UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 13 August 2024
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General Studies – 1
Topic: Mughal empire (Including later Mughals)
Topic: Mughal empire (Including later Mughals)
Q1. The Mughal Empire’s decline was not just due to external invasions but also internal weaknesses. Analyze the factors that led to the decline of the Mughal Empire.10M
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights ias
Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2025 Secure timetable. Key Demand of the question: To analyze the internal and external factors that led to the decline of the Mughal Empire, emphasizing how internal weaknesses, alongside external pressures, played a crucial role in the empire’s disintegration. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Begin by briefly stating the historical significance of the Mughal Empire, emphasizing its role as a powerful and influential dynasty in Indian history. Body: In first part Internal Factors Leading to the Decline – Administrative Inefficiencies, Heavy taxation, coupled with extravagant spending by later Mughal rulers, Weak Successions and Leadership etc. Secondly, write the External Factors Leading to the Decline – Repeated invasions by foreign powers such as the Persian Empire under Nadir Shah, The arrival and expansion of European colonial powers, Internal Revolts and Rebellions etc. Conclusion: Conclude by reflecting on how the interplay of these factors led to the disintegration of one of India’s most powerful empires and the eventual rise of new political entities in the region.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2025 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To analyze the internal and external factors that led to the decline of the Mughal Empire, emphasizing how internal weaknesses, alongside external pressures, played a crucial role in the empire’s disintegration.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Begin by briefly stating the historical significance of the Mughal Empire, emphasizing its role as a powerful and influential dynasty in Indian history.
• In first part Internal Factors Leading to the Decline – Administrative Inefficiencies, Heavy taxation, coupled with extravagant spending by later Mughal rulers, Weak Successions and Leadership etc.
• Secondly, write the External Factors Leading to the Decline – Repeated invasions by foreign powers such as the Persian Empire under Nadir Shah, The arrival and expansion of European colonial powers, Internal Revolts and Rebellions etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reflecting on how the interplay of these factors led to the disintegration of one of India’s most powerful empires and the eventual rise of new political entities in the region.
Topic: Early Medieval Period
Topic: Early Medieval Period
Q2. The mansabdari system, which once strengthened the Mughal Empire, eventually contributed to its downfall. Discuss the merits and demerits of the mansabdari system in this context. 15M
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights Ias
Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2025 Secure timetable. Key Demand of the question: To discuss the merits and demerits of the Mansabdari system, analyzing how it initially strengthened the Mughal Empire but eventually contributed to its downfall. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Begin by briefly explaining the Mansabdari system, introduced by Akbar, as a unique administrative and military organization of the Mughal Empire. Body: Firstly, mention the merits of mansabdari system – administrative efficiency, military organisation, revenue generation, inclusivity and flexibility. Also mention its role in strengthening Mughal empire. In second part, write the demerits of mansabdari system- Economic Strain and Corruption, Jagirdari Crisis, Lack of Hereditary Tenure, Military Weakness in Later Years, etc. Mention how these demerits contributed to decline of Mughal empire. Conclusion: Conclude by suggesting that the decline of the Mansabdari system highlights the challenges of maintaining a large and diverse empire without continuous reforms and effective governance.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2025 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To discuss the merits and demerits of the Mansabdari system, analyzing how it initially strengthened the Mughal Empire but eventually contributed to its downfall.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Begin by briefly explaining the Mansabdari system, introduced by Akbar, as a unique administrative and military organization of the Mughal Empire.
• Firstly, mention the merits of mansabdari system – administrative efficiency, military organisation, revenue generation, inclusivity and flexibility. Also mention its role in strengthening Mughal empire.
• In second part, write the demerits of mansabdari system- Economic Strain and Corruption, Jagirdari Crisis, Lack of Hereditary Tenure, Military Weakness in Later Years, etc. Mention how these demerits contributed to decline of Mughal empire.
Conclusion:
Conclude by suggesting that the decline of the Mansabdari system highlights the challenges of maintaining a large and diverse empire without continuous reforms and effective governance.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors.
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors.
Q3. Enumerate the key features of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and evaluate its potential impact on improving healthcare access for the economically disadvantaged sections of Indian society. (150 words)
- •*Difficulty level: Moderate
- •Reference: Times of India, The Hindu*
Why the question: The Union Government is working on the inclusion of an AYUSH package under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). Key Demand of the Question: Mention the key features of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and highlight positive impacts and challenges on improving healthcare access for economically disadvantaged sections of Indian society. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Briefly describe PMJAY and its purpose within the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Body: First part: Key Features of PMJAY: Coverage and Benefits, Eligibility, Cashless Treatment, Inclusion of AYUSH Package Second part: Potential Impact on Healthcare Access: Improved Access:, Financial Protection, Enhanced Health Outcomes Third part: Challenges related to the scheme Conclusion: Emphasize the need for real time monitoring of implementation and a commitment in the National Health Policy to raise the percentage of GDP allocated to health from 1.2% today to 2.5%.
