UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 10 September 2024

 

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice

 

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General Studies – 1


 

Topic: Great Depression

Q1. Examine how the Great Depression affected political systems in Europe and the Americas, with a focus on the rise of authoritarian regimes. 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 Great Depression impacted political systems in Europe and the Americas, with a special focus on the rise of authoritarian regimes, particularly in countries like Germany, Italy, and parts of Latin America.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the Great Depression (1929–1939) as one of the most severe economic downturns in history, affecting countries globally.

Body:

  1. In first part, mention the impact of the Great Depression on political system in Europe. – collapse of major European economies like Germany, Italy, and others, Rise of Fascism in Italy, Nazi Germany’s Emergence, Spain and Portugal saw political turbulence during the Depression.
  2. Secondly, write the Impact of the Great Depression on the Americas – In the U.S., Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal policies marked a significant shift toward government intervention in the economy, Rise of Authoritarianism in Latin America.
  3. At last, briefly mention the key factors leading to the Rise of Authoritarian Regimes- Populism and Nationalism, Economic Disillusionment with Democracy, Centralization of Power, etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by noting that while some countries leaned toward greater government intervention to stabilize their economies, others saw the collapse of democratic systems and the rise of authoritarian regimes that would shape global politics leading up to World War II.

 

Topic: World War I

Q2. Discuss the causes of World War I and assess its political, economic, and social impact on Europe and the world, including the colonies. 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 analyze the causes of World War I and examine its political, economic, and social impacts on Europe, the world, and the colonies.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Introduce World War I as one of the most devastating global conflicts of the 20th century, involving major powers of Europe and having far-reaching consequences.

Body:

  1. Firstly, write Causes of World War I – Nationalism, The aggressive build up of military power, Imperialism, Alliance System, etc.
  2. Next mention the Political, Economic, and Social Impact of World War I – collapse of the Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, German, and Russian Empires, Rise of Totalitarian Regimes, League of Nations was created as part of the Treaty of Versailles.
    • Economic impact – Devastation of European Economies, Shift in Global Economic Power
    • Social impact- Loss of Life and Psychological Trauma, women entered the workforce in large numbers to replace men, Economic hardships, unemployment, and political instability led to social unrest across Europe.
  1. Next write briefly the impact of WW I on Colonies – Participation of Colonies in the War, Post-War Repression and Nationalism, Former Ottoman and German colonies were placed under the League of Nations mandate system.

Conclusion:

Conclude accordingly.

 


General Studies – 2


 

Topic: Issues related to Health, Education and Human Resources.

Q3. National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (250 words)

 Difficulty level: Moderate

 Reference: Times of India

 Why the question:

Union education minister criticised Tamil Nadu CM for allegedly causing division among states over the new National Education Policy (NEP).

Key Demand of the Question: 

Critically examine the alignment of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), focusing on restructuring and reorienting the education system in India.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Introduce the National Education Policy 2020 and its primary aim of transforming the Indian education system.

Body:

First part: Alignment of NEP 2020 with SDG-4:

Inclusivity and Accessibility, Quality and Innovation, Flexibility in Learning Paths, Digital and Technological Integration

Second part: Challenges and Criticism of NEP 2020:

Implementation Gaps, Resource Constraints, Language Policy Controversy, Teacher Training and Capacity Building, Digital Divide

Third part: Way Forward:

Enhanced Funding and Monitoring, Capacity Building for Educators, Bridging the Digital Divide, State-Centric Approach

Conclusion:

Acknowledge that while NEP 2020 aligns with SDG 4 by proposing significant reforms, its success hinges on overcoming practical challenges.

 

Topic: Issues related to poverty and hunger

Q4. India has attained self-sufficiency in food production, yet hunger and food insecurity remain persistent issues. Examine the underlying causes of these challenges and suggest strategies to mitigate them. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

Data point: Over 70% child deaths in india are linked to malnutrition, published in The Hindu.

Key Demand of the Question: 

Examine why hunger and food insecurity persist in India despite self-sufficiency in food production and suggest strategies to address these challenges.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction: 

Briefly mention India’s self-sufficiency in food production and persistent issues of hunger and food insecurity.

Body:

First part: Underlying Causes of Hunger and Food Insecurity:

Poor Distribution Systems, Economic Inequality, Inadequate Nutritional Awareness, Post-Harvest Losses:

Second part: Strategies to Mitigate Hunger and Food Insecurity:

Strengthen PDS and Improve Logistics, Enhance Social Safety Nets, Promote Nutrition Education, Reduce Food Wastage:

Conclusion

Emphasize the need for a multi-pronged approach to ensure food security and reduce hunger.

