[MISSION 2024] Insights SECURE : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 21 July 2023

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General Studies – 1

Topic: Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.

1. While the Green Revolution succeeded in alleviating immediate food shortages and boosting agricultural productivity, its social impact was limited due to uneven distribution of benefits and increased dependency. Elaborate.  (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 pros and cons of green revolution in India.

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 introduction of HYV in India in the face of acute food crisis leading to the green revolution.

Body:

In the first part, write about the pros and cons of the green revolution. The HYV technology increased agricultural output manifold, increase in yield of crops, fast adoption, modern equipment, self-sufficiency etc. Cons like disparities, ecological impact, use of chemical fertiliser etc.

Next part, write about the constraints that limited the spread of HYV – irrigation, lack of farmer’s knowledge, unsatisfactory land tenure system etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Topic: Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.

2. The LPG reforms of 1991 played a significant role in transforming the Indian economy and fostering economic growth. While they achieved some of their intended objectives, there were also adverse consequences, including economic disparities, environmental concerns, and challenges for certain sectors of society. Critically examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India , 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 achievements and limitations of LPG reforms in India.

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: 

Begin by giving context about the LPG reforms.

Body:

First, in detail write about the LPG and their major achievements – increase economic growth, attract foreign investment, and improve competitiveness. Cite statistic and examples to substantiate.

Next, write about the shortcomings of LPG reforms – increased inequality, dependency on foreign capital, limited benefits to agriculture, and environmental degradation etc. Cite statistic and examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

Conclude by giving a balanced opinion on LPG reforms.

General Studies – 2

Topic: mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections

3. Traditional cultural norms and practices in some regions might perpetuate harmful attitudes and behaviors towards women, further reinforcing the issue. Hence, it requires sustained efforts, public awareness, and policy adjustments for creating safer spaces for women and combating crimes effectively. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:

The article discusses the prevalence of violence against women in India and emphasizes the urgent need to put an end to it.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the reasons for unabated crimes against women and steps that are needed to tackle this chronic problem.

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 and mention the NCRB data on increasing cases of rape in India

Body:

In the first part, mention the reasons for this chronic issue. Legal loopholes, social conditioning, culture of violence, Caste dynamics etc.

Write the steps that are the need of the hour. Effective implementation of Laws, investigating agency and prosecution more proficient, awareness, gender sensitisation etc. Debate about provision of death penalty for Rape.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

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

4. Analyse the significance of India-Australia collaborations in the fields of education and skill development, and its potential impact on the bilateral relationship between the two countries. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question:

The article highlights the growing focus on education and skill development collaborations between India and Australia, which can have implications for their bilateral relations.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the significance of India-Australia collaborations in education and skill development and assess its potential impact on the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

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: 

Start with brief background of the context of the question.

Body:

First, write about the various aspects of growing trade between India and Australia – recently introduced Update to Australia’s India Economic Strategy, space, critical minerals, strategic research and people-to-people links to boost cooperation with India, business engagement and an increased Australian presence in India etc.

Next, provide an overview of the current state of India-Australia collaborations in education and skill development, highlighting recent initiatives and joint ventures. Analyse the significance of such collaborations for India, including the potential benefits of gaining access to advanced educational infrastructure and expertise.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

5. In the context of Rajasthan Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill, 2023, discuss the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a potential social welfare policy and its implications for poverty reduction and economic development in India. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

Under the Bill, all families of the state get guaranteed employment of 125 days every year, while the aged, disabled, widows, and single women get a minimum pension of Rs 1,000 per month.

Key Demand of the question:

To discuss the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a social welfare policy and assess its potential implications for poverty reduction and economic development in India.

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 giving context and defining the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI)

Body:

First, write about Universal Basic Income (UBI) and its key features. Discuss the rationale behind implementing UBI, including its potential to alleviate poverty and provide a safety net to citizens.

Next, write about the challenges of UBI implementation in India and potential implications of UBI on economic growth and development, including its impact on the labor market and government finances.

Conclusion:

Conclude by presenting a balanced view on the feasibility and desirability of implementing UBI in India.

Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

6. What are the implications of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023 and the challenges in establishing a comprehensive research ecosystem in India? Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The article discusses the National Research Foundation Bill and its implications for the research ecosystem in India.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the implications of the National Research Foundation Bill and the challenges it may face in establishing a comprehensive research ecosystem.

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: 

Introduce the National Research Foundation Bill and its objectives.

Body:

First, write about the major proposals of the National Research Foundation Bill.

Next, write about the Implications of the National Research Foundation Bill – Streamlining research funding, Promoting multidisciplinary research and Focus on high-impact research etc.

Next, write about the challenges it faces – Coordination and integration, Budgetary constraints and Encouraging research culture etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Topic: Case Study.

7. You are posted as SP of a district after clearing civil services in your first attempt at the young age of 23. The posted district has incidentally seen many cases of dowry related deaths and violence in the recent past. There are also allegations that police do not register complaints and that they try to arrive at a ‘compromise’ between the victims and the oppressors.

One evening, a female complainant meets you in the office. You recognise her as your childhood classmate in high school. She was one the brightest students and your competitor in studies who topped the school in 10^th grade. But post school you both lost contact. She narrates that unfortunately, she was married immediately she turned 18 and her parents did not allow her to study much. Though, she was very much interested in getting a degree and pursuing civil services was her ambition too.

Post her wedding, she got busy with household work and taking care of her husband and in-laws. Though, her in-laws were conservative from the start but they did not demand any dowry either during marriage or after it. Juggling her responsibility, she managed to obtain a bachelors degree from IGNOU. During the pandemic induced lockdown, her husband’s business suffered immensely brought them on the verge of bankruptcy. This led the beginning of indirect and symbolic demands of dowry from her husband.

These demands got more aggressive and direct as time passed by. When she informed her parents they managed to send some money to ‘ease his suffering’ but that was not enough. This also led to a few incidents of domestic violence due to the frustration of the husband. When informed to her in laws, they told “it’s a common norm and every woman has to go through this”. Same was the opinion of her parents and told her to just let it go.

She confides in you that she is very much distressed and disturbed because of this and has no support whatsoever from family.

1. 1. 1. Why is dowry so deeply entrenched in the Indian society?
      2. Suggest steps to tackle domestic violence in India.
      3. As the superintendent of police what action will you be taking?
      4. What will be your advice to your friend?

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-2024 Secure.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

You may begin by bringing out the gravity of the issue of domestic violence in India.

Body:

1. Mention the causes behind never ending menace of dowry – greed, desperation, patriarchy, customary, acceptance etc
2. Mention steps to holistically address the issue of rising domestic violence in India.
3. In detail, mention the course of action you will take address the multiple issues in the case study.
4. As a friend what will be your advice with respect to the issues she is facing and for her future.

Conclusion:

Stress on the need to end the menace dowry and domestic violence in India.

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