[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 26 JUNE 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
REVISION TIMETABLE FOR PRELIMS – 2018
General Studies – 1
Topic – Salient features of Indian society
1) Critically examine the need for conducting caste based census in Indian society?(250 words)
Why this question
The article raises some pertinent questions regarding the nature of Indian society and whether caste based data would strengthen the existing biases or help us in better analyzing the need of some of the positive action measures for one. SECC was in news a lot and considering the history of census in India where caste based data has not been collected, the debate over the need of its inclusion is justified.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to delve deeper into the benefits of collecting caste based data in census as well as the harms it might cause in light of the reality of Indian society.
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. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, all you need to do is look at the good and bad of something and give a fair judgement.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Give a brief history of census in India highlighting that caste based census has not been conducted in post independent India. Mention about SECC
Body
- Discuss the cons – creates chasms within society, historical apprehensions when such data was used to further divide and rule policy, the reality of Indian society and the implications that it would have in a situation of trust deficit between communities, it would be a process of recording caste generated a conception of community as a homogeneous and classifiable community and thereby influenced the processes of political representation.
- Discuss the pros – lack of accurate data related to many affirmative action programmes of the government, helpful in the debate related to reservation policy, targeted poverty reduction programmes etc
- Discuss the challenges in collecting caste based data – subdivisions within caste, elaborate administrative exercise etc
Conclusion – Based on above arguments give a fair and balanced view.
Topic– Role of women and women’s organization, Social empowerment
Why this question
The economic losses suffered due to lack of gender parity is a very important topic for mains. Such questions are often asked including in essays. This article provides several fodder points on this issue.
Key demand of the question
The question makes two statements, both of which needs to be discussed. How is gender equality related to economic progress and the status of India on this parameter needs to be discussed.
Directive word
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
Introduction – Highlight that several reports including the present one, the power of parity etc have highlighted this linkage and the need for countries to take steps in this regard.
Body
- Discuss how gender empowerment is linked to economic progress
- Highlight the status quo in India – discuss the poor LFPR of females in India, their poor performance on other indicators of development which indirectly impact their ability to become meaningful contributors to economy
- Highlight the benefits that India would accrue if it focuses on gender empowerment – limit yourself to benefits directly or indirectly related to economic growth
- Discuss the steps taken so far and what more could be done
Conclusion – Highlight the importance of focussing on this issue to reap economic dividends.
Topic: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
3) Critically analyze the Jajmani system, as was prevalent in several parts of India.(250 words)
Why this question
The issue is related to GS- 1 syllabus under the following heading-
Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to delve deep into the issue of Jajmani system, identify and discuss the benefits as well as harms associated with the system and then come up with a personal opinion on the issue.
Directive word
Critically analyze- We have to dig deep into the question, identify the essential characteristics of the Jajmani system as was prevalent in India; its benefits as well as disadvantages. Based on our discussion, we have to form a personal opinion on the issue.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – give a brief definition of Jajmani system.
Body-
- Briefly discuss its essential features. E.g barter system, durable relationship, hereditary, idea of paternal relationship etc.
- Discuss the benefits of the system. E.g economic and food security, intimate and close relationship, peaceful coexistence, self sufficiency etc.
- Discuss the cons of the system. E.g source of exploitation, artificial and rigid division of society into upper and lower class, impediment to social as well as economic mobility, propagation of caste system etc.
Conclusion– Mention that Jajmani system had several benefits but the system was gradually manipulated to serve the needs of the rich and laned class etc. Also mention the role of socioreligous organizations in eradicating the Jajmani system.
General Studies – 2
Topic:India and its neighborhood- relations.
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Why this question
India has been conducting a lot of joint military exercises. Hence it is essential to understand their purpose as well as pitfalls associated with them. The issue is related to GS-2 syllabus under the following heading-
India and its neighborhood- relations.
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to bring out the benefits/ purpose of conducting joint military exercises and what downfalls it brings along. We have to discuss the issue in the context of Indian and its international relations.
Directive word
Critically comment- We have to express our understanding and knowledge on the issue by discussing the pros and cons of holding joint military exercises by India. After that, we have to form a personal opinion on the overall issue.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– Mention that India has conducted around 100 military exercises since last 6 years, with several countries ranging from Nepal to US and Myanmar to France.
Body–
- Discuss the purpose of joint military exercises. E.g to improve inter-coordination and interoperability; forging a bond between participating nations and enhance the level of cooperation between them; operational interaction with military professionals trained in an entirely different operational environment; involvement of their militaries in a joint exercise, rather than in war, is the best form of CBM etc.
- Discuss the limitations/ pitfalls of joint military exercises. E.g International military exercises are carried out within well-defined, pre-decided and mutually agreed rules of engagement (RoE)- which affects their significance; Each participant in an international exercise keeps certain capabilities out of bounds for the exercise in order to retain operational independence;Any leakage to a nation/organisation inimical to one’s own could result in a security compromise etc.
Conclusion– mention that International defence cooperation is an imperative for building our capabilities to deal with how we envisage our current and emerging role in the international arena.International military exercises are, thus, efficient tools to engage partnering nations and enhance existing relationships. Gradually, multiservice and multinational exercises with an enhanced scope need to be organised in India to make the entire process of military engagement more efficient.
Topic – Part of static series under the heading – “Right to Life and its interpretations”
Key demand of the question
The question demands discussion on how SC has helped in evolving the nature and scope of Article 21. The key here is highlighting some of the landmark judgments of SC which have expanded the enjoyment of our fundamental rights.
Directive word
Explain – Here you have to talk about what it meant by the statement in the question. The explanation should include specific case laws where SC has expanded the scope and nature of Article 21.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Talk about the constitutional provision related to Art 21
Body
- Explain that supreme court has expanded the right to life through a liberal interpretation of the provisions of article 21
- Discuss in brief how the position of SC has changed with respect to right to life – from Golak Nath to Keshavananand Bharti, ADM Jabalpur to Maneka Gandhi cases.
- Highlight some of the important cases where SC has expanded right to life – Shreya Singhal, K Puttaswamy, Naz Foundation, MP Singh case etc
Conclusion – Discuss how SC has done justice to its role as the protector of fundamental rights.
General Studies – 3
Topic -Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Why this question
Scientists and researchers have been warning us time and again about the dangers posed by the space debris. Countries like US, Japan and Russia have shown their intent to tackle the problem. Besides, recently the RemoveDEBRIS satellite was launched, to test – for the first time – new technology aimed at capturing and deorbiting space junk. The issue 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.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to express our knowledge of the meaning of space debris, their sources, what are the dangers posed by them and what are the technology options available to tackle the issue.
Directive word
Discuss- we have to write in detail about all the key demands of the question- our understanding of the term and how can the issue be resolved.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- Give a brief definition of space debris and demarcate between natural and artificial debris.
Body–
- Enlist the sources of space debris- e.g Dead spacecraft, Lost equipment, Boosters, Weapons etc.
- Briefly discuss the threats posed by them. E.g to space-crafts, International Space Station, Kessler’s syndrome, collision with earth etc.
- Discuss in points all the relevant technologies. E.g ElectroDynamic Debris Eliminator; Solar sails; Space Debris Elimination (SpaDE) system; Laser Broom; Discuss each technology briefly. Also add, ending or sharply reducing the number of breakups of spacecraft and rocket bodies and, to a lesser extent, by reducing the amount of mission-related debris released in spacecraft deployment and operations; Deorbiting or accelerating the orbital decay of spacecraft and rocket bodies at the end of their functional lifetimes etc.
Conclusion- Mention that most of these technologies have not been successfully tested and launch of RemoveDEBRIS will significantly reduce the knowledge gap.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; 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.
Why this question
The issue is related to GS-4 syllabus under the following heading –
Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; 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.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to express our knowledge and understanding of the working and philosophical concept of the term governance. It also wants us to write in detail about the indicators of good governance.
Directive word
Discuss- this is an all-encompassing directive and it mandates us to write at length about the key demands of the question- meaning of the term governance and indicators of good governance.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Define and briefly explain in 1-2 lines, the term governance. E.g The word “governance” came from the Latin verb “gubernare,” which means “to steer.” Basing on its etymology, governance refers to the manner of steering or governing, or of directing and controlling, a group of people or a state.
Body-
- Explain and discuss the term further, give its working definition ( what it practically means), its relation to government etc.
- Discuss in points, the indicators of good governance. E.g transparency, rule of law, accountability, absence of corruption etc.
Take the help of the article attached to the question and also other related material, in order to frame your answer.
Conclusion– Form a fair, concise and a balanced opinion on the issue.
