UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 1 November 2024

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General Studies – 1

Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present significant events, personalities, issues.

Q1. Analyze the historical significance of the Ghadar Movement in the context of India’s freedom struggle. How did it influence subsequent revolutionary activities against British colonial rule? (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the question:

On November 1st, 1913, the first issue of Ghadar was published in Urdu, followed by the Gurmukhi edition on December 9th.

Key Demand of the question:

Examine the historical significance of the Ghadar Movement and analyze its impact on later anti-colonial revolutionary efforts.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the Ghadar Movement as a pioneering overseas revolutionary effort aimed at ending British rule in India.

Body:

• Historical Significance: Discuss its role in unifying the diaspora, promoting secularism, and establishing a foundation for armed resistance.
• Influence on Revolutionary Activities: Analyze its influence on future revolutionary groups, individuals, and the armed struggle approach within India.

Conclusion:

Emphasize the Ghadar Movement’s legacy as a catalyst for future revolutionary zeal, helping to intensify India’s broader independence movement.

Topic: Effects of globalization on Indian society

Q2. Examine the social and psychological implications of rising screen time among children in India. How can society and policy interventions address the challenges of screen addiction to promote holistic development? (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: IE

Why the question:

Screen time in children has increased significantly over the years. Recent studies have shown that Indian children are spending an average of 2 to 4 hours daily on screens

Key Demand of the question:

The social and psychological effects of excessive screen time on children and outline measures that society and policy can implement to support balanced development.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the rising trend of screen time among children and its growing relevance as a social and mental health concern.

Body:

• Social Implications: Discuss impacts like reduced face-to-face interactions, diminished family cohesion, and weakened social skills.
• Psychological Implications: Address issues such as attention deficit, increased anxiety, and emotional instability due to overreliance on screens.
• Society and Policy Interventions: Suggest roles for families, educational institutions, and policy initiatives like digital literacy programs, parental guidance, and screen time regulations.

Conclusion:

Conclude with the need for a balanced approach, emphasizing collective responsibility in supporting children’s holistic growth and digital well-being.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Poverty

Q3. “Poverty is not merely an economic condition but a multidimensional challenge”. Discuss (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the Question:
The question aims to examine the broader dimensions of poverty beyond economics, encouraging an understanding of its social, health, educational, and structural impacts in India.

Key Demand of the Question:

Analyze how poverty affects different facets of life such as health, education, and social structures. Evaluate policy responses and suggest ways to address these broader aspects of poverty.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Briefly define poverty as a multidimensional issue impacting more than just income levels, referencing global indicators like the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).

Body:

• Economic Impact: Briefly mention income insufficiency and lack of job security.
• Health Dimension: Highlight effects like malnutrition and limited healthcare access.
• Education and Skills: Discuss how poverty limits access to quality education and skills development.
• Social Exclusion: Explain exclusion based on caste, gender, and rural-urban disparities.
• Policy Interventions: Mention integrated programs such as Ayushman Bharat, Skill India, and their role in addressing multidimensional poverty.

Conclusion:
Conclude by stressing the importance of a holistic approach to poverty alleviation, emphasizing socio-economic inclusion for sustainable development.

Topic: Hunger

Q4. Evaluate the effectiveness of India’s midday meal scheme in reducing hunger and improving educational outcomes. What steps can be taken to further enhance its impact? (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the Question:
The question assesses the dual role of the Midday Meal Scheme (MDMS) in addressing hunger and enhancing education, examining its broader social impact and areas for improvement.

Key Demand of the Question:

Evaluate the scheme’s effectiveness in reducing hunger and improving educational outcomes. Recommend steps to enhance its impact.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Briefly introduce the MDMS as a major initiative under National Food Security aimed at improving child nutrition and school attendance.

Body:

• Effectiveness in Reducing Hunger: Discuss improvements in child nutrition, highlighting increased daily calorie intake among beneficiaries.
• Impact on Educational Outcomes: Outline benefits like improved school attendance, retention rates, and learning outcomes, particularly for underprivileged children.
• Challenges Faced: Mention issues like hygiene, occasional food quality concerns, and implementation gaps.
• Steps to Enhance Impact: Suggest measures like regular monitoring, involving local communities, enhancing nutritional quality, and ensuring adequate funding.

Conclusion
Conclude by emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to make the MDMS more effective, supporting both child health and educational goals for a better future.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it

Q5. Discuss the potential economic benefits of increasing women’s labour force participation by valuing and redistributing unpaid household work. How might this shift affect India’s GDP. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question:

How valuing women’s unpaid contributions can reshape our understanding of economic productivity and foster policies that address inequity and promote the redistribution of gendered unpaid labour

Key Demand of the question:

Discuss the economic benefits of including women in the labour force by acknowledging unpaid work, focusing on how this can impact India’s GDP.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the concept of unpaid household work and its gendered impact, setting the stage for its economic relevance in India.

Body:

• Valuing Unpaid Work: Highlight how recognizing and assigning value to unpaid household tasks can transform socio-economic perceptions and enable policy changes.
• Redistribution of Household Work: Address the importance of redistributing unpaid work to encourage higher workforce entry and retention among women.
• Economic Benefits: Discuss the potential GDP growth from increased female labour participation, such as enhanced productivity and household income.

Conclusion:

Emphasize the transformative effect of valuing and redistributing unpaid work on women’s economic empowerment, suggesting a pathway for inclusive growth in India’s economy.

Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas

Q6. Analyze the strategic implications of the recent India-China agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). How does this development influence regional security and bilateral relations? (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question:

India and China recently announced an agreement on “patrolling arrangements” along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), aimed at resolving lingering border disputes.

Key Demand of the question:

The strategic implications of the recent agreement on patrolling, focusing on its impact on regional security and the broader India-China bilateral relationship.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the India-China border issue, focusing on recent de-escalation efforts and the significance of the agreement on patrolling arrangements along the LAC.

Body:

• Brief about the agreement.
• Strategic Implications on Regional Security: Outline how the agreement may de-escalate tensions, ensure stability in sensitive areas, and prevent potential confrontations.
• Impact on Bilateral Relations: Discuss its potential to foster diplomatic trust, strengthen cooperation on mutual concerns, and open avenues for sustained dialogue.
• Challenges and Limitations: Mention enduring mistrust, potential future standoffs, and the need for sustained diplomatic efforts.

Conclusion:

Summarize by noting the agreement’s importance for peace along the LAC, with a forward-looking statement on the role of confidence-building measures in reinforcing stable, long-term India-China relations.

General Studies – 4

Q7. Ms. Kavita is a senior officer and highly regarded investigator in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). She gained widespread recognition three years ago for solving a high-profile abduction case that had originally been handled by the local police. After the case was transferred to the CBI, Ms. Kavita swiftly resolved it, with the alleged abductor, known as “Rajan,” reportedly killed in an encounter.

Recently, a similar wave of abductions has emerged, targeting the sons of high-profile individuals. A person claiming to be Rajan sent an audio message to the media, asserting that he had not been killed by Ms. Kavita, and alleging that an innocent man had been killed in his place. He accused Ms. Kavita of incompetence and challenged the CBI’s ability to apprehend him.

You, a cyber-specialist and close friend of Ms. Kavita, decide to investigate independently. After persistent efforts, you locate the individual claiming to be Rajan and meet him secretly. During the meeting, he confesses to the recent abductions and admits he falsely posed as Rajan. He reveals his real identity as Mr. Verma, a senior police officer who had been in charge of the original abduction case before it was transferred to the CBI.

Mr. Verma claims that Ms. Kavita had fabricated the abduction plot years ago to exact revenge for her husband’s untimely death, allegedly caused by a group of drunk drivers who were sons of influential individuals. According to him, Ms. Kavita orchestrated a series of abductions, ultimately killing one of these individuals and presenting him as “Rajan” to close the case and gain public acclaim. Feeling that the police force’s reputation was undermined when cases were transferred to the CBI, Mr. Verma revived the abduction pattern to tarnish Ms. Kavita’s image and that of the CBI.

Shocked by these revelations, you confront Ms. Kavita, who admits that she indeed sought justice for her husband’s death, believing that the perpetrators were protected by political influence. (20 M)

1. 1. Identify and analyze the ethical and legal issues in this case.
   2. Evaluate the value systems of Ms. Kavita and Mr. Verma. Whose actions reflect a greater deviation from ethical standards, and why?
   3. As a cyber-specialist and Ms. Kavita’s friend, outline the steps you would take to handle this situation responsibly and ethically.

Difficulty Level: Medium

Why the Question:
The case examines the ethical dilemmas and value conflicts faced by public officials, especially in high-stakes investigative roles, where personal motives and professional responsibilities collide.

Key Demand of the Question:

1. Identification and analysis of the ethical and legal issues in the case.
2. Comparison of the value systems of the two officers to evaluate ethical compatibility.
3. Recommended ethical actions to address the complex situation responsibly.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Briefly introduce the context of the case, highlighting the conflicting roles of public duty and personal motives in law enforcement.

Body:

• Ethical and Legal Issues: Outline the primary ethical dilemmas, including the misuse of authority, professional integrity, and justice.
• Comparison of Value Systems: Briefly compare the actions of Ms. Kavita and Mr. Verma, focusing on their motivations, professional ethics, and impact on institutional integrity.
• Recommended Steps: Suggest possible actions you, as a cyber-specialist, could take to resolve the situation in a manner upholding justice, transparency, and accountability.

Conclusion:
Conclude with the importance of ethical standards in public service and suggest a forward-looking approach to reinforce trust in investigative agencies.

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