UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 31 December 2024

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General Studies – 1

Topic: Political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.

Q1. Discuss the significance of the Carter Doctrine in reshaping US foreign policy during the Cold War and its long-term impact on US-Soviet relations. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: PIB

Why the question
Prime Minister recently condoled the passing of former US President Mr. Jimmy Carter

Key Demand of the Question
The question requires an analysis of the Carter Doctrine’s significance in redefining US foreign policy during the Cold War and an evaluation of its lasting impact on the geopolitical dynamics between the US and USSR.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction
Briefly introduce the Carter Doctrine, emphasizing its role as a Cold War strategy to secure US interests in the Persian Gulf and counter Soviet expansion.

Body

• Significance in reshaping US foreign policy: Discuss its impact on military assertiveness, energy security, and Cold War containment strategy.
• Long-term impact on US-Soviet relations: Highlight its role in escalating tensions, economic strain on the USSR, and its influence on later policies like glasnost and US dominance in the Middle East.

Conclusion
Conclude by emphasizing how the Doctrine marked a pivotal moment in Cold War history, with lessons for balancing assertiveness and diplomacy in contemporary global politics.

Topic: urbanization, their problems and their remedies

Q2. Evaluate how urban planning in Indian cities caters to the needs of economic enterprises over residents. Propose a framework to make cities more inclusive and liveable. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: NIE

Why the question
The increasing urbanization and challenges in Indian cities highlight the need for inclusive urban planning that prioritizes the well-being of residents over purely economic objectives.

Key Demand of the Question
The question demands an evaluation of how urban planning in India caters more to economic enterprises than residents, and a framework for making cities inclusive and liveable, addressing both current gaps and solutions.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction
Highlight the historical focus of urban planning in India on economic growth and industrialization, often at the expense of residents’ social and environmental needs.

Body

• Urban planning favouring economic enterprises: Discuss examples like SEZs, privatization of public spaces, and neglect of the informal sector to show the bias toward profit-centric planning.
• Framework for inclusivity: Propose solutions like participatory planning, sustainable infrastructure, equitable spatial development, and strengthening the informal economy to address gaps.

Conclusion
Emphasize the importance of shifting from profit-centric to human-centric urban planning, ensuring sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience in Indian cities.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

Q3. Do you think India’s defamation laws hinder freedom of expression, or do they provide necessary checks? Justify your opinion with examples. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question
The relevance of defamation laws in balancing freedom of expression and reputation has gained attention, especially with the introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 and recent high-profile cases involving political figures and social media.

Key Demand of the Question
The question requires an opinion-based assessment of whether India’s defamation laws hinder free speech or provide necessary checks. It also demands examples and arguments for both sides, culminating in a balanced conclusion.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction
Start by highlighting the constitutional significance of freedom of expression (Article 19(1)(a)) and reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2). Briefly mention defamation as a critical legal framework in this context.

Body

• Defamation laws as necessary checks: Discuss how these laws protect reputation, deter falsehoods, and ensure accountability in public and digital discourse. Provide relevant examples of their positive impact.
• Defamation laws hindering free speech: Highlight how they can create a chilling effect, be misused to stifle dissent, and impact digital expression. Use recent cases to substantiate.

Conclusion
End with a solution-oriented perspective, emphasizing the need for judicial safeguards, digital-specific reforms, and a shift towards civil remedies to maintain a balance between free speech and reputation.

Topic: India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Q4. Critically evaluate the decision to suspend the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar. How can such measures impact the lives of border communities and India’s bilateral relations with Myanmar? (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question
The suspension of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar is a critical policy decision that has implications for internal security, border communities, and bilateral relations with Myanmar.

Key Demand of the Question
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that demographic data along the Myanmar border, especially in Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur, should be mapped to help in fencing of the international border and stopping infiltration.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction
Begin with the strategic importance of the India-Myanmar border and the rationale behind suspending the FMR.

Body

• Highlight the positives and negatives of suspending the FMR, focusing on security, demographic preservation, and its socio-economic trade-offs.
• Discuss the impact on border communities, emphasizing disruptions in livelihoods, cultural ties, and access to resources.
• Examine the implications for bilateral relations, including counter-insurgency cooperation, economic ties, and regional dynamics.

Conclusion
End with a forward-looking solution, emphasizing a balanced approach that ensures both security and the well-being of border communities while fostering strong bilateral ties.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Nuclear energy-Half life

Q5. What is the significance of the “half-life” of radioactive elements in nuclear energy applications? Explain its relevance to the safety and disposal of nuclear waste. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the Question:
The understanding of radioactive half-life in nuclear energy and its implications for safety and sustainable waste disposal, which are critical to leveraging nuclear energy effectively.

Key Demand of the Question:
The question demands explaining the concept of half-life in radioactive elements, its role in nuclear energy applications, and its importance in ensuring safe and effective nuclear waste management.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Define the half-life of radioactive elements and briefly explain its importance in nuclear energy applications.

Body:

• Significance of half-life in nuclear energy: Explain how it impacts fuel choice, reactor operations, and radiation control.
• Relevance to nuclear waste safety: Discuss its role in waste categorization, disposal strategies, and environmental risk assessment.

Conclusion:
Highlight the necessity of advanced technologies and global collaboration to harness nuclear energy sustainably while managing waste effectively.

Topic: Nuclear Energy – Three stage nuclear programme

Q6. Discuss the design of India’s three-stage nuclear power program. How does it address the limitations of India’s natural uranium resources, and what are the key challenges in its implementation? (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the Question:
The strategic design of India’s nuclear power program, its focus on addressing uranium scarcity, and the challenges in implementing its three-stage plan.

Key Demand of the Question:
The key demand is to explain the structure of the three-stage nuclear program, its role in optimizing natural uranium use, and to discuss the primary challenges faced in its execution.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Briefly introduce the visionary nature of India’s three-stage nuclear program and its significance in achieving energy self-reliance.

Body:

• Design of the three-stage program: Summarize the three stages—PHWRs, FBRs, and thorium reactors—and their progression.
• Addressing uranium limitations: Highlight how the program efficiently uses thorium and minimizes reliance on imported uranium.
• Challenges in implementation: Discuss technical, infrastructural, and policy-level challenges hampering the program’s progress.

Conclusion:
Provide a futuristic perspective on how focused investments and international collaboration can ensure the program’s success in making India a leader in sustainable nuclear

General Studies – 4

Q7. What are the ethical implications of leaders instigating or supporting protests? Should their actions be held to a higher standard of accountability compared to ordinary citizens? (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the Question:

The ethical responsibilities of leaders in influencing public protests and the heightened accountability expected of them due to their societal impact.

Key Demand of the Question:

Discuss the ethical implications of leaders supporting or instigating protests and analyze whether their actions should be held to higher standards compared to ordinary citizens.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Define the ethical role of leaders in society and their influence on public actions, highlighting the balance between addressing grievances and maintaining societal harmony.

Body:

• Ethical implications of leaders’ actions: Explain how leaders’ involvement in protests can affect public behaviour, governance institutions, societal order, and their moral responsibilities.
• Accountability of leaders: Argue why leaders should adhere to higher ethical standards due to their constitutional obligations, societal influence, and role as moral exemplars.

Conclusion:
Summarize by emphasizing the need for leaders to uphold ethical standards, promote constructive change, and balance societal welfare with democratic values.

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