[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 30 JUNE 2018

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LIST of TOPICS (Static)

REVISION TIMETABLE FOR PRELIMS – 2018 

Revision Tests

General Studies – 1

 

Topic – Events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.

 1)European nationalism, in its modern sense, was born out of the desire of a community to assert its unity and independence. Comment.(250 words)

Reference

Why this question

The issue is related to GS- 1 syllabus under the following heading-

Events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.

Key demand of the question.

The question wants us to express our knowledge and understanding on the issue on the rise on nationalism in Europe and bring out whether it was born out of the desire of the community to assert its unity and independence.

Directive word

Comment- Here we have to form an opinion based on our knowledge and understanding and discuss the issue (give an account of history) vis a vis our stand. We have to necessarily justify our opinion.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – mention that Nationalism is the ideological basis for the development of the modern nation-state and it  was an important factor in the development of Europe.

Body-  Discuss how nationalism in Europe arose and spread. Give historical accounts of landmark events to support your answer.

E.g French revolution; unification of Italy- The Italians imbibed the revolutionary ideals of liberty and nationalism and became conscious of the need for their own national integration.; Unification of germany; series of revolutions spanning almost whole of Europe etc.

Conclusion– In the end, form a fair, concise and a balanced opinion on the rise and growth of nationalism in Europe.

Topic – Part of static series under the heading “DPSP lays the foundation of welfare polity”

2)Critically analyze whether the non enforceability of DPSPs make them subservient to Fundamental Rights?(250 words)

Key demand of the question

The question compares FR and DPSP and comments that since DPSPs are non enforceable in a court of law, it makes them inferior to FRs. We need to highlight the importance of DPSP, examine whether they lag behind FRs and provide a fair and balanced conclusion.

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 – Discuss the reason why this debate arises.

Body

• Bring out points which highlight that FRS are superior to DPSP due to their sacrosanct nature and article 32.

• Examine why the above statement is like comparing apples and oranges as FRs strive to provide civil and community rights whereas DPSPs deal with socio economic right which seeks to create a welfare state.

• Examine the view of constitutional experts like br Ambedkar to bolster your arguments etc

Conclusion – Highlight that even supreme court gave the doctrine of harmonious construction to maintain a balance between part III and IV

General Studies – 2

Topic:  Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

3)Discuss the organizational structure, vision and functioning of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). (250 words)

ndtv

Reference

Wikipedia

WHY THIS QUESTION

There have been several incident of chemical attacks e.g in Syria and recently the OPCW, the organization related to Chemical weapons convention (CWC) has got some new powers in this regard. The issue is related to gs- 2 syllabus under the following heading

Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

Key demand of the question.

the question wants us to simply write in detail about the organisational structure of OPCW, its vision and key activities/ mandate.

Directive word

Discuss- this is an all-encompassing directive. We have to write in detail about the key demand of the question- organisational structure,  vision and mandate of OPCW

Structure of the answer

Introduction– mention that OPCW is the implementing agency of chemical Weapons convention, which entered into force on 29 April 1997.

Body–

1. Mention the vision of OPCW ( to implement the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention in order to achieve the vision for a world that is free of chemical weapons and of the threat of their use, and in which cooperation in chemistry for peaceful purposes for all is fostered).
2. Briefly discuss the organisational structure of OPCW- 193 member states, the organisational structure described in the Chemical Weapons Convention (whose members are all in OPCW); Conference of the States Parties; Executive Council; Technical Secretariat etc.
3. Discuss the mandate/ activities of OPCW. e.g Elimination of the chemical weapons stockpiles and chemical weapons production facilities subject to the verification measures established in the Convention; Non-proliferation of Chemical Weapons, through the application of verification and implementation measures.; Assistance and Protection against Chemical Weapons, their use, or threat of use, in accordance with the Convention;

International Cooperation; National Implementation etc.

Conclusion– Form a fair, balanced and a concise opinion on the overall issue along with highlighting India’s concerns regarding the new powers of OPCW-holding an entity responsible for the chemical attack.

General Studies – 3

Topic – Indian agriculture – issues

4) Every year we see that Indian farmers suffer both during surplus production and deficit production. Examine the reasons why and evaluate whether increasing MSP for crops would address the issue?(250 words)

The hindu

Why this question

The article discusses a significant problem being faced by the Indian farmers – low prices for their farm produce both during deficit and surplus production. The inadequacy of the MSP regime is evident whose purpose is to protect farmers against this very risk. Looking at ways to ensure that farmers get the right price and inflation in check is the focus here.

