[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 11 April 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
REVISION TIMETABLE FOR PRELIMS – 2018
General Studies – 1
Topic: The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country
From Plassey to Partition – Page 248 Section 5.3
Key demand of the question
The focus of the question is on understanding whether the conflict between the moderates and the extremists was a part of the broader trend of the conflict in public life at that time or whether it was due to some other deep rooted issues.
Directive word
Examine – When we are asked to examine, we have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any. Here we have to get into the depth of the reason behind the conflict between moderates and extremists. We have to examine whether there were factions within Moderates and Extremists as well, or whether the reason of the conflict was more ideological/situational/political.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– In the introduction, discuss about the nature of relationship between the moderates and extremists and the overall public life back then.
Body– Analyze whether the conflict between the two was a part of overall public life. Explain about the factionalism present within the moderates and extremists as well. Talk about the fact that ideological consolidation was still underway as we were in the initial period of our freedom struggle.
Thereafter, analyze the other causes of conflict between the moderates and extremists – ideological/situational/political
Conclude with the statement that the conflict represented a difference in opinion, which was justified when a group of passionate individuals are fighting for a cause. Also mention that the split was utilized by Britishers to serve their interests.
General Studies – 2
Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.
Why this question
India’s relations with its neighbouring countries is an important topic. Post any high profile visit, it becomes important to keep track of the new developments and the overall course of bilateral relationship.
Key demand of the question
The question is asking us to analyse India Nepal relationship through the China prism. The impact of China lurking around on India Nepal bilateral relationship as well as their relationship at multilateral forums. We also need to examine the other irritants in the relationship and whether they are all linked to China. The question demands us to answer
- The impact China has on our bilateral relationship
- The other irritants in the relationship and whether they are all China related
- The positives in the relationship and why the health of relationship is independent of China
Directive word
Analyze – .In this question, we have to probe in detail two aspects(Parts): one, China’s impact on India Nepal bilateral relations . Second, how India and Nepal’s relations set their own course and is independent of third party.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– In the introduction, talk about the recent development in India Nepal relationship and relate it to China’s cloud over the relationship.
Body– Answer the question in parts. In the first part, talk about the China factor on India Nepal relations. Cover various aspects such as political, economic, multilateral forum like BRI, SAARC etc. Explain how China has a huge role to play in the relationship.
In the second part, explain how India and Nepal relations are independent of any third party. Show that the issues are independent of China (water issues, treaty issue, boundary issue etc) and the relationship is also progressing well, Here, underscore the Agreements signed or declarations made during the visit of PM KP Oli.
Present the synthesis of your thesis and antithesis. You can talk about the Treaty of Friendship, of cultural similarity and historical togetherness and say that minor hiccups may come but the relationship is time tested. Mention some suggestions for further bolstering ties – Sagarmala extension etc
Conclusion– In the conclusion, can provide the overall sense of India Nepal relations by quoting PM Modi when he said that the relationship is taller than the Everest
.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security; Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention
Why this question
Violent extremism is one of the fundamental concerns of much of the world and India is one of the those countries that faces different forms of violent extremism, ranging from riots to insurgency. Media plays a key role and is often exploited for spread of extremism. In Kashmir, media has played a critical role in the rise and spread of extremism. The question is hence important for UPSC exam. The other part, deals with solution to one of the basic factors responsible for extremism. The question is related to the GS-3 syllabus;
Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security; Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to explain how media helps spread extremism in Kashmir. The other part wants us to suggest peace-building measures that could be taken, to prevent radicalization of youth through different mediums.
Directive word
Discuss- we have to find how media helps spread extremism in Kashmir. We have to discuss in detail about all forms of media involved and how they help in the process.
In the other part we have to enumerate peace-building measures required to prevent radicalization and then briefly describe each measure.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- In the introduction, highlight the role of media in spreading any form of extremism e.g riots.
Body- divide the body into two parts. In one part, discuss different forms of media involved in spreading extremism and explain how they are involved. In the other part, discuss in points, what peace-building measures could be taken to prevent radicalization of youth. You should stick to the most important ones and briefly describe each.
