[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 02 JUNE 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
REVISION TIMETABLE FOR PRELIMS – 2018
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
The question is an important and controversial topic INDIRECTLY related to GS 1 syllabus under the following heading-
Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
key demand of the question
The question wants us to dig deep the into the policy of Dhamma adopted by Ashoka, identify the reasons behind the policy, its achievements. We have to provide justification in the form of facts/ arguments to support our identification of the reasons.
Directive word
Examine- we have to look into the details of the Ashoka’s policy of Dhamma and find out how the ultimate aim of the policy was to create a harmonious atmosphere in the state, where all people irrespective of their religious and cultural diversities, lived in peace and harmony with each other.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – mention that the word Dhamma is derived from the Sanskrit word dharma and has no equivalent meaning in the English language, because of a specific context in which the term developed and applied.
Body-
- Discuss in points, how the policy of Dhamma was meant to reduce various conflicts and discords present in the Mauryan society at that time.
e.g socio-economic condition- use of iron, the growth of Commerce and urban centres demanded a flexible social organization but the society was sharply divided by the caste system. Buddhism appeal to the lower sections of the society.
- Mention the rock edicts which give us an idea of the purpose of the policy of Dhamma.
Take help of the article attached to the question to frame your answer.
Conclusion– mention that Ashoka’s Dhamma was an answer to the socio-political needs of the contemporaneous situation.
TOPIC: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial
revolution, world wars.
Key demand of the question
The question makes an assertion that Bismarck’s policy of blood and iron was the major reason behind Germany’s unification. We have to, thus, explain what policy of blood and iron meant. We have to understand Bismarck’s contribution to the cause of German Unification and examine whether it was only his policy of blood and iron that led to unification, or there were other factors like his focus on coal and steel, industrialization etc that led to unification.
Directive word
Critically 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. You need to conclude with a fair judgement, after analyzing the nature of each component part and interrelationship between them.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Talk about the situation in Europe during German Unification and that Bismarck employed several strategies to achieve the impossible.
Body
- Explain what policy of blood and iron is and how Bismarck employed it in the 3 wars he fought, and how it brought Germany closer to the goal of unification.
- Explain the various other policies of Bismarck which led to German Unification.
- Analyze if it was only his policy of blood and iron that led to unification, or was it a combination of various factors.
Conclusion – provide your view on the assertion made in the question by summarising your arguments above.
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 recent Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division High Courts (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018, has made pre-litigation mediation mandatory. However, the concept of mediation is not new in India. In this regard, we can learn from the experiences of other countries where the process has been successful. The issue is related to GS 2 syllabus under the following heading-
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to analyse the mediation process in India, highlight its deficiencies and discuss examples from other countries where mediation process has largely been successful.
Directive word
Discuss- this is an all-encompassing directive. We have to briefly describe the process of mediation, its application in India and examples from other countries.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– mention the recent ordinance which has made pre-litigation mediation compulsory for the parties.
Body-
- Briefly describe the process of mediation and its main features.
- Mention the laws which allow mediation in India- e.g Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996,Code of Civil Procedure, MSME Development Act, 2006.
- Discuss the Italian example of a voluntary yet once mandatory experiment which gives tax benefits as well.
Conclusion– Mention the need of a holistic and systematic policy to address the process, the role and professional responsibilities of mediators, the rights and obligations of parties in the process, and the outcome of the mediation agreement.
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
Why this question
BCC has been universally accepted as an effective strategy to bring about changing attitudes and behaviour. It has become an important component of many government programs like the Swachh Bharat programme. BCC has been especially successful in controlling HIV infections. The issue is related to GS 2 syllabus under the following heading-
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
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 simply describe the meaning of the term BCC and then explain and give examples in support to show how it plays the role of improving our health.
Directive word
Discuss- it is an all-encompassing directive. Where we have to describe the meaning of the term BCC, mention the steps in bringing a behaviour change and then write in detail about how BCC plays/ has played the role of improving our health.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– give a brief description of the term BCC.
Body-
- Describe the term further. (E.G SBCC employs a systematic process based on research and behaviour analysis, followed by planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. Audiences are carefully segmented, messages and materials are pre-tested, and mass media, interpersonal channels and community mobilisation are used to achieve defined behavioural objectives.
- Mention the steps in bringing about a behavioural change.
Unaware > Aware > Concerned > Knowledgeable > Motivated to change > Practicing trial behavior change.
- Discuss how BCC has played/ plays the role of protecting and improving our health. Give examples also, like HIV infection, Swachh Bharat programme etc.
Conclusion– mention how BCC can be used to clean our environment, plant trees ( BHUTAN example) etc.
Topic– Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Human Resources.
Why this question
Close on the heels of the recently concluded Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast, Australia, where the Indian contingent got rapped for alleged violations of the “No Needle Policy”, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has reportedly decided to implement a similar policy. This provides an opportune moment to analyze why so many indian athletes are caught for doping and way of addressing this menace.
Key demand of the question
Following points are to be incorporated in your answer
- The status quo of doping in India
- The causes behind the high incidents of doping
- How to deal with it – steps required to check doping
- Performance of Indian sports regulatory agencies in checking this menace
Directive word
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 .
Discuss – highlight the possible steps to address doping.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Highlight the case in commonwealth which has again brought focus on the issue
Body
- Discuss the status quo of how many athletes caught and accused for doping
- Discuss the reasons behind the high number
- Discuss how sports regulatory agencies are tackling the issue
- Discuss what more should be done to address doping
Conclusion – discuss the way forward for ensuring that this issue is brought under control
General Studies – 3
Topic –Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
6) The applications of blockchain go much beyond its role in crypto currencies. Examine (250 words)
Why this question
The application of blockchain is increasing and is much moving much beyond its use in digital currencies. We need to be aware of the applications and the importance of blockchain in various sectors.
Key demand of the question
The question demands us to discuss the applications of blockchain in various sectors apart from cryptocurrencies. We will thereafter discuss the impacts of such usage.
Directive word
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 .
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Define blockchain and mention that it’s role is enhancing
Body – Discuss how blockchain is used in cryptocurrencies. thereafter, mention how the application of blockchain has started moving beyond cryptos and its application is moving into fields like social development, banking etc
Conclusion – Mention the huge role that blockchain can play in our developmental journey and highlight how indian government in focussing on blockchain.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
7) Discuss the functions of the attitude. Give examples in favour of your answer.(250 words)
Why this question
The issue is related to GS 4- syllabus under the following heading –
Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to write in detail about the functions of the attitude. However, along with the description, we also have to provide suitable examples to bring a player picture and meaning.
Directive word
Discuss- we have to write in detail about the nature of functions of the attitude along with suitable examples to illustrate our discussion.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- briefly define the term attitude.
Body –
- Discuss in points, the different functions of attitude.
e.g Knowledge function, Self / Ego-expressive function, Adaptive function,ego-defensive function.
Take the help of the article attached to the question to form your own examples, which bring out the functions of the attitude.
Conclusion– mention the importance of the attitude in determining the behaviour of the persons etc.
