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

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General Studies – 1


 

Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.

1. Indian monsoon is a complex system influenced by a combination of global and regional factors. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

Typhoon Mawar is expected to weaken the Indian monsoon. This indicates that the presence of the typhoon could disrupt the normal behavior of the monsoon winds and rainfall patterns in the Indian subcontinent.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the various factors that influence Indian monsoon.

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 introducing Indian monsoon and its importance briefly.

Body:

First, write about the various factors affecting Indian monsoon – thermal contrast between land and water, the Himalayan barrier, the movement of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), El Niño and La Niña events, the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), topography and land-sea breeze, and the presence of the monsoon trough and low-pressure systems.

In the next part, write about the impact of the above and measures needed to tackle their adverse impact.

Conclusion:

Summarize the key points discussed.      

 

Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.

2. Volcanism, the eruption of volcanoes and the associated release of lava, ash, gases, and other volcanic materials, can have significant effects on the environment and human activities. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India

Why the question:

Mount Etna, an active volcano located in Italy, recently erupted, releasing ash and smoke into the atmosphere. The eruption resulted in a spectacular display of volcanic activity, with lava fountains and explosions observed.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the impact of Volcanic eruptions and associated activities.

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 giving context.

Body:

First, write about the environmental effects of volcanism -Emission of gases and aerosols, Formation of volcanic ash and tephra, Creation of volcanic landforms and Impact on climate and weather patterns, Destruction of vegetation and habitats, Introduction of new species Formation of new ecosystems etc.

Next, write about effects on Human Activities – Threats to human health, Agricultural impacts, Economic consequences, Disruption of transportation and infrastructure etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by mentioning ways to deal with above.

 


General Studies – 2


 

Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government;

3. Article 32 is an essential tool for the protection of fundamental rights in India. They enable citizens to seek remedies when their fundamental rights are violated, and they provide a means for the judiciary to ensure the rule of law and uphold constitutional principles. 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.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the role of SC in safeguarding fundamental rights under article 32.

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 giving a brief about article 32.

Body:

First, in detail, about the role of the SC as the “guarantor” and “defender” of the fundamental rights.

Next, write in detail about the various types of writs and the purposes behind it. Substantiate using examples and SC case to show how writs are used to protect fundamental rights.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising and giving views of various scholars regarding it.

 

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

4. What is meant by “de-risking” in the context of G7 discussions about China? Examine the reasons behind the G7’s emphasis on de-risking measures and their potential implications. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The G7 talks about “de-risking” in reference to China, a term that refers to reducing economic and geopolitical risks associated with engagement with China.

Key Demand of the question:

To wite about “de-risking”, reasons for it and its implications.

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: 

Briefly define “de-risking” in the context of G7 and China.

Body:

First, write about the explanation of de-risking measures -Diversification of supply chains, Reducing dependency on Chinese markets, Enhancing resilience against potential disruptions etc.

Next, write about Reasons behind the G7’s emphasis on de-risking measures – Economic concerns: China’s economic dominance and market manipulation, Geopolitical factors: China’s assertive behavior and territorial disputes and Human rights issues: Violations of human rights and democratic values etc.

Next, write about Reasons behind the G7’s emphasis on de-risking measures – Impact on global trade and investment flows, Challenges and opportunities for G7 countries and Possible consequences for China’s economic and geopolitical position etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a balanced opinion on the above.

 


General Studies – 3


 

Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy.

5. The current global challenges necessitate the modernization of the Bretton Woods institutions, specifically the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB), in order to effectively tackle them. Comment.

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Down to Earth ,  Insights on India

Why the question:

The article discusses the need for reforming the United Nations Security Council and the Bretton Woods system. UN Secretary-General António Guterres argues that both institutions are outdated and in need of significant changes to address the challenges of the modern world.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the drawbacks of WB and IMF and suggest possible reforms in it.

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: 

Begin by giving context.

Body:

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

Next, using facts and figures to substantiate, give the successes and limitations of WB and IMF in regards to – voting rights, dominance by global north, 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, suggest possible reforms that are needed in the IMF.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a balanced opinion.

 


General Studies – 4


 

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

6. By making decisions based on integrity, you are more likely to prioritize what is right and just, leading to better outcomes in the long run. Substantiate. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about how Integrity leads to better decision making and better outcomes.

Directive word: 

Substantiate – When you are asked to Substantiate, you must 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 using suitable case studies or/ and examples.

Introduction: 

Begin by defining what is Integrity.

Body:

Mention how integrity boosts the moral values such as honesty, fairness, decency etc that boosts one’s moral character and contributes to an ethical system. Use examples to support the argument.

Also, write about how with having Integrity leads to better decision making and better outcomes. Cite examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

 

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. The development of compassion in an individual is influenced by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Discuss. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.

Key Demand of the question:

To distinguish factors that lead to the development of compassion.

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 compassion.

Body:

Write about the factors that lead to development of compassion – Education and Cultural Factors, Perspective-Taking and Cognitive Abilities, influences, experiences, value education etc. Cite examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing about importance of compassion.


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