UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 17 July 2024

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice

The Insights IAS Secure Initiative for UPSC Mains Answer Writing practice enables you to practice daily answer writing, enhancing your skills and boosting your scores with regular feedback, expert tips, and strategies. Let consistency be the hallmark of your preparation and utilize UPSC Mains Answer Writing practice initiative wisely

 

Click on EACH question to post/upload you answers.

How to Follow Secure Initiative?

How to Self-evaluate your answer? 

MISSION – 2024: YEARLONG TIMETABLE

Join IPM 4.0 to get an assured review of 2 secure answers everyday

 


General Studies – 1


 

Topic: Indian Art and Culture

Q1.  Discuss the cultural significance of calendar art in India and how it has evolved over time. 150 Words

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The new Indian express

Why the question:

Calendar art is less common these days, and in a few more years it may become obsolete. The above article discusses the significance and evolution of calendar art.

Key Demand of the question:

Explain the cultural significance of calendar art in India and trace its evolution, highlighting key milestones and transformations.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Introduce calendar art in India, briefly explaining what it is and its relevance in Indian culture.

Body:

  1. First discuss the significance of calendar art – religious and cultural significance, social and cultural identity, accessibility of art etc.
  2. Next, write the evolution of calendar art from early 20th century to contemporary times. Write the role of Raja Ravi Verma, commercialisation, colonial printing technology etc.

Conclusion:

Highlight the dynamic nature of calendar art, which has adapted to technological advancements and changing tastes while maintaining its cultural essence.

 

Topic: Urbanisation

Q2.  Analyze the environmental impacts of poor storm-water management practices in urban areas. How can green infrastructure and natural drainage systems contribute to sustainable urban development? 250 Words

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: DTE

Why the question:

Every year, we witness flooding in our large metropolises and most state capitals. The article discusses the significance of reimagining of water supply, sanitation systems and stormwater management.

Key Demand of the question:

To identify and explain the environmental impacts of poor storm-water management practices in urban areas and to analyze how green infrastructure and natural drainage systems can help achieve sustainable urban development.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Introduce the concept of storm-water management in urban areas and briefly mention the significance of effective management practices for environmental sustainability.

Body:

  1. Firstly, discuss the environmental impacts of poor Storm-Water management: flooding, economic loss, infrastructure damages, water pollution etc.
  2. In second part, mention the contribution of Green Infrastructure and Natural Drainage Systems to Sustainable Urban Development: flood mitigation, enhanced ground water recharge, temperature regulation etc.
  3. Write way forward.

Conclusion:

Recommend integrated urban planning approaches that incorporate these solutions to create more sustainable, resilient, and liveable cities.

 


General Studies – 2


 

Topic: E-governance

Q3. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is the bedrock of Digital India that narrows the gap between citizen and technology. In this context, discuss the significance and challenges of DPI? (150 words, 10M)

 Difficulty level: Moderate

 Reference: PIB, Insights on India

Why the question:

The final ‘Report of India’s G20 Task Force on Digital Public Infrastructure’ by ‘India’s G20 Task Force’ was released.

Key Demand of the question:

To discuss the importance of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and the challenges it faces.

Directive:

Discuss – Provide an explanation of the significance and challenges of DPI.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and its role in Digital India.

Body:

First part: Significance of DPI:

Explain how DPI bridges the digital divide, its role in enhancing governance and service delivery, economic benefits and innovation encouragement.

Second part: Challenges of DPI:

Highlight issues related to digital literacy and access, cybersecurity and data privacy concerns, infrastructure and investment gaps.

Conclusion:

Emphasise the importance of addressing challenges to maximise DPI’s potential in driving Digital India.

 

Topic: Indian Constitution and its features.

 Q4. Compare national emergency with the state emergency. Assess the impact of a national emergency on fundamental rights and discuss judicial rulings on the suspension of these rights during emergencies. (250 words, 15M)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of GS paper 2.

Key Demand of the question:

To compare national and state emergencies, evaluate the impact on fundamental rights during a national emergency, and discuss judicial rulings on the suspension of these rights.

Directive:

Assess – Provide a detailed comparison, evaluate impacts, and discuss relevant judicial rulings.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce national emergency (Article 352) and state emergency (Article 356).

