UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice

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General Studies – 1

Topic: population and associated issues.

1. The falling Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in the country presents opportunities like economic benefits and environmental sustainability, but also challenges such as an aging population and economic strain. Evaluate. (250 words)

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 causes of falling TFR and the challenges it poses.

Directive:

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:

Begin by giving context from the NFHS-5 data.

Body:

First, write about the factors that have contributed to declining TFR are: Higher education, increased mobility, late marriage, financial independence among women and overall prosperity.

Next, write about the opportunities in the falling TFR.

Next, possible challenges that the falling TFR may lead to.

Conclusion:

Conclude by suggesting solutions to the challenges.

Topic: factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).

2. Industries and firms agglomerate to leverage cost efficiencies and enhance productivity through proximity to suppliers, customers, and infrastructure. Elaborate. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

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 bring out the reasons for agglomeration by industries and firms.

Directive:

Elaborate – 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:

Begin the answer by defining agglomeration industries. Cite few examples of Agglomeration Industries in India such as Diamond Agglomeration of Surat, Transportation Industry of Namakkal etc.

Body:

In the first part of the body, elaborate upon Agglomeration industries as drivers of economic growth. From improved access to market centers to from enhanced intra-industry linkages and inter-industry urbanization economies, which all enhances productivity.

In the next part of the body, bring out in detail, the factors responsible for agglomeration of Industries such as Proximity to Customers and Suppliers, Labor Market Pooling, Intellectual or Technology Spillovers, Natural Advantages, facilities for the development, local trade of specialized inputs and better availability of public intermediate inputs tailored to the technical needs of the industry. Substantiate these with examples from India and across the world.

Conclusion:

Summarize the overall importance of agglomeration industries, especially in their role in urbanization and conclude the answer.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

3. The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha plays a crucial role in maintaining the democratic fabric of the country by ensuring government accountability and providing an alternative vision for governance. Discuss. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The 2024 general election is historic in as much as it resulted in the numerically largest Opposition in the Lok Sabha. It is perhaps the largest in the history of the House.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the importance of the role of leader of opposition in the look Sabha.

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 of LoP.

Body:

First, write about the role played by LoP – government accountability, represents diverse viewpoints, facilitates legislative scrutiny, provides policy alternatives, and upholds democratic values. Cite examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Topic: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

4. The anti-defection law, while intended to maintain political stability, has several shortcomings that need to be addressed. Critically analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

With the defection of MLA M. Sanjay Kumar, who represents the Jagtial constituency in Telangana, from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) to the ruling Congress, the strength of the principal Opposition has come down from 39 to 33 in the State Assembly.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the shortcomings of the anti-defection law and measures needed to fix them.

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:

Write about objectives of anti-defection.

Body:

First, write about various features of anti-defection pertaining to disqualification.

Next, write as to why the anti-defection has been ineffective in preventing defection and horse trading. Substantiate with examples.

Next, suggest measures needed to rectify this.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

5. India’s high tariffs and trade barriers can neutralize the benefits of productivity-linked incentive schemes and hinder the country’s economic growth and global competitiveness. Analyse its implications. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:

A Confederation of Indian Industry report points out that our high tariffs mean that “tariff-induced cost” often neutralizes the productivity-linked incentive scheme.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about impact of India’s trade barriers and measures needed to rationalise them.

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.

Body:

First, in detail, write about the impact of trade barriers – increase production costs and offset the benefits of productivity-linked incentives, reducing competitiveness and hinder the country’s economic growth etc.

Next, write about the measures that are needed in this regard.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward in which India can evolve a coherent trade policy.

General Studies – 4

Topic: challenges of corruption.

6. Effective whistleblower protection is essential to safeguard whistleblowers from retaliation, encourage reporting, and ensure legal and financial support, thus fostering a culture of integrity and compliance. Discuss. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

Julian Assange, the 52-year-old founder of WikiLeaks, finally walked to freedom in the early hours of Wednesday after a 12-year ordeal.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the importance of whistleblowing and need for an effective whistleblower protection.

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 defining whistleblowing.

Body:

Explain What are the moral and ethical justification of whistleblowing – whistleblowing is morally required when it is required at all; people have a moral obligation to prevent serious harm to others if they can do so with little costs to themselves. Mention how it prevents corruption. Give examples to justify your points.

Next, write about the need for an effective whistleblower protection.

Conclusion:

Complete the answer by summarising its importance.

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

7. Social media addiction through its instant gratification and addictive tendencies is impacting mental health of its users and emphasizing the need for balance in usage. Discuss. (150 Words)

Difficulty Level: Moderate