UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 19 January 2024

Click on EACH question to post/upload you answers.

How to Follow Secure Initiative?

How to Self-evaluate your answer? 

MISSION – 2023: YEARLONG TIMETABLE

Join IPM 4.0 to get an assured review of 2 secure answers everyday

General Studies – 1

Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

1. The lessons learned from the rebellion of 1857 shaped the British approach to governance, military administration, and economic policies in India, ultimately influencing the trajectory of colonial rule and the emergence of Indian nationalism. Explain. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Chapter 1- India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the impact created by the revolt of 1857.

Directive word: 

Explain – Clarify the topic by giving 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: 

Start by briefly mentioning how the 1857 uprising was successfully quelled by the British.

Body:

Mention the various re-alignment policies in administration such a British crown taking over control from EIC, Military strengthening, Transfer of Power, Divide and Rule, New Policy Towards the Princess, Search for New allies etc brought by the British as a way to avoid any such future uprising.

Conclusion:

Conclude by mentioning that although the British succeeded in overpowering the Uprising, it proved to be the beginning of resistance from the people of India.

Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

2. The socio-religious reform movements played a significant role in shaping modern India. The reforms brought about by these movements helped in creating a more inclusive and progressive society in India. Elucidate. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about how reforms movement were aimed at India society and their contributions.

Directive word: 

Elucidate – 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 by mentioning that the reform movement was a holistic socio-religious reform movement aimed revitalising our society and religion.

Body:

First, elaborate on features such as the movement focussed on aspects such as to bring in an enlightened society, removal of superstition, to establish a democratic society, to promote rationality and scientific temper etc. Mention steps taken by reforms to achieve these. Mention about the reformist movements and revivalist movements. Mention the major reformers of major religions.

Next, write about the contributions of the reform movements to modern India.

Conclusion:

Conclude by saying that the same approach was carried forward by the national movement and was included in the vision of independent India.

Topic: Effects of globalization on Indian society.

3. Social inequality and economic inequality are often interconnected, and when economic disparities are added to existing social inequalities, the overall impact can exacerbate the challenges faced by marginalized groups. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express.

Why the question:

The interview underscores the importance of combating inequality.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the how social inequality is worsened when economic inequalities are added to it and suggest measures to overcome them.

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 defining social inequalities in India.

Body:

First, giving statistic which gives a context about rising economic inequalities in India.

Next, write about how the social inequality and economic inequality are inextricably interlinked. Write about the impact of the above on the Indian society.

Next, suggest measures to overcome the same.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Technology missions;

4. The balanced and responsible use of GM technology in India’s agricultural sector requires a careful consideration of scientific evidence, transparent regulatory processes, and active efforts to address public concerns. Critically analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India

Why the question:

The article discusses the contentious issue of introducing genetically modified (GM) mustard in India.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the impact of clearance granted for the cultivation of GM-Mustard and need for a more balanced and transparent approach.

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:

First, in brief, write about the needed for GM crops in the country to meet the challenges of food security and make farming commercially viable and tackle challenges posed by climate change.

Next, write about the positive aspect of the lifting the ban on GM Mustard and its impact on the farmers as well as scientific community in the country.

Next, write about the concerns associated with the above with respect to regulatory processes and transparency and how can they be addressed.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

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

5. The long-term sustainability of ecosystems is threatened when invasive species alter fundamental ecological processes and lead to the degradation of natural habitats. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India

Why the question:

The introduction of exotic invasive plants disrupts this coevolutionary balance and native ungulates lose out since they do not have mechanisms to address the novel toxins in the ecosystem.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the threats posed by invasive alien species and ways to tackle their spread.

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: 

Start by explaining the term invasive alien species.

Body:

First, Explain the various threats posed by them. Provide examples and present the scenario of harm posed by invasive species in India – threaten cultivable land and wildlife habitats alike, may lead to the conversion of marshy wetlands into dry land. E.g.: water hyacinth, spread into the forests through the corridors created by landslides, affect the soil and destroy the microhabitat of that area

Next, Write about the various government policies and programmes in this direction.

Conclusion:

Conclude with solutions to address the issue.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.

6. Discuss the major aspects of Swami Vivekananda’s ethical philosophy with a special emphasis on the importance of cultivating compassion. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

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

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.

Key Demand of the question:  write about the nature of virtues – if they are innate or they can be learnt.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start by giving context of Swami Vivekananda’s ethical philosophy.

Body:

First, explain the core aspects of his philosophy – interrelatedness of spiritual and social action, importance of self-realization, service to others, self-discipline, and detachment

Next, write about the importance of compassion as per Swami Vivekananda.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Topic: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world to the concepts of morality;

7. What is cognitive dissonance and how can it be addressed? (150 Words)

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 write about cognitive dissonance and ways to deal with it.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by defining cognitive dissonance.

Body:

Next, mention the various reasons why cognitive dissonance occurs and the potential implications of it. Cite examples of substantiate.

Next, mention the ways to deal and adapt for cognitive dissonance.

Conclusion:

Conclude by stressing on the way to manage cognitive dissonance.

Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE

Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE

Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelHERE

Follow our Twitter Account HERE

Follow our Instagram ID HERE

Follow us on LinkedIn : HERE