[MISSION 2023] Insights SECURE : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 13 January 2023

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General Studies – 1

Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

1. No single factor was in itself enough to start the rebellion of 1857. But the cumulative effect of various political, economic and social factors meant all that was needed was a catalyst to turn quiet discontent into a popular revolt. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra.

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 the causes behind the outbreak of revolt of 1857.

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 revolt of 1857.

Body:

First, write about the political Causes – The British expansion had led to the propagation of unjust policies that led to the loss of power of the Nawabs and Zamindars residing at various places of India.

In the next part, write about the economic Factors -There were various reforms in the taxation and revenue system that affected the peasants’ heavily.  

In the final part, write about the religious & Social Causes – Racism or racial discrimination was believed to be a major reason for the revolt of 1857 wherein Indians were exploited and were kept away from mixing with Europeans.

Conclusion:

Conclude by mentioning how the greased cartridges leading to sepoy mutiny served as the trigger for the discontent to have a cumulative effect.

Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

2. Throw light on the nature of the socio-religious reform movements throughout the country in the nineteenth century. (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.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about how reforms movement were aimed at India society as whole and how they got integrated with the mainstream national movement.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by mentioning that the reform movement was a holistic socio-religious reform movement aimed revitalising our society and religion.

Body:

Elaborate on features such as the movement focussed on aspects such as to bring in an enlightened society, removal of superstition, to establish a democratic society, to promote rationality and scientific temper etc. Mention steps taken by reforms to achieve these.

In religious aspects mention the steps that were taken by various reforms to reform the major religions. Mention about the reformist movements and revivalist movements. Mention the major reformers of major religions.

Conclusion:

Conclude by saying that the same approach was carried forward by the national movement and was included in the vision of independent India.

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

3. Examine the various threats to nation’s cultural heritage monuments and heritage buildings. What steps should be taken to preserve our heritage? (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question:

Rajya Sabha standing committee report raises questions about Archaeological Survey of India’s functioning.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the reasons as to why heritage is under threat and the need to safeguard India’s art heritage and the steps that need to be taken for the same.

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: 

Explain about what all is included in India’s art heritage – paintings, sculpture, monuments etc

Body:

First, highlight that preserving our heritage is enshrined as a fundamental duty

Next, Examine the threats to art heritage such as Lack of public awareness -This makes the local administrator break the buildings and replace it with other structures, Duplication of paintings and art forms, Theft, Vandalism and Smuggling etc. Discuss why it is crucial to safeguard such heritage such as maintaining identity and pride of our country, tourism etc

Next, Discuss the way forward such as – Strengthening institutions – Ministry of Culture, ASI, Museums, Archives, Cultural awareness programs etc

Conclusion:

Summarize on why this issue requires attention and what needs to be done.

General Studies – 2

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

4. The basic structure doctrine prevents the abuse of power by the executive and legislature, preventing it from becoming a majoritarian regime. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question:

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Wednesday sparked a debate on the separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary. He criticised the Supreme Court once again, for using the doctrine of basic structure to strike down the constitutional amendment that introduced the National Judicial Appointments Commission Act.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the importance of doctrine of basic structure and its criticism.

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: 

To write about the importance of doctrine of basic structure.

Body:

First, write about the various features of doctrine of basic structure – rule of law, parliamentary form of government, secularism etc.

Next, write about how the above is important in upholding the supremacy of the Constitution and preventing authoritarian rule by a single party.

Next, write a critique of the basic structure doctrine.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a balanced opinion.

General Studies – 3

Topic: e-technology in the aid of farmers.

5. Agritech is at the forefront of solving and organizing the fragmented agriculutral industry with tech-first approach which can steer investment to build new markets and create high-quality jobs. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India

Why the question:

In over 120 countries, investments in agritech, edtech and energy-related technologies are considered the most strategically important over the next 10 years. Green and social sectors, including agriculture, education, health and energy, need to create an additional 76 million jobs by 2030, stated two new reports released by the World Economic Forum.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the potential of Agritech in India.

