[MISSION 2023] Insights SECURE : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 11 May 2023

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General Studies – 1


 

Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.

1. The uprising of 1857 greatly impacted the British rule in India. Initially, it began as a mutiny by the Indian soldiers, but quickly spread to involve the general population, including peasants, in large parts of northern India. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The article explores the role of Meerut in the Indian Uprising of 1857, which is often regarded as the first war for India’s independence.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the impact created by the revolt of 1857.

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 briefly mentioning how the 1857 uprising was successfully quelled by the British.

Body:

First, write about how revolt of 1857 jolted the British administration.

Next, Mention the various re-alignment policies in administration such a British crown taking over control from EIC, Military strengthening, Transfer of Power, Divide and Rule, New Policy Towards the Princess, Search for New allies etc brought by the British as a way to avoid any such future uprising.

Conclusion:

Conclude by mentioning that although the British succeeded in overpowering the Uprising, it proved to be the beginning of resistance from the people of India.

 

Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.

2. During the Cold War, both superpowers engaged in a global competition for influence and power, which played out in various regions and countries around the world. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.

Key Demand of the question:

There were different arenas (Korea, Vietnam, etc.) of the cold war. Apart from these different arenas, mention the different fields (ex: space race, sports) in which the cold war played out.

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 your answer by writing briefly what the primary cause of the cold war was.

Body:

First write about the “hot” aspects of the war, the different places where the two superpowers technically battled each other (Korea, Vietnam etc.). Proceed to write about the different fields in which the cold war ended up playing out – sports, space race, weapons race etc.

Write about the impact of the above.

Conclusion:

You can conclude by highlighting how in recent years a new cold war may be brewing, this time between USA and China.

 


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.

3. Discuss the significance of a caste census in India and its potential impact on socio-economic policies. Analyse the arguments in favour of and against the demand for a caste census, and state your own opinion on the matter.” (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question:

The article argues that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s demand for a caste census in India is justified, as it will provide valuable data on the socio-economic status of different caste groups and help policymakers design more targeted welfare policies.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about benefits of collecting caste based data in census as well as the harms it might cause in light of the reality of Indian society. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday reiterated demand for a caste based census in the country and claimed that it was highly beneficial.

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 caste-based census in India.

Body:

In the first part, discuss the pros – lack of accurate data related to many affirmative action programmes of the government, helpful in the debate related to reservation policy, targeted poverty reduction programmes etc

Next, Discuss the cons – creates chasms within society, historical apprehensions when such data was used to further divide and rule policy, the reality of Indian society and the implications that it would have in a situation of trust deficit between communities, it would be a process of recording caste generated a conception of community as a homogeneous and classifiable community and thereby influenced the processes of political representation.

Conclusion:

Based on above arguments give a fair and balanced view as conclusion.

 

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

4. Despite various governmental measures aimed towards reducing it, maternal mortality rate (MMR) remains high in certain parts of India. Examine the reasons behind the persistence of high MMR and suggest additional measures that could be implemented to address this issue. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Down to Earth

Why the question:

According to a recent report, the progress made by countries towards reducing maternal and newborn deaths has stagnated since 2015. The report, released by the United Nations, revealed that more than 2.5 million newborns and 260,000 women die annually, mostly due to preventable causes.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the high MMR in certain parts and measures needed to tackle 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: 

Start by giving statistic regarding MMR in India and how it is relatively high in certain parts of the country.

Body:

Frist, write about the various measures against MMR – LaQshya, Poshan Abhiyan, Janani Suraksha Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan Initiative (SUMAN) etc.

Next, write the reasons why there are high trends of MMR in India despite above measures.

Next, write about the measures that are needed to reduce mortality rates in low performing states.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

 


General Studies – 3


 

Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-technology, biotechnology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

5. Enumerate the major features of India’s space policy for the year 2023, and evaluate the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the Indian space program. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The HinduInsights on India

Why the question:

The article discusses India’s space policy for the year 2023, highlighting the goals and objectives of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the features of India’s space policy 2023 and opportunities and challenges it provides.

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: 

Begin by mentioning the aims and objectives of India’s space policy for the year 2023

Body:

First, write about the major features of India’s space policy for the year 2023 – Increased focus on developing indigenous technologies, Strengthening of partnerships with other countries, Expansion of commercial space activities etc.

Next, write about the opportunities it provides – new opportunities for private sector participation. development of spaceports, satellite manufacturing facilities etc.

Next, write about its limitations – funding constraints, limited talent pool, competition from other countries, and technology transfer restrictions etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

 


General Studies – 4


 

Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service

6. A responsive civil servant is someone who is committed to serving the public with professionalism, efficiency, and a strong sense of responsibility. Elaborate. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

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.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the essential traits of responsive civil servant.

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:

Start by describing a responsive civil servant.

Body:

Elaborate on the essential traits of a responsive civil servant. Cite examples to substantiate how those traits make him responsive.

Conclusion:

Complete by mentioning the importance of civil servants being responsive.

 

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.

7. Fortitude can be seen as the foundation upon which other virtues can be built, as it enables public servants to act with moral and ethical integrity, and to persevere in the face of adversity. Discuss. (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 and part of ‘Abstract Thursdays’ in Mission-2023 Secure.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the importance of fortitude.

Directive:

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 fortitude.

Body:

Explain how Fortitude is firmness of spirit, especially in difficulty. It provides for constancy in the pursuit of virtue. Fortitude is a willingness to freely go beyond the call of duty, to make sacrifices, to act on your convictions. Fortitude includes the courage to confront our personal weaknesses and attraction to vice. Substantiate with examples.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.


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