[MISSION 2023] Insights SECURE : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 02 January 2023

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General Studies – 1

Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

1. Buddhism originated as an alternative tradition to the excessive importance given to rituals and sacrifices in Vedic tradition. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about reasons for the emergence of Buddhism.

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: 

Start by giving context.

Body:

First, write about the various factors responsible for the emergence of Buddhism – Influence of Time, Simple Doctrines, Personality of Buddha, Inexpensive, No Caste, Royal Patronage etc.

Next, comment about the role of excessive importance given to rituals and sacrifices in Vedic tradition and its role in popularity of Buddhism.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

2. There is much in common between Buddhism and Jainism. There are similarities between the two but the basic difference between the philosophies of the two provides each of them a place of distinct religion. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To compare and contrast the tenets of Buddhism and Jainism.

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: 

Highlight a fact such as – Numerous religious sects arouse in the middle of Gangetic plains in the second half of the sixth century B.C. Of these sects, Buddhism and Jainism were the most important and they emerged as the most potent religious reform movement.

Body:

First, write about the similarities in the two religious philosophies such as – both were inspired by Upanishads, ideas of misery, caste, rituals etc.

Next, write about the differences such as in the aspects of – Moksha and means of its attainment, ahimsa, concept of soul etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

3.  In the Indian context where marriage holds a special cultural and religious value, a denial of which may reinforce the stigma faced by same-sex couples. The foundation of equal treatment thus ought to pave the way for marriage equality in India and not be left to the vagaries of the legislature. Comment. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

A recent statement by a Member of Parliament that same-sex marriages are against the (so-called) cultural ethos of India has once again stirred up the debate on marriage equality. This is amidst a petition for marriage rights of same-sex couples (under the Special Marriage Act, 1954) pending before the Supreme Court of India.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about legalising same-sex marriages in the country.

Directive word: 

Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context with respect to same-sex marriages.

Body:

In the first part, write about the need to legalise same-sex marriages in the country post the Navtej Johar judgement – Equal rights, granting protection, for true inclusivity etc.

Next, mention write about the impediments and legal obstacles to legalising same-sex marriages.

Next, write a way forward.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a balanced opinion on the issue.

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

4. Given the regional variations in demographic trends and economic opportunities, India has a high rate of migration, Migrants often see their political and economic rights compromised at their place of origin and residence. Do you think remote voting for migrants is a good move to ensure higher voter turnout and to grant political rights to migrants? (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu , The Hindu

Why the question:

The Election Commission of India (ECI) said on December 28 that it was ready to pilot remote voting for domestic migrants through newly devised remote electronic voting machines (RVMs) so that the voter does not have to travel to their home State or district to cast their vote.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the pros and cons of granting remote voting rights to domestic migrants.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context about the recent proposal of ECI.

Body:

First, write about the mode in which domestic migrants will be allowed vote remotely without travelling to their home district.

Next, write about the pros and cons on the above proposal by ECI. Cite examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

General Studies – 3

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

5. Examine the causes behind high rate of unemployment in India in the recent past. Suggest measures to ensure adequate job creation in the Indian economy. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

India’s unemployment rate rose to 8.30% in December, the highest in 16 months, from 8.00% in the previous month, data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) showed.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about causes behind unemployment and measures need to create jobs.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by citing statistic to give a current scenario of unemployment in the country.

Body:

First, write about the causes behind unemployment in India – historical, unequal growth, lack of job specialisation, automation related losses etc.

Next, suggest measures that are needed in order to ensure job creation and to reduce unemployment in the country.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Topic: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country

6. The government needs to focus on improving production, creating awareness on nutrition and health benefits and international outreach for mainstreaming millets. Elaborate. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question:

The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Since that was at the initiative of India, which also accounts for a fifth of the world’s millets production, the Narendra Modi government would be expected to do something different this year to promote these “nutri-cereals” — going beyond just spreading awareness, or organising “special millets lunch” for parliamentarians and journalists.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about plethora of benefits offered by Millet production and measures needed to popularise it.

Directive word:

Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by mentioning giving context that the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets.

Body:

Mention about the low demand of water and soil fertility needs to cultivate millets and millets as a nutritional package with whole lot of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids etc. Also mention that millets also offer a significant cost advantage over maize as a feedstock for bio-ethanol production. Bring in the aspect of food security and ecological benefits.

Next, write about the measures that are needed to popularise millets.

Conclusion:

Conclude by saying millets are the way forward in the food consumption area as it addresses the twin challenge of both nutritional security as well as climate change.

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

7. The three Jewels of Jainism: right faith, right knowledge and right conduct are a core aspect of Jain philosophy. Examine their relevance in modern society.

Difficulty level: Tough

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.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Write a few introductory lines about the Jain philosophy.

Body:

Discuss about the three jewels of Jainism – Right faith – Samyak darshan, Right knowledge – Samyak jnana, Right conduct – Samyak charitra.

Next, write about its relevance in modern society. Use examples to substantiate your points.

Conclusion:

Conclude by Summarising.

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