[Insights Secure – 2020] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 2 January 2020
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General Studies – 1
Why this question:
In a significant find, the Epigraphy Branch of the Archaeological Survey of India has discovered the earliest epigraphic evidence so far for the Saptamatrika cult. It is also the earliest Sanskrit inscription to have been discovered in South India as on date. Thus the question.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the significance of epigraphy in bringing out the value of art and culture of a region; explain in what way they reflect far greater depths of art and culture.
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:
Explain briefly what epigraphy implies.
Body:
Discuss that Epigraphy implies the study of inscriptions. Beginning from the age of Harappan civilization a number of inscriptions have been discovered belonging to different periods of early Indian history. These inscriptions throw light on the politico-administrative, socio-cultural and religious life of the people.
Explain then the history reflected by the epigraphic sources; political history, art and culture etc.
Justify its significance.
Conclusion:
Thus art and culture as well as political life are reflected well in the epigraphic sources. At the same time, they must be complemented and supplemented by literary sources and other evidence to create a better picture of the early Indian Historical Tradition.
2. Examine the role of small towns in the regional development process. (250 words)
Why this question:
Question aims to evaluate the role of small towns in the regional development process.
Key demand of the question:
One has to explain that the regional development process is crucial for development of underdeveloped regions. This can be aided by the presence of small towns.
Directive:
Examine – When 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:
Define what constitute small towns.
Body:
Discuss the functions that the small towns play with regards to the regional development process; They act as the link between larger urban centres in the urban hierarchy with the villages in the region. They provide socio-economic opportunities to the emerging middle class working age population; act as centres for counter-migration etc.
Then explain the limitations they face, discuss policies aimed to address these limitations.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
General Studies – 2
Why this question:
As protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 rocked the country over the last two weeks there have been several instances of police clashing with and detaining protesters. In several cases, those detained were minors under 18 years.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss the context in detail and the role played by different responsible commissions to ensure the rights of the citizens are protected and are unharmed.
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 first the context of protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 across the country.
Body:
Discuss the role of commissions that are indirectly responsible to ensure safety of the involved protestors; in this case the minors, the juveniles.
Explain the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 has specific procedures and rules in relation to children found to be in conflict with the law.
Discuss the statutory bodies responsible for protecting the rights of children in India.
Elucidate upon the powers of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Why this question:
In a stern warning to Pakistan, new Army Chief Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane on Tuesday said India reserves the right to “preemptively strike” at sources of terror, asserting that a “new normal” in the country’s response mechanism to acts of cross-border terrorism has already been “emphatically” displayed.
Thus the question.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the disputed territories of India with its neighborhood. And need to have a policy to resolve the issues.
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 judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Discuss first the context of the question by highlighting recent turfs with neighbors.
Body:
First explain briefly the geographical extent, borders and borders in conflict with India.
Discuss then the border disputes on case by case basis; China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar etc.
It has not been possible for India to agree on the border with China since China is laying unreasonable claims on territories that have historically been India. There must be more constructive diplomatic engagement between both countries to resolve their decades-long border issues.
Regarding Pakistan, both the countries should come on the table sooner or later to discuss their contentious issues. Meanwhile, Pakistan must end any kind of support to Terrorism and its “Proxy War” on India to bring India on table to talk border issues.
Discuss the policy measures from past to present taken to resolve the problems posed in this sector.
Conclusion:
Conclude that India should engage constructively and generously with its smaller neighbors like Nepal to deal the border issues.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
1. Discuss in detail reasons for India to embrace Inclusive Growth.(250 words)
Indian economy by Dutta and Sundaram
Why this question:
The question is straightforward and is from the static portions of GS paper III.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the causes for which Indian setup necessitates inclusive growth.
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:
Define what you understand by Inclusive growth.
Body:
Discuss briefly the basic elements of Inclusive growth.
Move on to discuss the reasons for India to embrace inclusive growth.
The recognition of the significance of inclusive growth in developing Asia has been generated by a rising concern that the benefits of remarkable economic growth have not been equitably shared.
Inclusive growth is required for sustainable development and impartial distribution of wealth.
Discuss the challenges involved.
Conclusion:
Conclude with ways and means to achieve inclusive growth.
Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Why this question:
The question aims to analyse the challenges faced by the social limits to achieve the inclusive growth mandate.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in what forms the social limits of Indian democratic politics, discuss in what way it poses challenges.
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 judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Discuss the concept of inclusive growth.
Body:
Bring out the major challenges posed by the Indian setup; society, polity and its economy upon the growth factor.
Explain that the country remains shackled in dishonesty, red tape, traditional social hurdles and a bewildering lack of transparency. It is witnessed that growth is not uniform across sectors and large cross-sections of the population remain outside its purview.
Discuss specific issues with relevant examples from the recent news.
Conclusion:
Conclude with what needs to be done to address these challenges.
General Studies – 4
1. Analyse the probable impact of frontier technologies on developing countries.(250 words)
Why this question:
The article explains the fact that Frontier technologies are set to transform people’s lives, and developing nations must harness this revolution. But there is a danger that the gains will not reach the world’s poorest.
Key demand of the question:
One must provide for a detailed analysis of the probable impact of frontier technologies on developing countries.
Directive:
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:
The rapid technological transformations that started from the Industrial Revolution to the digital revolution, have boosted economic performance, improved efficiency, accelerated the pace of globalization, and transformed human society in the process.
Body:
Explain that Frontier Technology or Industrial Revolution 4.0, the latest wave of disruptive technological change is fundamentally altering how goods, services and ideas are exchanged. However, the disruptive nature of technology is nothing new, and it offers promising new opportunities, while at the same time posing a challenge to policymaking.
Discuss in detail what are frontier technologies and their applications.
Explain the associated challenges in detail.
Specifically discuss the case with developing countries; The Pathways for Prosperity Commission on Technology and Inclusive Development has shown that developing countries can still harness the new wave of frontier technologies for the benefit of all.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
