[MISSION 2024] Insights SECURE : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 10 November 2023

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General Studies – 1

Topic: population and associated issues

1. Proactive measures and policy reforms are needed to address the challenges posed by India’s ageing population. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:

The article discusses the demographic shift in India, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach in addressing the challenges posed by an ageing population.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about impact of ageing population in the society and ways to overcome them.

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: 

Define ageism and its associated features.

Body:

In the first part, write about various issues with elderly population – elder generation is often seen as slower, change-resistant, expensive, and ultimately even useless. Mention about the elderly being neglected in many aspects including in their own families and in public policies.

In the next part, write about the steps and policies that are needed in this regard.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

2. Examine the issues that have hindered the performance and autonomy of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the role of judiciary in ensuring that CBI does not act as a “caged parrot”. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The article reports on the stance of the Union Government in the Supreme Court regarding the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the limitations in the working of CBI and role of judiciary in monitoring its performance.

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 your answer by giving brief about CBI as the premier investigating agency.

Body:

First, discuss the issues affecting the performance of CBI – political pressure, staff shortage, case burden, delays in investigation, consent withdrawal by some states and corruption etc.

Discuss the role judiciary has played in reforming CBI and maintaining its autonomy. Suggest reforms that are needed.

 Conclusion:

Comment with a balanced way forward.

General Studies – 3

Topic: indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

3. What is the strategic importance of semiconductor fabrication for India? Discuss the need for a long-term vision and sustained efforts to build a self-reliant semiconductor industry. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu Insights on India

Why the question:

The article discusses the significance of semiconductor fabrication in India and the need for strategic initiatives to boost domestic production.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about applications of semi-conductors fabrication and how the government can create a thriving domestic semiconductor industry.

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 a statistic highlighting strategic significance of semiconductors in India.

Body:

In the first part, discuss the various applications of semiconductors fabrication – computers, phones, server farms, missiles and in their guidance systems, warplanes, submarines, aircraft carriers, satellites etc.

Next, write about the steps need to create a robust domestic industry for semiconductors – tackling R&D problems, funding, solving intellectual property issues. Mention various measures already initiated by the government in this regard.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

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

4. Plastic pollution has become pervasive, affecting land, water bodies, and even remote areas. Examine the various measures taken to tackle plastic pollution in India. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question:

The article emphasizes the urgent need to address plastic pollution and highlights the detrimental effects of plastic on the environment.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the need to tackle plastic pollution by regulating its manufacturing as well as managing plastic waste.

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 giving a statistic regarding the extent of plastic pollution in India and the world.

Body:

First, mention the various sources of plastic pollution and its impact.

Next, write about the steps that have been taken to regulated the manufacture of plastic in India.

Next, enumerate policy measures and other initiative to tackle plastic waste management in India. Examine the performance the above measures.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward to holistically tackle the issue of plastic pollution.

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

5. The carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technology holds a great potential to mitigate the emissions from fossil fuels. 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 carbon capture utilisation technologies and their significance in mitigating emissions.

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: 

Briefly explain the concept of carbon capture utilisation technologies.

Body:

Explain the coming of carbon capture utilisation technologies; Carbon Capture and Storage, is a technology which captures carbon dioxide (CO2) from the burning of coal and gas for power generation, and from the manufacturing of steel, cement and other industrial facilities.  It involves the transportation of CO2 either by pipeline or ship, for safe and permanent underground storage. Thus, it helps in preventing it from entering the atmosphere and contributing to anthropogenic climate change.

Next, write about the limitations of CCUS technologies.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a forward and efforts needed to explore this technology.

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

6. As a policy tool to control greenhouse gas emissions, the carbon emissions trading mechanism can achieve the goal of reducing emissions while minimizing overall emissions reduction costs through market transactions. 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 carbon market and India’s potential in using it to fight climate change.

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 defining carbon market.

Body:

In the first part, in detail, write about the structure and functioning of carbon market and its brief history.

Next, write about the potential of carbon markets 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.

Topic: Case Study.

7. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, 100 cases of custodial deaths were reported in 2017, 42 of which were in police custody. Thirty-three policemen were arrested while 27 were charge-sheeted. Forty-eight police personnel were charge-sheeted and three convicted in cases of human rights violation. Overall, 2,005 cases were registered against police personnel, 1,000 of whom were charge-sheeted. With 456 cases, Maharashtra topped the list, while Gujarat and Rajasthan followed with 191 and 169 cases, respectively; 128 personnel were convicted.

According to the NCRB’s 2019 figures, 85 cases of custodial deaths were reported in the year with Tamil Nadu registering the highest number of cases followed by Gujarat, Punjab and Rajasthan and Odisha. No policeman was convicted, though 14 personnel of Gujarat were arrested, and charge-sheeted. For six custodial deaths in Rajasthan, three magisterial inquiries and two judicial inquiries were initiated against erring policemen.

While several policemen do get convicted, there are good reasons to believe that many go scot free — by manipulating records, intimidating complainants or political patronage. It’s up to senior officers to ensure that prompt actions are initiated against policemen who resort to brutal torture. When erring personnel are promptly punished, the message goes out loud and clear to other rogue policemen that the law will catch up with them. In the case of custodial deaths, those guilty should be tried for murder.

1. 1. Suggest steps to tackle custodial violence in India?
   2. Should superintendents of police should be held accountable for the impropriety committed by those under their supervision.

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