UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 9 July 2024

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice

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General Studies – 1


 

Topic: Ancient History, later Vedic Age

Q1. Discuss the social and cultural factors that contributed to the process of second urbanization after the Later-Vedic period. (250 Words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights ias

Why the question:

This question is part of static syllabus of GS 1.

Key Demand of the question:

Examine the social and cultural influences that drove the process of second urbanization after the Later-Vedic period.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Introduce the concept of second urbanization, referring to the resurgence of urban centres in ancient India during the 6th century BCE.

Body:

  1. In the first part, discuss the Social and Cultural factors that contributed to second urbanization-  The emergence of territorial politics, Rise in agricultural and trade activity, Increase in population etc.
  2. Next, analyze the role of Cultural and Religious Developments: Intellectual and Educational Centers, Rise of new urban classes: Education system etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing about the long-term impacts of these factors on the development of Indian civilization and the emergence of classical urban centres.

 

Topic: World history

Q2. The French Revolution that started with the defiance of an authoritarian regime, ironically, led to the establishment of another authoritarian regime. Discuss. (250 Words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights ias

Why the question:

Part of static syllabus of GS 1.

Key Demand of the question:

Analyze the process through which the French Revolution transitioned from overthrowing an authoritarian regime to establishing another one, focusing on key events and factors that contributed to this outcome.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Introduce the French Revolution, highlighting its initial goals of liberty, equality, and fraternity and mention the irony of the revolution leading to the rise of another authoritarian regime under Napoleon Bonaparte.

Body:

  1. Briefly mention the social and political conditions under which French Revolution took place. – including inequality, financial crises, and Enlightenment ideas.
  2. Highlight how French Revolution aimed to end an authoritarian regime in the France.
  3. Mention how it eventually gave way to another authoritarian regime. – rise of radical factions like the Jacobins, period of the Reign of Terror (1793-1794), Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte etc.

Conclusion:

Summarize the paradoxical outcome of the French Revolution, which started with the overthrow of an authoritarian regime and ended with the rise of another.

 


General Studies – 2


 

Topic: Government Policies and their interventions

Q3. Road traffic accidents are a leading cause of death in India, and a major contributor to socio-economic losses, yet, effective measures to tackle it have been lacking in India. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: TH, Insights on India

Why the question:

Rajasthan to become first State to adopt a road safety action plan for 10 years

Key Demand of the question:

To analyze the causes behind the high rate of road traffic accidents in India, the socio-economic losses resulting from these accidents, and to propose effective measures to tackle the issue.

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:

Start by providing statistics related to road traffic accidents and their socio-economic impact in India.

Body:

First, discuss the various factors contributing to the high rate of road traffic accidents in India – poor road infrastructure, lack of stringent traffic laws, inadequate enforcement, driver behavior, and vehicle safety issues.

Next, elaborate on the socio-economic losses due to road traffic accidents – loss of life, medical costs, loss of productivity, and emotional and financial strain on families.

Then, analyze why effective measures have been lacking – policy implementation gaps, lack of public awareness, inadequate funding, and corruption.

Propose effective measures to reduce road traffic accidents – improved infrastructure, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, public awareness campaigns, better driver training, and technological advancements in vehicle safety.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

 

Topic: International Relations: India and its Neighbour

Q4. Indus Water Treaty, once considered one of the most successful water-sharing agreements, is facing new challenges. Analyze the statement. Also, discuss the need for revisiting it. (250 Words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India, IE

Why the question:

Recognising climate change as a common vulnerability, and shifting focus from mere river management to holistic basin management that prioritises sustainability would re-establish the treaty as a bright spot in the countries’ relations.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the significance and shortcomings of Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan, and the need to revisit the treaty.

Directive word: 

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.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context about the Indus Water Treaty.

Body:

First, write about the major provisions of the Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan.

Next, write about the successes of Indus Water Treaty in ensuring peaceful coexistence despite troubled relations between the both countries and its significance.

Next, write about the various issues in the Indus Water Treaty which have affected both the parties and possible solutions to it.

Next, write the need for revisiting the treaty and possible way forward.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

 


General Studies – 3


 

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

 Q5. Discuss how biosphere reserves balance sustainable development with nature conservation, fostering harmony between humans and nature. (250 Words)

 Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India, UN

Why the question:

Eleven new biosphere reserves added to global list

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the role of Biosphere reserves in conservation and sustainable development.

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: 

Start by defining a biosphere reserve and its various aspects.

Body:

First, write about the role of biosphere reserve in conservation and sustainable development – They are sites for testing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and managing changes and interactions between social and ecological systems, including conflict prevention and management of biodiversity. They are places that provide local solutions to global challenges. Use examples to substantiate.

Next, write about the various threats to biosphere reserves and ways to protect them.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

 


General Studies – 4


 

Q6. “The purpose of the RTI Act is meant to further good governance but the abuse of the Right to Information (RTI) Act has led to paralysis and fear”. Elaborate [10M, 150 words]

Reference: The Hindu

Difficulty level: Medium

Why the question:

The question is part of the conceptual Tuesday’s and recently SC has shown concern regarding rise of abuse of RTI.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about how RTI is being misused and address ways to balance between good governance and abuse of RTI.

Directive word:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by defining about RTI act and its background.

Body:

First address regarding the RTI purpose (Can mention aim and objectives).

Then address how RTI is being misused with few examples.

Lastly mention about how to reduce such misuse of RTI.

Conclusion:

Mention the importance of having RTI in democracy.

 

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