[Insights Secure – 2019] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 22 April 2019
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Tomorrow’s Static Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business,
powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
General Studies – 1
Topic: Social empowerment – women empowerment.
Why this question:
The article discusses the Vice president’s speech addressing the National Conclave on Women’s Empowerment Through Financial Literacy, wherein he emphasized on need for women’s financial literacy.
Demand of the question:
The answer must evaluate role of financial inclusion as one of the most effective accelerators of economic participation by women.
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 financial inclusion , what does it imply.
Body
- What is role of financial inclusion in women empowerment?
- Financial literacy can empower women to develop a financial identity even with their household savings, and help them get access to formal credit for gainful occupation, giving them economic freedom and power.
- Discuss the reasons for low financial inclusion and literacy among women. A majority of the women in India, especially in rural areas, are homemakers, which is a full-time job with no payment.
- A recent report by the United Nations titled, ‘Turning Promises into Action: Gender Equality in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’, said that achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) could be difficult without gender equality and women’s empowerment. In fact, development in any sphere would be incomplete without equitable participation and contribution of women.
- Discuss how India needs to sustain this momentum to transform into a completely financially inclusive economy. – embedding financial literacy in programmes where women have significant representation could be a good starting point. For instance, the Self Help Group-Bank Linkage Programme (SHG-BLP) programme, which is the largest microfinance programme in the world in terms of client base and outreach, provides SHGs access to institutional lending. More than 86 percent of the groups under this programme comprise exclusively of women.
Conclusion
Conclude with way forward.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
Polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The post of Governor has been marred with controversies , in such a context it is essential to evaluate its functioning from the exam point of view.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must explain in detail issues related to abuse of post of Governor in federal polity failing to function impartially and efficiently.
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 significance of post of governor as head of administration to be appointed by President of India, holding office at his pleasure.
Body:
- Explain the incidences of Abuse of the post of Governor – Misuse of Article 356, power of reserving bill, As an agent of political party in power at center, her Partisan role in Hung assemblies and other discretionary powers.
- Give examples from recent incidences
- Suggest way forward – mention recommendations of Sarkaria commission.
Conclusion:
Conclude by significance of such posts in the polity of the country.
Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
Why this question:
The question is in the context of Coalition politics and its formulation centered with question of freedom of prime minster in the context of formulation of policies and programs.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must evaluate the current system of coalition politics , its pros and cons on the policy and programming front with respect to the effect it has on freedom of the prime minister.
Directive word:
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.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by explaining that except for bare outlines of the institutions of the prime minister and his cabinet provided in the constitution, the major objectives of the political executive in India are still left to the conventions or rules of business.
Body:
In brief discuss –
- What you understand by coalition politics?
- How does it impede the functioning and freedom of prime minister in operationalizing policies and programmes.
- Discuss some incidences to substantiate your stand and discuss relevance of coalition politics in keeping checks and balances in a democratic system.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward, need for balance between the 2 aspects as the key.
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 about evaluating the Aadhaar concept and its evolution into the welfare system.
Key demands of the question:
The answer must discuss evolution od Aadhar system and critically provide for an analysis if Aadhaar has evolved into an invisible tool to monitor all aspects of welfare programmes or vice-a-versa.
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 explaining the concept of Aadhaar- world’s largest biometric .
Body
The body of the answer should address the following dimensions:
- Role of Aadhaar in welfare programs – discuss the benefits and associated concerns.
- Discuss how it has evolved as a tool to plug leakages in welfare schemes.
- The controversy of choosing privacy over identity. Here students can provide for comparison of such systems in other countries.
- Discuss relevant SC judgements .
Conclusion
Conclude with need for a level-headed approach and ensure that ample safeguards are put in place for data protection and privacy.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
5) What are Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)?Discuss their need and significance. (250 words)
Why this question:
The question is in straightforward , based on the concept of REC’s and their importance. Recently Renewable Energy (RE) companies have moved the Delhi High Court, seeking an exemption for Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) under the goods and services tax (GST).Thus it is important for us to ponder on the theme from exam point of view.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the concept of RECs , their benefits and significance in balancing energy scenario.
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:
Introduce by defining REC’s – Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are a type of environmental commodity intended to provide an economic incentive for electricity generation from renewable energy sources. One REC is created when one megawatt hour of electricity is generated from an eligible renewable energy resource.
Body:
- The answer is straight forward and explain concept and significance of REC’s.
- Provide for introduction to Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) mechanism.
- Discuss the potential of renewable energy in India.
- Explain the issues currently facing REC’s in India.
Conclusion –
Conclude with what should be done to overcome such issues.
Topic: Mobilization of resources, growth, development.
Indian express 22-04-2019, page 7
Why this question:
The question is on the occasion of world Earth day being celebrated on 22nd April worldwide. This day gives voice to environment concerns which are multidimensional. Thus it is important for us to assess the specific policy changes witnessed in this direction in the recent years in India.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss at length specific policy changes witnessed in this direction in the recent years by the government of India ranging from generating renewable energy to adopting cleaner alternative to traditional sources of energy.
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 with context of the question – world Environment day.
Body:
- The question is straightforward , one has to enlist achievements of the Government in the recent past – discuss the flagship programs in this direction.
- Discuss the factor of energy security – what schemes and policies were put in place ; Solar mission, target of 175 GW by 2022. Etc.
- Discuss what needs to be done to augment the renewable energy scenario.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance of Renewable energy.
General Studies – 4
Topic : Ethics and Human Interface
7) Discuss the significance of Environmental ethics.(250 words)
Ethics by Lexicon publications.
Why this question:
The question is based on the concept of Environmental ethics.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must first elaborate on concept of Environmental ethics and discuss its significance.
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:
Define what you understand by environmental ethics.
Body:
- Environmental ethics is the philosophical discipline that considers the moral and ethical relationship of human beings to the environment.
- Discuss the relevance of study of environmental ethics.
- Explain the relation between Environmental Ethics & Human Values.
- significance of Environmental Ethics.
Conclusion:
Conclude that perhaps the most important concern today for the trustee is to create an ethos that will support a sustainable life style in society.
NOTE:
