[Insights Secure – 2020] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 31 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.
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
At Nagardhan near Nagpur, recent excavations have brought new clarity on the life, religious affiliations and trade practices of the Vakataka dynasty, which ruled parts of Central and South India centuries ago. Thus the question.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the significance of the findings of Nagardhan excavations in understanding the Vakataka dynasty.
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 the existence of Vakataka dynasty.
Body:
Recent archaeological excavations at Nagardhan in Ramtek taluka, near Nagpur, have provided concrete evidence on the life, religious affiliations and trade practices of the Vakataka dynasty that ruled parts of Central and South India between the third and fifth centuries.
Explain the significance of the excavations in understanding the socio-cultural and politico life of the Dynasty.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting the significance of the excavations in understanding the features of the Dynasty.
Topic: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
A controversial anti-superstition law in Karnataka, the Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Act, 2017, has been formally notified by the government, Thus the context of the question.
Key demand of the question:
One has to emphasize on the fact that a law to prevent exploitation in the name of religion is necessary for a country so diverse in religions and cultures.
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 by explaining what superstitions are.
Body:
Comment on the aspects of the prevailing culture about religious practices, superstitions etc. in the country.
Then move on to discuss the factors responsible for prevalence of such beliefs and existence of such rituals.
Discuss the importance of steps taken by the government of Karnataka.
Suggest more such solutions to cure the issue.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Reference: Financial Express
Why this question:
The article discusses the growing ties between India and Brazil and in what way it is sending out signals of strong South-South cooperation.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the ties between India and Brazil and its significance.
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:
State key facts highlighting the Indo-Brazilian relations.
Body:
- Explain that with much in common, the door is wide open to forge a social, cultural, people to people and economic relationship to boost trade from an insignificant $7 billion at present.
- Both countries are multi-cultural, with a commitment to democracy; where the leadership has a strong mandate and a compatible profile.
- Explain why and how it depicts strong south-south cooperation.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Reference: Live Mint
Why this question:
The article highlights the fact that with rural distress deepening across India and private consumption growing anemically, calls for ramping up the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), are growing louder ahead of the upcoming budget.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the importance of ramping up the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) as a cure to the rising rural distress in the country.
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 the current state of rural distress in the country.
Body:
Present first some data on key metrics such as wages, inflation, and consumption that indicate the present rural distress.
Explain the crunch in funds related to other schemes that aim at improvising the rural economy.
Explain the possible role that MGNREGA can play in fixing the issue.
Take hints from the article and discuss what can be the way ahead.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a balanced and fair opinion.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
The article brings out a detailed analysis of the Geopolitical fault-lines that have been widening since 2019 and in what way these challenges will contribute positively and negatively to the progress that India will make in 2020.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss the challenges that India is facing on the internal, external and economic fronts. Suggest solutions to resolve the same.
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:
Briefly explain the context of the question.
Body:
Firstly, discuss the problems India is facing on the internal, geopolitical and economic fronts.
Discuss the causative factors responsible for these challenges.
Explain in what way these factors will decide progress of India in 2020.
Conclusion:
Conclude with what needs to be done to address these threats and challenges.
Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism
Reference: Research Gate
Why this question:
The question tends to analyse the effect of rising incidences of cross-border terrorism over the past two decades and in what way they necessitate India to have cooperation with neighbors on security.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the case of the question, highlight significance of the relations with neighbor countries and especially on the aspects of Security.
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:
With eleven neighboring countries (including four across the seas), many of which share cross-border Diasporas with India, internal peace and external security are inextricably intertwined.
Body:
- Discuss in detail relations of India with the neighboring countries on a case by case basis; Bangladesh, China, Nepal and Pakistan etc.
- Take hints from the article and explain singularly the key issues and threats posed by each neighboring country to India.
- Explain what needs to be done and what should be the way ahead for India.
Conclusion:
India must seek to maintain independence of its foreign policy and security choices reflective of its civilizational ethos, while working in partnership with all friendly countries on issues of common interest.
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
The article highlights the need to switch to newer approaches that are centric to farmers’ demands and yet aid addressing the groundwater crisis.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss the rising issue of groundwater crisis in India and need to recognise the fact that farmers can be centric to approaches that can resolve the issue of groundwater crisis.
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:
First discuss key notable facts pointing at the crisis.
Body:
Discuss why there is a crisis in the groundwater in the country.
Establish the link existing between the groundwater crisis and agriculture; explain the role played by farmers.
Explain the factors responsible for the crisis and that agriculture is a major contributor and thus any approach that aims to address this issue must centre on agriculture with farmer as a key stakeholder.
Conclusion:
Conclude with solutions. Take hints from the articles and suggest way forward.
