UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 12 June 2024

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General Studies – 1

Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.

Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.

1. Veer Savarkar’s contributions to India’s independence struggle played a crucial role in shaping the nationalist movement and the ideological landscape of modern India. Discuss (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3. Key Demand of the question: To write about the contributions of Veer Savarkar. Directive word: Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by giving a brief introduction about Veer Savarkar. Body: Write about the contributions of Veer Savarkar – several movements against British colonial rule, played a key role in the formation of the All-India Students’ Federation and the Hindu Mahasabha, He was also a prolific writer and poet. Conclusion: Conclude by writing about the legacy of Veer Savarkar.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the contributions of Veer Savarkar.

Directive word:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by giving a brief introduction about Veer Savarkar.

Write about the contributions of Veer Savarkar – several movements against British colonial rule, played a key role in the formation of the All-India Students’ Federation and the Hindu Mahasabha, He was also a prolific writer and poet.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing about the legacy of Veer Savarkar.

Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.

Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.

2. Changes in climate patterns like El Nino-Southern Oscillation, Indian Ocean Dipole can make air pollution worse. Examine. (150 words).

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Down to Earth

Why the question: The study by researchers from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore highlighted the role of climate variability phenomena like El Nino-Southern Oscillation, Indian Ocean Dipole and North Atlantic Oscillation in exacerbating PM2.5 pollution levels. Key Demand of the question: To write about the links between climate patterns like El Nino-Southern Oscillation, Indian Ocean Dipole and Air pollution. Directive word: Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by giving context. Body: In the first part, write about the links between climate patterns like El Nino-Southern Oscillation, Indian Ocean Dipole and Air pollution – can cause droughts and wildfires, increasing particulate matter and trapping pollutants due to temperature inversions, while reducing rainfall limits the natural cleansing of the atmosphere etc. Cite examples. Next, write about the impact of the above and measures that are needed to overcome the above. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

The study by researchers from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore highlighted the role of climate variability phenomena like El Nino-Southern Oscillation, Indian Ocean Dipole and North Atlantic Oscillation in exacerbating PM2.5 pollution levels.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the links between climate patterns like El Nino-Southern Oscillation, Indian Ocean Dipole and Air pollution.

Directive word:

Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by giving context.

In the first part, write about the links between climate patterns like El Nino-Southern Oscillation, Indian Ocean Dipole and Air pollution – can cause droughts and wildfires, increasing particulate matter and trapping pollutants due to temperature inversions, while reducing rainfall limits the natural cleansing of the atmosphere etc. Cite examples.

Next, write about the impact of the above and measures that are needed to overcome the above.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

General Studies – 2

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

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

3. Article 22 of the Indian Constitution provides safeguards against arbitrary arrest and detention, but its effective implementation faces various challenges. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question: The Supreme Court says that the custody of an accused is not necessary prior to the filing of the charge sheet in certain criminal cases. Key Demand of the question: To about the significance of Article 22 of the Constitution and various issues in its implementation. Directive word: Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by writing about article 22 of the constitution. Body: First, write about the Article 22 of the Indian Constitution as a cornerstone for protecting individual liberty against arbitrary state action, ensuring rights such as being informed of the grounds of arrest, consulting a legal practitioner, and being produced before a magistrate within 24 hours. Next, write about the various issues in its implementation – misuse of preventive detention laws, prolonged detention without trial, inadequate legal aid, lack of timely communication of arrest grounds, judicial backlogs, and potential abuse during emergency periods etc. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

The Supreme Court says that the custody of an accused is not necessary prior to the filing of the charge sheet in certain criminal cases.

Key Demand of the question:

To about the significance of Article 22 of the Constitution and various issues in its implementation.

Directive word:

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by writing about article 22 of the constitution.

First, write about the Article 22 of the Indian Constitution as a cornerstone for protecting individual liberty against arbitrary state action, ensuring rights such as being informed of the grounds of arrest, consulting a legal practitioner, and being produced before a magistrate within 24 hours.

Next, write about the various issues in its implementation – misuse of preventive detention laws, prolonged detention without trial, inadequate legal aid, lack of timely communication of arrest grounds, judicial backlogs, and potential abuse during emergency periods etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

4. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) coordinates petroleum policies among member countries to stabilize oil markets and prices. As a major oil importer, India is significantly impacted by OPEC’s production decisions. Analyse.

