UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 18 September 2024

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General Studies – 1

Topic: Structure, Composition of Atmosphere

Q1. From the troposphere to the exosphere, the atmosphere defines the boundary between Earth and space. In this context, enumerate the vertical structure of the atmosphere and the significance of each layer.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 explain the vertical layers of the atmosphere, starting from the troposphere and extending to the exosphere. For each layer, its features, role, and significance to life on Earth or atmospheric processes should be elaborated.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the Earth’s atmosphere as a protective layer of gases surrounding the planet. Mention that it is divided into distinct layers based on temperature gradients, each having its own unique characteristics.

Body:

1. Describe the various layers of the atmosphere, such as the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, etc., along with their characteristics.
2. Additionally, highlight the importance of each layer. For example, the troposphere is vital for sustaining life as it holds the air we breathe, commercial airplanes operate in the lower stratosphere due to its relative stability, and the mesosphere shields Earth by burning up meteoroids through friction with atmospheric particles.

Conclusion:

Each layer, though distinct in temperature and composition, works together to form a protective shield and maintain the Earth’s climate system.

Topic: Theories (continental drift theory, sea floor spreading, plate tectonics theory)

Q2. Temperature distribution is the invisible line dividing warm tropics from cold polar regions. In this context, explain how differential heating of the Earth’s surface impacts atmospheric circulation and weather patterns. 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 how differential heating between the tropics and polar regions creates pressure gradients and drives global atmospheric circulation. The role of wind patterns and their impact on weather systems must also be discussed.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Introduce the concept of differential heating by explaining that Earth’s curvature causes uneven distribution of solar energy, resulting in warmer tropics and colder polar regions.

Body:

1. Begin by discussing the concept of differential heating and its effect on atmospheric pressure. This includes how solar radiation leads to unequal heating across Earth’s surface, creating temperature and pressure gradients. These variations give rise to global pressure belts, which play a key role in shaping atmospheric behaviour.
2. Next, explore the role of atmospheric circulation cells and wind patterns. Highlight the Hadley Cell circulation, as well as the Ferrell and Polar cells, explaining how these systems influence global weather patterns and contribute to the distribution of winds and climate zones across the planet.

Conclusion:

Conclude by stating that the differential heating of the Earth’s surface drives atmospheric circulation, creating distinct pressure belts and wind patterns. This, in turn, leads to a wide range of weather systems, influencing global climates and ecosystems.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation

Q3. Does capital punishment serve as an effective tool for justice and deterrence in crime prevention? Critically analyze with justifications. (250 words)

 Difficulty level: Moderate

 Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

Creating a safer environment for women and children is a complex issue; punishment alone cannot change society.

Key Demand of the Question: 

Critically analyze the effectiveness of capital punishment as a tool for justice and deterrence in crime prevention, considering arguments for and against it, and its impact on society.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Define capital punishment and briefly mention its legal standing in India, referring to its use as the highest form of punishment for heinous crimes.

Body:

First part: Capital Punishment as a Tool for Justice:

Retributive Justice, Moral Argument: Justifies the death penalty for the most heinous crimes

Second part: Capital Punishment as a Deterrent:

Deterrence Theory, Studies on Effectiveness

Third part: Arguments Against Capital Punishment:

Human Rights Concerns, Inequality in Application, Reformative Justice

Conclusion:

Conclude with a balanced approach, focusing on judicial reforms, crime prevention strategies, and rehabilitation for creating a just society.

Topic: Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Q4. India’s demographic dividend can only be realized if its workforce is educated, skilled, and innovative. Discuss the government initiatives aimed at improving the productivity and employability of the population in this context. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

Gainfully employing a large, young, and aspirational population is not easy but it is a challenge India can take on.

Key Demand of the Question: 

Discuss how government initiatives in India are focused on enhancing education, skills, and innovation to harness the country’s demographic dividend.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly mention the significance of India’s demographic dividend and the need for an educated, skilled, and innovative workforce to realize its potential.

Body:

Government Initiatives

Skill India Mission, National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), Digital India Mission:

Conclusion:

Emphasize the need for continuous investment and targeted efforts to fully unlock the potential of the young population.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Economy

Q5: Why is the anticipated rate cut by the US Federal Reserve drawing global attention? What implications could it have for economies like India? (15M)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Reference: The Indian Express

Why the Question:

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the US Federal Reserve is expected to announce its first rate cut since March 2020, which is being closely watched by global markets. The decision is crucial not only for the US economy but also has significant implications for global financial conditions, including those in emerging markets like India.

