UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 15 July 2024

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General Studies – 1

Topic: Post-independent India

Q1.  The national emergency of 1975 was invoked not to save the country but to save the government of the day. Comment. 150 Words

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

The Government has decided to observe June 25, the day the Emergency was declared in 1975, as “Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas” to commemorate the “massive contributions” of those who endured “inhuman pains of the period.

Key Demand of the question:

Analyze the circumstances surrounding the imposition of the emergency, evaluating arguments that support the view that it was primarily intended to preserve the ruling government rather than address national issues.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Introduce the 1975 National Emergency in India, highlighting its declaration by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and its constitutional basis.

Body:

1. Discuss the events leading to the Emergency: – Political instability of the early 1970s, Judicial Challenges that invalidated Indira Gandhi’s election,
2. Next, provide justifications for emergency like National security concerns, economic challenges, and social unrest as cited by the government, also provide reference to Article 352, which allows for the declaration of a national emergency.
3. Finally, mention the arguments for political motivations behind imposing emergency like suppress political dissent, concentration of power, and lack of genuine national crisis. Etc.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, emphasize on the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions and civil liberties in any democratic society.

Topic: Urbanisation

Q2.  Evaluate the impact of gentrification on the working-class population in Indian cities. What measures can be taken to ensure inclusive urban development? 15M

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Deccan Herald

Why the question:

Dharavi is in the news for resident and activist protests over its redevelopment. The article discusses the relation between gentrification and its impact on working-class population.

Key Demand of the question:

To assess the consequences of gentrification for working-class populations and to propose measures for fostering inclusive urban development that benefits all socio-economic groups.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Introduce the concept of gentrification, defining it as the process by which urban areas undergo redevelopment and revitalization, often leading to the displacement of lower-income residents.

Body:

1. Firstly, discuss the impact of Gentrification on Working-Class Populations: displacement and housing affordability, loss of cultural identity, closure of local businesses, etc.
2. In second part, mention the positive impacts of gentrification on working class population like improved infrastructure, public spaces, and services in neglected areas, potential job creation and increased economic activity from new investments.
3. At last, write the measures that can be taken to ensure inclusive urban development – affordable housing, community land trust, participatory urban planning etc.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, mention the importance of proactive measures to ensure that urban growth benefits all residents, preserving community integrity and social equity.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Important aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

 Q3. Assess the effectiveness of the Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005 in promoting transparency and accountability in governance in India. (150 words, 10M)

 Difficulty level: Moderate

 Reference: The Hindu, Insights On India

 Why the question:

“Almost 100 percent disposal of Right to Information (RTI) appeals, with pendency coming down every year,” says Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh while chairing a high-level review meeting of the Central Information Commission.

Key Demand of the question:

To evaluate how effectively the RTI Act, 2005 has been in promoting transparency and accountability in governance in India.

Directive:

Assess – This requires a detailed evaluation of the RTI Act’s effectiveness with supporting evidence.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Introduce the RTI Act, 2005, as a landmark legislation aimed at fostering transparency and accountability in governance.

Body:

First part: Effectiveness of the RTI Act, Benefits of RTI

Transparency, Accountability, Empowerment etc. Highlight examples of some scams.

Second part: Challenges and Areas for Improvement

Awareness and Accessibility, Bureaucratic Resistance, Resource Constraints.

Conclusion:

Emphasise the continued importance of the RTI Act in strengthening democratic governance in India.

Topic: Indian Constitution:

 Q4. Explaining the meaning of the term ‘secularism’, discuss how the provisions of the Constitution of India reflect secular values. (150 words, 10M)

 Difficulty level: Easy

 Reference:  Insights on India, Insights Mindmaps

 Why the question:

The question is part of the static theme Indian Constitution and its features of the GS-2 syllabus.

Key Demand of the question:

To explain the concept of secularism and illustrate how the Indian Constitution enshrines and reflects secular values.