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 the answer by writing about the growing trend of Agritech in India. Cite statistic to substantiate.

Body:

First, mention the potential of Agritech in India – empowering farmers, small agrifood operators, and giving consumers a better deal, growing footprint and reduced wastage etc.

Next, write about bottlenecks faced by Agritech – policy issues, funding, regulation etc.

Next, mention the need for a robust policy to ensure there is smooth transition of businesses and employees from the informal to formal sector through upskilling, financing initiatives etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by mentioning positive steps that are needed for companies involved in the agricultural ecosystem.

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

6. Can geoengineering fix the issues associated with climate change? Should private sector be allowed to take part in geo-engineering technologies? Critically analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:

There is no law or treaty to prevent a private company from tinkering with geo-engineering—say, releasing sulphur dioxide high in the stratosphere to alter the climate. And so there will be no fines or arrests following recent news that a startup quietly pulled off such a release last year by launching two balloons over Mexico.

Key Demand of the question:

To analyse if Geo-engineering could be a viable option to overcome the climate crisis and role of private sector in it.

Directive word: 

Critically 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. 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 judgement.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin the answer by defining geo-engineering.

Body:

You can use a bubble diagram to show the various modes of geo-engineering such as Shoot Mirrors into Space (Solar Sunscreen), Copy a Volcano, Build Fake Trees etc.

In the first part of the body, write about how the above strategies work and will be beneficial for the planet above and over existing mitigation strategies to tide over the climate crisis. Clearly outline as to why it may be needed.

In the next part, mention about the major drawbacks, impediments and concerns regarding the implementation of the above strategies.

Next, write about role of private sector in geo-engineering and their potential and concerns.

Conclusion:

Conclude the answer with a balanced opinion.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Case Study

6. You are appointed as an officer heading the section in Environment Pollution Control Board to ensure compliance and its follow – up. In that region, there were large number of small and medium industries which had been granted clearance. You learnt that these industries provide employment to many migrant workers. Most of the industrial units have got environmental clearance certificate in their possession. The environmental clearance seeks to curb industries and projects that supposedly hamper environment and living species in the region. But in practice, most of these units remain to be polluting units in several ways like air, water and soil pollution. As such, local people encountered persistent health problems.

It was confirmed that majority of the industries were violating environmental compliance. You issued notice to all the industrial units to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificate from the competent authority. However, your action met with hostile response from a section of the industrial units, other vested interest persons and a section of the local politicians. The workers also became very hostile to you as they felt that your action would lead to the closure of these industrial units, and the resultant unemployment will lead to insecurity and uncertainty in their livelihood. Many owners of the industries approached you with the plea that you should not initiate harsh action as it would compel them to close their units, and cause huge financial loss, shortage of their products in the market. These would obviously add to the sufferings of the labourers and the consumers alike. The labour union also sent you representation requesting against the closure of the units, You simultaneously started receiving threats from unknown corners. You however received supports from some of your colleagues, who advised you to act freely to ensure environmental compliance. Local NGOs also came to your support and they demanded the closure of the polluting units immediately.

(a) What are the options available to under the given situation?

(b) Critically examine the options listed by you.

(c) What type of mechanism would you suggest to ensure environmental compliance?

(d) What are the ethical dilemmas you faced in exercising your option? (250 Words) (20 M) (UPSC 2022)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by giving the context. Bring out the key stakeholders in the above case study and major ethical issues present.

Body:

In the body, write about the rational course of action available for you as the officer in charge.

Next, give valid arguments for the both the above-mentioned courses of action that you can take. Evaluate its pros and cons in detail.

Next, write about the compliance you will take suggest justify that ethically.

Next, write about major ethical dilemmas you will face.

Conclusion:

Conclude by stressing on the importance of rationality and courage in decision making.

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