[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 11 AUGUST 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
General Studies – 1
Topic-Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
“India after Gandhi”, by Ramachandra Guha
Directive word
Comment- here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to delve into the detail of the quality of its leadership and the role it played in shaping India’s future and in achieving the objectives set by the freedom struggle. Here we should take a broad view and analyze all the political camps of that time.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few lines on the plethora of social, economic, political problems faced by India in 1947, when it marked itself as an independent country- e.g The inadequacy of land reforms, large-scale landlessness in rural areas, high rate of population growth, gross inequalities, caste oppression, dysfunctional education system, secessionist demands, and movements etc. mention a few important goals of the national movement.
Body-
Mention that the quality, skills, and approach of the political leaders at the time of 1947 played a significant role in achieving the objectives set by the freedom struggle.
Express your knowledge and understanding on the issue- e.g they enjoyed tremendous popular support, had the capacity to communicate with the masses and enthuse them around national goals, could reflect the urges and aspirations of the people, provided them with strong leadership, they had confidence and faith in the people and in the democratic institutions and goals with which their power and legitimacy was linked, during the struggle for independence they had acquired the capacity to negotiate and accommodate the diverse interests and to work within a consensual framework etc.
Mention the names of a few great leaders of the time- for example, Pandit Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, C Rajagopalachari, JB Kripalani, Shyam Prasad Mukherjee, BR Ambedkar, Acharya Narendra Dev etc.
Conclusion- sum up your discussion in a few lines and form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the above issue.
Topic– Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Directive word
Comment- here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to form an overall opinion on whether the Rajput style of architecture and paintings assimilated the regional influences but at the same time maintained their individuality during all the years when they come in contact with such regional influences- Mughals, Deccan, British etc. we have to form our opinion based on our arguments/ facts/ examples in the discussion.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- Write a few lines about the centuries long association of the Rajput culture with the Mughal style, Deccan style, British style, indigenous hilly styles etc.
Body–
- Discuss about architecture and how it maintained its individuality but incorporated other regional influences as well. E.g the great Rajput forts and palaces which were originally built for safety of the royal family and the village; Under Mughal influence these forts increased in magnificence and splendor, became more spacious, incorporated white marble, marble inlays; but the basic theme of the fort remained almost same- temple, mardana, zenana (from Mughal style) etc; mention the deccan influence on southern Rajasthan architecture and the Indo-Saracenic architecture developed due to British influence but the walls were stoutly built and defensive in character etc.
- Discuss about paintings- e.g mention the pre-Mughal bold drawings, simplified designs and color schemes which were continued in western and southern parts of Rajputana; mention the Mughal influence in terms of development of portraiture paintings, floral designs but also maintaining their themes, conventions of color and of landscape figures; mention Pahari paintings with similar themes and color schemes but influenced by local hilly traditions etc.
Conclusion- Based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
Topic– factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India)
Why this question
The article explains the criticality of aluminium in a nation’s industrial development, the issues plaguing aluminium industries and suggests some way forward. This question is thus important in GS1 for mains.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to explain the criticality of Aluminium sector for enhancing the growth of manufacturing sector. Next, we need to discuss the status of India in Aluminium production and consumption, issues plaguing aluminium sector as well. Finally we need to give suggestions for ensuring well oiled growth of the sector.
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 – Discuss why special emphasis is needed to be given to aluminum sector – highlight the versatility of its uses in various stages and sectors of manufacturing.
Body
- Discuss the status quo with respect to production and consumption of aluminium, its share in the manufacturing sector, import export figure etc
- Explain why is it important to focus on aluminium sector – critical in achieving goals set under Make in India, achieving goals of national manufacturing policy, its usage in several sectors of manufacturing, need for removing import dependance, availability in India, environmental benefits etc
- Delve deeper into the issues plaguing aluminium sector in India – huge electricity requirement in production of Aluminium and the low availability of the same, delay in obtaining clearances etc
- Give suggestions on how we can improve India’s status with respect to production and consumption of Al.
Conclusion – Give your view on the need for a national policy on aluminium in India.
General Studies – 2
Topic– Part of static series under the heading – “Interior of the Earth”
NCERT Class XI Physical Geography Ch 3
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to explain how seismic study can help us in understanding the composition, structure of interior of the Earth.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Explain what seismic study is -Seismic study is the study of the energy waves generated inside the earth due to movements in earth’s crust. Mention that understanding the interior of the earth, its compositions, its mechanical & chemical properties and the structural arrangements hold a key to understand the numerous features and landforms we have on the earth surfaces
Body – Explain how the behaviour of P and S waves tell us a lot about the interior of Earth. Explain in detail how seismic study helps in figuring out the structure of interior of Earth using P and S waves and also explain what are shadow zones etc. Also explain the other reasons why this study is important as inaccessible interior thus seismic study provides a window into understanding the interior of the Earth.
Topic– Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the
performance of these schemes
Why this question
The article discusses the legal provisions of the amendment Bill, which have been the source of intense debate over the past few months. Details about the legal provisions of the Bill which has caused so much scrutiny has been asked in UPSC before, and can be asked in the future again.
Key demand of the question
The question expects you to discuss in detail the sections of the law which are the source of controversy We need to compare and contrast the amended Bill with SC verdict and give our opinion on whether it is a reversal of the verdict in certain ways, or is the need of the hour , or as a response to Dalit protests.
Directive word
Discuss – We need to explain the controversial sections of the Bill along with the section no etc.
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 why SC/ST act was brought into force, and briefly highlight the plight of SC/STs.
Body
- Explain the controversial provisions of the Bill – lifted restriction on powers of police (Section 18A) under CrPC, read down the anticipatory Bail provision, Section 42 etc
- Examine the merit of these changes proposed
- Compare and contrast it with SC verdict which said the opposite. Explain the rationale behind its decision
- Examine the rationale behind the amendments proposed by the government including the massive protests by Dalits.
Conclusion – Give your view on the reason why the amendment is being brought along with suggestions for way forward.
General Studies – 3
Topic- Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation
Why this question
The article examines the provisions of National Biofuel policy and examines whether the provisions are an improvement over the previous policy, whether feedback from the implementation of previous policy has been incorporated in the new one etc. Since biofuels are so critical for environment as well as from point of view of economy, this policy needs to be prepared for mains.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to discuss in detail the provisions of new NBP, examine how these provisions compare to the previous NBP. We need to highlight the pros and cons of the new NBP vis a vis the old one as well as discuss whether it has set realistic aims and correct way forward.
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 why a biofuel policy which is forward looking and shows clear thinking is very much required in light of the environmental and economic challenges we face.
Body
- Discuss the provisions of the new policy vis a vis the old one – focus on 2nd generation of biofuel, incentives for their production, higher blending targets etc.
- Examine the status of implementation of targets of previous policy – 1g not fully reached its potential, blending targets hardly met etc
- Discuss the other issues with the policy such as lack of focus on octane , problem with VGF scheme in the new policy etc
- Discuss what should be the way forward in order to fully reap dividends of blending biofuel
Conclusion – Give a fair and balanced view on biofuel policy and emphasize on the need for making such changes for a more forward looking policy.
General Studies – 4
Topic- Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service , integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections.
7)Empathy is a virtue, but it should not be our top guiding principle. Comment.(250 words)
Directive word
Comment- here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to form an opinion as to whether empathy should not be our top guiding principle and if not then we have to defend our stand accordingly by way of proper arguments/ examples/ facts etc.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- Write a few lines on the meaning of empathy- e.g it is the capacity to understand or feel what another person is experiencing from within their frame of reference, i.e., the capacity to place oneself in another’s position; has three types/ components- cognitive, emotional, somatic etc.
Body–
- Mention your opinion on the statement as to whether you agree or disagree with it. Present reasons for your stand in the form of a discussion, preferably in points. Here mention the positive points of empathy e.g it induces positive, quick and helpful response, the poor, downtrodden, the destitute, the women require empathy in order to improve their lives and create fair socia-economic society; Then turn to the negative side [in favour of the statement] empathy leads to exploitation as in the case of child begging; empathy produces and increases our resentment against the offender in the case; empathy results in a shallow self- satisfaction oblivious of the intricacies of the case and the damage suffered by the other person/ persons; empathy strengthens favouritism etc.
conclusion– based on your discussion form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the issue.
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