UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 11 December 2024

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice

 

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General Studies – 1


 

Topic: The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country.

Q1. “The C. R. Formula proposed a practical solution for communal harmony but faced stiff resistance”. Discuss its reception by various stakeholders and its impact on later negotiations. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: PIB

Why the question

Lok Sabha Speaker paid floral tributes to Bharat Ratna Shri Chakravarti Rajagopalachari in Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan on his Birth Anniversary.

Key demand of the question

The question demands an evaluation of the C. R. Formula, its reception among stakeholders, and its influence on future negotiations leading to partition.

Structure of the answer

Introduction
Briefly mention the context of the C. R. Formula (1944) as a proposal to address communal differences and its relevance in the backdrop of India’s independence movement.

Body

  • Practical solution for communal harmony: Outline the key provisions of the formula, such as the plebiscite and interim government proposal.
  • Reception by stakeholders: Highlight differing reactions from the Congress, Muslim League, Hindu Mahasabha, and the British Government.
  • Impact on later negotiations: Explain its influence on later plans like the Cabinet Mission Plan, the Direct Action Day, and the eventual partition process.

Conclusion
Conclude with the formula’s significance as a lesson in the importance of inclusive dialogue and its failure to address entrenched communal divides, with a futuristic note on conflict resolution.

 

Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world

Q2. Analyze the factors influencing the regional dominance of solar energy production and the challenges faced by emerging solar markets. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question

The 2024 World Solar Report shows that the average auction prices for utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects have consistently decreased across all regions.

Key Demand of the Question

The question demands an evaluation of factors driving dominance in solar energy production and an analysis of barriers hindering the growth of solar markets in emerging economies.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction
Mention the growing significance of solar energy in global energy transitions and its uneven distribution among regions.

Body

  • Factors influencing dominance: Discuss geographical, technological, and economic factors contributing to solar leadership.
  • Challenges in emerging markets: Highlight barriers like high costs, weak infrastructure, and policy issues hindering solar adoption in developing regions.

Conclusion
Provide a solution-oriented conclusion emphasizing the need for global cooperation in technology transfer, financing, and capacity building to bridge gaps and promote equitable solar energy growth.

 


General Studies – 2


 

Topic: Important aspects of governance, Fundamental rights

Q3. Critically examine the validity of internet shutdowns in India in the light of Supreme Court judgments. Analyze their impact on fundamental rights and governance, and suggest measures to balance public safety with democratic principles. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question

The Union government informed the Supreme Court that it had written to State chief secretaries to follow the law laid down by the top court on the issue of internet shutdowns.

Key Demand of the Question

The question demands an analysis of the legality of internet shutdowns based on Supreme Court judgments, their impact on governance and rights, and recommendations to align shutdowns with democratic principles.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction
Mention the rise of internet shutdowns in India, their justification on grounds of public safety, and the recognition of internet access as a fundamental right by the Supreme Court.

Body

  • Validity of shutdowns: Discuss the constitutional framework and judicial principles (necessity, proportionality, and transparency).
  • Impact of shutdowns: Analyze effects on fundamental rights, governance, public trust, and socio-economic activities.
  • Recommendations: Suggest reforms in legal frameworks, use of technology, strengthening judicial oversight, and promoting transparency.

Conclusion
Emphasize  the importance of balancing security concerns with fundamental rights, emphasizing judicial accountability and policy reforms for a robust democracy.

 

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Q4. How does India’s deepening engagement with Russia amidst geopolitical challenges reflect its foreign policy priorities and strategic autonomy? (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question

As per India’s Defence Minister – Despite geopolitical challenges and great pressure both in public and in private, India has made a conscious decision to not only continue its close engagement with Russia but also deepen and expand the cooperation.

Key Demand of the Question

The question requires an analysis of India’s foreign policy priorities, how they are reflected in its engagement with Russia, and the role of strategic autonomy in shaping these decisions.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction
Briefly mention India’s evolving foreign policy stance, emphasizing strategic autonomy and the historical context of India-Russia relations.

