New Articles
[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 19 JULY 2018
[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 19 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- Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and
Architecture from ancient to modern times.
NCERT Textbook (CRAFT TRADITION OF INDIA)
Why this question
Indian pottery has its roots in the Harappan Civilization and has evolved through ages into marvellous art forms as well as the objects of daily use. It is important to know the evolution of Indian pottery.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to write in detail about the history of pottery making in India, its role in Indian history and how it evolved over the centuries.
Directive word
Discuss- This s an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key demand of the question. We also have to discuss about the related and important aspects of the question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– Write a few lines about the role pottery making. E.g The history of pottery tells of the daily life of human beings, their death and burial, of human migration, trade and conquest, cultural practices and influences.
Body–
- Discuss how pottery making started and evolved in technique.E.g coiling technique > Wheel made pottery > Hand modelling > Terracotta > Giant figures.
- DIscuss in parts, how Indian pottery evolved over time. E.g
- Harappan civilization
- Maurya and Sunga periods
- Kushan period
- Gupta period
- Post-Gupta period
Discuss the salient aspects of pottery of each time period and mention the names of the masterpieces of art made of pottery.
Conclusion– sum up your discussion in a few lines and form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the above issue.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Why this question
The ToP bill touches upon several important issues surrounding human trafficking, sec- workers, transgenders, HIV patients. It has been severely criticized on various fronts by several activists, journalists and politicians.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us dig deep into the ToP bill and bring out the limitations/ cons of the various provisions of the bill.
Directive word
Examine- Here we have to delve into the provisions of the ToP bill and bring out, what could be their negative implications.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- mention that the ToP bill seeks to address the issue of trafficking from the point of view of prevention, rescue and rehabilitation.
Body–
- Mention the positive points of the bill. E.g defines aggravated forms of trafficking, Punishment for promoting or facilitating trafficking, confidentiality of victims, time bound trial and repatriation of the victims etc.
- Discuss in points the problems/ limitations/ cons of the bill. E.g If a sex worker is violated, she won’t be able to go to court because she will be immediately understood as exploited, trafficked and sent to rehabilitation. The law will lead to increase in violence against sex workers and silence them; it will lead to criminalisation of trans-identities; creates more confusion among law enforcement agencies by adding to the existing range of laws-Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act 1956 (ITPA), and Juvenile Justice Act 2015 etc.
Conclusion- Based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
Topic– Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
Why this question
TRAI has been in news very often courtesy the net neutrality guidelines. The question is about TRAI as an organization.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to list out the background, mission, vision, function and achievements of TRAI
Directive word
Discuss – Here in your discussion you have to highlight both the achievements and some of the shortcomings of TRAI.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Mention that The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is the independent regulator of the telecommunications business in India. It was established by an act of Parliament, called the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act 1997, to regulate telecom services,
Body
- Discuss the mission of TRAI – TRAI’s mission is to create and nurture conditions for growth of telecommunications in the country in a manner and at a pace which will enable India to play a leading role in emerging global information society. One of the main objectives of TRAI is to provide a fair and transparent policy environment which promotes a level playing field and facilitates fair competition.
- Discuss the vision of TRAI – sure the services and protecting interests of all telecommunication consumers, provide improved telecommunication, broadband, broadcasting and cable TV services to all consumers in Indian society.
- Discuss the working of TRAI- details of TRAI establishment Act
- Discuss the role TRAI has played in penetration of telecom services, fair pricing an. Net neutrality guidelines.
Conclusion – Emphasize on the importance of TRAI.
Topic-Part of static series under the heading – “Jurisdiction of SC”
4) Discuss about the various kinds of jurisdiction that SC enjoys?(250 words)
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to explain the various jurisdiction of the SC, how they differ from each other.
Directive word
Discuss – Your discussion should concern itself with explaining the various Jurisdiction of SC, the relevant constitutional provisions and how they differ from each other
Structure of the answer
In your answer, discuss about the various forms of Jurisdiction of SC – original, appellate, writ, revisory and advisory jurisdiction. Mention the relevant constitutional provisions, examples and how they differ from each other.
General Studies – 3
Topic:Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
Why this question
It would not be an exaggeration to say that internet and IT plays a central and a highly vital role in our lives today. This makes it vital know how privacy concerns are changing in the dynamic nature of the online sphere, which is increasing its presence and size at a remarkable pace.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to dig deep into the issues of privacy and online sphere and discuss the various aspects of the changing privacy concerns changing under the effect of a dynamic online sphere.
Directive word
Analyze- Here we have to dig deep into the issue and identify and discuss about all the related and important aspects and correlate them to satisfy the key demand of the question.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Mention that the way in which the internet allows data to be produced, collected, combined, shared, stored, and analyzed is constantly changing and re-defining personal data and what type of protections personal data deserves and can be given. Give the NEET example.
Body-
- Briefly discuss the blurring distinction between public and private spheres.
- Briefly discuss the borderless nature of information and associated problems of jurisdiction
- Briefly discuss the Increasing online presence and scope as well as magnitude of activities.
- Discuss IT act and IT rules of India and briefly discuss their limitations/ inadequacies.
Take the help of the article attached to the question to frame your answer.
Conclusion– Based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
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; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance;
Lexicon Ethics Book
Why this question
The Nolan Committee inquired into the standards in British public life and gave a report which contain inter-alia, seven principles of standards in public life.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to simply write in detail about the seven principles of standards in public life as enunciated by the Nolan Committee report.
Directive word
Discuss- This is an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key demand of the question.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Write a few lines about the Nolan Committee.
Body– Discuss in points about the seven principles of Nolan Committee on standards i public life. E.g { I-SHOLA-O }
- Selflessness
- Integrity
- Objectivity
- Accountability
- Openness
- Honesty
- Leadership
Discuss each of these principles individually.
Conclusion– Add a few more important principles that you think are necessary in public life and form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the issue.
Topic – Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
Why this question
On Nelson Mandela’s birth anniversary, it I apt to discuss about the values he held dear, and which made him so successful politically and set an example for all of us.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to draw values from him life and struggles examine their relevance in contemporary times and how can we ensure that we don’t forget his values by discussing what lessons can we implement in India.
Directive word
Comment – When you are asked to comment, you have to pick main points and give your ‘opinion’ on them based on evidences or arguments stemming from your wide reading.Your opinion may be for or against, but you must back your argument with evidences. These types of question offer you a chance to consolidate your reading of different subjects to justify your opinion.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Introduce Nelson Mandela and the stellar role he played as a moral nd political leader.
Body – Discuss about his greatest achievements – rethink politics in terms of an ethics of empathy, a politics of forgiveness, and a revolution of values. Discuss the values he espoused – freedom of speech, fight against atrocities, politics of empathy etc an how his teachings are relevant in contemporary times for the world in general and India in particular.
Conclusion – Mention the key lessons that you draw from his life, which you feel is relevant in our current political climate.
NOTE: