[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 26 February 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
General Studies – 1
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Why this question?
It’s in the list of topics we have given. Moreover, relevance of Bhakti and Sufi traditions are very relevant today. Instead of directly asking about their philosophy, we are asking about their contemporary relevance to address two most pressing issues of our time.
Key demand of the question:
You should discuss how the ideology and philosophy of Sufi and Bhakti have the potential to act as antidote to communalism and enmity between India and Pakistan. Focus more on strength of their basic tenets and how they can be used today to address these problems. Try to be objective and do not praise about these in all of your answer – try to address weaknesses as well.
Directive Word:
Discuss critically– Try to write all dimensions, including few words on how Sufi and Bhakti have morphed these days to become victims of communalism themselves (Click Here)
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction, write a line or two about strength of idea and traditions(Sufi and Bhakti), if revived properly, to address issues such as communalism.
In the body, you should divide answer into 3-4 parts: one on their ideology and basic tenets; Second on how they can threaten communalism and improve India-Pak relations; Third on how they have failed to retain their original thoughts.
In the conclusion, write about the threats these ideologies themselves face and reiterate need for syncretism in times of communalism.
General Studies – 2
Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations; Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
Why this question?
In the light of various refugee crises, India’s policy on refugee crisis is being debated. Tibetan issue is both important from historical as well as contemporary refugee debate point of view. It’s a very important question.
Key demand of the question:
While briefly addressing India’s Tibetan refugee policy, focus mainly on challenges faced by Tibetans in India, especially in acquiring Indian citizenship. Also address what India can do in this regard.
Directive Word:
Examine: The reference article has important points. Reproduce them in your answer coherently. No need to comment here (in questions like this you will be tempted to write your opinion, especially in the end)
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction while talking about general refugee crises around the world, appreciate India’s Tibetan refugee policy. At the same time write a line about why this community needs special attention.
In the body, There should be TWO mains parts: First part about challenges; Second part about India’s measures. Make sure you don’t ignore facts from the article ( Indian Citizenship Act (Amendment) of 1986, the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy of 2014 etc) Focus on policies, laws and institutions.
In the conclusion, how India could project these thriving Tibetan settlements at the international level as a model for post-conflict reconstruction of war-devastated societies (this sentence is from the article). Try to write similar conclusions with message and hope.
Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections
Why this question?
Recent finding have revealed that health of women in India is not improving owing to many factors. Any dimension related to women empowerment is an important topic for UPSC Mains (especially Essay)
Key demand of the question:
Write about policies that India should pursue to improve health of women in India.
Directive Word:
Discuss: In the reference article you will find various dimensions. Mention them and discuss them all briefly.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction, write about a current affair that is related to women empowerment or women’s health (report of UN body, or an NGO). Highlight why policy intervention is need of the hour.
In the body, through many categories, discuss policy options. In each category, give example in the form of fact/data/illustration/justification.
In the conclusion, you may talk about how India’s growth and development hinges on healthy women (use your knowledge to come up with very thoughtful conclusions).
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,
Why this question?
As debate on health is mainstream (thank to budget 2018), add to this the ongoing strike in the UK, what India can do to reform its health sector will be an evergreen topic. It’s a very important question for Mains-2018.
Key demand of the question:
While writing about challenges being faced by NHS, also write about its positives and negatives, and the lessons it offers to India. The article doesn’t talk about the second part. You need to do little research and use imagination.
Directive Word:
Examine: You should write about existing facts and information as demanded in the question. No opinion please.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction, write about India’s ambition to move towards universal healthcare, the mismatch between its ambition and actions, and how the NHS can be an inspiration.
In the body, divide your answer into TWO mains parts (Challenges and Lessons). Within each part, create sub-parts and within each part, write about one dimension with example. (for example, in the Second part, sub-parts can be Funding, Recruitment of doctors(ratio) etc)
If you have more points, no need to write all with examples. Give example to 2-3 points in the beginning. Remaining points – just enumerate the without elaboration.
In the conclusion, mention new scheme National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) and examine if it can be as potential as NHS (or write any other related though provoking conclusion)
General Studies – 3
Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology;
Why this question?
PMRF is a new initiative. It’s good to discuss its merits and demerits.
Key demand of the question:
By focusing on two aspects – if PMRF is going to stop brain drain and improve quality of research in S&T, you should critically analyse. Though the article focuses on negatives, you should write positives as well.
Directive Word:
Critically analyse: By dividing answer into various parts as demanded by question, analyse pros and cons. (if the directive word is Analyse, dividing answer into parts is compulsory)
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction, praise that PMRF is a good step towards improving research environment, but also criticise why it’s inadequate. Give a stat or quote any report.
In the body, there should be TWO main parts: One to highlight merits (less focus), and the Second part on deficiencies. Make sure, your focus remains on brain drain and improving research in frontier (!?) areas of S&T. If possible compare with China/South Korea/USA/Japan (just to add more value)
In the conclusion, write about role of states in helping this goal become real.
Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics,
Why this question?
Earlier you have studied various dimensions of AI. Add to this the new dimension of its utility for India. It’s an important question for Mains.
Key demand of the question:
It’s a direct question – write about benefits and risks of AI advancements for India.
Directive Word:
Analyse: in parts, examine in detail various aspects of AI breakthroughs and their likely impact on India
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction write on advancements in AI field and their emerging benefits and risks for country like India which faces huge challenges and potentials.
In the body, in TWO main parts, address TWO mains demands of the question(Benefits and Risks). You should write facts – such as breakthroughs, India’s AI policy (if any), industry readiness etc.
In the conclusion, mention about interplay between Big Data, Deep Learning and AI, and their future implications for poverty, food security and right of people in countries like India. (or come up with better conclusion)
General Studies – 4
Topic: Human Values
Why this question?
Quote based questions are important.
Key demand of the question:
It’s a quote by Sigmund Freud. You may agree or disagree with the statement. Based on your stance, write suitable examples to substantiate your stance. You may balance your answer too, but answers with a single stance show conviction and originality.
Directive Word:
Comment: With suitable examples, based on your stance, write various dimensions related to your stance. These dimensions should be your opinions.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction, take a stand (for example, true virtuous people do not do wicked things even in dreams) and say how much virtues and virtuous people are needed today.
In the body, write answer in paragraph. Each paragraph should have a dimension that supports your central argument. Each paragraph should have an example (can be hypothetical one).
Write a conclusion that reiterates your stance.
Other Important issues that are NOT covered today in Secure:
- India-Canada Relations
- Banking Crisis – Challenges and Solutions
- Bioeconomy – India and Brazil
- Measures needed to Tap water resources in urban areas (Bangalore example)
