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[Insights Secure – 2020] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 15 April 2020

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General Studies – 1


 

Topic:  The Freedom Struggle —  its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.

1. Discuss the major provisions of Poona Pact. Was it a Precursor to affirmative actions post-independence? Examine. (250 words)

Reference:  The Hindu

Why this question:

Ambedkar Jayanti was observed throughout the country to commemorate the memory of B. R. Ambedkar yesterday.

Key demand of the question:

Explain the major provisions of Poona Pact and examine in what way it was a Precursor to affirmative actions post-independence 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:

Briefly explain the background of the coming of Poona pact into action.

Body:

In late September 1932, B.R. Ambedkar negotiated the Poona Pact with Mahatma Gandhi in Yerwada Central Jail in Poona. Explain the major provisions of the pact. Discuss its significance; Recognition of the plight of the depressed class, gave them voice. Then move onto explain in what way it was a precursor  to the affirmative actions

Conclusion:

The concessions agreed to in the Poona Pact were precursors to the world’s largest affirmative programme launched in independent India. Post-Independence, a slew of measures were initiated to uplift Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, which included reservation in education and public sector jobs and in legislature

 


General Studies – 2


 

Topic:  Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

2. Should watching or possession of child pornography be made a criminal offence? Critically analyse amidst sharp rise in demand for online child pornography during lockdown. (GS-2)

Reference:  Times of India

Why this question:

The India Child Protection Fund (ICPF) said that millions of pedophiles had migrated online, making the Internet extremely unsafe for children. Thus the question.

Key demand of the question:

There is no law banning watching pornography in personal space, thus one must analyse the significance and urgency to have laws in place to ensure protection of children from the evils of child pornography.

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:

Briefly explain  the context of the question.

Body:

To start with explain that there is no law banning watching pornography in personal space. After the Supreme Court’s order, the Department of Telecommunication banned several websites containing child pornographic material. As per the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2002, it is punishable to show children any pornographic content. Then explain the impact of Pornography on Children and Society. Discuss the challenges involved. Present your opinion whether child pornography should be made a criminal offence.

Conclusion:

Conclude by suggesting way forward.

 

Topic:  Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

3. The position of a Speaker is not apolitical in Indian constitution and is embedded in party politics. Critically analyse the statement in the backdrop of issues witnessed with this post in the recent times.(250 words)

Reference:  Indian polity by Lakshmikant

Why this question:

The question is based on the relevance and importance of position of Speaker I the Indian constitutional setup.

Key demand of the question:

Explain in what way the position of a Speaker is not apolitical in Indian constitution and is embedded in party politics.one must discuss it with suitable case studies from recent times.

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:

Briefly start with the Speaker’s power and role in Indian polity. Highlight with articles from the constitution defining it.

Body:

To start with, explain how speaker could become partisan under current structure with examples and apex court’s verdicts. Present points that justify Speaker being not an apolitical entity. Explain – position of Speaker being an impartial entity. Highlight measures already taken for bringing in impartiality.

Conclusion:

Conclude with way forward.

 

Topic:  Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

4. Write a short note on Quasi-judicial bodies of India .(250 words)

Reference:  Indian polity by Lakshmikant

Why this question:

The question is straightforward and is based on the concept of quasi –judicial bodies in India.

Key demand of the question:

Explain what quasi –judicial bodies in India are, their relevance, roles and responsibilities in detail.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Briefly define quasi-judicial bodies.

Body:

A quasi-judicial body can be an individual or body with powers resembling a court of law.

  • They can adjudicate and decide penalties on the guilty.
  • They are different from judicial bodies in that their field is limited compared to a court.
  • They can be formed on a matter pending in court, by a court order if the court considers it necessary; the court reserves the right to appoint members of such a body.
  • They can be tribunals for a specific domain, or like an arbitrator

 Give Examples of quasi-judicial bodies such as –  National Human Rights Commission, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Competition Commission of India, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Appellate Tribunal for Electricity, Railway Claims Tribunal, Intellectual Property Appellate Tribunal, Banking Ombudsman, etc. Bring out their importance.

Conclusion:

Conclude with their significance in the Indian polity.

 

Topic:  Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary. Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Awareness in the fields of IT

5. The idea of e-Court system can provide the judiciary with an opportunity to address the problem of delayed justice. Discuss. (250 words)

Reference:  The Hindu 

Why this question:

The article discusses the need for an e-court system and the steps to be taken to ensure the setting up of an effective framework for e-courts. Thus the question.

Key demand of the question:

Explain the prospects of e-courts to the Indian judiciary and explain in what way it can be a game changer altogether in addressing the challenges of delayed justice.

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 background – In the light of the national lockdown, the Indian courts too are under a lockdown thus severely restricting the citizen’s access to justice for this period.

Body:

To start with, present the issue of delayed justice in the country in detail. Plagued by the complete inability of the conventional court system to deliver timely justice. The average time for case disposal in India is comparatively much larger than in other countries. Then move onto explain the role of technology that can possibly change the dynamics of justice delivery. Bring out the associated challenges.

Conclusion:

Conclude that the e-court system apart from increasing the access to justice can also simultaneously reduce the burden on conventional courts. Given the current situation of low judge: population ratio in India, the more efficient e-court system will enable the judiciary to more effectively use its scarce resources.

 


General Studies – 3


 

Topic:  Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.

6.  Explain in what way using dollar swap line with other countries can help the Indian economy in uncertain times. (250 words)

Reference:  Indian Express

Why this question:

India is working with the United States to secure a dollar swap line that would help in better management of its external account and provide extra cushion in the event of an abrupt outflow of funds, according to banking industry and government sources. Thus the question.

Key demand of the question:

Explain the utility and benefits of using a dollar swap line in the current conditions of the pandemic.

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:

Briefly explain what a dollar swap line is.

Body:

To start with explain that while India is largely expected to tide over any challenge posed by continued outflows of funds from the markets, a swap line with the US Federal Reserve provides additional comfort to the forex markets. Discuss how a swap facility works. Explain how a currency swap agreement acts as a tool for quantitative easing of the Indian economy.

Conclusion:

Conclude with importance of it.

 


General Studies – 4


 

Topic:  Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics – in private and public relationships.

7. Marketing has become a crucial link in the success of a business. With suitable examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in marketing of a product or service. How can these issues be resolved?(250 words)

Reference:  Marketing Schools 

Why this question:

The question is based on the theme of ethical marketing.

Key demand of the question:

Discuss the ethical issues involved in marketing of a product or service and suggest measures to resolve these issues.

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 underline the importance of marketing and therein the importance of ethical consideration.

Body:

Marketing refers to activities of a company associated with buying and selling a product or service. Marketing through advertising, selling and delivery of products to potential customers, is vital for the success of any business. Since it has the potential to influence attitudes, behaviors and priorities; ethical considerations are part and parcel of marketing. Then discuss the ethical issues with examples for greater clarity. Then explain the need for self-regulation, ethical codes and legal aspects to resolve unethical marketing practices.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.