[Insights Secure – 2019] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 20 April 2019
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INSIGHTS NEW SECURE – 2019: YEARLONG TIMETABLE
Tomorrow’s Static Topic: Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
General Studies – 1
Topic: Climate Change – 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 in the context of onset of Heat waves in most parts of the country. The weather agencies have predicted that central and north-western India will bear the brunt of the sun, while heat waves have already struck several parts of the south India.
Key demands of the question:
The question expects us to first highlight that heat waves have become quite frequent. Thereafter, we need to examine the adverse socio economic and health impact of heat waves and analyze how India should deal with the problem by mainly focusing on policy that involves geographical mapping of vulnerability.
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 highlighting the condition of heatwaves in India.
Body
The body of the answer should address the following dimensions:
- Explain the condition of heat waves currently facing the country.
- Discuss the causes and consequences.
- Highlight what should be India’s response – Identification of heat spots, Review occupational health standard, regulate safety of work force amid rising temperature. Etc.
- Then move on to discussing that policy focus should mainly be upon Assessing geographic variability in heat wave vulnerability . (half of your answer should focus on this aspect)
Conclusion
Conclude with significance of right policy direction to tackle the menace.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
Why this question:
The question is straightforward and is about evaluating the attitudes of the general public and political establishments in Indian and the French constitution.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must explain the attitudes of political parties and the general public response towards their respective constitutional schemes, here one must compare and contract how the two set ups differ from each other and what are the similarities.
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:
Begin with importance of constitution.
Body:
- Discuss how the attitudes of the general public and the political establishment towards the constitutions are vastly different in the France and India.
- Then move on to explain the Scope of the two constitutions.
- Discuss specific contrasting features.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stating how each scheme of constitution reflects the public sentiment and will .
Topic: Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries
Why this question:
The question is about evaluating the constitutional features of the two constitution and one must discuss how the two are different or similar in various aspects.
Key demand of the question:
The answer should enlist the features corresponding to the two constitutional schemes.
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:
Begin with definition of Federalism – A federation is a state having one central (federal) government acting for the whole country and several state governments existing side by side having control over their areas.
Body:
In brief discuss –
- Explain that in a federation, there is a division of powers between the central (federal) government and state government. Countries like USA, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, etc. have a federal form of government. The salient features of federalism include the existence of dual government at the central and state level, separation of powers, rigid and written constitution, supremacy of the constitution, independence of judiciary, etc.
- Provide for a comparison between Indian federalism and the USA federalism.
- Similarities between the federalism of US and India – Written Constitution, Bill of Rights and Fundamental Rights, Supremacy of the Federal or Union Government, Separation of powers, Powers of Checks and Balances etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude that there are certain features of federalism which are common to both India and the USA. On the other hand, India and the USA differ in many aspects related to the federal character of their Constitution. However, both the US and the Indian Federalism despite having limitations are by and large successful.
Topic : Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Why this question:
The article discusses the viewpoint of USA’s policy of “Indo pacific strategy”. Thus it is necessary for us to analyse how the region is important for countries surrounding it and it is not anymore just about the countries like China and their growth.
Demand of the question:
The answer must evaluate Indo-Pacific strategy – the role being played by each stakeholder involved differently and in what way US’s strategy differs and hinges on Sino – Indian differences. One must re assert that the region is not anymore about China’s growth alone but is also about all countries involved therein.
Directive word:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction
Start by explaining the Indo pacific region and its significance.
Body
- Bring out the significance of Indo-Pacific strategy in general
- Explain how the strategy differs from the perspective of each country.
- Narrate the background of Sino Indian differences.
- How Indo-Pacific region has been associated with China’s growth.
- Discuss the emergence of other smaller countries and their role in changing dynamics.
Conclusion
Conclude with way forward.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Energy.
5) Energy mix is a step towards sustainability. Discuss.(250 words)
Why this question:
The question is in the context of increasing energy demands across the globe and amidst such a situation the only better solution is to have a mix of energy for sustainability.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the current scenario of energy crisis in the globe and in what way energy mix offers a key solution to the problem.
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 highlighting the alarming situation of energy crisis.
Body:
- Discuss energy sustainability – the way we use it needs to be efficient, sustainable and whenever possible, renewable.
- Why is there a need to for focusing on energy mix for sustainable energy for our future.
- Explain how increased share of renewable energy in the global mix of energy sources need to be focused.
Conclusion –
Conclude with way forward.
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Why this question:
The article captures in detail the analysis of recently released Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2018, it discusses in what way it has diluted India’s only protection system for the fragile ecology and opened it up to realtors and large-scale development projects.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must explain the significance of conserving coastal ecosystem and discuss specific impacts of the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2018 on the same.
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:
Introduce with context of the question – the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2018.
Body:
- Explain in brief present conditions of coastal ecology of India.
- Discuss the salient features of the notification.
- Analyse the pros and cons.
- Discuss the systematic violations the regulation brought in – use cues from the article.
- What changes need to be done – policy level? Individual level and societal level.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance of conserving coastal zones and their ecology.
General Studies – 4
Topic : Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration
Ethics by Lexicon publications.
Why this question:
The question is based on the concept of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must elaborate on of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Define what are the basic principles of public life as recommended by the committee on standards in public life .
Body:
- Discuss the seven principles in detail as given below –
- Selflessness – Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.
- Integrity – Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organizations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.
- Objectivity – Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.
- Accountability – Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.
- Openness – Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.
- Honesty – Holders of public office should be truthful
- Leadership – Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and be willing to challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.
One should explain the above principles with examples and justify the answer.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance of such norms in public life .
NOTE:
