[Insights Secure – 2020] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 21 January 2020
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INSIGHTS NEW SECURE – 2020: YEARLONG TIMETABLE
General Studies – 1
Topic: Indian Culture will cover the salient aspects of Art forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Class XI NCERT Medieval history
Why this question:
The question seeks to examine the principles and basic tenets of Jainism and the teachings that reflect in today’s Indian society owing to the impact of Jainism.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the impact of the teachings of Jainism in general on our society right from the beginning through our freedom struggle, social life, polity etc.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Jainism played an important role in Indian Culture. Its impact on society was reflected not only in Indian society but also in national movement and constitution making and many other aspects of day to day life.
Body:
In detail discuss Jain teachings and ideologies as reflected in different aspects of our society- principle of Ahimsa that reflected in the freedom struggle, principles of Secularism, non-violence, position of women, equity etc.
Bring out the articles in our Indian constitution that reflect these tenets and confirm the significance of the teachings of the school.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting the importance of Jainism and the need to acknowledge and preserve the religion to ensure its contributions to the composite culture of the country.
Topic: Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
Indian Polity by Lakshmikant
Why this question:
The question tries to point out the idea of socialism that is different from the socialism adopted by the other world countries.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the Idea of Indian socialism in contrast with socialism of the west and other communist countries of the world.
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:
Start with general idea of Socialism.
Body:
Discuss first the idea of socialism in communist countries- In Socialism espoused by Communist countries, system of production is owned by the people collectively through their government. There are no private landlords and factory owners and all business is conducted by the State and all profits go to the state treasury i.e. industries are operated not with a view to profit by sale to other people, but for the direct service of those whom the authority or association represents.
Then move on to present the idea of Indian Democratic socialism. Features like – Socialism Combined with Modernism: “Democratic Socialism” and the “mixed economy’ demanded equality of opportunities for all and it was the basic theme. Nehru’s vision of a technologically progressive India was also inspired by a socially inspired process of integrating the technology with the modern methods of agriculture and production.
Inclusive Socialism: India also imbibed core socialism spirit through planned economic development, initiation of land reforms, labour laws, progressive taxation, expansion of education and health and rapid expansion of the
Public sector.
Discuss the concept of Democratic socialism.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance of Indian flavor of Socialism.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Why this question:
The article highlights the significance of Raisina dialogue as a global platform for geopolitics.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the significance of Raisina dialogue to India and the associated geopolitics.
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:
Briefly narrate about the Raisina platform.
Body:
Discuss in what way the Raisina dialogue has emerged as an important global forum on geopolitics.
Explain that Raisina has been successful in drawing participants from countries that are at odds with each other — US, China, Russia, Iran and the Gulf Arabs.
Bring out the growing international interest in India amidst its rapid economic growth in the new millennium and the recognition of its salience in shaping the future of international order.
Discuss the advantages of having such a forum from Indian perspective.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
Why this question:
World leaders made a fresh push for peace in Libya at a summit in Berlin on Sunday, in a desperate bid to stop the conflict-wracked nation from turning into a “second Syria”. Thus the question.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the ongoing Syrian crisis and the possibility of ceasefire in near future.
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:
Describe what is happening in Libya currently.
Body:
Explain what is happening in Libya; Libya has been wracked by conflict since the 2011 uprising which ousted long-time strongman Muammar Gaddafi.
Discuss the efforts by foreign powers to resolve the crisis.
Explain the possibility of ceasefire, role of UN etc.
Take hints from the article and comment upon the Berlin action.
Conclusion:
Conclude with what needs to be done.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life. Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Why this question:
The question aims to ascertain the applications of Blockchain technology and its aid to social sector. National Informatics Centre (NIC) has set up the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Blockchain Technology in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss the significance of Blockchain technology and its application.
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:
Briefly define Blockchain technology.
Body:
Blockchain technology is upcoming & niche technology and adoption of the same in sectors such as health, finance, agriculture and various other sectors would aid the government in implementing various programmes and provide trust and immutability to the assets.
Explain the applications of Blockchain technology, With National Informatics Centre (NIC) providing a robust and an agile infrastructure, the CoE shall also provide Blockchain as a Service (BaaS) for efficient hosting of Blockchain network.
Conclusion:
Conclude with futuristic advantages of Blockchain Technology.
Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life. Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Why this question:
The article examines critically the performance of “Make in India”. Thus the question.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the objectives of the Make in India, explain the limitations and take hints from the article.
Directive:
Deliberate – Weigh up to what extent something is true. Persuade the reader of your argument by citing relevant research but also remember to point out any flaws and counter- arguments as well. Conclude by stating clearly how far you agree with the original proposition.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Define the details of the scheme.
Body:
The ‘Make in India’ initiative is to encourage manufacturing in India and galvanize the economy with dedicated investments in manufacturing and services.
Explain the progress made so far.
Discuss the setbacks that the scheme has witnessed, explain the challenges.
Take hints from the article and explain the issues involved and suggest what reforms need to be brought out to address the challenges.
Conclusion:
Conclude that the lacunas need to be addressed to ensure viability of the scheme and attain success for the program for a long term period.
Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers
Why this question:
The article highlights the fact that despite the slowdown in rural demand, the spike in food prices is not showing any signs of cooling. Thus the question seeks to examine the possibility of India emerging as an export powerhouse of farm products.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the current status of production with respect to farm products in the country and to what extent India can have a bright future in this sector.
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:
First discuss key facts pointing at the export potential of the farm products in the country.
Body:
Discuss the current conditions of agriculture in the country with respect to agri marketing and products.
Explain the key challenges ranging from inflation, storage issues, marketing hurdles etc. in detail.
Discuss the factors that have contributed to such conditions in the farming economy.
Explain what needs to be done, suggest the efforts being made by the government in this direction.
Conclusion:
Conclude that a multi-sectorial approach needs to be designed to ensure India becomes a leading export powerhouse in terms of farm products.
