[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 06 SEPTEMBER 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
General Studies – 2
Topic– Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
Why this question
Women form half of our population but their participation in STEM fields is abysmally low. The government has taken several steps to correct the problem. It is therefore necessary to know the reasons behind the problem and efforts on part of the government to tackle the issue.
Directive word
Examine- Here we have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to examine and bring out the reasons behind low participation of women in STEM fields. It also wants us to write in detail about the steps taken by the government to tackle the problem.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about the participation of women in workforce in general and STEM fields in particular. Highlight the situation with the help of a few related statistics.
Body–
- Bring out the reasons behind low participation of women in STEM fields. E.g While more women are enrolling in university, relatively few pursue careers in research; patriarchal society and stereotyping; family responsibilities; glass ceiling; high investment and less job security as compared to men etc.
- Discuss the steps taken by the government to tackle the issue. E.g Discuss INSPIRE to MANAK scheme; KIRAN; Bio-care scheme. Discuss briefly their aim, strategy and working etc.
- Discuss what more needs to be done- e.g role-model programmes; outreach programmes; financial incentives; gender sensitive employment and education policies etc.
Conclusion– Based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
Topic– India and its bilateral relations
Why this question
This article discusses the contour of indo us relationship, highlights the issues on which cooperation is going on between the two countries and the issues on which they don’t see eye to eye. The article is useful to prepare for IR section of paper 2.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to shed light on the nature of relation between the two countries. The statement in the question makes the assertion that indo us relations is based on mutual trust and cooperation. We have to critically examine this statement. Therefore we have to highlight the aspects of relationship where there is indeed immense trust and cooperation and the aspect of the relationship which are a source of distrust between the two nations. Finally we need to provide a fair and balanced opinion on the nature of relationship between the two countries.
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 – Initially we have to shed light on the nature of my relationship between the two countries. We can mention that till cold war, there was an extreme level of mistrust between the two nations. Since the past two decades, the two estranged democracies have tried to make amends.
Body
- Highlight those aspects of the relationship which show the level of trust and cooperation between the two nation – exception given to India, defence partnership between the two nations , bustling trade etc
- Highlight the obstacles in the relationship – USA’s reticence in accepting that India can and will run its own foreign policy in case of Iran and Russia, the need for diversification of our defence imports etc
- Synthesize the two points of view, that even though the two countries do not see eye to eye on a lot of issues, Institutional mechanisms such as the 2+2 framework help each other in understanding each other’s point of view
Conclusion – Give a fair and balanced view on the nature of indo us relationship in contemporary times and discuss the way forward.
General Studies – 3
Topic – Indian economy – issues
Why this question
The article discusses the steps that India needs to take in order to realise the government’s target of achieving 20 million tourists arrival by 2020. The article discusses the changes that will have to be brought by India for making tourism one of the mainstays of Indian economy. Hence this article is useful to prepare tourism sector for GS3.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to highlight the potential of tourism sector in India, the shortcomings in the sector, the steps that India needs to take to boost tourism in the country. Finally we need to mention the impact of focussing on tourism sector in India.
Directive word
Examine –
Structure of the answer
Introduction – mention that UN world tourism organization in a report has estimated that there has been a significant jump in tourist arrival in India and the revenue earned on account of tourism.
Body
- Discuss the status of tourism in India. Give facts and figures related to revenue and forex earnings, tourist footfalls. Also highlight the diverse nature of tourist circuits in the country.
- Highlight the areas where work is needed – security, infrastructure and connectivity.give details of these three aspects
- Mention the steps taken by the government in improving the aforementioned areas through schemes and programmes like PRASAD, e tourist visa etc
- Discuss the steps that need to be taken still to fill in the gaps
Conclusion – Give your view on the potential of tourism sector in India and the impact it can have.
Topic– India and its neighborhood- relations.
Why this question
Afghanistan is an important neighbouring country for India and its peace and stability are vital for India. Afghanistan is going to hold elections soon and India has made significant investments trying to bring development and democracy n the war-torn country. However the region, including Iran and Afghanistan and the involvement of foreign powers like US, Russia and China coupled with resurgence of the Taliban make the siting perplexed. It is therefore necessary to discuss the need for India to carve out its own role in Afghanistan.
Directive word
Critically analyze- Here we 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.Based on our discussion we have to form a concluding opinion on the issue.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to delve deep into the issue, discuss why the situation in Afghanistan is perplexing. Then it wants us to discuss why there is a need for India to carve out its own role in the region. Accordingly we have to form an opinion as to what should be the direction of such a pursuit.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– Write a few lines about India-Afghanistan relationship. E.g both are neighbors, members of SAARC, enjoy historical and vibrant ties at present with significant Afghan diaspora in India etc.