Directive:

Discuss – This requires a detailed explanation of secularism and how it is manifested in the provisions of the Indian Constitution.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Define secularism as the principle of separation between religion and state in the West, and explain it in the context of India.

Body:

First part: Meaning of Secularism in India. Sarva Dharma Samabhava, Panth Nirpekshta.

Secularism implies that the state treats all religions equally and does not support or oppose any religion.

Second part: Provisions Reflecting Secular Values in the Constitution of India:

Preamble Article 14, Article 15 and 16, Article 25 to 28, Article 30.

Conclusion:

Summarise the significance of secularism in promoting unity and integrity in a diverse country like India.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.

 Q5. How far has India’s Public Distribution System (PDS) been successful in reducing food insecurity through the subsidised distribution of essentials? Evaluate. Also, Elaborate on the reforms needed in PDS. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu, Insights on India

Why the question:

The 2022-23 Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) has sparked interest in how free PDS food items affect spending on non-foodgrain items.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the PDS, how it helps the poor and reforms that are needed.

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 giving context of PDS and its role in delivery of food grains.

Body:

In the first part, mention how PDS is helping poor.E.g., The PDS provides subsidized food, reducing food insecurity and freeing up resources for the poor to spend on other essentials.

Next cite bottlenecks, limitations and shortcomings with respect to PDS in India. Cite statistics and reports to substantiate your points.

Next, write about the steps that are required to ensure a seamless supply chain to overcome hunger and malnutrition.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Topic – Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism

Q6. Militancy in Kashmir has turned into a new phase and needs to be dealt with sensibly. Analyze.(250 words)

Reference: TH

Why this question

Recently, militancy has resurfaced in the Jammu region, particularly in the Rajouri-Poonch-Kathua sector, after being relatively quiet for two decades.

Directive word

Analyze-Here we have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.

Key demand of the question.

The question wants us to delve deep into the issue and discuss how militancy has changed and what form it has taken in recent years, identify the factors behind and discuss the need for a sensible approach to deal with the problem.

Structure of the answer

Introduction- write a few introductory lines about the militancy in Kashmir- e.g. when did it start and mention its decline. Also, mention how militancy has resurfaced in the Jammu region.

Body-

Discuss the reasons for the new phase of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.

1. Security Thinning: Post-2020 Galwan clashes, a significant Army contingent was moved to the China border, weakening Jammu’s security grid.
2. Strategic Diversion: Militant attacks in Jammu may be a tactic to spread security forces thin across both Pakistan and China’s borders.
3. Post-Article 370: The government’s narrative of improved security post-Article 370 abrogation is challenged by renewed terrorism in Jammu.
4. Communal Tensions: The region’s demography could lead to communal unrest, further destabilizing the area. Infiltration: Recent attacks suggest revived infiltration routes from Pakistan, exploiting Jammu’s challenging terrain and forest cover
5. Local Support: There is limited evidence of widespread local support for terrorists. However, connections with the younger generation need strengthening to improve intelligence flow.

Mention what kind of approach is needed. E.g. a sensible approach which assumes high moral grounds; helps build public confidence; lays down the path for stable, proactive, democratic governance etc.

Conclusion

Based on your discussion, form a fair and balanced conclusion on the given issue.

General Studies – 4

Q7. Ensuring justice and preserving public trust in our administrative service is crucial. Discuss why individuals lacking merit and ethics are unfit to hold important public offices and how their presence can undermine public trust and effective governance.

 Difficulty level: Medium

Reference:  NDTV

 Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General Studies Paper 4 and Recently Pooja Khedkar IAS has been in the news for misuse of power.

 Structure of the answer: 

Introduction: Begin by explaining public trust and the role of justice in administration or you can link the context of the question with a recent example.

 Body:

Elaborate on why individuals lacking merit and ethics are unfit to hold important public offices.

Then explain how their presence undermines the public trust and governance.

You can include the Nolan 7 principles as the necessary values that officers should have.

Conclusion:

Summarize by highlighting the importance of ethical officers in the present day.

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