UPSC Mains Answer Writing practice : 4th June 2024
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General Studies – 1
Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent);
Difficulty level: Moderate
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 present status of water bodies, major issues affecting their distribution and utilisation.
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 of water resources. Cite statistics.
Body:
First, write about the current status of water resources – current status of water bodies in India, including rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands, and groundwater resources etc.
Next, write about the various issues in the above – including encroachment and destruction due to urbanization and industrialization, pollution, climate change, and inadequate water management policies.
Next, write about the steps that must be taken in order to overcome the above issues.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Topic: Social empowerment
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 persistent practise of manual scavenging despite being banned and steps needed to stop it.
Directive:
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.
Body:
First, write about reasons for lack of effective implementation of the laws to prevent the practice of manual scavenging – lack of alternative livelihood opportunities for affected communities, political will, resources, and capacity-building of government agencies.
Next, write about the steps we can take in this regard – multi-pronged approach that addresses the root causes of the problem, provides alternative livelihood opportunities, ensures effective implementation of laws and policies, and promotes public awareness campaigns to change societal attitudes etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
As we navigate the dynamic landscape of Indian health care, cost considerations are increasingly influencing every aspect of service delivery and patient care
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the importance of making healthcare more accessible 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 giving context.
Body:
First, write about the various bottlenecks in accessibility and affordability of health care in India.
Next, write about the importance of accessible and affordable healthcare.
Suggest reforms to ensure the that healthcare is accessible and affordable by all.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
Children form about 30% of India’s population, but they are invisible during elections.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the need for prioritising education, nutrition, and health of children in its policies.
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:
In the first part, write about the importance of child education – enhances human capital, drives economic growth, and promotes social stability.
Next, write about the importance of child nutrition – physical and cognitive development, leading to better educational outcomes and long-term health etc.
Next, write about the importance of child health – boosts productivity, reduces healthcare costs, and improves quality of life. Mentions ways to achieve the above
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
General Studies – 3
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question:
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has commercialised herbicide-tolerant (Ht) basmati rice varieties, claiming they can control weeds in rice crops while also promoting water-saving direct seeded rice (DSR).
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the pros and cons of commercialising herbicide-tolerant (Ht) rice.
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.
Body:
First, write about the need for Ht rice.
Next, write about the advantages it offers – weed control and labor savings, potentially leading to higher yields etc.
Next, write about various risks associated with it – high costs of seeds and herbicides, increased, risk of herbicide-resistant weeds, biodiversity loss, soil health degradation, food security and water pollution etc
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
Last November, Delhi came up with its Delhi Motor Vehicle Aggregator and Delivery Service Provider Scheme, 2023. It mandates licensing and regulatory requirements for aggregators, delivery service providers and e-commerce entities.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the evaluation of India’s move towards electric vehicles (EVs), focusing on progress, challenges in it and government initiatives need to overcome it.
Directive word:
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by giving aa statistics related to EV vehicle adoption for context.
Body:
First, write about India’s progress in transitioning towards electric vehicles (EVs). Highlight the increase in the number of EV sales, the growth of EV charging infrastructure, and the initiatives taken by automakers to introduce EV models in the market.
Next, write about the key challenges hindering widespread EV adoption in India. Discuss issues such as high upfront costs, limited charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and consumer perceptions. Address the need for addressing these challenges through policy interventions and public awareness campaigns.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Case Study
Sreekanth’s reputation as a just and fair administrator is well-known. As the District Magistrate, he finds himself in the midst of a delicate situation when he receives a call from both the influential MLA and the Mayor. They request his assistance in demolishing what they claim are illegal constructions linked to the minority community.
Sreekanth is faced with an ethical dilemma. On one hand, he understands the importance of maintaining law and order in the region. On the other, he senses a hidden agenda behind the MLA and Mayor’s request. He knows that blindly complying with their demands could lead to further unrest and fuel division among the communities.
-
- What are the options available to Sreekanth?
- Critically analyse the above-mentioned actions?
- Which actions should Sreekanth choose? Why?
- What are the ethical issues in the above case?
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