UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 2 January 2025

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 from ancient to modern times.

Q1. “The Chola inscriptions provide a window into the socio-economic life of medieval South India”. Discuss. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question:
The epigraphy division of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) deciphered a Chola-period merchant guild inscription found at Pilippatti village in Illuppur taluk in Pudukkottai district..

Key Demand of the question:
The question requires an analysis of Chola inscriptions to highlight their role in documenting social structures, religious practices, and economic activities like trade, taxation, and resource management.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce Chola inscriptions, highlighting their relevance as primary sources for understanding medieval South Indian history.

Body:

  • Explain the social aspects recorded in inscriptions, such as temple-centric cultural activities, caste hierarchy, and local governance systems.
  • Discuss the economic aspects, including trade guilds, agrarian economy, temple economies, and market systems as reflected in inscriptions.

Conclusion:

Conclude by emphasizing the enduring value of Chola inscriptions in providing insights into medieval socio-economic systems and their lessons for contemporary governance and cultural preservation.

 

Topic: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India

Q2. “True happiness lies in self-contentment rather than external achievements”. Examine this statement in the context of India’s evolving social values and the increasing emphasis on material success. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question:
The societal shift toward materialism in India, highlighting its impact on traditional values and the need to realign priorities to ensure holistic well-being and happiness.

Key Demand of the question:
The question requires an analysis of the philosophical premise that self-contentment leads to happiness, an examination of how India’s social values have changed, the rise of material success as a metric of achievement, and practical solutions to balance material pursuits with emotional well-being.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Define happiness as an intrinsic value and briefly contrast it with external achievements.

Body:

  • Analyze why self-contentment fosters lasting happiness, using examples from philosophy and studies.
  • Examine the evolving social values in India and how they have shifted from community and simplicity to individualism and consumerism.
  • Discuss the increasing focus on material success as a societal goal and its associated challenges.
  • Suggest actionable measures to balance self-contentment and material pursuits, promoting holistic growth.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a forward-looking perspective emphasizing the need for a value-driven approach to happiness that harmonizes personal growth with societal well-being.

 


General Studies – 2


 

Topic: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure,

Q3. “India’s transition from Planning Commission to NITI Aayog reflects a shift from centralized planning to cooperative federalism”. Evaluate the success and shortcomings of NITI Aayog in fostering cooperative federalism. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: NIE

Why the question:
1st Jaunary 2025, marks the 10th birthday of a national organisation—the Niti Aayog—that succeeded the Planning Commission.

Key Demand of the question:
The question requires an evaluation of how the transition to NITI Aayog has impacted governance, highlighting its successes in fostering cooperative federalism while analyzing its structural and operational shortcomings.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the rationale behind the transition from the Planning Commission to NITI Aayog and its focus on cooperative and competitive federalism.

Body:

  • Explain the transition and its objectives, emphasizing the shift from centralized to collaborative planning.
  • Discuss the successes of NITI Aayog in fostering cooperative federalism through policy innovation, state engagement, and competitive governance.
  • Analyze the shortcomings, including lack of financial authority, institutional capacity, and gaps in long-term planning.

Conclusion:

Conclude by highlighting the potential of NITI Aayog to enhance cooperative federalism through reforms, emphasizing its role in achieving India’s developmental goals for 2047Bottom of Form

 

Topic: India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Q4. Examine the impact of cross-border terrorism on the India-Pakistan peace process. What measures can India adopt to counter this challenge diplomatically? (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question:
India and Pakistan exchanged a list of their nuclear installations under a bilateral pact that prohibits the two sides from attacking each other’s atomic facilities, in continuation of an over-three-decade practice.

Key Demand of the question:
The question demands an analysis of how cross-border terrorism disrupts the peace process, followed by a discussion on India’s potential diplomatic measures to counter this issue and promote stability.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly highlight the significance of the India-Pakistan peace process and the challenge posed by cross-border terrorism.

Body:

  • Explain the impact of cross-border terrorism on trust, regional stability, and bilateral relations, with examples.
  • Discuss diplomatic measures India can adopt, such as leveraging international platforms, enhancing alliances, and using evidence-based diplomacy.

Conclusion:

Conclude by emphasizing the importance of a calibrated approach combining diplomacy, regional cooperation, and global accountability to address terrorism and sustain peace efforts.

 


General Studies – 3


 

Topic: Recombinant DNA

Q5. “Recombinant DNA technology is pivotal in combating global health challenges”. Examine its applications in vaccine development and genetic disorder treatment. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the question:
The significance of recombinant DNA technology in solving critical health challenges, particularly through its transformative role in vaccine development and genetic disorder treatment, which are contemporary global issues.

Key Demand of the question:
The question requires an understanding of recombinant DNA technology, its role in vaccine development, and its applications in treating genetic disorders, along with examples to substantiate each part.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly explain recombinant DNA technology and its pivotal role in modern healthcare advancements.

Body:

  • Explain recombinant DNA technology and its relevance in healthcare, emphasizing its ability to address specific challenges.
  • Discuss its applications in vaccine development, focusing on specific examples like subunit vaccines or mRNA technology.
  • Elaborate on its role in treating genetic disorders, such as gene therapy and production of therapeutic proteins, with relevant examples.

Conclusion:

Conclude by emphasizing the transformative potential of recombinant DNA technology in combating future global health challenges and ensuring equitable healthcare solutions.

 

Topic: Graphene, Application of graphene

Q6. “The discovery of graphene has been a game-changer in material science”. Analyze the unique properties of graphene and discuss its potential applications in developing sustainable technologies. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the question:
The transformative impact of graphene in science and technology, its unique properties, and its applications, particularly in sustainable development, which aligns with emerging trends in innovation and environmental priorities.

Key Demand of the question:
The question demands an analysis of why graphene is revolutionary, an examination of its unique properties, and a discussion on how it contributes to sustainable technologies.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce graphene, highlighting its discovery and recognition as a breakthrough material in science.

Body:

  • Explain how graphene has changed material science with examples of its revolutionary contributions.
  • Analyze its unique properties like strength, conductivity, and flexibility, focusing on their relevance.
  • Discuss its applications in sustainable technologies, such as clean energy, water purification, and eco-friendly materials.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a forward-looking statement on how graphene can be a cornerstone for global sustainability and technological advancement.

 


General Studies – 4


 

Q7. “Profiting from the vulnerabilities of workers is morally unacceptable”. Examine the ethical obligation of platform owners to ensure fair wages and humane working conditions for gig workers. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: NIE

Why the question:
The ethical concerns related to the exploitation of gig workers, focusing on the moral responsibilities of platform owners to uphold principles of justice, fairness, and dignity in a rapidly expanding gig economy.

Key Demand of the question:
The question requires an explanation of why exploiting workers is ethically wrong and an examination of the moral obligations of platform owners to provide fair compensation and humane working conditions in alignment with ethical principles.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Begin by emphasizing the ethical principles of justice and dignity, and how their violation in the gig economy raises moral concerns.

Body:

  • Explain why exploiting vulnerabilities contradicts ethical principles like fairness, non-exploitation, and respect for autonomy.
  • Discuss the ethical obligations of platform owners, including providing fair wages, humane conditions, transparency, and social security, supported by examples and ethical theories.

Conclusion:

Conclude by emphasizing the need for ethical leadership and regulatory mechanisms to balance innovation with justice and dignity for gig workers.

 


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