[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 01 OCTOBER 2018
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LIST of TOPICS (Static)
General Studies – 1
Topic– Part of static series under the heading – “Jet streams and Indian monsoons”
1) Explain the influence of jet streams on South West Monsoon in India?(250 words)
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to bring out what jet streams are and the impact different jet streams have on South west monsoons in India.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Explain what jet streams are.
Body – Discuss how Subtropical westerly jet stream, tropical easterly jet stream and Somalia low level jet stream impact monsoons in India.
- Subtropical westerly jet stream – responsible for the onset of monsoon. Explain how
- Tropical westerly jet stream – This jet stream is oriented along the Kolkata-Bangalore axis in that direction. It controls the spread of the South West Monsoon. When it is strong, it opposes the spread of the South West monsoon and when it is weak, it allows the spread of South West monsoon
- Somalia low level jet stream – When it is weak, it results in formation of a monsoonal break called the “lull” in the monsoon and when it is strong, the monsoon will also be strong.
General Studies – 2
Topic: India and its bilateral relations
2) Discuss how Nepal China Transit Agreement would impact relations with India?(250 words)
Why this question
Nepal has recently signed the trade and transit agreement with China. Post the blockade in 2016 which had immense impact on socio economic and political life in Nepal , Nepal has been looking to diversify its transit routes. The China factor in India Nepal relations always needles and hence this question would enable us to understand the details of the transit agreement and its impact on bilateral relations.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to answer the following points :
- Details of the agreement
- How far this agreement would impact India’s place in Nepal’s transit requirement considering cost and other such factors
- Whether Nepal’s closeness to China , should be a matter of worry for India
- Future of India Nepal bilateral relations
Directive word
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Give details and background into the transit treaty signed between China and Nepal.
Body
- Give details of the transit agreement signed between China and Nepal
- Discuss the pros and cons of this agreement for Nepal, the article provides a detailed description of the same
- Examine whether and how the treaty would impact Nepal’s relations with India vis a vis india
- Discuss how should India respond to this development and the way forward for India
Conclusion – Emphasize on the importance of maintaining parity with china in south Asia considering China’s explicit strategy of boxing India in south Asia and suggest way forward for India.
Topic– Indian polity : Issues
Why this question
The recent verdict of SC in Sabarimala case is another instance of SC stepping in to correct the discriminatory social and religious practices that are violative of part III of our Constitution. Analyzing this verdict, the reasons given by the court and examining the debates raised by the issue is to be prepared for mains.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to bring out the verdict of the court in Sabarimala case and discuss the constitutional principles which the court deemed were violated by the religious custom. We need to bring out the pros and cons of the verdict along with the arguments given in the dissenting judgement that the tenets of secularism as enshrined in the constitution validates even the irrational practices of a religion. Post analysis, a fair and balanced opinion is to be provided along with way forward.
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 – Highlight the verdict of SC in Sabarimala case. Supreme Court has struck down the centuries-old ban on the entry of women aged 10-50 at the temple—this ban had been given legal sanction under the Rule 3 (b) of the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Rules, 1965 —as unconstitutional.
Body – Discuss the arguments given by the court in striking down the centuries old practice Discuss how the practice was violative of Article 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution. Discuss the dissenting view which gives primacy to religious freedom under Article 25. Discuss the other associated social issues – like the issue of gender equality, patriarchy etc
Conclusion – Give a fair and balanced view on the verdict and discuss way forward.
General Studies – 3
Topic – Part of static series under the heading – “Inflation”
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to explain the difference between cost push and demand pull inflation and do a critical analysis of the impact of inflation.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Explain what inflation is.
Body – Explain the difference between the demand pull and cost push inflation and do a critical analysis of the impact of inflation such as decline in relative competitiveness, depreciation in Exchange Rate, socio economic impacts etc, Phillips curve etc
Conclusion – Give a fair and balanced view of the impact of inflation on economy.
Topic – Disaster and disaster management
Why this question
This article talks about the reasons why Indian cities are ill equipped to deal with the challenges posed by disasters. With the intensity and frequency of natural calamities increasing, it is imperative for Indian cities to prepare a strategy for minimising losses to life and property. This question expects us to ponder upon these aspects.
Key demand of the question
This question expects us to explain the disaster risk profile of the country, reasons why despite such high risk our preparation in preparing for such disasters and dealing with its aftermath is poor. Finally, we need to give suggestions for improvement in status quo.
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 – Highlight some of the recent disasters and the growing threats to cities from the wrath of nature.
Body
- Elaborate on the claim that there is a looming threat of disasters over several part of the country – briefly explain the disaster map of India and the regions which are under the threat of earthquakes, cyclones, floods , new phenomena such as urban floods etc.
- Highlight the reasons why they are ill equipped to deal with such disasters – most city government still grapple with basis day to day issues, multiplicity of authorities etc in bigger cities etc. Discuss the issues with our disaster management strategy.
- Give suggestions as to how to deal with the impending threat of disasters and be prepared to deal with them – Discuss the guidelines suggested by Sendai framework, suggestions given by 2nd ARC report on disaster management etc
Conclusion – Summarize the status of Indian cities with respect to managing disasters and discuss way forward.
General Studies – 4
Topic– Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration
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 carefully understand the given statement and bring out the importance of dedication to public service. It wants us to discuss as to why honesty and efficiency alone are not enough in order to become a good civil servant.
Structure of the answer
Introduction-Write a few introductory lines about the importance of honesty and efficiency in public service.
Body–
Discuss in detail as to why only the above 2 values are not enough and bring out the importance of dedication to public service. E.g it determines the level of motivation of a public servant; it determines his response and attitude in difficult situations; a dedicated, efficient and an honest civil servant will perform well in all kinds of conditions; dedication to civil service helps a person overcome emotional, financial difficulties faced by him; it also instructs a person to be fair and always ready to serve the people and the nation etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
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