Body:

First part: Comparison of National Emergency and State Emergency

Differentiate in terms of context, powers, and authority.

Second part: Impact of National Emergency on Fundamental Rights

Mention Article 358 and 359 compulsorily.

Third part: Judicial Rulings on Suspension of Rights

ADM Jabalpur Case (1976) and subsequent reforms in the form of 44th Amendment Act.

Conclusion:

Highlight the significance of judicial scrutiny in safeguarding fundamental rights during emergencies using principle of checks and balances.

 


General Studies – 3


 

Topic: Economy: liberalization of the Indian economy

Q5. It is essential to approach the internationalisation of the rupee cautiously, considering the potential advantages and risks associated with it. Critically examine. (250 Words)

Difficulty level: Medium

Reference: TH, Insights ias

Why the question:

India and Russia have doubled rupee-rouble payments in 2024, says largest Russian bank

Key Demand of the question:

To critically examine the advantages and risks of internationalising the rupee and the cautious approach needed in the process.

Directive word: Critically examine – Investigate the topic in detail, inspect it, and establish the key facts and issues related to it. Explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications, including both positive and negative aspects.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: Define the internationalisation of the rupee and provide context regarding its current status and potential.

Body:

  1. Advantages:
    • Mitigation of currency risk for Indian businesses
    • Reduced need for foreign exchange reserves
    • Increased global stature and respect for the Indian economy
    • Less vulnerability to external shocks
  2. Risks and Challenges:
    • Limited international demand for the rupee
    • Absence of full capital account convertibility
    • Potential for capital flight and exchange rate volatility
    • Prerequisites like economic progress and robust financial markets
  3. Current Scenario and RBI Recommendations:
    • Current limited convertibility status
    • Short-term and long-term RBI recommendations
    • Integration with global financial systems and market strengthening
  4. Reforms Needed:
    • Full convertibility goals and deeper rupee bond markets
    • Encouraging rupee invoicing for trade
    • Currency swap agreements and tax incentives
    • Implementation of Tarapore Committee recommendations

Conclusion:
Give a balanced conclusion.

 

Topic: Economic Growth Strategies

Q6. Compare India’s economic growth strategy with that of China’s. How can India use its human capital to address the challenges in its growth strategy? (250 Words)

Difficulty level: Medium

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:
The Live Mint article discusses the contrasting economic growth models of China and India, highlighting the strengths and challenges of each. It emphasizes the importance of leveraging human capital for India’s sustained growth.

Key Demand of the question: To compare the economic growth strategies of India and China and explore how India can utilize its human capital to overcome the challenges in its growth strategy.

Directive word: Compare – Identify similarities and differences between India’s and China’s growth strategies, highlighting key aspects of each.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: Briefly introduce the economic growth strategies of India and China, setting the context for the comparison.

Body:

Comparative Analysis:

    • Differences in trade balance, investment sources, government spending, and the role of state-owned enterprises vs. the private sector.
    • India’s lower investment in infrastructure and higher GDP returns compared to China’s state-driven investments.

 Leveraging Human Capital:

    • Education and Skills Development: Increasing investment in education to build a skilled workforce.
    • Private Sector Engagement: Encouraging private sector investments in manufacturing and technology.
    • Innovation: Focusing on agro-based industries, green technologies, and digital services.
    • Infrastructure Development: Enhancing infrastructure spending within fiscal limits to support growth.

Conclusion:

Summarize the need for India to balance its growth strategy by leveraging its human capital, drawing lessons from China’s experience, and focusing on sustainable and inclusive growth.

 


General Studies – 4


 


Q7. What does this quote mean to you:

“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” – Muhammad Ali

Difficulty level: Medium

Reference:  Sport Star

 Why the question:

With Paris Olympics approaching the winner attitude and courage to risk everything is motivation to participants.

 Structure of the answer:

 Introduction: Begin by defining courage with a recent example.

 Body:

  • First, address why uncourageous person fails in life.
  • Then explain how to inculcate the courageous attitude in life.
  • Lastly, discuss on Aristotle golden mean on courage and recklessness too.

Conclusion:

Summarize the above discussion in brief.

 

Click here to Download the SECURE Questions in PDF Format


Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE

Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE

Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelHERE

Follow our Twitter Account HERE

Follow our Instagram ID HERE

Follow us on LinkedIn : HERE