[Insights Secure – 2019] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 20 June 2019
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INSIGHTS NEW SECURE – 2019: YEARLONG TIMETABLE
Tomorrow’s Static Topic: Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
General Studies – 1
Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including waterbodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Why this question:
The article discusses how Cyclone patterns and occurrence over India’s western sea show a change and that the recent data suggests that the previously calm body of water has also started receiving tropical cyclones of high intensity in a small-time interval.
Directive:
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.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must analyse in detail why Arabian Sea is comparatively less prone to cyclonic storms than the Bay of Bengal and what has been the effect of climate change on it.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin with brief introduction on the geographical aspects of Arabian sea and Bay of Bengal; their regular trends etc.
Body:
Discussion should include the following:
- First explain in detail why Arabian Sea is comparatively less prone to cyclonic storms than the Bay of Bengal – Almost 50 per cent of the storms do not sustain over its waters since the west-central and north Arabian Sea have a colder sea temperature than other adjacent regions. This cold sea surface temperature is not favourable for the development and sustenance of cyclonic storms.
- Then explain the recent unusualness around the Arabian sea; causative factors.
- Discuss the key role played by climate change in such a drastic change in the regular pattern.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting the importance of taking control over climate change to restore the natural course of the climate patterns and oceanic circulations.
General Studies – 2
Topic:Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Why this question:
The article discusses in detail the issues police system is facing in the country.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must analyse in detail what are the issues and concerns associated with functioning of Police system; causes and consequences along with the necessary reforms needed.
Directive:
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:
Begin with some facts from the article that could substantiate the question’s demands.
Body:
Discussion should include the following:
What are the issues with the law enforcement system in the country?
Major issues with Police in India- huge vacancies, over-burden, Arduous nature of duties and working conditions, lack of physical infrastructure, Qualifications and training of police personnel etc.
Why is the issue? What are the underlying causes? – criminalization of politics, lack of political will, lack of education etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by suggesting solutions.
Topic: Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
Why this question:
The question is about discussing the growth redistribution conundrum with respect to the poverty alleviation.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must analyse in detail the poverty alleviation methods with special focus on the growth redistribution aspect, one must evaluate the challenges associated with such programmes when the solution is hidden in growth redistribution.
Directive:
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:
Begin with brief introduction on what you understand by growth redistribution.
Body:
Discussion should include the following:
What does redistribution of wealth mean? – Redistribution of income and redistribution of wealth are respectively the transfer of income and of wealth (including physical property) from some individuals to others by means of a social mechanism such as taxation, charity, welfare, public services, land reform, monetary policies, confiscation, divorce or tort law.
How does it become redistribution of growth? explain the associated pros and cons.
Discuss some relevant cases of policies based upon this in the past, give your opinion.
Conclusion:
Conclude with how far such a mechanism can be used and what should be done.
Topic: Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
Why this question:
The question is straightforward and is about discussing the poverty alleviation programs of the country.
Key demand of the question:
One must discuss the successes and failures of the poverty alleviation programmes till date.
Directive:
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.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin with brief introduction on the timeline of various poverty alleviation programmes.
Body:
Explain that despite various strategies to alleviate poverty, hunger, malnourishment, illiteracy and lack of basic amenities continue to be a common feature in many parts of India. Though the policy towards poverty alleviation has evolved in a progressive manner, over the last five and a half decades, it has not undergone any radical transformation.
List down few successful programmes, discuss their relevance etc.
Discuss what needs to be done.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting that policies to alleviate poverty need to be multipronged in approach.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Why this question:
The article captures the water crisis currently that is prevailing in India. It points to the alarming crisis that may soon become a catastrophe.
Demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the underlying causes for such a crisis and analyse as to what needs to be done.
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
Start with few facts explaining the water crisis situation in the country. India has only 4% of the planet’s fresh-water for 16% of its population.
Body
One can have the following points in the answer:
Economic Growth: A good transportation system is an important selling point to communities that desire to attract development that provides for employment and growth of a city. If transport costs due to congestion increase, goods and services produced within that city tend to increase in costs thus losing competitiveness in international markets. Efficient transportation access is therefore a very important consideration as it has a direct impact on sound and sustainable economic growth and productivity. The cost of congestion in the Western Province of Sri Lanka is over Rs 20,000 million per year (around 2 percent of Regional GDP). This includes the cost of productive time and wastage of fuel.
Quality-of-Life: To some people, congested highways are a symptom of deteriorating quality-of-life-in a community. The amount of time that is spent on commuting to and from work is also in reality, time that is taken away from social interactions or pursuit of activities that have a personal value and satisfaction.
Explain the crisis situation first, draw a map of India to depict the water crisis situation across the country.
Explain the root cause of such situation – falling Groundwater levels, India is the world’s biggest groundwater extractor, All manner of structures have encroached upon lakes and rivers with impunity, while industrial waste and sewage inflows render various water bodies toxic. The problem is compounded by the large-scale adoption of thermocol and plastic plates and glasses even in the countryside, the stuff of non-biodegradable waste that ends up killing rural pools of water that have traditionally served entire villages etc.
Discuss what needs to be done to prevent the situation turning into a popular catastrophe.
Conclusion
Conclude with suggesting solutions, increased water harvesting techniques, scientific interventions for conservation of water is the need of the hour.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
Ethics by Lexicon Publications
Why this question:
The question is based on the aspect of strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the necessity of ethics and morals in public services and significance of strong values of co-operation in doing good and standing strong against bad.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Explain in brief the background of the question’s context.
Body:
The quote is given by Mahatma Gandhi, such questions are best explained with examples. One must justify how Non-cooperation with evil, is as much a duty as is cooperation with good.
Explain how doing good is as important as not co-operating with the evil or evil doers.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting that the anecdote stands significant even in today’s scenario.
Topic: Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems;
ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations
and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance;
strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international
relations and funding; corporate governance.
Ethics by Lexicon
Why this question:
The question is straightforward and is about discussing the significance of morality and its role in public services.
Key demand of the question:
Explain in detail what is morality, discuss the role played by it in public services.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin with brief introduction on what are morals.
Body:
Discussion should include the following:
- Explain that the concept of morality pertains to the principles of right and wrong human conduct. Moral qualities in human are their character traits such as honesty, integrity, etc. The concept of ethics is quite complex for the mankind. It is related to the standards of conduct acceptable to a group, a profession or members of an organization. Since whole organization or group is concerned, it creates problem for the individual to choose between the right and wrong and also between do’s and don’ts.
- The effective functioning of an organization rests on its manpower and leadership quality. Thus, an employee or an individual associated with the organization or a group establish the most important input in its administration. The manpower has to be converted into human resources using various systematic planning, adequate training and sufficient education. Using these methods, effective moral and ethics are inculcated among the members of the organization.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting its significance.
NOTE:
