[Insights Secure – 2019] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 09 April 2019
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INSIGHTS NEW SECURE – 2019: YEARLONG TIMETABLE
Tomorrow’s Static Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including waterbodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
General Studies – 1
Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars.
Why this question:
Recently the Platinum Jubilee of the Battle of Kangla Tongbi War was commemorated on 07 Apr 2019 by Army Ordnance Corps at Kangla Tongbi War Memorial near Imphal honoring the valiant brave hearts of Ordnance Personnel of 221 Advance Ordnance Depot who made their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty during the battle of World War-II on the night of 6/ 7 April 1944.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss in detail the importance of Battle of Kangla Tongbi, cause and consequences it had during world war II.
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 Battle of Kangla Tongbi.
Body:
Answers must discuss in detail the following points :
- The background of the Battle – It is considered one of the fiercest battles of World War II. It was fought by Ordnance personnel of 221 Advance Ordnance Depot (AOD) on the night of 6/7 April 1944 against Japanese forces. Japanese forces had planned a three pronged offensive to capture Imphal and the surrounding areas.
- In their attempt to extend their line of communication to Imphal, the 33rd Japanese Division cut in behind the 17th Indian Division at Tiddim (Myanmar) and establishing themselves firmly on the main Kohima – Manipur highway, started advancing towards Kangla Tongbi. However, combatant role of AOD personnel shook the enemy and forced the Japanese to withdraw.
- Significance of the memorial – The Kangla Tongbi War Memorial is a mute testimony to this battle and the unflinching devotion to duty of the Ordnance personnel of 221 AOD, 19 of whom made the supreme sacrifice. It conveys to the world at large that Ordnance personnel, apart from being professional logisticians, are second to none in combat, being equally proficient soldiers, should the occasion demand.
Conclusion –
Conclude with significance even in today’s context.
Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including waterbodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Why this question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper I and is conceptual and straightforward.
Key demands of the question:
The answer must provide for a detailed discussion on the relative contribution of tectonic and thermal influences in the sea level rise.
Directive :
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 current context of sea level rise, provide for an overview.
Body
Discuss the following aspects in the answer:
- Assert with facts that sea level is rising at an increasing rate.
- What factor currently makes the greatest contribution to sea level rise? – The two major causes of global sea level rise are thermal expansion caused by warming of the ocean (since water expands as it warms) and increased melting of land-based ice, such as glaciers and ice sheets.
- How has sea level changes due to tectonic activity? – Eustatic sea-level changes are global sea-level changes related either to changes in the volume of glacial ice on land or to changes in the shape of the sea floor caused by plate tectonic processes.
- Explain the above two points with case studies.
- Briefly discuss the effects of Sea level rise.
- What can be done?
Conclusion
Conclude with way forward, role of humans in causing and curing the increasing rate of sea level rise.
Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including waterbodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Why this question:
Landscapes are composed of a diversity of landforms that may be characterized as equilibrium, disequilibrium or nonequilibrium. Equilibrium is a constant relation between input and output or form, toward which a landform tends or around which it fluctuates in time. Because of recent environmental changes and long relaxation times, however, many landforms are not adjusted to present inputs . Thus one has to analyse if this concept is applicable to landforms.
Demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the application of dynamic equilibrium processes on landforms just like the equilibrium that exists between Climate, vegetation and soils.
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
The question is straightforward and conceptual , thus there is not much to discuss, one can start by defining what is meant by Equilibrium.
Body
Explain in detail what you understand by Equilibrium. Topography acts as a template for numerous landscape processes that include hydrologic, ecologic, and biologic phenomena. These processes not only interact with each other but also contribute to shaping the landscape as they influence geomorphic processes.
First explain with examples the dynamic equilibrium that exists between Climate, vegetation and soils with examples , then move on to explain how it can be applied to landforms too.
Conclusion
Conclude with a balanced opinion based on the points you present.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.
Why this question:
The article provides for a detailed analysis of Healthcare system in India, it emphasizes on the importance of a robust Primary healthcare system.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the significance of robust Primary healthcare system as a basic necessity to run a successful healthcare system. The answer must evaluate the present conditions of Indian healthcare system, bring out the recent reforms like Insurance facilities, emphasis on tertiary care etc.
Directive:
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:
Briefly discuss the current Healthcare system in India.
Body:
The discussion should have the following points :
- What are the major problems of Health sector in India? – healthcare infrastructure, understaffed and under-financed, insufficient health care facilities in rural areas, India has one of the lowest per capita healthcare expenditures in the world. The high out-of-pocket expenses in India stem from the fact that majority of Indians do not have health insurance etc.
- Discuss the primary health care system and its status in India, why is it important? Take hints from the article.
- Provide for a comparison with steps taken by government , why and how they have failed due to lack of a standard primary healthcare system.
- Suggest a way forward.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward and re-assert the significance of robust primary healthcare system.
Topic : Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
Why this question:
Recently the soldiers of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were the first to cast their vote for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Arunachal Pradesh as Service Voters. Thus it is important from the point of examination for us to learn who is a service voter and what are its significance.
Key demand of the question:
The question is upfront on the concept of service voter and its importance.
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 state the background of the context of question.
Body:
In brief discuss –
- Who is a service voter? – Service voter is a voter having service qualification. According to the provisions of sub – section (8) of Section 20 of Representation of People Act, 1950, service qualification means:
- Being a member of the armed Forces of the Union ; or
- Being a member of a force to which provisions of the Army Act, 1950 (46 of 1950), have been made applicable whether with or without modification ;
- Being a member of an Armed Police Force of a State, and serving outside that state; or
- Being a person who is employed under the Government of India, in a post outside India.
- How is a service voter different from an ordinary elector?
- Are members of all Armed Forces / Para Military Forces eligible to be enrolled as service voters?
- The process of registering as a service voter – who is eligible?
- Challenges if any
- Way forward.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance of such tools in a democracy.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.
Why this question:
The article captures the problems surrounding the Indian cotton Industry specifically at the crop level and emphasizes on how the issue is more related to ecological factors than the Biotechnological ones.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must cover a detailed discussion on the current situation of cotton growing areas and the problems facing them in India. One has to provide detailed critical analysis of the subject.
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:
Highlight the havoc of regional outbreaks of secondary pests, namely the American bollworm, that was induced by the ecological disruption and the subsequent dip in cotton production.
Body:
Discussion should have the following dimensions :
- highlight the trends of cotton yields and production currently in India.
- Discuss the ecological disruption factor leading to low yields.
- Explain other factors that are mostly ecological and not much related to BT cotton issues.
- Discuss what needs to be done?
- Take cues from the article to substantiate your answer with backing of facts.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
Ethics by Lexicon
Why this question:
The question is about analyzing the ethical angle involved in social auditing mechanisms that are meant to provision for greater transparency and accountability in the system of welfare policies and provisions.-
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the importance of social auditing mechanisms and their role in ensuring transparency in the system and one has to also bring out how it may lead to overlap of priorities.
Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
In a few introductory lines write about social auditing mechanism and their importance in public administration.
Body:
Answer to such questions are best explained with case studies and example , one can explain it with policies such as MGNREGA and the respective social auditing associated with it. What are the challenges faced by it ? how can it be overcome? What needs to be done? Why is it often known to jump priorities? Its association with bringing transparency and accountability in public administration.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance of such mechanisms and need for a balanced approach.
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