[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 02 JULY 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
REVISION TIMETABLE FOR PRELIMS – 2018
General Studies – 1
Topic – part of static series under the heading “Gandhian principles in DPSP”
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to bring out the Gandhian principles enshrined in DPSP and examine their relevance in the present context, also whether they are in tune with the overall nature of DPSPs and the objectives enshrined therein. Explain the reasons why Gandhian principles are relevant/irrelevant in present context and the impact that it’s implementation would have.
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 – Explain the overall objective of DPSP (creation of welfare state) and the nature of DPSP (directives for good governance). Highlight that DPSP contain a motley of ideology including Gandhian principles.
Body – Highlight which are the Gandhian principles in DPSP. Examine the causes why they are relevant (or not). For instance, talk about the necessity of democratic decentralization as envisaged by Gandhi through Local Governments for true empowerment of people. Similarly, talk about the importance of promoting cottage industries for self reliance in rural areas, link it to the functioning of SHGs. You can question the relevance of including certain provisions in DPSP such as preventing cow slaughter, abstinence etc.
Conclusion – Give your view on the relevance of Gandhian principles in DPSP and the impact they would have upon implementation in true sense.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health
Why this question
The article talks about the effectiveness of price capping methods, used often by NPPA of late in ensuring that cost of drugs and medical devices go down. The article gives points against their effectiveness and hence this topic needs to be discussed.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to discuss pros and cons using price capping methods. We can also provide an alternative.
Directive word
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 some of the recent incidents where price capping has been used – stents. Explain how this works.
Body – Thereafter assess the merits and demerits of price capping methods towards ensuring affordable healthcare. Highlight the practice of huge profit margins charged especially in the case of medical devices, the onus on the government to ensure access for the vulnerable section etc. In cons, talk about its impact on research and innovation, less than optimum results because of other cost components which have not been brought under control. Discuss the alternative of promoting generic medicines and domestic devices, the concept of Trade margin Rationalization etc and why or why not they would be achievement over status quo.
Conclusion – Summarize your answer and give a way forward.
General Studies – 3
Topic – Liberalization and its impacts
Why this question
The article talks about the involvement of India in the ongoing trade war which go against the grain of principles being espoused by WTO so far – free, fair and open trade and gradually bringing down protectionist measures. The article discusses the impact on India and thus is important.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us examine the importance of free, fair and open trade for India by highlighting its pros and cons in light of the ongoing trade war between major economies of the world. The essence of the question lies in eliciting your opinion on the current situation and India’s response.
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 – Highlight the ongoing trade war and how India has responded.
Body – Discuss the pros and cons of India’s response. In pros, discuss points like the necessity of protecting India’s domestic industry such as the steel sector, controlling trade deficit, not being bullied by irreverent policies of USA and working on the idea of regional trading platforms like APEC, leveraging it’s huge market, focus on Make for India. In cons, highlight points like taking the high road and upholding the values of free trade which has benefitted India, the need for India to become more integrated in global supply chains for make in India to be a success, discuss the foreign policy implications of these measures etc.
Conclusion – Present a fair and balanced view and mention what in your opinion should be the next step for India.
Topic– Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Why this question
The issue is related to GS- 3 syllabus under the following heading
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to dig deep and express our knowledge and understanding of the issue in terms of need to import sand, issues involved therein. Based on our discussion we have to form an opinion on the overall issue of allowing/regulating sand imports in India.
Directive word
Critically Comment- The question wants us to express our opinion on the issue. However the opinion has to be expressed after giving a proper context and discussion, which will substantiate our opinion.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Mention the sources of sand and their quality with respect to construction and mention the maiden year of riverbed sand imports in India- 2017 etc.
Body-
- Discuss the need for sand imports . E.g high demand from construction activities ( present some statistics regarding production and anticipated demand here) , which will increase in future, harmful effects of sand mining on ecology and economy as well as society (association with crime), etc. mention that the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 regulates the minor minerals, such as building stones, gravel, ordinary clay, ordinary sand and construction sand.
- Discuss the precautions that should be taken. E.g testing of quality before importing sand in India etc.
Conclusion– mention that india also needs to explore other alternatives like m-sand, Construction and Demolition waste (C&D waste), from the overburden of coal mines, which is the area above the coal seam that needs to be removed to carry out mining. Etc.
Topic:Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Why this question
Both the issues of improving public health as well as mitigating climate change are important for any country especially India. The issue is related to gs- 3 syllabus under the following heading
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to write in detail about how improving the working of STPs and SLs will improve public health as well as help us in mitigating climate change.
Directive word
Discuss- this is an all encompassing directive which mandates us to write at length about all the important and related aspects of the question.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– Mention the contribution of Methane to global warming and mention that 15% methane is generated, through sewage and solid waste disposal, which is also a public health concern .
Body– Discuss how improvements in the working of STPs and UL
- Will positively impact public health. E.g less infectious diseases, better sanitation and health- better growth and development etc.
- Will help in mitigating climate change. E.g more capture of methane and hence less emissions, use of methane as a source of energy/or as an industrial input thus curbing use of fossil fuels etc.
- Discuss the challenges involved in the exercise. E.g need to upgrade current STPs , garbage hills deviously called landfills which restrict capture etc.
Conclusion- form a brief, fair and concise conclusion on the issue.
Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
Yojana magazine (May Issue)
Why this question
Use of ICT tools for development is increasingly being adopted and stressed upon, given the many benefits it provides and increasing penetration of these technologies in rural areas. The issue is related to gs-3 syllabus under the following heading
Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to discuss how ICT tools can help us in rural development. It also wants us to write in detail about the recent initiatives of GoI in this direction.
Directive word
Discuss- this is an all encompassing directive which mandates us to write at length about all the important and related aspects of the question.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Mention that ICT offers huge scope for rural development and increasing penetration of mobile phones and internet in rural areas makes it easier and more desirable etc.
Body–
- Discuss how ICT tools can help in rural development. E.g better service delivery, better information delivery, improving connectivity, education and health services, markets, governance etc.
- Discuss the recent initiatives of GoI in this direction. SECURE (Software for Estimate Calculation Using Rural rates for Employment); Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) – E-Panchayat; Plan Plus; Action Soft; PRIA Soft; National Panchayat Portal (NPP) etc.
Conclusion- Mention the impediment to use of ICT tools for rural development and need to overcome them. E.g Continuous Supply of Electricity, Low level of Digital Literacy , Shortage of ICTs Personnel, etc.
