[Insights Secure – 2019] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 08 NOVEMBER 2018
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Tomorrow’s Static Topic: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
General Studies – 1
Topic– Events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization.
1) Discuss the role of Indian soldiers in the first world war.(250 words)
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 India’s response to first world war and the role played by Indian soldiers in thw war.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about the first world war- the two opposing sides etc.
Body-
Discuss in detail the role played by Indian soldiers in the first world war. E.g In the early days of the War, troops of the Indian Army, backed by the political bourgeoisie, were enthusiastic in responding to the British government’s call for military support from India. This was because, although the swadeshi movement was underway, the freedom movement was in a fledgling stage. Even Mahatma Gandhi was open to Indians enlisting and learning to defend themselves using arms, as were leaders such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak; The Indian Army during World War I contributed a large number of divisions and independent brigades to the European, Mediterranean and the Middle East theatres of war in World War I.In total at least 74,187 Indian soldiers died during the war;In World War I the Indian Army fought against the German Empire in German East Africa and on the Western Front. At the First Battle of Ypres, Khudadad Khan became the first Indian to be awarded a Victoria Cross; Indian divisions were also sent to Egypt, Gallipoli and nearly 700,000 served in Mesopotamia against the Ottoman Empire.[1] While some divisions were sent overseas others had to remain in India guarding the North West Frontier and on internal security and training duties etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
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 dig deep into the recent US withdrawal from INF agreement and express our opinion as to why existing nuclear arms control agreements need to be brought in line with today’s political realities. However, we can also form an opinion against the statement. But our opinion has to be based on substantial and valid facts/ arguments.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about the INF agreement (signed in 1987, Under the INF Treaty, the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. agreed to eliminate within three years all ground-launched-missiles of 500-5,500 km range and not to develop, produce or deploy these in future) and recent withdrawal of US from INF agreement.
Body-
Discuss why the withdrawal of US from INF does not have much significance today. E.g The U.S.’s 2018 Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) reflects a harsher assessment of the security environment faced by the U.S. and envisages a more expansive role for nuclear weapons than in the past. Russia is blamed for seeking the break-up of NATO and a re-ordering of ‘European and Middle East security and economic structures in its favour’. China is identified for the first time as a strategic competitor seeking regional hegemony in the Indo-Pacific region in the near-term and ‘displacement of the U.S. to achieve global pre-eminence in the future’; Even more worrisome are developments that blur the line between nuclear and conventional weapons. In order to lessen its dependence on nuclear weapons, the U.S. developed layered missile defences and conventional Prompt Global Strike (PGS) capabilities that use conventional payloads against strategic targets. Other countries have responded with hypersonics and a shift to lower yield tactical warheads. With growing dependence on space-based and cyber systems, such asymmetric approaches only increase the risks of accidental and inadvertent nuclear escalation; The key difference with today’s return of major power rivalry is that it is no longer a bipolar world, and nuclear arms control is no longer governed by a single binary equation. There are multiple nuclear equations — U.S.-Russia, U.S.-China, U.S.-North Korea, India-Pakistan, India-China, but none is standalone. Therefore, neither nuclear stability nor strategic stability in today’s world can be ensured by the U.S. and Russia alone and this requires us to think afresh etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
Topic- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health
Why this question
The article discusses the issues that would arise out of Ayushman Bharat because of the gap it would create in the good and relatively worse off performing states in terms of healthcare. Ayushman Bharat is one of the flagship schemes of the government and needs to analyzed from various aspects.
Key demand of the question
The question makes an assertion that the design of Ayushman Bharat scheme is such that it would increase the gap between good and bad performing states. We need to analyze the statement, give reasons for why it would happen and the. Counter arguments stating why this might not happen. Finally, we need to give a fair and balanced conclusion and discuss 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. 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 about Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Body
- Explain the mechanism of Ayushman Bharat such as sharing of expenditure by centre and state, portability of healthcare etc
- Highlight the financing structure of Ayushman Bharat and discuss the problems that it would cause
- Reduce incentive for poor performing states to invest in improving healthcare infrastructure
- Increase burden on better performing states
- Dilution of state responsibility
- Give points counter to the above – improve health access for the people, reduce out of pocket expenditure etc
Conclusion – Give a fair and balanced conclusion and discuss way forward.
