[MISSION 2023] Insights SECURE : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 23 February 2023

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General Studies – 1


 

Topic: Geography: Important Geophysical phenomena.

Q1. “Rising temperatures, scorching heat, and economic distress – Heat dome is a triple threat to India’s progress”. Explain how heat domes are formed and enumerate their socio-economic impact. (250 Words)

 Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: IEHindu BL

 Why the question:

‘Heat dome’ over North-West India may retract from Wednesday. Also, the world is seeing above-average temperatures this year as well

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the formation of heat domes and their socio-economic impact on India.

 Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start by defining what a heat dome is and how it is formed.

Body:

Explain the science behind it and the conditions required for its formation.

Discuss the impact of heat domes on India, considering various regions of the country. Highlight the economic distress that results from extreme temperatures, including the impact on agriculture, energy demand, and public health.

Enumerate the socio-economic impact of heat domes, including the loss of productivity, increase in poverty and unemployment, and displacement of people due to climate-induced migration.

Conclusion:

Finally, suggest measures that can be taken to address the issue of heat domes, including adaptation and mitigation strategies to reduce the impact on people and the economy.


General Studies – 2


 

Topic: Indian Constitution/ Social Justice

Q2. What are India’s major social and political contradictions after 75 years of independence, and what measures can be taken to address them? (250 Words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The question is taken from the Editorial Article of the Hindu. It talks about social and political issues confronting India, as it celebrates its 75th year of independence.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the various social and political contradictions that India faces and suggest solutions.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Introduce the topic by briefly discussing India’s journey since its independence in 1947 and highlighting the achievements and challenges faced by the country.

Body:

Define what is meant by social and political contradictions, and provide examples of the major ones in India today. This could include issues such as caste discrimination, communalism, gender inequality, poverty, corruption, and political polarization, among others.

Offer suggestions for addressing these contradictions, such as legislative reforms, social and cultural changes, and strengthening institutions and governance mechanisms. It could also include community-led initiatives and collaborations between the government, civil society, and the private sector.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarizing the main points and emphasizing the importance of addressing these contradictions to achieve India’s potential as a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive democracy.

 

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

 Q3. “Empowering the rural workforce, one job at a time – MGNREGA is a powerful tool for poverty alleviation, but its success lies in addressing the challenges that hinder its potential”. Discuss (250 Words)

 Difficulty level: Easy

 Reference: Insights on India

 Why the question: 

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of the Mission-2023 Secure timetable.

 Key Demand of the question: 

To write about the potential, successes and limitations of MGNREGA

 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: 

Start by explaining what MGNREGA is and how it has been a game-changer for rural employment in India.

Body:

Discuss the key features and potential of MGNREGA and how it can help in alleviating poverty in rural areas.

Discuss the challenges faced by MGNREGA, such as corruption, delays in wage payments, inadequate funds, lack of awareness, and poor implementation.

Highlight the steps taken by the government to address the challenges and improve the implementation of MGNREGA. Also, suggest some measures that can be taken to make MGNREGA more effective.

Conclusion:

Summarize the key points discussed and emphasize the need to address the challenges that hinder the potential of MGNREGA to empower the rural workforce and alleviate poverty.

 

TopicWelfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections

Q4. What are the staffing problems and other concerns affecting the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in India and their impact on addressing discrimination against scheduled tribes (ST)?

 Difficulty level: Moderate

 Reference: Insights on India, The Hindu

 Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of the Mission-2023 Secure timetable.

Also, The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has asked the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay why it allowed a counsellor with “casteist sentiment” to continue working with the SC/ST Cell on campus.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the recent issues with staffing in NCST and their impact on its functioning.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

You may introduce it by

With the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003, under Article 338A, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was established in the year 2004. As per the Article, it is the duty of the Commission to oversee the effective implementation of the safeguards available for the Scheduled Tribes (STs). The role of NCST is to protect and promote the socio-economic development of STs.

Body:

Write staffing and other issues with NCST such as NCST struggling to function due to a severe manpower crunch. As many as 70 posts out of 124 sanctioned posts in the commission are lying vacant; Recruitment rules are not finalised; Lack of applicants; non-binding recommendations; Less sensitive; Cash crunch; Fewer meetings etc. 

Next, write about the Impact of the above issue such as Delayed hearings; High rate of pendency of cases; Poor performance; Failure to protect tribal identity; Fewer report submissions etc.

Then write measures needed:  E.g., The vacancies should be immediately filled as there should be no reason now for any further delay since the recruitment rules have been suitably revised; Increasing budgetary allocation; Framing rules for an appointment: commission and tribal ministry should immediately finalise the rules for the recruitment of officials; The commission should be given additional powers, in the matter of criminal investigation.

 Conclusion:

Conclude on a positive note.


General Studies – 3


 

Topic: Environment Conservation

Q5. List down the initiatives taken by India to conserve biodiversity, and examine their effectiveness. (250 Words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

This came in the Hindu editorial. Also, there is a summit going on under the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS) for the conservation of Marine biodiversity.

Key Demand of the question:

To list down initiatives (government, CSO, private sectors) and evaluate their success/limitations

 Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start by defining biodiversity and its significance for India.

Body:

Write down various initiatives taken. Some examples of initiatives taken by India to conserve biodiversity include the National Biodiversity Act, the National Biodiversity Authority, the National Wildlife Action Plan, and the Forest Conservation Act.

Next, write about their success and then their limitations.

Then briefly write how those limitations can be removed.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.


General Studies – 4


 

TopicHuman Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;

Q6. To what extent do cultural and societal norms shape an individual’s moral values, and how can individuals reconcile conflicting personal morality with the expectations of their community or society? (150 Words)

 Difficulty level: Moderate

 Why the question:

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

Also, there is a rising number of brutal murders (e.g., the Shraddha Murder case, Nikki Yadav case and the Anjali murder case), which has raised the question of our understanding of morals in society.

 Structure of the answer: 

Introduction: 

Start by defining cultural and societal norms, moral values, and personal morality.

Body:

Discuss the relationship between cultural and societal norms and an individual’s moral values, citing relevant examples.

Examine the impact of conflicting personal morality with the expectations of the community or society, highlighting the challenges individuals face in reconciling these differences.

Provide suggestions on how individuals can reconcile their personal morality with societal expectations without compromising their values, citing relevant examples.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarizing your key points and restating your thesis statement.

 

Topic: Ethics in Public Service

Q7. How can we ensure the ethical use of social media by bureaucrats, and what mechanisms can be employed to regulate and enforce such ethical standards? (150 Words)

 Reference: Times of India

 Difficulty level: Moderate

 Why the question:

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

Also, there was a public brawl between two officers in Karnataka

 Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by explaining the importance of the ethical use of social media by bureaucrats and how it can impact the public’s perception of the government.

Body:

Discuss the various ways in which bureaucrats can ensure ethical use of social media, such as avoiding partisan politics, refraining from sharing confidential information, and being respectful in their online interactions.

Outline some of the mechanisms that can be used to regulate and enforce ethical standards (by government agencies, professional organizations, and social media companies) for social media use by bureaucrats, such as developing social media policies, providing training and guidance, and monitoring online activity.

Provide some examples of situations where unethical social media use by bureaucrats has caused issues (e.g., in the present case), and how these situations were addressed.

Conclusion:

Sum up the main points of the discussion and emphasize the need for continued vigilance and accountability in ensuring the ethical use of social media by bureaucrats.


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