[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 11 JULY 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
General Studies – 1
Topic – Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
1)Discuss how caste manifests itself in Indian diaspora. (250 words)
Why this question
Caste in South Asia is a strong institution to reckon with. A host of caste related discriminations, disadvantages are still common and violence against lower classes still takes place in India, even though the severity of the problem in the society as a whole has significantly fallen down. It would be interesting to see what happens to Indians who move out of India for a long time/ forever.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to dig deep into the relationship between Indian society and caste system. It wants us to extrapolate this relation to Indian diaspora, living under a different socio-economic context and a separate political and legal framework.
Directive word
Discuss- we have to write in detail about the key demand of the question and mention any relevant and essential aspect of the question, so as to give a complete picture of the issue.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – write a few lines about the number of Indian diaspora and the diverse number of countries in which they have settled and flourished.
Body-
Discuss in detail about how caste manifests itself for Indian diaspora and to what extent. What are the discriminations faced in private and public life. E.g inter-caste marriages; denying employment opportunities based upon caste system; Dalit movements in foreign countries; caste consciousness as a tool to claim superiority etc. Mention the difference in severity of the problem in India and outside India- lack of violence and institutional bias in other countries; non-politicization of the issue; better chances of getting relief in case of any discrimination proved in a court of law; lack of social protection like ST atrocities act etc.
Also try to brainstorm and bring out the reasons as to why caste system in its milder form is still practised among Indian diaspora- e.g strong role of family and relatives in Indian society vis a vis other societies; sub-conscious acceptance of one’s superiority vis a vis lower castes; assertiveness of lower castes etc.
Conclusion– Based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
Topic-Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
Why this question
Gold is a highly valued and sought out commodity which also acts as a easy to manage and highly liquid reserve of wealth. Indian is the second largest consumer of Gold and gold smuggling has been a perennial problem in India. However, recently there has been a sharp spurt in the cases of illegal smuggling as well as some decrease in gold imports.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to discuss in detail about the recently witnessed increased incidences of gold smuggling and bring out the reasons as to why this is happening and what are the reasons behind this phenomena.
Structure of the answer
Discuss- This is an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write at length about the key demand of the question and bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– Write a few lines about India’s gold consumption, imports and the recently witnessed sharp spurt in cases of illegal import of gold along with decreased imports (legal) and consequent revenue losses.
Body-
Bring out the role of introduction of GST as a different regime on gold imports- both legal and illegal. Discuss how introduction is responsible for the observed phenomena. E.g GST exemption on purchase of old gold jewellery from an unregistered individual under which the gold jeweller can import gold through illicit channels and show that in his books as purchase of old gold and evade tax; complicated structure and many compliance requirements which forces migration to alternate (including illegal) routes; a strong American economy and a hike in interest rates by the US Federal Reserve made the US dollar stronger etc.
Conclusion- Form a fair, concise and a balanced conclusion on the above issue in the form of a way-forward- like a comprehensive and effective tracking system, popularizing other instruments of wealth, curbing illegal imports through stronger and better intelligence gathering etc.
General Studies – 2
Topic:Part of static series under the heading – “Comparison of powers of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha”
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to explain how the role of Rajya Sabha is much more than obstruction. It expects us to compare the powers of Rajya sabha vis a vis Lok Sabha and discuss the role that it is expected to play.
Directive word
Examine – Here we have to compare the powers of Rajya sabha vis a vis Lok sabha , analyze the role that the upper house is supposed to play.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Discuss the first statement, why rajya sabha is seen as obstructionist in recent times.
Body – Compare the powers of Rajya Sabha vs Lol sabha. Examine where the upper house acts as a check, how it has been cast into the role of a revisory house. Also bring out how in certain matters lok sabha does hold precedence like in the case of money bills. Examine the role that constitution makers had expected the upper house to play and an evaluation of its performance.
Conclusion – mention the importance of the upper house in our democracy and discuss some reforms through which it’s performance can be improved further.
