[Insights Secure – 2020] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 18 December 2019
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INSIGHTS NEW SECURE – 2020: YEARLONG TIMETABLE
General Studies – 1
Topic: Geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features
(including water-bodies and icecaps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes;
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation
1. What do you understand by the term ‘Invasive Alien Species’? Discuss the threats posed by them
to the native ecosystems, habitats and native species. (250 words).
The Hindu
CBD
Why this question:
Recently, a study by Biju Kumar and others from the Department of Aquatic Biology and
Fisheries, University of Kerala, revealed the role of the 2018 floods in introducing the most
dangerous fish species into Kerala’s wetlands. After a while, they slowly begin to wipe out local
diversity and the economy by altering the functions of the ecosystem. And yet no State or Union
Territory has any strong policy or law on the illegal rearing, breeding and trading of such invasive
ornamental and commercially important fish species.
Key demand of the question:
The question is straightforward and aims to throw light on the detrimental effects of Invasive
alien species on ecosystems, habitat and native species. Further, one must come up with the
measures to curb the impacts.
Directive:
Discuss – this is an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key
demand of the question. we also have to discuss about the related and important aspects of the
question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by explaining the term invasive alien species.
According to Convention on Biological Diversity, Invasive alien species (IAS) are species
whose introduction and/or spread outside their natural past or present distribution
threatens biological diversity.
Body:
Provide examples and present the scenario of harm posed by IAS in India.
Explain the various threats posed by them
threaten cultivable land and wildlife habitats alike.
may lead to the conversion of marshy wetlands into dry land. E.g.: water hyacinth
spread into the forests through the corridors created by landslides.
affect the soil and destroy the microhabitat of that area
and so on.Strengthen your answers by providing the proven case studies.
Discuss the measures and need for a policy to control their explosive spread.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance of impeachment in a democratic country.
Topic: Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
2. The protests erupting across India since the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) are
a testament to the centrality of secularism as the foundational principle that binds the country
together and holds the key to India’s survival as a nation. Analyse (250 words)
Why this question:
The recent protests across India provides the lessons that When secularism is threatened,
multiple identities are threatened. The deathly blow that the CAA and its companion, the
National Register of Citizens (NRC), have delivered to secularism threatens the foundations of
India’s plural social fabric. When secularism is threatened, India is weakened.Key demand of the question:
One must explain the concept of Secularism, its significance in protection of the social fabric of
India from the past till the present. The challenges posed and its implications and the way
forward.
Directive:
Analyse – 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:
In brief define the concept of Indian Secularism. Explain in brief how the CAA, NRC have led to
protests across the country and North-East states in particular.
Body:
Explain about Indian Secularism in detail and its significance
India’s unique model of secularism has so far been a successful model which is evident from
the sustained harmonious coexistence of almost all religions of the world in the country for
centuries.
It is the principle of secularism that has bound these multiple identities and sought forms of
peaceful coexistence and tolerance.
it is the constitutional ethos of secularism that provided the framework for these multiple
identity claims to be articulated and negotiated in the political sphere, in the first place. Secularism allowed India to both celebrate its many identities and defend them, when
threatened.
Secularism offered a pathway to peace.
And so on.
Discuss about the challenges posed by the recent CAA and NRC to secularism in India
The amendment upends the constitutional promise of a universal, religion-neutral idea of
citizenship.
India belonged to all, irrespective of religion. It was this conception of citizenship that
formed the foundation of our secular promise.
You can also mention about the other challenges to principles of secularism
And so on.
Provide measures to safeguard the secular fabric in India.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
General Studies – 2
Topic: India and its neighbourhood- relations.
3. Asia’s rise is predicated on peace and stability; cooperation rests on a compact between India
and China. Discuss (250 words)
The Hindu
Indian Express
Why this question:
Both India and China are expected to contribute to global economic growth in the future. India is
also transforming into a knowledge-based, skill-supported and technology-driven society. India
attaches great importance to its relations with China, a large trade partner in goods. However,
the ups and downs in the bilateral relations between India and China is a matter of concern.
