UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 2 August 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
The Insights IAS Secure Initiative for UPSC Mains Answer Writing practice enables you to practice daily answer writing, enhancing your skills and boosting your scores with regular feedback, expert tips, and strategies. Let consistency be the hallmark of your preparation and utilize UPSC Mains Answer Writing practice initiative wisely
Click on EACH question to post/upload you answers.
#### How to Follow Secure Initiative?
#### How to Self-evaluate your answer?
#### MISSION – 2024: YEARLONG TIMETABLE
#### Join IPM 4.0 to get an assured review of 2 secure answers everyday
General Studies – 1
Topic: Energy resources
Topic: Energy resources
Q1. Discuss the importance and future potential of pumped storage projects in India’s renewable energy landscape. 10M
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question: The Union Budget for 2024-25 promised that “a policy for promoting pumped storage projects will be brought out for electricity storage and facilitating smooth integration of the growing share of renewable energy with its variable and intermittent nature.” Key Demand of the question: To discuss the importance of pumped storage projects in India’s renewable energy landscape and analyze their future potential. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Briefly introduce India’s commitment to expanding renewable energy capacity as part of its climate goals. Mention the need for reliable and flexible energy storage solutions to integrate renewable energy into the grid. Body: Firstly, mention Importance of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) – Balancing Grid Stability, Energy Storage Solution, facilitate the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources, can be used to manage peak load demands effectively. In second part, briefly mention the Current Status and Examples of PSPs in India and then provide the future potential of PSP in India – Increasing Renewable Energy Targets, Technological Advancements, Integration with Smart Grids, etc. Conclusion: Conclude by emphasizing the need for continued investment, policy support, and technological innovation to fully realize the benefits of PSPs.
Why the question:
The Union Budget for 2024-25 promised that “a policy for promoting pumped storage projects will be brought out for electricity storage and facilitating smooth integration of the growing share of renewable energy with its variable and intermittent nature.”
Key Demand of the question:
To discuss the importance of pumped storage projects in India’s renewable energy landscape and analyze their future potential.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly introduce India’s commitment to expanding renewable energy capacity as part of its climate goals. Mention the need for reliable and flexible energy storage solutions to integrate renewable energy into the grid.
• Firstly, mention Importance of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) – Balancing Grid Stability, Energy Storage Solution, facilitate the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources, can be used to manage peak load demands effectively.
• In second part, briefly mention the Current Status and Examples of PSPs in India and then provide the future potential of PSP in India – Increasing Renewable Energy Targets, Technological Advancements, Integration with Smart Grids, etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by emphasizing the need for continued investment, policy support, and technological innovation to fully realize the benefits of PSPs.
Topic: Indian Geography
Topic: Indian Geography
Q2. Examine the causes and effects of cloudbursts, and discuss strategies to prevent and mitigate their destructive impacts. 15M
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question: At least four people died and around 49 were missing following multiple cloudburst incidents in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu districts during the past 24 hours, following torrential overnight rains that have left the State rivers in a spate. Key Demand of the question: To discuss the reasons behind cloudbursts, analyze their impacts, and suggest preventive measures to mitigate their adverse effects. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Briefly define cloudbursts and explain their occurrence as a sudden, intense rainfall over a small area. Body: First explain some points related to the reasons behind and impacts of cloudburst. Next write some measures to prevent and reduce the devastating impacts of cloudbursts. At last, briefly mention way forward. – Conclusion: Emphasize the importance of a multi-faceted approach to prevent and mitigate the adverse effects of cloudbursts.
Why the question:
At least four people died and around 49 were missing following multiple cloudburst incidents in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu districts during the past 24 hours, following torrential overnight rains that have left the State rivers in a spate. Key Demand of the question:
To discuss the reasons behind cloudbursts, analyze their impacts, and suggest preventive measures to mitigate their adverse effects.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly define cloudbursts and explain their occurrence as a sudden, intense rainfall over a small area.
• First explain some points related to the reasons behind and impacts of cloudburst.
