UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 12 March 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 ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’ aims to expand access to India’s documentary heritage. Discuss its potential impact on cultural preservation and public awareness. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: PIB

Why the Question:
‘Gyan Bharatam Mission,’ a visionary initiative aimed at expanding access to India’s vast repository of knowledge

Key Demand of the Question:
The question demands an explanation of the ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’ and its objectives, followed by an analysis of its impact on cultural preservation and public awareness, ensuring no overlap between the two parts.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Briefly define the ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’ as a major digitization initiative, highlighting its focus on expanding access to India’s archival records.

Body:

  • Expanding Access to Documentary Heritage: Highlight key features such as digitization scale, public access, and language inclusivity.
  • Impact on Cultural Preservation: Discuss aspects like preventing document decay, reviving indigenous knowledge, and safeguarding endangered records.
  • Impact on Public Awareness: Mention enhanced educational resources, digital outreach platforms, and increased historical literacy.

Conclusion:
Emphasize how the mission aligns with India’s broader goal of preserving heritage while ensuring democratized access to historical knowledge for future generations.

 

Topic: Population and associated issues

Q2. Analyze the socio-cultural factors driving body image consciousness among Indian youth. How can educational institutions and community interventions promote body positivity and healthier lifestyle habits? (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: IE

Why the Question

As an 18-year-old girl from Thalassery, Kerala, died after prolonged water fasting and following online advisories on weight loss, serious questions have arisen about body image consciousness impacting teen health.

Key Demand of the Question

The answer must analyze the socio-cultural factors contributing to body image consciousness and suggest how educational institutions and community interventions can counter this trend through awareness, counselling, and promoting balanced lifestyle habits.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction:
Briefly mention the rising trend of body image anxiety among Indian youth and its link to digital exposure, peer pressure, and cultural expectations.

Body:

  • Socio-cultural factors driving body image consciousness: Discuss elements like social media influence, celebrity culture, and peer pressure that fuel body dissatisfaction.
  • Role of educational institutions: Suggest strategies such as curriculum integration, teacher training, and body positivity workshops to promote mental well-being.
  • Role of community interventions: Highlight the role of parental awareness, peer support networks, and influencer campaigns to create a supportive environment for healthy body image perceptions.

Conclusion:
Emphasize the need for a multi-stakeholder approach involving schools, families, and digital platforms to nurture positive self-image and ensure youth adopt balanced lifestyle practices.

 


General Studies – 2


 

Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business

Q3. Analyze the role of the ‘Motion of Thanks’ in the Indian parliamentary system. How does it reflect the balance between executive accountability and parliamentary supremacy? (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the Question:
To assess the significance of the Motion of Thanks in ensuring parliamentary oversight and its role in maintaining the balance between executive accountability and parliamentary supremacy.

Key Demand of the Question:
The answer must explain the constitutional role of the Motion of Thanks, its practical impact in the parliamentary system, and how it functions as a mechanism to uphold both executive accountability and parliamentary supremacy.

Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:

Briefly define the Motion of Thanks with reference to Article 87 and emphasize its significance in ensuring government accountability.

Body:

  • Role in Parliamentary System: Explain how it facilitates discussion on government policies, provides a platform for opposition, and acts as a test of the executive’s majority.
  • Balance Between Accountability and Supremacy: Discuss how it compels the executive to justify policies, allows corrective measures, strengthens parliamentary oversight, and empowers opposition participation.

Conclusion:

Conclude by emphasizing that strengthening the Motion of Thanks through meaningful debates can further enhance democracy and governance.

 

Topic: Pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.

Q4. The absence of a lobbying law in India has created opacity in policy influence. Examine the need for a regulatory framework to ensure transparency and accountability. How can such a framework distinguish legitimate advocacy from undue influence? (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the Question:
The increasing influence of powerful interest groups in India’s policymaking, combined with the absence of a dedicated lobbying law, has raised concerns about ethical governance and public trust.

Key Demand of the Question:
The answer must examine why a lobbying law is necessary, suggest features of a robust regulatory framework, and explain mechanisms to differentiate legitimate advocacy from undue influence.

Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:

Define lobbying briefly and highlight its absence in Indian law, linking it to recent controversies like the Radia Tapes scandal or policy manipulation concerns.

Body:

  • Need for a Regulatory Framework: Focus on promoting transparency, ensuring accountability, and preventing unethical practices.
  • Key Features of a Robust Framework: Suggest mechanisms like registration of lobbyists, financial disclosures, and a code of conduct.
  • Distinguishing Legitimate Advocacy from Undue Influence: Recommend methods like public disclosure of meetings, prohibition of covert financing, and ensuring broader stakeholder participation.

Conclusion:

Highlight the importance of balancing policy engagement with ethical governance, drawing from global best practices for a tailored Indian framework.

 


General Studies – 3


 

Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices;

Q5. Assess the role of India’s agricultural credit system in mitigating climate risks. Evaluate the effectiveness of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) in addressing farmer distress. Highlight key implementation challenges. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: PIB

Why the Question:
The current agricultural credit mechanisms have been increasingly adapted to address the emerging challenges of climate-resilient farming practices, providing financial support to farmers to help them adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Key Demand of the Question:
The question demands an assessment of how India’s agricultural credit system mitigates climate risks, followed by an evaluation of KCC-MISS and restructured loans in reducing farmer distress, and finally, identification of implementation challenges.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Briefly highlight the role of credit in mitigating climate risks and its importance in ensuring farmer stability.

Body:

  • Role of agricultural credit in mitigating climate risks: Discuss timely credit access, concessional interest rates, and support for climate-smart investments.
  • Impact of KCC-MISS and restructured crop loans: Focus on debt relief, improved working capital, and post-disaster recovery.
  • Challenges in implementation: Mention issues like limited institutional penetration, procedural delays, and awareness gaps.

Conclusion:
Emphasize the need for strengthened rural credit systems, streamlined disaster relief mechanisms, and digital outreach to enhance climate resilience.

 

Topic: Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges,

Q6. The Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) scheme reflects the Centre-State cooperative framework in tackling cyber crimes against vulnerable sections. Elucidate. Also, assess the role of capacity-building initiatives under this scheme. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: NIE

Why the Question

Centre admits to lack of fund allotment to Gujarat for Cyber Crime Prevention against Women, Children scheme

Key Demand of the Question

The answer must explain how the CCPWC scheme promotes Centre-State collaboration through funding, coordination platforms, and training. Additionally, it must assess the impact of capacity-building initiatives in improving investigation, prosecution, and prevention.

Structure of the Answer

Introduction:
Briefly highlight the growing threat of cyber crimes against vulnerable sections and the need for coordinated efforts. Mention the CCPWC scheme as a proactive step to address this issue.

Body:

  • Centre-State Cooperative Framework: Explain how CCPWC aids States through financial assistance, training support, and platforms like I4C and Samanvaya for better coordination.
  • Capacity-Building Initiatives: Discuss key interventions such as Cyber Forensic Labs, training programs, and awareness campaigns, emphasizing their impact on strengthening LEAs.

Conclusion:
Conclude by emphasizing the need for continuous technological upgradation, enhanced awareness, and stronger legislative frameworks to sustain these efforts in combating cyber threats effectively.

 


General Studies – 4


 

Q7. Examine the role of trust in professional relationships. How can individuals in service-oriented roles maintain ethical conduct when placed in positions of power or influence? (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the Question:
Handyman arrested for murdering home alone woman for money in Bengaluru

Key Demand of the Question:
The question requires explaining the role of trust in fostering professional ethics and suggesting practical measures for ensuring ethical conduct in positions of influence.

Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:

Define trust in the context of professional relationships and emphasize its role in promoting ethical behaviour.

Body:

  • Role of trust in professional relationships: Discuss how trust builds credibility, ensures accountability, and fosters cooperation in professional settings.
  • Ways to maintain ethical conduct in positions of power/influence: Suggest steps like adherence to professional codes, promoting transparency, ensuring impartiality, and maintaining confidentiality.

Conclusion:

Emphasize the need for consistent moral commitment, integrity, and self-regulation to uphold trust in professional relationships.

 


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