[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 31 AUGUST 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– Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country.
Directive word
Discuss- This is 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.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to write in detail about the contribution and role played by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee In the emergence of Bengal renaissance and Indian nationalism.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about Bankim Chandra Chatterjee- e.g He was an Indian writer, poet and journalist who lived between 1838-1894. Chattopadhyay is widely regarded as a key figure in literary renaissance of Bengal as well as the broader Indian subcontinent.
Body-
Discuss the contributions of B.C Chatterjee towards Bengal renaissance and towards Indian nationalism. E.g Chattopadhyay’s earliest publications were in Ishwar Chandra Gupta’s weekly newspaper Sangbad Prabhakar; His first fiction to appear in print was Rajmohan’s Wife. It was written in English and is regarded as the first Indian novel to be written in English; Partly from a feeling of nationalism, (he) crossed over to Bengali and embarked on the project of creating the first modern corpus of Bengali; He also wrote Kapalkundala, Mrinalini, His Anandamath was the story of a group of monks (sanyasis) who fought the British. “The problem of culture was the main preoccupation of (Bankim Chandra); for he believed that the proper cultivation of all the faculties resulting in action and knowledge was the natural function of man; He also founded a monthly literary magazine, Bangadarshan, in 1872, through which Bankim is credited with influencing the emergence of a Bengali identity and nationalism etc.
Take the help of the articles attached to the question to frame your answer.
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– Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Why this question
The medical device market is growing at a phenomenal rate of 15% and is poised to double its size by 2020. Besides, medical devices are crucial to realise the dream of ‘Health for All”. It is therefore essential to deliberate upon the need to align our medical device policies with the maximum good.
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 express your opinion and understanding on the given issue- need to align our medical device policies so as to achieve maximal good. We have to support our answer with proper and valid arguments/ facts/examples.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– mention that in spite of our global dominance with pharmaceuticals and vaccines, India continues to lag far behind in the medical devices sector. India imports over 75 per cent of its domestic medical device requirements etc.
Body– bring out the need to align our medical device policies and deliberate upon the benefits it could bring. e.g mention the CAGR of around 15 % over the last few years, huge potential in future and discuss the need for proper fiscal and regulatory measures for facilitating the creation of ecosystems to turn India into a hub for medical devices; to increase research funding for better execution through innovative, dedicated platforms — for example Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) equivalent for devices — while curating extensive industry-academia partnerships; Extensively promoting the existing low-tech segment; Innovatively incentivising the middle segment to scale-up, and; simultaneously driving-up public investments initially into R&D of high-tech segment etc.
Conclusion- Based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
Topic– India and its neighbourhood relations
Why this question
With BIMSTEC summit around the corner, the focus has shifted to understanding the SWOT of BIMSTEC. The article makes us aware of how, if not taken care of, BIMSTEC can go on the same path as SAARC. The article highlights the challenges and discusses the way forward for BIMSTEC and will be useful for preparing material on this important regional organization which is BIMSTEC.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to bring out the reasons why regional integration efforts via BIMSTEC may meet the same fate as SAARC. Here we will have to bring out the threats in front of BIMSTEC which might lead to discord later on. Thereafter, we need to mention the potential of BIMSTEC and how the organisation can be used to weave south Asia in a cohesive unit.
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 – Give a brief status of the regional integration project in south asia. Highlight the fate of SAARC and bring out the overall dynamics between the members of BIMSTEC.
Body
- Explain in brief about BIMSTEC
- Discuss why India is reaching out to BIMSTEC and trying to reinvigorate BIMSTEC – failure of SAARC, Act East Policy etc
- Examine why BIMSTEC faces similar challenges as SAARC – explain that BIMSTEC like SAARC may be an India dominated group, China question etc
- Explain why BIMSTEC differs from SAARC – no country looking to play a negative role like in SAARC, not a negative organization like SAARC etc
- Highlight the potential of BIMSTEC
Conclusion – Give your view on the assertion in question and discuss how India should proceed wrt BIMSTEC.
General Studies – 3
Topic– Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
4) Critically examine the need for dual-class shares vis a vis the Indian market.(250 words)
Why this question
Dual-class share issuance is on the rise in a number of markets around the world. Many jurisdictions allow dual-class share structures, including the United States, Canada, Brazil, France, and Italy. Other economies such as Singapore and Hong Kong are reconsidering whether to allow dual-class share structures. It is therefore essential to discuss the desirability of dual class shares vis a vis India.
Directive word
Critically examine- Here we have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any. Based on our discussion we have to form a concluding opinion on the issue.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to dig deep into the issue and deliberate upon both the sides of dual-class shares in terms of their implications for the economy, market and the shareholder. It then wants us to form a personal opinion on the issue.
Structure of the answer
Introduction-write a few introductory lines about dual-class shares and how they are different from normal shares. E.g such shares offer different voting rights ( or dividend payments) to different class of shareholders-e.g founders vs general public. Mention that dual-class share issuance is on the rise in a number of markets around the world. Many jurisdictions allow dual-class share structures, including the United States, Canada, Brazil, France, and Italy.
Body–
- Discuss the pros of dual class shares. E.g Even without dual-class shares, outside shareholders do not enjoy much control; the dual-class share structure makes insider control more transparent. It will signal the firms in which insiders enjoy absolute control; allowing dual-class shares is the only way we can have an Indian-owned unicorn etc.
- Discuss the cons of dual-class shares. E.g Supporters feel that the structure allows strong leadership and the placing of long-term interests over near-term financial results etc.
Conclusion– Based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced opinion on the issue.
Topic – EIA
Why this question
In times of disaster, we remember what could have been done. Off late, the focus has shifted to the process of EIA, which has several gaps which need to be plugged to ensure that the environmental damages are kept at a minimum. This article discusses the problems with the process of EIA which needs to be examined.
Key demand of the question
The question is making an assertion that the EIA process is merely filling up paper, with very little to no original work being done. Basically it raises question mark over the process of EIA. We have to give arguments both for and against this assertion, give a balanced view at the end and discuss the way in which the process can be improved.
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 – Explain the process of EIA and highlight that the poor quality of eia is now affecting us when we are faced with disasters at a very high frequency.
Body
- Explain in detail what all are the key components of EIA
- First of all discuss why it is said that EIA had become merely a documentary exercise. Highlight the issues with the process of EIA both in terms of issues in preparation of report and also bring out the public hearing issues.
- Thereafter, discuss why the process of EIA is so critical and highlight the advantages that has accrued to India on account of EIA
- Discuss how the process can be strengthened by suggesting reforms.
Conclusion – Give a fair and balanced view on EIA and mention the way forward.
Topic – Part of static series under the heading – “El-nino, La nino, El-nino Modoki , La Nina Modoki , Madden Julian oscillation”
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to explain what ENSO is and thereafter, how El nino and La Nina can be called as opposite phases of ENSO.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Explain ENSO – The ENSO cycle is a scientific term that describes the fluctuations in temperature between the ocean and atmosphere in the east-central Equatorial Pacific.
Body
- Explain that La Nina is sometimes referred to as the cold phase of ENSO and El Nino as the warm phase of ENSO. These deviations from normal surface temperatures can have large-scale impacts not only on ocean processes, but also on global weather and climate, including India.
- Explain la Nina and el nino and their impacts on world climate.
General Studies – 4
Topic- Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships.
Directive word
Discuss- Discuss- This is 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.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to write in detail as to what are the ways in which organizations can create a culture that supports and nurtures ethics. We have to be as descriptive as possible (within the word limit).
Structure of the answer
Introduction- mention that an ethical organization is better positioned to win public trust, ensure a healthy participation of workers and work for the benefit of the society etc.
Body–
Discuss in points, how a culture of ethics can be created in an organization. E.g
- Clear expectations for behavior among all members of an organization .
- Modeling Desired Behavior (especially from organizational leaders)
- Reinforce the Behavior You Want, and Don’t Reinforce the Behavior that You Don’t Want
- Institutions must help with the step by step strategies for developing effective ethical decision making and behavior skills and strategies for resolving ethical dilemmas or troubles etc.
Conclusion– sum up your discussion in a few lines and form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the above issue.
NOTE:
