[MISSION 2023] Insights SECURE : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 12 December 2022

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General Studies – 1

Topic: Effects of globalization on Indian society.

1. Globalization disrupts ecosystems and impinges on environmental rights. Indigenous communities are the worst hit because of the biodiversity loss. Analyse.   (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Down to Earth

Why the question:

Non-profits called out the negotiators of different countries present at the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity in Montreal, Canada, about human rights being in brackets in the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the impact on globalisation on biodiversity loss and indigenous communities.

Directive word: 

Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context.

Body:

First, write about the impact of globalisation on loss of bio-diversity – reduced genetic diversity in agriculture (loss of crop varieties and livestock breeds), loss of wild species, spread of exotic species, pollution of air, water and soil, accelerated climatic change, exhaustion of resources etc.

Next, write about impact of globalisation in indigenous communities – disruption, displacement, loss of livelihood, clashes. Substantiate with examples.

Conclusion:

Conclude by suggesting solutions to the above-mentioned challenges.

Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

2. Separate personal laws are a legacy of the British empire, which based its administrative strategies on the classical principle of divide and rule. Do you think introduction of Uniform Civil Code a good idea? Critically analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question:

BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena on Friday introduced a private member’s Bill in Rajya Sabha, seeking the constitution of a committee to prepare and implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country,

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the debate regarding introduction of the Uniform civil code.

Directive word: 

Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them 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 balanced judgment on the topic.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by defining Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as per article 44.

Body:

First, write about how separate personal laws are a legacy of British rule.

Next, explaining the aims and objectives behind UCC in India.

Next, discuss in detail the arguments for UCC in India – Mentioned in DPSP, uniformity of laws, achieving equality, simplification of law, progressive measure etc.

Next, discuss in detail the arguments against the UCC in India – Lack of consensus, against cultural diversity, right of minorities, tribal customs etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by giving a balanced opinion regarding UCC.

General Studies – 2

Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.

3. Smart balancing China in Southern Asia and beyond must form a key element in India’s grand strategic planning and diplomacy. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

Today the Indo-China border is quiet, but the clashes are still reverberating in New Delhi and analysts say future clashes between the world’s two most populous countries cannot be ruled out.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the ways in which India has to deal with a rising China.

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: 

Begin by giving context regarding the Indo-China situation.

Body:

Present Background on recent India-China relations; Continuing stand-off: no signs of resolution, disengagement has stalled and talks been fruitless. Rupture bilateral relationship: Political relations are marked by hostility and distrust.

Strategic lessons for India: intensifying strategic competition with China, China more likely to be deterred with threat of political costs rather than material costs, Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is the key, rather than LAC.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Government Budgeting.

4. Examine the implications of a high fiscal deficit on the Indian economy. Write about the measures that are needed for India to bring down its fiscal deficit. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy.

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

India needs to bring down its fiscal deficit which is highest among G20 countries.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the impact of fiscal deficit and the steps to reduce 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: 

Begin by defining fiscal deficit.

Body:

In the first part, reasons for increased fiscal deficit in India.

Next, write about the impact of fiscal deficit – price stability and inflation, push up overall demand in the economy, raising the cost of inputs, ‘crowding out’ effect etc.

Next, suggest policy measures to overcome the above.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices;

5. What are the various types of subsidies offered in India? Evaluate the extent and effectiveness of subsidies. How can India reduce its subsidy bill? (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question:

The Rs 532,446.79 crore spending on subsidy in 2022-23 would be the second highest after the Rs 706,006.53 crore of 2020-21. However, there’s a difference between the two years.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the types of subsides, their effectives and measures needed to reduce the subsidy bill.

Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence.  You must appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving statistic related to Subsidy bill of India and its extent.

Body:

First, write about the various types of subsidies that are present in India.

Next, give a brief history of subsidies as a concept that evolved in India since independence and that rationale behind subsidies. Give about the various success and limitations of subsidies. Cite statistics to substantiate.

Next, write about the ways that the government can reduce its subsidy bill.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward on overcoming the above shortcomings.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world to the concepts of morality;

6. Explain Kant’s Categorical Imperative with suitable examples. (150 Words)

Difficulty Level: Easy

Reference: plato.stanford.edu

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To put write about understanding and views about Kantian Categorical Imperative with examples.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by defining Categorical Imperative of Emmanuel Kant.

Body:

Begin the body by explaining in detail about your understanding of Categorical Imperative with examples. You can use simple but effective examples to put forward your ideas regarding Universal Moral Law etc.

Conclusion:

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

Topic: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.

7. J.S Mill defines utilitarianism as a theory based on the principle that “actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness.” Elaborate. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: plato.stanford.edu

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the philosophy of Utilitarianism.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by defining the philosophy of Utilitarianism in brief.

Body:

In your own words, explain that Utilitarianism is a theory of morality that advocates actions that foster happiness or pleasure and oppose actions that cause unhappiness or harm. When directed toward making social, economic, or political decisions, a utilitarian philosophy would aim for the betterment of society as a whole.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

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