Conclusion- In the conclusion, mention a few complementary measures that could taken to fight extremism in India
Topic: Issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Why this question
Shamnad Basheer, a prominent legal scholar and activist has filed a public interest litigation before the Delhi High Court over the issue of form 27 and patent working disclosure. The judgement will have a vital impact on India’s public health. Hence the issue is important for mains exam and is related to GS-3 syllabus under the following heading- Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology and issues relating to intellectual property rights. It is also indirectly related to GS-2 syllabus under the following heading- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to analyse the need for revision of Form 27 and patent working disclosure and also discuss what are the associated issues involved. We have to form a personal opinion on the issue.
Directive word
Critically analyse- here we have to discuss why there is need for revision of the given provisions and also examine what are the other issues involved, which hinder or don’t warrant the revision. Remember to divide each part into sub-parts (Analyse).
Structure of the answer
Introduction- In the introduction briefly introduce form 27 and patent working disclosure.
Body- divide the body into two parts. In one part, discuss in points, why these provisions should be revised in the interest of state’s sovereign right and duty to preserve public health. In the other part, discuss impediments/ counter interests/ other commitments which oppose revision.
Conclusion- in the conclusion, present your opinion about the need for revision and accordingly suggest measures that need to be taken to secure the state’s sovereign right and duty to preserve public health.
Topic:Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices ;
Why this question
Recent farmers’ agitation in Maharashtra has again brought the plight of farmers to the forefront. It is thus prudent to analyze whether the vision of doubling farmers’ income will come to fruition or not.
Key demand of the question
The question is quite straightforward in its demand. It expects is to answer the steps taken to double farmers’ income. More marks in this question is contingent on writing the names of quite a lot of schemes and quoting from documents of Niti Ayog and Economic Survey. The second part expects us to plot a way forward where we can take help of recommendations (or sense) of Ashok Dalwai Committee and Niti Ayog papers.
Directive word
Discuss – .Mention in detail along with the names of schemes the steps taken. Quote from reports and policy papers on steps required
Structure of the answer
Introduction- In the introduction, talk about the need of the vision and what it represents.
Body- Discuss the steps taken to double farmers’ income and write the way forward. Before writing about the additional steps required, talk in brief about the issues with the steps taken so far. You can write in points by dividing into subparts like irrigation related, insurance related, infra related etc
Conclude by giving the issue a bigger picture – of food security and human rights and highlight the urgency in the situation.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Challenges of corruption
Why this question
Corruption is an endemic problem in India despite a plethora of laws and mechanisms put in place to check it. CVC, which is the apex vigilance institution, free of control from any executive authority, monitoring all vigilance activity under the Central Government and advising various authorities in Central Government organizations in planning, executing, reviewing and reforming their vigilance work, recently witnessed a sharp decline in corruption related complaints. This is a paradox in itself, given the level of corruption in our country. Thus it is important for UPSC exam and the issue is related to GS- 4 syllabus;
Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption. Case Studies on above issues.
Key demand of the question
- The question wants us to analyse the reasons behind sharp decline in number or corruption related complaints received by CVC. Then we have to form an opinion on whether public disenchantment with anti-corruption mechanisms is its main cause.
Directive word
Critically analyse- We have to form a personal opinion based on an in-depth discussion of possible causes behind drop in number of complaints received.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- in the introduction, mention the role of CVC in tackling corruption in India.
Body- Divide the body into two parts. In one part, describe in points, possible causes behind decline in number of complaints received by CVC. in the other part, analyse the role of public disenchantment with anti-corruption mechanisms vis a vis other causes and then form a personal opinion.
In the conclusion you can mention a few innovative solutions to prevent corruption in public services.
Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values; Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration
7) “Courage is knowing what not to fear”. Critically analyse. (150 Words)
Why this question
Courage is a vital public service value. Its absence or presence in the public servant has a huge impact on his attitude towards work and life as well. Productivity and integrity of a person/ public servant are intricately linked to the courage. The question is related to GS-4 syllabus; Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values; Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to analyse the given statement and discuss points in favour as well as against it. On the basis of that discussion we have to form our own interpretation of the given quotation
Directive word
Critically analyse- we have to identify the key ethical issues involved in the given quotation and present them in the form of points in favour and points against. We have to give our opinion in the end.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- briefly mention the importance of courage in public service and in personal life.
Body- Divide the body into two parts. In one point discuss points/ arguments in favour of and in other part, discuss points/arguments against the given statement.
Conclusion- In the conclusion, articulate your opinion in the form of conclusion of the above made arguments.
