[MISSION 2023] Insights SECURE : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 21 April 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); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).

1. Export hotspots play a crucial role in driving India’s export growth by acting as key centers of production and trade. Discuss the features of major export hotspots of India. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The article provides an overview of India’s export hotspots based on data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Key Demand of the question: 

To write about major export hotspots of India, their features and advantages offered by them.

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 of an export hotspot.

Body:

First, draw a neat representative map highlighting the major export hotspots of India.

Next, write the major features of export hotspots of India – high levels of industrial activity, skilled labour, and access to transportation networks, which enable efficient movement of goods to international markets etc.

Next, write about the advantages of these hotspots and a couple of their limitations.

Conclusion:

Conclude by a way forward to further promote export hotspots.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Welfare 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.

2. Despite being a basic human right, many migrant workers are not covered under the National Food Security Act, highlighting the issue of food insecurity among internal migrant workers in India. In this context, examine the challenges they face and identify measures that can be taken to address this issue. (250 words).

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

The Supreme Court on Thursday, April 20, 2023 directed States and Union Territories to provide ration cards to about eight crore migrant workers registered in the eShram portal but not covered under the National Food Security Act.

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 internal 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, 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.

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, and Human Resources.

3. Despite various measures, tuberculosis continues to be a major health challenge in India. Discuss the challenges faced in combatting the disease and suggest innovative approaches that could be adopted to achieve the goal of a TB-free India by 2025. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

The article discusses the current state of tuberculosis (TB) in India and the need for innovative approaches to combat the disease.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the challenges posed by TB and ways to end 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 giving statistic highlighting the incidence and impact of TB in India.

Body:

First, write about the various measures taken and progress made in fight against TB in India.

Next, write about the shortcomings of the above and other major challenges in India’s fight against TB.

Next, write about the possible solutions to the above issue to end TB in India – improving awareness, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to diagnostics and treatment, targeting high-risk populations, and promoting research and innovation etc.

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.

4. India’s dependence on imports for critical minerals poses significant challenges for its economy. What are the geopolitical and economic risks associated with this dependence? Evaluate the steps taken by India to diversify its supply chain and promote domestic production of critical minerals. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

The article discusses the challenges India faces in securing critical minerals for its economy. Critical minerals are essential raw materials for industries such as electronics, renewable energy, and defense.

Key Demand of the question: 

To write about the ways to ensure resilient supply chains of critical minerals.

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 giving context of critical minerals with examples.

Body:

Firstly, in detail, mention the various threats and impediments to supply of critical minerals and how any disruption in their supply will affect India.

Next, write about the risks posed by their shortage.

Next, write about the measures taken by the government to ensure their supply and their successes and limitations

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward to ensure their seamless supply and for India to get self-reliant in supply chain.

Topic: money laundering and its prevention.

5. While the Prevention of Money Laundering Act has been a significant step in combating money laundering and other financial crimes, its efficacy in holding those engaging in money laundering accountable before the law has been subject to criticism. 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 – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write successes and limitations of PMLA in achieving its state objectives.

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 writing about the aims and objectives of PMLA.

Body:

First, write about the various features of PMLA – its successes and limitations when it comes to holding the launderers accountable.

Next, write about the steps that have been taken to improve the conviction rate in the PMLA. Write about its impact.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward to holistically address the issue of money laundering in the country.

Topic: Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security;

6. The challenges to India’s cyber security are numerous and complex, but can be addressed through a comprehensive approach that combines policy and technology solutions. 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 India’s traditional cybersecurity challenges as well challenges posed by emerging technology and ways to address them.

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 of the cyber security scenario in India.

Body:

First, write about the major cyber security challenges of India – cyber-attacks, lack of infrastructure, digital illiteracy etc.

Next, write about how emerging technologies such as 5G, IoT, cryptocurrency, Metaverse etc have complicated the cyber-security scenario in the country.

Mention the steps that can be taken in the above regard to address the above-mentioned challenges.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Case Study

7. As a junior officer in the education department, Rohit was used to handling routine administrative work, but he never expected to come across a scam of such magnitude. One day, he stumbled upon evidence of a paper leak racket that involved some of his higher-ups.

Rohit had always been a stickler for rules and regulations, and he couldn’t turn a blind eye to the corruption he had uncovered. However, he knew that reporting the matter would mean going up against powerful people who could easily ruin his career.

The ethical dilemma that faced Rohit was whether to keep quiet and let the corrupt officials get away with their crime, or to risk his career by speaking out and exposing the truth. He was torn between his desire to do the right thing and his fear of the consequences.

Over the next few days, Rohit spent a lot of time thinking about what he should do. He consulted some of his trusted colleagues, but nobody seemed willing to stick their neck out and support him.

1. 1. Mention ethical dilemmas in the above case.
   2. What are the options available to Rohit? Critically examine them.
   3. What course of action should Rohit take in the above case?
   4. Why is the menace of paper leaks for various exams so rampant in the country?

(250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

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