[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 04 MAY 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.
Why this question
In UPSC mains exam, question demanding a direct explanation and importance of a particular geographic entity/ phenomena are commonly asked. The issue 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 describe the ideal environmental conditions for growth of coral reefs and then discuss the overall theories of coral reef formation.
Directive word
Discuss- we have to write in detail about all the key demand of the question but be concise and illustrative in our approach. Draw diagrams wherever possible.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- give a simple definition of coral reefs and mention their constituents.
Body-
A-discuss in points about the ideal conditions for coral reef growth- temperature, quality of water, depth of water etc.
B- discuss the main theories of coral reef formation- Darwin’s and D. Murray’s theories.
Conclusion- briefly mention the importance of coral reefs and threats faced by them.
Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the
present- significant events, personalities, issues.
Key demand of the question
The question asks us to analyze the statement that indian laws and constitution borrows heavily from British laws and provisions. Thus we need to examine the following points –
- How the constitution borrows from the various government of India act.
- Discuss which laws that are “critical to the administration of the country” are borrowed from pre independence.
- Also analyse whether the laws resemble just the letter of the law or the spirit of the law as well
- Discuss whether these laws require reforms to keep them in line with the current demand of administration.
Directive word
Analyze – When asked to analyze, 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 – mention that Indian constitution is called a bag of borrowings – borrows heavily from pre independence laws. Similarly many British laws continued post independence as well.
Body
- Mention the provisions of the constitution which are borrowed from the government of India act. Division of subjects etc
- Identify laws which are critical to the administration of the country like Indian police act, nature or judiciary etc
- Examine whether the letter as well as the spirit of the law have been borrowed from pre independence era.
Conclusion – Mention the need of reforms in Indian police act, sedition act etc to ensure that administration of the country is in line with the present needs.
General Studies – 2
Topic – Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Why this question
The government has come out with the draft national telecom policy which has several ambitious targets like ‘Connect India’ , ‘Propel India’, ‘Secure India’ which aim to revolutionize the telecom sector in India. However, it remains to be examined whether the provisions of the policy facilitate the easing of concerns like lack of finances, infrastructural bottlenecks etc. Hence this topic becomes important.
Key demand of the question
The question asks us to bring out the aims of the policy and examine whether these aims are merely a bunch of wishes or whether the provisions are sufficient to achieve the aims and address the issues. We are also required to analyze the provisions in the light whether they help in resolving the issues faced by the telecom sector in India.
Directive word
Critically examine – When you are asked to examine, you have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any . In the case of above question on draft telecom policy , you have to examine the issue in line with the key demand of the question.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Mention the status quo of telecom sector in India and the need for coming out with a policy.
Body
- Mention the aims of the policy. ‘Connect India’ , ‘Propel India’, ‘Secure India’. Discuss whether they are in line with what we need.
- Discuss the issues faced by the sector. Pricing of spectrum, ensuring profitability, infrastructural improvement
- Discuss the provisions designed to achieve our vision. Discuss whether they are adequate in light of the issues faced. To support your stand quote from the studies mentioned in the article
- Mention the changes that should be brought in the policy to make it more effective.
Conclusion – reiterate the importance of a policy and the refining needed in it.
Topic – India and its bilateral relations
Why this question
With the recent conclusion of Wuhan Summit, India China relationship has progressed from the nadir it found itself in the recent past. Going forward, it becomes important to take stock of our existing China policy and examine whether our antagonistic stance is principled or clouded by history.
Key demand of the question
The question asks us to discuss the following issues
- Evaluation of India’s current China policy and examine whether it is in line with our national interest or whether it is on account of trepidation of history. Here we will have to analyze the policy from all possible angles and evaluate its pros and cons
- Thereafter, we need to discuss the changes we think are required. Here , if we feel that no change is required, one can justify that stand while explaining why changes would be bad. Similarly in the other case.
Directive word
Analyze – When asked to analyze, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of India China relations by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary. When you are asked to analyze, you have to examine each part of the problem. It is a broader term than ‘Examine’.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
- Analysing India’s China policy
- Geostrategic – power imbalance, border infrastructure etc. Discuss that despite a war in the past, Doklam issue etc India’s border preparedness is low
- Geopolitical – whether our policy is principled equidistance or whether it wouldn’t make sense to not side with China. Discuss the violation of trust by Chinese in 1962
- Economic – discuss that trade imbalance issue not addressed
- Etc
- Discuss whether India’s China policy ignores present reality because it is clouded by history
- Discuss what changes are required. Examine what will be the advantages from those changes and the losses of status quo prevails. Eg opposition to BRI. Whether it should change or whether our stance to oppose CPEC is correct. Discuss whether India should use its leverage as a swing state to ensure it is heard by China. Etc
Conclusion – provide a summary of the discussion above
General Studies – 3
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment, Disaster and disaster management.
Why this question
the problem of air pollution is not new to Indian cities. However, this is a very serious public-health problem that needs to be addressed at the earnest, especially given that the situation is not better even in rural areas. The question is related to GS-3 syllabus under the following heading-
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment,
Disaster and disaster management.
Key demand of the question
The question simply wants us to give reasons in support of the statement that, Indian air pollution problem is worse than the recent WHO estimates and why there is a dire need to take call to action.
Directive word
Examine- we have to put forward justifications in the form of facts/ examples/ arguments in support of the given statement. we have to bring out the urgency of the problem that warrants immediate action.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– briefly mention some key facts from the recent WHO report on air pollution.
Body– Divide the body into two main parts.
Part A- discuss why the problem of air pollution is more severe in India than apparent state. Justify your stand. e.g very low number of air quality monitoring infrastructure, disparity in their distribution- (rural vs urban, urban vs metros), burning of agricultural residues in rural areas, use of pesticides,mining and other such areas not covered under monitoring etc.
Part B- discuss the urgency of the problem.
e.g its health effects on vulnerable people, economic effects of prevention and treatment, very bad situation already etc.
Conclusion– present a concise, fair and balanced opinion on the above issue and mention the importance and need of programmes like PM Ujwala Yojana
General Studies – 4
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.
Why this question
OSI is a comparatively new but rapidly rising field of data collection for the purposes of gathering intelligence to be used further. The field poses certain ethical questions and concerns. The question is related to GS-4 syllabus under the following heading- Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
Key demand of the question.
the question wants us to describe the concept of OSI. Then it wants us to discuss the key ethical issues involved in OSI.
Directive word
Discuss- we have to dig deep into the given issue and write in detail about all the key ethical issues involved therein.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– Give a simple but complete definition of OSI.
Body-
A- discuss the sources from which data is gathered under OSI
B- discuss the key issues involved- lack of knowledge and consent of the person whose data is gathered, prone to misuse, threat to privacy and personal liberty. Also responsibility of netizens to protect their data, role of government etc
Conclusion– present your opinion on the deployment of OSI and what safeguards need to be placed to prevent unethical use of open source data.
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.