Topic – Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
Why this question
This article discusses what RPOs are and the issues arising in fulfilment of RPOs. In the present context, when climate change is such a big concern, and there is a significant push towards renewables, RPOs are an effective means of ensuring growth of renewables. Hence this question.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to explain what RPOs are, their purpose, the issues being faced in fulfilment of RPOs and how to address those issues.
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 the current context where global warming is such a huge threat, and there is a need to push renewables.
Body
- Explain what RPOs are – provide a fillip to the ambitious renewable energy targets, obligations have been imposed on certain entitles to purchase energy from renewable sources by various state electricity regulatory commissions (SERCs) based on each state’s varying renewable energy potentials. Known as renewable purchase obligations (RPOs), power distribution companies, captive power plants and other large electricity consumers are bound to meet them by purchasing a certain percentage of their requirements from renewable energy sources.
- Discuss the issues in RPO fulfilment – restriction in trading of RPOs etc
- Discuss how can we resolve these issues
Conclusion – emphasize on the importance of RPO and the need for ensuring compliance.
General Studies – 3
Topic– Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Why this question
The article discusses in detail about the most important social and economical problems faced by India, despite a sustained high growth rate.
Directive word
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.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to dig deep into the current socio-economic reality of India and bring out the most important problems faced by India.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about India’s economic progress since economic reforms.
Body- Discuss in paras the problems faced by India, which otherwise should have been resolved by economic growth. E.g
- Female infanticide and low sex ratio in northern and western states of India.
- Failure of education: In a rapidly digitising world, India is wholly unequipped to supply quality education.
- Rise in income inequalities
- Rise in regional disparities.
Discuss each heading briefly.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
Topic – Indigenisation of technology
Why this question
The application and advantages of Blockchain for a country like India is immense, yet we do not have favourable environment in which Blockchain and its application can be researched and developed well. The advantages of Blockchain for India and the regulatory architecture around it needs to be discussed for SnT section of mains.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to provide two answers
- The advantages of Blockchain for India
- The issues with the regulatory architecture and how to impedes research and development of Blockchain
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 – explain what is Blockchain and highlight it’s applications.
Body
- Discuss the importance of blockchain for a country like India eg. Help in job creation, capital, solutions to India’s problems and global strategic positioning.
- Discuss the policy architecture and issues in it – The current debate in India has, unfortunately, focused too heavily on trading and speculation, looking at cryptocurrencies as an investment tool, rather than understanding the potential of core blockchain technology and the basic role of cryptocurrencies as an incentive mechanism to secure decentralized transactions
- Discuss the pros and cons of this approach
Conclusion – Give your view on what needs to be done and discuss way forward.
General Studies – 4
Topic– Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;
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 our knowledge and understanding of the Gandhi’s values of humanism and his contribution towards the same endeavour.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about the role of Mahatma Gandhi towards the freedom struggle and in eradicating/ fighting against various social evils in the society.
Body-
Discuss in detail about the Gandhian values of humanism. E.g His experience with truth and his commitment to serve those in need are inspirational; As he himself had said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”; This vision of service and humanism, and transforming noble thoughts to tangible action, has inspired several generations of world leaders; Gandhiji was an inspiration to all mankind. He truly believed that cleansing our inner being of all evils is as important as cleansing our countries of colonialism. His deep sense of compassion and inclusiveness permeated his outlook on humanity — this included his opponents as well. Mahatma Gandhi said: “I am endeavouring to see God through service of humanity for I know that God is neither in heaven, nor down below, but in everyone.” etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
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