[MISSION 2023] Insights SECURE : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 28 March 2023

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General Studies – 1

Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent)

1. What is blue economy? The blue economy of India has enormous potential for sustainable economic growth and equitable use of resources. Evaluate. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

 The oceans hold a plenty of opportunities for the prosperity of our planet. It is therefore not surprising that the most prosperous cities and countries are endowed with a coast.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the potential of blue economy and India’s strengths and weaknesses in this regard.

Directive word: 

Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence.  You must appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start by defining blue economy and its components.

Body:

Frist, write about the importance of Blue Economy; Contribute to food security, poverty alleviation, Mitigation and resilience to the impacts of climate change, Enhanced trade and investment, Enhanced maritime connectivity. Explain these points in detail.

Next, write ways of harnessing blue economy in India.

Next, write India’s strengths and weaknesses in harnessing blue economy in India.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes;

2. The digital revolution in India has transformed lives of ordinary citizens, given power to the poorest and marginalised, and offered the young the ability to create. Elaborate. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

Until a few years ago, access to technology was considered a privilege restricted to the urban elite. The internet was unaffordable for people in rural areas. Only 25 crore Indians used the internet till 2014, which increased to 84 crore in 2022. Earlier, the cost of 1GB of data was about Rs 300. Now it has come down to about Rs 13.5 per GB, making it affordable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the achievements and limitations of India’s digital revolution.

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 giving context.

Body:

First, write about the major aspects of India’s digital revolution – new skills, access job opportunities, and connect with people from all over the world etc. Cite certain schemes launched by the government in this regard.

Next, write about the impact of the above – democratized access to knowledge and communication, giving a voice to the previously marginalized, enabled young people to start businesses and create content, generating economic growth and job creation etc.

Next, write about the limitations of India in the above.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.

3. Examine the reasons for frequent political instability in Nepal. How can India deal with it whilst continuing cordial and prosperous relations with Nepal? (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

In a short span of time since being in power from December 25, 2022, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, supremo of the Maoist Centre (MC), has had to face a vote of confidence twice — on January 10, 2023 and again on March 20. Though it would seem unusual, it is not an unexpected happening given the state of disarray contemporary Nepali politics is in after the general election in November 2022.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the reasons for instability in Nepal and measures India should take to deal with it

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 context.

Body:

First, write about the reasons for political instability in Nepal – historical legacy of weak political systems, ethnic and regional divisions, economic challenges, corruption, geopolitical factors, constitutional issues, and ineffective political leadership. Write about its impact.

Next, write about how India should deal with the frequent instability.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

General Studies – 3

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

4. Climate change is a significant challenge for India, with a range of impacts on the country’s environment, society, and economy. While India has made efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change, there is still a long way to go to achieve its goals. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the implications of changing climate on various aspects of Indian region and also evaluate upon the Key actions taken by India towards combating and adapting to climate change.

Directive:

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 defining climate change.

Body:

First, write in detail the implications of changing climate on various aspects of Indian region such as – food security, Agriculture systems, water security, Energy infrastructure and supply, coastal ecosystem etc. Also explain its effect on human health, social issues, cascading of climatic hazards etc.

Then discuss the key actions taken by India towards combating and adapting to climate change. Evaluate their impact. Cite statistics and examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward on overcoming the above shortcomings.

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

5. The carbon emissions trading mechanism can function as a policy instrument for managing greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to lower emissions and keeping the costs of overall emissions reduction at a minimum through market transactions. Critically examine.  (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about carbon market and India’s potential in using it to fight climate change.

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 defining carbon market.

Body:

In the first part, in detail, write about the structure and functioning of carbon market and its brief history.

Next, write about the potential of carbon markets in reducing carbon emissions and fighting climate change. Write the ways in which it would help. Substantiate with facts and examples.

Next, write about the challenges and limitations associated with carbon markets in India. Mention ways to overcome them.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.

6. Objectivity helps maintain credibility, ensure accuracy, and promote fairness in decision making and conclusions. Discuss. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question:

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

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the importance of objectivity

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 defining objectivity.

Body:

Write about how Objectivity helps in taking decisions based upon established facts and figures, helps avoid personal opinion and bias and arrive at fair decision.

Cite suitable examples to substantiate your points in public service and private life.

Conclusion:

Complete the answer by stressing on the significance of objectivity.

General Studies – 4

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

7. Detachment from the outcome and a focus on the process can lead to a sense of freedom from the pressures of success or failure. Elaborate. (150 Words)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Why the question:

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

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the importance of focussing on the intent and not on the outcome.

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 giving context regarding the difference between intent and action.

Body:

Write about importance of focusing on the present moment and the action being performed, rather than worrying about the potential outcomes or rewards that may come from it. Mention as to what happens when the outcome of the action more emphasised rather than the intent of the action. One tends to lose their path to have favourable outcomes rather than sticking to original intent. Cite examples to elaborate.

Conclusion:

Give a concise summation of your views to conclude the answer.

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