This is question set #31 of ‘Clear IAS Mains High Value Answer Writing Test Series’. Mains High Value Answer Writing is a UPSC mains oriented program from ClearIAS.com that consists of 5 questions in each post, published around 8 pm every day. Each of the 5 questions are selected from 5 papers mentioned in UPSC Mains syllabus namely Essay, GS1, GS2, GS3 and GS4 (ethics). Selected questions of high probability to be asked UPSC mains are included in each of these mini tests. Aspirants can choose any question they wish to answer in the comment space provided below, specifying the question.
Note from Clear IAS Team
It has been 30 days since we launched the Clear IAS Mains High Value Answer Writing segment, and we have seen some excellent answers from many serious participants in the program. We have also noticed great improvement in the answer quality and comprehension skills in regular participants. Our vision is to cover most of the important conventional and current topics for mains, so that serious and deserving aspirants who participate in this free program are always one step ahead in the competition. Regarding evaluation, we have so far tried to give overall guidelines in writing a good, high value answer. In the coming days, we plan to award marks so that aspirants will get realistic idea about the UPSC expectations and quality they need to maintain in the answer.
Please note: Last year the toppers’ marks for General Studies varied from 300-400 out of 1000. (2013 CSE AIR 1, Gaurav Agrawal scored 338/1000 for GS). This means, 4 marks out of 10 for every answer in UPSC exam was excellent performance as far as 2013 mains GS was concerned. So our marking scheme too would be keeping those figures in mind. Please have a look at our marking scheme for coming days:
- 0.0-1.9/10 – Not satisfactory.
- 2.0-2.4/10 – Average.
- 2.5-2.9/10 – Good.
- 3.0-3.9/10 – Excellent.
- 4.0+/10 – Exceptional.
Questions for Answer Writing – Selections for today:
- Essay Paper: India as a soft power. (1500 words)
- GS 1 Paper: [Indian History/Tribal Revolts] – The importance of tribal revolts as anti-colonial movements are often sidelined by nationalist historians, but in reality the resistance offered by tribals was very crucial in Indian freedom struggle. List out the important tribal movements along with the salient features of the same. (200 words)
- GS 2 Paper: [Indian Polity/Deputy speaker] Distinguish the election, role and procedure for removal of deputy speaker and deputy chairman of Loksabha and Rajyasabha. – (200 words)
- GS 3 Paper: [Indian Economy/Genetically Modified Crops] Analyse the reasons for the fear about Genetically Modified Crops in India. Discuss the organisational set-up dealing with sanctions on field trails of genetically modified crops. What was the latest status of moratoriums introduced on GM crops? (200 words)
- GS 4 Paper: [Ethical dilemmas] Is legalization of prostitution an ethical action in your opinion? Analyze the ethical aspects of prostitution and problems faced by sex-workers in detail. (200 words)
Archives of Clear IAS Mains High Value Answer Writing Test Series
You can access archives of Clear IAS Mains High Value Answer Writing Test Series from the hyperlink. Aspirants are advised to check the model answers and feedback given for previous entries to write better answers.
Rules and Regulations: Clear IAS Mains High Value Answer Writing
Clear IAS Mains High Value Answer Writing is a free program from ClearIAS.com. Any UPSC aspirant, interested to polish his/her writing skills or to learn the art of writing high value answers to boost the score in UPSC Civil Services Mains can participate in it. The official team from ClearIAS.com may review selected answers, and guide aspirants to improve the answer structure. Fellow aspirants, experienced candidates or toppers can also comment and suggest improvements for each of the answers. The platform is free and open to public with a view of better sharing and learning. You can read more about the Clear IAS Mains High Value Answer Writing Test Series objectives and rules in the hyperlink.
PS: Aspirants can select any question they wish to answer in the comment space provided below specifying the question. Answering 3-4 questions, does not take much of your time. But for those who engage regularly in answer writing, the resultant score improvement in actual UPSC exam would be exponential.
