UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 1 August 2024

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General Studies – 1

Topic: Oceanography

Q1. Explain the role of the Southern Ocean in Earth’s climate system. How does it influence global heat and carbon storage? 10M

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: DTE

Why the question:

Scientific and broader community must join together to advance Southern Ocean science and protect this vital natural asset

Key Demand of the question:

To explain the significance of the Southern Ocean in Earth’s climate system and analyze how it influences global heat and carbon storage.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Introduce the Southern Ocean, defining its geographical boundaries and unique characteristics.

Body:

1. Firstly, mention the Southern Ocean’s role in Earth’s Climate System: – Oceanic Circulation and Heat Distribution, Sea Ice and Albedo Effect, etc.
2. In second part, discuss its role in  global heat and carbon storage- Southern Annular Mode (SAM), impacting weather systems and precipitation patterns, absorbs approximately 40% of the global oceanic uptake of anthropogenic CO2, etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by stressing the importance of understanding and protecting the Southern Ocean to ensure the stability and resilience of global climate systems.

Topic: Art and Culture

Q2.  What are the challenges faced by India in preserving and protecting its antiquities and art treasures, and what measures has the country taken to address these challenges? 10M

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Hindustan times

Why the question:

India and the US signed their first Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) to prevent and curb the illicit trafficking of Indian antiquities to the US.

Key Demand of the question:

 To discuss the challenges India faces in preserving and protecting its antiquities and art treasures and the measures implemented to overcome these challenges.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce India’s rich cultural heritage, emphasizing the diversity and significance of its antiquities and art treasures.

Body:

1. First discuss the Challenges in Preserving and Protecting Antiquities and Art Treasures. – Looting and Illicit Trade, Lack of Documentation and Record-Keeping, Inadequate Infrastructure and Funding, etc.
2. Next discuss the Measures Taken to Address These Challenges: The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 (AATA) National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA), Collaboration with Interpol and UNESCO, etc.
3. At last, mention the way forward. –

Conclusion:

Highlight the importance of continued efforts to address these challenges and safeguard the country’s cultural heritage.

General Studies – 2

Topic: India and its neighbourhood relations

Q3. India’s evolving relationship with West Asia has shifted from a focus on remittances to a partnership based on mutual interests. What are the key opportunities and challenges that India will face in this transformed partnership? (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Reuters, Insights on India

Why the question:

Killing of Hamas leader in Iran stirs fears of retaliation against Israel.

Key Demand of the Question:

Identify and analyze the key opportunities and challenges in India’s evolving partnership with West Asia, focusing on the shift from remittance-based relations to a more comprehensive mutual interest-based partnership.

Directive:

What are key opportunities and challenges- straightforward question.

 Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly outline the historical context of India’s relationship with West Asia. Mention the shift from a focus on remittances to broader mutual interests.

Body:

First part: Opportunities:

Economic cooperation: Trade, investments, and joint ventures.

Strategic partnerships: Energy security and geopolitical alignment.

Technological and cultural exchanges.

Second part: Challenges:

Regional conflicts and political instability.

Balancing relationships with different West Asian countries.

Addressing concerns related to energy dependencies and security issues.

Conclusion:

Emphasize the need for a strategic approach like multi-alignment to navigate the evolving partnership effectively.

Topic: Appointment to various constitutional posts

Q4. What are the roles and responsibilities of the speaker of Lok Sabha? Comment on the constitutional importance of the speaker’s non-partisan behaviour. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

Ministers criticise Rahul Gandhi for ‘questioning’ Lok Sabha Speaker.

Key Demand of the Question:

Discuss the roles and responsibilities of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and comment on the importance of their non-partisan behavior as per the Constitution.

Directive:

Discuss- to explore and explain the various roles and responsibilities of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, as well as to evaluate and comment on the significance of their non-partisan behaviour.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Introduced through constitutional provisions. Highlight the importance of the Speaker in the Indian parliamentary system.

Body:

First part: Roles and Responsibilities of the Speaker:

Presiding over Lok Sabha sessions.

Ensuring orderly conduct of business etc.

Second part: Constitutional Importance of Non-Partisan Behaviour:

Ensures fair representation of all parties.

Upholds the integrity and impartiality of the legislative process.

Prevents the abuse of power and maintains the trust of the house.

Examples of constitutional provisions supporting impartiality.

Conclusion:

Emphasize the significance of maintaining non-partisan behaviour for the effectiveness of parliamentary democracy.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Science and Technology: Health

Q5: What are the key contentious issues in the negotiations of the Pandemic Treaty? How can these be resolved to create a more equitable and resilient global health system? (15M)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu, Insights on India

Why the question?

To understand the complexities and challenges in forming an international agreement aimed at improving global pandemic preparedness and response, with a focus on equity.

Key Demand of the question?

To critically analyze the main points of contention in the Pandemic Treaty negotiations, such as Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS), technology transfer, and the One Health approach, and suggest ways to overcome these obstacles.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the purpose of the Pandemic Treaty and its significance.

Body:

1. • Mention the key contentious issues:
     • Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS)
     • Technology transfer and intellectual property
     • One Health approach
   • Mention the challenges associated with each issue. Give India’s point of view.
   • Suggest measures to address these challenges.

Conclusion:

Mention the importance of resolving these issues for a successful and equitable Pandemic Treaty.

General Studies – 4

Topic:Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas in Government

Q6. Ignorance leads to a lack of awareness and knowledge, which can result in poor decision-making and a lack of progress. In this context, what ethical challenges surround ignorance in governance? How can one overcome ignorance in life? [10M]

Difficulty level: Hard

Reference:      Deccan Herald

Why the question:

A blame game erupted over the Wayanad disaster on Wednesday with Union Home Minister Amit Shah blaming the Kerala government for “not heeding” to prior warning sent as early as July 23 leading to vast devastation, a charge denied by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi.

Structure of the answer:

 Introduction: Begin by writing a definition of Ignorance

Body:

• First, address the ethical challenges surrounding ignorance in governance.
• Then, briefly explain how to overcome ignorance in life.
• Use examples to justify your points.

Conclusion:

Summarize by writing the significance of overcoming ignorance in life.

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