[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 17 April 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
REVISION TIMETABLE FOR PRELIMS – 2018
General Studies – 1
Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.
NCERT Class XI, Fundamentals of Physical Geography
WHY THIS QUESTION
In geography direct conceptual questions can be asked and the question is related to GS-1 syllabus under the following heading- Salient features of world’s physical geography.
KEY DEMAND OF THE QUESTION.
The question wants us to discuss how theory of plate tectonics is a better and improved scientific explanation for describing various tectonic processes. We have to present facts in favour of the same.
DIRECTIVE WORD
Discuss- we have to write in length and compare both the theories and discuss evidences which prove that the theory of plate tectonics is an improvement over the theory of plate tectonics.
STRUCTURE OF THE ANSWER
Introduction- introduce your answer by briefly describing both the theories one by one, along with name of scientist and year.
Body- after mentioning that theory of plate tectonics is an improvement over theory of continental drift, divide the body into parts and present evidences/ facts in favour of your stand. E.g tidal forces and centrifugal forces are too small to bring such changes, magnetite striping and seafloor spreading, pacific ring of fire etc.
Conclusion- in the end mention that the theory of plate tectonics has absorbed both the theories and built upon them to give a better explanation of various geophysical phenomena around us. .
Topic: Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
NCERT Class IX & X History
WHY THIS QUESTION
Bhakti literature has been at the core of India’s history of diversity and unity since ages. Middle ages in India are usually labelled as dark ages due to stalment of scientific, technological and political progress. However, the period produced rich bhakti literature and poetry in which a number of women also took participation. This contradicts the claim of medieval dark ages of India. The question is related to GS-1 syllabus- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
KEY DEMAND OF THE QUESTION.
The question wants us to discuss why India’s middle ages were not like the dark ages of Europe and quote important works, writers, poets of that times. Giving examples is the key here.
DIRECTIVE WORD
Discuss- we have to write into detail about the medieval bhakti literature and poetry and their contributors. We also have to discuss the richness and refinement of the bhakti works and highlight their significance.
STRUCTURE OF THE ANSWER
Introduction- introduce your answer by briefly describing the key facets of bhakti movement, when it started etc.
Body- divide the body into parts. In one part, discuss the salient features of bhakti literature and poetry; its themes, beliefs, closeness to common man etc.
In the other part, mention the famous works, writers, poets who produced bhakti literature and poetry e.g Kabir, Lal Ded, Bavasna, Vidyapati, Sri CHaitanya, Jagannath Das etc.
Conclusion- in the end, present your conclusion and mention some other aspects of medieval literature and poetry e.g love ballads and heroic poetry of Punjab- KISSA and VAR, evolution of Urdu language and quote some important works in Urdu of medieval times.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Why this question
Syria has been involved in a bloody uprising in which the anti-government forces are supported by western powers and Saudi Arabia while the pro-government forces are supported by Russia and Iran- each with their own agendas – are involved, making the situation far more complex and prolonging the fighting.They have been accused of fostering hatred between Syria’s religious groups, pitching the Sunni Muslim majority against the president’s Shia Alawite sect. Such divisions have led both sides to commit atrocities, torn communities apart and dimmed hopes of peace. Although India is presently not involved in the war, the conflict has the potential to escalate into the third world war, which makes it important for India. This question is related to GS-2 syllabus- India and its neighborhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to present our view upon the need for a plausible and long-lasting solution for the ongoing Syria war. We have to take a stand over military action vs diplomacy here.
Directive word
Comment- we have to take a stand on the issue and present our personal opinion. Besides, we have to put forth facts/ arguments which justify our opinion.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- you can introduce your answer by giving a brief description or the present status of the war.
Body- divide the body into two parts. In one part, present your arguments on why unilateral military action is not the best solution to the ongoing conflict. E.g civilian casualties, more bloodshed, escalation into third world war, need for peace, multilateral interests of different countries etc. You can also take the opposite stand but justifying the same would be very difficult.
In second part, present your arguments in favour of a multilateral diplomatic solution to the problem. E.g multilateral interests involved which can be better negotiated among all stakeholders, initiation of peace efforts, chances of reconciliation, relief and international monitoring is needed to get appraisal of the ground situation.
Conclusion- bind the crux of your arguments and present it as a conclusion with some suggestions added.
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,Education, Human Resources
Why this question
‘Transformation of Aspirational Districts’ programme was launched in january 2018 with an aim to quickly and effectively transform some of the most underdeveloped districts of the country. The Government is committed to raising the living standards of its citizens and ensuring inclusive growth for all – Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and ADP is an important tool to achieve the same on priority basis in some worst performing districts.. Therefore the question is important for mains exam. It is related to GS- 2 syllabus under the following headings- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,Education, Human Resources. Issues relating to poverty and hunger. Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
KEY DEMAND OF THE QUESTION.
