UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 6 August 2024

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice

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General Studies – 1


 

Topic: Harappan / Indus Valley Civilization

Q1. The cities of the Indus Valley Civilization were marvels of urban planning and engineering. In this light discuss the Urban planning and engineering achievements of the Harappan civilization. 10M

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Insights Ias

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General Studies Paper – 1 and mentioned as part of the Mission-2025 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To discuss the urban planning and engineering accomplishments of the Harappan civilization, emphasizing their sophistication and impact.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Start by giving an overview of its geographical extent and timeframe.

Body:

  1. First, write about the urban planning achievements of Harappan civilizations – Grid Layout and City Planning, Well-Defined Residential and Commercial Areas, and Standardized Brick Sizes.
  2. In the second part, mention the engineering achievements- Sophisticated drainage systems, Well-Designed Water Supply Systems, Granaries and Storage Facilities, the Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro, Fortifications and defensive walls around cities etc.
  3. At last, briefly mention modern implications and its legacy.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, highlight the significance of these accomplishments in the context of ancient urban development and their influence on subsequent civilizations.

 

Topic: Vedic Period

Q2. Discuss the religious practices and rituals of the Early Vedic period, focusing on the significance of sacrifices (Yajnas) and their impact on society. 15M

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights ias

Why the question:

The Question on the Vedic period was asked by UPSC in 2023. It is also part of the static syllabus of General Studies Paper – 1 and mentioned as part of the Mission-2025 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:

To discuss the religious practices and rituals of the Early Vedic period, emphasizing the significance of yajnas and their impact on society.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Introduce the Early Vedic period as a formative phase in ancient Indian history with distinctive religious practices and rituals.

Body:

  1. First, discuss religious practices and rituals practised during the Vedic period.
  2. Next discuss the significance of these practices – social and religious unity, sponsored by kings and nobles to assert authority and gain legitimacy, cosmic and spiritual goals, etc.
  3. At last, discuss the impact of these practices on society- formation of the priesthood, social stratification, ritual complexity and exclusivity, and influence on the Later-Vedic period.

Conclusion:

Conclude by emphasizing the importance of these practices in shaping Vedic society and their lasting influence on later religious traditions.

 


General Studies – 2


 

Topic: Indian Constitution: Features

Q3. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is often seen as merely a preface rather than having substantial significance. Discuss the validity of this view. (150 words)

 Difficulty level: Easy

 Reference: The Hindu

 Why the question:

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has dropped the Preamble to the Constitution from several Class 3 and 6 textbooks issued this year.

Key Demand of the Question:

Discuss the significance of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution and assess the view that it is merely a preface rather than having substantial significance.

Directive:

Discuss- evaluating the significance of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution and assessing the view that it is just a preface by examining its role, importance, and legal impact.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. State its purpose and importance in the constitutional framework.

Body:

First part: Significance of the Preamble:

Provides the foundational values and objectives of the Constitution.

Reflects the guiding principles and vision of the framers.

Acts as a tool for interpreting constitutional provisions.

Second part:  Validity of the View of Preamble as Merely a Preface

Argument that it lacks legal enforceability (Kesavananda Bharati case).

Role in shaping constitutional interpretation and legal reasoning.

Conclusion:

Emphasize its integral role in guiding constitutional interpretation and upholding the spirit of the Constitution.

 

Topic: India and it Neighbourhood relations

Q4. India’s support during Bangladesh’s liberation war has significantly strengthened bilateral relations between the two nations. However, this relationship continues to face several challenges. Analyze. (250 words)

 Difficulty level: Moderate

 Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

Bangladesh PM has fled the country amid protests and landed in India at Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad.

 Key Demand of the Question:

Analyze the impact of India’s support during Bangladesh’s liberation war on bilateral relations and discuss the ongoing challenges in this relationship.

 Directive:

Analyze- examine the impact of India’s support on the current relationship between the two nations, assess the ongoing challenges affecting this bilateral relationship and suggest a way ahead.

 Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly mention the historical context of India’s support for Bangladesh during its liberation war.

Body:

First part: Impact of India’s Support on Bilateral Relations:

Strengthened Ties, Cooperation in trade, security, and cultural exchanges, Strategic partnership in regional and global forums.

Second part: Ongoing Challenges

Border Issues, Economic Discrepancies, Political Relations, Cross-border Issues

Third part: Practical measures to Address Challenges

Need for enhanced diplomatic dialogue, Strengthening economic cooperation and resolving border issues through bilateral agreements.

Conclusion:

Emphasize the importance of addressing these challenges to sustain and enhance the relationship between India and Bangladesh.