Body
- Discuss why the region is a perplexing situation. E.g mention resurgence of Taliban and plans for US withdrawal; Pakistan’s involvement in the region; need for development and rebuilding the nation; US, which is a key player has an unclear policy on Afghanistan; it is also against Iran which is important to give access to the sea to landlocked Afghanistan through Chabahar port- which is in India’s interests etc.
- Discuss the need for India to carve out its own role in the region. E.g mention the perplexing situation and conflicting aspirations of the powers involved in the region; mention India’s investment for development in Afghanistan- Salma Dam, Parliament building etc; mention the importance of Chabahar port and need to get access to central Asia through the port and then through Afghanistan etc.
- Discuss the direction of our approach. E.g increase the corpus of aid; provide military support; act as mediator between the government of Afghanistan and other stakeholders etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the issue.
Topic – Indian polity : Issues
Why this question
The article discusses the recommendations of Law Commission with respect to the desirability of UCC in Indian context. UCC is an important topic for mains, and hence a critical analysis of LCI’s recommendation is required for GS2.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to discuss the recommendations of LCI with respect to UCC. The assertion being made in the question is that in context of India, it is better to bring reforms in personal laws to ensure gender justice etc rather than focussing on bringing a comprehensive UCC. We need to provide views from both side of the debate and give a fair and balanced opinion in the end.
Directive word
Critically analyse- 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. 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 – Mention that in its ‘Consultation Paper on Family Law Reforms’ released Friday, the Law Commission has taken a stand in favour of “equality ‘within communities’ between men and women” (personal law reform), “rather than ‘equality between’ communities” (UCC).
Body
- Discuss the recommendations of LCI – argued for reform of family laws of every religion through amendments and codification of certain aspects so as to make it gender-just. Law Commission has dealt with laws that are discriminatory rather than providing a uniform civil code which is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage. Most countries are now moving towards recognition of difference, and the mere existence of difference does not imply discrimination, but is indicative of a robust democracy.
- Discuss the pros and cons of the recommendations of LCI. Discuss the issue from societal, constitutional, political perspectives. Discuss the reasons given by LCI in favour of making reforms in personal laws to keep in tune with current times. Also highlight the reason why LCI has resisted from introduction of UCC
Conclusion – Give a fair and balanced view on recommendations of LCI and discuss way forward.
Topic– part of static series under the heading – “Ocean bottom relief”
Key demand of the question
The question is self explanatory in its demand. It expects us to list the factor that contribute to ocean relief and how. Thereafter, we need to mention the major relief feature of ocean floor and explain them.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Explain what is meant by ocean bottom relief and how our understanding of ocean bottom has evolved with time.
Body
- Explain how the various factors contribute to ocean relief – Ocean relief is largely due to tectonic, volcanic, erosional and depositional processes and their interactions.
- List the major ocean relief features – the continental shelf, the continental slope, the continental rise, the Deep Sea Plain or the abyssal plain,Oceanic Deeps or Trenches, mid oceanic ridges. Explain these features.
General Studies – 4
Topic- Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.
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 as to how a free media can play a crucial role in the prevention, monitoring and control of corruption.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– Write a few introductory lines about media and corruption. E.g Corruption is a huge menace in India, and a vibrant media can play a significant role as the fourth pillar of democracy, in reducing the level of corruption in our society.
Body-
- DIscuss in detail how media can play its role in prevention, monitoring and control of corruption. E.g inform and educate the public on corruption, expose corruption in government, private sector and civil society organizations and help monitor codes of conduct while policing itself against corruption; providing information on corruption through investigative reporting; Daily reporting of instances of corruption as they occur etc.
- Discuss how the media can be ensured to operate in a free environment devoid of any outside or internal influence. E.g sometimes under pressure of competition, the media does not verify allegations and information before putting them in the public domain. Occasionally, such allegations/complaints are motivated. It is necessary to evolve norms and practices that all allegations/complaints would be duly screened, and the person against whom such allegations are made is given a fair chance to put forth his version; The electronic media should evolve a Code of Conduct and a self regulating mechanism in order to adhere to a Code of Conduct as a safeguard against malafide action; Government agencies can help the media in the fight against corruption by disclosing details about corruption cases regularly etc.
Conclusion– sum up your discussion in a few lines and form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the above issue.
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