[Insights Secure – 2020] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 07 October 2019

[Insights Secure – 2020] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 07  October 2019

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General Studies – 1


Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present significant events, personalities, issues

1) The kind of politics Mahatma Gandhi introduced Indians to, during Indian freedom struggle were not entirely new. Analyse. (250 words)

Modern history by Spectrum

Why this question:

The question intends to evaluate the Gandhian methods and the kind of politics he introduced to Indians that were not totally new to the countrymen but were result of his experiments in the past.

Key demand of the question:

One must discuss how the kind of politics Mahatma Gandhi introduced Indians to, during Indian freedom struggle were not entirely new.

Directive:

AnalyzeWhen 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: 

Briefly explain the significance of Gandhian contribution to the politics that evolved during freedom struggle.

Body:

Major portion of the answer should explain how political methods of Gandhi were not entirely new – 

  • His boycott programs during Non-Cooperation movement were effectively utilized by the Swadeshi and Boycott movement of 1905. 
  • Involvement of masses – this too had started during the Swadeshi movement due to the efforts of the extremists. 
  • His idea of Swaraj or self-government was effectively demonstrated by the Home Rule League Movement of Tilak and Besant. 
  • However Gandhi’s techniques were novel in respect that they were strictly based on non-violence, demonstrated Hindu Muslim unity, etc.

Explain the relevance of his political tenets even today.

Conclusion:

Conclude by reasserting significance of Gandhian methods of politics.


Topic:  Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present significant events, personalities, issues

 2) The Anglo-French Rivalry in India was a part of their global rivalry aiming supremacy. Trace the course of their wars in India and also, examine the reasons for French failure.(250 words)

Modern Indian history by spectrum publications

Why this question:

The question is from the static portions of Modern Indian history.

Key demand of the question:

The question is to trace the wars between English and French in India. So one has to explain Carnatic Wars and their result in detail and the entire struggle of the French to establish their supremacy.

Directive:

ExamineWhen asked to ‘Examine’, we must look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

The Anglo French Rivalry in India reflected the traditional rivalry throughout their history. 

Body:

Explain first how it all started – It started with the outbreak of Austria war of Succession and ended with the conclusion of Seven years’ war.

Discuss the factors that led to victory of the British like – 

Less governmental control over English company helped them in taking instant decisions unlike French

  • Superiority of English Navy to the French counterpart.
  • Strategic locations like Calcutta, Madras and Bombay occupied by English while French had just Pondicherry.
  • French subordinated their commercial interest to territorial ambition which made them short of funds.
  • Brilliant commanders like Rovert Clive, Eyre Coote in British camp while French had just Dupleix.

Explain the effect of it on rest of the dynamics around the period.

Conclusion:

The end of Seven years of war finally decided that English and not French were to become masters of India.


General Studies – 2


Topic:   Indian Constitution– historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

3) Does the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill go against Article 14 of the Constitution?Critically analyse.(250 words)

The hindu

 

Why this question:

he Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was passed by the Lok Sabha in January this year but lapsed as it was not tabled in the Rajya Sabha. It had proposed to amend the original Citizenship Act of 1955. After returning to power with a majority for another term, the National Democratic Alliance government is trying to resurrect the Bill. 

Key demand of the question:

The answer must discuss the mandate of the bill, associated fault lines, the apex court observations in this regard and in what way the bill goes against Article 14 of the Constitution.

Directive:

Critically analyzeWhen 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 judgment.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

In brief explain the mandate of the bill.

Body:

First explain the Concept of Citizenship followed by the country.

The answer must focus to bring out the conflict that the bill holds on with Article 14 of the constitution.

Discuss the drawbacks associated with the bill.

Explain that there should be no politics in the passing of legislations that bypass the democratic ideals of India.

Conclusion:

Conclude by suggesting propositions or solutions to the issue.


Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

4) “Mother tongue vital for survival of a civilization”, Do you agree? Analyse the statement with suitable justifications backing your opinion.(250 words)

Hindustantimes

Why this question:

A few days after a language row erupted over allegations of an alleged plan to impose Hindi on Southern states, vice-president Venkaiah Naidu recently said respecting and recognizing the mother tongue and promoting it is vital for the survival of any civilisation.