Key Demand of the Question:

To discuss the global anticipation surrounding the Fed’s rate cut, explore the factors influencing the size of the cut, and analyze its potential impact on other economies, particularly India.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction: Introduce the context of the US Federal Reserve’s anticipated rate cut, noting its significance as the first since March 2020 and its global implications.

Body:

1. Factors Behind the Anticipation:

• Uncertainty in Quantum: The market is divided on whether the cut will be 25 or 50 basis points, reflecting differing economic outlooks.
• Global Trend: The Fed’s move follows similar cuts by other central banks, including the European Central Bank and Brazil’s central bank.
• Fed’s Dual Mandate: Recent speeches by Fed Chair Jerome Powell indicated a shift in focus towards maintaining maximum employment alongside controlling inflation.

2. Implications for Global Markets:

• Currency and Carry Trade: A cut in US rates could make other economies more attractive for currency carry trades, especially if there’s a wider interest rate differential.
• Global Growth Prospects: A rate cut could signal support for growth in the US economy, potentially offering a positive outlook for global markets amidst concerns like China’s slowdown.
• Investment Flows: Lower returns in US debt markets may drive foreign investors towards emerging market equities, impacting markets like India.

3. Impact on India:

• Monetary Policy Response: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may align future rate cuts based on the Fed’s decision, influencing domestic credit conditions.
• Capital Inflows: A lower US rate could boost foreign investment into India, strengthening the currency and equity markets.
• Trade and Growth: Enhanced US economic growth could improve demand for Indian exports, supporting the country’s growth trajectory.

Conclusion: Summarize the potential global and domestic impacts of the Fed’s anticipated rate cut, emphasizing its significance in shaping monetary policy and financial markets worldwide.

Topic: Environment Conservation: Climate Crisis and Policy Urgency

Q6. What steps should India take to integrate climate crisis considerations into its national policies? How can carbon markets play a crucial role in achieving these goals? Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty Level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu

Why the Question:

Despite the rising public concern about climate change, India’s recent election campaigns have largely ignored the climate crisis. With the next five years being crucial for meeting the 2030 climate targets, this question explores the integration of climate concerns into national policy frameworks and the potential role of carbon markets in achieving sustainable goals.

Directive Word:

Discuss – Examine the necessary policy steps India should take to address the climate crisis and analyze the role of carbon markets in promoting emissions reduction.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction: Introduce the urgency of addressing the climate crisis in India, mentioning the ambitious 2030 targets and the current gaps in policy attention towards climate issues.

Body:

1. Policy Integration:
   • Mention the need for incorporating climate action into the core of national policies, including reducing reliance on coal and promoting clean energy.
   • Mention the importance of addressing key issues like heat stress, air quality, waste management, and energy efficiency.
2. Role of Carbon Markets:
   • Mention how carbon markets can incentivize reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by offering financial rewards for cutting emissions.
   • Mention India’s plan to launch the ‘India Carbon Market’ in 2026 and its potential to become a major emissions trading system.
   • Mention how a well-structured carbon market can help India achieve its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) goals.
3. Challenges and Solutions:
   • Mention challenges like ensuring equitable participation and avoiding a single-basket metric that obscures the impacts of different pollutants.
   • Mention the need for separate accounting for long-lived pollutants like CO2 and short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs).

Conclusion: Conclude by emphasizing the need for a coordinated and comprehensive approach to climate action that includes robust policy integration and effective use of carbon markets. Suggest establishing a nodal authority with constitutional powers to ensure collaborative action across all stakeholders.

General Studies – 4

Q7. Indian society is again striving for social change through legal reform. It seeks the care, the safety, and the support for rape survivors and their families, alongside state accountability. In this background, do you think legal reform alone can bring in social change? Justify your argument with suitable examples. [10M, 150words]

Difficulty level: Difficult

Reference: The Hindu

Context: The Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024, adopted by the West Bengal government, the reason being the brutal rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: Begin by giving context or define social change.

 Body:

• First, explain the how legal reform is used to bring social change.
• Then explain about legal reform limitation in brining social change.
• Then, explain how ethical education, conscience, persuasion, attitude bring more holistic social change.

Conclusion:

Conclude the answer writing significance or quote.

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