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@cleariasteam, good initiative with the scoring! really appreciate it!
Would you also be applying it retrospectively too? There are many posts on which you dont post a comment and it gets confusing if its ‘ok’ or you just found it hideous enough to ignore totally 😛
Hey Avi…:-) If you guys want it, we shall update marks retrospectively to selected ones. So far, most of the responses and answers were above average, and we are happy to see our readers taking this initiative seriously . You are right that we didn’t comment on all answers, but guidance and evaluation from ClearIAS.com Team has always been there in all question sets. We keep evaluating the performance of our regular participants, often giving personal attention. PS: Don’t worry, you are doing good Avi. Keep it up! 🙂
GS 2 Paper: [Indian Polity/Deputy speaker] Distinguish the election, role and procedure for removal of deputy speaker and deputy chairman of Loksabha and Rajyasabha. – (200 words)
Ans.
Election: The Deputy Speaker(DS) is elected from amongst the members of Loksabha (LS) in its first meeting for a period of 5 years.The Deputy Chairman(DC) is elected from amongst the members of the Rajya Sabha(RS) on such date as Chairman may fix and notice sent thereon by Secretary General of RS. Conventionally both these posts are given to MPs from opposition parties but there is no rule as such.
Role: The DS and DC conduct all businesses of LS and RS in the absence Speaker and Chairman respectively. Both DS and DC leave their party allegiance after their election to maintain impartiality. They preside sittings, maintain order in the respective houses and meet constitutional provisions
Procedure for removal: The DS can be removed by a resolution passed by majority in the LS or by resignation addressed to Speaker or when he ceases to be a member of the LS,due to office of profit or other reasons. The DC can be removed by resignation addressed to Chairman or when he cease to be a member of the RS or passage of a resolution to this effect by majority of the then members of the RS.
Marks: 2.5[Some suggestions : You could have mentioned article 93. Also, The Deputy Chairman is the Chairman of the Committee of Privileges. Again there is a correction in your answer: Deputy Speaker is removable from his office by a resolution of Lok Sabha passed by a majority of all the ‘then members’ of the House. According to Justice M.C. Setalvad, former Attorney-General of India, “It is a majority of ‘all the then members’ of the House. In other words, though the total membership may consist, say of 200 members, half a dozen seats thereof may, for one reason or other, be vacant or unfilled.If so, ‘all the then members’ would be 200 minus these six so that the majority will have to be a majority out of the remaining 194 members”.]
Thanks a lot ClearIAS. So many points you suggested. I need to rebound, as the gap of 7 series has hampered my tempo. I will definitely improve upon. The first 30 series have been hugely beneficial for me and this new marking system will definitely be more effective. Be with us as you have been so far.
Vijayadashmi ki Best wishes to your entire team and to our fellow writers on this forum.
in the case of Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha post usually goes to the party having maximun MP’S in the house. Deputy Speaker of LS is given to a member of opposition party .
GS 4 Paper: [Ethical dilemmas] Is legalization of prostitution an ethical action in your opinion? Analyze the ethical aspects of prostitution and problems faced by sex-workers in detail. (200 words)
Ans. The legalization of prostitution is an ethical action because it will
Prostitution secures livelihood to some people and their dependents but when it is forced and under exploitation it also takes away right to liberty and life of the individuals. It also objectifies women and morally demeaning to them. Prostitution does contains sexual violence upto some extent. It does not provide any social security and discriminates people involved. Young male/female are now being drawn into this for easy money and physical pleasure which deteriorates social values. It demeans society in large because it is an illegal act but. Illegality leads to unregulated growth and exploitation of minors and underprivileged children and resources of state is wasted. Economically also, it has adverse impact on society as there is no tax on this global business.
