UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 21 August 2024

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice

 

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General Studies – 1


 

Topic: Indian Music

Q1. The Vedas, with their melodious hymns, laid the earliest foundations of Indian music. Elucidate. 10M

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 how the Vedas contributed to the foundation of Indian music, including the nature of the hymns, their musical structure, and their influence on the development of classical Indian music traditions.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Begin by acknowledging the pivotal role of the Vedas, particularly the Samaveda, in laying the groundwork for the evolution of Indian music.

Body:

  1. In first part, discuss how the Samaveda served as the earliest known musical text, significantly influencing the development of Indian music.
  2. Secondly, explain the origin of the ‘Saptak’ or the seven musical notes derived from the Samaveda, which form the foundation of Indian melodies.
  3. Next, mention the Gandharva Veda, which outlines the principles of music.

Conclusion:

Conclude by emphasizing the enduring impact of the Vedas on Indian music and their contribution to making music a spiritual and integral part of India’s cultural heritage.

 

Topic: Indian Dance

Q2. The classical dance forms of India are a unique blend of music, literature, and theatre, serving as a comprehensive art form. Discuss. 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 discuss how Indian classical dance forms, combine elements of music, literature, and theatre, highlighting the way these components interact to create a rich and unique cultural expression.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Introduce the concept of Indian classical dance forms as a synthesis of multiple art forms. Briefly mention their significance in Indian culture and heritage.

Body:

  1. Firstly, write the elements of music in classical dance – Integral to classical dance, providing rhythm, mood, and emotional depth, Importance of traditional instruments like the mridangam, veena, tabla, and flute, use of specific ragas (melodic frameworks) and talas (rhythmic cycles).
  2. Next write role of Literature in Classical Dance – Narratives often drawn from epics, Choreographies are based on literary works, devotional hymns, and poetic compositions, The role of the dancer as a storyteller, etc.
  3. Next, mention elements of theatre in Indian classical dance- including acting (abhinaya) and dramatic representation, Dancers often take on multiple roles, depicting various characters, Theatrical elements are enhanced by elaborate costumes, makeup, and stage settings etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by emphasizing on their significance in preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage.

 


General Studies – 2


 

Topic: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India

Q3. “BRICS plays a crucial role in reshaping global governance, offering a platform for emerging economies like India to assert their influence and promote a multipolar world order.” Explain. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

In a turn of events after a meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijan formally applied to join the BRICS bloc of developing economies.

Key Demand of the Question:

Explain the role of BRICS in reshaping global governance and how it provides a platform for emerging economies like India to influence the promotion of a multipolar world order.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) as a coalition of emerging economies.

Body:

First part: Role in Reshaping Global Governance:

Challenging Western Dominance, New Development Bank (NDB), Promotion of South-South Cooperation

Second part: Platform for Emerging Economies

India’s Influence, Support for Multipolarity

Conclusion:

Summarize the significance of BRICS in the emergence of a more balanced and equitable world order.

 

Topic: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests

Q4. “The Indo-Pacific region holds strategic importance for India, driving its initiatives to strengthen its position through diplomatic, economic, and military engagements.” Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Economic Times

Why the question:

India and Japan engaged in a new round of 2+2 dialogue in Delhi, focusing on expanding their special strategic partnership in Indo Pacific.

Key Demand of the Question:

Discuss the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region for India and how India strengthens its position through diplomatic, economic, and military engagements.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Introduce the Indo-Pacific region and its significance in global geopolitics. Mention India’s growing focus on the Indo-Pacific as part of its strategic outlook.

Body:

First part: Strategic Importance of the Indo-Pacific for India:

Economic Interests, Geopolitical Influence, Regional Stability

Second part: India’s Initiatives to Strengthen its Position:

Diplomatic Engagements: Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) with the US, Japan, and Australia.

India’s active participation in regional forums such as the ASEAN and East Asia Summit.

Economic Initiatives: India’s Act East Policy and economic partnerships with countries in the region, Indo Pacific Economic framework

Military Engagements: India’s naval presence and joint military exercises like the Malabar exercise. India’s investment in defence capabilities and strategic partnerships with regional powers.

Conclusion:

Emphasize the need for continued and enhanced engagement to secure India’s position and promote regional stability.

 


General Studies – 3


 

Topic: Economy: Inclusive growth: Inequality in India

Q5. Inequality is a problem that deserves more public attention. What are the implications of inequality? How should India address inequality? Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:
Inequality in India has far-reaching consequences for social stability and economic growth. Despite ongoing development, disparities persist, calling for urgent policy interventions.

Key demand of the question:
To discuss the effects of inequality on society and the economy and suggest ways to reduce it.

Directive word:
Discuss – Present a balanced view on the implications of inequality and explore potential solutions.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: Define inequality and present a statistic to highlight its prevalence in India.

Body:

    • Mention the implications of inequality, such as social unrest, poverty, and barriers to development.
    • Mention measures to address inequality, including policies targeting education, healthcare, and social security.

Conclusion:

Suggest a way forward emphasizing inclusive growth and equity.

 

Topic: Science and Technology

Q6. How does the Hayflick limit explain the natural constraints on human aging, and what implications does it have for the pursuit of extending human lifespan? Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Indian Express

Why the question:

Biomedical researcher Leonard Hayflick, who discovered that normal somatic cells can divide (and thus reproduce) only a certain number of times, died on August 1, 2024 at the age of 98.

Key demand of the question:

To discuss the scientific concept of the Hayflick limit, its role in aging, and the challenges it presents for extending the human lifespan.

Directive word:
Discuss – Examine the Hayflick limit and explore its implications for aging and the possibilities of overcoming it through scientific advances.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: Define the Hayflick limit and explain its significance in aging.

Body:

    • Mention the cellular mechanisms underlying the Hayflick limit, including the role of telomeres and telomerase.
    • Mention how this discovery has shaped scientific approaches to lifespan extension and the limitations faced by current technology.

Conclusion:

Summarize the potential and limitations of overcoming the Hayflick limit in pursuit of human immortality.

 


General Studies – 4


 

Topic: Philosophy and moral thinkers.

 Q7. What does this Quote mean to you?

“Ignorance, the root and stem of every evil.” ― Plato [10M]

Difficulty level: Medium

 Why the question:

The question is part of Quote Wednesday and covers the contribution of philosophers.

Structure of the answer: 

Introduction: Begin by defining Ignorance.

 Body:

  • First, explain how ignorance is root of every evil.
  • Then, explain how to overcome it

Conclusion:

Summarize by writing philosophy on it.

 

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice -21-8-2024

 


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