UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 16 July 2024

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice

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General Studies – 1


 

Topic: Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

Q1. Discuss the evolution of Odisha temple architecture from simple rock-cut cave shrines to grand and ornate structures. 150 words) 

Reference: TH

Why this question

Ratna Bhandar, sacred treasury of Puri Jagannath Temple, opened after 46 years.

Key demand of the question.

The question wants us to write in detail about the origin and evolution of the Odisha style of Indian temple architecture.

Directive word

Discuss-  This is an all-encompassing directive which means that we have to write in detail about the origin of temple architecture in India, how they evolved over time different temple styles in India, their main features etc.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – Mention in short about Odisha style of temple architecture.

Body–

Show using examples, how Odisha’s temple architecture evolved from simple rock-cut cave shrines to grand, ornate structures.

Early examples include the rock-cut caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri. The iconic Sun Temple at Konark and the Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar exemplify later, more elaborate designs, highlighting the progression in architectural complexity and artistic detail.

Discuss the influence and contribution of various dynasties on the Odisha temple architecture.

Conclusion

Conclude with a way forward.

 


General Studies – 2


 

Topic: Parliament and its functioning

Q2. There has been a tendency to circumvent Rajya Sabha by passing legislation and amendments as Money Bills, in recent times. In this context, discuss the features of Money Bills. Also, Explain the powers of Rajya Sabha for different types of bills. (250 words, 15M)

 Difficulty level: Moderate

 Reference: The Hindu, Insights on India

 Why the question:

Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud on July 15 agreed to list petitions challenging the Money Bill route taken by the Centre to pass contentious amendments in the Parliament.

Key Demand of the question:

To explain the characteristics of Money Bills and the specific powers of Rajya Sabha concerning different types of bills.

Directive:

Discuss – This requires providing a detailed explanation and analysis of the features of Money Bills and the powers of Rajya Sabha regarding various types of bills.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce Money Bills.

Body:

First part: Features of Money Bills:

Define Money Bills (Article 110).

Explain the Speaker’s certification and exclusive origin in Lok Sabha.

Mention Rajya Sabha’s limited role (recommendations only, 14-day timeframe).

Second part: Powers of Rajya Sabha for Different Types of Bills:

Ordinary Bills, Constitutional Amendment Bills, Money Bills, and Financial Bills (Category II).

Conclusion:

Emphasise the importance of the Rajya Sabha’s role in a healthy and deliberative democracy and the need to prevent misuse of the Money Bill provision.

 

Topic: Government Policies and Interventions, Development processes.

 Q3. What are the challenges faced by rural India in border areas? Discuss the role of the Vibrant Villages program in addressing these challenges. (150 words, 10M)

 Difficulty level: Moderate

 Reference: The Hindu, Insights on India

 Why the question:

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah reviewed the implementation of the Vibrant Villages Programme, which aims to develop infrastructure and open up villages to tourists along the China border.

Key Demand of the question:

To discuss the challenges faced by rural areas in border regions and the role of the Vibrant Villages program in addressing these issues.

Directive:

Discuss – Provide a detailed explanation of the challenges and how the Vibrant Villages program helps mitigate them.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Write a fact related to rural areas. Census 2011-68%.

Body:

First part: Challenges faced by rural India in border areas:

Mention infrastructure deficits, economic backwardness and limited opportunities, security concerns, isolation and connectivity issues.

Second part: Role of Vibrant Villages Program:

Mention infrastructure development initiatives, economic opportunity creation through tourism and local crafts, security enhancements, and community engagement efforts.

Conclusion:

Summarise the impact of the Vibrant Villages program in promoting sustainable development and enhancing security.

 


General Studies – 3


 

Topic: Disaster and disaster management.

Q4. Examine the multi-dimensional impact of extreme heat on women in India. What steps are needed to mitigate such impact? (250 Words)

Difficulty level: Medium

Reference: THInsights on India

Why the question:

The article discusses how women are disproportionately harmed by extreme heat, largely because of unequal power dynamics, gender norms, and unequal access to resources

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the various social, economic, and generational, impacts of extreme heat on women in India and steps needed to mitigate the impact.

Directive word:

Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start by defining extreme heat and give data to show its impact on women.

Body:

In the first part of the body, mention the various impacts on women.

Impact:

  1. Health risks (heat stress, maternal health)
  2. Increased unpaid labour
  3. Lower productivity
  4. Energy poverty
  5. Poor working conditions

Mention the government and NDMA measures in this regard.

Next, write about the steps that need to be taken:

Steps:

  1. Climate-friendly urban planning
  2. Access to sustainable cooling technologies
  3. Fair division of care work
  4. Public provisioning of essential services

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

 

Topic–  Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security

Q5. What do you understand by ‘Urban Naxalism’? Evaluate its challenges and steps taken to curb them. (250 words) 

Reference: NDTV

Why this question

Bill On ‘Urban Naxalism’ Tabled In Maharashtra Assembly

Key demand of the question

The question expects us to define ‘Urban Naxalism’, and give examples to show its presence. Next, mention its challenges and steps taken to curb it.

Directive word

Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgment about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence.  You have to appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming a personal opinion here.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – Define ‘Urban Naxalism’, and give examples to show its presence

Body

Mention in short how urban naxals are different from traditional naxals.

Discuss the challenges emanating from it.

Next mention the strategy employed by central and state government to curb it – the government of India’s National Policy and Action Plan, with its emphasis on security and development, is definitely making an impact, Winning Hearts and Minds etc

Mention the features of the Maharastra Bill on Urban Naxalism.

Conclusion –

Give your view on the status of the urban naxal challenge and the way forward for dealing with this

 


General Studies – 4


 

Q6. “Political violence is always an ethical failure, eroding the foundations of democracy and human rights.” Discuss [10M, 150 words]

Difficulty level: Medium

Reference: CNA

 Why the question:

Recently USA saw political violence through an attempt on US ex-President Donald Trump.

 Structure of the answer:

 Introduction: Begin by explaining political violence or you can link the context of the question with a recent example.

 Body:

  • First, mention why political violence is an ethical failure.
  • Then explain how it erodes the foundation of democracy and human rights with examples.
  • Lastly, mention a few points on how to shape a politically tolerant society.

Conclusion: Summarize the above discussion in brief.

 

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