Partnership on Nutrient Management (GPNM), International Nitrogen Management System as a science support system for policy development across the nitrogen cycle and the initiatives taken by South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP) etc.
- Indian scenario; efforts India is taking in this direction.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance of such a step and way forward.
Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
Why this question:
The article is in the backdrop of recently placed hold on the listing of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM)’s leader Masood Azhar at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) by China.
Key demand of the question:
The question must explain the dichotomy that in India there is no stomach for any kind of dialogue with Pakistan. And yet with China, every time there is a pushback and this is pretty much when China refuses to list Masood Azhar despite the kind of push India has made diplomatically after the Pulwama attack. Thus in such a background one is expected to analyse geopolitics amidst the current situation and threats of terrorism emanating from Pakistan.
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:
Re- assert the importance of TB elimination in India.
Body:
Explain Terrorism emanating from Pakistan and the China-Pakistan axis working against India are two of the major geo-political challenges facing the country, then move onto explain the other geo-political challenges to India including the uncertainty around the incoming Donald Trump-led US administration’s policies vis-a-vis China, Pakistan and India. Discuss how Bilateral ties between India and Pakistan are rock-bottom and explain the need to change it by imposing economic and political sanctions. Then discuss what should be India’s stand in such context.
Conclusion:
While India’s geo-political challenges will have to be dealt with by itself primarily, it would help if there is clarity on position of China and US vis-à-vis India and Pakistan.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service , integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections.
Ethics by Lexicon publications.
Why this question:
The question is based on debate of direct linkage between poverty and corruption vs the rich and corruption. The question revolves around corruption; its causes and consequences.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must explain in detail the dimensions of corruption, causes and consequences. You must state your opinion and debate on the question with suitable examples.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with importance of virtues such as honesty, integrity.
Body:
Discuss how the fact that poverty leads to corruption is often seen through a myopic lens as evidences suggest that there is no direct linkage between poverty and corruption. A poor person can lead his life with honesty and integrity. On the other hand, an affluent person can indulge in corruption because of greed. The scams made by politicians , the rich and affluent, example Nirav Modi and PNB scam, Vijay Mallya etc are some examples to aid your opinion. Justify how basic cause of corruption is not lack of resource, rather it is lack of virtues. Conclude with consequences of corruption.
Conclusion:
Re-assert the importance of virtues in leading a corrupt free life.
NOTE:
