UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE : 22 March 2024

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General Studies – 1

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.

1. Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) incentivize landowners or communities to conserve natural resources by compensating them for maintaining or enhancing ecosystem services. Evaluate. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India

Why the question: Incentives for biodiversity protection and sustainable use include biodiversity-relevant taxes, fees, levies, tradeable permits, and Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES). Key Demand of the question: To write about PES, its role in conserving biodiversity and its feasibility in India. Directive word: Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by defining PES. Body: First, write about the various components of PES which ensures conservation of biodiversity – fosters community conservation by providing economic benefits, empowering local stakeholders, supporting livelihoods, promoting social equity, and contributing to sustainable development. Next, write about the feasibility of PES in India – its pros and cons with respect to India socio-political set up. Conclusion: Conclude with a way forward.

Why the question:

Incentives for biodiversity protection and sustainable use include biodiversity-relevant taxes, fees, levies, tradeable permits, and Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES).

Key Demand of the question:

To write about PES, its role in conserving biodiversity and its feasibility in India.

Directive word:

Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by defining PES.

First, write about the various components of PES which ensures conservation of biodiversity – fosters community conservation by providing economic benefits, empowering local stakeholders, supporting livelihoods, promoting social equity, and contributing to sustainable development.

Next, write about the feasibility of PES in India – its pros and cons with respect to India socio-political set up.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

2. The statement from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) regarding Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) having the highest cost and lowest potential contribution to net emission reduction in both the energy and industry sectors suggests a critical assessment of CCS as a mitigation strategy. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Indian Express , sciencedirect.com

Why the question: IPCC noted that CCS has the highest cost and lowest possible contribution to net emission reduction in both energy and industry sectors. Key Demand of the question: To write about carbon capture utilisation technologies and their pros and cons in mitigating emissions. 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: Briefly explain the concept of carbon capture utilisation technologies. Body: First, the coming of carbon capture utilisation technologies; Carbon Capture and Storage, is a technology which captures carbon dioxide (CO2) from the burning of coal and gas for power generation, and from the manufacturing of steel, cement and other industrial facilities. Next, write about the limitations of CCUS technologies – Cost Consideration, Complexity and Technological Challenges, Limited Impact on Emission Reductions etc. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a balanced opinion.

Why the question:

IPCC noted that CCS has the highest cost and lowest possible contribution to net emission reduction in both energy and industry sectors.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about carbon capture utilisation technologies and their pros and cons in mitigating emissions.

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:

Briefly explain the concept of carbon capture utilisation technologies.

First, the coming of carbon capture utilisation technologies; Carbon Capture and Storage, is a technology which captures carbon dioxide (CO2) from the burning of coal and gas for power generation, and from the manufacturing of steel, cement and other industrial facilities.

Next, write about the limitations of CCUS technologies – Cost Consideration, Complexity and Technological Challenges, Limited Impact on Emission Reductions etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a balanced opinion.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

3. What is Mixed Reality (MR)? MR has diverse applications, as well as associated concerns. Addressing these concerns is crucial for realizing MR’s potential responsibly. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , en.wikipedia.org

Why the question: When Apple unveiled its Vision Pro in June 2023, it called the device a “revolutionary spatial computer”. But most tech enthusiasts preferred calling it a ‘mixed reality headset’. Key Demand of the question: To write about MR, its applications and concerns. 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 MR. Body: First, write about the various applications of MR – gaming, education, enterprise, healthcare, and retail etc. Next, write about the concerns associated with it – privacy, health effects, ethics, accessibility, and the need for integration and standardization etc. Next, write about the measures that are needed to overcome the above issues. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

When Apple unveiled its Vision Pro in June 2023, it called the device a “revolutionary spatial computer”. But most tech enthusiasts preferred calling it a ‘mixed reality headset’.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about MR, its applications and concerns.

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 MR.

First, write about the various applications of MR – gaming, education, enterprise, healthcare, and retail etc.

Next, write about the concerns associated with it – privacy, health effects, ethics, accessibility, and the need for integration and standardization etc.

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

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

4. India’s progress in infrastructure development in the recent past is commendable, but it must continue to address funding gaps, regulatory hurdles, and sustainability concerns, to fully harness the benefits of improved infrastructure. 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 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable. Key Demand of the question: To write about the progress made in infrastructure, challenges and areas for improvement. 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 context. Body: First, Write the about the progress made in developing infrastructure in the country and major initiatives taken for it and its achievements. Next, write about the various limitations of the above – funding, slow paced development, environmental challenges etc. Next, write about the steps that are needed for increased investment in infrastructure to support economic growth and improve the quality of life. 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 progress made in infrastructure, challenges and areas for improvement.

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 context.

First, Write the about the progress made in developing infrastructure in the country and major initiatives taken for it and its achievements.

Next, write about the various limitations of the above – funding, slow paced development, environmental challenges etc.

Next, write about the steps that are needed for increased investment in infrastructure to support economic growth and improve the quality of life.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

5. Inland waterways in India offer cost-effective transportation, environmental sustainability, connectivity, and trade promotion potential. Examine. (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 potential and challenges of inland waterways in India. 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: First, write in detail about the major inland waterways function and proposed in the country. Next, write about the advantages offered by inland waterways – Cost-Effective, Reduced Congestion, Environmentally Friendly etc. Next, write about the limitations of the above – Limited Infrastructure, Seasonal Constraints, Limited Routes etc. Conclusion: Conclude with 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 potential and challenges of inland waterways in India.

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.

First, write in detail about the major inland waterways function and proposed in the country.

Next, write about the advantages offered by inland waterways – Cost-Effective, Reduced Congestion, Environmentally Friendly etc.

Next, write about the limitations of the above – Limited Infrastructure, Seasonal Constraints, Limited Routes etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude with 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. Focusing on intent rather than outcome underscores the importance of the motives, values, and efforts behind our actions rather than solely measuring success based on the results achieved. Elaborate. (150 Words)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

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 of focussing on the intent and not on the outcome. Directive word: Elaborate – Give 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: Begin by giving context regarding the difference between intent and action. Body: Mention as to what happens when the outcome of the action more emphasised rather than the intent of the action. One tends to lose their path to have favourable outcomes rather than sticking to original intent. Cite examples to elaborate. Conclusion: Give a concise summation of your views to conclude the answer.

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 of focussing on the intent and not on the outcome.

Directive word:

Elaborate – Give 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:

Begin by giving context regarding the difference between intent and action.

Mention as to what happens when the outcome of the action more emphasised rather than the intent of the action. One tends to lose their path to have favourable outcomes rather than sticking to original intent. Cite examples to elaborate.

Conclusion:

Give a concise summation of your views to conclude the answer.

Topic: ethics – in private and public relationships;

Topic: ethics – in private and public relationships;

7. Who is a role model according to you? What traits should a role model possess? Explain with examples. (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: Define role model. Body: First, write about the traits that a role model must embody – a combination of integrity, resilience, empathy, achievement, authenticity, and generosity. Cite examples and substantiate. Conclusion: Complete by summarizing.

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:

Define role model.

First, write about the traits that a role model must embody – a combination of integrity, resilience, empathy, achievement, authenticity, and generosity. Cite examples and substantiate.