[MISSION 2023] Insights SECURE : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 26 January 2023

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General Studies – 1

Topic: Arts and Culture: Post-Independence Architecture

1. Post Independent Indian Architecture depicts India’s ‘Tryst with Modernism’, emblematic of an ambitious new nation. Justify with examples (10M)

Difficulty level: Difficult

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

Balkrishna V Doshi, architect, planner, and educator, who passed away on Tuesday, gave Indian architecture the legacy of questioning everything.

Key Demand of the question:

To show how Post-Independent Indian Architecture is modern and show India’s new ambition.

Directive word: 

Justify with examples – To justify a statement means to show or prove that the statement is reasonable and you show that using examples.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin the answer by introducing post-modern architecture: post-Independence architectural styles were mostly in consonance with science and modern building techniques which are universally accepted.

Body:

Show using examples how post-modern architecture depicts its tryst with modernism. Give examples (especially that of B V Doshi). Most of the successful Indian architects including Charles Correa, Raj Rewal and B.V. Doshi blended vernacular elements into modernism giving it a rich flavour that demarcates the identity of Indian architecture.

Also, Development of Chandigarh by Le Corbusier:  The well-ordered matrix of the city has been developed to meet the rising urban challenges

Next, briefly write a few limitations.

Conclusion:

Conclude by saying that Indian architecture is a fine mix of modernism with traditional insights.

Topic: Indian Society

2. “India has succeeded as a democratic republic because many creeds and languages have united and not divided the country”. How does Indian society show ‘Unity in Diversity’? Has diversity been its strength or a weakness? (250 Words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of the Mission-2023 Secure timetable. Also, The President addressed the nation on the occasion of Republic Day.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the ‘unity in Diversity’ concept of Indian Society.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving a brief introduction to the meaning of unity in diversity.

Body:

First list down points to show in what ways Indian society shows unity in Diversity e.g., languages, creed, geography, food, dialects, etc.

Next, write whether this ‘diversity’ has been a source of strength or a source of weakness. Briefly write 3-4 points for each.

Conclusion:

Conclude by giving a balanced viewpoint and what needs to be done to strengthen this unity in diversity.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

3. What is the importance of having a ‘strategic partnership’? Explain the significance of having a such partnership with Egypt in the context of wider India-Middle east relations. (150 Words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

 Why the question:

India and Egypt elevate ties to the strategic partnership. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is the chief guest on India’s Republic Day.

 Key Demand of the question:

To write about the India-Egypt partnership in the context of wider India-Gulf countries ties.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by Introducing India-Egypt ties.

Body:

First, write about the importance of having a strategic partnership with a country. E.g., Strategic Partnerships provide a competitive edge to businesses- defence, S&T, people-to-people contact etc. 

Next, briefly related the India-Egypt partnership in the context of wider India- gulf ties, India- west Asia ties, the Abraham accord and Israel-Palestine issues. 

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward for the India-Egypt partnership

General Studies – 3

Topic: Liberalization of Economy, International Trade

4. How does the international value of the US dollar impact the trade balance of a nation? To what extent have countries been able to shed their dependence on the US dollar for international trade? Briefly mention the advantages and challenges of doing so. (250 Words)

 Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

Based on an editorial in the Hindu

Key Demand of the question: 

To write about the impact and influence that the US dollar holds on international trade. The advantage and challenges of ‘De-dollarization’.

Introduction: 

Introduce the international trade system and supply chain. Briefly mention why the US dollar is so important for it.

Body:

Mention the impact of changes in the value of currency vis-à-vis the US dollar e.g. When a country’s exchange rate increases relative to other countries, the price of its goods and services increases. Imports become cheaper. Ultimately, this can decrease that country’s exports and increase imports.

Next, mention the efforts put by countries to remove their dependence on dollars. Cite examples of currency swap agreements and other arrangements.

Then in 3-4 points, each mentions the advantages of the ‘de-dollarization’ of a national currency (take the case of India) and the challenges in doing so.

 Conclusion:

Conclude by mentioning that our supply chain network and trade are still not in a position to ‘de-dollarize’ themselves completely but efforts are commendable.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Applied Ethics

5. An act of suicide cannot be said to be against religion, morality or public policy, and an act of attempted suicide has no baneful effect on society. In light of this statement, how far do you think euthanasia is ethically right? Give your opinion. 150 words

 Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications.

Why the question:

SC has relaxed the guidelines for ‘ advance medical directive’ that it issued in its 2018 judgement by which it had legalised passive euthanasia under certain circumstances.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about how euthanasia – if it is ethical or unethical.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by defining euthanasia.

Body:

Start by explaining how suicide is a result of mental suffering, alternatively euthanasia – for physical suffering.

Next, give reasons why euthanasia is morally right or wrong by giving certain recent examples.

Conclusion:

Conclude by giving a balanced opinion.

Topic: Administrative Ethics

6. Discuss the basic measures which you would include if you were asked to evaluate the performance of a civil servant. Would you give more importance to the code of ethics or citizens’ perception of public service quality? Substantiate. (150 words)

 Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about measures to evaluate the performance of civil servants.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start with a quote or anecdote on how ethical values of civil servants should be.

Body:

Start by explaining about code of ethics and code of conduct, then discuss how citizens’ participation and perception is also a method to evaluate civil servants.

Next, write about how a combination of both I.e code of ethics and citizen perception is a middle ground for evaluating civil servants.

Conclusion:

Conclude by giving a balanced opinion.

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