[MISSION 2024] Insights SECURE : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 20 October 2023

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General Studies – 1

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

1. Dr M.S. Swaminathan and Verghese Kurien have left an indelible mark on India’s agriculture and dairy sectors, respectively. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India , Insights on India

Why the question:

The article highlights the invaluable contributions of Dr M.S. Swaminathan and Verghese Kurien to India.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about contributions of Dr M.S. Swaminathan and Verghese Kurien.

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 giving context.

Body:

In the first part, write about the contributions of Dr M.S. Swaminathan – scientist, researcher and academic but also as a visionary administrator.

Next part, write about the contributions of Verghese Kurien – “Milkman of India,” revolutionized the Indian dairy industry. He spearheaded the White Revolution, which led to a significant increase in milk production and made India the world’s largest milk producer.

Next, write about that their contributions have not only enhanced food security and rural prosperity but also served as exemplary models of how visionary leaders can bring about transformative changes in the country.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

2. Critically analyse the role of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy in fostering multi-sectoral collaborations aimed at reducing suicide mortality. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:

The article discusses the need to break the silence surrounding suicide prevention in India.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the features of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy and its role in preventing suicide.

Directive word: 

Critically analyze – 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 ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context.

Body:

In brief, write about the major features proposed by the in order to prevent loss of life due to suicides.

Next, write about the ways the above will help in achieve reduction in suicide mortality.

Next, write about the shortcomings of the above policy and steps that are needed to make it more robust.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Topic: issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure

3. A more equitable distribution of resources among states can lead to balanced development across the country. Comment. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

The article questions whether southern states in India are facing punitive measures due to their relative economic success and examines the issues related to federal fiscal distribution in the country.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the issues in distribution of resources among states and measures needed to overcome the issues.

Directive:

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 defining fiscal federalism in India.

Body:

First, give a brief about the development of fiscal federalism in India since independence.

Next, write about the various issues with respect to fiscal federalism in India – Finance commission criteria, opacity, GST issues, FRMBA, impact of the pandemic etc.

Next, write about the measures needed to rectify the above.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices;

4. Bringing urea under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) regime is a complex issue and requires careful consideration. Any decision in this regard should consider the interests of farmers, food security, and sustainable agriculture practices. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Insights on India , 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 rationale behind to bring urea under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS), the benefits and challenges of including urea in the NBS regime,

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: 

Briefly explain the concept of the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) regime.

Body:

In the first part, provide an overview of the CACP’s recommendation to bring urea under the NBS regime

Next, write about Current Scenario of Urea Usage – Highlight the prevalent use of urea in Indian agriculture, Discuss the drawbacks and consequences of excessive urea application and the need for regulating urea use to ensure sustainable agriculture

Next, write about Implications of the above for the Indian Agricultural Sector – Discuss the potential impact of urea regulation on crop productivity and soil health, Highlight the economic implications for farmers, fertilizer industry, and government subsidies, Assess the overall effect on food security and sustainability in India

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Topic: economics of animal-rearing.

5. The livestock sector is an integral part of India’s farmers’ economy, providing income diversification and nutritional security. 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 examine the role of livestock in India farmers’ economy and ways to further augment it.

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 the statistic related to livestock as part of agriculture in India.

Body:

First, explain the contributions of livestock in ensuring better returns to Farmers, additional income, giving choice and security in the period of distress.

In the next part, write about the various measures taken by promote livestock in the country and further measures that are required so that it yield maximum returns.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices;

6. Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) are designed to serve as a safety net for farmers, ensuring them a minimum price for their agricultural produce. However, the intended goal of making MSPs a means of income security for farmers faces several challenges and limitations. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Down to Earth

Why the question:

The article discusses how Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) in India are calculated using an outdated formula that doesn’t consider comprehensive costs.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the current limitations of MSP and changes that are needed in it.

Directive:

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 the defining the concept of MSP.

Body:

Frist, write about the various objectives behind MSP.

Next, write about the reasons as to why MSP has not achieved its stated objectives – MSP calculations continue to be based on older methods, Lack of price realisation, MSP distorts the basic logic of the supply-demand mechanism, slows down the process of diversification, and is economically a very expensive and inefficient policy instrument, besides leading to massive leakages and corruption.

Next, discuss what needs to be done. Highlight the efforts of the government in this direction

Conclusion:

Write a way forward.

Topic: Case Study

7. Dr. Madan, a highly respected senior physician at St. Mary’s Hospital, had dedicated his entire career to providing the best care for his patients. He was well-known for his exceptional medical expertise and his unwavering commitment to the hospital’s ethical principles. His reputation was beyond reproach, and he was trusted by both his colleagues and the hospital’s administration.

Mr Mohan, who is Dr. Madan’s cousin had recently embarked on a career as a medical representative for a muti-national pharmaceutical company. Mohan’s role was to promote the company’s products, which included a range of expensive brand-name medications. To boost his sales, Mohan had taken to influencing the hospital’s junior doctors by using Dr Madan’s name to influence them prescribe these brand-name drugs instead of the more cost-effective generic alternatives.

This dubious practice didn’t go unnoticed, particularly by Madhuri, the hospital pharmacist. Madhuri was aware of the familial connection between Dr. Madan and Mohan. Assuming that Dr. Madan was somehow involved or had given his cousin tacit approval, Madhuri approached him with deep-seated concerns about the situation.

One afternoon, Madhuri approached Dr. Madan, clearly distressed. She outlined her fears about the hospital’s escalating medication costs due to the prescription of expensive brand-name drugs. She also voiced her worries about the potential financial burden this could place on patients, many of whom were struggling with healthcare costs. Dr. Madan was taken aback by the revelation. He assured Madhuri that he had no knowledge of his cousin’s activities and thanked her for bringing this matter to his attention. Realizing the potential ethical and financial implications, Dr. Madan pledged to look into the situation immediately.

1. 1. 1. What are the ethical issues involved the above case?
      2. What are the options available to Dr Madan?
      3. Critically analyse the above-mentioned options?
      4. How to draw a distinction between greed and ambition?

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