UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 5 July 2024

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General Studies – 1

Topic: Poverty and developmental issues

Q1. Examine the socio-economic characteristics of India’s poor population, with a focus on the geography of poverty and the backgrounds of the economically disadvantaged. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: DTE

Why the question:

How many Indians are poor? An answer to this question remains elusive, notwithstanding the fact that after a gap of 12 years, the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) conducted a Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) in 2022-2023 and released its findings this February.

Key Demand of the question:

Analyze the socio-economic traits of India’s poor population, focusing on their geographic distribution and the specific backgrounds that contribute to economic disadvantage.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Introduce the issue of poverty in India, highlighting its prevalence and significance. You can add data and facts too for enrichment of answer.

Body:

1. Socio-Economic Characteristics: analyze correlation between low levels of education and poverty. prevalence of informal and low-paying jobs among the poor population. Highlight the poor health conditions and limited access to healthcare services among economically disadvantaged groups.
2. Geographic Distribution of Poverty: higher incidence of poverty in rural areas compared to urban regions.
   • Here, write the factors contributing to rural poverty, such as dependency on agriculture, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare.
3. Regional Variations: mention geographic concentration of poverty in certain states, such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
   • Here, provide how factors like regional development disparities, historical neglect, and socio-political issues contribute to these variations.
4. Backgrounds of the Economically Disadvantaged: Social Groups. Gender Disparities, Children and Elderly etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by discussing on the importance of targeted policy interventions that address the specific needs of different disadvantaged groups to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.

 

Topic: Geophysical phenomenon

Q2. What is the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)? Explain the climatic effects caused by its seasonal movements.

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights ias  

Why the question:

The question is part of GS 1 static syllabus.

Key Demand of the question:

Define the ITCZ and analyze the climatic effects resulting from its seasonal shifts.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Introduce the concept of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), emphasizing its role in global climate dynamics.

Body:

1. Definition and Characteristics of the ITCZ
2. Next, describe the seasonal movement of the ITCZ, which shifts northward and southward following the solar equator as the Earth tilts on its axis.
3. Climatic Effects of ITCZ Movements: Impact on Precipitation, Influence on Indian Monsoons, effect on tropical storms etc.
   • Add examples like how the ITCZ’s seasonal shifts affect the Sahel region, ITCZ influences the Amazon basin and the seasonal rainfall patterns.

Conclusion:

Conclude the answer by stressing on the importance ITCZ for understanding global weather conditions.

General Studies – 2

Q3. The Seventh Schedule is a relic from the colonial past inherited from the Government of India Act, 1935 which needs to be revisited for improving Centre-state relations. Discuss, in context of the demands to include Education in state list. (250 words)

 Difficulty level: Moderate

 Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The NEET-UG exam has been embroiled in controversies over the award of grace marks, allegation of paper leaks and other irregularities.

Key Demand of the question:

To discuss the relevance of revisiting the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution in the context of demands to transfer Education to the State List, focusing on improving Centre-state relations.

Directive:

Discuss – This requires a detailed analysis of the current division of powers under the Seventh Schedule, arguments for and against transferring Education to the State List, and its implications for Centre-state relations.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by explaining the origin and purpose of the Seventh Schedule, which delineates the distribution of legislative powers between the Centre and states, inherited from the Government of India Act, 1935.

Body:

1. First part: Discuss the current arrangement under the Seventh Schedule.

2. Second part: Arguments for including Education in the State List.

Highlight the demand for decentralisation and greater state autonomy in education policy. States can better address local needs.

3. Third part: Implications for Centre-state relations.

Transferring Education to the State List could impact administrative efficiency and accountability.

Concerns such as uniformity in educational standards and coordination between Centre and states.

Conclusion:

Emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to strengthen Centre-state relations while addressing evolving educational needs in India.

Q4. Examine the bilateral relationship between India and Myanmar. Should India review its suspension of Free movement regime in view of the humanitarian crisis? (150 words)

 Difficulty level: Moderate

 Reference: The Hindu

 Why the question:

The conflict between ethnic armed organisations (EAOs) and the military junta in Myanmar has created a serious humanitarian crisis, which the United Nations Security Council took up for discussion on July 3.

Key Demand of the question:

To examine the bilateral relationship between India and Myanmar, particularly in the context of the humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict, and discuss whether India should reconsider its suspension of the Free Movement Regime.