Problems faced by sex workers
1. Exploitation by pimps,middlemen, police and clients
2. Forced prostitution
3. Minor Prostitution
4. No wage security
5. Risk of STD
6. Destitution life after being overage.
7. Social discrimination
8. Low level of development and stigma for children of Prostitutes
9. No job security
10. Inadequate attention to their problems by society, lawmakers and political leadership
errr…..mugged up the answer as first sentence did not complete. NO retake in exam so not writing changed first line here. 🙂
Appreciate the spirit! Good to see you back here after a while, Amrit 🙂
Marks 2.5 [ Just connect that introduction with the remaining answer 🙂 ]
Hi,its very good initiatives ,
have u any notes or study materials in hindi,
if any please send me on [email protected]
1. GS 1 Paper: [Indian History/Tribal Revolts] – The importance of tribal revolts as anti-colonial movements are often sidelined by nationalist historians, but in reality the resistance offered by tribals was very crucial in Indian freedom struggle. List out the important tribal movements along with the salient features of the same. (200 words)
The important tribal movements are:
1.Tamar revolt – The landlords were given extraordinary powers and the authority to evict the tenants, dispose of and sell their property. In 1789, there was an insurrection in Tamar, which was put down by the military
2.Kol insurrection – The Kol tribesmen of Chotonagpur were long been exploited and looked down upon by the non-tribal outsiders. Ultimately the Kols in 1831 under the leaders like Buddhu Bhagat, Joa Bhagat and Madara Mahato raised the banner of rebellion.
3.Santhal Rebellion – In 1855, it was due to the oppression of police, atrocities of landlords and moneylenders, ill-treatment of small farmers by land revenue officials. Government banned shifting cultivation in forest areas. It spread in area around Rajmahal hills. Leaders: Sindhu & Kanhu.The government could pacified these Santhals by creating a separate district of Santhal Parganas.
4. Chuar and Ho rebellion – In 1820 to 1837 due to famine, land Revenue in Midnapur, Chhotanagpur, Singhbhum
5.Munda Uprising – It was led by Birsa Munda in Ranchi in 1899-1900 to drive away the British and strongly protest against non-tribals occupying tribal lands; moneylenders and the zamindars who ill-treated the Mundas
6.Khond Uprising – It took place in Orissa in 1846 and 1855 led by Chakra Bisoi due to British Government stopping the Mariah System ;introduction of the new taxes
7.Rampa Rebellion – It was an insurrection by the hill tribes in the Rampa region of Vizagapatam District against the British government of the Madras Presidency.
8.Khasi Uprising – It took place in 1833 in the regions between the Khasi hills and Jaintia Hills, against a planned British Road in that area and was led by Tirath Singh.
Marks: 2.5 [ Salient features didn’t get enough stress]
GS 3 Paper: [Indian Economy/Genetically Modified Crops] Analyse the reasons for the fear about Genetically Modified Crops in India. Discuss the organisational set-up dealing with sanctions on field trails of genetically modified crops. What was the latest status of moratoriums introduced on GM crops? (200 words)
Reasons for fear
1.Unhealthy – Numerous health problems increased after GMOs
2.Increase herbicide use – More use of herbicides for weeds results in toxic residues in food
3.Dangerous side effects – produces new toxins, allergens, carcinogens, and nutritional deficiencies.
4.Independent research and reporting – Scientists who discover problems with GMOs have been attacked
5.Harm the environment – reduce bio-diversity, pollute water resources and are unsustainable
6.Do not increase yields – Non-GMO methods have been proven to be more successful in increasing yields
Organisational set up
Genetic Engineering appraisal committee is established under Ministry of Environment & Forest is responsible for granting approvals relating to release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials.
-has the powers to prohibit, revoke, supervise and take punitive action in case of non-compliance, furnishing of wrong information or in case of any damage to the environment.
-accord approval of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle.
Status of moratorium
GEAC has cleared 60 proposals for the GM crops at various stages of trials, so far, this year. A moratorium on Bt brinjal was put in February .There are 20 GM crops already undergoing trails at various stages. A Supreme Court technical expert committee had last year recommended an indefinite moratorium on the field trials of GM crops till the government came out with a proper regulatory and safety mechanism.
Marks : 2.5.
GS 4 PAPER
The legalization of prostitution is an ethical action primarily because it then becomes a recognized profession with an ability to secure livelihood for people in a more secure way. At the same time before one commences with it certain loopholes need to be resolved as legalizing it doesn’t necessarily mean change in the mindset of the people which live in a traditional society . Therefore, certain programs should be initiated throwing a limelight on sensitive issues to make people more aware about it. This then should be followed by legalization in a systematic manner perhaps learning from various models launched across the world. For example the swiss model. These steps would not only legalize prostitution but also make it an organised , recognized profession .
The issues faced by sex workers are numerous and with legalization of the profession as discussed they can be reduced and gradually erased.These problems are :
a)Societal Mindset : A place like India is still sensitive to ideas of making prostitution legal who is looked down upon by the members of the Indian society caught in the grip of age old traditions.
b) Exploitation and abuse by Police ,clients, middlemen : The sex workers have to suffer at the cost of such people who readily misuse their lack of power for their own benefits. Clients sometimes do not pay them ,physically abuse and sexually harass them. The police and middlemen too dont lack behind causing physical and mental agony depriving them of a peaceful life.
c)No job security- Since prostitution comes with no legal profession tag it lacks in providing a sense of security of job
d) No protection by government agencies- They are usually deprived of various government schemes , opportunities due to the tag they carry. Not only that governments till now have made minimal effort to improve the miserable conditions they face on a daily basis.
e)Risk of catching STD’s – They are provided with no protection . Though various NGO’s ,philanthropists provide them with free medical care yet awareness amongst them ,clients and all those in the profession is less causing spread of various death causing diseases like AIDS , unwanted pregnancies.
In summation , the legalization of prostitution can act as a first step for the sex-workers to live a life they long desired.
Marks: 2.5 [Comments : You answered 2nd part well, you could have added a few points on your opinion part.]
Analyse the reasons for the fear about Genetically Modified Crops in India. Discuss the organisational set-up dealing with sanctions on field trails of genetically modified crops. What was the latest status of moratoriums introduced on GM crops?
ANSWER:
– GM CROPS: are crops whose DNA has been modified by genetic engineering.
There exists apprehensions regarding the trial and use of GM crops in india which are as follows:
– The impact of the use of GM crops on ecology and environment is still to be scientifically established. As noted by the Technical expert committee of the SC, There has to evolve a broad consensus amongt the scientific community on the actual implications of GM crops. It is said, that introducing exotic species may erode biodiversity and traditional varieties, creating monoculture in agriculture.
– In vidarbha it was observed that after usage of GM variety Bt- cotton, the suicide of farmers has increased because of indebtedness.
– The doubts persist because of the absence of a holistic legal framework which would guide research as also compensate for any adverse impact caused due to their use.
The organisational set up which deals with the sanctions of field trials of GM crops is as follows:
– GE Approval committee under Ministry of Environment and forests which approves trials of GM varieties.
– Review committee on genetic manipulation which reviews and monitors the safety aspects of trials.This is under the department of biotechnology.
– Recombitant DNA advisory committee under Department of biotechnology which reviews developments in the sector.
– At the state and district levels there are respective biosafety committees.
– The national biodiversity authority created under the THe national biodiversity act to protect biodiversity, conservation, sustainable use and equitable sharing of benefits.
Latest status on moratoriums:
The TEC OF the SC has recommended ban on field trials while the SC is yet to give its decision. The GEAC has been reported to have nonetheless given its approval for the trials, which was later contradicted by the minister.
There is need to consider the issue objectively so that the needs of food security are served alongwith the demand for environmental security.
