The Insights IAS Secure Initiative for UPSC Mains Answer Writing practice enables you to practice daily answer writing, enhancing your skills and boosting your scores with regular feedback, expert tips, and strategies. Let consistency be the hallmark of your preparation and utilize UPSC Mains Answer Writing practice initiative wisely
Click on EACH question to post/upload you answers.
How to Follow Secure Initiative?
How to Self-evaluate your answer?
MISSION – 2025: YEARLONG TIMETABLE
Join IPM 4.0 to get an assured review of 2 secure answers everyday
General Studies – 1
Topic: Ancient History
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: InsightsIAS
Why the question
The question probes into the cultural and scientific contributions of the Gupta Empire, which is often regarded as the classical age of India.Key Demand of the question:
To examine the contributions of the Gupta Empire to Indian art, architecture, literature, science, and mathematics, supported by relevant examples.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Provide a brief context about the Gupta period being termed as the “Golden Age” of India and set the tone for discussing art and science.Body
- Discuss the major contributions in art – development in architecture, sculpture, paintings, and literature during the Gupta period.
- Analyze key advancements in science and mathematics, astronomy, and medicine, along with notable scholars of the time.
Conclusion
Write about how these contributions laid the foundation for a lasting legacy in Indian culture, influencing future generations.
Topic: Medieval History
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: InsightsIAS
Why the question
This question assesses the understanding of the Bhakti and Sufi movements as a response to social and religious orthodoxy, and their influence on India’s medieval religious and social structure.Key Demand of the question:
To critically evaluate how the Bhakti and Sufi movements addressed the rigidities of religious orthodoxy and their impact on social inclusiveness, religious tolerance, and the broader cultural landscape.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly introduce the rise of the Bhakti and Sufi movements, setting the context of the rigid religious structures they opposed.Body:
- Discuss how the Bhakti movement emerged in response to caste hierarchies and Brahmanical orthodoxy, focusing on personal devotion and egalitarian principles.
- Analyze the role of the Sufi movement in countering religious orthodoxy in Islam, emphasizing love, tolerance, and unity.
- Evaluate the social and religious impact of these movements, including communal harmony, the spread of vernacular languages, and their long-term influence on Indian society.
Conclusion
Summarize the overall contribution of the Bhakti and Sufi movements in shaping a more inclusive and tolerant religious and social fabric in medieval India.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the Question
Calcutta HC tells police to add POCSO charges to Jaynagar child murder and rape case in West Bengal.
Key Demand of the Question
To analyze the reasons behind the ineffectiveness of the POCSO Act in preventing child rape and to propose measures to strengthen its implementation and deterrence.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly introduce the POCSO Act, its purpose, and mention the continued rise in child rape cases despite its stringent provisions.
Body
- Reasons for Ineffectiveness:
- Identify systemic challenges like lack of awareness, delays in legal and investigative processes, inadequate infrastructure, societal stigma, etc.
- Measures to Address the Challenges:
- Suggest key reforms such as improving awareness campaigns, fast-tracking judicial procedures, enhancing police and judicial training, better victim support mechanisms, and stronger community involvement.
Conclusion
End with a forward-looking statement emphasizing the need for holistic reforms to ensure the POCSO Act fulfills its objective of preventing child abuse effectively.
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the Question
Recently Australian High Commissioner visited Arunachal Pradesh
Key Demand of the Question
To examine the specific emerging areas of cooperation between India and Australia, such as education, renewable energy, technology, and regional security, and to analyze how this expanded partnership benefits both nations.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly introduce the historical focus of India-Australia relations on trade and defense. Highlight the shift toward new sectors in recent years due to shared interests and global challenges.
Body
Emerging Areas of Cooperation:
- Mention key sectors such as education and skill development, renewable energy, technology and innovation, and agriculture.
- Briefly discuss the importance of regional security collaboration in the Indo-Pacific.
- Provide a general assessment of how both nations are working together to address global challenges like climate change and technological advancement.
Conclusion
Write about the growing strategic importance of the India-Australia partnership in these emerging areas. Highlight the potential for further cooperation, benefiting both nations and contributing to regional stability.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Growth, development and employment.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the Question
The Centre launched an online portal that will serve as the platform operationalises the PM Internship Scheme.
Key Demand of the Question
To evaluate how the PM Internship Scheme can address youth unemployment in India by providing practical skills, and to highlight both the scheme’s potential and any challenges it might face.
Structure of the Answer
Introduction:
Briefly introduce the issue of youth unemployment in India and the importance of internships in enhancing employability.
Body
- Mention the PM Internship Scheme as a targeted initiative to bridge the skills gap.
- Potential of the Scheme:
- Highlight how the scheme can provide practical, on-the-job training.
- Discuss its alignment with industry needs, certification, and potential to enhance employability.
- Challenges and Concerns:
- Mention regional imbalances, scalability issues, and the need to integrate soft and digital skills for a modern workforce.
Conclusion
Summarize the long-term benefits of the PM Internship Scheme in reducing youth unemployment, while emphasizing the need for proper monitoring and evaluation to ensure success.
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources
Difficulty Level:
Reference: ET
Why the Question
Jairam Ramesh highlights ‘three dark clouds’ threatening Indian economy’s growth
Key Demand of the Question:
To analyze the key factors causing the decline in private sector investment and suggest measures to encourage investment and boost growth.
Structure of the Answe
Introduction
Briefly introduce the importance of private sector investment for economic growth and its current declining trend in India.
Body:
- Factors for Decline:
- Highlight broad economic factors, policy uncertainties, global economic conditions, etc.
- Discuss sector-specific challenges such as manufacturing stagnation, labor productivity, and inflation.
- Measures to Revive Investment:
- Suggest solutions like policy reforms, improving ease of doing business, boosting investor confidence, addressing sector-specific issues, and incentivizing investments in critical industries.
Conclusion
Conclude by emphasizing the importance of a strong private sector investment environment for sustaining economic growth and employment. Suggest the need for comprehensive reforms to create a conducive investment climate.
General Studies – 4
Q7. What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context?
“What is right is not always popular, and what is popular is not always right.” — Albert Einstein
Difficulty Level: Medium
Why the question
The quote challenges the reader to think about the conflict between ethical decisions and popular opinion.Key Demand of the question
To explain how ethical decision-making often requires going against popular opinion and to analyze its relevance in public service.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Define the central theme of the quote—ethical decision-making vs. popular opinion. Briefly state its importance in the context of governance and public service.Body
- Discuss situations where ethical choices are unpopular but necessary for long-term good.
- Provide examples from public administration or historical events to illustrate this.
- Highlight the potential consequences of making popular but unethical decisions, especially in governance.
- Mention how public servants should balance ethical integrity with democratic accountability.
Conclusion
Emphasize the need for integrity in public life, stating that true leadership lies in upholding what is right, even if it is unpopular.
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice -07-10-2024
Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE
Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE
Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelHERE
Follow our Twitter Account HERE
Follow our Instagram ID HERE
Follow us on LinkedIn : HERE