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

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General Studies – 1


 

Topic: urbanization, their problems and their remedies

1. The increased dumping of waste in landfills poses several issues that need to be addressed promptly. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Hindustan TimesInsights on India

Why the question:

A thick cloud of smoke continued to billow out of the Ghazipur landfill site, enveloping the surrounding areas in east Delhi, after a portion of the country’s largest garbage dumpsite — which holds at least 8.4 million tonnes of waste — caught fire on Sunday evening.

Key Demand of the question:

To write issues with respect increased dumping of wastes in landfills, threats from it and remedies for better waste management.

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: 

Give a statistic about increasing municipal solid waste with the increasing rate of urbanisation.

Body:

First, write the problems associated with rapid urbanisation and waste management in India at landfills: Leaching of chemicals, spread of diseases, release of poisonous and toxic gages, fires, serious health and environmental hazards to the people etc.

Next, suggest strategies to deal with solid waste so that it may prove a resource instead of waste.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

 


General Studies – 2


 

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

2. The Iran-Israel turmoil has raised concerns about the security of the large Indian diaspora residing in the Gulf region as well as India interests. Indian authorities must take proactive measures, including enhanced security protocols and diplomatic efforts, to ensure the safety of Indian nationals. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

The article discusses what Iran-Israel conflict means for Middle East and India

Key Demand of the question:

To write issues for India with respect conflict Iran-Israel and steps that are needed in this regard.

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 the problems associated with the conflict – security of the large Indian diaspora in the Gulf region, with added risks of piracy and hostage-taking, India’s economic and strategic interests etc.

Next, suggest strategies to deal with the above.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

 


General Studies – 3


 

Topic: inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

3. A well-designed Universal Basic Income (UBI) can be a powerful tool in promoting inclusive economic growth and social well-being. Critically analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:

The article discusses the concept of implementation of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) in the country.

Key Demand of the question:

To discuss the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a social welfare policy and assess its potential implications for poverty reduction and economic development in 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 giving context and defining the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI)

Body:

First, write about Universal Basic Income (UBI) and its key features. Discuss the rationale behind implementing UBI, including its potential to alleviate poverty and provide a safety net to citizens.

Next, write about the challenges of UBI implementation in India and potential implications of UBI on economic growth and development, including its impact on the labor market and government finances.

Conclusion:

Conclude by presenting a balanced view on the feasibility and desirability of implementing UBI in India.

 

Topic: Disaster and disaster management.

4. India is highly vulnerable to earthquakes due to its location in a seismically active region. Suggest measures to develop earthquake resilience in India. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

India’s high population density exacerbates the impact of earthquakes, with millions of people living in seismically active zones. Informal settlements and poorly constructed buildings are common, increasing the risk of casualties and infrastructure damage during earthquakes.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about vulnerability of India to earthquakes and steps needed to build resilience.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin giving context.

Body:

First, write about vulnerability of India to earthquakes – location on active fault lines, dense population, and inadequate infrastructure etc.

Next, write about the measures that are needed to develop resilience – strengthening building codes, enhancing public awareness and preparedness, deploying early warning systems, improving disaster response and recovery, and fostering regional cooperation.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

 

Topic: Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

5. What are the causes for insurgency in the parts north-eastern India? Examine the reasons that sustain insurgency in north east India despite many efforts at eliminating it. (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 write about causes for insurgency in N.E India and its sustenance despite various measures.

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 context of the insurgencies in North east India.

Body:

First, draw a small map of the north-east showing major insurgent conflicts in the region.

Next, mention the causes of the insurgency under various heads such as economic, political, social, cultural/ethnic reasons.  Write briefly about its impact highlighting the issues associated with AFSPA, Naxalism and International borders.

Next, write about the various measures taken to tackle insurgency and their limitations. Write about the factors for sustenance of insurgency.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

 


General Studies – 4


 

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;

6.  What does this quote means to you? (150 words)

“In ethics, prudence is not enough; we need virtue.”  – Aristotle

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:

Write about the difference between prudence and virtue – Prudence and virtue are two concepts that are closely related to ethics, but they have different meanings and implications. Write about the need of being virtuous in ethics. Cite major virtues and examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

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

 

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;

7.  What does this quote means to you? (150 words)

“It is wrong and immoral to seek to escape the consequences of one’s acts.”  – Mahatma Gandhi

Difficulty level: Easy

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:

Write about the importance taking responsibility for one’s actions and importance of being accountable. Accountability is crucial in personal, professional, and social contexts. It refers to the obligation of individuals, organizations, and institutions to take responsibility for their actions, decisions, and outcomes. Cite examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

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

 

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