[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 17 JULY 2018
Click on EACH question to post/upload you answers.
How to Follow Secure Initiative?
How to Self-evaluate your answer?
LIST of TOPICS (Static)
General Studies – 1
Topic-Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
Why this question
Although the article is highly subjective (and you are completely free to take whatever stance you want to take),it offers crucial insights into the realpolitik of present India. It also helps us understand the nature of Indian society, and how it associates itself with secularism, regionalism and federalism.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and discuss how the Indian political narrative has developed in the recent years and whether there is a marked shift in its stance towards the values of secularism, regionalism and federalism. We have to bring out reasons/ arguments/ facts in support of our answer and according form our opinion.
Directive word
Comment- here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an opinion thereupon. However our opinion must be backed with valid and proper arguments/ facts.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – write a few lines about the constitutional status of federalism and secularism, and their role alongwith regionalism in Indian politics( how significant they have been in shaping Indian political narrative).
Body–
Discuss how each of the three aspects- secularism, regionalism and federalism has shaped and in turn being shaped by the political narrative in India in recent years. E.g discuss the spurt in sporadic communal events and lack of political will to speak against/ or politicize the issue; decline in the political value of communal strategies; disaffection of Right-wing parties with the incumbent government; rising disaffection of the regional parties with the present party in power leading to regionalism; decline in the political clout of the Congress; issues affecting federalism like the terms of reference of the 15th finance commission, water disputes; special status of AP etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion form a fair and a balanced opinion on the issue.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Separation of powers between various organs; dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
Why this question
AIMPLB has recently received applications to open several Darul Qazas (Sharia courts) across India. Some of these applications have been approved. The SC has also given a ruling on these courts. This makes it is an important issue to delve upon.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to dig deep into the issue of shariah courts and bring out whether they are a legal and an effective alternative dispute redressal mechanism which respond to the decline of the civil justice system, and address the needs of the poor. We have to see both the advantages/ strength as well as limitations of these courts. Thereafter it wants us to form a personal opinion on the issue.
Directive word
Critically analyze- We have to dig deep into the issue and bring out the positive points/ advantages/ strengths as well as negative points/ disadvantages/ limitations. Based on our discussion we have to form a personal opinion on the issue.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – mention the historical existence and form of the shariah courts and then mention the British response of incorporating these courts followed by developments in 1817. Also mention the SC ruling on these courts and its verdict.
Body-
- Discuss the positive aspects of the shariah courts. E.g an effective and cheap alternative dispute resolution mechanism; high compliance rates of decisions made by shariah courts; more accessible to women; speedy process etc.
- Discuss the limitations/ negative points. E.g low representation of women; unnecessary projection of decrees as having as divine sanction; politicization of the issue.
Conclusion- form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the overall issue of shariah courts and write a few lines as to what should be done further in this regard.
Topic-Indian Polity – Issues
Why this question
Section 377 is again in the news courtesy the curative petition in SC, and the opinion of the govt that it would not challenge SC verdict in this regard. Hence this question
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to trace a brief evolution of the court’s position on section 377 critical analysis of the judgment and future course of action that must be taken.
Directive word
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.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Trace a brief evolution of the court’s position on section 377 and discuss why this topic is in news.
Body
- Highlight SC judgment in Naz foundation case which overturned Delhi HC’s progressive verdict
- Examine why this judgment is a blot on the progressive trend being followed by SC
- Examine why it is not necessary to just declare Section 377 ultra vires but also focus on the associated rights of LGBTQ community in accordance with judgement in NALSA vs UoI and Puttaswamy vs UoI
- Discuss what rights are needed by this community
Conclusion – Mention what should be the way forward in this matter.
Topic– Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Why this question
In recent several debates have raged over several provisions of the constitution such as Article 370, article 44 etc. Understanding constitutional renaissance is important to resolve such debated happening due to fractious polity.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to explain what constitutional renaissance, explain why it is necessary to be understood due to several debates that have been taking place over the interpretation of the constitution, and how exactly can this doctrine be applied by policy makers to frame more effective laws, policies, regulations etc which are in tune with the directive of the constitution.
