[Insights Secure – 2019] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 30 July 2019
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INSIGHTS NEW SECURE – 2019: YEARLONG TIMETABLE
Tomorrow’s Static Topic: Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
General Studies – 1
Topic: population and associated issues.
Why this question:
The article discusses in detail the newer trends in the fertility transition across the country.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss in detail the Spatial Patterns of Fertility Transition in India in terms of rural-urban and north-south contrast.
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:
In brief set the background of the question by taking cues from the article.
Body:
The answer must capture the following aspects in detail –
First discuss the reasons for vastly different fertility transitions going on in rural and urban India, and the north and south of the country.
Quote data from new Sample Registration Survey (2017) data for India.
Explain how over the last decade, fertility has fallen sharply in both rural and urban India.
Discuss the parameters that have changed, reasons for their change etc.
Then appreciate the pressing need to think over these changing trends to harness the true potential of the demography along with effective management of the population.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
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 highlights the positives that the digital literacy has brought in , especially the rural areas where the digital literacy has penetrated the regions of rural pockets that still lack literacy.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must bring out the positives of digital literacy and the effects it has especially on rural India.
Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
In brief define digital literacy.
Body:
First explain how Digital literacy will provide the opportunity to rural people for education, financial inclusion, accessing best health services, getting employment, selling their good and services etc.
Digital technology successfully reducing the geographical distance, reducing the transaction cost, permitting real time events and providing the true information. All this will help the development of rural India.
Discuss the various initiatives taken by the government of India in rendering digital services to rural india.
Explain how it has brought the entrepreneurial mentality among the rural youth.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
Why this question:
The article discusses in detail in what way in the wake of a bruising battle over the RTI Act, much-needed steps to improve transparency are being ignored.
Demand of the question:
One must discuss the recent amendments made by the government and the pros and cons of such steps and the effects it has on the functioning of the RTI. One has to suggest solutions to overcome such issues.
Directive word:
Analyze – When asked to analyse, 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
State the recent amendments made to the RTI act.
Body
First explain the proposed amendment – the salaries, allowances and other terms and conditions of service of the CIC and ICs “shall be such as may be prescribed by the central government”. The tenure of information commissioners at the centre and the states is proposed to be amended from “a term of five years” to “terms as may be prescribed by the central government”.
Then discuss why is it being opposed and on what grounds?
Explain what needs to be done to preserve the true spirit of the act and to ensure it functions to the best possible way.
Conclusion
Conclude by suggesting solutions to make the act more effective.
Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.
Why this question:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bhutan on 17-18 August to underline his government’s emphasis on India’s “neighborhood first” policy, as well as the country’s special relationship with the strategically located Himalayan nation.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must analyse India- Bhutan relations at a broader picture with special focus on India’s neighborhood first policy.
Directive:
Elucidate – Give 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:
Discuss the context of the question.
Body:
The answer must discuss in detail India- Bhutan relations.
Diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan were established in 1968 with the appointment of a resident representative of India in Thimphu.
Before this India’s relations with Bhutan were looked after by India’s Political Officer in Sikkim.
The basic framework of India- Bhutan bilateral relations was the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 between the two countries, which was revised in February 2007.
The India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty not only reflects the contemporary nature of their relationship but also lays the foundation for their future development in the 21st century.
Discuss the role India’s neighborhood first policy would have on India-Bhutan relations.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
General Studies – 3
Topic:Linkages between development and spread of extremism
Why this question:
The question aims to establish the interlinkages between the communities of Dalits and Adivasis with Naxal movements of the country.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss and establish the relation between the presence of such communities and the Naxal establishments of a region.
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 Naxal reach and expanse in the country.
Body:
Discussion should include the following:
Discuss the double tragedy at work in tribal India; The first tragedy is that the state has treated its Adivasi citizens with contempt and condescension. The second tragedy is that their presumed protectors, the Naxalites, offer no long-term solution either.
Explain the plight of thousands of tribals and Dalits in India.
Discuss that plethora of constitutional provisions are in place to protect the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and yet, in practice no SC/ST law comes to their rescue or penalizes the culprits.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward and suggest what needs to be done.
Topic: Linkages between development and spread of extremism
Why this question:
The question aims to analyse the link between spread of Naxalism and the lack of access to the resources in a region.
Key demand of the question:
Explain in detail the relationship between resources and the spread of extremism.
Directive:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, 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, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgement.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Quote facts/data justifying the spread of extremism related to lack of access to resources.
Body:
The question is straightforward and must be explained using case studies as to in what way lack of resources becomes a central cause to rise and spread of extremism. Then discuss the role of the state governments to overcome these issues and challenges and in what way directed policies are required to overcome these challenges.
Conclusion:
Conclude by suggesting solutions to the problem.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships. 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 aims to discuss any four essential values that shape an individual’s character through the stages of education.
Key demand of the question:
Explain any four key values that you think are essentially shaped during one’s educational journey.
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:
Discuss the importance of values in one’s life.
Body:
Discuss the answer into parts – Essential values during primary education, secondary education and tertiary education.
Values may vary from curiosity, kindness, freedom, discipline, hard work etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stating their significance in life.
NOTE:
