UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 24 October 2024

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice

 

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General Studies – 1


 

Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography

Q1. “Meteorite impacts are often considered destructive, yet in Earth’s early history, they may have acted as a catalyst for life”. Elucidate (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question:

To explore the dual nature of meteorite impacts, particularly their role in fostering early life on Earth despite their destructive potential. It relates to the scientific understanding of Earth’s early evolution and the origins of life.

Key Demand of the question:

To explain how meteorite impacts, though destructive, may have contributed positively to early life.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce meteorite impacts as significant events in Earth’s geological history, often seen as destructive forces.

Body:

  • Briefly mention the destructive aspects of meteorite impacts (e.g., tsunamis, atmospheric changes).
  • Elucidate how meteorites could have introduced essential nutrients (like phosphorus and iron) into Earth’s environment, aiding microbial evolution and life’s emergence.
  • Suggestive mention of relevant examples or scientific findings (e.g., Barberton Greenstone Belt) that demonstrate the life-sustaining impact.

Conclusion

Conclude by affirming the paradoxical role of meteorites as both destructive and life-enabling, reflecting the complexity of Earth’s early history.

 

Topic: Social empowerment

Q2. “India’s legal and policy framework for persons with disabilities has evolved significantly, yet challenges in achieving equal opportunities persist”. Critically assess the effectiveness of current policies and initiatives aimed at their empowerment. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question:

Centre has finalised stricter norms for disability certificates.

Key Demand of the question:

  • To assess the effectiveness of policies and initiatives aimed at empowering persons with disabilities.
  • To examine the challenges in achieving equal opportunities despite the legal framework.
  • To suggest improvements or identify policy gaps.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the legal and policy evolution for persons with disabilities (e.g., Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016).

Body:

  • Assess key policies and initiatives (e.g., RPWD Act, Accessible India Campaign) and their contributions to empowerment.
  • Highlight the challenges in implementation (e.g., social stigma, infrastructural gaps, lack of inclusive education, and employment opportunities).
  • Briefly mention gaps in the current framework (e.g., lack of accessibility, insufficient healthcare) and the need for better monitoring and implementation.

Conclusion:

Conclude with the way forward, emphasizing the need for inclusive infrastructure, awareness campaigns, and stricter enforcement to achieve genuine empowerment.

 


General Studies – 2


 

Topic: Local urban government.

Q3. “Local urban governance in India is often criticized for overlapping functions between municipal bodies and parastatals”. Discuss the implications of this for urban governance efficiency. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the question:
The challenges posed by overlapping functions between municipal bodies and parastatals, a critical issue impacting urban governance in India.

Key Demand of the question:

Discuss the implications of overlapping functions on urban governance efficiency. Highlight how it affects service delivery and administrative coordination.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Briefly explain the role of municipal bodies and parastatals in urban governance, and introduce the problem of overlapping functions.

Body:

  • Implications: Discuss the implications of these overlaps on urban governance efficiency, such as delays in decision-making, fragmentation of accountability, and inefficiency in service delivery.
  • Suggestions for Improvement: Indicate broad solutions like clarifying roles, better coordination mechanisms, and institutional reforms.

Conclusion:
Conclude by emphasizing the need for clear division of responsibilities to improve urban governance and ensure better service delivery to citizens.

 

Topic: Panchayati Raj

Q4. “While Panchayati Raj has deepened democracy at the grassroots level, it still faces structural and operational challenges”. Analyze the challenges and suggest reforms to strengthen the Panchayati Raj system. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the question:
The ongoing challenges faced by Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and their need for reform, a key issue in grassroots governance.

Key Demand of the question:

Analyze the structural and operational challenges of PRIs. Suggest reforms to address these challenges.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Briefly mention the significance of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment and how Panchayati Raj has strengthened grassroots democracy.

Body:

  • Challenges: Briefly highlight the key structural and operational challenges faced by PRIs, like lack of financial autonomy, political interference, etc.
  • Reforms: Suggest reforms focusing on areas like capacity building, fiscal devolution, and greater autonomy for PRIs.

Conclusion
End with a forward-looking statement on how strengthening Panchayati Raj will deepen democracy and improve rural development.

 


General Studies – 3


 

Topic:  Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources

Q5. Examine the rising importance of supply chain security amid global technological advancements. How are national security concerns influencing these strategies, and what steps can India take to balance resilience and security? (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question:

Proposed U.S. rules on Chinese connected car tech and Israel’s pager attacks indicate the changing focus of global supply chains — from resilience to security

Key Demand of the question:

Analyze the growing importance of supply chain, how national security concerns are influencing global supply chain strategies. Propose steps that India can take to balance resilience and security in its supply chains.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly define supply chain security and its rising importance in the context of global technological advancements (e.g., AI, 5G, semiconductors).

Body:

  • Discuss the influence of national security concerns on global supply chains, mentioning geopolitical factors like tech decoupling and cyber risks.
  • Examine how nations are adapting supply chain strategies to enhance security (e.g., diversification, friendshoring).
  • Identify the steps India can take, such as developing secure infrastructure, reducing dependencies, and adopting trust-based frameworks (suggestive only).

Conclusion:

Conclude by emphasizing the need for India to balance both resilience and security, ensuring sustainable supply chains that are globally integrated yet nationally secure.

 

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation

Q6. “While geoengineering solutions present ambitious possibilities, they raise environmental concerns”. Analyze the benefits and risks of geoengineering as a tool for climate change mitigation. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: IE

Why the question:

A new study has argued that spraying millions of tonnes of diamond dust in the Earth’s upper atmosphere every year could help cool down the Earth and combat global warming

Key Demand of the question:

To analyze both the benefits and risks of geoengineering.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly define geoengineering and mention its growing relevance as a tool for addressing global warming.

Body:

  • Mention the potential benefits of geoengineering solutions (e.g., rapid temperature reduction, innovative technologies like SRM and CCS).
  • Discuss the risks and environmental concerns, including unintended consequences like altered weather patterns, impact on ecosystems, and ethical considerations.
  • Provide examples of ongoing or theoretical projects related to geoengineering and their outcomes (e.g., volcanic eruptions inspiring SRM).

Conclusion:

Conclude with a balanced view emphasizing the need for caution, further research, and the importance of traditional climate mitigation methods alongside geoengineering.

 


General Studies – 4


 

Q7. “Compassion is not just about kindness but involves active efforts to alleviate the suffering of others”. Discuss the significance of compassion in public service and its role in enhancing governance. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: BS

Why the question:
The active role of compassion in public service and how it can enhance governance through practical efforts to alleviate suffering.

Key Demand of the question:

Explain the significance of compassion in public service. Analyze how compassion can improve governance.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Define compassion and briefly explain its broader meaning beyond kindness, highlighting its relevance in public service.

Body:

  • Role of Compassion in Public Service: Discuss how compassion leads to more empathetic, inclusive, and responsive governance, ensuring that policies and actions cater to the needs of the marginalized and vulnerable.
  • Impact on Governance: Analyze how compassionate public service improves efficiency, accountability, and the overall trust in public institutions by focusing on the well-being of the people.

Conclusion:
End with a statement on how compassion is essential for ethical governance and for building a just and equitable society.

 


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