UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 21 November 2024

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice

 

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General Studies – 1


 

Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture.

Q1. Highlight the architectural contributions of the Lodi dynasty and their significance in the evolution of Indo-Islamic architecture. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the Question?

On 21st November 1517, Ibrahim Lodi (1517-26) succeeded the throne of Delhi, after the death of his father Sikandar Lodi.

Key Demand of the Question

Explain the architectural contributions of the Lodi dynasty and analyze their impact on the evolution of Indo-Islamic architecture.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction

Briefly introduce the Lodi dynasty as the last rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, emphasizing their architectural contributions.

Body

  1. Lodi Architectural Contributions-Mention specific features like the use of octagonal tombs, low domes, and emphasis on symmetry and simplicity.
  2. Significance in Indo-Islamic Architecture-Highlight how the Lodi architectural style bridged the Delhi Sultanate and early Mughal architecture, introducing garden tombs and influencing later developments.

Conclusion

Sum up their legacy in terms of their simplicity and the enduring influence on Mughal and later Indo-Islamic architecture.

 

Topic: Society and Geography

Q2. “Regions with the highest child populations are also the least prepared to address climate risks”. Discuss this paradox and suggest actionable solutions. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question

As per UNICEF report- The world is facing an unprecedented planetary crisis with nearly half the world’s children, about one billion living in countries that face high risk of climate and environmental hazards.

Key demand of the question

Explain the paradox of high child populations in regions least prepared for climate risks, analyze the impacts, and suggest solutions to address these challenges.

Structure of the answer

Introduction

Briefly define the paradox and its global relevance with a fact or report reference.

Body

  • Paradox explanation: Explain why regions with high child populations face greater climate risks due to demographic, infrastructural, and governance challenges.
  • Impact on children: Highlight how health, education, mental well-being, and migration are adversely impacted.
  • Actionable solutions: Suggest targeted policies such as climate-resilient infrastructure, child-centric adaptation strategies, and global cooperation mechanisms.

Conclusion

Emphasize the importance of addressing the paradox for global stability and sustainable child welfare with a forward-looking approach.

 


General Studies – 2


 

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Human Resources.

Q3. Assess the challenges and opportunities in bridging the skill gap to enhance India’s human resource potential in the 21st century. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the question
The critical need to address the skill gap to fully harness India’s demographic dividend and align its workforce with the demands of a rapidly changing global economy in the 21st century.

Key Demand of the Question
The question requires analyzing the challenges in addressing the skill gap, identifying opportunities that can be leveraged, and assessing how these efforts can enhance India’s human resource potential.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction
Provide a brief context on India’s demographic advantage and the importance of skilling for economic growth and global competitiveness. Mention a relevant statistic or report for emphasis.

Body

  • Challenges: Discuss economic, social, infrastructural, and policy-related barriers to bridging the skill gap.
  • Opportunities: Highlight areas where India can leverage advancements in technology, global trends, and government initiatives to address these gaps.

Conclusion
Conclude by emphasizing the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach involving government, industry, and academia to build a robust, future-ready workforce. Include a futuristic or solution-oriented statement.

 

Topic: Education

Q4. Discuss the reasons for inter-state disparities in educational outcomes in India and suggest measures to bridge this gap. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the Question
The question seeks to analyze the persisting inter-state disparities in educational outcomes, highlighting both the reasons and actionable solutions, which is critical for equitable development in India’s federal structure.

Key Demand of the Question
The question demands an analysis of the causes behind uneven educational outcomes across Indian states and the suggestion of feasible measures to address these disparities.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction:
Briefly set the context by mentioning the importance of education in India’s development and the existence of stark disparities across states. Reference relevant data or a report to substantiate the issue.

Body:

  • Reasons for inter-state disparities: Highlight economic, administrative, socio-cultural, and infrastructural factors contributing to unequal educational outcomes.
  • Measures to bridge the gap: Suggest policy, administrative, and financial interventions, emphasizing innovative and cooperative approaches between the Center and the states.

Conclusion:
End with a forward-looking statement emphasizing the role of balanced educational outcomes in achieving national goals like inclusive growth and the demographic dividend. Include a reference to constitutional principles or international commitments, such as SDG 4.

 


General Studies – 3


 

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

Q5. “The Blue Revolution is not just about increased fish production but also about sustainable practices”. Discuss the progress and challenges in achieving a sustainable Blue Economy in India. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: PIB

Why the question

World Fisheries Day, observed every November 21st, is a global event that underscores the critical importance of sustainable fisheries and the need to protect aquatic ecosystems and the livelihoods of fishing communities.

Key Demand of the question

Discuss the dual focus of the Blue Revolution on fish production and sustainability, highlight India’s progress in achieving a sustainable Blue Economy, outline challenges, and suggest a way forward.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction

Briefly define the Blue Revolution, emphasizing its focus on increasing fish production and ecological sustainability.

Body

  • The Blue Revolution’s dual focus: Highlight its emphasis on balancing fish production with sustainable practices, like eco-friendly fishing methods and biodiversity conservation.
  • Progress in achieving a sustainable Blue Economy: Mention key achievements such as aquaculture expansion, export leadership, investments, and climate-resilient practices.
  • Challenges in achieving a sustainable Blue Economy: Discuss issues like overfishing, marine pollution, climate impacts, and gaps in governance.
  • Way forward: Suggest solutions such as improved marine governance, climate-smart aquaculture, empowerment of fisherfolk, and tackling marine pollution.

Conclusion

Emphasize the importance of balancing economic growth with ecological sustainability to ensure long-term benefits for marine ecosystems and dependent communities.

 

Topic: Infrastructure

Q6. Highlight the role of the Network Planning Group (NPG) in enhancing infrastructure planning. How does its approach contribute to integrated and efficient project implementation? (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: PIB

Why the question

The Network Planning Group, which includes heads of the planning divisions of various infrastructure Ministries, has convened 83 meetings, during which 228 projects with an estimated cumulative cost of ₹15.89 Lakh Crore, have been evaluated.

Key demand of the question

Discuss the role of NPG in improving infrastructure planning and explain how its integrated approach ensures synchronized and efficient implementation of projects.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction

Briefly introduce the Network Planning Group (NPG) and its connection with multi-modal infrastructure planning.

Body

  • Role of NPG in infrastructure planning: Mention how NPG identifies gaps, prioritizes projects, and leverages data-driven decisions for effective infrastructure development.
  • Contribution of its integrated approach: Highlight the role of inter-ministerial coordination in synchronizing project timelines, resolving conflicts, and ensuring last-mile connectivity.

Conclusion

Emphasize how NPG’s collaborative and integrated framework is pivotal for achieving sustainable and efficient infrastructure growth.

 


General Studies – 4


 

Q7. Analyze the ethical challenges faced by law enforcement agencies during encounters involving armed groups. Discuss the balance between upholding human rights and ensuring public safety in such situations. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question
Anti Naxal Force officers ambushed the Maoist leader Vikram Gowda

Key Demand of the Question
The question requires analyzing the ethical challenges law enforcement faces during encounters, such as potential misuse of power, public trust, and accountability, while discussing how to balance human rights with the duty to ensure public safety.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction
Briefly contextualize the ethical challenges in law enforcement during encounters, emphasizing the dual responsibility of upholding the rule of law and protecting lives.

Body

  • Ethical challenges: Highlight issues such as the risk of excessive force, accountability, transparency, and operational discretion during high-stakes situations.
  • Balancing human rights and public safety: Discuss frameworks or principles, like proportionality, accountability mechanisms, and humane approaches to minimize harm while ensuring security.

Conclusion
Conclude by emphasizing the need for a professional, ethically-guided approach in law enforcement, supported by accountability frameworks, to maintain public trust and uphold justice. Include a forward-looking statement on strengthening legal and ethical training for personnel.

 


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