UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 8 November 2024

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General Studies – 1

Topic: Population and associated issues

Q1. “Social media significantly impacts adolescents in contemporary society”. Analyze whether imposing age restrictions on social media can effectively protect young individuals or if such measures might lead to unintended consequences. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the Question:
Australia Prime Minister said the government would legislate for a ban on social media for people under 16

Key Demand of the Question:
The potential benefits and drawbacks of imposing age restrictions on social media to protect adolescents, while considering possible unintended consequences.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction
Begin with a brief statement on the widespread influence of social media on adolescents, possibly mentioning both positive and negative aspects.

Body:

• Positive aspects of age restrictions: Discuss how restrictions may help safeguard mental health, reduce exposure to harmful content, and protect developing minds.
• Challenges and unintended consequences: Mention potential drawbacks, such as enforcement issues, limitations on social engagement and self-expression, and risks of alternative harmful online behaviours.
• What more measures can be taken.

Conclusion:
Conclude with a balanced viewpoint on whether age restrictions are a viable solution, possibly suggesting complementary approaches like digital literacy and parental guidance.

Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world

Q2. Examine the role of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in promoting solar energy adoption in the Global South and the geographical barriers that hinder its progress. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: IE

Why the Question:
Over the years, the ISA has evolved into an intergovernmental organisation with more than 110 countries as members. However, its impact on expediting the deployment of solar energy in the developing world has been extremely modest until now.

Key Demand of the Question:
Analyze ISA’s contributions in promoting solar energy and to identify and discuss the geographical barriers that impact solar adoption efforts.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Briefly introduce the ISA, its establishment, and primary mission to accelerate solar energy adoption, especially in the Global South.

Body

• Role of ISA in Solar Promotion: Explain ISA’s initiatives, such as facilitating finance, training local workforces, and collaborating with member countries.
• Geographical Barriers: Outline key barriers like lack of infrastructure, unsuitable landscapes, extreme climates, and logistical challenges unique to regions like sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.

Conclusion
Summarize with a balanced view on how ISA’s efforts could be enhanced by addressing geographical barriers, possibly through increased partnerships, technological adaptation, and region-specific strategies.

General Studies – 2

Topic: India- Africa

Q3. “India’s approach to Africa is characterized by mutual respect, capacity building, and development partnerships”. Discuss (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the Question
India’s diplomatic approach toward Africa, focusing on values like mutual respect, capacity building, and sustainable partnerships.

Key Demand of the Question

Explain the principles of India’s engagement with Africa.Discuss how these principles shape India’s policies and partnerships with African countries.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction
Briefly introduce India’s Africa policy, emphasizing its focus on fostering equitable, sustainable, and long-term development partnerships.

Body

• Mutual Respect-Mention India’s commitment to respecting African nations’ sovereignty and recognizing Africa as an equal partner.
• Capacity Building-Highlight key initiatives in skill development, education, healthcare, and technology transfer, which aim to empower African nations.
• Development Partnerships-Discuss India’s approach to infrastructure development, agriculture, and sustainable projects in Africa, reflecting shared development goals.
• Comparative Approach-Briefly contrast India’s approach with other major players in Africa, like China, to highlight India’s unique focus on partnership over exploitation.

Conclusion
Conclude by reaffirming that India’s Africa policy emphasizes sustainable, respectful, and mutually beneficial growth, building a foundation for a long-term partnership based on shared values and interests.

Topic: India- South-East Asia

Q4. Examine the importance of India’s relationship with ASEAN in enhancing regional stability and economic growth in Southeast Asia. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the Question
The strategic and economic importance of India’s relationship with ASEAN. India’s engagement with ASEAN and its contribution to regional stability, economic integration, and security in Southeast Asia.

Key Demand of the Question

To explain the significance of India-ASEAN relations in promoting regional stability. To discuss how India’s economic cooperation with ASEAN contributes to Southeast Asia’s economic growth.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction
Provide a brief overview of India-ASEAN relations, highlighting the strategic and economic significance of this partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.

Body

• Regional Stability-Mention India’s role in ASEAN-led forums (like EAS and ADMM-Plus) to promote peace and security. Briefly address India’s support for maritime security, counter-terrorism in the region, counters regional threats, promotes a rules-based order, and ensures free navigation in critical waters.
• Economic Growth- Explain the importance of trade agreements, connectivity projects, and investment opportunities between India and ASEAN. Touch upon India’s contributions to ASEAN’s economic sectors, like technology and services.

Conclusion
Conclude by affirming that India-ASEAN cooperation not only enhances bilateral ties but also strengthens regional frameworks for stability and prosperity, contributing to a secure and thriving Southeast Asia.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security

Q5. “Eradicating terrorism is essential for India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047”. Discuss how a cohesive national counter-terrorism policy, with coordinated efforts between central and state agencies, can effectively address security challenges. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: IE

Why the Question:
Stressing on the need to work together to fight terrorism Union Home Minister said that the Centre will soon bring a national counter-terrorism policy and strategy.