Key demand of the question

The question expects us to bring out the reasons behind low farmer income irrespective of production. Post explaining the fundamental issues at work here, we need to evaluate whether increasing MSP would help solve farmers woes.

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 .

Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidences.  You have to appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming a personal opinion here.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – Highlight the objective of doubling farmer’s income by 2022 and the significant challenge posed by the problem highlighted in the question.

Body

• Highlight some of the incidents such as the glut in sugar prices , the rise of farmers protects such as in Maharashtra etc which proves that the farmer is suffering from a double whammy of climate change and low price for their produce.

• Examine the reasons behind it – low penetration of procurement agencies in several pockets of India and for , reactive import export policy for agricultural goods, lack of agricultural infrastructure etc

• Discuss whether increasing MSP beyond current level would help address the issue of low prices being fetched by farmers.

Conclusion – Emphasize on the severity of the issue and discuss way forward.

Topic– Challenges to internal security

5) India’s defence production is closely linked to DRDO’s fate. Discuss and critically examine the recent steps taken by government to bolster DRDO’s performance?(250 words)

Financial express

Why this question

The article talks about the challenges being faced by DRDO, summarising the report of Parliamentary Committee regarding the functioning of DRDO. One of the focus areas of the current government is the emphasis on enhancing defence production and hence this article is important.

Key demand of the question

The question expects us to assess the status of defence production in India and the performance of DRDO in this regard. We need to point out the achievements of DRDO on how it has helped India develop defence equipments and also evaluate its weaknesses. It asks us to critically examine whether giving financial autonomy to DRDO would address the lacuna in its functioning.

Directive word

Discuss – Highlight the debate with respect to the performance of DRDO

Critically examine – Highlight the pros and cons of granting greater financial autonomy to DRDO.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – Bring out the focus of government on enhancing defence production and the role of DRDO in the same.

Body

• Bring out the achievement and weaknesses of DRDO which have an impact on the defence production of India.

• To bolster your arguments, take help of reports like the recent parliamentary committee findings, Rama Rao committee etc

• Thereafter examine whether financial autonomy would address the weaknesses highlighted above. Highlight both pros and cons

Conclusion – Discuss the importance of being holistic reforms in functioning of DRDO and the way forward.

General Studies – 4

Topic: case studies

6)Meena, an employee of Great American Market, was warned about her excessive absenteeism several times, both verbally and in writing. The written warning included notice that “further violations will result in disciplinary actions,” including suspension or discharge.

A short time after the written warning was issued, Meena called work to say she was not going to be in because her babysitter had called in sick and she had to stay home and care for her young child. Meena’s supervisor, Sylvia, told her that she had already exceeded the allowed number of absences and warned that if she did not report to work, she could be suspended. When Meena did not report for her shift, Sylvia suspended her for fifteen days.

In a subsequent hearing, Meena argued that it was not her fault that the babysitter had canceled, and protested that she had no other choice but to stay home. Sylvia pointed out that Meena had not made a good faith effort to find an alternate babysitter, nor had she tried to swap shifts with a co-worker. Furthermore, Sylvia said that the lack of a babysitter was not a justifiable excuse for being absent.

Questions:

• Was the suspension fair?

• Did Sylvia act responsibly?

• Should Meena be fired?

• Should the babysitter be fired?

• Was Sylvia fair in her actions?

(250 words)

Reference

Why this question

The question is a part of GS 4 syllabus (case studies).

Key demand of the question.

The question wants us to analyze the given case study carefully and come up with answers to the questions given at the end.

Structure of the answer.

• Was the suspension fair?

E.g  yes- because the official leave provision could not be availed and the same had been communicated to Meena. Etc; No- because Meena could not leave her child alone and she also informed that she could not come to office that day etc.

• Did Sylvia act responsibly?

• Should Meena be fired?

• Should the babysitter be fired?

• Was Sylvia fair in her actions?

Similarly you have to see both the sides in all the questions and come up with your final opinion based on your arguments.

Try to be ethical as well as practical at the same time. Bring in innovative suggestions like Maternity leave; responsibility of father to take care of child; creche in offices etc.