UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE : 14 March 2024

Click on EACH question to post/upload you answers.

#### How to Follow Secure Initiative?

#### How to Self-evaluate your answer?

#### MISSION – 2023: YEARLONG TIMETABLE

#### Join IPM 4.0 to get an assured review of 2 secure answers everyday

General Studies – 2

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.

1. As there are significant opportunities associated with an India-UK Free Trade Agreement, realizing its full potential would lead to mutual benefits and sustainable economic growth for both countries. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke over the phone, assessing the progress made on negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), as both countries face general elections. Key Demand of the question: To write about the advantages of FTA for India-U.K while taking in to account potential bottlenecks. 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 FTA in the context of India-U.K relations. Body: In first part, give the historical ties between the two nations in brief and current status of bilateral relations. Next, write about potential benefits of FTA for both the countries especially in aftermath of the disruptions caused by Brexit and Covid-19 pandemic. Mention trade, diaspora, collaboration etc. Mention, the potential bottlenecks such as non-tariff barriers, IP protection and Tariff’s etc. Conclusion: Conclude with way forward for the potential realisation of the FTA.

Why the question:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke over the phone, assessing the progress made on negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), as both countries face general elections.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the advantages of FTA for India-U.K while taking in to account potential bottlenecks.

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 FTA in the context of India-U.K relations.

In first part, give the historical ties between the two nations in brief and current status of bilateral relations.

Next, write about potential benefits of FTA for both the countries especially in aftermath of the disruptions caused by Brexit and Covid-19 pandemic. Mention trade, diaspora, collaboration etc.

Mention, the potential bottlenecks such as non-tariff barriers, IP protection and Tariff’s etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude with way forward for the potential realisation of the FTA.

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

2. Limited funding for R&D often hampers innovation in India. However, by strategically investing in domains with high growth potential the government can attract both public and private funding. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question: The announcement in the interim Budget for 2024-25, of a corpus of ₹1 lakh crore to bolster the research and innovation ecosystem within the country, has sparked enthusiasm within the scientific and research communities. Key Demand of the question: To write about the challenges it may face in establishing a comprehensive research ecosystem and steps to overcome it. 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 giving context. Body: First, write about the major impediment to R&D in the country – Funding, Infrastructure, collaboration, bureaucratic hurdles etc. Next, write about the steps that are needed to overcome the above. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

The announcement in the interim Budget for 2024-25, of a corpus of ₹1 lakh crore to bolster the research and innovation ecosystem within the country, has sparked enthusiasm within the scientific and research communities.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the challenges it may face in establishing a comprehensive research ecosystem and steps to overcome it.

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 giving context.

First, write about the major impediment to R&D in the country – Funding, Infrastructure, collaboration, bureaucratic hurdles etc.

Next, write about the steps that are needed to overcome the above.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Government Budgeting.

Topic: Government Budgeting.

3. The budget in India serves as a comprehensive policy document that goes beyond financial statements. Analyse. (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 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable. Key Demand of the question: To write about the weaknesses in the budgetary system and measures to overcome them. 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 defining budget and major objectives of budgeting. Body: First, elaborate up on how budget provide framework of achieving annual objectives. Next, write about the weaknesses in the budgetary system and its implementation – budget estimates, Skewed expenditure pattern, Poor planning and lack of long-term perspective etc. Next, suggest measures to overcome the above weaknesses in order to ensure that budgetary objectives are achieved. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the weaknesses in the budgetary system and measures to overcome them.

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 defining budget and major objectives of budgeting.

First, elaborate up on how budget provide framework of achieving annual objectives.

Next, write about the weaknesses in the budgetary system and its implementation – budget estimates, Skewed expenditure pattern, Poor planning and lack of long-term perspective etc.

Next, suggest measures to overcome the above weaknesses in order to ensure that budgetary objectives are achieved.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Topic: Government Budgeting.

Topic: Government Budgeting.