Directive word
Discuss – Here in your discussion you need to explain the court’s position on words like constitutional renaissance, associated terms like constitutional morality, purposive interpretation etc and how they are relevant in the present climate.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Examine some of the recent conflicts in interpretation of the constitution such as Article 370, Article 239 AA etc
Body
- Discuss what is meant by constitutional renaissance – constant awakening as regards the text, context, perspective, purpose, and the rule of law”, an awakening that makes space for a “resurgent constitutionalism” and “allows no room for absolutism” nor any “space for anarchy
- Examine its implication for the polity – fidelity to the vision, spirit and letter of the Constitution is the supreme obligation of all constitutional beings.
- Highlight why and how this norm is being flouted in the current discourse and how such debates can be resolved if we stay true to the ideals explicit and implicit in our constitution
Conclusion – Mention why in a constitutional democracy , constitution reigns supreme and how we need to change current practices to ensure better functioning.
Topic: part of static series under the heading – “Various instruments to exercise parliamentary control over executive”
5) Examine the various ways in which parliament exercises control over the executive?(250 words)
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to describe the various areas in which parliament exercises control, and the mechanism of such control.
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 – mention that parliament is the apex body in a democracy, represents will of the people and exercises control over executive.
Body
- Discuss the areas in which parliament exercises control over executive – administrative, legislative, financial, representative, collective and individual responsibility
- Examine the various tools at parliament’s disposal to exercise such control – question hour, motions and resolutions etc
- Discuss the impact of such tools
Conclusion – explain the relationship between parliament and executive and why is it necessary for parliament to exercise control over executive.
General Studies – 3
Topic– Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Why this question
Doubling the farmers’ income in India by 2022 is one of the top priorities of the present government. However, it is not an easy task, given the plethora of challenges faced by agriculture sector. One of the challenges faced by Indian agriculture today is the lack of investment. It is essential to study why and how smallholding farming families be encouraged to invest in their farms.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to write in detail about how and why India should encourage farming families to boost investment in their farms. We have to bring out the reasons as to why such a response is required and how to do the same.
Directive word
Discuss- This is an all-encompassing directive which directs us to dig deep into the issue and write at length about key demand of the question in detail along with all relevant and important aspects, in order to bring a complete picture of the issue.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few lines about India’s objective to double farmers’ income and the imperative to invest in agricultural production, transport, marketing, warehouses and food processing etc.. Mention that the ministry of agriculture estimates that to double farmer incomes by 2022-23, private investment in agriculture must jump two times to almost Rs 1,40,000 crore.
Body –
- Discuss why smallholding farmers need to be encouraged invest in their farms. E.g Smallholders (with up to 2 hectares of land) run 85% of the total farms in India and own more than 50% of the livestock; due to the low productivity, low production and lack of market incentives, families receive no commensurate return. So, smallholders have, on an average, less than 10% share of the total private investment in farming.; Assured buying, and export demand in some years, stimulated investment in some crops; eagerness to invest in technology based solutions etc.
- Discuss the strategy as to how farming families can be encouraged to invest in their farms. E.g by encouraging the entrepreneurial energies/ efforts of small farm holders, which form the vast majority of farmers in India; States must similarly develop and defend agricultural markets that work for smallholders by reducing transaction costs and counterparty risks, and raising price discovery, price transparency and bargaining power.; Strong public extension services; enhanced credit disbursal complemented with proper guidance and policies, etc.
Conclusion– Sum up your discussion in a few lines to form a fair and a balanced conclusion.
General Studies – 4
Topic– Case studies on ethics.
What are the possible solutions available to the technician and what should he do?(250 words)
Key demand of the question.
The question is an example of a typical problem concerning ethics, that we encounter in our everyday life. Its main purpose is to test our ability to identify the key ethical issues involved in the question and form a practical yet ethical opinion as to what should be done in this regard.
Structure of the answer
- Discuss in points the possible alternative solutions available in this situation. E.g installing the software; not installing the software; installing as well as informing all the stakeholders etc.
- Discuss the ethical, legal and professional implications of each of the decisions/ solutions.
- Based on your discussion, form a personal opinion as to what should be done in this regard.
NOTE:
