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

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General Studies – 1


 

Topic: Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

1. Caste-based vote-bank politics, rather than economic issues and social policy have determined India’s electoral choices. Critically analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The HinduInsights on India

Why the question:

The Biju Janata Dal, led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, last week won the Padampur byelection, dubbed a crucial poll before the 2024 elections, by a huge margin than anticipated.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about impact of Caste-based vote-bank politics on the electoral politics.

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 giving context.

Body:

In the first part, Highlight the Factors driving voter behaviour – present rise of religious divisions and the persistence of strong caste-based cleavages, while education, income and occupation are playing a diminishing role (controlling for caste) in determining voters’ choices.

Next, write about economic and social issues as criteria for elections. Write about how society is progressing to caste-based politics to issue based.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward to end caste-based politics.

 


General Studies – 2


 

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

2. What is ‘soft power’? Evaluate the prospects & limitations of Indian diaspora with respect to the role they can play in India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy.

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Live Mint Insights on India

Why the question:

This week, our parliamentary committee on external affairs tabled its 16th report, titled India’s Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy: Prospects & Limitations, in which it has made a raft of recommendations on how better to project this power in conjunction with conventional diplomacy.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the role Indian diaspora can play in furthering the nations soft power.

Directive word:

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 defining soft power.

Body:

In brief, write about the various forms of soft power and their manifestations.

Next, write about India diaspora as an agent of soft power – write about the prospects – bridging cultural gaps, contributing to economic progress, spread of Indian culture etc.

Next, write about their limitations – anti-immigrant policies, brain drain, lack of opportunities etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a balanced opinion on the issue.

 

Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

3.  The shift of manufacturing from urban to rural areas can be a double-edged sword. It has its share of advantages that could transform the rural economy, as well as a set of constraints, which could hamper higher growth. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

There is growing evidence to suggest that the most conspicuous trend in the manufacturing sector in India has been a shift of manufacturing activity and employment from bigger cities to smaller towns and rural areas.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the implications of manufacturing shift from urban to rural areas.

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 citing statistic regarding manufacturing shift from urban to rural areas.

Body:

First, in brief, mention the reasons for the manufacturing shift from urban to rural areas.

Next, write about the advantages associated with the above – rural development, inclusive growth, development, employment etc.

Next, write about the limitations of the above – less rate of growth, lack of backward and forward linkages.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward to overcome the limitations for maximising the benefits.

 


General Studies – 3


 

Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

4. Examine the potential nuclear fusion energy to be a source of clean-energy in the near future. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The HinduInsights on India.

Why the question:

U.S. researchers announced a historic nuclear fusion breakthrough on Tuesday that could pave the way for alternative clean energy sources. The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) said an experiment it conducted this month “produced more energy from fusion than the laser energy used to drive it”.

Key Demand of the question:  

To write about the scope and limiting factors in the growth of nuclear fusion energy.

Directive word: 

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 the nuclear fusion.

Body:

First, write about the process of nuclear fusion in brief.

Next, mention about the huge potential for growth, emission-free nature and consistent nature of nuclear energy production in contrast with wind and solar energy.

Next, write about the limitations of the above – technological constraints, lack of expertise, land requirement, man power, financing etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude with way forward.

 

Topic: basics of cyber security; money laundering and its prevention.

5. In India, where the uptake of cryptocurrencies is among highest in world, there is a pressing need to have a streamlined crypto tax regime, constructive and adaptive regulatory environment. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

On Monday, founder of the collapsed crypto exchange FTX, Sam Bankman-Fried was arrested in the Bahamas. FTX crashed almost overnight after failing to meet a run on deposits, throwing the crypto industry into its latest crisis.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the need to tax and regulate cryptocurrency.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin the answer by defining cryptocurrency with examples.

Body:

First, write about the proliferation of cryptocurrencies in the Indian economy and their extent.

Next, write about the challenges associated with cryptocurrencies – taxation, regulation, preventing money laundering etc.

Next, write about the steps that are needed to overcome the above-mentioned challenges.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

 


General Studies – 4


 

Topic: ethics – in private and public relationships;

6. As an administrator, ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do. Elucidate. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question:

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

Directive:

Elucidate – 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 with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Define ethics in respect to administration and mention the need to knowing the distinction between your powerful rights and the right thing to do.

Body:

From the perspective of an administrator further elaborate on the quote and as to why it is imperative for the administrator to do the right thing. Use examples to substantiate your point.

Bring out the various facets of integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections that an administrator has to consider before taking any actions.

Mention certain principle, theories and benchmarks one can to take the right decision especially when faced with an ethical dilemma. Eg: Gandhi’s Talisman. Etc.

Conclusion:

Complete by summarizing the need for doing the right thing especially for those who are in power.

 

Topic: accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance;

7. What are the ways to build and maintain a culture of accountability in government organisations?  (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question:

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

Key Demand of the question:

To write about ways to build and maintain a culture of accountability in government organisations

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by defining accountability.

Body:

With relevant examples elaborate on how an culture of accountability can be instilled – citizen charters, RTI, Reward & Recognition, Autonomy & Trust, Feedback & Coaching, communication etc.

Conclusion:

Complete the answer writing about the link between accountability and efficiency.


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