UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE : 15 March 2024
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General Studies – 1
Topic: poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Topic: poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
1. Even amidst economic growth, the poor and marginalized communities often lack access to basic necessities and services. Examine. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question: NITI Aayog’s B.V.R. Subrahmanyam recently claimed that less than 5% of Indians now live below the poverty line. Key Demand of the question: To write about the reasons for lingering poverty in the country, despite various measures and suggest reforms to rectify it. 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 the statistic about the widespread nature of poverty in the country. Body: First, explain the rapid economic growth witnessed and various schemes and measures aimed towards elimination poverty in India. Next, write about the causes for limitations in the above efforts. Bring outs its impact. Next, suggest reforms that are needed to overcome the above. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.
Why the question:
NITI Aayog’s B.V.R. Subrahmanyam recently claimed that less than 5% of Indians now live below the poverty line.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the reasons for lingering poverty in the country, despite various measures and suggest reforms to rectify it.
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 the statistic about the widespread nature of poverty in the country.
First, explain the rapid economic growth witnessed and various schemes and measures aimed towards elimination poverty in India.
Next, write about the causes for limitations in the above efforts. Bring outs its impact.
Next, suggest reforms that are needed to overcome the above.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Topic: geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Topic: geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
2. Throw light on cold deserts of India. Examine the present challenges to agriculture in cold desert regions and suggest ways to manage them. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question: Agriculture in the cold desert of Spiti Valley is difficult, but there are ways to make it easier Key Demand of the question: To write about the cold deserts of India, challenges for agriculture in cold deserts and measures needed. 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 defining cold desert and highlight the cold desert regions in the country. Body: In the first part, write about various issues for agriculture in cold desert region – Shallow soil, labour intensity, geographical remoteness from major markets and a lack of quality planting materials etc. Next, write about measures needed to improve the situation – diversifying crops, improving irrigation techniques, implementing soil conservation measures, adopting greenhouse farming etc. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a balanced way forward.
Why the question:
Agriculture in the cold desert of Spiti Valley is difficult, but there are ways to make it easier
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the cold deserts of India, challenges for agriculture in cold deserts and measures needed.
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 defining cold desert and highlight the cold desert regions in the country.
In the first part, write about various issues for agriculture in cold desert region – Shallow soil, labour intensity, geographical remoteness from major markets and a lack of quality planting materials etc.
Next, write about measures needed to improve the situation – diversifying crops, improving irrigation techniques, implementing soil conservation measures, adopting greenhouse farming etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a balanced way forward.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
Topic: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
3. Do you believe that ‘One nation, one election’ goes against the spirit of our constitution, in your opinion? Critically analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Indian Express. , Insights on India
Why the question: The High-level Committee (HLC) on One Nation, One Election — headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind — submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu Key Demand of the question: To write about constitutionality of holding simultaneous elections of the parliament and state legislatures in the country. 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 giving context of ‘One Nation, One election’. Body: In the first part, write about advantages of simultaneous elections. Next, write about the constitutionality of conducting simultaneous election in India – cite provisions that allow it. Next, write about the limitations that hinder conduct of simultaneous elections in India and goes against the spirit of constitution. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a balanced opinion regard the conduct of simultaneous elections.
Why the question:
The High-level Committee (HLC) on One Nation, One Election — headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind — submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu
Key Demand of the question:
To write about constitutionality of holding simultaneous elections of the parliament and state legislatures in the country.
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 giving context of ‘One Nation, One election’.
In the first part, write about advantages of simultaneous elections.
Next, write about the constitutionality of conducting simultaneous election in India – cite provisions that allow it.
Next, write about the limitations that hinder conduct of simultaneous elections in India and goes against the spirit of constitution.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a balanced opinion regard the conduct of simultaneous elections.
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.
4. India’s issues with the WTO are emblematic of broader tensions between free trade and development objectives, as well as debates about the role of international organizations in setting global trade rules. Analyse. (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 issues of India with WTO, reforms that are needed in the WTO. 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 the aims and objectives of WTO. Body: First, Explain the factors that have led to India’s chequered relationship with the World Trade Organisation (WTO). – disagreements over agricultural subsidies, intellectual property, services trade, special and differential treatment for developing countries, and the functioning of the dispute settlement mechanism. Next, suggest reforms that are needed to overcome the above – Appellate body reform, clarity on Special and differential treatment and Sustainable Development Goal-oriented trade negotiation etc. 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 issues of India with WTO, reforms that are needed in the WTO.
