[Insights Secure – 2019] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 03 April 2019
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INSIGHTS NEW SECURE – 2019: YEARLONG TIMETABLE
Tomorrow’s Static Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the
Indian subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and
tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India) .
General Studies – 1
Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
1) The world is passing through a global resource quandary. Explain with the examples(250 words)
Why this question:
The question is in the context of growing resource dilemma across the globe. The question hints towards the tragedy of commons.
Key demands of the question:
The answer must provide for a brief discussion on resource crisis the world is facing with examples ranging from – water crisis, air pollution, resource scarcity, Ocean garbage gyres etc.
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
In a few introductory lines explain what you understand by resource crisis.
Body
Discuss the following aspects in the answer:
- What is resource crisis ?explain tragedy of the commons – situations when an individual must choose between their self-interest and more of a resource, or the interest of the community and sharing the resource so everybody has a portion.
- Discuss examples that justify this resource crisis – growing population, and the insufficient availability of clean drinking water, lack of cleaner air, depleting fossil fuels, waste management etc.
- Discuss the significance of efforts to tackle such a dilemma, what needs to be done – need for sustainable future.
Conclusion
Conclude with way forward.
Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
Why this question:
The question is in the context of Woollen industry in India and its significant role in creating employment opportunities vis-à-vis promoting economic growth in the country.
Demand of the question:
This question seeks to examine the prospects Woollen industry in India has in generating employment and contributing significantly to the economy.
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
Start with brief introduction stating the textile scenario of the country.
Body
Discuss the following points in detail:
- What is the role of textile industry in Indian economy in general and discuss specifically the role of Woollen industry – Indian Textile industry contributes to 7 per cent of industrial output in terms of value, 2 per cent of India’s GDP and to 15 per cent of country’s export earnings.
- Why is Woollen textile industry important for our country?
- Discuss the various policy initiatives and programmes for development of textiles – specifically Woollen, particularly for technology, infrastructure creation, skill development etc.
- Explain how it can bring in employment generation ; economy.
Conclusion
Conclude with significance of the Woollen sector in Indian perspective, and the perfect match it has with the skill set in Indian society.
Topic-Role of women, Social empowerment.
Why this question:
The article provides for deep insights on data that shows despite broad support for gender equality, a significant portion of Urban India still believes that women are responsible for child-rearing.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must appreciate the fact that though urban India is moving forward with the thoughts of gender equity the conservative mindset of believing women to be responsible for domestic chores is still prevalent. You must discuss the causes of such mindset and consequences.
Directive:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Brief upon the scenario of gender equity present in the urban India, use cues from the article quote some data/facts.
Body:
- Body of the answer should discuss multiple factors – first discuss the concept of gender equity applied to Urban India, how is it different from the rural India. Discuss with factors such as – men and women are supportive of women working outside home, Pay parity desirable to both urban men and women, Higher educated respondents are more supportive towards women working etc.
- Then move on to discuss the challenges – Women are occupied with domestic responsibilities such as child-rearing, parental burden across the gender divide, conservative views etc.
- Suggest what should be done ? – example – work from home policy envisaged by the government, creches at workplaces, awareness, empowerment etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance of gender equality.
Topic: Urbanization – problems and remedies, Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Why this question:
The article provides for a detailed analysis of a case study of Solid waste management of the city of Vellore of Tamil Nadu.
Key demand of the question:
Analyse in detail the need for Solid waste management – In India, solid waste management needs to be planned and implemented alongside well-maintained drainage and sewerage networks and with the active participation of the communities.
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:
In a few introductory lines explain the present system and conditions of solid waste management in the cities and towns of India.
Body:
In brief discuss –
- Discuss the grave crisis of solid waste management – issues associated.
- Why we need community led efforts to tackle the problem?
- Need for sustainable solid waste management – would have provided
9.6 million tons of compost that could have resulted in a better agricultural yield, energy equivalent to 58 million barrels of oil from non-recyclable wastes, 6.7 million tons of secondary raw materials to industries in the form of recyclable materials and livelihood to the urban poor.
- Take hints from the article and present a case study on community led solid waste management efforts.
- Discuss the policies and initiatives of the government in this direction.
Conclusion:
Conclude with what needs to be done, suggest way forward.
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:
The question is to evaluate the linkage between 24×7 power supply to the rural India and the socio economic development associated with it. The article presents a detailed analysis of points in the same context.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must provide for a detailed narration of recent achievements made through Saubhagya scheme for rural electrification and the issues involved with it. The answer must appreciate the socio-economic progress associated with rural electrification.
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:
write a few introductory lines about the recent power for all drive of the government of India for the rural pockets of the country.
Body:
Answers must discuss the following aspects :
- Significance of power for all .
- Why is it essential for socio economic development of rural India?
- Discuss the steps to help rural India overcome electricity poverty and reap immense socio-economic benefits – real-time monitoring of supply at the end-user level, smart meters, focus on improving the quality of supply as well as maintenance services etc.
- Then move on to analyse the significance of Saubhagya scheme, discuss the merits and demerits associated.
- Stress on need to prioritize electricity access for livelihoods and community services such as education and health care, decent standard of living etc.
Conclusion –
Conclude with way forward.
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.
Why this question:
The article discusses in detail in the run-up to the general elections the aspects of concealing the identity of donors in electoral bonds , and how this goes against the fundamental tenet of democracy — transparency.
Key demand of the question:
The question expects us to evaluate the quotient of transparency involved in the issue of electoral bonds . One has to express opinion as to whether the newly introduced EBS propagates corruption and inhibits meaningful participation of the citizens in the democratic exercise, or not. We have to form our opinion based on a proper discussion and presentation of valid arguments and facts.
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. 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 brief on electoral bonds, how they function.
Body:
- Discussion should include the following aspects – Electoral bonds were conceived with a view to keeping the identity of the donor secret.
- The bond does not carry the name of the buyer. The donor does have a genuine fear that if parties in the Opposition get to know how much he has contributed to the ruling party, he will be in trouble when the former come to power. The electoral bond scheme is informed by an appreciation of such fears.
- Discuss how these bonds were conceived? – their evolution ; money bill, notifications, SC judgements etc.
- Discuss what can be done to overcome the concerns associated?
Conclusion:
Conclude with a reassertion that Democracy requires an informed citizenry and transparency of information which are vital to its functioning.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships.
7) Can ignorance be an excuse for misconduct? Evaluate in the context of civil services.(250 words)
Ethics by Lexicon
Why this question:
The question is intended to evaluate the virtue of Ignorance as a reason for misconduct and to how far can it be taken as an excuse in public services.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the importance of awareness , consciousness and knowledge against that of ignorance that can not be treated as an excuse for misconduct in the public services.
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:
In a few introductory lines appreciate the need for values of awareness, wisdom, realization and know-how.
Body:
- Explain – why misconduct with an excuse of ignorance is a misconduct in itself.
- Delinquency and bad behaviour can not be excused in the name of ignorance and non-awareness. Quote examples from day to day life to justify the same.
- Suggest how this ignorance needs to be treated and should not be taken as an excuse for misconduct, misbehavior and transgression from the ethics and values associated with the public services.
- Discuss what should be done to overcome such situations.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance of virtues of honesty, aptitude, awareness, knowledge etc. in the right doings of the public servants in their service.
NOTE:
