[Insights Secure – 2020] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 28 January 2020
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General Studies – 1
Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.
1. “Auschwitz was and is, still the center of Holocaust history”, Discuss. (250 words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
On January 27 this year, survivors of the Holocaust and international heads of state marked the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Thus the context of the question.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the reasons for ‘Auschwitz’ being called the centre of Holocaust history.
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 explain that in many ways, Auschwitz has become the center of Holocaust history and research and serves as a reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust.
Body:
In detail explain the history associated with – Auschwitz.
Discuss the horrors of 2nd world war that took place at Auschwitz.
Explain the factors that led to liberation of Auschwitz, discuss what occurred at the liberation.
Highlight as to what makes the place unique even today.
Conclusion:
The camps at Auschwitz have become an important reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and in 1947 the government of Poland made the site a state memorial. In 1979, UNESCO added the Auschwitz memorial to its list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Appointment to various constitutional posts, powers, functions and Responsibilities of various Constitutional bodies.
2. Discuss the significance of electoral literacy for a stronger democracy. (250 words)
Reference: News On Air
Why this question:
Recently 10th National Voters Day was celebrated to mark the Foundation Day of Election Commission of India.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the importance of electoral literacy for a stronger democracy.
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 the fact that the theme for NVD 2020 was ‘Electoral Literacy for Stronger Democracy’ reiterating the commitment of the Election Commission
Of India towards electoral literacy for all to ensure maximum participation and informed and ethical voting.
Body:
- Narrate first upon the significant role played by Election commission in ensuring strong electoral system.
- Explain why electoral literacy is the key to the system?
- Discuss the efforts made the election commission so far.
- Take hints from the article and highlight the importance of electoral literacy.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Topic: Indian Constitution and judiciary
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
The article in essence explains that Smaller benches of judiciary are continuing to decide on substantive constitutional cases at the risk of going against the spirit of our constitution.
Key demand of the question:
Trace the change in the methods and perspectives of the Judiciary from past to present, evaluate has it changed for the god or deteriorated. Explain using suitable examples to substantiate your stand.
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:
Highlight that Indian constitution was a unique experiment which affected the quality of life of Indian citizens in a positive way. Ex: Universal adult franchise, federalism, social programmes etc. The interpretation of the constitution by the Judiciary has changed over the years in recent times.
Body:
Take cues from the article and explain how it has changed from textual approach to structure approach, to perception based approach.
Use the examples such as A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras case, Keshavananda Bharati case, striking down section 377, bringing CJI under the ambit of RTI etc.
Explain what needs to be done.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
The article discusses in detail the Recent deliberations of the Asia-Pacific
group of Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Thus the question.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the deliberations with respect to FATF and in what way the changing geopolitics have redefined the success of Pakistan in the Asia-Pacific meet.
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:
Discuss briefly the highlights of the deliberations that took place recently.
Body:
Asia-pacific group has observed that Pakistan has made progress in curtailing
Terror financing in its country. Ex: stopping fund flow to LeT, JeM, legal action initiated against some etc.
Pakistan was put on a grey list under FATF norms for its failure to stop terror financing in the country in 2018.
Discuss India’s response to it.
Conclusion:
Conclude with the role that Geopolitics plays in such deliberations at a global level.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Disaster and disaster management.
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
The question is in the backdrop of disasters in the form of water woes and in what way they affect the lives of women in the country directly. The article highlights the facts that With women playing a leadership role in managing their community’s water resources, the Jal Jeevan Mission will provide a massive fillip to the ease of living for women, and they will no longer be beasts of burden.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss the interlinkages between Ease of living of women and the water scarcity/issues in the country.
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:
Briefly discuss some facts pointing at the context of the question.
Body:
Discuss Role of women in handling water as a resource in the community.
Explain the water crisis prevalent in the country.
Explain why is it important to address water issues to ensure good living for women in the country.
One can use suitable case study and explain what needs to be done.
Quote the policies like Jal Jeevan mission and their reach.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way ahead.
Topic: Disaster and disaster management.
Reference: Hindustan Times
Why this question:
The question is in the backdrop of recent onset of Corona virus and the mass epidemic it has created in China, forcing us to evaluate the importance of disaster prevention methods.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the significance of disaster prevention in the cycle of disaster management.
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 what disaster prevention is.
Body:
- Discuss the aspects of preparedness for Disaster; explain the key areas that need address for disaster prevention.
- Define disaster, hazard, vulnerability and risk.
- Describe the types and the causes of disasters.
- Discuss the magnitude and distribution of disasters.
- Explain different phases of disasters.
- Take the case of China’s Corona virus and suggest what needs to be done.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
India showcased its anti-satellite (A-SAT) missile capability of the weapon, Mission Shakti, during the parade. Thus the context of the question.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the significance of development of the anti-satellite (A-SAT) missile capability for India; discuss the details of Mission Shakti and the challenges involved.
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:
First discuss what an anti-satellite (A-SAT) missile is.
Body:
- Discuss the details of the missile technology; it has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
- The A-SAT technology enables India to destroy an enemy satellite by directly colliding with it with pinpoint accuracy.
- A-SAT weapons play a critical role in providing the necessary strategic deterrence.
- Discuss the prospects it will have for India’s defence capabilities.
- Explain the challenges involved in Mission Shakti in detail.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance of such missions to India’s defence capabilities.
