[Insights Secure – 2019] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 25 OCTOBER 2018
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Tomorrow’s Static Topic: Salient Features of Indian Society + Diversity (Click Here)
General Studies – 1
Topic– Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
1) Living in harmony with nature has been an integral part of Indian society. Elaborate.(250 words)
Directive word
Elaborate- Here we have to add more details concerning what has already been said.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to write in detail as to how living in harmony with nature has been an integral part of Indian culture. We have to support our answer with proper facts and relevant examples here.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about the Indian society. E.g Living in harmony with nature has been an integral part of Indian society and its culture. This has been abundantly reflected in a variety of traditional practices, religious beliefs, rituals, folklore, arts and crafts, and in the daily lives of the Indian people from time immemorial.
Body-
Discuss the reverence for environment showed by ancient and medieval Indian societies. E.g For the people of India, environmental conservation is not a new concept. Historically, the protection of nature and wildlife was an ardent article of faith, reflected in the daily lives of people, enshrined in myths, folklore, religion, arts, and culture. Some of the fundamental principles of ecology-the interrelationship and interdependence of all life-were conceptualized in the Indian ethos and reflected in the ancient scriptural text, the Isopanishad, over 2000 years ago; The oldest visual image of the human fascination, love, and reverence for nature in India can be found in the 10,000 year-old cave paintings at Bhimbetka in Central India depicting birds, animals, and human beings living in harmony; The Indus Valley civilization provides evidence of human interest in wildlife, as seen in seals depicting images of rhino, elephant, bull, etc.; Sacred groves and sacred plants and animals etc.
Discuss the changes in Indian society brought out by the growth in population, urbanization, globalization which has led to erosion of traditional respect and reverence for environment etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
Topic -Effects of globalization on Indian society
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 globalization has impacted the Indian education system.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about the globalization and its historical association with India.
Body-
Discuss how globalization has affected Indian education system. E.g There is an increased emphasis on preparing global citizens who are ready to face the highly competitive world. There is a huge upsurge in the demand for learning English language, growing popularity of international schools, need for curriculum restructuring and inclusion of ICTs etc. globalisation has put an extra pressure on the education system to create ‘winners’ who are ready to battle in the race for the survival of the fittest. It has led to the preparation of a curriculum that has to be internationally acceptable. There is also a huge demand for learning English language, schools with an international appeal with unconventional syllabi that focus on overall development of personality instead of rote learning, newer means of teaching learning pedagogy etc.
Take the help of the article attached to the question and other relevant material to frame your answer.
Conclusion- based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
Topic– Part of static series under the heading – “Salient features of Indian society and diversity”
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to bring out the nature of diversity found in India. Thereafter, we are expected to explain the reasons why India is such a diverse country. Next, we need to debate whether this diversity of India is creating challenges to the growth of our country, or whether it is a source of strength for us. Finally we need to provide a fair and balanced conclusion.
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 – Briefly comment on the nature and extent of diversity found in India in terms of religion, language, ethnicity, geography etc.
Body
- Discuss the reasons why India is so diverse
- Historical reasons such as the presence of multiple small kingdoms, invasions by foreigners etc
- Geographical reasons which allowed for the development of distinct culture etc
- Discuss the disadvantages that India has had to face due to its diversity
- Problem of governance
- Social tensions and conflicts
- Secessionist tendencies etc
- Discuss the advantages that India has due to its diversity
- A modern, secular, democratic state despite its diversity is a source of India’s soft power and reflection of its rich heritage and culture
- Diversity of culture translates into diversity of ideas and innovations
- Rich heritage and culture as a result of diversity etc
Conclusion – Give a fair and balanced view on the debate and include a quote on india’s diversity by Nehru, Guha etc
Topic – Part of static series under the heading – “Salient features of Indian society and diversity”
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to explain what is meant by Sanskritization. Next, we need to explain the role played by British in aiding and abetting the process of Sankritization in India. Finally, we need to examine how the situation reversed with the affirmative action policies in the constitution and political developments in post independence India i.e. how we moved towards desanskritization.
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 – Explain Sanskritization and desanskritization. Sanskritization is a term coined by the famous Sociologist, Dr M.N. Srinivas. It refers to the process by which castes lower in the hierarchy emulate the rituals and practices of upper castes, thereby seeking upward mobility. The basic premise of Dr Srinivas was to show that the caste system was not rigid but rather very fluid.
Body
- Explain that British did not ‘invent’ the caste system but what they did do was to make it the primary basis of social classification. When the British started taking the census, from 1882 onwards, caste was the basic unit of organizing society that they considered. When caste is your identity then you have an incentive in figuring out ‘how many’ people belong to your caste and when you organize politically or economically you do so along these lines.
- Also highlight that for the British officers under the East India Company and even later under the Crown the caste system was an ideal way to control society. Mention that according to some sociologists the British aided the process of Sanskritization during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries as it served their interests.
- Highlight the changes brought about in the process of Sanskritization with the introduction of reservation and the result of Mandal Commission. Discuss how green revolution led to political mobilization of intermediate caste which led to them climbing up the social ladder. Discuss the rise of caste-based parties which claimed to speak on behalf of one or all backward castes which led to de-Sanskritization’: it was no longer beneficial to be an upper caste and so attempts were made to re-claim any lower or backward caste roots.
Conclusion – Discuss about the situation in India at present.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Why this question
India has recently signed a huge defence deal with Russia, which has alienated US from India to some extent. In this context it is essential to analyze why strategic ambivalence is not an answer to the situation that India’ faces today.
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 analyze the Indian foreign relations with US and Russia in the present times. It wants us to bring out as to why strategic ambivalence is not an answer to the situation that India’ faces with US and Russia today. Based on our discussion we have to form our personal opinion on the issue.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about the recent India-Russia defence deal despite clear expression of resentment against the deal by US.
Body-
- Discuss the main outcomes of the recent defence deal e.g S-400 missiles; signing of to a document to expand civil nuclear energy cooperation and agreed on a second site for Russian nuclear reactors; memorandum of understanding on a joint programme in the field of human space-flight; The two countries also agreed on the virtues of a regional security architecture to provide security to all countries in Asia and in the regions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. This seemed to demonstrate a clear ‘mutuality of interests’ etc.
- Discuss the relationship with US in terms of defence. E.g The 2+2 Dialogue; COMCASA etc.
- Mention the other important facets of the relationship between the three countries. E.g The underlying theme of the 2+2 Dialogue, notwithstanding all this, seems however, aimed at forging a possible containment of China strategy, with India partnering the U.S. in this effort; Russia is essentially seeking to cement a relationship with India that has existed for several years. It was not insisting on any exclusivity as far as relationships go. The U.S. wants India to view foreign policy perspectives largely through a U.S. prism, and thereafter make a choice etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue. E.g India should not reject, without due consideration, what is in its best interest. Its decision needs to be dictated by the cold logic of circumstances. Strategic integrity and autonomy, and mature strategic judgment are required in a world where disruption is the order of the day.
General Studies – 3
Topic – Indian Economy : Issues
Why this question
The article discusses the changing nature of globalisation and how well placed India is in taking advantage of the changed scenario, and the kind of policy changes required. The question would enable us to understand the changing nature of globalization and enhance our understanding of why we need to reap our demographic dividend.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to examine the changing nature of globalisation in India and discuss how prepared India is likely to be impacted by this. We need to discuss the changes in trade, technology and capital flows and also the lacunae in India’s ability to adjust to these changes. Finally, we need to provide suggestions in terms of changes in policy which are required.
Directive word
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidences. You have to appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming a personal opinion here.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Briefly explain what do we mean by the changing nature of globalisation.
Body – Discuss the changes in trade, technology and capital flows and how India is geared to adjust to those changes. Discuss the gaps which would prevent India from reaping full benefit of the favourable situation that India finds itself in. Next, we need to discuss the changes in policy required such as the need for human capital development etc in order to adjust and reap its demographic dividend.
Conclusion – Give your view on how well India is placed to reap benefit and discuss the way forward.
General Studies – 4
Topic– strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance
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 brainstorm and write in detail as to what should be the broad framework followed in order to make ethical decisions. It wants us to form a step wise procedure in this regard. Then we have to give an example of a hypothetical situation where our step by step process could be applied.
Structure of the answer
- Introduction– write a few lines about the need to follow ethical principles in public administration and briefly mention the role of code of conduct rules etc.
Body-
Mention that it is not possible to formulate a process which covers all situations where questions of ethics may arise. Form your answer in the form of a step by step process and give a brief explanation for each step. E.g you can take the help of Michael Davis’ seven-step guide to ethical decision-making. Be creative and critical enough to modify the guide for the challenges involved in public administration.
Seven-step guide to ethical decision-making (Davis 1999)
- State the problem.
- Check the facts.
- Identify relevant factors.
- Develop a list of options.
- Test the options.
- Make a choice based on steps 1-5.
- Review steps 1-6.
- Form an example where this guide can be followed.
NOTE:
