UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 13 January 2025

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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. Examine the role of Swami Vivekananda in reviving India’s cultural heritage, and discuss how his ideas contributed to the Indian freedom struggle. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: PIB

Why the Question

The Prime Minister paid homage to Swami Vivekananda on his Jayanti. Prime Minister remarked that Swami Vivekananda is an eternal inspiration for youth, who continues to ignite passion and purpose in young minds.

Key Demand of the Question

The question demands a focused explanation of Swami Vivekananda’s contributions to reviving India’s cultural heritage and an analysis of his ideas’ impact on the Indian freedom struggle, addressing both parts equally.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction

Provide a brief contextual introduction about Swami Vivekananda’s role in shaping India’s cultural and intellectual identity.

Body

Discuss how Swami Vivekananda revitalized India’s cultural pride by promoting spiritualism, inclusivity, and traditional wisdom globally.

Explain how his teachings inspired nationalist thought, emphasized unity, and motivated leaders and youth to participate in the freedom struggle.

Conclusion

Conclude with a forward-looking statement on how Swami Vivekananda’s vision remains relevant for India’s socio-cultural and national progress.

Topic: Population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

Q2. “Urbanization and work-centric lifestyles have led to the erosion of community life”. Discuss. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: NIE

Why the question

This question highlights the societal changes brought by urbanization and work-centric lifestyles, focusing on their impact on community life, a key aspect of Indian society undergoing rapid modernization.

Key Demand of the Question

The question requires a discussion on how urbanization and work-driven lifestyles contribute to the erosion of community life, addressing both phenomena and their consequences comprehensively, along with suggestions for restoring community bonds.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction

Provide a brief context about the transformative effects of urbanization and modern work culture on traditional community structures and relationships.

Body

Impact of urbanization: Suggest points on how migration, reduced shared spaces, and urban anonymity affect community interactions.

Impact of work-centric lifestyles: Discuss the effects of time scarcity, individualism, and digital dependence on social connections.

What can be done: Propose solutions like better urban planning, work-life balance policies, and promoting cultural/community practices.

Conclusion

Conclude with a futuristic or solution-oriented statement emphasizing the need for sustainable urban development and lifestyle changes to preserve community life.

 


General Studies – 2


 

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Q3. “The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a vital instrumentality for ensuring free and fair elections”. Critically examine the implications of frequent MCC imposition on governance and development. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the Question

Government pushes for simultaneous polls to avoid disruption caused by frequent model code imposition, but the Election Commission emphasises level playing field.

Key Demand of the Question

The question requires an analysis of MCC’s role in ensuring free and fair elections, its frequent imposition’s implications on governance and development, and suggestions for minimizing disruptions.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction

Briefly mention the importance of MCC in India’s democratic framework and its role in maintaining electoral integrity.

Body

Role of MCC in ensuring free and fair elections: Highlight how MCC fosters neutrality, transparency, and voter confidence.

Implications on governance: Discuss challenges like policy paralysis, diversion of resources, and delays in welfare delivery.

Implications on development: Focus on stalled projects, financial disruptions, and economic uncertainty in poll-bound regions.

What can be done: Suggest reforms to balance electoral fairness with governance continuity, such as rationalizing MCC duration and exemptions for critical projects.

Conclusion

Provide a forward-looking statement on reforming MCC to sustain electoral fairness while ensuring governance efficiency and uninterrupted development.

Topic: India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Q4. Analyze the implications of India’s border management policies on its bilateral relations with Bangladesh, considering recent developments. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question

Bangladesh summons Indian High Commissioner over border tensions, expressing deep concern over recent activities along the border

Key Demand of the Question

The question requires an analysis of India’s border management policies, their positive and negative impacts on bilateral relations with Bangladesh, and recommendations to mitigate tensions and foster cooperation.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction

Briefly mention the strategic importance of the Indo-Bangladesh border and the challenges of balancing security needs with diplomatic relations.

Body

Positive implications: Discuss how cooperative initiatives, such as bilateral mechanisms and agreements, enhance security and bilateral trust.

Negative implications: Highlight tensions caused by unauthorized activities, civilian casualties, and local resistance affecting trust and diplomacy.

What can be done: Suggest actionable solutions like improved consultation, minimizing civilian casualties, and strengthening agreements to foster trust and cooperation.

Conclusion

Provide a forward-looking statement emphasizing the need for a balanced and inclusive approach to border management that ensures both security and strong bilateral relations.

 


General Studies – 3


 

Topic: Linkage of Organized Crime with Terrorism

Q5. “The evolving nexus between organized crime and terrorism is undermining India’s border security”. Discuss this linkage with contemporary examples and its implications for national security. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the question

The impact of the nexus between organized crime and terrorism on India’s border security and national stability while evaluating actionable strategies to address the issue.

Key Demand of the Question

The question requires discussing the evolving relationship between organized crime and terrorism, its implications for border security and national security, and providing practical measures to counter the threats.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction

Highlight the growing interconnection between organized crime and terrorism, emphasizing its impact on India’s border vulnerabilities.

Body

Explain how organized crime and terrorism are linked, focusing on aspects like financial networks, infiltration routes, and shared operational frameworks.

Discuss the implications of this nexus on national security, including threats to internal stability, economic impacts, and strain on law enforcement.

Provide actionable strategies such as legal reforms, use of technology, community engagement, and regional cooperation to mitigate these challenges.

Conclusion

Conclude by emphasizing the need for a coordinated, multi-layered approach to counter the nexus effectively while ensuring sustainable solutions through development and cooperation.

 

Topic: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

Q6. “Effective border management requires a multi-dimensional approach encompassing defence, diplomacy, and development”. Comment (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the question

The need for a multi-dimensional strategy for effective border management, considering India’s complex security challenges and geopolitical dynamics.

Key Demand of the question

The question requires analyzing the necessity of integrating defence, diplomacy, and development in border management and addressing contemporary challenges with a solution-oriented perspective.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction

Briefly explain the significance of border management in ensuring national security and fostering regional stability.

Body

Discuss the role of defence in strengthening border security, focusing on infrastructure, technology, and coordination.

Highlight the importance of diplomacy in resolving disputes, building trust, and leveraging regional cooperation.

Analyze how development initiatives for border communities can enhance security and reduce alienation.

Mention the challenges in implementing such a strategy, such as funding gaps, inter-agency coordination, and hybrid threats.

Conclusion

Conclude with the need for a comprehensive, forward-looking policy that integrates technology, community involvement, and regional cooperation to ensure resilient borders.

 


General Studies – 4


 

Q7. What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context? (10 M)

“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it”

-Thomas Paine

Difficulty Level: Medium

Why the Question

The ethical interpretation of freedom as a responsibility and its relevance in contemporary governance and societal challenges.

Key Demand of the Question

The question demands an explanation of the meaning of the quotation, its connection to ethical principles, and how it applies to present-day individual and institutional responsibilities.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction

Briefly explain the dual nature of freedom as both a right and a duty, emphasizing its ethical significance.

Body

Explain the meaning of the quotation, focusing on the necessity of effort and vigilance to sustain freedom.

Highlight the relevance of this principle today, discussing civic duties, institutional accountability, and the role of ethics in preserving societal harmony.

Address ethical dimensions like moral courage, equity in freedom, and balancing rights with responsibilities.

Conclusion

Conclude with a forward-looking stateme

nt emphasizing the importance of collective and ethical action to safeguard the blessings of freedom for future generations.

 


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