UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 27 December 2024

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice

 

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General Studies – 1


 

Topic: Population and associated issues.

Q1. “Rising suicides among tribal communities highlight the intersection of socio-economic marginalization, cultural alienation, and mental health challenges”. Discuss. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: PIB

Why the question:
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that there is an alarming increase in suicides among tribal people settled in the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala with about 23 deaths reported in 2024 itself.

Key Demand of the Question:
The question requires a discussion of the underlying factors leading to tribal suicides, categorized into socio-economic, cultural, and mental health dimensions, while also presenting practical and impactful solutions.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Briefly introduce the issue of increasing suicides among tribal communities, linking it to their socio-economic and cultural vulnerabilities and its implications on their human rights and well-being.

Body:

  • Socio-economic marginalization: Discuss poverty, unemployment, lack of healthcare access, and economic vulnerabilities contributing to tribal distress.
  • Cultural alienation: Highlight the loss of cultural identity, land alienation, and erosion of traditional practices leading to psychological stress.
  • Mental health challenges: Address the role of neglected mental health services, stigma, and substance abuse in worsening the crisis.
  • Solutions: Suggest inclusive policy reforms, improved mental health services, cultural preservation initiatives, and community-driven interventions.

Conclusion:
Conclude by emphasizing the need for a multi-pronged, community-centric approach that strengthens socio-economic support, mental health infrastructure, and cultural preservation to empower tribal communities sustainably.

 

Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc

Q2. Discuss the advancements in tsunami early warning systems over the past two decades and their contribution to disaster preparedness. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: IE

Why the question:
The advancements in tsunami early warning systems over the past two decades, driven by the lessons of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, have significantly enhanced disaster preparedness and risk mitigation.

Key Demand of the Question:
The question requires analyzing the technological and institutional advancements in tsunami early warning systems over the past two decades and evaluating their contribution to disaster preparedness and reduction of risks.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Highlight the transformative role of early warning systems in disaster management post-2004, emphasizing their criticality in saving lives and mitigating economic losses.

Body:

  • Advancements in technology: Discuss improvements in real-time monitoring networks, sea-level observation, computational algorithms, and regional warning systems.
  • Contribution to disaster preparedness: Highlight the impact of early warnings in reducing casualties, enhancing community awareness, and fostering global data-sharing mechanisms.

Conclusion:
Conclude by emphasizing the need to expand early warning system coverage to vulnerable nations, ensuring universal preparedness against natural disasters.

 


General Studies – 2


 

Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

Q3. “Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs) serve as a mechanism for conflict resolution and stakeholder representation in the legislative process”. Examine. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question:
The Joint Parliamentary Committee on Waqf Bill is likely to visit Jammu and Kashmir, chairman of the panel said), at the end of a day-long meeting of the committee.

Key demand of the question:
The question requires explaining the dual role of JPCs in conflict resolution and stakeholder inclusion, emphasizing their functioning, contributions, and examples to demonstrate their effectiveness.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Briefly introduce the role of JPCs in India’s legislative framework as tools for ensuring consensus, accountability, and inclusivity in law-making.

Body:

  • For conflict resolution: Highlight how JPCs resolve contentious legislative issues through detailed scrutiny, bipartisan engagement, and consensus-building mechanisms.
  • For stakeholder representation: Explain their role in incorporating views of marginalized groups, experts, and state representatives, ensuring a participatory policy-making process.

Conclusion:
Emphasize the importance of JPCs in strengthening democracy and suggest steps like better resource allocation and time-bound reporting to enhance their effectiveness.

 

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

Q4. “The potential for a South Asian economic union remains unfulfilled due to persistent bilateral tensions and political challenges in the region”. Analyze the obstacles and prospects for regional economic integration in South Asia. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: DH

Why the question:
The challenges and potential for regional economic integration in South Asia, which is critical for fostering economic growth, reducing disparities, and ensuring geopolitical stability in the region.

Key Demand of the Question:
The question requires an analysis of the key obstacles hindering South Asia’s economic integration and the prospects for such integration, followed by a way forward to address these challenges and capitalize on the opportunities.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Mention South Asia’s economic potential and the untapped opportunities due to limited regional integration, despite frameworks like SAARC and SAFTA.

Body:

  • Obstacles to regional integration: Highlight major challenges like political tensions, economic disparities, and external influences.
  • Prospects for integration: Discuss areas of potential cooperation, such as trade, energy, and digital connectivity.
  • Way forward: Suggest measures to revitalize regional frameworks, resolve bilateral disputes, and strengthen infrastructure and institutional mechanisms.