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question: The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+), on June 2, decided to extend its deep oil output cuts into 2025. At the same time, it hinted at a partial roll-back in the last quarter of this year, as it reported a steady May output at 26.96 million barrels per day. Key Demand of the question: To write about OPEC and impact of its decisions on India. Directive word: Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by writing about OPEC and its objectives. Body: First, write about the role of OPEC – o coordinate and unify petroleum policies among member countries to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers, ensure a regular supply of petroleum to consuming nations etc. Next, write about the potential impact of its decisions on India – influence global oil prices and, consequently, India’s inflation, trade deficit, and economic growth. Cite statistics to substantiate. Next, write about the measures India must take to prevent against the volatility of OPEC. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+), on June 2, decided to extend its deep oil output cuts into 2025. At the same time, it hinted at a partial roll-back in the last quarter of this year, as it reported a steady May output at 26.96 million barrels per day.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about OPEC and impact of its decisions on India.

Directive word:

Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by writing about OPEC and its objectives.

First, write about the role of OPEC – o coordinate and unify petroleum policies among member countries to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers, ensure a regular supply of petroleum to consuming nations etc.

Next, write about the potential impact of its decisions on India – influence global oil prices and, consequently, India’s inflation, trade deficit, and economic growth. Cite statistics to substantiate.

Next, write about the measures India must take to prevent against the volatility of OPEC.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

5. Enumerate the key provisions of the draft Digital Competition Bill (DCB). The Digital Competition Bill in India seeks to promote fairness and competition in the digital sector but needs to clarify core digital service identification and prevent double regulation to ensure an effective competitive environment. Critically analyse.

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India

Why the question: The ministry of corporate affairs recently closed public consultations on the draft Digital Competition Bill (DCB) and the findings of the Committee on Digital Competition Law (CDCL). Key Demand of the question: To write about features of DCB, its potential in regulating digital sector and limitations. Directive word: Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by stating the aims and objectives of DCB. Body: First, write about the key features of DCB, i.e., four key stages proposed under the DCB. Next, write about the potential advantages of the above – ensure fairness and competition in the digital sector. Next, write about the shortcomings of the above – identification of core digital services and mitigate the risk of double regulation to effectively promote a competitive ecosystem etc. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

The ministry of corporate affairs recently closed public consultations on the draft Digital Competition Bill (DCB) and the findings of the Committee on Digital Competition Law (CDCL).

Key Demand of the question:

To write about features of DCB, its potential in regulating digital sector and limitations.

Directive word:

Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by stating the aims and objectives of DCB.

First, write about the key features of DCB, i.e., four key stages proposed under the DCB.

Next, write about the potential advantages of the above – ensure fairness and competition in the digital sector.

Next, write about the shortcomings of the above – identification of core digital services and mitigate the risk of double regulation to effectively promote a competitive ecosystem etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-technology, biotechnology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-technology, biotechnology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

6. What is reusable launch vehicle (RLV)? RLV offers cost-effective access to space, reduced launch costs, and increased flexibility in deploying satellites and conducting space missions. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3. Key Demand of the question: To write about the working of RLV and its benefits. Directive word: Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin the answer by writing about RLV. Body: First, write about the working of RLV – designed to carry satellites and other payloads into space and then return to Earth and land like an airplane. Throw light on its various components and how it works. Next, write about the advantages of RLV – Reusability leads to reduced cost, Reusability allows for more frequent launches and Reusability can improve safety etc. Next, write about the limitations of the above – Developing RLVs requires advanced and expensive technologies, RLVs may have a smaller payload capacity and Reuse of RLVs requires regular maintenance and operations, which can be complex and costly etc. Conclusion: Conclude by summarising.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the working of RLV and its benefits.

Directive word:

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin the answer by writing about RLV.

First, write about the working of RLV – designed to carry satellites and other payloads into space and then return to Earth and land like an airplane. Throw light on its various components and how it works.

Next, write about the advantages of RLV – Reusability leads to reduced cost, Reusability allows for more frequent launches and Reusability can improve safety etc.

Next, write about the limitations of the above – Developing RLVs requires advanced and expensive technologies, RLVs may have a smaller payload capacity and Reuse of RLVs requires regular maintenance and operations, which can be complex and costly etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

General Studies – 4

Topic: challenges of corruption.

Topic: challenges of corruption.

7. The significant influence of money in elections allows wealthy interests to disproportionately sway outcomes and potentially leading to corruption and loss of trust in the system. Elucidate. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Directive: Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by giving context. Body: Write about the influence of money on elections and its impact – give candidates an unfair advantage, undermine representation, and erode the legitimacy of the political system. Also, mention the long-term impact of the same. Conclusion: Complete by mentioning steps that are needed to overcome the above.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.

Directive:

Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by giving context.

Write about the influence of money on elections and its impact – give candidates an unfair advantage, undermine representation, and erode the legitimacy of the political system. Also, mention the long-term impact of the same.