UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 4 December 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. “Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s efforts during the independence movement laid the foundation for his work in post-independence India”. Elucidate. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: PIB

Why the Question
Lok Sabha Speaker and Parliamentarians pay tributes to Dr. Rajendra prasad on his birth anniversary

Key Demand of the Question
Explain the link between Rajendra Prasad’s role during the freedom struggle and his contributions as a statesman in post-independence India.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction
Briefly introduce Dr. Rajendra Prasad as a leader of the independence movement and independent India’s first President, emphasizing his transformative leadership.

Body

• Contributions during the independence movement-Highlight his leadership in key movements, his Gandhian philosophy, and his humanitarian work that established his moral authority.
• Role in post-independence India-Mention his contributions to Constitution-making, upholding democratic values as President, and his focus on rural development and national integration.

Conclusion
Conclude with a futuristic or inspirational note, emphasizing how Rajendra Prasad’s legacy offers lessons for ethical and inclusive leadership todayBottom of Form

Topic: Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries

Q2. How does agricultural infrastructure the spatial distribution of agricultural production and trade in India? Analyze its impact on regional development. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: PIB

Why the Question
To evaluate how agricultural infrastructure influences spatial patterns of agricultural production and trade and its role in regional development.

Key Demand of the Question
Examine the link between agricultural infrastructure and spatial distribution of production and trade, and analyze its implications for reducing regional disparities and promoting development.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction
Define agricultural infrastructure and its significance in shaping agricultural production, trade, and regional development.

Body

• How agricultural infrastructure impacts spatial distribution of production: Suggest how irrigation, storage, and market proximity affect crop patterns and productivity in different regions.
• Influence on trade: Highlight how cold chains, transport, and logistics hubs determine the spatial flow of agricultural goods.
• Impact on regional development: Discuss its role in reducing disparities, generating employment, and fostering rural industrialization.

Conclusion
Conclude by emphasizing the need for sustainable and inclusive infrastructure to address regional disparities and adapt to climate challenges.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

Q3. Discuss the constitutional validity and significance of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, in preserving the secular fabric of India. Analyze its role in addressing communal harmony. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the Question
A suit filed against the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh, in which the trial court issued an ex-parte order permitting a survey of the mosque had triggered violence.

Key Demand of the Question
Evaluate the constitutional and legal basis of the Act, its importance in promoting secularism and communal harmony, and critically analyze challenges and solutions.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction
Briefly introduce the Places of Worship Act, 1991, as a legislative tool to uphold secularism and maintain communal harmony by preserving the religious status quo as of August 15, 1947.

Body

• Constitutional validity: Link the Act to Articles 14, 25, and 51A(e), and discuss its alignment with secularism and equality principles.
• Significance: Highlight its role in preserving religious diversity, reducing communal tensions, and maintaining secular governance.
• Role in addressing communal harmony: Analyze how the Act deters frivolous claims, fosters inter-faith trust, and prevents communal polarization.
• Challenges: Briefly mention judicial delays, lower court overreach, political misuse, and unresolved historical grievances.

Conclusion
Propose actionable solutions like judicial clarity, sensitization of courts, and fostering public awareness to ensure effective implementation of the Act for long-term communal harmony.

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

Q4. Discuss the mandate and jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). How effective has it been in resolving conflicts involving developing countries? (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: IE

Why the Question
ICJ begins hearing on landmark climate change case

Key Demand of the Question
Discuss the ICJ’s mandate and jurisdiction in international law, and critically analyze its successes and challenges in resolving disputes for developing nations.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction
Briefly introduce the ICJ, highlighting its establishment under the UN Charter in 1945 and its mandate to resolve inter-state disputes and provide advisory opinions.

Body

• Mandate and jurisdiction of the ICJ: Explain its contentious and advisory jurisdiction, consent-based operation, and binding but non-enforceable judgments.
• Success in resolving disputes for developing countries: Discuss its impartiality, accessibility, and examples of successful cases that benefited developing nations.
• Challenges faced by the ICJ: Highlight issues like lack of enforcement mechanisms, geopolitical influence, delays, and jurisdictional limitations.

Conclusion
Propose reforms like strengthening enforcement mechanisms, streamlining case timelines, and enhancing global cooperation to improve the ICJ’s effectiveness and credibility.

General Studies – 2

Topic: World Bank

Q5. “The World Bank has played a significant role in poverty alleviation across the globe, but its policies are often criticized for being neoliberal and growth-centric”. Comment. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the question?
Dual role of the World Bank in poverty alleviation and its controversial neoliberal approach, emphasizing the need for reforms to balance growth with equity.

Key Demand of the question
Discuss the role of the World Bank in poverty alleviation, critique its neoliberal and growth-centric policies, and suggest measures to enhance inclusivity and sustainability.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction
Highlight the World Bank’s role as a global development financer and its pivotal contributions to poverty alleviation over decades.

Body

• Role in poverty alleviation: Explain its funding for social sectors, crisis mitigation, infrastructure, and empowering vulnerable groups.
• Criticisms of neoliberalism and growth-centric policies: Discuss issues such as structural adjustment programs, inequality, environmental concerns, and focus on GDP over human development.
• What needs to be done: Suggest reforms like inclusive growth models, stronger safeguards, prioritizing human development, and climate resilience.

Conclusion
Emphasize the need for the World Bank to adopt a sustainability-driven, inclusive approach to ensure equitable and long-term poverty alleviation

Topic: IMF and Special drawing rights

Q6. What are Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)? Discuss their role in enhancing global liquidity. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the question?
To assess understanding of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) as an IMF mechanism and their role in stabilizing global liquidity, especially during economic crises.

Key Demand of the question
Explain the concept of SDRs and analyze their role in enhancing global liquidity through specific mechanisms and examples.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction
Briefly define SDRs as an IMF-created international reserve asset and highlight their relevance in the current global economic context.

Body

• What are Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)?-Explain the basic concept, allocation mechanism, and valuation of SDRs.
• Role in enhancing global liquidity-Discuss how SDRs address liquidity shortages, support foreign reserves, mitigate financial crises, and contribute to global economic stability with examples.

Conclusion
Conclude with the importance of SDRs as a tool for economic resilience and propose how expanded and strategic utilization can address future global challenges.

General Studies – 4

Q7. “Institutional integrity is compromised when conflicts overshadow constructive dialogue”. Examine the role of emotional intelligence and ethical leadership in handling contentious situations in public institutions. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: IT

Why the question?
Conflict resolution in public institutions is influenced by emotional intelligence and ethical leadership, both essential for maintaining institutional integrity and trust.

Key Demand of the question
Explain how emotional intelligence aids in resolving conflicts and fostering dialogue, and analyze the role of ethical leadership in ensuring integrity and effective functioning of public institutions.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction
Briefly explain the importance of institutional integrity and its dependence on constructive dialogue. Highlight the relevance of emotional intelligence and ethical leadership in conflict resolution.

Body

• Role of emotional intelligence: Discuss how empathy, self-regulation, and conflict resolution skills help leaders address contentious situations and build trust.
• Role of ethical leadership: Explain how transparency, accountability, and adherence to constitutional values uphold institutional integrity during disputes.

Conclusion
Emphasize the complementary role of emotional intelligence and ethical leadership in transforming conflicts into opportunities for collaboration and progress in public institutions.

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