• Next write some measures to prevent and reduce the devastating impacts of cloudbursts.
• At last, briefly mention way forward. –
Conclusion:
Emphasize the importance of a multi-faceted approach to prevent and mitigate the adverse effects of cloudbursts.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections
Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections
Q3. “To achieve more inclusive affirmative action, it is necessary to further sub-categorize the reserved classes in India.” Discuss in the context of recent Supreme Court Judgement. (150 words)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu, Insights on India
Why the question: In a 6:1 majority ruling, the Supreme Court on August 1 held that sub-classification within the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) categories is permissible to extend the benefit of affirmative action. Key Demand of the Question: Discuss the necessity and implications of further sub-categorizing reserved classes in India in light of the recent Supreme Court judgment. Directive: Discuss- provide a detailed examination of the necessity and impact of further sub-categorizing reserved classes in India focusing on both benefits and challenges. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Mention the recent Supreme Court judgment allowing sub-categorization within SCs and STs. Briefly explain the concept of affirmative action and its purpose in India. Body: First part: Need for Sub-Categorization Address disparities within SCs and STs that may lead to unequal benefits from affirmative action. Discuss the goal of more targeted support to marginalized sub-groups. How sub-categorization can lead to a more equitable distribution of benefits. Second part: Challenges and Considerations: Issues related to identification and classification of sub-groups. Possible resistance and socio-political consequences. Conclusion: Emphasize the importance of careful implementation to achieve true inclusivity.
Why the question:
In a 6:1 majority ruling, the Supreme Court on August 1 held that sub-classification within the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) categories is permissible to extend the benefit of affirmative action.
Key Demand of the Question:
Discuss the necessity and implications of further sub-categorizing reserved classes in India in light of the recent Supreme Court judgment.
Directive:
Discuss- provide a detailed examination of the necessity and impact of further sub-categorizing reserved classes in India focusing on both benefits and challenges.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Mention the recent Supreme Court judgment allowing sub-categorization within SCs and STs. Briefly explain the concept of affirmative action and its purpose in India.
First part: Need for Sub-Categorization
Address disparities within SCs and STs that may lead to unequal benefits from affirmative action.
Discuss the goal of more targeted support to marginalized sub-groups.
How sub-categorization can lead to a more equitable distribution of benefits.
Second part: Challenges and Considerations:
Issues related to identification and classification of sub-groups.
Possible resistance and socio-political consequences.
Conclusion:
Emphasize the importance of careful implementation to achieve true inclusivity.
Topic: Appointment to various constitutional posts
Topic: Appointment to various constitutional posts
Q4. “The Election Commission of India plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and transparency of the electoral process in the country.” Critically analyze. (250 words)
- •*Difficulty Level: Moderate
- •Reference: Hindustan Times, Insights On India*
Why the question: Last year while hearing Article 370 case, the Supreme Court had directed the ECI to hold assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30, 2024. Key Demand of the Question: Critically analyze the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in maintaining electoral integrity and transparency. Directive: Critically analyze- Assess both the strengths and limitations of the Election Commission of India in maintaining the integrity and transparency of the electoral process, and suggest reforms. Structure of the Answer: Introduction : Define the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI). State the importance of integrity and transparency in elections. Body: First part: Roles of ECI in Maintaining Integrity and Transparency: Conducting free and fair elections. Ensuring adherence to election laws and guidelines. Monitoring and addressing election-related violations etc. Second part: Challenges Faced by ECI: Electoral malpractices and violations. Political interference and pressure. Resource constraints and logistical issues. Delays in electoral processes and legal challenges. Third part: Suggest measures to enhance independence and effectiveness. Conclusion: Emphasize the need for continuous reforms and support to enhance the effectiveness of the ECI in upholding democratic principles.
Why the question:
Last year while hearing Article 370 case, the Supreme Court had directed the ECI to hold assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30, 2024.
Key Demand of the Question:
Critically analyze the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in maintaining electoral integrity and transparency.