The question wants us to analyse the salient features of the ADP and discuss how it embodies cooperative as well as competitive federalism; how it aims to raise and utilize the resources. It wants us to discuss the positive points of ADP vis a vis other programmes. However, we also have to analyse and see what are its limitations/ cons.
DIRECTIVE WORD
Critically analyze- we have to analyse both the positive aspects as well as negative aspects of ADP in terms of how it embodies cooperative and competitive federalism, how it will use the resources for development more efficiently.STRUCTURE OF THE ANSWER
Introduction- you can introduce your answer by briefly highlighting the salient aspects of ADP.
Body- divide the body into two main parts. In one part, discuss how ADP embodies a) cooperative federalism b) competitive federalism c) efficiency in resource utilization, and put arguments in favour of these aspects in the process of development.
In part two, discuss the limitations of the ADP, with special focus on already discussed aspects.
Conclusion- present your conclusion along with mentioning some suggestions to improve the programme.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian economy; Agriculture
Why this question:
Dalwai Committee on doubling farmer’s income and Draft Agricultural Policy both highlight the importance of boosting agricultural exports for improving the economic condition of farmers and earning more focus. The challenges, opportunities, steps taken etc needs to be prepared thus.
Key demand of the question
The question is fairly direct. Focus while answering should remain on following
- Status of agri exports – which will establish that the sector is indeed facing challenges
- The nature of challenges needs to be examined. If the challenges are more in the nature of opportunities, that too needs to be brought out
- The steps taken by the government along with its critical examination (in brief)
Directive word
Examine – we have to get into the details of the reasons why agri export is not picking up. Look at the issue from all angles and bring out direct as well as indirect causes.
Discuss – Mention the steps taken by the government along with their critical analysis in brief
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Mention the status of agri exports, the targets, the vision and the need of boosting agri exports.
Body – Divide the answer into parts. First part should answer Status of agri exports – which will establish that the sector is indeed facing challenges
In the second part, discuss the challenges. Quote from reports mentioned in the newspaper. Divide it into broad heads like infrastructural, WTO norms etc
Then discuss steps taken by government. Also mention the efficacy of the scheme.
Conclusion – Mention what in your opinion is holding back exports and what should be done.
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
Why this question
Generation of employment has been a huge focus of the governments over the years. India’s demography demands accelerated pace of job creation, yet numbers do not suggest that job market in India is booming. Hence the effect of government policy on employment has to be understood
Key demand of the question
The question is not focussed on why the need for job creation or the reasons why jobs are not being created. The focus is very specific – impact of government’s policies on the size of the firms which affects job market.
Directive word
Examine – The focus has to remain on the demand of the question. We have to get into the depth of why firms in India suffer from Peter Pan syndrome, why India is undergoing premature deindustrialization. The reason has to be limited to government’s economic policies.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Mention the employment scenario in India and a brief mention about the Peter Pan syndrome of Indian firms. Link how size of the firm is connected to employment
Body – Discuss the government’s policy which have resulted in the firms not growing big. Talk about – Laws (Labour laws), Infra, taxation policies, policies related to human capital growth.
In the next part, critically discuss why some of the initiatives of the government to allow firms to grow are either in formative years or have not picked pace. Talk about start up India, make in India etc
Thereafter discuss what should be done to ensure that the demographic dividend does not turn into demographic bulge.
Conclusion – highlight the importance of creating jobs in India and how time is running short in light of rapidly changing technology and demands.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators
7) “Man is born free but is everywhere in chains”. Critically comment. (150 Words)
Why this question
This is a very famous statement by Rousseau whose implications in the present times is immense. Rousseau was under the opinion that we are born bree meaning without biases, without the burden of acquiring property etc but eventually due to the society he/she lives in, loses his freedom. Whether or not this is true, needs to be examined
Key demand of the question
The question demands us to address the following points
- What is freedom in your opinion
- Whether we are free at the time of our birth or when our mind is a tabula rasa
- What happens afterwards – What are the chains that keep us imprisoned
- How can we break free
Directive word
Critically comment – Here we have the liberty to express our views based on our reading and understanding. We also have to look at both sides of the picture and provide a balanced stand at the end
Structure of the answer
Introduction – The statement should be liked to some issue that we are facing in the present time.
Body – In the first part comment on what it means to be free. Thereafter comment on the statement that man in born free. Whether any individual can ever be free of the restrictions, burdens etc imposed by society even at birth. Next, comment on how we are in chains. How have we moved away from being a noble savage. Question whether the system of governance, democracy, our society etc adds to or curtails our freedom.
Conclusion – In your conclusion mention how can we break free.