Key demand of the question:

Explain the vitality of Mother tongue in marking the survival of any civilisation.

Directive:

AnalyzeWhen 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: 

In brief explain the importance of Mother tongue in general.

Body:

Explain the role that a mother tongue plays in the development of a civilisation.

Discuss the contributions of it in establishing a civilisation.

Discuss its applications – in development of child, in education, Better connection with your culture, Intellectual Development, Commercial benefits, the Pride and in establishing identity of a particular society.

Conclusion:

Conclude with way forward.


Topic:   Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

5) Should groundwater use for cultivation of water intensive crops be discouraged? Critically analyse how groundwater can be used and managed effectively for Agricultural purposes.(250 words)

Financialexpress

Why this question:

The article highlights the efforts being made by International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in developing rice crops that are less water intensive.

Key demand of the question:

Provide for a detailed analysis of ground water usage associated in the agrarian systems of the country.

Directive:

Critically analyzeWhen 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 judgment.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

In brief explain the importance of conserving ground water and that the major contributions in exploitation of ground water are being made by the agricultural systems; such as rice cultivation etc.

Body:

First discuss the arguments made in the article.

Explain the importance of saving ground water.

What are the factors responsible for unconditional exploitation of ground water?

Explain what needs to be done to overcome the situation, suggest alternatives.

Conclusion:

Conclude with way forward.


General Studies – 3


Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

6) What is Single Use Plastic?Discuss the challenges posed by them and explain in what way one can deal with the plastic menace steadily and replace it? Also suggest way forward.(250 words)

youtube

 

Why this question:

The TV debate captures the issues associated with single use plastic and the challenges associated with it.

Key demand of the question:

One must explain in detail the issues associated with single use plastic and the challenges in overcoming the threats posed by it and in managing and eradicating the menace totally.

Directive:

DiscussThis 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.

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: 

In brief narrate the recent ban placed on single use plastic in the country.

Body:

Explain the following dimensions:

Provide some statistics/data on single use plastic usage to set the background.

Explain what is single use plastic? – Single-use plastics, also referred as disposable plastics, are commonly used for plastic packaging and intended to be used only once before they are thrown away or recycled. These include grocery (polythene) bags, food packaging, bottles, straws, containers, cups, cutlery etc.

Discuss the challenges involved in detail.

Why we need to ban single-use plastic? Its impact and Government’s Initiatives against plastic menace.

Conclusion:

Conclude with way forward.


General Studies – 4


Topic: strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance

7) “The hungry ‘should not be punished’ for stealing small amounts of food, if they are stealing to feed their family”. Is the statement morally justifiable? Discuss by giving your opinion on the moral conundrum.(250 words)

 case study based question

Why this question:

The question is based on the theme of morality and the conundrum associated there so.

Key demand of the question:

One has to present arguments for whether poverty leads to crime? If yes, why so?

Directive:

DiscussThis 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 narrate the moral conundrum involved in the situation.

Body:

Discuss first the reasons and the association poverty and hunger, elaborate that If a person is living in poverty they are less likely to have access to advanced education, life skills and job training. They are more likely to face unemployment or under employment. They are more likely to live in areas where crimes such as gangs and substance abuse are prevalent. Growing up in such environments increase the possibility of becoming involved in such activities because of the despair, frustration, anger and hopelessness created in such environments. If faced with the choice of barely getting by on a minimum wage job or making good money dealing drugs, many choose the criminal life because it allows an escape from poverty. So, for these reasons poverty may lead to more criminal activity.

Then discuss the ethical issues involved, and whether it is justified for the poor to steal. Present your opinion with suitable justifications.

Conclusion:

Conclude with fair and balanced opinion.



NOTE: 

We are giving hints for each question. Please use your creativity and originality to come up with answers that are unique to you. But do so without deviating from core demand of each question. Ultimately you should use your reason and judgement to write your own answer. 

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