[MISSION 2024] Insights SECURE : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 24 November 2023

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General Studies – 1

Topic: poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

1. Economic growth doesn’t always directly address issues of poverty and food insecurity, and there can be disparities in the distribution of benefits. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

While India is set to become the third largest economy in the world in 2028, 80 crore Indians will still be receiving free foodgrains to stave off hunger.

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:

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 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 – 2

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

2. Universal Health Coverage (UHC) refers to the goal of ensuring that all individuals and communities receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship. Examine the challenges in Implementing Universal Health Coverage in India. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question:

In a post-Covid world that has re-defined multilateralism in health, India is getting increasingly recognised as a significant global player.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about UHC, challenges in its implementation and steps that are needed 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: 

Begin by defining Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

Body:

In the first part, write about the various components of UHC – access to health services, including preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care.

Next, write about challenges in the implementation of UHC – funding, human resources, infrastructure, and political will etc.

Next, write about the steps that are needed to overcome the above-mentioned challenges.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

3. The global economic landscape is subject to uncertainties. India should be prepared to navigate potential economic challenges and shocks that may impact the success of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). Critically analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:

India recently signed up for the supply chain resilience pillar of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity and this can help the country join global value chain networks.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the potential of IPEF and pitfalls it can pose in the future for India.

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 background regarding the formation of IPEF.

Body:

First, write about advantages IPEF can offer for India – cooperation on infrastructure and clean energy, apart from coordination over taxation, rule enforcement and its trade prospects etc.

Next, write about various potential pitfalls for India that could arise on the account of it joining IPEF.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward to address those pitfalls.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-technology, biotechnology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

4. Examine the significance of the International Space Station (ISS) in fostering international cooperation in space exploration. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express.

Why the question:

It was 25th anniversary of the International Space Station (ISS)

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the significance of ISS.

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 introduce the International Space Station (ISS) and its origin.

Body:

First, discuss how the ISS has served as a platform for international cooperation in space exploration. Highlight its role in fostering scientific collaboration by providing a unique microgravity environment for research. Explore the technological advancements and innovations that have resulted from the ISS program.

Next, write about how the ISS has contributed to the development of human spaceflight capabilities.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.

5. Against the backdrop of a rising cross-border terrorism over the past two decades, discuss the ways in which India can improve its security to prevent terror attacks from its neighbouring countries. (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 characteristics of grassland ecosystems and the impact of various threats to it.

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:

First, write about how cross-border terrorism often originates from or is supported by neighboring countries, the historical and geopolitical factors that may hinder security cooperation with certain neighbours. Discuss issues related to trust deficit, conflicting interests, and sovereignty concerns that pose challenges to regional security collaboration.

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

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Topic: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.

6.  The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act of 1958 (AFSPA) is a controversial law that has been a subject of criticism and debate, with arguments both in favor of its retention and for its repeal. 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 comment as to whether or not AFSPA be repealed.

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 writing about aims of AFSPA.

Body:

First, mention the broad features of AFSPA.

Next, giving context of killing of innocent civilians and other instances of its misuse. Mentions pros and cons of AFSPA.

Conclusion:

Conclude by commenting on the action that India must take with regards to AFSPA.

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. 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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