UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 23 February 2024

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General Studies – 1

Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

1. What is glacial retreat? Examine the causes of glacial retreat and its consequences on Earth’s cryosphere. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India

Why the question:

Analysis of high-resolution satellite images for the years 2021-2022 found that Africa’s ice is disappearing, and the continent may lose its white peaks by the middle of the century.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about glacial retreat, its causes and consequences.

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 glacial retreat.

Body:

First, write about the causes of glacial retreat – rising temperatures, an increase in the equilibrium line altitude (ELA), positive feedback mechanisms like ice-albedo feedback, meltwater runoff, and human-induced climate change.

Next, write about the consequences of above – loss of freshwater resources, impacts on ecosystems adapted to glacial environments, and contributions to rising sea levels.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward to prevent it.

General Studies – 2

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.

2. Indian federalism is characterized by a delicate balance between centralization and decentralization, with an emphasis on cooperation and coordination. Elucidate. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the quasi-federal features of Indian polity.

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 defining Quasi-Federal nature of Indian polity as mentioned by K.C Wheare.

Body:

First, write about the federal features of Indian polity – dual polity, division of powers, written constitution etc.

Next, write about the unitary features of Indian polity – States Not Indestructible, No Equality of State Representation, emergency provisions etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

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.

3. The Inter-State Council in India plays a significant role in facilitating coordination and cooperation between the centre and the states, but it faces several challenges that affect its efficiency and effectiveness. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the importance of Inter-State Council for centre-state relations and development of India.

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 writing about Inter-State Council Article 263, its aims and objectives.

Body:

First, give brief context of development of ISC with respect to centre-state relations and issues associated with the ISC.

Next, write about how the ISC can play a part in improving governance, bridging trust deficit between centre and state and better fiscal management. Substantive with examples.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

4.  India has shown remarkable commitment to becoming a major player in the global space arena. Continued investments in research, technology development, and governmental support are needed to reinforce India’s position as a growing space power. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The article discusses the evolving landscape of the space sector, emphasizing the shift from a purely national agency-driven exploration to increased private sector involvement.

Key Demand of the question: 

To understand the role of military exercises.

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.

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context.

Body:

First, write about the recent measures that have been taken by India making a global player in space – Mangalyaan mission, Chandryaan-III, boosting private participation through creation of IN-SPACe, Geospatial Guidelines, and the Indian Space Policy etc.

Next, mention the bottlenecks in the Indian Space sector.

Next, stress on further steps that are required to reinforce India’s position as a growing space power

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Topic: Disaster and disaster management.

5. What is an avalanche? Examine the natural and anthropogenic causes of an avalanche. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India

Why the question:

At least one Russian is dead while multiple are missing after an avalanche hit Jammu and Kashmir’s Gulmarg area.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about avalanche, its natural and anthropogenic causes.

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 avalanche.

Body:

First, write about the natural causes of an avalanche – snowfall, wind, temperature changes, and earthquakes etc.

Next, write about the anthropogenic causes of an avalanche – human activity, explosives, land use, and climate change etc.

Next, write about the measures avalanche mitigation.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Topic: Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

6. Critically analyze the Agnipath scheme, which aims to reform defence policy by changing the way young men and women are recruited into the Indian armed forces. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

The Agnipath scheme, as it is known, was announced on June 14, 2022, and is in force with the initial batch of Agniveers, as these young men and women are called, already inducted in armed forces units after completion of their recruit training.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about Agnipath scheme, its benefits and risks.

Directive:

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 the writing about aims and objectives of Agnipath scheme for recruiting soldiers

Body:

Frist, discuss the key features of the scheme – recruitment, salary, duration and post tenure etc.

Next, write about the major benefits from the scheme.

Next, write about various concerns associated with the scheme in the short term and long term.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward to address these shortcomings.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Case Study

7. In the Crestwood High School, Jim, an otherwise diligent and unassuming student, found themselves thrust into an unexpected role as the Returning Officer for the mock elections. The school was buzzing with anticipation as the candidates, Jon and Jack, competed for the coveted position of Student Council President.

As the mock elections progressed, Jim diligently oversaw the voting process, ensuring fairness and transparency. One evening, as Jim was counting the votes in the dimly lit school office, Principal Johnson made an unexpected visit. Shockingly, Principal Johnson caught Jim red-handed, tampering with the votes in favor of Jon and against Jack.

Principal Johnson, demanded an explanation. Jim revealed the truth – Jon had threatened them with dire consequences if he did not manipulate the results in his favour. The weight of fear and the pressure to comply had led Jim down a regrettable path.

1. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?
2. What course of action should principal take in the above case?
3. If you were in Jim’s place, what would you have done when Jon threatened you?

 (250 words)

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