UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 14 August 2024

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice

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General Studies – 1


 

Topic: Mughal empire (Including later Mughals)

Q1. The Mughal Empire, despite its decline, left a lasting legacy on Indian art, culture, and architecture. Discuss. 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 Mission-2025 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:

To discuss the various ways in which the Mughal Empire has left a lasting legacy on Indian art, culture, and architecture, and to analyze the significance of these contributions.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Begin by briefly stating the historical significance of the Mughal Empire, emphasizing its role as a powerful and influential dynasty in Indian history.

Body:

  1. In first part, mention the Contributions of Mughals to Art- flourishing of miniature painting, Calligraphy and Manuscript Illumination, Synthesis of Cultural Practices etc.
  2. Secondly, write the Contributions to Architecture – Monumental architecture, Garden design, development of planned cities etc.

Conclusion:

Summarize the lasting legacy of the Mughal Empire, emphasizing its profound impact on Indian art, culture, and architecture.

 

Topic: Mughal and Later Mughal period

 Q2. Analyze the role of the jagirdari system in the Mughal administration. How did this system contribute to both the expansion and eventual decline of the empire? 15M

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights Ias

Why the question:

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

Key Demand of the question:

To explain the role of the jagirdari system in the Mughal administration, evaluate its impact on the empire’s expansion, and discuss how it also played a role in the empire’s decline.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the jagirdari system as an essential administrative feature of the Mughal Empire.

Body:

  1. Firstly, provide an Overview of the Jagirdari System, next mention its role in Mughal administration – Integration of Nobility, primary means of revenue collection.
  2. Next write its Contribution to the Expansion of the Empire – allowed the Mughal Empire to effectively manage and integrate vast territories, ensured that the emperor had a large and well-maintained army at his disposal, secured the loyalty of powerful nobles.
  3. Lastly mention its role in decline of Mughal empire – Corruption and Mismanagement, placed a significant economic burden on the peasantry, Fragmentation of Power, Inheritance Issues and Frequent Transfers etc.

Conclusion:

Emphasize that while the system was initially effective in supporting the empire’s growth, its inherent flaws and the changing political landscape ultimately led to its contribution to the empire’s downfall.

 


General Studies – 2


 

Topic: Function and responsibilities of Union and the states.

Q3. The fundamental principle of the cabinet system of governance is that the Lieutenant-Governor should act as a figurehead rather than as an active ruler. Analyse in the context of friction between Union and Delhi government. (150 words)

 Difficulty level: Moderate

 Reference: The Hindu

 Why the question:

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Lieutenant Governor (LG) can nominate 10 aldermen to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on his own without the aid and advice of its council of ministers.

 Key Demand of the Question:

Analyze the principle that the Lieutenant-Governor (LG) should act as a figurehead, considering recent friction between the Union and Delhi government.

 Structure of the Answer:

 Introduction:

Define the cabinet system and the role of the LG as a figurehead.

 Body:

LG’s Role:  Traditionally, the LG acts on the advice of the state’s Council of Ministers. (Constitutional provisions)

Recent Ruling: The Supreme Court’s decision allowing the LG to nominate 10 aldermen to the MCD independently.

Impact: Increased friction between Union and Delhi governments.

Recommendations: Balkrishnan committee, Sarkaria commission, Punchhi commission, Judicial rulings. . 

Conclusion:

Highlight the need for clear provisions to avoid conflicts.

 

Topic: Indian Constitution: features, amendments.

Q4. The Constitution of India is neither rigid nor flexible, but a synthesis of both. Analyse. (150 words)

 Difficulty level: Moderate

 Reference: Insights on India

 Why the question:

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

 Key Demand of the Question:

Analyze how the Constitution of India represents a synthesis of rigidity and flexibility.

 Structure of the Answer:

 Introduction:

Define “rigid” and “flexible” constitutions. Introduce the concept of the Indian Constitution as a synthesis of both.

 Body: 

First part: Rigidity

Amendment Procedure: Detailed in Article 368, requiring varying levels of approval (simple majority, special majority, or ratification by states).

Protection of Fundamental Rights, basic structure.

 Second part: Flexibility

Adaptability: amendments outside the scope of Article 368.

Judicial interpretations of Article 21.

Parliamentary Powers: Parliament can make laws on various subjects, adjusting to contemporary issues.

 Conclusion:

Emphasize the role of this balance in maintaining stability while accommodating change.

 


General Studies – 3


 

Topic: Indian Economy: Unemployment

Q5. Discuss the challenges associated with landslides in the western Ghats, focusing on the frequency of such events, the causes, and the effectiveness of response strategies. (250 Words)

Difficult: Moderate

Reference: TH

Why the Question?

Nearly a fortnight after two landslides gouged out the face of the Vellarimala hill in Wayanad’s Meppadi panchayat, killing more than 230 people in the foothills, the search continues for the missing, estimated to be more than 130 people.

Key Demand of the Question:

Mention the challenges point wise of each aspects asked. Next evaluate the effectiveness of response strategies.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Introduce by giving data on landslides in Western Ghats

Body:

Key Issues:

  1. Frequent Landslides and Their Impact:
    • Mention the increasing frequency of landslides in Kerala, particularly in vulnerable districts like Wayanad and Idukki.
    • Mention the loss of life and property, with a specific reference to the recent landslides that resulted in significant casualties and ongoing search efforts.
  2. Causes of Landslides:
    • Mention the role of extreme rainfall and inadequate early warning systems in triggering landslides.
    • Mention anthropogenic factors, such as unregulated constructions and improper land use, exacerbating the disaster.
  3. Government Response and Implementation Challenges:
    • Mention the recommendations from the post-2018 flood report aimed at building a climate-resilient Kerala, focusing on water management, land use, and disaster management.
    • Mention the slow pace of implementing these recommendations and the challenges in convincing the local population to adopt eco-sensitive practices.
  4. Suggestions: Community-Driven Climate Monitoring Systems:
    • Mention the integration of local bodies into the disaster risk reduction matrix and the creation of panchayat-level disaster management plans.

Conclusion:

Mention the importance of combining government initiatives with community-driven approaches to effectively manage and mitigate landslide risks in Kerala..

 


General Studies – 4


 

Topic: Dedication to service

 Q6. What does this quote mean to you?

 “Performance of duty and observance of morality are convertible terms” – Mahatma Gandhi [10M]

Difficulty level: Moderate

 Why the question: Question is part of quote Wednesday

Structure of the answer:

 Introduction: Begin by giving context or ethical philosophy.

 Body:

  • Write about meaning of ‘Performance of duty’ and ‘Observance of morality’
  • Describe how they are convertible terms
  • Use examples to justify your points.

Conclusion:

Conclude by mentioning the significance or quote.

 


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