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: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present significant events, personalities, issues.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Economic times
Why the question:
Amid controversy over its authenticity, the iconic wagh nakh or tiger claws used by Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was brought to India from London.
Key Demand of the question:
To outline the key achievements of Shivaji Maharaj and to explain the strategic policies he implemented that contributed to the growth of the Maratha Empire.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Introduce Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a prominent figure in Indian history and the founder of the Maratha Empire. Highlight his role in establishing a strong regional power in western India during the 17th century.
Body:
- Shivaji was an able general and a skilled politician who, through his efforts, laid the foundation for a strong Maratha empire.
- Briefly present his achievements –
- he increased the influence of the Maratha Empire from Deccan to Karnataka and gave it a place at the all India level,
- he built an efficient administrative system,
- set up an authentic revenue system for income and broadened the economic base of the empire through Chauth along with Sardeshmukhi, army based on cash payment etc.
- Then, Write Strategic Policies that Aided the Growth of the Maratha Empire: Alliances and Diplomacy, Strong Fortifications (e.g., Rajgad, Sinhagad, and Pratapgad), fair and efficient taxation system, organized a disciplined and loyal army.
Conclusion:
In conclusion emphasize on the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions and civil liberties in any democratic society.
Topic: Buddhism and Jainism
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
Writers with the help of Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang’s account and other research have traced the rise and fall of an ancient seat of learning going back to the Gupta dynasty. Nalanda, a revered Buddhist site, which had been destroyed, was rediscovered in the 19th century
Key Demand of the question:
To discuss the historical significance of Nalanda University during the Gupta and Pala dynasties and its contributions to Buddhism and education in ancient India.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Introduce Nalanda University as a renowned ancient centre of learning in India, highlighting its pivotal role during the Gupta and Pala periods.
Body:
- Firstly, discuss the rise of Nalanda during the Gupta Dynasty followed by its growth and development during pala rule.
- In second part, mention the contribution of Nalanda University in development of Buddhism – hub where Buddhist scholars from India, China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, and other regions gathered to study and propagate Buddhist teachings, role in preserving and disseminating Buddhist texts, hosted debates and discussions on Buddhist philosophy.
- At last, write how it contributed to the advancement of ancient learning – comprehensive curriculum, housed extensive libraries with a vast collection of manuscripts, attracted scholars and students from diverse backgrounds etc.
Conclusion:
Reflect on how Nalanda’s legacy continues to inspire scholarly pursuits and cultural understanding in the modern world.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Indian Constitution- Amendments; Government Policies and Interventions
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
In the recently concluded general elections in the U.K., a record 263 women MPs (40%) have been elected to the House of Commons.
Key Demand of the question:
To discuss the challenges in implementing the 106th Constitution Amendment Act and analyse the need for internal reservations by political parties to enhance women’s political participation.
Directive:
Discuss – Provide an explanation of challenges and the potential solution of internal reservations.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly introduce the 106th Constitution Amendment Act and its objectives regarding women’s political participation.
Body:
First part: Challenges in Implementing the 106th Constitution Amendment Act
Political Resistance, Social Barriers, Structural Issues, Awareness and Training
Second Part: Internal Reservations by Political Parties
To ensure fair representation, Potential to create a more inclusive political environment.
Highlight examples of countries or parties that have successfully implemented internal reservations.
Conclusion:
Emphasise the need for both legislative measures and internal party reforms to enhance women’s political participation and ensure Somen-led development.
Topic: Indian constitution and its features
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static theme of GS 2 paper syllabus.
Key Demand of the question:
To analyse whether the Indian Constitution fulfils the essential requirements of federalism.
Directive:
Analyse – Provide a detailed examination of the statement with evidence.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly define federalism and its essential features.
Body:
First part: Arguments Supporting the Statement- at least 5
Strong Central Government: Dominance of the Centre over states (e.g., use of Article 356).
Single Constitution and Citizenship: Lack of a dual system as in classic federalism.
Union List Supremacy: Greater number of subjects under Union List compared to State List.
Second part: Arguments Against the Statement- at least 5
Division of Powers: Clear demarcation of powers between Centre and states (Union, State, Concurrent lists).
Independent Judiciary:Supreme Court’s role in resolving Centre-state disputes.
Institutional Mechanisms: Presence of bodies like Inter-State Council and Finance Commission.
Conclusion:
Highlight the unique quasi-federal nature of India’s political system and the need for it.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Science and Technology: Computers
Why this question:
In 2023, India launched the National Quantum Mission to develop quantum technologies. Despite its strong research base, India lags behind China and the US in patents and research publications. However, the gap can still be bridged.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss in detail the key challenges in the implementation of such a mission and the measures needed to address them.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
First, explain in brief about National Quantum Mission and its significance
Body:
Next, mention the challenges in its implementations- India is far behind in patents and publications compared to China and the US, Financing is poor, etc.
Next, suggest measures that can be taken e.g.
- India needs to promote young talent and build a cadre of quantum scientists.
- Strong foundation in quantum communications and sensing.
- The gap in computing and materials needs to be bridged.
Conclusion:
Conclude by giving a way forward.
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Difficulty level: Easy.
Reference: Insights on India, PIB
Why the question:
On July 16, 2024, Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, launched the “e-Mobility R&D Roadmap for India” at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi. The goal is to make India self-reliant in the e-mobility sector within five years.
Key Demand of the question:
To define e-mobility and suggest ways for India to achieve net zero emissions by 2070 using it.
Directive:
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:
Begin by defining e-mobility. Give examples and data for e-mobility in India.
Body:
First, how e-mobility can help India achieve its target of net-zero emissions.
Next, mention the programmes India has implemented.
Next, what more needs to be done: – e.g. focus on four areas: Energy Storage Cells, EV Aggregates, Materials and Recycling, and Charging and Refueling.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
General Studies – 4
Difficulty level: Medium
Reference: Insights IAS, Times of India
Why the question:
Recently Orissa High Court has asked Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) to introduce a citizen’s charter.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction: Begin by definition of citizen charter with a recent example.
Body:
- First, mention the importance of the citizen charter in public service delivery.
- Then explain how it enhances transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in the organization.
- Use the example to substantiate your arguments.
Conclusion:
Summarize the above discussion in brief or end with a quote.
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
