UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE : 10 May 2024

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General Studies – 1

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

1. The evolution of architectural styles during Delhi Sultanate period demonstrates a synthesis of indigenous Indian traditions with external influences. Discuss. (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:

To write about the nature of architecture under Sultans of Delhi, its evolution and influence of Indian architecture on them.

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 the with arrival of Turks, new form of architecture got introduced in India.

Body:

First, mention the major religious and secular structures constructed under the various dynasties of the Sultanate with a special reference to Tughlaq dynasty.

Next, write about significant and new changes in construction technologies introduced by the Sultans. Give examples of few monuments.

Next, mention the influences of earlier Indian architecture which was adopted by Sultans of Delhi. Cite examples by substantiating.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Topic: Diversity of India.

2. Linguistics has had a profound impact on nearly every aspect of human life, from individual cognition to global interactions, shaping how we communicate, think, and interact with the world around us. Examine. (150 words).

Reference: Tough

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:

The article discusses linguistics has profoundly shaped the world in various ways

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the impact of linguistics in shaping the world.

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: 

Start by giving context.

Body:

Write about as to how linguistics has shaped the world – facilitating communication, preserving cultural diversity, driving technological innovations, improving education, and fostering understanding across cultures and disciplines. Its influence extends to politics, society, cognition, global relations, and legal contexts, making it a fundamental aspect of human life. Cite examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

General Studies – 2

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

3. What are the causes of gender inequality in India? Enacting and enforcing laws that promote gender equality in employment, education, and healthcare are essential steps in addressing systemic gender inequality and advancing women’s rights. Examine. (250 words).

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question:

A new government will soon be taking up the challenge of making India viksit by 2047. With women lagging behind on several parameters of well-being in the country today, empowering them economically lies at the heart of the challenge we face in transforming India into a developed country.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the causes for gender inequality and its impact and ways to overcome it.

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: 

Start by giving context.

Body:

First, write about the various causes for gender inequality – historic, educational, economic and social causes.

Next, write about the how the gender inequality impacts the Indian society. Cite examples and statistics to substantiate.

Next, write about the various measures needed to bridge the gender gap. Throw light on the importance of laws in promoting gender equality.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

General Studies – 3

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

4.  The implementation of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016 needs concerted efforts to enhance expertise, streamline procedures, and address legal complexities to ensure the efficient functioning of the insolvency regime. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India

Why the question:

During the resolution plan approval, only about 15% is paid by the purchaser and the repayment takes years without any further interest collected by the banks, according to the financial stability report released by banking regulator Reserve Bank of India on December 28, 2023.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the various issues in IBC and steps needed to resolve it.

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 writing about Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) its aims and objectives.

Body:

First, list down the various features and achievements of IBC since its introduction.

Next, write about the various limitations in the performance of IBC.

Next, write about the reform that is needed to ensure that IBC performance leads to strengthening of its supporting role in capital formation and economic growth of the country.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

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

5. A ban on agricultural exports may initially lower domestic prices but can disrupt supply chains, harm farmers, and strain international relations. Critically examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

The article discusses that India’s agricultural exports fell 8.2% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 on the back of shipment curbs on a host of commodities, from cereals and sugar to onions.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the implications of curbs on certain agricultural exports by the government and its impact.

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 by giving context.

Body:

In the first part, bring out the factors as to why the agricultural exports are banned.

Next, write about the implications of the curbs – on food security, on farmers, wheat prices, exports, procurement etc.

Next, writ about the negatives of the above.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion

6. Changing attitudes can influence behaviour by reducing cognitive dissonance, shaping self-perceptions, activating associated beliefs, and through social learning processes.. Elucidate. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

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 develop a link between changing your attitude and changing your behaviour.

Directive:

Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

In the introduction, define attitude and behaviour. Mention the difference between attitude and behaviour.

Body:

With relevant examples elaborate on how attitude can be change and that change in the resultant behaviour.

How behavior and attitude affect us and the need to adopt behaviours which are of empathy, compassion, fortitude and integrity.

Conclusion:

Complete the answer by stressing how changing to right behaviours and attitude can impact our life positively.

Topic: Case Study

7. As the food department prepares to launch a grand poverty and hunger alleviation scheme involving mass distribution of food grains to the poor, Senior IAS Officer Suresh must decide who will be his deputy to oversee the entire process, from procurement to last mile delivery. He is presented with two highly capable candidates: Salman and Shahrukh.

Salman is a seasoned officer with 10 years of service. He has prior experience from a deputation at the Food Corporation of India, making him well-versed in the logistics of food distribution. Despite having a pending vigilance case related to alleged disproportionate assets, Salman is a team player and highly respected among his peers. He is a family-oriented man with a pregnant wife and a child. His popularity stems from his ability to connect with people and inspire teamwork.

Shahrukh, on the other hand, boasts 15 years of service. He is known for his unwavering commitment to rules and regulations, a trait that has sometimes caused delays due to his meticulous approach. His dedication is evident in his willingness to work long hours, even beyond office hours and on weekends. While he is unmarried, Shahrukh’s professional rigidity sometimes clashes with colleagues, particularly his previous boss who is a friend of Suresh.

1. 1. Who should Suresh choose? Why?
   2. Which is more a severe moral hazard – concerns about a person’s integrity or his poor work efficiency?
   3. How can Salman be improved to be a better officer?
   4. How can Shahrukh be improved to be a better officer?

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