[MISSION 2024] Insights SECURE : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 13 October 2023

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General Studies – 1

Topic: Social empowerment; Role of women and women’s organization.

1. Breaking free from traditional gender stereotypes and biases can lead to increased economic productivity and overall well-being of women. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:

The article discusses the need to reject gender stereotypes for improved economic outcomes.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the importance of combatting gender stereotypes and empower women.

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 concept of gender stereotypes.

Body:

First, discuss the significance of combatting gender stereotypes, emphasizing its role in breaking down barriers, enabling equal opportunities, and challenging traditional norms.

Next, write about the importance of promoting gender equality and impact it can have on increased economic productivity and overall well-being of women.

Write about how combatting gender stereotypes can empower women.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

2. There is a need for more effective and sustainable strategies to combat hunger and improve the overall food security situation in the country. Comment. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

The article discusses India’s ranking at 111th in the Global Hunger Index for 2023. It suggests that this ranking is an erroneous measure of hunger in the country and does not accurately reflect the ground reality.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the reasons for lingering hunger in the country, despite various measures and suggest reforms to rectify 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 the statistic about the widespread nature of hunger and food insecurity in the country.

Body:

First, Explain the various schemes and measures aimed towards elimination hunger in India – National Food Security mission, Poshan abhiyaan and Antyodaya Anna Yojana etc.

Next, write about the causes for limitations in the above efforts– disruption in food systems, dried-up income sources, job losses and consequent financial hardships etc. Bring outs its impact.

Next, suggest reforms that are needed to overcome the above.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

3. Explain the social and economic objectives of taxation and how they influence government fiscal policies. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about social and economic objectives of taxation and how these objectives shape government fiscal policies.

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: 

Provide a brief introduction to the concept of taxation and its importance in government finance.

Body:

First, with examples, write about the Social Objectives of Taxes – Income Redistribution: Explain how taxes can be used to reduce income inequality by taxing the wealthy more than the poor, and how this contributes to social welfare.

Next, write about the Economic Objectives of Taxes – Economic Stability, Economic Growth and Resource Allocation.

Next, write about how the social and economic objectives of taxation guide government fiscal policies.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Topic: Government Budgeting.

4. While the budget is a crucial policy document, it is essential to address weaknesses in the budgetary system and its implementation to ensure the comprehensive achievement of government objectives. 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 – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the weaknesses in the budgetary system and measures to overcome them.

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 budget and major objectives of budgeting.

Body:

First, elaborate up on how budget provide framework of achieving annual objectives.

Next, write about the weaknesses in the budgetary system and its implementation – budget estimates, Skewed expenditure pattern, Poor planning and lack of long-term perspective etc.

Next, suggest measures to overcome the above weaknesses in order to ensure that budgetary objectives are achieved.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.

5. The balanced integration of nuclear power into India’s energy mix is proposed as a key strategy for meeting its energy and environmental challenges. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

The article argues that India should expand its nuclear energy capacity to meet its growing energy demands and address climate change.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about potential and limitations of nuclear energy in India.

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 with prospects of nuclear energy in general.

Body:

First, write about the potential of nuclear energy in India and India’s progress so far with respect to it as well its role in energy security of India. Being a low-carbon energy source, is crucial for achieving clean energy goals and reducing India’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels.

Next, write about risks associated with nuclear energy and highlight with examples why we shouldn’t depend completely on nuclear energy. Cite examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a balanced opinion about nuclear energy.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Disaster and disaster management.

6. Explain the recent phenomenon of the ozone hole over Antarctica, its implications, and the potential link between this phenomenon and climate change. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The article discusses the occurrence of a large ozone hole over Antarctica and explains its causes and significance.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about ozone hole phenomenon, its consequences, and the possible interactions with climate change.

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 by giving context.

Body:

Frist, write about the natural phenomenon of the ozone hole, its causes, and its implications for the environment and human health.

Next, write about the concerns of scientists about climate change potentially influencing the reopening of ozone holes. Explain the mechanisms or factors that connect these two phenomena.

Next, write about the measures or policies that can help mitigate the impact of climate change on the ozone layer.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Topic: Case study

7. The concept of “designer babies,” involving the genetic modification of embryos to enhance specific traits, has sparked ethical debates about the implications and potential benefits of this technology. While ethical concerns are valid, it’s important to consider the potential positive impacts that designer babies could bring to individuals and society at large.

Designer babies could offer the potential to eliminate hereditary diseases and genetic disorders from future generations. Genetic modifications could correct faulty genes, preventing debilitating illnesses that have plagued families for generations.

Enhancing genetic traits such as intelligence, physical health, and immunity could lead to an improved quality of life for individuals. This could empower people to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives, reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

Genetic modifications could enable personalized medical treatments tailored to an individual’s unique genetic makeup. This could lead to more effective treatments and fewer adverse reactions to medications.

As the environment changes due to factors like climate change, genetic modifications might allow for adaptations that enhance human resilience. This could potentially help future generations thrive in challenging environments.

Parents have an ethical responsibility to provide the best possible life for their children. If genetic modifications can eliminate genetic disorders and offer positive enhancements, parents might argue that it’s their duty to ensure the best start in life for their offspring.

1. 1. 1. What are the ethical issues with respect to designer babies?
      2. What is your opinion on the above concept?
      3. Designer babies could exacerbate existing social inequalities. State your opinion?
      4. If you were the final deciding authority on allowing or disallowing the designer babies in the country, what decision will you take?

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