The importance of tribal revolts as anti-colonial movements are often sidelined by nationalist historians, but in reality the resistance offered by tribals was very crucial in Indian freedom struggle. List out the important tribal movements along with the salient features of the same. (200 words)
Ans
Tribal movements in India were numerous, frequent and widespread. They can be categorised as reactionary, Below are important one with their significance-
– Rise of Chuar aborigines in 1778 led by Durjan Singh against famine. The tribe was called Chuar meaning thief(chor).
– Koli rebellion (1784) in Maharashtra against landlords and eviction of tribal tenants.
– Bhil uprising led by Sewaram in 1818 against British take up of lands.
– Ho rebellion in 1820 due to alienation of land, money lenders and interference with social life.
– Ramosi rising in Maharashtra in 1822 against British rule and overthrowing of local king.
– Ahom rebellion in 1828 due to refusal of British withdrawal at end of Burmese war. Rebellion ended with restoration of some parts to old king.
– Khasi rebellion of 1933 led by Tirat Singh together with Garos and other surrounding tribes against occupation by East India company.
– Santhals rose up in 1855 against the misrule of British and absolute power given to landlords over tribal tenants. The legend of Sidhu and Kanhu helped organise Santhals spread across different areas and laid basis for further rights for tribal rights later on.
– Munda rebellion led by Birsa Munda (1899-1900) in Chhota Nagpur was aginst the efforts of missionaries to introduce Christianity in the tribals. It not only led people to right against British but also created a sense of identity, defiance and united identity behind legend of Birsa Munda.
– Khond Uprising of 1855 was led by Chakra Bisoi against Mariah system (of human sacrifice) and introduction of new taxation introduced by government. Other tribes joined the rebellion. It laid the foundation of rebellion of 1857.
Analyse the reasons for the fear about Genetically Modified Crops in India. Discuss the organisational set-up dealing with sanctions on field trails of genetically modified crops. What was the latest status of moratoriums introduced on GM crops? (200 words)
Ans
The reasons for fear of GMC in India-
1) Loss of genetic diversity in crops developed over millennia.
2) Monopoly of GMO seeds by Multinational corporations.
3) Increasing cost of agriculture, intern increasing reliance on finance for small farmers.
4) Inability of GMCs to cope with change in weather condition, risking food security.
5) Step back from organic farming.
6) Bad health effects of GMCs on people.
In India Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (constituted under Ministry of Environment and Forestry) is responsible for sanctions of field trials of modified crops. It works under the Rules of manufacture, use, import, export and storage of hazardous microorganism/genetically engineered organisms or cells act of 1989.
A technical committee setup by Supreme court had recommended a moratorium on GM crops for 10 years till better regulations were put in place as the body clearing the crops couldn’t also regulate it. The government opposed and in response stated in court that GM crops were necessary to feed the growing population and it would be a big loss to technology in India.
The decision from Supreme Court is still awaited.
Despite the recommendations –
1) 20 GMCs under trial.
2) 15 more GMCs approved for trial.
3) 7 crops were rejected trial.
4) Bt Cotton is only GMC allowed to be commercially grown in India.
Marks :3 [Suggestion : You can improve on the structural flow of the answer]
Distinguish the election, role and procedure for removal of deputy speaker and deputy chairman of Loksabha and Rajyasabha. – (200 words)
Ans
Deputy Speaker-
Election-
He is elected on first meeting of Lok Sabha and the position is generally offered to a member of opposition party.
Role-
In the absence of speaker, he oversees the proceeding of Loksabha, decides on finance bill or money bill, head joint sittings of the houses and ensure discipline in the house.
Removal-
He is elected for a period of 5 years or till he is a member of lok sabha. He can be removed by resolution by a majority of its ‘then’ members (considering present strengthe).
Deputy Chairman-
Election-
He is elected from among the members on a date as fixed by the chairman.
Role-
In absence of the Chairman he oversees the proceedings of upper house. He doesn’t have the other powers, a deputy speaker has (in absence of speaker).
Removal-
He can be removed at termination of his membership of Rajya sabha or by a resolution passed by a majority of the members of Rajya sabha. As it is a permanent body, the membership remains same.
