UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE : 24 April 2024

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General Studies – 1

Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.

1. The expansion of glacial lakes in the Indian Himalayan river basins has significant implications for both local communities and broader climate change adaptation strategies. Examine. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

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 of expansion of glacial lakes.

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.

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context and statistic related to the above.

Body:

First, write about the impact of the above – Increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), Water resource management and Ecological impacts etc.

Next, write about the measures that are needed in the mitigate the above – proactive monitoring, water management, and international cooperation to mitigate risks and enhance resilience etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

General Studies – 2

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.

2. As global temperatures rise, permafrost is thawing at an accelerated rate, leading to a variety of environmental, social, and economic consequences. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Down to Earth

Why the question:

Increasing temperatures thawing permafrost, exposing substantial quantities of organic carbon and atmospheric release of greenhouse gases.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about permafrost, its global distribution and impact of its thawing.

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 permafrost.

Body:

First, with a map, show the major areas of the world that are covered with permafrost.

Next, write about the thawing of permafrost under the impact of global warming.

Next, write about the impact of thawing of permafrost – Thawing permafrost can raise water levels in Earth’s oceans and increase erosion, resurrecting trapped pathogens, giving rise to potential public health threats etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward to handle the above challenges.

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

3. Expanding eligibility for health insurance is crucial for ensuring broader access to healthcare services. However, affordability is equally important to ensure that individuals can actually utilize their insurance coverage. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), the apex regulator of insurance products, has asked companies to enable a wide demographic of citizens to benefit from health insurance.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the importance of making insurance more eligible and affordable.

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 mentioning statistic related to insurance penetration in the country.

Body:

First, write about the various bottlenecks in insurance penetration in the country.

Suggest reforms to ensure the that insurance is accessible and affordable by all.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.

4. Against the backdrop of a rising cross-border terrorism over the past two decades, discuss the ways in which India can improve its security to prevent terror attacks from its neighbouring countries. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

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 the characteristics of grassland ecosystems and the impact of various threats to it.

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 about how cross-border terrorism often originates from or is supported by neighboring countries, the historical and geopolitical factors that may hinder security cooperation with certain neighbours. Discuss issues related to trust deficit, conflicting interests, and sovereignty concerns that pose challenges to regional security collaboration.

Next, write about the steps that are needed to prevent the same.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Topic: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.

5. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act of 1958 (AFSPA) is a controversial law that has been a subject of criticism and debate, with arguments both in favor of its retention and for its repeal. Analyse. (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 comment as to whether or not AFSPA be repealed.

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 writing about aims of AFSPA.

Body:

First, mention the broad features of AFSPA.

Next, giving context of killing of innocent civilians and other instances of its misuse. Mentions pros and cons of AFSPA.

Conclusion:

Conclude by commenting on the action that India must take with regards to AFSPA.

General Studies – 4

Topic: challenges of corruption.

6. Successfully tackling corruption is a catalyst for positive transformation across various sectors. It creates a virtuous cycle where increased public trust, economic development, and social justice reinforce each other, leading to a more equitable, stable, and prosperous society. Elaborate. (250 words)

Why the question:

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

Key Demand of the question: 

To write about the importance of fighting corruption.

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: 

Begin by giving importance of having a corruptionless public service delivery.

Body:

Write about the importance of fighting corruption – creates jobs, achieves gender equality, and secures wider access to essential services such as healthcare and education etc. Substantiate with examples.

Conclusion:

Conclude by mentioning various

Topic: Work culture.

7. Leadership should exemplify ethical behaviour and demonstrate a commitment to integrity. Discuss. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of Mission-2024 Secure.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about components of ethical workplace and ways to build it.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by describing the ethical work culture.

Body:

Write about the major components of ethical work culture – priority to employee rights, fair procedures, and equity in pay and promotion, and that promotes tolerance, compassion, loyalty and honesty in the treatment of customers and employees.

Next, write about ways to build ethical workplace culture and environment.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

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