[MISSION 2023] Insights SECURE : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 03 March 2023

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General Studies – 1

Topic: population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

1. Migrant worker issues have been a significant problem in India for a long time. Examine the various measures taken by the government to alleviate the issues faced by the migrant workers in India. (250 words).

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

As the sugarcane harvest season comes to an end, residents of villages that make the intra-State move for six months, talk about living on the fringes and the exploitation they face, without even realising the injustice

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the issues faced by migrant workers and evaluate government measures for their protection.

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 giving statistic regarding migration in India.

Body:

First, elaborate upon the issues faced by migrant workers – Distress migration: due to non-existent social security and unilateral decisions. Loss of livelihoods, Paradox of hunger despite having plenty, Devastating impact on women and children’s nutrition etc. Account the reasons for the same.

Next, discuss the policies and initiatives of the government in this direction to have a social security and inter-state coordination.

Next, suggest what needs to be done further to alleviate the issues of migrant workers.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

2. India has been actively seeking a permanent seat at the UNSC for several years now, which is a matter of debate and opinion among various developed countries. In your opinion, is India ready for a permanent seat at UNSC? Comment. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

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 Mission-2023 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about whether or not India is ready for a permanent seat at the UNSC.

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:

Start by giving a brief about India’s growing stature internationally.

Body:

Write about the reasons that lend credibility to India’s claims – Represents one-sixth of the global population, among the founding members of the U.N, upheld its principles and credentials while some other countries consider the organisation as merely a talk shop, impressive contribution towards the UN Peacekeeping Force (UNPKF) and economic power etc.

Next, write about the various limitations that hinder the above.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward to overcome the above limitations.

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

3. While the IMF has been credited with supporting economic growth and stability in many countries, it has also faced criticism for promoting neoliberal economic policies that prioritize the interests of wealthy nations and corporations over those of developing countries. Critically examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

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 Mission-2023 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write a critique of IMF and suggest possible reforms in it.

Directive word:

Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into 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. 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 judgment.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by giving a brief about aims of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Body:

First, in brief, write about the major aspects of global economy that IMF deals with.

Next, using facts and figures to substantiate, give the successes and limitations of IMF in regards to – foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world etc.

Next, write about the shortcomings of IMF – IMF’s austerity measures, economic and social inequality, non-transparent manner, failure to adequately address the impact of its policies on the environment and climate change etc.

Next, suggest possible reforms that are needed in the IMF.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

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

4. Do you think the pragmatic neutrality maintained by India on the Russia-Ukraine war and push for a practical solution to the crisis, a wise foreign policy step? Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

On February 23, 2023, on the eve of the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution, calling for an end to the war. The resolution was favoured by 141 members and opposed by seven, while 32 states abstained. Unsurprisingly, India was one among the 32.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the stand of India on Russia-Ukraine war.

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 giving context.

Body:

First, in brief, write about the deadlock in the Ukraine conflict which has been going on since the past few months and how it impacts the global multilateral order and the world economy.

Next, write about India’s pragmatic neutrality on the above issue and its outcome.

Next, write about the role India can play diplomatically towards peace efforts and de-escalation of hostilities between India and Ukraine.

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. How is the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) calculated in India? Examine the limitations pertaining to GDP as an economic performance measurement framework of the country. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate.

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The National Statistical Office’s latest release of GDP data estimates a further deceleration in growth in the October-December 2022 quarter, a slowdown that the government’s Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) has attributed largely to an upward revision in the year-earlier period’s figures.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about GDP, its limitations in highlighting the nature of India’s economy.

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 GDP.

Body:

First, write about various ways GDP is calculated in India – income method, expenditure method and production(output) method.

Next, write about limitations of GDP – leaves out some production in an economy. Even though GDP is frequently used to capture the wellbeing of a society, it was never intended to do that, and as a result, it leaves out important aspects of well-being like pollution or even happiness.

Next. Mention the new measurements which are needed for economic performance measurement and framework.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

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

6. India is home to a vast and diverse human capital. The country’s population of over 1.3 billion people is its biggest asset. However, despite its massive workforce, India still has a long way to go in terms of harnessing its human capital. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

The last few years have ushered in a harsh new reality where crises are the norm rather than the exception. Pandemics, economic slumps and extreme weather events were once tail-end risks, but all three have hit South Asia in rapid succession since 2020. COVID-19 alone put millions of lives and livelihoods at risk, and its impacts have already undermined decades of development gains.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about human capital and ways to harness it.

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 defining human capital.

Body:

First, in detail write about the human capital scenario of India – education, healthcare, women empowerment, entrepreneurship, technology, infrastructure, and skilled migration etc. Write about the benefits of harnessing human capital.

Next, write about the various impediments to India harnessing its human capital and ways to overcome those impediments.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.