 


General Studies – 3


 

Topic: Indian Economy: Corporate Sustainability Reporting

Q5. Discuss the significance of SEBI’s updated Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) framework introduced in 2023. How does it enhance corporate accountability and contribute to India’s sustainability goals? (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

SEBI’s updated BRSR framework is a significant step towards enhancing corporate accountability and transparency in sustainability practices.

Key Demand of the question:

To describe the updated BRSR framework introduced by SEBI in 2023, and to explain how it enhances corporate accountability and contributes to India’s sustainability goals.

Directive word:

Discuss – This implies a detailed and balanced examination of the BRSR framework’s key features and their potential impact on corporate accountability and India’s sustainability goals.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: Introduce the context of SEBI’s updated BRSR framework and its importance for corporate sustainability reporting in India.

Body:

  1. Key Features of the BRSR Framework:
    • Expanded Reporting Requirements: Top 1,000 listed companies to disclose their ESG performance.
    • Mandatory Assurance: Top 150 companies must obtain reasonable assurance on ESG disclosures from FY 2023-24.
    • Nine ESG Attributes: Includes greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, energy consumption, and employee well-being.
    • Comply or Explain Principle: Companies must either comply with reporting requirements or provide valid reasons for non-compliance.
    • Alignment with International Standards: Aligns with EU Taxonomy, GRI standards, etc.
    • Focus on Value Chain: Emphasis on assessing ESG impacts of the entire value chain.
  2. Impact on Corporate Accountability:
    • Improved Transparency: Enhanced disclosure requirements lead to greater transparency in corporate sustainability practices.
    • Combat Greenwashing: Mandatory assurance improves the credibility of reported data, reducing instances of greenwashing.
    • Sectoral Inclusion: Expanded scope ensures that more sectors contribute to sustainability goals.
  3. Contribution to India’s Sustainability Goals:
    • Greener Production: Encourages every economic sector to adopt greener means of production.
    • Government Initiatives Support: Aligns with government initiatives promoting green growth, such as investments in renewable energy and green hydrogen.
    • Collaboration and Policy Frameworks: Supports collaboration among sectors through initiatives like the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE).

Conclusion:

Emphasize the significance of the updated BRSR framework in enhancing corporate accountability and supporting India’s transition to a sustainable economy.

 

Topic: Economy: Energy

Q6: Discuss the measures announced in the 2024 Budget to enhance India’s power grid’s flexibility, resilience, and cleanliness. How will these measures support sustainable economic growth and job creation in the clean energy sector? (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The 2024 Budget emphasizes India’s commitment to a clean energy transition, crucial for sustainable economic growth and job creation.

Key Demand of the question:

To describe the measures announced in the 2024 Budget to improve the power grid’s flexibility, resilience, and cleanliness, and to explain how these measures will support sustainable economic growth and job creation in the clean energy sector.

Directive word: Discuss – This implies a detailed and balanced examination of the budget measures, along with their potential impacts on sustainable economic growth and job creation in clean energy sectors.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Introduce the context of the 2024 Budget’s focus on clean energy transition and its significance for India’s power grid.

Body:

  1. Budget Measures:
    • Renewable Energy and Storage Targets: Raising targets to beyond 500 GW by 2030.
    • Diverse Clean Energy Resources: Steer faster deployment of solar, wind, and other clean technologies.
    • Energy Availability Improvement: Enhancing power exchanges and reducing price volatility.
    • Coal Fleet Maintenance: Effective upkeep and flexibility of coal plants.
    • Digitalization: Implementing smart meters for better demand forecasting and network planning.
  2. Impact on Sustainable Growth and Job Creation:
    • Economic Growth: Ensuring energy security and meeting growing power demand.
    • Job Creation: Opportunities in renewable energy sectors and related industries.
    • Environmental Benefits: Reducing carbon footprint and promoting sustainable development.
    • Technological Advancement: Encouraging innovation and adoption of new technologies.

Conclusion:

Emphasize the significance of these measures for India’s clean energy transition and the broader benefits for sustainable economic growth and job creation.

 


General Studies – 4


 

Topic: Emotional intelligence.

Q7. What are the psychological challenges experienced by disaster survivors, and how can they be addressed to overcome such trauma? [10M]

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

 Why the question:

As news of the devastating landslide in Wayanad spread across a shell-shocked Kerala, residents in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and other districts swung into action.

Structure of the answer:

 Introduction: Begin by writing about the recent disaster context.

 Body:

  • First, explain what are psychological challenges for disaster survivors.
  • Then, suggest a measure through which it can be overcome.
  • Use examples to justify your points.

Conclusion:

Summarize by writing an ethical philosophy or quote.

 

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