UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 16 August 2024

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General Studies – 1

Topic: Bhakti Movement

Q1.  Discuss the role of women saints in the Bhakti movement and their impact on the status of women in Indian society. 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 analyze the role and contributions of women saints during the Bhakti movement, with a focus on their impact on women’s status and the broader socio-cultural landscape of India.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the Bhakti movement as a significant religious and social movement in medieval India and Mention the role of women saints as central figures in the movement, challenging traditional gender norms.

Body:

1. Firstly, mention the key women saints and their role in Bhakti movement – like Andal, Mirabai, Akka Mahadevi etc.
2. In second part, mention their impact on status of women in Indian society – challenged the prevailing patriarchal norms, Promotion of Spiritual Equality, Influence on Literature and Culture, role in social reform by questioning caste, gender, and religious hierarchies etc. Cite examples.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, emphasize the long-term impact of these saints on the status of women in Indian society, noting that their legacy continues to inspire movements for women’s rights and social justice.

Topic: Bhakti and Sufi movement

Q2. Compare and contrast the Bhakti and Sufi movements in medieval India. How did their teachings and practices influence the formation of a syncretic culture in the region? 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 write about differences and similarities between Sufi and Bhakti movements and assess how these movements contributed to the development of a syncretic culture in India.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Begin by giving defining Bhakti and the Sufi movements.

Body:

1. First, write about the various differences between Sufi and Bhakti movement.
2. Next, write about certain similarities between the Sufi and Bhakti movement.
3. Next, discuss the teaching and practices of these two movements in formation of a syncretic culture in the region. – e.g. Bhakti saints’ inclusive practices and Sufi saints’ emphasis on tolerance and mystical experiences, emphasizing the oneness of God and the equality of all human beings helped to bridge the gap between different religious communities.

Conclusion:

Conclude accordingly.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Government Policies and interventions and issues arising out of their implementation

Q3. Do you agree with the idea of Uniform civil code as Secular civil code? Justify your answer. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

P Modi gave a renewed push to the Uniform Civil Code, reframing the idea as a “secular civil code”.

Key Demand of the Question:

Justify whether the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) can be equated to a Secular Civil Code in the Indian context.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly define the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) with the help of Constitutional provision.

Body:

First part: Arguments Supporting UCC as a Secular Civil Code:

Uniformity in Laws, Constitutional Mandate, Secularism and Equality

Second part: Counterarguments

Religious Freedom Concerns, Cultural Diversity

Conclusion:

Suggest the need for a balanced approach that ensures equality while respecting religious and cultural differences. Reforms should come from within.

Topic: Indian Constitution: features

Q4. The Constitution confers rights, privileges, and duties on the citizens of India and denies the same to aliens. Elaborate. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

Protests erupt in Assam as first CAA beneficiary granted citizenship.

Key Demand of the Question:

Elaborate on how the Constitution of India grants rights, privileges, and duties to citizens while denying certain rights to non-citizens (aliens).

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly define “citizens” and “aliens” in the context of the Indian Constitution.

Body:

First part: Rights and Privileges Conferred on Citizens

Fundamental Rights Exclusive to Citizens, Political Rights, Cultural and Educational Rights

Second part: Duties of Citizens

Fundamental Duties, Obligations under the law

Third part: Denial of Certain Rights to Aliens

Limited Fundamental Rights, No Political Participation, Restricted Cultural and Educational Rights

Conclusion:

Emphasize the importance of these distinctions in maintaining sovereignty and national integrity.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Environmental Conservation/ Energy Security

Q5. “In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development.” Discuss. (10M)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: PIB

Why the question:

Ministry of Coal Unveils Ambitious Plan to Boost Coal Production Through Global Mining Operators

Key Demand of the Question: Mention the dual role of coal mining in India—its contribution to development and energy security, alongside its significant environmental impact. Discuss why coal remains central to India’s energy strategy despite environmental concerns and assess the prospects and challenges of transitioning to renewable energy.

Structure of the Answer:

• Introduction:
  • Introduce India’s coal reserves and their importance in the energy sector. Mention the environmental concerns associated with coal mining.
• Body:

• 1. Environmental Impact of Coal Mining:
     • Mention pollution from mining waste and methane emissions.
     • Mention the impact of underground mine fires and deforestation.
  2. Economic and Developmental Necessity:
     • Mention coal’s role in providing cheap energy and its significance in electricity production.
     • Mention the challenges faced by renewable energy sources in scaling up to meet energy demands.
  3. Future Prospects and Challenges:
     • Mention the projected share of coal in India’s energy mix till 2040 and the slow growth of renewables.
     • Mention the technological, economic, and infrastructural barriers to a renewable energy transition.
• Conclusion:

Mention the inevitability of coal mining for India’s development in the near future, while emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that gradually integrates renewable energy to mitigate environmental damage.

Topic: economics of animal-rearing.

Q6. The livestock sector is an integral part of India’s farmers’ economy, providing income diversification and nutritional security. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

Based on the article: How broiler chicken industry has become India’s most organised and vertically integrated agri-business

Key Demand of the question:

To examine the role of livestock in India farmers’ economy and ways to further augment it.

Directive word: 

Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving the statistic related to livestock as part of agriculture in India.

Body:

First, explain the contributions of livestock in ensuring better returns to Farmers, additional income, giving choice and security in the period of distress.

In the next part, write about the various measures taken by promote livestock in the country and further measures that are required so that it yield maximum returns.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Leadership

Q7. “Heroes are not giant statues framed against a red sky. They are people who say: This is my community, and it’s my responsibility to make it better”. Comment [10M]

Difficulty level: Medium

Reference:   Deccan Herald

Why the question:

The transition from heroes-to-zeroes took some time in the Soviet Union, and even Iraq, but the worrisome portents of the ground perceptions changing rapidly in Bangladesh, was a lot earlier.

Structure of the answer: 

Introduction: Begin by giving context or define about leadership

Body:

• First, write about positive ethical principles behind leadership.
• Then mention how current leadership is deviating from it.
• Write how to inculcate the great leadership

Conclusion:

Conclude by mentioning significance.

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