[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 02 March 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?
Sangam, Bhakti and Sufi are important topics for Mains. Relation between Sangam and Bhakti traditions, and their impact on society and culture are even more important. This topic is in our static list.
Key demand of the question:
You should first discuss the statement given in the question i.e. examining the first part of the question itself. Then answer how arrival of Bhakti helped Tamil literature and culture in their revival.
Directive Word:
Examine– With good, relevant examples, write facts and concepts that are being demanded by the question.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction, write about the significance of Bhakti tradition for India’s art and culture, especially for Tamil in 1-2 lines. You may write a line about Sangam literature too (contrast it with Bhakti tradition)
In the body, in TWO Mains parts address question’s demand. In first part, write about arrival of Buddhism and Jain traditions in Tamil regions and their impact of Tamil literature and culture. Also write about demise of Sangam tradition and its impact. In the Second part write about form and impact of Bhakti tradition on Tamil literature and culture.
In the conclusion, write how Bhakti tradition has not lost its relevance even today in Tamil society.
Tip: Neatly structure your answer (a well structured answer helps evaluator identify important points easily)
Related question, click here.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections.
Why this question?
There has been heated debate lately on human trafficking in India. This question can be expected in this year Mains.
Key demand of the question:
There are two key demands: Discuss features of the bill. And examine the reasons for increase in trafficking instances in India. Give more weightage for the first part.
Directive Word:
Discuss: Instead of merely writing the features, discuss them – write few background information, speciality of these features etc.
Critically examine: Here critically examine doesn’t mean you should write positives and negatives. You should be bit more critical here (bit harsh and concerned, and at the same time objective)
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction with stats highlight why human trafficking is a major issue and how the new Bill in question might address this issue.
In the body, divide answer into TWO main parts. First, discuss features (their speciality/significance/little bit about background information). In the Second part, write why trafficking is on the rise. Here, be critical and blame the factors responsible (institutions/weak laws/ conventions etc)
In the conclusion, write what benefits India can reap if trafficking is stopped.
Related Mindmap Here, Related question Here,
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Why this question?
It is in the news. There will be a question on Middle East, but don’t think there will be a question on India-Jordan. However, you can use information related to India-Jordan in Middle East related questions.
Key demand of the question:
Your opinion on the statement is needed. This opinion should be based on 4-5 key facts.
Directive Word:
Comment: Register your opinion why Jordan is natural ally and not just a transit point for India.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction write why Jordan stands apart from other countries in the region and why it is crucial for India to have a good relationship with it.
In the body, divide answer 4-5 different parts and within each of them with facts, comment why Jordan is natural ally and not just a transit point.
In the conclusion, suggest why India should strengthen its relationship with countries like Jordan in such regions (China/Russia angle may be)
General Studies – 3
Topic: Storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints;
Why this question?
This is a very important question for Mains – 2018.
Key demand of the question:
First write your opinion about contract farming – it it’s the solution. Secondly, highlight problems in contract farming and see if model act addresses them.
Directive Word:
Examine: List out the problems of contract farming with facts
Analyse: In parts, examine if model act solves these problems. Divide answer into parts such as regulation, competition etc.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction write in 1-2 lines about doubling income of farmers and how contract farming can be a solution in this regard. Also write one line about new model law.
Define what’s contract farming.
In the body, There should be THREE mains parts: One for writing your opinion if contract farming is needed; Second part for examining problems; Third part for analysing features of new Bill and its ability to address problems. Third part should be addressed in parts (compulsorily).
In the conclusion, write a line or two on need for careful interventions in farming to address agrarian crisis.
Tip: Define key words and terms in your answer if such words are given in question.
Related question, Here
Topic: Environmental pollution
Why this question?
This questions lets you learn about ETS. It is also important for Mains – 2018 as it’s in news in Europe.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss what’s ETS and how it can help India undertake a comprehensive approach to deal with climate change mitigation efforts.
Directive Word:
Discuss: Discuss all dimensions of ETS – definition, features, advantages, disadvantages – for India to combat climate change.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction, write why India needs to fight climate change with new tools.
In the body, in different dimensions (listed above), discuss how ETS helps India. For all parts, give good examples.
In the conclusion, write what else India needs to do in addition to establishing ETS.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions;
Why this question?
Similar questions are asked in UPSC GS-4. This question tries to test how you need to balance compassion and cruelty in correcting prisoners.
Key demand of the question:
Write why both compassion and cruelty are needed in different degrees and in different circumstances for correctional confinement. You may disagree with the statement too (in case you want to say only compassion is needed)
Directive Word:
Analyse: In different parts (paragraphs), examine and comment why compassion and to a less degree in inevitable situations, cruelty is needed.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction write why confinement of prisoners is a humanitarian issue and write your opinion on if cruelty even if inevitable is needed or not.
Define correctional confinement.
In the body, in 4-5 small paragraphs, analyse issues associated with correctional confinement and how compassion, cruelty are needed/not needed. Talk about human rights and other rights. For all arguments give examples.
In the conclusion write how civilised societies should treat prisoners – both domestic and foreign.
Tip: In GS-4 answers, your answer should conform to ethics framework.
Other Important issues that are NOT covered Today in Secure:
- Solid Waste Management – Lesson from South Korea
- Generating Revenue from Aadhaar
- Dangers of Artificial Intelligence to Humanity
- Chinese Growth Model