Marks : 2.5.
Is legalization of prostitution an ethical action in your opinion? Analyze the ethical aspects of prostitution and problems faced by sex-workers in detail. (200 words)
Ans
In my opinion legalisation of prostitution is an ethical action.
Currently the profession has a silent social mandate though without legal protection. Following are its ethical aspects-
1) Onus of blame; the blame is often put of sex-workers, it should rather be on the customers or on the society as a whole.
2) Do sex-workers demand a special treatment; is better or for worse treatment only due to their work commendable. Could they be accepted just as another profession?
3) Could there be another career after prostitution; sex-workers are denied opportunity to move up in life while most people aspire for. Should it be static or is society not ready to accept them in other roles.
4) Is the passing on of burden of prostitution to their progeny defendable.
5) Should they be segregated or hidden away or should society accept it as a reality.
Problems faced by them-
1) Poverty, illiteracy, absence of health care.
2) Inaccessibility to financial and social support.
3) Abuse by drug cartels, mafia, prostitution rackets and at times even state.
4) Mistreatment vetted at hands of their ‘customers’.
5) Prevention from moving on to better profession by cartels and society.
6) Threat of infections and sexually transmitted diseases.
7) Stigma to family and non-acceptance of children by society.
8) Segregation and isolation from mainstream society.
Ethical dilemma que-
I feel legalizing the prostitution in a country with 40% poverty,high level of illiteracy,unemployment will further lead to exploitation of women within this circle of masses. A forced employment is not a vocation but exploitation.half of the problem will be solved if government accept that in Indian prostitution happens and include the various stakeholders i.e media,NGOs,prostitutes themselves and public at large and make a scheme to cut this vicious cycle of prostitution,their socio-economic security,education of their child without legalizing the profession-these are some ethical aspects of prostitution.In short there is need of social awakening toward this pathological social disease,changing the mindset of society toward prostitutes and their children need.but legalizing the profession will help traffickers to exploit legally than prostitutes who can be given social security without legalizing the profession.
problems faced by prostitutes-
-social apathy as nobody in society recognize their existence this leads to their alienation and no desire for upward mobility-social exploitation
-physical,psychological exploitation by police,clients,state authorities.
-no socio economic security,they cant plan their children’s future.
-STDs threat and no medical security.
-pathetic work culture-this leads to their mental harassment.
-lack of sanitation in the area lead to various diseases ultimately financial burden over them.
Marks: 2.5 [Overall a good attempt, but you messed up a bit in the legality aspect of Prostitution in India. It is already legal in India.]
may i know when did prostitution become legal sir? thanx
sir please rate the answer..
[Indian Polity/Deputy speaker] Distinguish the election, role and procedure for removal of deputy speaker and deputy chairman of Loksabha and Rajyasabha.
ANSWER- deputy chairman is elected from amongst the members of lok sabha. his election takes place after that of speaker. in case of absence of speaker he presides over the meetings of the house he cannot vote at first instance but can use a casting vote. he is directly responsible to house. whichever parliamentary committee he is placed in , he automatically becomes its head. he vacates his office under following conditions-
1. if he ceases to be lok sabha member.
2. if he resigns by writing to speaker.
3. if he is removed by a resolution passed by majority if members of lok sabha. such resolution can be moved after 14 days advance notice.
depputy chairman is elected from amongst the members of rajya sabha. he presides over meetings of rajya sabha in absence of vice president or when he acts as president. he can exercise a casting vote to resolve a deadlock but cannot preside over meetings of house when a resolution for his removal is under consideration. he vacates his office if-
1. he ceases to be a member of rajya sabha.
2.he resigns by writing to chairman
3. if he is removed by a resolution passed by majority of members of rajya sabha. such resolution can be passed after giving 14 days advance notice.
Marks : 2.5
hello sir, when will be announced by the government about the vacant job, can you please tell me