[Insights Secure – 2019] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 11 May 2019
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INSIGHTS NEW SECURE – 2019: YEARLONG TIMETABLE
Tomorrow’s Static Topic: Government Budgeting.
General Studies – 1
Topic: changes in critical geographical features.
Why this question:
Recently UNEP released a report, “Sand and Sustainability: Finding new solutions for environmental governance of global sand resources” highlighting the issue of Sand mining and offering solutions to the issue through governance.
Key demands of the question:
The answer must discuss the ill effects of sand mining on the hydraulic systems such as rivers, shores, sea beds etc. and what are the efforts that must be taken in the governance of these sand resources so as to overcome the issue.
Directive word
Critical review – – When asked to review, 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 that the mechanical removal of sand directly from the active channel of rivers, streams and seashores has become sizeable source of course and fine aggregates in India. In the last few decades, the construction Industry in India has seen a rapid augmentation resulting in rise in the demand of construction raw materials, including aggregates.
Body
Discuss the following aspects in the answer:
- What are the resources of sand available in the country? How is illegal sand mining physically affecting these resources and the physical environment around it?
- Discuss the causes of concern.
- Provide for a detailed discussion on how it effects the hydraulic system?
- What steps should be taken to handle this critical situation?
- Take hints from the report and suggest solutions.
Conclusion
Conclude with way forward.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Judiciary.
Why this question:
The article highlights the apex courts significant landmark judgment that was made yesterday with respect to reservation in promotions.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must evaluate the facility of promotions in jobs for SC’s and ST’s and in what wat establishing their position is intrinsic to equal citizenship.
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:
Brief upon the background of the scenario.
Body:
- The Supreme Court on Friday upheld a Karnataka law which grants reservation in promotion and consequential seniority to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in government services in the State.
- The judge said “administrative efficiency is an outcome of the actions taken by officials after they are appointed or promoted. It is not tied to the selection method itself.” The argument that one selection method produced officials capable of taking better actions than a second method must be empirically proven.
- Discuss series of events – cases that have had inference on the judgement made yesterday.
- Explain the constitutional nuances –
- 77th Constitutional Amendment Act- Introduced Article 16(4A); It confers power on the state to reserve seats in favor of SC and ST in promotions in Public Services if the communities are not adequately represented in public employment. This law was given retrospective effect from 1992.
- while the test of proportionality to the population is mandated by the Constitution in Article 330 (Reservation of seats for SCs & STs in the House of People), it does not do so in the provision of reservations in promotions (Article 16(4A)).
- Suggest what should be the way forward
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance of such judgement to favor the equality of citizens.
Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Judiciary.
Why this question:
Pushing for a ‘full court’, the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, recommended the names of two judges to the court and rejected the government’s disapproval of the elevation of two others yesterday. Thus, it is important for us to ponder upon the appointment procedure of the judges.
Key demand of the question:
The question expects
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:
Briefly state the importance of the appointment of Judges.
Body:
- Discussion should include the complete procedure of appointment as per the constitution.
- Appointment Procedure? -Article 124(3) of the constitution mentions the following people as eligible to become a Supreme Court (SC) Judge:
– A High Court (HC) judge who has held that post for 5 years or more.
– An advocate who has practiced in the HC/SC for 10 years or more.
– A distinguished Jurist.
- Article 124(2) says that the President of India Shall appoint the judges after consultation with such number of Judges of the SC/HC as he deems necessary. For appointment of any Judge of SC (other than CJI), the CJI must be consulted.
- The three Judges case of 1981, 1993 & 1998 has formalized the collegium system for the purpose of consultation.
- The collegium for appointing SC judge consists of the CJI and 4 senior-most judges of SC.
- Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) was set up after the Third Judge Case of 1998 to provide the process of how the Collegium would recommend names to the Executive.
- The President of India can either accept the recommendation or send it back for reconsideration. The reconsidered advice must be accepted by the President.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a reassertion that appointment of Judges is a significant procedure in the Judicial system of the country.
Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.
Why this question:
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), under Ministry of Finance recently organised a meeting of Regional Heads of Customs Administration of Asia Pacific Region of World Customs Organisation (WCO) in Kochi (in Kerala). India currently holds seat of Vice Chairperson of Asia Pacific region.