Topic-mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
Why this question
The article discusses the impact that DPCO 2013 has had and whether there is a need to bring about a shift in how we ensure accessibility to medicines. The topic is in news recently with NPPA fixing price of 22 drug formulations and certain shortages that have come to light. Hence this question.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to discuss the pros and cons of the current price control architecture of DPCO 2013. How effective it has been in attaining it’s objectives is the focus of the question.
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 – Explain DPCO 2013 and its purpose.
Body – Examine some of the recent moves of DPCO that has brought the focus on this topic such as the move to control price of stents, coming out with price control measures of 22 essential drug formulations. Discuss what objective is served through these steps. Examine whether benefits are being accrued by the beneficial. Discuss the cons such as the impact it is having on research, availability etc.
Conclusion – Mention your view and the way forward.
General Studies – 3
Topic– Indian agriculture – issues
Why this question
Since the time government has raised the MSP, the topic has come under intense discussion. While the move is being appreciated for it is in sync with several committee recommendations, the overall impact of MSP in alleviating farmers issues is being questioned. The article explores this issues and suggests alternatives.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to compare the effectiveness of MSP vis a vis PDPS. For this, we need to highlight the issues faced with MSP regime and the pros and cons of MSP and PDPS. We need to give a fair and balanced view in the end.
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 – You can provide the context to the whole debate by mentioning the step of the government to raise MSP, and the debate that it has led to.
Body
- Explain MSP and PDPS
- Highlight the issues with MSP as pointed out by several committees in the past such as Ramesh Chand committee, Shanta Kumar Committee etc
- Examine how PDPS can be an improvement over MSP regime. Discuss the experience of its implementation in MP
- Discuss the lacunae in PDPS
Conclusion – Give a fair and balanced view on the utility of MSP vis a vis PDPS and what according to you should be the way forward.
Topic – Indian Economy – Issues
Why this question
GST has recently celebrated its anniversary. As the tax regime gets implemented, certain key provisions of GST regime and their impact are being discussed. One of the key provision is reverse charge mechanism. The article discusses this topic.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to explain what reverse charge mechanism is, the rationale behind this and assessment of the impact that it is having.
Directive word
Discuss – Here in your discussion, you have to debate the pros and cons of Reverse Charge mechanism.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Explain what GST is and the revolution it has brought in indirect tax regime of India.
Body –
- Explain what Reverse charge is – section 9(3) and 9(4) of CGST Act and section 5(3) and 5(4) of IGST Act specifies certain categories of supply and unregistered taxpayers respectively in whose case the burden of taxation falls on supplier of goods/service in place of recipient.
- Explain why it was brought into force – ease of administration, protecting revenue, facilitating small businesses.
- Examine its impact as discussed in the article and from other sources – the pros and cons
Conclusion – Mention how it can be improved to further benefit small businesses.
General Studies – 4
Topic :Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions;
Why this question
It is quite logical to view competition as a source of remarkable human progress and growth. However, it also brings several undesired ethical problems along with it.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to explain the meaning and relevance of healthy competition vis a vis how an unhealthy competition can be a cause of worry for any organisation.
Directive word
What- it simply directs that we should define and briefly explain the term.
Comment- we have to form a personal opinion on the issue but that opinion should be based upon a proper presentation in the form of our knowledge and understanding of the issue.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Give a simple but a complete definition of the term, healthy competition.
Body-
- Discuss whether competition can be a source of worry for an organisation. Why / why not. E.g Discuss what is competition and its types; Competition as an intrinsic source of motivation; its benefits in the short run and problems posed in the long run. Take the help of the article attached to the question and also other relevant study material, to frame your answer.
- Discuss healthy competition further and discuss how it can be inculcated in an organization.
Conclusion– Bring out a summary of your above discussion and state them in slightly different words but the conclusion in itself should not introduce anything not already discussed in the answer.
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