UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE : 26 April 2024

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General Studies – 1


 

Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.

1. What are the various factors that affect the formation of Savanna type of climate? Examine the various threats to Savanna biomes. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

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:

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 brief about Tropical savannas or grasslands that they are associated with the tropical wet and dry climate type.

Body:

First, write about the factors conducive for Savanna type of climate – tropical regions 8° to 20° from the Equator, warm to hot, the dry season is associated with the low sun period etc.

 Next, mention that the Savanna climate provides for a diverse vegetation such as grasslands, hardy weather proofed trees and diverse fauna and mention different Savanna regions such as East African, Llanos, Pampas etc and how they differently impact their ecology.

Next, mention the various threats such as water logging, fire, drought, grazing etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by stating that in the present context of Climate change it is imperative to address the threats faced by the Savannas and ensure ecological balance.

 


General Studies – 2


 

Topic: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

2. It is essential for the Election Commission of India (ECI) to foster trust among voters and political stakeholders, and to ensure that elections accurately represent the will of the people. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian ExpressInsights on India

Why the question:

Indians’ distrust towards the EC has grown in recent years. From voting machines and verification trails to how the statutory body handles the deployment of state officials, there is no part of the electoral system that is not being questioned.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the process of appointment of Election commissioners and need for an independent body to appoint them.

Directive:

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 Article 324 to 329.

Body:

First, write about the role of ECI.

Next, write about the various issues in ECI – appointment of ECs, favouritism, impartiality, EVM issues etc.

Next, write about the steps that are needed to rectify the above.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

 

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

3. The Green Credit Programme, introduced by the Environment Ministry, offers incentives for environmental contributions through green credits. However, challenges of a potentially limited scope can limit its efficacy. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The Green Credit Programme, announced by the Environment Ministry in October 2023, is a market-based mechanism where individuals and companies can claim incentives called ‘green credits’ for contributions to environmental and ecological restoration

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the Green Credit Programme, its pros and cons.

Directive word: 

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 giving context of Green Credit Programme.

Body:

First, write about the features of the Green Credit Programme.

Next, write about the various pros of Green Credit Programme – encouraging environmental action, leveraging market dynamics, fostering innovation, and creating economic benefits etc.

Next, write about the various cons of Green Credit Programme – administrative complexity, the risk of greenwashing, equity concerns, market volatility, and a potentially limited scope etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

 


General Studies – 3


 

Topic: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, – different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.

4. Solar and wind energy have immense potential in India, but they also come with limitations. Critically examine. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:

The article discusses the limitations of solar and wind energy in India.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the role of technology in transforming Indian agriculture and its potential to enhance productivity, sustainability, and rural livelihoods.

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 giving statistic related to solar and wind energy in India.

Body:

First, paint a picture of solar and wind energy scenario in India.

Next, write about sustainability – assess how technology can promote sustainable agricultural practices, including the use of IoT devices, data analytics, and precision irrigation to reduce resource wastage and environmental impact.

Next, write about the limitations of wind and solar energy – intermittency, land requirement, grid integration challenges, initial investment costs, and resource variability etc.

Next, write about the way to overcome above shortcomings.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

 

Topic:  Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment

5. There is a need for the government to address the root causes and implement effective measures to mitigate the adverse impacts of black money and promote inclusive and sustainable economic development. Critically 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 – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the menace of black money, its impact and measures needed to end it.

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 giving context of black money in India.

Body:

First, write about the challenges faced in tackling the issue of black money.

Next, write about the various measures undertaken to tackle black money in India – Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015, Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs), etc. Also, write about the limitations in ending black money menace.

Next, write about the impact of black money on various facets.

Next, write about the measures that are needed to end black money menace in the country.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

 

Topic: basics of cyber security

6. By prioritizing cybersecurity and adopting proactive measures, India can enhance its resilience against cyber threats and safeguard its digital infrastructure and assets. Analyse.

Difficulty level: Tough

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 India’s cyber security strategy and need for an overall strategy with more emphasis on severe threats and as well adequately addresses mild ones.

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 giving statistic highlighting India’s vulnerability to cybercrimes.

Body:

First, write about the India’s evolving cyber security strategy and its various components.

Next, write about the various types of cyberthreats of varying degree of vulnerability and the disadvantages associated with classifying them as one.

Next, write about measures required to counter the above in policy making and developing a strategy for various types of cybercrimes.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

 


General Studies – 4


 

Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.

7. what is Fortitude? Discuss is its importance with examples. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications.

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 fortitude.

Directive:

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:

Start by defining fortitude.

Body:

Explain how Fortitude is firmness of spirit, especially in difficulty. It provides for constancy in the pursuit of virtue. Fortitude is a willingness to freely go beyond the call of duty, to make sacrifices, to act on your convictions. Fortitude includes the courage to confront our personal weaknesses and attraction to vice. Substantiate with examples.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

 

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