Demand of the question:
This question seeks to examine role of World customs organization in global market along with the challenges being faced by the world countries with respect to customs and how should WCO resolve it.
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 WCO.
Body
The answer is straightforward and there is nothing much to deliberate upon. One must define the coming of World customs organization into existence, its roles, functions and responsibilities.
- As a forum for dialogue and exchange of experiences between national Customs delegates, the WCO offers its Members a range of Conventions and other international instruments, as well as technical assistance and training services.
- Besides the vital role played by the WCO in stimulating the growth of legitimate international trade, its efforts to combat fraudulent activities are also recognized internationally.
- WCO has also been responsible for administering the World Trade Organization’s Agreements on Customs Valuation, which provide a system for placing values on imported goods, and the Rules of Origin, which are used to determine the origin of a given commodity.
- Discuss the challenges that it needs to tackle with.
Conclusion
Conclude with way forward.
General Studies – 3
Topic : Health.
Why this question:
The United States government recently unveiled the Global Health Security Strategy, a first of its kind strategy to prevent, detect and respond to threats from infectious diseases occurring naturally or accidentally.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must provide for a detailed narration of Global Health Security Strategy as unveiled by the US. Discuss its significance in detail.
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 discuss the importance of Global Health Security Strategy.
Body:
Answers must discuss the following aspects:
- What are the objectives of Global Health Security Strategy? – It is a first of its kind strategy to prevent, detect and respond to biological threats from infectious diseases occurring naturally or accidentally, in an effort to help improve the world’s ability to stop deadly outbreaks before they spread between countries.
- Goals of the strategy?
- strengthen partner country global health security capacities,
- increase international support for global health security and
- a homeland prepared and resilient against global health threats.
- Significance of such a step.
- What should be India’s role?
Conclusion –
Conclude with way forward.
Topic: Government Budgeting
6) Explain the concepts of budgetary deficit and fiscal deficit. (250 words)
Indian economy by Dutta and Sundaram
Why this question:
The question is from the static portions of GS – III paper and is intended to evaluate the concepts of budgetary deficit and fiscal deficit.
Key demand of the question:
Analyse in detail the concepts of budgetary deficit and fiscal deficit.
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:
Provide for a brief introduction of the two concepts or highlight their significance.
Body:
In brief discuss –
- Definition of the two – budgetary deficit and fiscal deficit.
- What is difference between fiscal deficit and budget deficit? – Budgetary deficit is the difference between all receipts and expenses in both revenue and capital account of the government.
- A fiscal deficit occurs when a government’s total expenditures exceed the revenue that it generates, excluding money from borrowings. Deficit differs from debt, which is an accumulation of yearly deficits.
- Discuss the significance of the two in the economy.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting their significance.
Topic: Government Budgeting
Why this question:
The question is intended to evaluate the concept of Gender budgeting.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the importance of Gender Budgeting in the Indian economy, one must narrate in detail the significance of it.
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 appreciate the concept of Gender- Budgeting.
Body:
- Explain – Gender Budgeting initiatives aim to integrate gender concerns into fiscal policies and administration to address disparities.
- India formally adopted gender budgeting in 2005 and since then it is listing out ‘Women specific schemes’ and ‘Pro women schemes’ in budget.
- Explain what are the challenges involved in Gender – Budgeting? –
- Women must be given adequate representation and opportunity to voice their concerns in pre-budget consultation.
- Center should encourage states to include gender budgeting in their respective budgets, it is imperative because states get 42% tax devolution.
- According to census 2011 sex ratio is 940 women per 1000 men and women literacy rate is 64%
- Women constitute only 15% highest wage earner in India.
- Global Gender Gap report ranked India 87 in terms of inequality in economy, education, health and political representation.
- Discuss how Gender budgeting plays a significant role in addressing these inequalities and empowering women to achieve equality with men in all spheres of life.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance of Gender budgeting and how Along with gender budgeting better implementation and planning are needed to ensure that these policies percolate right down to the last woman in the most remote parts of the country.
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