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 the aims and objectives of WTO.
First, Explain the factors that have led to India’s chequered relationship with the World Trade Organisation (WTO). – disagreements over agricultural subsidies, intellectual property, services trade, special and differential treatment for developing countries, and the functioning of the dispute settlement mechanism.
Next, suggest reforms that are needed to overcome the above – Appellate body reform, clarity on Special and differential treatment and Sustainable Development Goal-oriented trade negotiation etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Topic: issues relating to intellectual property rights
Topic: issues relating to intellectual property rights
5. Critically analyse the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy, aimed to promote creativity and innovation in the country while protecting intellectual property rights. (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 evaluate the performance of IPR regime in India and to suggest changes to IPR policy to balance protecting patents while prioritising national interest. 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: Start the answer by giving an overview of IPR regime in India. Give stats with respect to applied and approved IPR’s. Body: In the first part, give brief overview of National IPR Policy, 2016 and mention the challenges in enforcing Intellectual property rights (IPR) in India – procedural and substantive constraints, legal aspects, conflict with competition law, low awareness, counterfeiting and piracy, IP Financing, etc. Mention IPR regime has gained further significance in light of the Government’s focus on ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and Covid-19 pandemic. Next write about changes that are needed to National IPR Policy in order balance between protecting the rights of the IPR holders and national interest. 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 evaluate the performance of IPR regime in India and to suggest changes to IPR policy to balance protecting patents while prioritising national interest.
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:
Start the answer by giving an overview of IPR regime in India. Give stats with respect to applied and approved IPR’s.
In the first part, give brief overview of National IPR Policy, 2016 and mention the challenges in enforcing Intellectual property rights (IPR) in India – procedural and substantive constraints, legal aspects, conflict with competition law, low awareness, counterfeiting and piracy, IP Financing, etc.
Mention IPR regime has gained further significance in light of the Government’s focus on ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and Covid-19 pandemic.
Next write about changes that are needed to National IPR Policy in order balance between protecting the rights of the IPR holders and national interest.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker- sections.
Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker- sections.
6. To deal with these challenging circumstances prevailing across the world in the recent past, the world requires compassion, cooperation and complete solidarity. Discuss. (150 Words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Key Demand of the question: To write about the importance compassion, cooperation and complete solidarity in dealing with contemporary challenges. Directive: 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 context. Body: First, write about the challenging circumstances prevailing across the world in recent past – pandemic, extreme weather events, wars, social strife etc. Next, write how compassion, cooperation and solidarity can play a part in overcoming the above-mentioned challenges. Substantiate with examples. Conclusion: Complete by summarising.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the importance compassion, cooperation and complete solidarity in dealing with contemporary challenges.
Directive:
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 context.
First, write about the challenging circumstances prevailing across the world in recent past – pandemic, extreme weather events, wars, social strife etc.
Next, write how compassion, cooperation and solidarity can play a part in overcoming the above-mentioned challenges. Substantiate with examples.
Conclusion:
Complete by summarising.
Topic: moral and political attitudes.
Topic: moral and political attitudes.
7. public morality is a complex and multifaceted concept that evolves over time as societies grapple with new challenges and opportunities. Explain. (150 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Directive word: Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Give a simple elaboration on the concept of public morality. Body: Write about aspects such as what is accepted within the realms of public morality, is it static and indestructible by quoting few examples. Influence of public morality on legislations and the changes with time such as legalisation of same-sex marriage etc. Next, write about the various factors affecting public morality. Conclusion: Conclude by stating that society evolves with time and thus the public morality also takes its shape, however certain historically sustainable values must be preserved as well.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.
Directive word:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Give a simple elaboration on the concept of public morality.
Write about aspects such as what is accepted within the realms of public morality, is it static and indestructible by quoting few examples. Influence of public morality on legislations and the changes with time such as legalisation of same-sex marriage etc.
Next, write about the various factors affecting public morality.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stating that society evolves with time and thus the public morality also takes its shape, however certain historically sustainable values must be preserved as well.
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