[MISSION 2024] Insights SECURE : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 27 October 2023

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General Studies – 2

Topic: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, the conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

1. The parliamentary committees play a crucial role in the functioning of a parliamentary system. They are instrumental in scrutinizing government actions, ensuring transparency, and strengthening democracy. Analyse. (250 words).

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question:

The article discusses the Lok Sabha (LS) Ethics Committee, focusing on its constitution and the role of its members.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the role, issues and give solutions to improve the role of Parliamentary Committees.

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: 

Start by briefly mentioning about parliamentary committees.

Body:

First, write about the mandate and the functioning parliamentary committees – discuss laws and policies by analysing them in-depth, non-partisanship, track government expenditure, scrutinise policies and bills and seek expert advice, consensus-building among parties etc.

Next, write about the limitations of the parliamentary committees.

Next, suggest ways to overcome them.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

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

2.- The question of whether India is prepared to host the Olympics is a multifaceted and complex issue. State your opinion on India’s readiness to host the Olympics in future. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question: 

The article discusses India’s readiness to host the Olympic Games and raises critical points regarding its preparedness.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the readiness of India to host the Olympics.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context.

Body:

First, write about that Olympics is a massive undertaking, and several parameters need to be considered before determining India’s readiness – Infrastructure, finance, logistics, security, cultural and social factors, environmental considerations, public support, government commitment, legacy planning, and international relations. etc

Next, about the factors that favour India hosting the Olympics.

Next, write about the limitations/challenges – infrastructure, budget, sustainability, and public support etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by stating a balanced opinion.

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

3. The Rashtriya Gokul Mission plays a significant role in addressing the challenges in the livestock sector, including genetic improvement, productivity, and the conservation of indigenous cattle breeds. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India

Why the question: 

The article discusses the focus on promoting the Gir indigenous cow breed under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission in India.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the features, achievements and limitations of Rashtriya Gokul Mission.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by writing about aims and objectives of Rashtriya Gokul Mission.

Body:

First, write about the major features of Rashtriya Gokul Mission.

Next, about the various achievements of Rashtriya Gokul Mission. Substantiate with statistics.

Next, write about the limitations/challenges of the above mission.

Conclusion:

Conclude by suggesting solutions to the challenges.

General Studies – 3

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

4. The importance of ecotones lies in their potential to support high biodiversity and contribute to ecological processes. 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 – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the ecotones and their importance and the need to conserve them.

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 defining ecotone.

Body:

First, mention briefly how ecotones are formed. Mentioned about the edge effect.

Next, write about the importance of ecotones – providing an area for a large number of species, nesting, food provisions, greater genetic diversity, serve as bridges of “gene flow” and buffer-zone” protecting the neighbouring ecosystem from possible environmental damage.

Next, write about the need to conserve them.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising the importance and how Ecotones provide a sensitive indicator of global change.

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

5. The grassland ecosystem is characterized by a unique set of features that distinguish it from other ecosystems. But they are vulnerable to a range of disturbances, both natural and human-induced. Examine. (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 characteristics of grassland ecosystems and the various threats to 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:

Introduction: 

Begin by mentioning the spread of various grassland ecosystems across the world.

Body:

First, write about the characteristics of grassland ecosystems – limited annual rainfall, dry climate, Lack of nutrients, Frequent fires, vegetation growth dominated by grasses.

Next, write about the impact of various natural and human disturbances to grassland ecosystem – Landslides, flash floods, wind storms, harvesting, planting and hunting are activities that have affected the organisms and landscapes within this type of ecosystem. Animals that graze in grasslands can also help to erode the territory if they overfeed. Urban development, agricultural production and invasive plants are all factors that work to destroy grasslands.

Conclusion:

Conclude by mentioning various measures taken to tackle to protect grasslands.

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

6. Carbon credit and trading scheme can be a valuable tool in incentivizing emissions reductions, but its effectiveness and impact depend on how well it is integrated into the broader climate policy framework. Evaluate. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Down to Earth

Why the question:

The article discusses the forthcoming amendments to India’s carbon credit and trading scheme, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and generate economic benefits.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about carbon market and India’s potential in using to fight climate change.

Directive word: 

Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence.  You must appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context of India’s carbon credit and trading scheme.

Body:

In the first part, in detail, write about the structure of India’s carbon credit and trading scheme

Next, write about the potential of scheme in reducing carbon emissions and fighting climate change. Write the ways in which it would help. Substantiate with facts and examples.

Next, write about the challenges and limitations associated with carbon markets in India. Mention ways to overcome them.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Case Study

7. You are a no-nonsense, honest officer. You have been transferred to a remote district to head a department that is notorious for its inefficiency and callousness. You find that the main cause of the poor state of affairs is the indiscipline of a section of employees. They do not work themselves and also disrupt the workings of others. You first warned the troublemakers to mend their ways or else face disciplinary action. When the warning had little effect, you issued a show cause notice to the ringleaders. As a retaliatory measure, these troublemakers instigated a woman employee amongst them to file a complaint of sexual harassment against you with the Women’s Commission. The Commission promptly seeks your explanation. The matter is also publicized in the media to embarrass you further. Some of the options to handle this situation could be as follows:

• • • Give your explanation to the Commission and go soft on the disciplinary action.
    • Ignore the commission and proceed firmly with the disciplinary action.
    • Brief your higher-ups, seek directions from them and act accordingly. Suggest any other possible option(s).
    • Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it. (250 Words) (UPSC Mains 2014)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start with giving the facts of the case and the hindrances to honest behaviour.

Body:

One by one evaluate the different options in front of that are provided. Using logic and various ethical theories to analyse their pros and cons of each option.

Next, write the course of action which you will take in the above situations. Analyse the pros and cons of that action. If there are any cons, write about how you will overcome/deal with those. Cite reasons for taking such path.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising the writing about cost one has to pay for being honest.

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