Key Demand of the Question:
Why eradicating terrorism is crucial for India’s development goals and how a coordinated national counter-terrorism policy can enhance security through central-state collaboration.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Briefly highlight the link between national security, development, and the role of a unified counter-terrorism policy in achieving India’s 2047 vision.

Body:

• Importance of Eradicating Terrorism for Development: Explain how terrorism disrupts economic growth, social stability, and human capital, hindering India’s development vision.
• Role of a Cohesive National Counter-Terrorism Policy: Describe how a unified policy ensures standardized practices, fosters central-state intelligence sharing, strengthens legal and operational tools, and enables technological modernization to address security threats effectively.
• What more steps can be taken in this regard

Conclusion:
Conclude with the importance of a cohesive counter-terrorism ecosystem, emphasizing its role in providing a secure foundation for India’s development by 2047.

Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

Q6. Discuss the potential applications of drone technology in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: PIB

Why the Question:
Workshop on Application and Demonstration of Drone Technology in Fisheries and Aquaculture to be held in Kochi.

Key Demand of the Question:
Discuss the various applications of drone technology in fisheries and aquaculture, focusing on how these applications address specific challenges in the sector.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Briefly introduce the role of technology in modernizing fisheries and aquaculture, mentioning the specific potential of drone technology to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

Body:

• Monitoring and Surveillance: Drones help in real-time monitoring of fish populations, water quality, and feed distribution.
• Disease Detection and Health Monitoring: Explain how drones assist in identifying health issues in fish stocks early.
• Disaster Management: Highlight drones’ role in rescue operations, infrastructure assessment, and damage control.
• Precision Fishing and Stock Assessment: Mention how drones aid in stock counting, reducing overfishing risks.

Conclusion:
Emphasize the importance of drones in achieving sustainable and resilient fisheries, suggesting that continued innovation and support can further unlock their potential in the sector.

General Studies – 4

Q7.As a newly appointed District Collector of Cuddalore, you are immediately confronted with a significant crisis: a hooch tragedy that has claimed the lives of 56 individuals in five days. This tragedy has left many children orphaned and the community in deep distress. The incident has drawn widespread media attention, highlighting administrative lapses, political involvement, and rampant illicit liquor trade in the district.

Cuddalore is among the backward districts in Tamil Nadu, where hooch flows as freely as the Manimuktha River. The people in Cuddalore, mostly Dalits, rely heavily on illicit liquor, spending a significant portion of their daily wages on it. The tragedy struck when a batch of hooch led to methanol poisoning, resulting in numerous deaths and severe health issues for the survivors. The district administration initially denied the severity of the situation, delaying effective response measures.

Despite the presence of two police stations in the vicinity, the illicit liquor trade has continued unabated, allegedly with political protection. The government has since suspended the police superintendent and several officials, and transferred the previous collector.

This incident has exposed deep-rooted issues within the district, including the systemic neglect of marginalized communities, corruption, and the failure of law enforcement agencies to curb illegal activities. As the new District Collector, you face the daunting task of addressing these multifaceted challenges while restoring trust and ensuring justice for the affected families.

In the given circumstances, address the following:

1. 1. Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case and discuss the ethical issues they face.
   2. Under the given circumstances, what will be your course of action to handle the above crisis? [20M]

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TOI

Why the Question
A 58-year-old man was arrested recently for supplying methanol to bootleggers at Panruti in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu where a hooch tragedy claimed 53 lives in November 2001

Key Demand of the Question

Identification of key stakeholders and the ethical issues they face. Development of an actionable, ethical plan to handle a crisis involving loss of life, public trust, and entrenched issues.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction
Briefly introduce the situation by acknowledging the tragic hooch incident and its repercussions on the community, especially on marginalized groups.

Body

1. Stakeholders & Ethical Issues
   • Identify stakeholders (e.g., district administration, law enforcement, local government, community members, families of the deceased, and the media).
   • Highlight ethical issues such as administrative negligence, corruption, failure to protect vulnerable communities, and the need for accountability.
2. Course of Action
   • Mention immediate steps to address the crisis (e.g., healthcare for survivors, aid for affected families, and safety measures).
   • Outline mid-term actions for restoring law enforcement credibility, addressing systemic corruption, and engaging with community leaders.
   • Suggest long-term strategies for socio-economic development, creating awareness, and rehabilitation programs to prevent similar incidents.

Conclusion
Conclude with a commitment to rebuilding community trust, ensuring justice, and upholding ethical governance to protect marginalized populations from similar future tragedies. Emphasize accountability, transparency, and ethical governance as foundational principles of your approach.

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