[Insights Secure – 2020] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 13 November 2019
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General Studies – 2
Topic:Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
Indian Polity by Laxmikanth
Why this question:
The question is based on the recent happenings that have direct relevance to fundamental duties under Article 51A of the Indian constitution.
Key demand of the question:
Answer demands relevance of fundamental duties in democratic state. And how they are important to inculcate discipline among citizens.
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:
Write in short about How and why fundamental duties were included in constitution.
Body:
Write importance of fundamental duties for instance write Some of them are moral duties while others are civic duties.
Cherishing noble ideals of freedom struggle is a moral precept and respecting the Constitution, National Flag and National Anthem is a civic duty. They serve as a warning against the anti-national and antisocial activities. They serve as a source of inspiration for the citizens and promote a sense of discipline and commitment among them.
Conclusion:
Conclude by giving suggestions and write how it will eventually help to protect public property.
Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
Indian Polity by Lakshmikanth
Why this question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper I.
Key demand of the question:
One must discuss in detail the powers and functions of the Prime minister and expand the significance of the statement in the question.
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:
Start with the brief introduction highlighting the role of PM in Indian polity.
Body:
The question is straight forward and doesn’t require much deliberation.
Firstly, discuss the functions and powers of the Prime Minister in detail, one can have the following aspects covered:
- He recommends persons who can be appointed as ministers by the president. The President can appoint only those persons as ministers who are recommended by the Prime Minister.
- He allocates and reshuffles various portfolios among the ministers.
- He can ask a minister to resign or advise the President to dismiss him in case of difference of opinion.
- He presides over the meeting of council of ministers and influences its decisions.
- He guides, directs, controls, and coordinates the activities of all the ministers.
- He can bring about the collapse of the council of ministers by resigning from office.
Discuss other functions too.
Conclusion:
Conclude that the role of the Prime Minister in the parliamentary government is so significant and crucial that observers like to call it a „Prime Ministerial government.
Topic:Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
Why this question:
The article explains that the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari’s recent recommendation for President’s rule in the State under Article 356 (1) of the Constitution should have been based on “objective material” and not on a political whim or fancy, based on the Supreme Court verdict in the 1994 S.R. Bommai case.
Key demand of the question:
One has to critically analyse the role often played by the Governor in the Indian setup.
Directive:
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:
Give brief introduction of Governor.
Body:
Highlight first the significance of the post of Governor as enshrined in the Indian constitution.
Discuss the issues related to abuse of post of Governor in federal polity failing to the functions impartially and efficiency.
Explain the misuse of Article 356, Power of Reserving bill, Partisan role in Hung assemblies etc. with examples of recent times.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Why this question:
The article explains that although the government has been taking multiple steps to trigger the economy, there is a need to focus on rural India, in terms of optimizing of fund allocations and revision of MGNREGA wages.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the effect of such a step in improving earnings in rural India through a boost to infrastructure growth.
Directive:
Elucidate – Give 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:
In brief present the current scenario of rural economy in India.
Body:
First discuss in brief the role currently the MGNREGA scheme is playing in infrastructure development and rural growth in India.
Explain then the benefits that MGNREGA can bring when it would be combined with Panchayat allocations – Financial inclusion, social protection, livelihood opportunities etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude that a system and systematic approach is the key to trigger the demand in rural India and, thus, accelerate GDP growth
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
Why this question:
The question is in the context of Karnataka State government’s move to frame guidelines for workers of digital platforms like Uber, Ola, Zomato, Swiggy, UrbanClap, etc.
Key demand of the question:
One must highlight the significance of digital platforms and gig economy that they are creating and the optimal methods of regulating them.
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 brief narrate the context of the question.
Body:
Explain first the Importance of digital platforms.
Discuss the significance of the move taken by the govt. of Karnataka; The move to frame the guidelines is to ensure that all relevant labour benefits are available to even those working in the ‘gig economy’. The Karnataka government’s move to add benefits can provide a degree of public welfare assistance to a significant and growing workforce in India.
Then discuss in detail the concerns associated.
Conclusion:
Conclude that while the government has the responsibility of ensuring social stability for all, any move in this direction must not create hurdles for the businesses. This will lead to loss of employment which in itself is a way to social security. The government needs to balance the views of all stakeholders.
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. . Disaster and disaster management.
Why this question:
The article brings out the alarming water crisis facing the world and more so
Specifically the drying of oceans due to increasing trends of de-salinization of ocean waters.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss the issue in detail and bring out the concerns associated and explain what steps need to be taken to overcome and mitigate the challenges.
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:
Explain first the problem.
Body:
Discuss that, regions without enough drinking water often turns to desalination, the process of removing salt from seawater to make it drinkable. But researchers are now worrying that the process’ salty byproducts could wreak havoc on the ocean’s delicate ecosystems.
Explain what the crux of the issue is, highlight the contributing factors etc.
Discuss the potential consequences of the problem.
Conclusion:
Conclude with solutions to address the issue and emphasize on the need to have multi-faceted approach.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service , integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections, leadership.
Why this question:
It’s a Quote based Ethics question being asked in the pretext of the celebration of world Kindness day today.
Key demand of the question:
One must explain the significance of ‘Kindness’ as a virtue.
Directive:
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 World Kindness Day was launched in 1998 and has around 28 nations involved in this movement.
Body:
Define kindness – Kindness is a behavior marked by ethical characteristics, a pleasant disposition, and concern and consideration for others. It is considered a virtue, and is recognized as a value in many cultures and religions.
Elaborate on the salient features of kindness as a virtue using suitable examples from day to day life.
Explain the viewpoints of leaders and social thinkers like Mark Twain from a compassion point of view considered “Kindness as a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see”.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance of such a virtue in one’s life.
NOTE:
