[Insights Secure – 2020] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 14 February 2020
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General Studies – 1
Topic: Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
The article draws very neatly parallels between the two- nation theory and the recent citizenship amendments proposed by the government, thus probing us to analyse the ill-effects of the move by comparing the features of the two situations.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss in what way the newly proposed citizenship amendment bill can be seen as a parallel to two- nation theory that led to partition of India in 1947.
Directive:
Compare– provide for a detailed comparison of the two types, their features that are similar as well as different. One must provide for detailed assessment of the two.
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:
Briefly explain the context of the question.
Body:
Discuss the lacunae of the citizenship amendment bill. Explain briefly the two nation theory and under what circumstances India heeded to it. Draw parallels between the two. Highlight why the citizenship amendment bill might end up working as the two nation theory and prove to be discriminatory.
Conclusion:
Conclude that denying a path to citizenship to immigrants of a particular religion is an unconcealed expression of the two-nation theory, apart from being a violation of the constitutional and human principle of equality.
Topic: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
A petition recently filed in the Kerala High Court by a male same-sex couple challenges the constitutionality of the Special Marriage Act on the ground that it discriminates against same-sex couples who want to formalize their relationship through marriage. Thus the question.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the concept of marriage in the Indian society, the lacunae it has on the aspects of inclusion – for the LGBT community. Discuss in what way the discriminations prevalent in our society over the institution of marriage can be overcome.
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 current context – highlight the case before Kerala high court.
Body:
Discuss the features of Special Marriage Act first. Explain in what way it discriminates against same-sex couples who want to formalize their relationship through marriage. Analyse the aspects of the rights of same-sex couples. Discuss the social purpose of marriage in general and in what way Indian society is yet to relook at the old and outdated ractices. Suggest measures that need to be taken to make marriage more inclusive in the country.
Conclusion:
Conclude that it’s high time for our society to put an end to the homophobic tradition and make marriage, as an institution, as a legal concept, more accessible and egalitarian, less arbitrary and exclusionary.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question:
Recently, Privilege motion was submitted by the Congress party member against Social Justice Minister Gehlot for his statement on the Supreme Court order on the issue of reservation in promotion for the SCs/STs.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss what a privilege motion is, explain the rules related to it and the authority of the Speaker/ Chairperson vis-a-vis privilege motion.
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 What is a privilege motion?
Parliamentary privileges are certain rights and immunities enjoyed by members of Parliament, individually and collectively, so that they can “effectively discharge their functions”. When any of these rights and immunities are disregarded, the offence is called a breach of privilege and is punishable under law of Parliament.
Body:
The question is direct and covers the static portions of the GS paper II syllabus. Thus there isn’t much to deliberate. Discuss the rules governing a privilege motion in detail.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting the significance of such constitutional tools.
General Studies – 3
Topic: E- technology in the aid of farmers, Technology Missions
Reference: PIB
Why this question:
The article highlights the significance of transforming agriculture through farm mechanization.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the significance of farm mechanization applied to Indian context to transform the Indian agriculture scenario to the next level.
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 highlight steps Indian Government has been taking to achieve Doubling of Farmer’s Income by 2022 and emphasis on the aspects of farm mechanization.
Body:
- Explain what you understand by farm mechanization.
- Highlight the steps that have been taken by the government of India in this direction.
- Discuss the significance of mechanization as applied to Indian setup of agriculture.
- Indian Government appointed Ashok Dalwai Committee to recommend measures to achieve farm mechanization targets.
One of the most important recommendations of the committee is to fast track the mechanization of farm implements in all areas of the country as improved agricultural implements and machinery are essential inputs for modern agriculture.
Conclusion:
Conclude by highlighting schemes and policies being taken by the government in this direction.
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Reference: Economic Survey 2019-20 – Chapter 7
Why this question:
The question is based on the analysis provided by the recently released economic survey upon the role that microfinance institutions can play in poverty alleviation in India
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the role that microfinance institutions can play in poverty alleviation in India
Directive:
Account – 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 are in agreement with the original proposition.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly explain what Microfinance institutions are.
Body:
- Explain the importance of microfinance institutions in poverty alleviation.
- Microfinance services help the poor to lift out poverty, provide them self- employment and empower the women. In this way, microfinance services made poor people start their own business through they can increase income and be bankable which contribute the overall economic growth and poverty reduction.
- Discuss about the future prospects these institutions have in India.
- Suggest suitable measures to be taken in this regard.
Conclusion:
Conclude by suggesting way forward.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.
Reference: Ethics by Lexicon Publications
Why this question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper IV on the topics of probity, honesty and integrity.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the key difference between probity, honesty and integrity and their relevance to civil services.
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 the three elements – probity, honesty and integrity.
Body:
Start by differentiating the three concepts. Integrity implies a consistent behavior, whether honest or not. Honesty implies being truthful (even if it is incorrect) about a subject at hand. Honesty, by definition, is to tell the truth and being true. Integrity is having strong moral principles based on honesty and to follow those principles religiously.
Explain all the 3 concepts and differentiate them. One must use the help of illustrations/examples to substantiate the answer better. For example – Sir M Visvesvaraya, used to use separate candle at home for doing official work and doing personal work. This is integrity. You make yourself the witness. Probity is more from the professional point of view, being non corrupt, fair, upright etc. Discuss their importance to civil services.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting the significance of the three to civil servants.
Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.
Reference: Ethics by Lexicon Publications
Why this question:
The question is based on the importance that impartiality and nonpartisanship carry in general and more specific to the civil services and administration.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the significance.
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:
Briefly define the two terms – impartiality and non-partisanship.
Body:
Explain that Impartiality and Non-partisanship both form essential foundational values for civil services. While impartiality ensures equality without any bias and prejudices in the general, non-partisanship ensures a neutral approach in politics and a solid commitment to the government. Discuss their relevance to public services and administration.
Conclusion:
Conclude by with their importance.