Body

  • India’s foreign policy priorities: Highlight areas such as defence cooperation, energy security, economic diversification, and geopolitical balancing.
  • Strategic autonomy: Explain how India’s independent decision-making reflects its resistance to external pressures, focus on self-reliance, and maintenance of a multipolar global order.

Conclusion
Conclude with a solution-oriented perspective on leveraging balanced ties with all global powers while prioritizing India’s strategic and economic goals.

 


General Studies – 3


 

Topic: Government policies

Q5. “The Industrial Policy Resolution of 1991 transformed India’s industrial landscape”. Analyze its impact on domestic industries and global integration. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the Question:
To analyze the transformative impact of the Industrial Policy Resolution of 1991 on India’s industrial landscape, focusing on its effects on domestic industries and global integration.

Key Demand of the Question:
The key demands are to evaluate how the 1991 Industrial Policy altered the functioning and growth of domestic industries and to examine its role in integrating India into the global economy.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Briefly mention the significance of the 1991 reforms as a watershed moment in India’s economic history, highlighting their role in dismantling the License Raj and enabling liberalization.

Body:

  • Impact on Domestic Industries: Discuss how deregulation, privatization, and technological modernization impacted productivity, efficiency, and sectoral growth in industries like manufacturing and services.
  • Impact on Global Integration: Explain how trade liberalization, FDI, and participation in global supply chains enhanced India’s competitiveness and exports.

Conclusion:
Conclude with a balanced perspective on the long-term benefits of the policy while highlighting areas needing continued reforms, such as inclusive growth and sectoral resilience.

 

Topic: Planning

Q6. Discuss the role of planning in post-independence India. How has the transition from the Planning Commission to NITI Aayog addressed the limitations of centralized economic planning? (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the Question:
To evaluate the role of planning in India’s post-independence economic development and analyze how the shift from the Planning Commission to NITI Aayog addressed the limitations of centralized planning.

Key Demand of the Question:
The question demands an analysis of how planning shaped India’s development trajectory post-independence, the challenges of centralized planning, and how NITI Aayog’s approach addressed these limitations to improve governance and outcomes.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Mention the significance of planning in India’s early development, highlighting the establishment of the Planning Commission and its role in implementing Five-Year Plans.

Body:

  • Role of planning in post-independence India: Discuss the objectives and achievements of planning, such as economic reconstruction, industrial growth, poverty alleviation, and regional balance.
  • Limitations of centralized economic planning: Highlight inefficiencies, lack of flexibility, limited state participation, and public sector dominance.
  • Transition to NITI Aayog: Explain how cooperative federalism, flexibility, data-driven governance, and private sector involvement addressed these limitations.

Conclusion:
Conclude by emphasizing the need for adaptive planning frameworks like NITI Aayog to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth, leveraging the lessons from the Planning Commission era.

 


General Studies – 4


 

Q7. What ethical dilemmas arise in balancing economic development with environmental sustainability? Illustrate with examples. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: IE

Why the Question:
The question examines the ethical dilemmas arising from the conflict between economic development and environmental sustainability, a critical issue in contemporary policymaking.

Key Demand of the Question:
The question requires discussing the ethical dimensions of balancing economic and environmental priorities, analyzing dilemmas such as justice, intergenerational equity, and accountability, supported by relevant examples.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Define the ethical foundation of the conflict between economic development and environmental sustainability, referencing principles like justice, equity, and stewardship.

Body:

  • Ethical dilemmas: Highlight key dilemmas, such as justice vs. economic benefits, short-term gains vs. long-term sustainability, and human needs vs. ecological preservation.
  • Illustrations: Provide relevant examples for each dilemma, such as urbanization impacts, deforestation, or corporate environmental practices.

Conclusion
Conclude by emphasizing the need for ethical leadership, inclusive governance, and adherence to principles of justice and accountability to ensure a sustainable and equitable path forward.

 


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