 


General Studies – 3


 

Topic: Digital Public Infrastructure

Q5. What are the key principles that define a good Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), and how does the Citizen Stack exemplify these principles in ensuring digital sovereignty, inclusivity, and security? (15M)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Key Demand of the Question:

To analyze the key principles that define a good DPI, with a focus on how India’s Citizen Stack embodies these principles while addressing digital sovereignty, inclusivity, and security.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction: Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) refers to the foundational digital systems that enable efficient public services, financial inclusion, and governance. In the context of global digital sovereignty and inclusion, India’s Citizen Stack has emerged as a pioneering model.

Body:

  1. Principles Defining a Good DPI:
  • Citizen-Centric Market Relationship: A good DPI ensures that digital infrastructure fosters a balanced relationship between citizens, the market, and the state, free from distortion by external influences.
  • Data Privacy and Empowerment: Citizen data must be shared on a consent-based model, ensuring privacy and individual empowerment.
  • Interoperability: To prevent monopolies from locking in citizens, DPIs should promote interoperability across systems.
  • Techno-Legal Regulation: Ethical use of technology should be governed by the combination of public technology and laws that balance innovation with societal rights.
  • Public and Private Collaboration: A good DPI encourages innovation through collaboration between the public and private sectors, ensuring public good without corporate dominance.
  1. The Citizen Stack as an Example:
  • Role as an Auditor: Citizen Stack authenticates DPIs rather than manufacturing them, ensuring reliability, security, and adherence to quality standards.
  • Inclusivity and Scalability: Its ability to serve over a billion citizens reflects its scalability and inclusivity, ensuring that DPIs meet the needs of diverse populations.
  • Security and Privacy: Citizen Stack’s model prioritizes user data protection through stringent security measures and privacy protocols.

Conclusion:

Citizen Stack exemplifies a robust DPI, harmonizing technology with societal needs. Its principles of security, inclusivity, and scalability make it a gold standard, offering a global model for achieving digital sovereignty while ensuring that digital infrastructure serves the public good.

 

Topic: Environmental Pollution: India’s Role in Global Plastic Pollution

Q6. Discuss the findings of the recent study on global plastic pollution and analyze India’s contribution to plastic waste. What are the challenges posed by unmanaged waste, and how can global and national efforts mitigate this crisis? (250 words)

Difficulty Level: Tough

Reference: Indian Express

Why the Question:
A recent study published in Nature highlights that India contributes significantly to global plastic pollution, producing 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, the highest in the world. As international treaty negotiations on plastic pollution are underway, the question seeks to explore India’s role in this environmental challenge and the broader implications of unmanaged waste. Understanding these findings is essential to devising both national and global strategies to mitigate plastic pollution.

Key Demand of the Question:
To analyze India’s contribution to global plastic pollution, examine the challenges posed by unmanaged plastic waste, and evaluate potential solutions to address this growing environmental crisis.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Introduce the global plastic pollution problem with a focus on India’s contribution, as per the recent Nature study. Mention the significance of this issue in light of ongoing negotiations for a global plastics treaty.

Body:

  • India’s Contribution to Global Plastic Pollution:
    • India generates 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, accounting for one-fifth of global plastic pollution.
    • A significant portion of this waste is either burned or left unmanaged, contributing to land, air, and water pollution.
  • Challenges of Unmanaged Plastic Waste:
    • Environmental Impact: Unmanaged waste pollutes ecosystems, from mountaintops to ocean depths, leading to severe consequences for wildlife and human health.
    • Health Risks: Open burning of plastics releases toxic gases, linked to respiratory diseases, cancer, and neurological problems.
    • Global North-South Divide: While high-income countries manage plastic waste better due to strong infrastructure, the Global South, including India, faces inadequate waste management systems, exacerbating the problem.
  • Mitigation Efforts and Global Cooperation:
    • International treaties, such as the one being negotiated by the UN Environmental Assembly, aim to curb plastic pollution through production restrictions and improved waste management practices.
    • India’s initiatives to ban single-use plastics, promote recycling, and enhance waste management infrastructure need further scaling to address the root causes of plastic pollution.

Conclusion:
Summarize the significance of India’s role in global plastic pollution, emphasizing the need for stronger domestic policies and international collaboration to reduce the environmental and health impacts of unmanaged plastic waste.

 


General Studies – 4


 

Topic: Values in ethics.

 Q7. What do you mean by the morality of law? Explain its role in handling of governance. [10M]

Difficulty level: Medium

Reference: Indian Express

Context:

Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has directed officials to enact Afghanistan’s “morality law”, formalizing and codifying the restrictions on women and other groups in the country.

Introduction:

Begin with a definition of the Morality of law

 Body:

  • First, explain what the morality of law is. Use ethical philosophy and explain it.
  • Then, explain what role it plays in governance.

Conclusion:

Conclude the answer using the quote.

 


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