UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE : 21 February 2024

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General Studies – 1

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

1. The early revolts and rebellions served as crucial chapters in the larger story of anti-colonial struggles. The sacrifices made by the unsung heroes of early revolts became a source of inspiration for subsequent generations of activists. In the above context, elaborate upon the struggle of Rani Chennamma of Kittur against the British. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question:

The Kittur revolt of 1824, one of the earliest woman-led anti-colonial struggles. Rani Chennamma’s valour forms a significant part of Karnataka’s political imagination.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about how various forms of oppression resulted in various revolts and its significance.

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:

Start by mentioning that eighteenth and the nineteenth centuries witnessed many revolts and rebellions against the oppression of ruling class.

Body:

First, write about early revolts and rebellions during the colonial period were led by unsung heroes who experienced colonial oppression firsthand.

Next, write about its significance of these revolts – played a crucial role in shaping national movements by fostering shared experiences of suffering and discontent. Symbolic acts of defiance, moral authority, and the catalyzation of national consciousness were key outcomes of these revolts etc.

Next, write about the struggle of Rani Chennamma of Kittur against the British and her legacy.

Conclusion:

Conclude by mentioning that the legacy of the revolts in the present day.

Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

2. Buddhism and Buddhist culture serve as integral components of India’s soft power projection, offering historical, cultural, and spiritual ties that connect with nations worldwide. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

India will hold an exposition of some of the relics of Lord Buddha, which are in its possession, in Thailand from February 22 to March 18.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the Buddhism and Buddhist culture as part of India’s soft power.

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:

In the first part, mention the Buddhist heritage by India to promote values such as peace, non-violence, and tolerance, projecting an image of a harmonious nation.

Next, write about it’s significance – Cultural diplomacy, tourism, academic contributions, and the global appeal of mindfulness contribute to India’s soft power influence. By emphasizing its Buddhist legacy, India fosters people-to-people connections, engages in diplomatic relations, and aligns with global trends in health and wellness, enhancing its positive impact on the international stage etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

3. The basic structure doctrine prevents the abuse of power by the executive and legislature, preventing it from becoming a majoritarian regime. 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 – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the importance of doctrine of basic structure and its criticism.

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 basic structure of the constitution.

Body:

First, write about the various features of doctrine of basic structure – rule of law, parliamentary form of government, secularism etc.

Next, write about how the above is important in upholding the supremacy of the Constitution and preventing authoritarian rule by a single party.

Next, write a critique of the basic structure doctrine.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a balanced opinion.

Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government;

4. Explain the roles and responsibilities of the Vice-President of India. How can the Vice-President play a role forging better ties between the opposition and the executive?  (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 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the function of Vice-President of India and how he can play a role in forging better ties with opposition and the executive.

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: 

Begin by mentioning about Article 63.

Body:

In the first part, write about the functions of the VP of India in detail – ex-officio chairman of RS, stepping in for president, second highest constitutional office.

Next, write about the ways how the VP can act as a bridge between ensuring smooth relations between the opposition and the executive.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising the importance of VP for the parliamentary democracy.

Topic: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

5. Free and fair elections are crucial for the functioning of a democratic society, as they provide citizens with the opportunity to express their political will and hold their leaders accountable. Elucidate. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

The Supreme Court’s direction on the city’s mayoral election has delivered a huge message: You can’t game democracy.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the importance of free and fair elections and how to ensure them.

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 giving context.

Body:

In the first part, mention the importance of free and fair elections – crucial for democratic societies, providing citizens with a platform to express their political will, choose representatives, and ensure government accountability. They confer legitimacy, protect human rights, and prevent authoritarianism.

Next, write about the ways to ensure free and fair elections – independent election commission, model code of conduct, transparent electoral funding, voter education, media freedom, international observation and secure voting systems etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Topic: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

6. The Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India envisaged ass as important self-governing entities, but their performance has been mixed, marked by both successes and limitations. Critically examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

Three decades have passed since the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments Acts came into effect, which envisaged that local bodies in India would function as institutions of local self government.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the performance of PRIs, their successes and shortcomings.

Directive word: 

Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into 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. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by writing about the aims and objectives of 73rd Constitution Amendment Act.

Body:

First, write in detail about how political decentralisation has been a success with respect to PRI’s. Write about the various achievements of these bodies.

Next, write about various shortcomings of PRIs decentralisation – lack of funds, issues with CSS, lack of agency to generate own revenues, overlapping functions with state government, absence of a proper workforce, accountability issues etc.

Next, suggest measures to overcome the above.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Case Study

7. You are working as the Quality Control Officer in a major pharmaceutical company which known for making major drugs. During a routine inspection you come across the information that the company has been using sub-standard materials to manufacture a syrup used for treatment of diseases in children, which is by and large exported to many poor African countries. Upon bringing this to the notice of your CEO, he mentions that it being done as per agreement with the governments of the respective countries to make the syrup affordable and assures that the material used has no known adverse effects.

A few days later, reports emerge that many children who had taken that syrup have died and it has become a major international news with African nations demanding accountability of the manufacturer. Your CEO has denied any wrongdoing and has issued a statement that no substandard materials were used. He calls you in his chamber and asks you to corroborate his statement and if you fail to do so, all the blame will be shifted on you. If you agree to do it, then you will receive a ‘handsome’ bonus and salary hike with a promotion.

1. What are the options available to you in this situation? Discuss their merits and demerits.
2. What option will you chose? Justify.
3. What can be done to prevent such incidents from happening in the future?

Difficulty Level: tough

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by giving the context. Bring out the key stakeholders in the above case study.

Body:

In the body, Write about the various options available to you and their pros and cons.

Next, write about the option you will take in the above scenario and justify ethically.

Next, write about your suggestions to prevent such incidents from happening again.

Conclusion:

Conclude by stressing on the importance of transparency and accountability in above such cases.

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