[MISSION 2024] Insights SECURE : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 28 August 2023

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General Studies – 1

Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.

1. El Niño weather phenomenon has become a significant economic and political risk for India. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question:

The article underscores the connection between El Niño and political unrest due to food inflation, emphasizing the need for effective disaster management strategies and climate-resilient policies to mitigate its adverse impacts on India’s economy and society.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the causes/ factors which lead to El-Nino and also write in detail about its effects on the world climate and geography.

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: 

Begin by writing a few introductory lines describing the El-Nino.

Body:

First, write about the mechanism of El-Nino – The role trade winds pushing warm water, difference in temperature across the equatorial pacific, circulation between east and west in the Pacific etc.

Next, write about the impact of El-Nino on Indian economy – has far-reaching effects on Indian agriculture, water resources, and economy. Its potential to cause droughts, reduced crop yields, and increased food prices, thereby impacting farmers’ livelihoods and consumer costs

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising the need to adapt to adverse effects of El-Nino.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

2. The Indian Constitution establishes a delicate balance between federal and unitary features, acknowledging the country’s diversity while also ensuring its unity and integrity. Elucidate. (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 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the quasi-federal features of Indian polity.

Directive word: 

Elucidate – 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 defining Quasi-Federal nature of Indian polity as mentioned by K.C Wheare.

Body:

First, write about the federal features of Indian polity – dual polity, division of powers, written constitution etc.

Next, write about the unitary features of Indian polity – States Not Indestructible, No Equality of State Representation, emergency provisions etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

3. The parliamentary form of government adopted by the Indian polity has both strengths and weaknesses. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about features of parliamentary form of government, its pros and cons.

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 describing parliamentary form of government adopted by India.

Body:

In the first part, write about the major features of Parliamentary forms of government in India. Nominal and Real Head, Executive is a Part of Legislature, Majority Party Rule, Collective Responsibility etc.

Next, write about its advantages – Represents Diverse Group, Better Co-Ordination Between Legislature and Executive etc.

Next, write about its limitations of the parliamentary form of government.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a balanced opinion on parliamentary form of government.

General Studies – 3

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

4. Noise pollution is a growing problem which impacts both human health and the environment. Examine. What steps are needed to check noise pollution in India?   (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:

The article addresses the problem of noise pollution caused by incessant honking in Indian cities.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the impact of noise pollution and steps needed to combat 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:

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by defining noise pollution.

Body:

First, write about the impact of noise pollution on human health.

Next, write about the impact of noise pollution on environment.

Next, write about the various steps that are in place to tackle noise pollution – Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) (Amendment) Rules, 2010 etc. Suggest measures to deal with rising instances of noise pollution – Expand network for monitoring of noise, Installation of noise barriers for hospitals and other sensitive buildings, Demarcation of no-honking zones and behavioural change.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Topic: Disaster and disaster management.

5. Examine the causes behind various disasters in the Himalayan region, its impact and measures need to prevent these disasters. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The article discusses the significant environmental challenges facing the Himalayan region.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about disasters in Himalayan region, its causes, impact and measures needed to tackle it.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context of disasters affecting Himalayan region.

Body:

First, write about the causes of various disasters in the Himalayan region – Natural and anthropogenic causes.

Next, write about the impact of these on the lives and livelihood of the people.

Next, write about the steps that are needed to prevent them.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of Family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

6. Shared core values create a sense of unity and common purpose among people. When individuals and communities hold similar values, it fosters cooperation, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. Explain with examples. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Philosophical Mondays’ in Mission-2024 Secure.

Key Demand of the question:

To explain how unjust practices could be overcome by upholding and asserting core values.

Directive word: 

Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start by defining core values of humanity.

Body:

Explain as to how core values are the foundational pillars upon which societies are built. They influence our behavior, shape our interactions, and guide us toward creating a more compassionate, just, and harmonious world for everyone. Use examples to justify the same.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Topic: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.

7. Hedonism is a philosophical stance that emphasizes the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain as the primary goals of human life. Critically examine. (150 word)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: plato.stanford.edu

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Philosophical Mondays’ in Mission-2024 Secure.

Key Demand of the question:

To form a critique of hedonism.

Directive:

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 by explaining hedonism.

Body:

First, explain in detail the various components of hedonism.

Next, write to what extent how sensual pleasures can be considered as the ends and the limitations of the above school of thought. Cite examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a balanced opinion.

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