[MISSION 2024] Insights SECURE : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 07 December 2023

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MISSION – 2023: YEARLONG TIMETABLE

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General Studies – 2

Topic:  Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.

 Q1. Realizing the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) requires a robust global governance mechanism. Discuss (250 Words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: IE

Why the question:

C Raja Mohan emphasizes that India must learn from its past disarmament idealism regarding nuclear weapons as it navigates the challenges and opportunities of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

 Structure of the answer:

Introduction: Define what is AI and its development in recent years.

Body:

Mention the various transformative powers of AI with examples.

Identify challenges and barriers in Governing it.

Next, mention the recent AI regulation mechanism developed including the Blanketly declaration.

Mention steps taken by India.

Next, write the limitations of current AI regulation steps.  

Conclusion:

Conclude with how to address those limitations.  

General Studies – 3

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

Q2. Has the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) led to an expansion of fiscal space for the states in India? Analyse. (250 Words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: TH

Why the question:

The Goods and Services Tax (GST), in its six-and-a-half-year tenure, has generated nearly ₹3.4 lakh crore in revenues for October and November.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about GST, various successes and limitations of GST and reforms that are needed in 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 presenting them in a summary.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by the aims and objectives behind the launch of GST.

Body:

First, write how GST has led to fiscal expansion for states in India. Substantiate with examples, facts or statistics.

Next, write about the shortcomings of GST e.g., Revenue Shortfall, Incomplete Compensation Mechanism, Limited Autonomy in Tax Rate Decisions for states, Compliance Challenges, etc.

Next, suggest reforms in GST.

Conclusion:

You may conclude as:

The introduction of GST in India has broadened states’ fiscal capacity by boosting compliance and revenue predictability. To maximize GST’s potential, the inclusion of petroleum, electricity, and real estate is essential. Additionally, promoting cooperative federalism involves reducing the central government’s unilateral imposition of non-shareable cesses and surcharges.

Topic: Science and Technology 

 Q3. How would the evolution of Quantum computing impact the nation and society? Examine. (150 Words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: ScientificAmerican

Why the Question?

IBM has introduced Condor, the first quantum computer with over 1,000 qubits, emphasizing a new strategy focusing on error correction rather than increasing qubit quantity.

 Key Demand of the question:

Applications of Quantum computing for nation and society

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: Briefly explain what is quantum computing

 Body:

Write the impacts of Quantum computing on the nation e.g., Accelerated Research, Healthcare and Environment, efficiency in Industry 4.0, Process Automation, etc.

Then write impact on society: Privacy and Security Concerns, Disruption and Job Dynamic, Ethical Considerations, Digital Divide, etc.

Give examples for each.

Briefly write a few government programs for Quantum computing promotion in India.

Conclusion:

Suggest measures to help India progress in the Quantum field while mitigating its negative impact on society.

Topic: Science and Technology 

Q4. Examine the viability of nuclear fusion energy as a prominent clean-energy source in the coming years. (250 words)

 Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: India Today

Why the Question?

The world’s largest nuclear fusion reactor that mimics the Sun just came online in Japan

 Key Demand of the question:

To examine whether nuclear fusion energy can replace fossil fuels.

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 nuclear fusion.

Body:

First, write about the process of nuclear fusion in brief.

Next, mention the huge potential for growth, emission-free nature and consistent nature of nuclear energy production in contrast with wind and solar energy.

Next, write about the limitations of the above – technological constraints, lack of expertise, land requirement, manpower, financing etc.

Briefly mention the major developments happening in the field of nuclear fusion (including in India).

Conclusion:

Conclude with the argument that India should expand its sources of energy away from fossil fuels, to maintain its development while not harming the environment. Nuclear fusion gives a huge hope in this endeavour.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Role of Family Society and Educational Institutions in Inculcating Values.

Q5. What does the quotes mean to you?

 “Friendship is a sheltering tree.” – Samuel Taylor Coleridge (10M)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote.

Body:

The quote suggests that friendship provides a protective and comforting refuge, much like the shelter of a tree. Write a few examples.

Then through examples show friends offer support, security, and a sense of safety in times of need, emphasizing the nurturing and protective nature of true friendship.

Conclusion:

Summarize by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.

Topic: Role of Family Society and Educational Institutions in Inculcating Values.

 Q6. Shared core values create a sense of unity and common purpose among people. When individuals and communities hold similar values, it fosters cooperation, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. Explain with examples. (10M)

 Difficulty Level: Moderate

Why the question:

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

Key Demand of the question: 

To explain how shared core values contribute to a sense of unity and common purpose among individuals and communities.

Structure of the answer: 

Introduction:

Introduce the concept of shared core values and their impact on unity and common purpose.

Body:

Define and explain how shared core values lead to cooperation, collaboration and a sense of belonging.

Provide examples illustrating how individuals with similar values are more likely to work together for common goals.

Conclusion:

End with summarizing the key points on a positive note.

CASE STUDY

 Q7. You are hailing from a remote village. You are the only person who is pursuing a degree in your community. You have had access to education and modern values. You want every child in your village to have a good education. During holidays you visit your village and teach the children. In one such instance, you have come to know that one of the girls whom you used to teach is getting married. She is 17 and is about to complete her 12th standard. Child marriages like these were common within your community in the past but these have largely reduced now. You want to eliminate such practices. You have come to know that the person she is getting married to is your cousin. You talk to him about the importance of her education and the ills of child marriage. He seems to ignore your advice but promises that she will be allowed to continue her education and he is even ready to fund it. The girl’s parents have convinced her to accept the marriage as they can’t afford to educate her any further. You speak to both parties again but they are not ready to call off the marriage or wait for another year until she turns 18. Your mother scolds you for interfering in their family matters and says that nothing much is going to happen in a year. She warns that any further attempts would lead to fights within the family and even within the community. If that happens you will not be allowed to interact within the community and teach them further.

1. 1. 1. What are the options available to you in this scenario? Discuss their merits and demerits. Would you consider contacting the police despite such a warning from your mother?
      2. Why do you think people still practice child marriage? Highlight the ethical issues associated with it.
      3. Discuss the steps required to strengthen the community values in such scenarios.

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