Why the question:
The Union Government is working on the inclusion of an AYUSH package under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
Key Demand of the Question:
Mention the key features of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and highlight positive impacts and challenges on improving healthcare access for economically disadvantaged sections of Indian society.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly describe PMJAY and its purpose within the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Body:
First part: Key Features of PMJAY:
Coverage and Benefits, Eligibility, Cashless Treatment, Inclusion of AYUSH Package
Second part: Potential Impact on Healthcare Access:
Improved Access:, Financial Protection, Enhanced Health Outcomes
Third part: Challenges related to the scheme
Conclusion:
Emphasize the need for real time monitoring of implementation and a commitment in the National Health Policy to raise the percentage of GDP allocated to health from 1.2% today to 2.5%.
Topic: Indian Constitution: Features
Topic: Indian Constitution: Features
Q4. Discuss the principal features and notable provisions of the Indian Constitution that promote and sustain unity within the diverse fabric of Indian society. (150 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question: Minority Affairs Minister said that a campaign was being run across the globe to project that minorities were not safe in India. Key Demand of the Question: Explain the principal features and notable provisions of the Indian Constitution that sustain Unity in diversity in Indian society and substantiate with constitutional articles. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Briefly state the importance of unity in India’s diverse society and the role of the Constitution in promoting it. Body: Principal Features and Provisions Promoting Unity: Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy Federal Structure with Strong Central Authority, Single Citizenship, Protection of Cultural and Linguistic Minorities Conclusion: Summarize how these provisions contribute to maintaining unity and harmony within the diverse Indian society.
Why the question:
Minority Affairs Minister said that a campaign was being run across the globe to project that minorities were not safe in India.
Key Demand of the Question:
Explain the principal features and notable provisions of the Indian Constitution that sustain Unity in diversity in Indian society and substantiate with constitutional articles.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly state the importance of unity in India’s diverse society and the role of the Constitution in promoting it.
Body:
Principal Features and Provisions Promoting Unity:
Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy
Federal Structure with Strong Central Authority, Single Citizenship, Protection of Cultural and Linguistic Minorities
Conclusion:
Summarize how these provisions contribute to maintaining unity and harmony within the diverse Indian society.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy: Unemployment
Topic: Indian Economy: Unemployment
Q5. Analyze the state of youth employment in India, particularly focusing on the disparities faced by young adults and the impact on young women. (15M)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question: Youth around the world find it tough to get a job: ILO report Key Demand of the question: To critically examine the ILO’s findings on youth employment trends, emphasizing the difficulties faced by young adults in low-income countries and the gender-based disparities, particularly in terms of access to secure jobs and education. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Introduce the ILO’s 2024 report on global youth employment, highlighting the post-COVID-19 recovery challenges and the overall employment trends among young people. Body: Overview: Mention the overall global employment trends for youth, mentioning the increase in temporary and insecure jobs, particularly in India. Impact Mention the difficulties faced by young adults in low-income countries, where only 20% of those aged 25-29 secure paid jobs. Mention the broader implications of this trend on economic development and social stability in these regions. Gender Disparities: Mention the specific challenges faced by young women, including the higher unemployment rates compared to young men. Mention the significant gender gap in youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET) in India. Conclusion: Mention the report’s implications, stressing the need for global efforts to create stable and inclusive employment opportunities for youth, particularly for young women and those in low-income countries, to ensure long-term social and economic stability.
Why the question:
Youth around the world find it tough to get a job: ILO report
Key Demand of the question: To critically examine the ILO’s findings on youth employment trends, emphasizing the difficulties faced by young adults in low-income countries and the gender-based disparities, particularly in terms of access to secure jobs and education.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction: Introduce the ILO’s 2024 report on global youth employment, highlighting the post-COVID-19 recovery challenges and the overall employment trends among young people.
• Overview: Mention the overall global employment trends for youth, mentioning the increase in temporary and insecure jobs, particularly in India.
• Mention the overall global employment trends for youth, mentioning the increase in temporary and insecure jobs, particularly in India.
• Impact Mention the difficulties faced by young adults in low-income countries, where only 20% of those aged 25-29 secure paid jobs. Mention the broader implications of this trend on economic development and social stability in these regions.
• Mention the difficulties faced by young adults in low-income countries, where only 20% of those aged 25-29 secure paid jobs.
• Mention the broader implications of this trend on economic development and social stability in these regions.
• Gender Disparities: Mention the specific challenges faced by young women, including the higher unemployment rates compared to young men. Mention the significant gender gap in youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET) in India.
• Mention the specific challenges faced by young women, including the higher unemployment rates compared to young men.
• Mention the significant gender gap in youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET) in India.
Conclusion: Mention the report’s implications, stressing the need for global efforts to create stable and inclusive employment opportunities for youth, particularly for young women and those in low-income countries, to ensure long-term social and economic stability.
Topic: Internal Security: Cyber attacks
Topic: Internal Security: Cyber attacks
Q6. Examine the evolving digital security threats in India, with a focus on the role of AI in disinformation and the growing concerns surrounding cyber attacks. (15M)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question: The question addresses contemporary challenges in digital security, highlighting the intersection of AI, cyber threats, and disinformation, which are crucial topics for understanding modern national security dynamics. Key Demand of the question: To critically analyze the emerging digital security threats in India, particularly the influence of AI in spreading disinformation and the increased frequency and severity of cyber attacks. The answer should also explore the implications for national security and the steps needed to mitigate these threats. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Introduce the context of 2024 as a year marked by significant concerns over new security threats, with a focus on the role of AI in exacerbating disinformation and the rising tide of cyber threats. Body: AI and Disinformation: Mention how AI, particularly Generative AI and AGI, has facilitated the creation and spread of disinformation, making it more difficult to distinguish between real and fake content. Provide examples of how disinformation has been used in geopolitical contexts, such as the conflict in Ukraine or elections in Taiwan, to create confusion and mistrust. Cyber Threats: Mention the increased frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks in 2024, with incidents like the Microsoft CrowdStrike outage as a preview of potential future disruptions. Mention the past cyberattacks, such as WannaCry and Stuxnet, to underscore the evolving nature of these threats and their potential impact on critical infrastructure. National Security Implications: Mention how the convergence of AI-enabled disinformation and cyber attacks poses a significant threat to national security, necessitating new strategies for defense and vigilance. Mention the response of governments and private sectors to these threats, including the importance of coordinated action and enhanced digital literacy. Conclusion: Conclude with what more can be done.
Why the question:
The question addresses contemporary challenges in digital security, highlighting the intersection of AI, cyber threats, and disinformation, which are crucial topics for understanding modern national security dynamics.
Key Demand of the question:
To critically analyze the emerging digital security threats in India, particularly the influence of AI in spreading disinformation and the increased frequency and severity of cyber attacks. The answer should also explore the implications for national security and the steps needed to mitigate these threats.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction: Introduce the context of 2024 as a year marked by significant concerns over new security threats, with a focus on the role of AI in exacerbating disinformation and the rising tide of cyber threats.
• AI and Disinformation: Mention how AI, particularly Generative AI and AGI, has facilitated the creation and spread of disinformation, making it more difficult to distinguish between real and fake content. Provide examples of how disinformation has been used in geopolitical contexts, such as the conflict in Ukraine or elections in Taiwan, to create confusion and mistrust.
• Mention how AI, particularly Generative AI and AGI, has facilitated the creation and spread of disinformation, making it more difficult to distinguish between real and fake content.
• Provide examples of how disinformation has been used in geopolitical contexts, such as the conflict in Ukraine or elections in Taiwan, to create confusion and mistrust.
• Cyber Threats: Mention the increased frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks in 2024, with incidents like the Microsoft CrowdStrike outage as a preview of potential future disruptions. Mention the past cyberattacks, such as WannaCry and Stuxnet, to underscore the evolving nature of these threats and their potential impact on critical infrastructure.
• Mention the increased frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks in 2024, with incidents like the Microsoft CrowdStrike outage as a preview of potential future disruptions.
• Mention the past cyberattacks, such as WannaCry and Stuxnet, to underscore the evolving nature of these threats and their potential impact on critical infrastructure.
• National Security Implications: Mention how the convergence of AI-enabled disinformation and cyber attacks poses a significant threat to national security, necessitating new strategies for defense and vigilance. Mention the response of governments and private sectors to these threats, including the importance of coordinated action and enhanced digital literacy.
• Mention how the convergence of AI-enabled disinformation and cyber attacks poses a significant threat to national security, necessitating new strategies for defense and vigilance.
• Mention the response of governments and private sectors to these threats, including the importance of coordinated action and enhanced digital literacy.
Conclusion: Conclude with what more can be done.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Transparency
Topic: Transparency
Q7. Discuss the role of transparency in mitigating the impact of allegations on public trust and administrative efficiency. [10M]
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question: Hindenburg Research’s charge of going slow on the probe, potentially because its chairperson was invested in funds at the heart of the probe – an allegation market regulator head said was “baseless”. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by defining transparency or giving context. Body: First, role of transparency in mitigating impact of allegation in public office. Then, explain the challenges to transparency Use examples to justify your points. Conclusion: Conclude by mentioning the way ahead.
Why the question: Hindenburg Research’s charge of going slow on the probe, potentially because its chairperson was invested in funds at the heart of the probe – an allegation market regulator head said was “baseless”.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction: Begin by defining transparency or giving context.
Body:
• First, role of transparency in mitigating impact of allegation in public office.
• Then, explain the challenges to transparency
• Use examples to justify your points.
Conclusion:
Conclude by mentioning the way ahead.
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