UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 25 June 2024

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice

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General Studies – 1


 

Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.

 1. The Swadeshi movement essentially birthed the Modern Indian freedom struggle. Do you agree? Justify. (10M)

Difficulty level: Easy

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 Swadeshi movement and justify whether it birthed the modern Indian freedom struggle.

Directive word: Justify – Provide reasons and evidence to support the statement.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Give the context for the launch of the Swadeshi movement.

Body:

  • Describe the features of the Swadeshi movement such as its economic, political, and cultural dimensions, its methods like boycotts and self-reliance, its impact on different sections of society, and key leaders involved.
  • Provide arguments supporting the view that it birthed the modern Indian freedom struggle, including how it inspired future movements, created a sense of national identity, and led to the development of Indigenous industries.

Conclusion:

  • Summarize the significance of the Swadeshi movement in the broader context of the Indian freedom struggle.

 

Topic: Indian geography will cover the salient features of India’s physical geography

2. What makes the Himalayas the most significant geographical structure of India? Also, mention the major judgments passed by the Indian judiciary to safeguard this structure and foster development in the region. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Difficult

Reference: TH, Insights

Why the question:
The Himalayas play a crucial role in India’s physical geography, climate, and biodiversity. Recent judicial actions aim to balance development needs with environmental protection in this fragile region.

Key Demand of the question:
To discuss the significance of the Himalayas in India’s geography and detail a major judicial judgment that aims to protect this structure while promoting sustainable development.

Directive word:
Mention – Briefly describe the significance of the Himalayas and outline the key points of the judicial judgment aimed at their protection and development.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:
Introduce the Himalayas as a pivotal geographical structure in India, highlighting their importance.

Body:

  1. Significance of the Himalayas:
    • Climate Influence: Act as a barrier to cold winds from Central Asia, impacting India’s climate.
    • Water Resources: Source of major rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra.
    • Biodiversity: Home to diverse flora and fauna.
    • Cultural and Economic Importance: Influence on local cultures and contribution to tourism and agriculture.
    • Geopolitical Significance: Strategic location and border security.
  1. Major Judgment by the Indian Judiciary:
    • Judgment Overview: Highlight the key judgment aimed at protecting the Himalayas, such as the Supreme Court’s ruling in the State of Telangana vs. Mohd. Abdul Qasim or related cases.
    • Key Provisions: Outline the judgment’s directives on sustainable development, conservation efforts, and restrictions on harmful activities.
    • Impact on Development: Discuss how the judgment aims to balance environmental protection with developmental needs in the Himalayan region.

Conclusion:
Summarize the importance of the Himalayas and the role of the judiciary in safeguarding this crucial geographical structure while fostering sustainable development in the region.

 


General Studies – 2


 

Topic: Government Policies and its Interventions

3. Why are paper leaks rampant in India? How does the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, address this issue? Outline the Act’s major provisions aimed at curbing cheating in public exams. (250 Words)

Difficulty level: Medium

Reference: IE, Insights

Why the question:

The Centre on Monday notified the Rules required to operationalise The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, the anti-cheating law passed by Parliament in February. The law itself came into force on June 21, after it was notified in the official gazette.

Key Demand of the question:

This question asks about the prevalent issue of paper leaks in India and how the newly introduced Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, aims to tackle this problem.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start by giving the context of the question.

 Body:

Give an explanation of why paper leaks are a widespread issue in the country. Factors contributing to the frequency of these incidents. Cite examples.

Next, write the purpose and objectives of the Act. Also, write the specific measures introduced to prevent cheating in public examinations.

Conclusion:

Write potential outcomes and improvements anticipated from the implementation of the Act. 

 

Topic: Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels and Challenges Therein.

 4. Critically evaluate the impact of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) on forest conservation in India. (15M)

Difficulty level: Medium

Reference: The Hindu

Key Demand of the question:

To critically evaluate the impact of PESA on forest conservation in India.

Directive word: Critically evaluate – Provide a balanced assessment of the impacts, considering both positive and negative aspects.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

  • Provide an overview of the PESA Act and its objectives.

Body:

  • Discuss the positive impacts of PESA on forest conservation, such as empowering local communities, promoting sustainable forest management practices, and enhancing biodiversity.
  • Mention the challenges and limitations faced in the implementation of PESA, including issues of governance, resource allocation, and conflicts with other laws.
  • Use examples and evidence to support both sides.

Conclusion:

  • Summarize the overall impact of PESA on forest conservation, emphasizing the importance of addressing challenges to realize its full potential.

 


General Studies – 3


Topic: Indian Economy: Infrastructure

5. What are the safety challenges faced by Indian Railways? How can AI and other measures help mitigate these challenges? (250 words)

 Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: The Hindu, Insights IAS

Why the question:
Despite improvements, Indian Railways continues to face safety challenges, highlighted by recent accidents. There is a need to explore how AI and other modern measures can help address these challenges effectively.

Key Demand of the question:
To discuss the safety challenges faced by Indian Railways and explain how AI and other measures can help mitigate these challenges.

Directive word:
Explain – Provide a detailed account of the safety challenges and elaborate on how AI and other measures can help in overcoming these challenges.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:
Introduce the safety challenges faced by Indian Railways, highlighting recent incidents and their impact.

Body:

  1. Safety Challenges Faced by Indian Railways:
    • Accidents: Frequent train collisions and derailments.
    • Infrastructure Issues: Poor track maintenance and outdated signalling systems.
    • Human Errors: Mistakes by train crew, station masters, and other personnel.
    • Vacancies and Overwork: High vacancy rates lead to stress and overwork among critical staff.
  2. Role of AI and Other Measures in Mitigating Safety Challenges:
    • AI-enabled Systems: Use of AI to analyze data from station data loggers and train microprocessors to predict and prevent accidents.
    • Kavach System: Implementation of the Indigenous Kavach signalling system to prevent collisions.
    • Enhanced Surveillance: Use of CCTV and other monitoring tools for real-time tracking and communication.
    • Infrastructure Upgrades: Modernizing tracks, signalling systems, and other infrastructure.
    • Recruitment and Training: Addressing vacancies and providing regular training to staff on safety protocols.

Conclusion:
Summarize the importance of addressing safety challenges in Indian Railways and the potential of AI and other measures to create a safer railway system, ensuring the well-being of passengers and staff.

 


General Studies – 4


 

Topic: Ethics – in Private and Public Relationships.

6. “As much as the common public expects the public servants to empathize with them, the public too should empathize with the public servants at times.” Do you agree with this view? Critically analyze. (10M) 

 Difficulty level: Easy

Why the question:

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

Key Demand of the question:

To critically analyze the view that the public should empathize with public servants as much as they expect empathy from them.

Directive word: “Critically analyze” means to evaluate an issue by examining various perspectives, assessing their strengths and weaknesses, and forming a balanced conclusion.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Define empathy and its relevance in public service.

Body:

  • Present arguments for the view, including examples and evidence.
  • Present arguments against the view, including examples and evidence.
  • Analyze the balance between these perspectives.

Conclusion:

Provide a balanced view, summarizing the importance of mutual empathy in the relationship between public servants and the public.

 

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