[MISSION 2023] Insights SECURE : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 16 June 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. Given the complexity and interplay of these factors, it is difficult to attribute the partition to any single individual or group. While various leaders, including Jinnah, Nehru, and Gandhi, played significant roles in shaping the events, the partition was the result of a culmination of historical circumstances and complex socio-political dynamics. Critically Comment. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Chapter 37- India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra.

Why the question:

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

Key Demand of the question:

To critically comment on as to why Partition happened and responsibility of various individuals and organisations for it.

Directive word: 

Critically comment – 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. When ‘comment’ is prefixed, we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by mentioning the divisive politics played by the British leading to communal tensions in the Indian society.

Body:

Discuss various factors that led to the Partition of India such as rising religious tensions, socio-economic differences between the Hindus and Muslims, role of British, Muslim League and Congress and important personalities involved and their political strategies.

Conclusion:

Conclude by mentioning that Partition was neither a result of a planned agenda nor by chance. It was cumulative outcome of various factors at play.

Topic: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

2. Valuing diversity and promoting inclusivity are important aspects of India’s social fabric, and efforts to bridge divides and foster dialogue continue to shape the nation’s social and cultural landscape, even if they may not always be fully reflected in the political realm. 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:

To write about how differences and diversity and inclusivity coexist in India.

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 defining various attributes of diversity.

Body:

First, mention the various political narratives which bring out sharp distinctions in prejudices. Throw light on homogenous tendencies which ignore diversity.

Next, write about how despite the above shortcomings how inclusion and diversity exist as cornerstones of Indian society. Substantiate with examples.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward to achieve inclusivity by overcoming political differences.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

3. What are the roles and responsibilities of the speaker of Lok Sabha? Comment on the constitutional importance of the speaker’s non-partisan behaviour. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Times of India

Why the question:

The article highlights a statement made by Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, emphasizing the importance of in-depth debates for passing legislations.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the powers of Speaker and importance of his office and his non-partisan behaviour.

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 mentioning Article 93 of the Indian Constitution.

Body:

First, in detail enumerate the various roles and personalities of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha in the functioning of our parliamentary democracy.

Next, write about the functions performed by the speaker and about his non-partisanship.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

4. It is crucial for MSMEs to embrace digital transformation and leverage e-commerce to stay competitive in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. Support the above statement with relevant examples and facts. Also, discuss the importance of India’s e-commerce sector. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:

The linked article discusses how India’s e-commerce sector serves as a crucial driver of sustained high growth, particularly during a global economic slowdown and disruptions.

Key Demand of the question:

To write the various benefits from MSME’s adopting e-commerce.

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 stating statistic regarding the importance of MSME to the Indian economy.

Body:

First, mention the adverse impact of the pandemic and current difficulties faced by MSME’s.

Next, write about the impact that e-commerce can have in MSME’s – economic stability, growth and security, even the smallest MSMEs to showcase their products in any part of the world, removing barriers, providing a large customer base and consequently, ensuring increased revenues, transformation at minimal costs, investment and innovation etc.

Next, write about various obstacles for MSME’s to adapt e-commerce and suggest steps to overcome them.

Next, paint a picture of importance of e-commerce to Indian economy.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

5. Discuss the concerns surrounding the approval of Neuralink for humans. Examine the potential risks from the Neuralink project.  (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

On May 25, the USFDA approved an implantable Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) for clinical trials in humans.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the potential risks from the Neuralink project.

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:

Briefly introduce Neuralink, a company founded by Elon Musk aiming to develop brain-machine interface technology.

Body:

First, explain the neuralink technology in brief.

Next, write about the potential risks associated with it – potential risks to human health, ethical considerations are discussed, including privacy concerns and the potential for misuse or manipulation of neural signals. socioeconomic divide etc.

Next, write about the need for a robust regulatory framework and oversight.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Topic: Disaster and disaster management.

6. Government preparedness is essential in mitigating the impact of devastating cyclones. Preparedness can significantly reduce the loss of lives and properties, minimize disruptions, and facilitate the recovery process after cyclones. Analyse. (250 words) 

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

Strong winds and heavy rains pound Gujarat’s coastal belt as cyclone Biparjoy made a landfall near Jakhau Port in Gujarat’s Kutch district after churning across the Arabian Sea for over 10 days,

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the role of government preparedness in cyclone mitigation.

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 providing context and the increasing frequency of cyclones in India.

Body:

In first part, bring out the economic costs and human costs as a result of devastation caused by the severe cyclones.

Next, write about the role of government preparedness – installing a disaster warning system in the coastal districts, and construction of evacuation shelters in cyclone-prone districts etc.

Next, mention long term measures – Embankments that are resilient to storm surges, improved prevention of flooding from swollen rivers and coastal mangrove habitats regeneration etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward as the how the above will help mitigate the impact of devastating cyclones.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Case Study.

7. Bullfighting, known as “corrida de toros” in Spanish, is a traditional spectacle that dates back several centuries. It is particularly popular in certain regions of Spain, such as Andalusia and Madrid.

Similar to Jallikattu, bullfighting has faced increasing scrutiny from animal rights activists due to concerns about animal welfare. Many argue that the practice is cruel and unnecessary, causing unnecessary suffering to the bulls involved. Animal rights organizations have called for a ban on bullfighting, and several cities and regions have taken steps to restrict or prohibit the practice.

For example, Coslada in Spain declared itself an anti-bullfighting city, expressing opposition to the spectacle. Similarly, in Catalonia, the northeastern region of Spain, bullfighting was banned in 2010 following a campaign by animal rights groups and public support for the ban. However, it’s important to note that while the killing of the bull in the fight was banned, other forms of bullfighting without the lethal component continue to take place in some towns in Catalonia.

On the other hand, there are those who argue that bullfighting is an important cultural tradition and a form of art. Supporters of bullfighting claim that it holds deep historical and artistic value, with bullfighters trained in specific techniques and styles. They argue that the spectacle elicits emotions and is an integral part of Spanish heritage.

Moreover, some proponents of bullfighting argue that the bulls used in these events live relatively better lives compared to animals raised for slaughter. They highlight that fighting bulls typically live longer, free-roaming lives in open pastures, whereas animals raised for meat are often subjected to more confined and industrialized conditions.

This showcases a similar clash between cultural significance and animal rights concerns. It highlights the ongoing debate surrounding

1. 1. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?
   2. Do you believe that Jallikattu is an ethically wrong practice or a justifiable cultural event? Explain your reasoning.
   3. Share your opinion on traditional practices that involve animals and the challenges of finding a balance between preserving cultural heritage and ensuring the ethical treatment of animals.

(Answer in 250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Case Study Fridays’ in Mission-2022 Secure.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Mention the conflicts between cultural practices and modern-day ethical norms that arise in the society.

Body:

1. Mention the ethical issues and ethical dilemmas involved in the given case study such as cultural conservation v/s animal rights and others issues.
   Mention the pros and cons of continuing the tradition of Jallikattu and frame an argument either in favour or against the practice by giving ethical and practical reasons to support your argument.
   Give your balanced opinion on the issue.

Conclusion:

Conclude by balancing the conservation of traditions at the same time let go of certain aspects of it in the light of present-day ethics.

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