Conclusion:
Conclude by emphasizing the need for political will and inclusive policies to unlock South Asia’s collective potential for economic growth and regional stability.

 


General Studies – 3


 

Topic: Environmental ACTS, Policies, Organizations, Institutions and Measures

Q5. What are the key challenges in implementing the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, in India’s urbanized landscapes? Suggest practical measures to overcome them. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the question
The question addresses the challenges in implementing wildlife protection laws in the context of urbanization and seeks practical solutions to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.

Key Demand of the Question
To identify the challenges in implementing the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, in urban areas and suggest actionable measures to overcome these issues.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction
Begin with a relevant fact or constitutional provision (e.g., Article 48A) that highlights the importance of wildlife conservation in urbanized landscapes.

Body

  • Explain the specific challenges posed by urbanization, such as habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, infrastructure development, and weak enforcement mechanisms.
  • Provide practical measures like creating wildlife corridors, leveraging technology, strengthening enforcement, and integrating wildlife conservation into urban planning frameworks.

Conclusion
Conclude with a forward-looking statement emphasizing the need for a balance between urban development and ecological preservation through proactive and inclusive measures.

 

Topic: Topic: Environmental ACTS, Policies , Organizations, Institutions and Measures

Q6. “The concept of ecological restoration is gaining momentum globally”. Discuss the role of India’s CAMPA funds in promoting ecological restoration. What are the associated challenges in prioritizing natural ecosystems over plantations? (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the question
The question highlights the increasing importance of ecological restoration globally and India’s efforts through CAMPA funds, while exploring the challenges of prioritizing natural ecosystems over plantations.

Key Demand of the Question
To discuss the significance of ecological restoration, evaluate the role of CAMPA in promoting restoration in India, and address challenges in preferring natural ecosystems over monoculture plantations.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction
Begin with a relevant global or national initiative emphasizing ecological restoration, such as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration or India’s Bonn Challenge commitments.

Body

  • Highlight the global relevance of ecological restoration and its role in combating biodiversity loss, climate change, and land degradation.
  • Discuss the contributions of CAMPA funds in restoring degraded forests, improving wildlife habitats, and involving communities.
  • Associated challenges such as monoculture plantations, delayed outcomes, and socio-economic conflicts in prioritizing natural restoration over commercial afforestation.

Conclusion
End with a forward-looking solution emphasizing the need for biodiversity-centric policies, robust monitoring mechanisms, and community involvement to achieve sustainable ecological restoration.

 


General Studies – 4


 

Q7. Recently, disturbing incidents have surfaced across Lokhandwala and Vile Parle, sparking outrage. Kunal, a car driver, was arrested for fatally injuring a puppy, while an auto driver faced charges for fatally attacking a pet dog. Furthermore, an illegal horse race on the Western Express Highway in Vile Parle drew condemnation after a viral video showed horses being brutally whipped. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) filed a complaint in response. The Bangur Nagar police also arrested an individual for beating street dogs to death, while in Bandra, unknown assailants were booked for killing three cats and attacking two others. Shockingly, one incident involved a contract worth Rs 4,500 to eliminate a dog, highlighting a distressing trend of animal cruelty. (20 M)

In light of the above situation, answer the following questions:

a) What ethical considerations should guide our treatment of animals in society?

b) Briefly describe at least four laws that have been enacted by the Government concerning animals.

c) Imagine you are Chief Secretary of State. What suggestions would you make to mitigate such incidents?

Difficulty Level: Medium

Why the question:

The rising incidents of animal cruelty in society and seeks solutions through ethical considerations, legal provisions, and administrative measures.

Key Demand of the Question:

To analyze the ethical principles governing the humane treatment of animals, outline relevant laws for animal protection, and propose actionable administrative measures to prevent such incidents.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Begin with a relevant constitutional provision, ethical principle, or statistic highlighting the importance of animal welfare.

Body:

  • Ethical considerations: Discuss the intrinsic value of animals and the moral obligations society holds.
  • Legal framework: Briefly outline significant laws enacted for animal welfare and their importance.
  • Administrative suggestions: Present practical, actionable measures to mitigate such incidents, emphasizing enforcement, awareness, and collaboration.

Conclusion:
End with a thoughtful quote or an ethical principle emphasizing compassion and justice for animals as a reflection of societal values.

 


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