Directive:
Critically analyze- Assess both the strengths and limitations of the Election Commission of India in maintaining the integrity and transparency of the electoral process, and suggest reforms.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction :
Define the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI). State the importance of integrity and transparency in elections.
First part: Roles of ECI in Maintaining Integrity and Transparency:
Conducting free and fair elections.
Ensuring adherence to election laws and guidelines.
Monitoring and addressing election-related violations etc.
Second part: Challenges Faced by ECI:
Electoral malpractices and violations.
Political interference and pressure.
Resource constraints and logistical issues.
Delays in electoral processes and legal challenges.
Third part: Suggest measures to enhance independence and effectiveness.
Conclusion:
Emphasize the need for continuous reforms and support to enhance the effectiveness of the ECI in upholding democratic principles.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy
Topic: Indian Economy
Q5. What is derivative market? Mention measures that SEBI proposed to curb speculative trading in the index derivatives segment? Explain their significance. (250 Words)
Difficulty level: Medium
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question: The question addresses SEBI’s proposed regulatory steps to control the rising volumes of speculative trading in the futures and options market, particularly by individual investors, which is a current and relevant issue in financial regulation. Key Demand of the question: To define derivative market and outline the measures proposed by SEBI and explain their importance in promoting investor protection and market stability. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Briefly introduce Derivative market along with examples. Body: Give a linking statement about the SEBI proposal List the Proposed Sebi Measures: Increase the minimum contract size for index derivatives. Upfront collection of option premiums. Intraday monitoring of position limits. Rationalization of weekly index products. Removal of calendar spread benefit on expiry day. Rationalization of options strikes. Increase in margin near contract expiry. Explain the Significance: Enhances investor protection by reducing the risk of speculative losses. Promotes market stability by curbing excessive speculative trading. Encourages more informed and cautious trading practices. Conclusion: Conclude with a way forward.
Why the question:
The question addresses SEBI’s proposed regulatory steps to control the rising volumes of speculative trading in the futures and options market, particularly by individual investors, which is a current and relevant issue in financial regulation.
Key Demand of the question:
To define derivative market and outline the measures proposed by SEBI and explain their importance in promoting investor protection and market stability.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly introduce Derivative market along with examples.
Give a linking statement about the SEBI proposal
• List the Proposed Sebi Measures: Increase the minimum contract size for index derivatives. Upfront collection of option premiums. Intraday monitoring of position limits. Rationalization of weekly index products. Removal of calendar spread benefit on expiry day. Rationalization of options strikes. Increase in margin near contract expiry.
• Increase the minimum contract size for index derivatives.
• Upfront collection of option premiums.
• Intraday monitoring of position limits.
• Rationalization of weekly index products.
• Removal of calendar spread benefit on expiry day.
• Rationalization of options strikes.
• Increase in margin near contract expiry.
• Explain the Significance: Enhances investor protection by reducing the risk of speculative losses. Promotes market stability by curbing excessive speculative trading. Encourages more informed and cautious trading practices.
• Enhances investor protection by reducing the risk of speculative losses.
• Promotes market stability by curbing excessive speculative trading.
• Encourages more informed and cautious trading practices.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
General Studies – 4
Q6. What are ethical dilemmas? Discuss the ethical dilemmas that public servants face in contemporary times in public space. [10M, 150words]
Key Demand of question: Define dilemma. Explain the ethical dilemma faced by public servants in the world. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Start with the definition of dilemma. Body: Briefly explain about dilemma and its causes. Discuss how public servants face ethical dilemmas in office. Conclusion: Conclude by highlighting its significance.
Key Demand of question: Define dilemma. Explain the ethical dilemma faced by public servants in the world.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction: Start with the definition of dilemma.
Body:
• Briefly explain about dilemma and its causes.
• Discuss how public servants face ethical dilemmas in office.
Conclusion:
Conclude by highlighting its significance.
Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE
Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE
Follow our Twitter Account HERE
Follow our Instagram ID HERE