[Insights Secure – 2020] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 11 February 2020
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General Studies – 1
Topic: The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country.
Reference: INSIGHTS ON INDIA
Indian freedom struggle by Bipin Chandra
Why this question:
The question is based on the aspects of communalism that prevailed and fostered itself during the freedom struggle of the country.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the aspects of communalism that prevailed during freedom struggle and in what way the real face of it was the economic and political conflict between different groups.
Directive:
Critically 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. 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 judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain what you understand by Communalism.
Body:
Communalism refers to an ideology on which, communal politics rests. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries communalism grew rampant and that led at last to the partition of India in 1947.
Explain in what way Communalism as a political philosophy has its roots in the religious and cultural diversity of India. It has been used as a political propaganda tool to create divide, differences and tensions between the communities on the basis of religious and ethnic identity leading to communal hatred and violence.
Discuss the factors of economic conflicts that led to communalism such as stagnation of economy, Nepotism, lack of modernity, economic competition etc. Then discuss political factors that fuelled communalism.
Conclusion:
Communalism was a channel for providing service to colonialism and the jagirdari class (land officials). British authorities supported communal feelings and divided Indian society for their authoritative ruling .This feeling of communalism has deepened since then, fragmenting the Indian society and being a cause of unrest.
Topic: Indian Culture will cover the salient aspects of Art forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present
Reference: History Discussion
Why this question:
The question is straightforward from the static portions of GS paper I and aims to compare and contrast the two schools of religion/philosophies.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must compare and contrast the tenets of Buddhism and Jainism and explain the relevance of the same to present day Modern India.
Directive:
Compare and contrast – provide for a detailed comparison of the two types, their features that are similar as well as different. One must provide for detailed assessment of the two.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Highlight a fact such as – Numerous religious sects arouse in the middle of Gangetic plains in the second half of the sixth century B.C. Of these sects, Buddhism and Jainism were the most important and they emerged as the most potent religious reform movement.
Body:
Directly start discussing similarities in the two religious philosophies such as – both were inspired by Upanishads, ideas of misery, caste, rituals etc. Discuss then the differences such as in the aspects of – Moksha and means of its attainment, ahimsa, concept of soul etc. Then move on to explain relevance of it to today’s Modern India.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting the significance of the two, Throughout history, the practice, adherence and belief in religion has been a virtually universal aspect of human society. Jainism and Buddhism can, in fact, play a pivotal role for the protection of the environment, for nurturing morality, ethics and universal brotherhood
General Studies – 2
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
The article highlights the significance of reviving and practicing the Unani system of medicine for sustainable and effective healthcare in the country.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the evolution of Unani healthcare system in the country and its significance.
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:
Briefly explain what Unani system of medicine is.
Body:
First highlight the fact that the traditional Indian system of medicine, which comprises of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH), is a perennially neglected alternative medicine sector. It played an important role against the imperialistic British reign by the cultural nationalistic reassertion but is losing its significance in modern times. This article focuses on the challenges it faces and suggests measures for its revival.
Discuss the evolution of Unani system of medicine as a syncretic science. Suggest how the medicinal system can aid in creating a sustainable and effective healthcare industry.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting the significance of the medicinal system and suggest policy measures that need to be taken in this direction.
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
Reference: Economic Times
Why this question:
The article brings out a detailed analysis of how the novel coronavirus pandemic in China, with its epicenter in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province, threatens to starve India’s pharma industry of key inputs.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the probable dependency that India has on China for its Pharma industry and in what way India needs to strengthen its capabilities and reduce dependencies to maintain its position in the world Pharma market.
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:
Briefly explain the context of the question.
Body:
Highlight how far India is doing well in the pharma markets of the world. Explain why India is called – ‘pharmacy of the world’. Discuss the dependency of India for APIs from China.
Suggest what needs to be done?- The way ahead is to set up an enabling environment for mega bulk drugs parks in the cluster approach, so as to reap economies of scale and scope in the public private partnership mode. The Draft Pharmaceutical Policy 2017 needs to be operationalized without further delay and dither, with focused policy attention for stepped-up output of cost-competitive API. The Indian pharma industry was quite self-reliant in most APIs well into the 1990s. But rigidities in the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) of circa 1995 did lead many producers to opt out of the API segment.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Land reforms in India.
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
The question is based on the concept of Agricultural Protection Zoning (APZ) and its significant contributions in curtailing the extent of urban sprawls.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the concept of Agricultural Protection Zoning (APZ) and its applications.
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:
Briefly explain what you understand by Agricultural Protection Zoning (APZ).
Body:
APZ refers to local zoning codes, which include provisions such as large lot size requirements and use limitations, to separate farming and related activities from other land uses.
It helps preserve the availability of agricultural lands for farming and thus the agricultural base of the community, by constraining non-agricultural development and land uses in designated areas.
Discuss the case study relevant to the question – Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has announced that the Cauvery delta region comprising of eight districts would be declared as a Protected Special Agriculture Zone.
The eight districts include Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Pudukottai, Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Karur and Tiruchirapalli.
The move is aimed towards preventing the implementation of oil exploration projects and other hydrocarbon projects in the Cauvery delta region and will help not only ensure food security of the State but also livelihood opportunities of the farmers and other agriculture-based laborers.
Explain how such step would address the issue of urban sprawls.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics – in private and public relationships. Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply. Family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
Reference: Ethics by Lexicon Publications
Why this question:
The question is themed around the topic of ecological ethics and its significance.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the significance and relevance of understanding ecological ethics and its correlation with environmental degradation.
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:
Briefly explain what ecological ethics is.
Body:
Discuss that ecological Ethics are moral principles that guide human attitude towards the environment, rules of conduct for environment care and preservation. Deteriorating ecological ethics is being reflected in changing man-nature relationship due to technological advancements, especially after the Industrial Revolution which resulted in wide scale deforestation and land degradation thus leading to environmental degradation.
Highlight some relevant examples to justify the question and suggest solutions to address the issue.
Conclusion:
Conclude that there is need for a balanced developmental model like that of Sustainable development where role of ethics, duty, responsibility-based decisions are taken at an individual level as well as societal level.
Topic: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics – in private and public relationships. Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply. Family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
7. Discuss the role of family in inculcating values in a person. (250 words)
Reference: Ethics by Lexicon Publications
Why this question:
The question is very much straight forward from the static portions of the GS paper IV.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the role of family in inculcating values in a person.
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:
Introduce by explaining what values are.
Body:
Discuss the role of the family in inculcating values, giving examples of both good and bad.
Values are an individual/group’s own principles or qualities guiding their judgment and behaviour. They can be intrinsic like truth, courage, goodness, etc or they can be extrinsic like wealth, fame, physical strength, etc., and their sum-total forms the value system.
Role of Family:
- The first institution of socialization for a person is his/her family. Since values have an affective component, family plays a major role in an individual subscribing to certain values. For example, a child can acquire courage as a value after watching his family being honest and courageous.
- However, family can impart values with negative outcomes also. A child growing up in an environment of power and corruption may look down on the value of honesty and value power more.
- The sustained relationships and the existing value system of the family members shape the values of a child and accordingly the child’s attitude towards the family, society and oneself is formed. A family, where good values are encouraged and bad values are discouraged, supports in forming a strong and desirable value system in an individual, which in turn helps in maintaining the stability of the society.
Conclusion:
Conclude that though there are other factors like peer groups, educational institutions, and society at large, which later influence the value system of a person, it is the family which lays down a strong foundation of the value system of an individual.
