[MISSION 2024] Insights SECURE : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 14 July 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 rise of revolutionary nationalism in India during the early 20th century was a significant development in the country’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Although the revolutionary nationalist movement itself did not achieve immediate success, it had a profound impact on subsequent phases of the Indian national movement. 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 – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the causes for the rise of revolutionary national movement and its contribution.              

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.

Introduction: 

Start by writing about revolutionary national movement and its nature of struggle. Mention important organizations and revolutionaries.

Body:

First, write about the causes for the rise of revolutionary nationalist movement – failure of moderates, lack of progress, high handedness of British etc.

Next, outline the major contributions of the revolutionary nationalists – spreading patriotism, creating fear in the minds of British, making them grant concessions, uniting the people of India, inspiring the youth.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

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

2. Explain the spread of the civil disobedience movement in terms of popular response and regional patterns across India. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the spread of the civil disobedience movement in India along with its regional patterns.

Directive word: 

Explain – Clarify the topic by giving 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 your answer by giving context of Civil disobedience movement (CDM) and its beginnings.

Body:

Draw a small map showing various regional manifestations of the CDM.

Mention about the various leaders across India such as Kelappan, C Rajagopalachari and others leading each of the regional areas across India.

Mention Civil disobedience movement against Chowkidari tax, the people of Balasore boycotting all forms of tax, defying the forest laws etc and the areas in which it was active.

Also new forms of boycott such as formation of volunteer corps, involving children and women, secretly spreading the messages of Congress in rural areas for demand of swarajya through underground channels may be highlighted to show emergence of new patterns of activism against the British Raj.

Conclusion:

Comment on the impact of the movement.

General Studies – 2

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

3. India-France relationship is strong and multifaceted, encompassing strategic, economic, and cultural dimensions. Elaborate. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question:

The article provides an explanation of the strong ties between India and France and highlights the significance of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France. The article outlines several factors that contribute to the strength of the bilateral relationship.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the achievements in 25 years of Indo-France strategic partnership.

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 of 25 years of Indo-France strategic partnership.

Body:

First, discuss about the historic relations between the India and France in brief.

Next, write about the major areas of cooperation and major achievements in the Indo-France relationship in the past 25 years.

Next, write about the further potential in the Indo-French relations especially given the current geopolitical turmoil in Europe. Elaborate on the aspect of importance of multilateralism and have a common respect for international rules and regulations that both the countries share.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward in order to achieve the potential.

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

4. NATO should prioritize building stable and inclusive security architecture in Europe rather than pursuing expansion at all costs. Critically examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The editorial advocates for a cautious approach, urging NATO and Ukraine to take a reflective pause, carefully evaluate the risks and benefits, and engage in constructive dialogue to address the complex issues surrounding NATO’s expansion and Ukraine’s aspirations.

Demand of the question:

To write about NATO and its emphasis on building stable Europe rather than pursuing expansion.

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: 

Start with brief background of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Body:

First, briefly discuss the origins of NATO during the cold war.

Next, write about the significance of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) – Represents 30 nations, one billion people, and half of the world’s economic and military might. Provided unprecedented peace and security for the Euro-Atlantic area; Acts as fundamental pillar of the international order being the most successful alliance in history.

Next, write about the role of NATO in prioritizing dialogue, diplomacy, and engagement with neighbouring countries, including Russia. It calls for a measured and cautious approach that takes into account the interests and concerns of all stakeholders in the region.

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. In the context of Chandrayaan-3 mission, what is a launch window? Examine the goals of the Chandrayaan-3 mission and its potential impact on India’s pursuit of space exploration. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express , en.wikipedia.org

Why the question:

Through the launch of Chandrayaan-3 on Friday (July 14), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to make its second attempt to land a spacecraft on the moon.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the objectives of Chandrayaan-3 and its potential contributions.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by defining launch window.

Body:

First, write about the major objectives of Chandrayaan-3 – conduct scientific studies of the Moon’s surface and sub-surface using a lander and rover. The mission will also aim to study the lunar atmosphere and determine the presence of water and other minerals on the Moon etc.

Next, write about its contributions to India’s Space Exploration

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing about the importance of space missions to moon.

Topic: Disaster and disaster management..

6. Discuss the need for preparedness measures in the face of monsoon-related disasters in North India and importance of preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of such events. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

The article highlights the need for preparedness measures in the face of monsoon-related disasters in North India.

Key Demand of the question:

To analyse the lessons learned from monsoon-induced disasters, discuss the importance of preparedness measures, and evaluate the role of various stakeholders in building resilience and ensuring effective disaster management.

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 the answer by giving context.

Body:

First, in brief, write about the factors leading to monsoon related disasters – heavy rainfall, inadequate infrastructure, urban flooding, and landslides and its impact.

Next, write about the importance of preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of monsoon-related disasters – early warning systems, flood management strategies, urban planning, disaster response mechanisms, and community preparedness in reducing vulnerability and enhancing resilience.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a forward.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Case Study

7. You are a young civil servant who has been posted as District Commissioner (DC) for the last 2 years. You have worked hard for the development and upliftment of the poor in rural areas. One day, as you are reading the local newspaper you find a mention of the possible corruption in the legal process to convert agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes. The column mentions the local political leaders who may have colluded to convert prime agricultural lands without the necessary approval. It’s an article published in the “citizens voice section” which is mostly citizens presenting their opinions and apprehensions. Many such article columns are published every week without necessary proof or evidence. The newspaper usually resorts to such tactics to publish unverified claims. You neglect the issue, but it keeps intriguing you as such a conversion wouldn’t be possible without the approval of the district commissioner. As an honest and upright officer, you don’t recognize any such misdoings. You start an inquiry of your own on the matter and you have found out that your sign has been forged for a document and the conversion is made. The people responsible for the scam have taken a high-definition JPEG image of your signature and have used it on a morphed document. Surprisingly, this document has found its way to the land records of the district, which had granted legitimacy to such documents. You suspect that this is an insider’s job. Further, you have found that the person mainly responsible for this is your own brother. Last year he colluded with local politicians and has done the illegal conversion of a small parcel of land. Your brother has recently lost his wife to covid and the atmosphere at your home is dull and depressing. Despite this, you confront your brother about the issue; he deeply regrets his actions and asks you not to proceed with any official or legal action which shall be punished with imprisonment of jail term which may extend to two years or with the penalty, or with both. You realize that he has done it due to the negative influence of the local politicians who have now offered to proceed with the conversion legally. As the case is for a small parcel of land, you can easily use your position of power to forgive the offenders and settle the issue without anyone knowing about issue. There is a possibility of more such corruption done by the politicians. At the same time, settling this issue peacefully is important for your family’s mental well-being as your parents would be devastated if their younger son is arrested.

1. 1. 1. What are the options available to you in this situation? Discuss their merits and demerits.
      2. If you choose to lodge an official complaint, detail the steps you would adopt as a son and as an elder brother in bringing tranquility to your home.
      3. Highlight the ethical issues involved with personal interest and the role of human emotions in decision making. Would your course of action change if you are a neutral observer in this scenario?

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by giving the context. Bring out the key stakeholders in the above case study.

Body:

In the body, Write about the various options available to you and their pros and cons.

Next, write about the measures that you can take to ensure cordial atmosphere at home

Next, write about your suggestions as a neutral observer in the above case.

Conclusion:

Conclude by stressing on the importance of kindness and compassion in such cases.

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