4. An emphasis on capital expenditure will lead to investment in long-term assets such as infrastructure and development projects. This can have several positive impacts on the Indian economy. Elaborate. (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 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable. Key Demand of the question: To write about the impact of increased capital expenditure on the economy of India. 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 defining a capital expenditure as part of the budget. Body: First, write about the various measures proposed in the Budget 2022 to boost capital expenditure in India. Next, write about the positive impact the increased capital expenditure will have on the economy of India – speedy and sustainable revival, crowding in private investment, boost to investment activity and support economic growth in the next year etc. Next, write the downside of increased capital expenditure – higher inflation, higher fiscal deficit etc. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward to have a prudent increase in capital expenditure whilst adhering to fiscal limits of borrowing.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the impact of increased capital expenditure on the economy of India.

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 defining a capital expenditure as part of the budget.

First, write about the various measures proposed in the Budget 2022 to boost capital expenditure in India.

Next, write about the positive impact the increased capital expenditure will have on the economy of India – speedy and sustainable revival, crowding in private investment, boost to investment activity and support economic growth in the next year etc.

Next, write the downside of increased capital expenditure – higher inflation, higher fiscal deficit etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward to have a prudent increase in capital expenditure whilst adhering to fiscal limits of borrowing.

Topic: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, – different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers

Topic: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, – different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers

5. What is agrobiodiversity? Discuss the role played by climate-smart agriculture (CSA) in preserving agrobiodiversity. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India

Why the question: In July 2023, Dasra, a strategic philanthropy organisation, along with think tank Observer Research Foundation (ORF) launched a report titled Our Uncommon Future: Intersectionality of Climate Change and SDGs in the Global South, which explores the impact of climate change on Sustainable Development Goals and on food insecurity and malnutrition. Key Demand of the question: To write about agrobiodiversity and the role climate smart agriculture can play in preserving it. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by defining agrobiodiversity. Body: First, write about describing various threats faced agrobiodiversity in the country. Next, write about how climate smart agriculture can play a part in preserving it – increase sustainable productivity, strengthen farmers’ resilience, reduce agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration. Substantiate with examples. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

In July 2023, Dasra, a strategic philanthropy organisation, along with think tank Observer Research Foundation (ORF) launched a report titled Our Uncommon Future: Intersectionality of Climate Change and SDGs in the Global South, which explores the impact of climate change on Sustainable Development Goals and on food insecurity and malnutrition.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about agrobiodiversity and the role climate smart agriculture can play in preserving it.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by defining agrobiodiversity.

First, write about describing various threats faced agrobiodiversity in the country.

Next, write about how climate smart agriculture can play a part in preserving it – increase sustainable productivity, strengthen farmers’ resilience, reduce agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration. Substantiate with examples.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;

6. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)

“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” – Confucius

Difficulty level: Easy

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote. Body: Write about how all good things and things which have a massive impact start always small. Cite various examples to substantiate. Next, write that even things which have negative consequences start small. Cite examples from across the world. Conclusion: Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day and that good things should be encouraged and negative things must be nipped in the bud.

Why the question:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote.

Write about how all good things and things which have a massive impact start always small. Cite various examples to substantiate.

Next, write that even things which have negative consequences start small. Cite examples from across the world.

Conclusion:

Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day and that good things should be encouraged and negative things must be nipped in the bud.

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;

7. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)

“We must love them both, those whose opinions we share and those whose opinions we reject, for both have laboured in the search for truth, and both have helped us in finding it.” ― St. Thomas Aquinas

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote. Body: Write about diversity of opinion across various dimensions like ethics, politics, economics and society etc. Cite examples of the same. Mention, how just because there is an opposite opinion that it should not be discarded. Link as to how truth can be arrived by divergence of opinions. Substantiate with examples. Conclusion: Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.

Why the question:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote.

Write about diversity of opinion across various dimensions like ethics, politics, economics and society etc. Cite examples of the same.

Mention, how just because there is an opposite opinion that it should not be discarded. Link as to how truth can be arrived by divergence of opinions. Substantiate with examples.