[Insights Secure – 2020] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 10 January 2020
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INSIGHTS NEW SECURE – 2020: YEARLONG TIMETABLE
General Studies – 1
Topic: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
Why this question:
The article provides for a detailed commentary of the case for including Tulu in the Eighth Schedule. Thus the context of the question.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the importance of preserving India’s linguistic diversity and elaborate upon the steps required to be taken in this direction.
Directive:
Deliberate – 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.
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 explain what linguistic diversity is. Discuss the constitutional provisions available in this aspect.
Body:
In detail comment upon the Need and importance of preserving linguistic diversity – Cultural Identity, Cultural Diversity, glimpse of our past etc.
Discuss the Government efforts in this direction in terms of statutes, provisions in the constitution, technological measures etc.
Explain the measures needed.
Conclusion:
In recent years the language diversity is under threat as speakers of diverse languages are becoming rare and major languages are adopted after abandoning the mother tongues. The problem needs to be addressed at societal level, in which the communities have to take part in conservation of language diversity that is part of cultural wealth.
Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present.
Why this question:
The article discusses in detail the contributions of Ashfaqullah Khan as Recently, Uttar Pradesh government has announced that it will build a 121-acre zoo named after Ashfaqullah Khan.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the contributions of Ashfaqullah Khan in the Indian freedom struggle.
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 dew key facts related to Ashfaqullah Khan.
Body:
Comment on the aspects such as –
- Ashfaqulla Khan (1900 – 1927) was a freedom fighter in the Indian independence movement.He was born in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
- In 1920,Mahatma Gandhi had launched his Non-cooperation movement against the British rule in India.
- But after the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922,Mahatma Gandhi decided to withdraw the call for this movement.
- At that point, many young people including Ashfaqulla Khan became revolutionaries and turned to organisations like Hindustan Socialist Republican Association.
- Discuss his contributions to Kakori case.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance of such a heroic personality.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
Why this question:
Following the assassination of Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, President Donald Trump tweeted on Saturday that if “Iran strikes any Americans, or American assets” in retaliation, the US would target 52 sites in Iran, “some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture”. Thus the question.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the theory of war crimes; explain the importance of Cultural heritage and its preservation highlight the various conventions that are in force to ensure cultural heritage of each and every country is preserved.
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 war crimes are.
Body:
Discuss the aspects such as Iran is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations dating back to 10,000 BC. Its rich heritage and culture is an amalgam of Arab, Persian, Turkish and South Asian cultures.
Twenty-four Iranian sites are on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, two of which are natural sites and the rest cultural sites.
Discuss then What the problem with targeting cultural heritage is.
Take hints from the article and highlight in what way they can be preserved.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary; Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.
Why this question:
The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) has revealed some of the most significant gaps of Indian federalism. Thus the question.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the idea of Federalism enshrined in the Indian constitution and explain how the concept has been changing over time and bring out the possible threats it faces as of today.
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:
Describe what federalism means; A federal government is one in which powers are divided between the national government and the regional governments by the Constitution itself.
Body:
Explain The specific features of the federal system – dual government, written constitution, division of powers between two levels of government, supremacy of constitution, independent judiciary.
Trace first the changing nature of federalism and highlight the current trends in centre- state relations.
Discuss the recent challenges faced in this direction.
Bring out the gaps that have been witnessed and suggest what needs to be done to overcome them.
Conclusion:
Conclude that the Centre and state should work in tandem in the spirit of cooperative federalism by working within their allotted sphere determined constitutionally.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
Why this question:
The question is straightforward and is based on the concept of Integrated Farming System and its relevance to India agriculture system.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the concept of IFS, discuss its relevance and significance to the Indian Setup.
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:
Briefly explain what Integrated Farming System is.
Body:
Discuss Role of Integrated Farming System and in what way it is helpful in sustaining agricultural production.
The Integrated Farming System (IFS) is a combined approach aimed at efficient sustainable resource management for increased productivity in the cropping system. The IFS approach has multiple objectives of sustainability, food security, farmer’s security and poverty reduction by involving livestock, vermicomposting, organic farming etc.
Discuss the possible challenges involved.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward such as Integrating subsistence agriculture, Encouraging livestock enterprises, Building farmer capacities etc.
Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
Why this question:
The question is based on the roles and responsibilities delivered by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the objectives, functions, roles played by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
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:
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) was established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985. It functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The Authority has its headquarters in New Delhi.
Body:
Discuss the key functions performed by APEDA.
APEDA is mandated with the responsibility of export promotion and development of the scheduled products viz. fruits, vegetables and their products; meat and meat products; poultry and poultry products; dairy products; confectionery, biscuits and bakery products etc.
Explain the composition of APEDA, how it works.
Discuss the work done so far by the authority.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance.
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
Why this question:
The article highlights the growth dynamics of the formal and informal sectors and in that it explains the vital role that small entrepreneurs can play in reviving the growth story of the Indian economy.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the possible contributions that small entrepreneurs can make to the economy.
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:
First discuss who small entrepreneurs are.
Body:
Discuss first the existing Trends in urbanization and formalization of the Indian economy.
Comment on the importance of recognising the role of informal sector as an important driver of growth and job creation.
Quote relevant example if any.
Discuss what aspects foster the coming of small entrepreneurs and in what way they can largely contribute to the economy.
Explain challenges if any involved.
Conclusion:
Conclude that our mindset lets large enterprises have a disproportionate influence in policy making, with no place for the informal sector at the table. But India’s urban future, job creation, and growth revival may be with the small entrepreneurs.
