[MISSION 2023] Insights SECURE : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 14 November 2022

Click on EACH question to post/upload you answers.

 

How to Follow Secure Initiative?

How to Self-evaluate your answer? 

MISSION – 2023: YEARLONG TIMETABLE

Join IPM 4.0 to get an assured review of 2 secure answers everyday

 


General Studies – 1


 

Topic: Geomorphology: Earthquakes

1. With suitable illustrations examine why the Himalayan region is more prone to earthquakes than the Western Ghats. Also, suggest earthquake preparedness measures to abate the risks arising out of it. (250 Words)

Reference:  DTE

Why the question:

Tremors in Delhi-NCR again after the fresh quake in Nepal

Key Demand of the question:

Show using diagrams, why the Himalayas is more prone to earthquake than the Western Ghats. Deliberate upon the risks and vulnerability of earthquakes in the Himalayan region. Also, suggest earthquake preparedness measures to abate the effect of it.

Directive:

Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.

 Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

One can start with the definition of an earthquake or give the context of a recent earthquake in Nepal.

Body:

The answer body must have the following aspects covered:

Discuss briefly the Earthquake proneness of regions in India especially the seismic zones of India in the Himalayas. Compare it with those in the Western Ghats. Draw a diagram and show why the Himalayas is more seismically active.

Explain the risks and vulnerability of earthquakes in the Himalayan region.

Suggest earthquake preparedness measures abate its effect of it.

Conclusion:

Conclude with the way forward.

 

Topic: Indian Society

2. The idea of population control based on perks and penalization is an outdated and regressive way to achieve sustainable population growth. Comment (10M)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: DownToEarth

Why the question:

The United Nations says November 15, 2022, is predicted to be the day that the global population reaches eight billion. 

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the importance of population control and what needs to be done to achieve sustainable population growth.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction

Briefly explain what population control is and what the previous methods were.

Body:

First, write about the importance of population control- enough resources available, for societal benefits – equitable distribution, contributing to society etc.

Then mention how control based on rewards and punishment was not much effective leading to the population boom.

Next, write about what new kinds of measures can be adopted to control the population.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

 


General Studies – 2


 

Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.

3. Provide a discourse on the evolution of the concept of judicial review, with special emphasis on the ninth schedule of the Indian Constitution. (150 words)

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

In recent times there have been multiple calls for the inclusion of quota laws in the Ninth Schedule of Indian constitutions. In the present case, the Jharkhand government has issued the such call.

Key Demand of the question:

Discuss in detail the evolution of the concept of judicial review in the constitutional history of India.

Directive:

Discourse – 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 them with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Define what judicial review is and how the 9th schedule is related to it.

Judicial Review is the power of Courts to pronounce upon the constitutionality of legislative and executive acts of the government which fall within their normal jurisdiction.

Body:

Next, discuss the evolution of the concept of judicial review starting with the 1st Constitutional amendment. Also, give a few points on the present EWS SC judgement and quota laws in some states which they want to be included in the 9th schedule.

The role of Judicial Review in the Indian Constitution is to protect/provide liberty and freedom for the people. Some Indian thinkers have observed that the scope of Judicial Review in India is very limited, and the Indian Courts do not enjoy as wide jurisdiction as the courts in America.

Suggest some suggestions to reform issues regarding the 9th schedule as well.

Conclusion:

Conclude with the importance of JR and the 9th Schedule.

 


General Studies – 3


 

Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and development of new technology.

4. Critically examine the measures India has taken to become self-reliant in defence production in recent times. Suggest what more needs to be done to achieve higher levels of indigenization in Indian defence production. (250 Words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of the Mission-2023 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the measures taken by India in becoming self-reliant in defence production. And suggest measures of what more can be done.

Directive word:

Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. 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: 

Start by showing data or facts about India’s defence sector.

Body:

First, write about India’s spending on defence and how self-reliance is important in this sector.

Next, write about measures taken by India – Make in India, Defense procurement from indigenous manufacturers etc. How far they have been successful?

Next, write about the issues hovering indigenous defence industry and what measures can be taken to tackle them.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a forward.

 

Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and development of new technology.

5. Clarify with examples how nanotechnology is leading the way in pollution control. (150 Words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of the Mission-2023 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about nanotechnology, its applications in pollution control

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start the answer by defining nanotechnology.

Body:

First, elaborate on the various ways nanotechnology can be applied in daily life with a few examples.

Next, write about how specifically Nanotech can be used in pollution control – Nano absorptive materials, Nano filters can be used to filter out PM etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a forward.

 

Topic- Challenges to internal security through communication networks, the role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges

6. “Data localization policies, while allowing government agencies to regulate the data efficiently, hinder the growth of the global trade and investments”.  In this context, analyze the pros and cons of data localization for India. (250 words)

Reference: The Hindu: “Are data localization requirements necessary and proportionate”

Why this question

Data, it is said, is the new capital in the digital age. The article discusses why the issue of data localization is important for a country and the issues with the policies related to data localization. Such issues have become important, because of the debates raised by the Sri Krishna committee.

Key demand of the question

Write about the meaning of data localization and what it entails. The benefits that get accrued out of data localization (esp. for internal security and sovereignty of the country). The issues and challenges faced as a result of policies – present and proposed, related to data localization.

Directive word

Analyze – When asked to analyze, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and presenting them as a whole in a summary.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – In the introduction, explain what is meant by data localisation.

Body

Bring out the reasons why data localization is important – security, data as a resource, socio-economic benefits. How data localization helps security agencies gain control over the flow and extent of data.

Then show how too much control and government interference may not be good for business and investment in India. Point out the case of China, where companies are shying away due to governmental regulations.

Highlight the Indian policies related to data localisation – Recommendations of Sri Krishna Committee. Guidelines are given by RBI etc.

Conclusion –

Give your view on the present policies related to data localisation and the way forward.

 


General Studies – 4


 

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;

7. When a person is aware of one’s strengths, they can make an informed decision. Discuss how this awareness can help in informed decision-making for a civil servant. (150 Words)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Philosophical Mondays’ in Mission-2023 Secure.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the importance of being aware of one’s strengths and using them for informed decision-making.

Directive word: 

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Introduce by discussing what awareness of strength means and how it is beneficial. Give a brief context with an example.

Body:

Mention what happens when one is aware of their internal as well as external strengths both in personal and professional life. Then with a few practical examples show how this can be beneficial for civil servants in their day-to-day decision-making.

Conclusion:

Give a concise summation of your views to conclude the answer.


Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE

Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE

Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelHERE

Follow our Twitter Account HERE

Follow our Instagram ID HERE