Key demand of the question:
The question wants us to write in detail about India’s bilateral relations with China, the
challenges faced, the significance of bilateral relations to Asia, and the way forward.
Directive word:
Discuss- this is an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key
demand of the question. we also have to discuss about the related and important aspects of the
question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
write a few introductory lines about the Indo-China bilateral ties.
Body:Firstly, discuss in brief about the common challenges posed to both the countries and Asia in
general.
Traditional and non-traditional security threats (economic and military competition, climate
change, piracy, radical ideology, cyber threats, drug and human trafficking, and energy and
food security) have grown in magnitude.
Power, whether economic, political or military, is fractured.
Trade and technology are at the heart of a new round of competition and contestation.
Nationalism and regionalism are on the rise.
Explain how India’s bilateral relations with China, the areas of cooperation, conflicts.
Cheaper imports from China, which practices “state capitalism”, threaten domestic
manufacturing in India.
Movement of talent and the services sector, important for India, have not received
satisfactory attention.
Many of these concerns are central to India’s position on the Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Mention the importance of peace and stability of India-China relations to Asia and world.
Amidst the downturn, Asia is witnessing the simultaneous rise of several powers.
Global engines of economic growth over the past three decades have shifted to Asia, first to
the Asia-Pacific and now, more broadly, to the Indo-Pacific region that includes South Asia.
The continent, home to over half the global population, has emerged as the new fulcrum for
geo-economic and geo-strategic realignments.
High economic growth rates across the region are accompanied by some of the highest
military expenditures in the world.
What are the measures to better the relations?
The RCEP should have a wider ambit, including trade in services.
China too should pro-actively work to ensure India’s membership.
Beyond jointly training Afghan diplomats under the “India-China Plus One” framework,
China and India could explore the potential to work together on Asian infrastructure and
connectivity development on the basis of equality and an open and transparent model
under the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
And so on
Conclusion: based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
Topic: India and its neighbourhood- relations.
4. India-Japan relations must also imbibe and secure their relationship with innovative ideas while
keeping it parallel to their domestic developmental discourse. Examine. (250 words)
Why this question:
In the charged Indo-Pacific geopolitical scenario, Narendra Modi and Shinzo Abe have set an
ideal example of using personal chemistry to forward mutually advantageous policy outlooks.If the annual leadership summits strengthened their political narrative, the recently concluded
two-plus-two ministerial dialogue brought strategic substance, strengthening the narrative that
both have been nurturing with frequent dialogues, official mechanisms and visits.Key demand of the question:
The question expects us talk about the bilateral relations between India and Japan in light of the
recently concluded first ever ministerial level 2+2 dialogue. Further, one must give a detailed
account of the potential of the India-Japan relations at bilateral, multilateral and
regional/international levels with the challenges. Provide with a way forward.
Directive:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in detail,
inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question.
While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their
implications.
Structure of the answer
Introduction:
Talk about the fact that the two countries in several joint statements have called each other
natural partners.
Body :
Discuss the outcomes of the visit such as a 2+2 framework institutionalisation of the
relationship.
Highlight the potential of the relationship and the pitfalls that the two countries need to be
aware of.
Discuss the perfect fit that exists between the two countries when it comes to technology,
infrastructure, manufacturing etc.
Discuss that there should be an increasing emphasis on innovation front in the foreign policy
objectives between the two nations.
Conclusion:
Give your view on the progress of relationship and discuss way forward.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy – issues.
5. Tourism has the potential to be one of the main pillars of India’s economy. Examine. (250 words)
Why this question:
As the fourth largest city in the Tamilnadu, Tiruchi — projecting a fine blend of tradition and
modernity — serves as a good base for visitors’ keen on exploring tourist destinations in central
Tamil Nadu. Yet a lot of potential has been left untapped, rue a section of stakeholders in
tourism and travel industry.Key demand of the question:
The question expects us to highlight the potential of tourism sector in India, the shortcomings in
the sector, the steps that India needs to take to boost tourism in the country. Finally, we need to
mention the impact of focussing on tourism sector in India.
Directive word
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must look into the topic (content words) in detail,
inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question.
While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their
implications.
Structure of the answer
Introduction:
Mention that there was a marginal growth of 5.6% in Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) during the
period January-November 2018, as compared to the same period of the previous year. India’s
Tourism is ranked at 7th position in terms of its contribution to World GDP in World Travel and
Tourism Council’s report in 2017.
Body:
Discuss the status of tourism in India. Give facts and figures related to revenue and forex
earnings, tourist footfalls. Also highlight the diverse nature of tourist circuits in the country.
Highlight the areas where work is needed – security, infrastructure, connectivity and so on. give
details of these three aspects
Mention the steps taken by the government in improving the aforementioned areas through
schemes and programmes like PRASAD, e tourist visa etc.
Discuss the steps that need to be taken still to fill in the gaps
Conclusion:
Give your view on the potential of tourism sector in India and the impact it can have.
Topic: Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and
social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security.
6. India is widely considered to be a world leader in cutting off access to the Net. Critically discuss the issues and concerns raised against pre-emptive internet shutdowns as a security measure. (250 words)
Why this question:
The Software Freedom Law Center (SFLC), the global tracker for Internet shutdowns, was
inundated with messages of shutdowns across the country — a frequently recurring
phenomenon in India over the past several years. The world’s fastest growing Internet market is
also the global leader by far in cutting off access to small and large sections of its population.
Key demand of the questionThe question expects us to explain the concerns caused due to shut down of internet by the
Government under the garb of maintenance of Internal Security. Further, explain the concerns
faced
Directive word
Critically 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. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a
directive, all you need to do is look at the good and bad of something and give a fair judgement.
Structure of the answer
Introduction:
Provide a brief outlook on the internet shutdowns in India recently. Discuss about the laws and
the provisions under which it can be applied.
Body:
Discuss the reasons for which the internet shutdown is clamped by authorities
To stop the unrest or communal violence from perpetuating
To deter the influence of non-state actors and miscreants in shaping the future course of
unrest.
And so on.
However, the clampdown of internet has other effects too like:
curtails the democratic principles and implicitly the fundamental rights of freedom and
liberty
economic cost to shutdowns is immense: Over the past five years, some 16,000 hours of
Internet shutdowns cost the economy a little over $3 billion
and so on.
Provide the possible measures to tackle this.
Conclusion:
Give a balanced way forward.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Ethics in International relations.
7. Conditional Funding is regarded as both an “Effective” and “Less Drastic Means”. Discuss (250
words).
Ethics by Lexicon
The Guardian
DE Gruyter
Why this question:
In addition to its easy availability, conditional funding is regarded as both an effective and in
comparison with legal prohibitions, less drastic tool for the prevention of discrimination. Such
conditions are thought to be efficient because they increase the relative cost of the
discriminatory practice and in doing so create an economical incentive to avoid discrimination.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the challenges related to conditional funding provided to the countries in need
of funds.Directive:
Discuss- this is an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key
demand of the question. we also have to discuss about the related and important aspects of the
question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.
Structure of the answerIntroduction:
write a few introductory lines about the term conditionality. E.g. Conditionality is a concept
which describes the use of conditions attached to a loan, debt relief, bilateral aid or membership
of international organizations, typically by the international financial institutions, regional
organizations or donor countries.Body:
Discuss the ethical issues raised by conditional funding in international arena. E.g.
The donors shape the policy framework and strategies through impositions, seriously
undermining the rights, choices and decisions of the people to determine their own
demands and actions needed for their own development.
Local societal diversities and local ownership are ignored.
Policy conditions can interfere with the formation of an independent and mature democracy
and political framework.
Democratic ownership implies mutual accountability, transparency, and participation in
policies and programmes, where both donors and governments feel equal, sharing.
Domination by the government or the donors in the process undermines the basic principles
of democratic ownership etc.
Also, explain how conditional funding is effective. E.g.:Conclusion:
Based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
