[Insights Secure – 2019] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 03 May 2019
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Tomorrow’s Static Topic: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
General Studies – 1
Topic: Communalism, regionalism & secularism.
why this question:
Recently The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, in its 2019 report has stated that there is an “overall deterioration of religious freedom conditions in 2018” in India. Thus the question becomes important to ponder from the point of view of GS paper I.
Key demands of the question:
The answer must evaluate the link between religion and politics in Indian case and how is different from other countries of the world, also discuss why is India often being criticized to fall in Tier II category, conclude with way forward.
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
In a few introductory lines explain the background of the report findings.
Body
Discuss the following dimensions in the answer:
- Quote the findings of the report about India – According to the Commission, India continues to remain a Tier 2 country, a list it has been unable to get off of since 2009.
- In India, religious freedom is declining, apart from increased securitization and politicization of religion.
- Also discuss that Tenzin Dorjee, Commission Chairperson gave a dissenting view and argued that India is an open society with a robust democratic and judiciary system where religious harmony exists.
- Explain the correlation of religion and politics in India ? How does religion influence politics in India? Discuss pros and cons – The religion based politics ideology and mass mobilization have always challenged secular forces in Indian society.
- Many people vote on the basis of religion and to the person belonging to their religion. In my view religion based politics is harmful, it divides the citizens.
- Discuss the constitutional provisions.
- Analyse the findings of the report – discuss shortcomings if any.
- Suggest what needs to be done?
Conclusion
Conclude with way forward.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
Why this question:
The question is to analyse the roles and objectives of the quasi-judicial body of National Anti-Profiteering Authority.
Demand of the question:
This answer is straightforward and direct- one must list down the objectives of National Anti-Profiteering Authority in ensuring transparency and how the institutional mechanism under GST law acts to check the unfair profit-making activities by the trading community.
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 on National Anti-Profiteering Authority.
Body
Discuss the following points in detail:
- Explain the composition of National Anti-Profiteering Authority.
- Evolution of NAA.
- Vision and Mission of NAA – is the institutional mechanism under GST law to check the unfair profit-making activities by the trading community. The Authority’s core function is to ensure that the benefits of the reduction is GST rates on goods and services made by GST Council and proportional change in the Input tax credit passed on to the ultimate consumers and recipient respectively by way of reduction in the prices by the suppliers.
- Key functions of the authority – to ensure that traders are not realizing unfair profit by charging high price from consumers in the name of GST.to examine and check such profiteering activities and recommend punitive actions including cancellation of Registration.
Conclusion
Conclude with significance of the body.
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
Why this question:
The United Nations Security Council recently has designated JeM Chief, Masood Azhar as a global terrorist after China lifted its technical hold on his listing under the UNSC 1267 sanctions committee. The JeM itself was sanctioned by the 1267 Committee in 2001. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, UK and the US on February 27.
Key demand of the question:
The question expects us to analyse the implications and significance of the move upon India- China relations in coming future.
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:
Begin with brief on the recent happenings around declaring JeM Chief, Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.
Body:
Discussion should include the following aspects –
- Past attempts by India to designate Masood Azhar a global terrorist: India had initiated the move in UN to list him as global terrorist in 2009. However, on all occasions China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, blocked the proposals from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee.
- Recent developments: Now, the 1267 Sanctions Committee of UN has designated Masood Azhar, as a UN proscribed terrorist. The recent proposal was the fourth attempt by India.
- Reason for china not using Veto: It appears that China has responded to the growing global concern in relation to Jihadi terror, most recently seen in Sri Lanka.
- Discuss the significance of the move to India – China relations ; take cues from the article.
- Discuss what is the way ahead for India?
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance of such move.
Topic: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
Polity by Lakshmikant, D D Basu
Why this question:
The question is about evaluating the role of quasi-judicial bodies in functioning as an alternate justice system.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must appreciate the role played by quasi-judicial bodies in India and how over time they have emerged as a mechanism of justice. One must explain using suitable examples.
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 suggest the evolution of quasi-judicial bodies in India.
Body:
Body of the answer should discuss the following:
- What do you understand by quasi-judicial bodies? – an organization or an individual on which powers resembling that of court of law of a judge have been conferred in order to adjudicate and decide upon a situation and impose penalty upon the guilty or regulate the conduct of the individual or entity.
- Discuss the emergence of quasi-judicial bodies in India.
- Suggest examples ranging from tribunals; types and various other bodies that support as an alternative mechanism of justice.
- Discuss the pros and cons, limitations or criticism if any.
- Quote examples ranging from – Lok Adalat, administrative tribunals, NGT etc.
- Suggest what should be done ?
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance of these quasi-judicial bodies in administering justice.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security. Linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
Why this question:
The article provides for a detailed analysis of how the recent gruesome Sri Lankan bombings are a reminder that Asia—not West Asia—is the region most afflicted by terrorist violence. Home to the vast majority of the world’s Muslims, it is also host to multiple “terrorist safe havens,” owing to the rise of grassroots radical movements and years of complacency on the part of policymakers.
Key demand of the question:
Analyse in detail the causes of rise in terrorist safe havens in Asia apart from regular incidences of West Asia. One has to bring out recent examples and justify along with suggesting measures of what needs to be done.
Directive word:
Elucidate – 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:
Provide for the context of recent bombings in Sri-Lanka.
Body:
Discuss the following aspects in the answer body –
- What are the causes for this shift of terrorist havens from west Asia to other parts of Asia? – rise of grassroots radical movements, lack of effective policies, failures etc.
- Quote examples – massacre by a white supremacist at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, 2008 Mumbai attacks, the recent Pulwama attack etc.
- Discuss what needs to be done to resolve the situation and bring it back in control?
- Discuss the policies and initiatives needed by the governments in this direction, need for collaborative efforts etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with what needs to be done, suggest way forward.
Topic : Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Why this question:
The article explains in detail the issue of climate change facing the world and how it is not anymore just about being an environmental problem but much more than that, it highlights the multi-dimensional aspects of climate change and critically analyses the associate problems in tackling it.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the alarming need to address the climate change differently from the usual methods of commitments as they are not doing there bit anymore to address the impact of climate change effectively.
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:
In a few introductory lines explain how climate change is a multi-faceted problem today.
Body:
- Explain – why climate change is an immediate issue that needs address and action today?
- Explain the issue with facts and figures – Global warming above pre-industrial levels has touched about 1 degree Celsius etc.
- What are the challenges in addressing climate change ?
- complex linkages among emissions, concentrations, climate changes, and impacts.
- Lack of certainty about the details of future climate change.
- significant time lags in human response systems.
- Risks, judgments about risk, and adaptation needs are highly variable across different contexts.
- Suggest what needs to be done?
- Discuss Indian context and what should India’s move be to tackle climate change at individual level as well as in collaboration with world countries.
Conclusion:
Conclude with urgency of the need to tackle climate change.
Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life. accountability and ethical governance.
why this question:
The article is in the backdrop of recent move by the Tesla that declared to offer fully autonomous vehicles by the second quarter of next year. The article tries to capture why the world is not yet ready for autonomous vehicles.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must provide for a detailed narration of what we understand by autonomous vehicles, what are the associated benefits and concerns, ethical issues involved and why the world is not yet ready to embrace the technology change.
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 move made by Tesla.
Body:
Answers must discuss the following aspects :
- What do you understand by Autonomous Vehicles? – A driverless car, also called autonomous car or self-driving car, is a vehicle which can sense its surrounding environment and can navigate without human input. It combines multiple sensors and techniques to perceive their surroundings like radar, laser light, GPS, odometer, computer vision, etc. The advanced control systems interpret the sensory information for identifying the obstacles, relevant signage and navigation paths.
- What are the issues involved in self-driving vehicles? – snow and weather; When it’s heavy enough to cover the pavement, snow blocks the view of lane lines that vehicle cameras use to find their way, Pavement lines and curbs, Dealing with human drivers, Consumer acceptance etc.
- Quote the Uber incident of March 2018 and elaborate on the ethical issues and concerns involved such as – responsibility of the accident, can machines make ethical decisions?, law aspects, life and death etc.
Conclusion –
Conclude with what needs to be done?
NOTE:
