[Insights Secure – 2020] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 26 December 2019
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General Studies – 1
Topic: Indian Culture will cover the salient aspects of Art forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Medieval history class XI by R S Sharma
Why this question:
The question is straight forward and is based in the topic of Bhakti movement and its connection with the philosophies of Dvaita and Advaita Vada.
Key demand of the question:
One must explain the rise of Bhakti movement and influence of Dvaita and Advaita Vada upon it.
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:
Trace the evolution of Bhakti movement.
Body:
Bhakti movement preached using the local languages so that the message reached the masses. The movement was inspired by many poet-saints, who championed a wide range of philosophical positions ranging from theistic dualism of Dvaita to absolute monism of Advaita Vedanta.
Explain in detail the concept of the two philosophies and in what way it influenced Bhakti movement.
Conclusion:
Conclude with its significance.
Topic: Welfare schemes for the vulnerable sections of population by the Centre and states and the performance of these schemes
Why this question:
During the Book release of Health and Wellbeing in Late Life: Perspectives and Narratives from India, Vice President emphasized that strengthening of the family system is the need of the hour.
Key demand of the question:
One must analyse the causes for declining status of elderly in the society.
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.
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:
In brief highlight the status of elderly population in the Indian society.
Body:
Due to the tendency to ape western culture, there is a need for a societal and attitudinal change in the way we treat our elderly.
This needs going back to the Indian family system, values, culture and traditions which comprise respect for parents, teacher and nature ingrained in Indian philosophy.
India is ageing fast and it can be seen where by 2050 almost 20% of Indian population will be more than 60 years old becoming the country with
Highest population in the world.
Conclusion:
Conclude with solutions.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Why this question:
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the creation of a chief of defence staff (CDS).
Key demand of the question:
Discuss the significance of the post of CDS and 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 the post of CDS in general and its significance.
Body:
He will be the single-point military adviser to the government as suggested by the Kargil Review Committee in 1999.
CDS oversees and coordinates the working of the three Services.
Explain what are key features, its significance.
The charter of the CDS, if implemented properly, will prepare the 15-lakh strong armed forces for the wars of the future. The CDS is mandated to ensure the Army, Navy and IAF, which often pull in different directions, truly integrate to slash wasteful expenditure amidst the ongoing severe fund crunch for military modernization because of the ballooning pay and pension bills.
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 question is in the backdrop of recently launched Atal Bhujal Yojana that aims at better management of Ground water.
Key demand of the question:
One must analyse and present arguments the causes of depleting ground water levels and the failures of the past policies to address the issue.
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:
In brief explain with facts the ground water situation of the country.
Body:
Explain the causes of the depleting water levels of the ground water.
Discuss the efforts made by the government in this direction.
Comment upon the recently launched Atal Bhujal Yojana and explain in what way the Central Government scheme will promote Panchayat led ground water management and Behavioural change with primary focus on demand side management.
Conclusion:
Conclude by suggesting more solutions.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Why this question:
The question is based on the concept of Monetary transmission and the article provides a detailed analysis of the concept as applied to the Indian economy.
Key demand of the question:
Explain and discuss the concept of monetary transmission in detail, explain its importance to the context of Indian economy.
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 Monetary transmission mechanism is.
Body:
The monetary transmission mechanism is the process by which asset prices and general economic conditions are affected as a result of monetary policy decisions. Such decisions are intended to influence the aggregate demand, interest rates, and amounts of money and credit in order to affect overall economic performance.
The traditional monetary transmission mechanism occurs through interest rate channels, which affect interest rates, costs of borrowing, levels of physical investment, and aggregate demand. Additionally, aggregate demand can be affected through friction in the credit markets, known as the credit view. In short, the monetary transmission mechanism can be defined as the link between monetary policy and aggregate demand.
Monetary transmission is the process through which RBI’s policy actions reach its effective end goal of tackling inflation and addressing growth concerns.
Take hints from the article and explain why monetary transmission is important to Indian context.
Conclusion:
Conclude with the benefits of inculcating such mechanism.
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Why this question:
India is now in the midst of a significant economic slowdown, the International Monetary Fund has said, urging the government to take urgent policy actions to address the current prolonged downturn.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the recent trends being witnessed in the economy and provide for an analysis as to in what way it is the result of both cyclical and structural factors.
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:
Briefly discuss what a cyclic slowdown is; A cyclical slowdown is a period of weak economic growth that occurs at regular intervals. A structural slowdown is a more deep-rooted phenomenon signifying weak economic growth for over a long time.
Body:
Discuss first the structural factors responsible for these issues ranging from investment, Failure of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), Unemployment etc.
Discuss then the cyclical factors – consumption, savings factor etc.
Explain the recent steps taken by the govt. and the RBI.
Suggest way forward.
Conclusion:
Conclude by suggesting solutions and suggestions as to what can be done to address these issues.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
Ethics by Lexicon publications
Why this question:
The question is based on the concept of Ethical climate and its importance.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the principle of ethical climate, its relevance and significance in detail.
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 Ethical climate.
Body:
Explain that Ethical climate is the culture of an organization as it pertains to questions of right and wrong. It derives from the governance, values, norms and habits that exist within an organization. Ethical climate results from both a firm’s history and its leadership.
Discuss the key features in detail. Provide for illustrations wherever necessary.
Explain the advantages and need for good ethical climate and relate its relevance to the Governance.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