Directive:

Examine – This requires a detailed examination of the current bilateral ties between India and Myanmar, the impact of the humanitarian crisis on these relations, and arguments for and against reinstating the Free Movement Regime.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by outlining the historical and strategic importance of the bilateral relationship between India and Myanmar, emphasising factors like geographical proximity and shared cultural ties, Indian Act east policy.

Body:

1. First part: Examine the current bilateral relationship.

Economic ties, security cooperation, and cultural exchanges between India and Myanmar.

Mention recent developments or agreements.

2. Second part: Discuss the Free Movement Regime and its suspension.

Explain reasons why India suspended the Free Movement Regime. Analyse arguments for reinstating the regime, considering humanitarian concerns, regional stability, and cultural ties.

Conclusion:

Emphasize the need for a balanced approach that considers both security imperatives and humanitarian needs. Suggest potential steps India could take to support Myanmar while safeguarding its own interests and regional stability.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Indian Economy / Poverty Measurement / Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Q5. Discuss the significance of correct estimation of “extreme poverty” in India. What are the challenges associated with it? (250 Words)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Reference: Financial Express

Why the question?

The government aims to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030 and is developing a national indicator to measure it. This has become crucial as India currently lacks an official poverty line and is transitioning from income-based to multi-dimensional poverty estimates.

Key Demand of the Question:

Discuss the importance of a national indicator for extreme poverty and outline the challenges in poverty estimation in India.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction: Briefly introduce the concept of extreme poverty and the government’s goal to eradicate it by 2030.

Body:

• Significance of Developing a National Indicator:
  • Policy Making: Accurate measurement of extreme poverty is essential for designing effective poverty alleviation policies.
  • Resource Allocation: Helps in better targeting of welfare schemes and resources.
  • Monitoring Progress: A national indicator aids in tracking progress towards SDG targets and ensuring accountability.
  • International Standards: Aligns India with global standards and improves its credibility on the international stage.
• Challenges in Poverty Estimation:
  • Varying Definitions: Different thresholds and definitions (e.g., income-based vs. multi-dimensional) create inconsistencies.
  • Data Accuracy: Issues with data collection, outdated surveys, and the lack of regular updates.
  • Multi-dimensional Nature: Capturing all facets of poverty such as health, education, and living standards is complex.
  • Pandemic Impact: COVID-19 has caused significant setbacks, making previous estimates less reliable.
  • Regional Disparities: Variations in poverty levels across states complicate the creation of a uniform poverty line.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward

Topic: Environment Conservation

Q6. Discuss the steps India must take to enhance its global climate leadership while ensuring sustainable economic growth. (250 Words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

 Why the question?

As the new government focuses on scaling up climate action, it is crucial to analyze how India can align its climate leadership with economic development. This includes setting ambitious emission reduction targets and promoting coordinated climate actions at the state level.

Key Demand of the question:

Analyze India’s strategy for global climate leadership.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction: Brief overview of India’s recent climate initiatives and global leadership role.

Body:

1. Global Climate Leadership:
   • Hosting international climate summits.
   • Advocating for global commitments on emission reductions and climate finance.
2. Sectoral Emission Reduction Targets:
   • Expanding targets beyond the power sector.
   • Promoting zero-carbon mobility and clean energy jobs.
3. Sub-National Climate Action:
   • Importance of state-level climate plans.
   • Enhancing Centre-State coordination and incentivizing state actions.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

General Studies – 4

Q7. You are the ADGP of the Crime Department in one of the states. Recently, a case has been unearthed with respect to a Bitcoin scam in your state. You put your subordinates in charge of the case. They arrested an accused named Sri in connection with the case. Later in the investigation, he confessed that he hacked the firm’s computer for the illegal trade of bitcoin. A few months later, the NGO approached the court with proof and allegations regarding the illegal confinement of Sri and embezzlement by police officers in charge. You (ADGP) were not aware of this act by a subordinate. Additionally, MLAs and ministers are mounting pressure on you to resolve the case as soon as possible.

1. What are the ethical values involved in the case?
2. As the ADGP of the department, what will be your future course of action?
3. Recommend a few measures to improve organizational integrity and probity in the office.

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start with giving the context of case.

Body:

Briefly mention the ethical values involved in case.

Next, based on the analysis of case give your own future course of action.

Next, recommend the measure to improve integrity and probity in the office.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising the writing about case and integrity or end with quote regarding probity in office.

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