UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE : 22 May 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. Cold deserts in India, primarily located in the trans-Himalayan regions, exhibit unique climatic and geographical characteristics. Explain. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India

Why the question: Wildlife authorities in Himachal Pradesh’s high altitude, cold desert district of Lahaul & Spiti have started surveys as part of census to estimate the population of blue sheep or bharal and the Himalayan ibex, the main prey of the iconic snow leopard. Key Demand of the question: To write about the various manifestations of Folk art in India. 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: Begin by defining cold desert and highlight the cold desert regions in the country. Body: First, write about the about the unique climatic characteristics – extreme temperatures, low precipitation, high altitude, arid landscapes, and thin atmosphere. Next, write about the unique geographical characteristics including its flora and fauna. Conclusion: Conclude by summarising.

Why the question:

Wildlife authorities in Himachal Pradesh’s high altitude, cold desert district of Lahaul & Spiti have started surveys as part of census to estimate the population of blue sheep or bharal and the Himalayan ibex, the main prey of the iconic snow leopard.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the various manifestations of Folk art in India.

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:

Begin by defining cold desert and highlight the cold desert regions in the country.

First, write about the about the unique climatic characteristics – extreme temperatures, low precipitation, high altitude, arid landscapes, and thin atmosphere.

Next, write about the unique geographical characteristics including its flora and fauna.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., 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: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., 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. Heatwaves in India have become more frequent and intense due to various climatic and anthropogenic factors. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question: The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and west Uttar Pradesh due to severe heatwave conditions and advised people to take precaution as chances of developing heat-related illness are higher. Key Demand of the question: To write about heat waves and causes of heat wave conditions and impact of El-Nino on 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: Start by defining a heat wave. Body: In the first part of the body, start by mentioning the criteria for a heat wave: in temperature for plains, coastal areas and hilly areas. The criteria for a severe heat wave. In the next part, mention the causes behind heat waves in India. Write about the climatic factors and anthropogenic factors. Conclusion: Conclude by writing about measures that must be taken to tackle heatwaves in India.

Why the question:

The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and west Uttar Pradesh due to severe heatwave conditions and advised people to take precaution as chances of developing heat-related illness are higher.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about heat waves and causes of heat wave conditions and impact of El-Nino on 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:

Start by defining a heat wave.

In the first part of the body, start by mentioning the criteria for a heat wave: in temperature for plains, coastal areas and hilly areas. The criteria for a severe heat wave.

In the next part, mention the causes behind heat waves in India. Write about the climatic factors and anthropogenic factors.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing about measures that must be taken to tackle heatwaves in India.

General Studies – 2

Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.

Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.

3. India and Pakistan’s relationship is a complex interplay of historical grievances, territorial disputes, political tensions, and socio-economic factors. 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 – 2. Key Demand of the question: To write about the evolution of Indo-Pak foreign relations. 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: In the first part, write about the tumultuous relationship since 1947 – disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir, India and Pakistan have fought three wars since their independence, in 1947-48, 1965, and 1971, cross border terrorism by Pakistan etc. Cite examples to substantiate. Next, write about the impact of the above and measures that are needed to normalise the relationship between the two countries. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the evolution of Indo-Pak foreign relations.

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.

In the first part, write about the tumultuous relationship since 1947 – disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir, India and Pakistan have fought three wars since their independence, in 1947-48, 1965, and 1971, cross border terrorism by Pakistan etc. Cite examples to substantiate.

Next, write about the impact of the above and measures that are needed to normalise the relationship between the two countries.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

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.

4. As the optical fibre technology advances, the role of optical fibres is expected to expand further, driving innovation and connectivity in various sectors. Discuss. (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. Key Demand of the question: To write about the advantages of optical fibre technology over conventional technologies used for communication. 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 about growth of optical communications. Body: Write about the advantages of optical fibre technology over conventional technologies on the basis of – data transmission, speed, bandwidth, attenuation losses, cost, infrastructure, compatibility etc. Next, write about the applications of optical fibres. Conclusion: Conclude by summarising.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the advantages of optical fibre technology over conventional technologies used for communication.

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 about growth of optical communications.

Write about the advantages of optical fibre technology over conventional technologies on the basis of – data transmission, speed, bandwidth, attenuation losses, cost, infrastructure, compatibility etc.

Next, write about the applications of optical fibres.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Topic: issues relating to intellectual property rights.

Topic: issues relating to intellectual property rights.

5. This surge in patent approvals, driven by extensive reforms and increased efficiency in the patent office, signifies a significant transformation in India’s intellectual property landscape. However, patent approval still faces several issues that can hinder its effectiveness. Critically examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question: India has seen a dramatic improvement in its patent-granting process, moving from fewer than 10,000 patents annually in 2016-17 to over 1,00,000 patents in 2023-24. Key Demand of the question: To write about the issues with the granting of patents and the need for a balanced approach regarding it. 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: Give a brief introduction of what is Patent. Body: First, write about the recent reforms introduced in the patent regime. Next, write about the various of patents in India – , low-quality patents, high costs, and ethical concerns etc. Conclusion: Conclude with a way forward.

Why the question:

India has seen a dramatic improvement in its patent-granting process, moving from fewer than 10,000 patents annually in 2016-17 to over 1,00,000 patents in 2023-24.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the issues with the granting of patents and the need for a balanced approach regarding it.

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:

Give a brief introduction of what is Patent.

First, write about the recent reforms introduced in the patent regime.

Next, write about the various of patents in India – , low-quality patents, high costs, and ethical concerns etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity;

Topic: Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity;

6. Probity is essential for the success and sustainability of any organisation. Discuss. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Key Demand of the question: To write about importance of probity for an organisation. 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 defining what is Probity. Body: Argue on the lines that for a moral society, it is necessary for all the stakeholders- the government, the corporate and the civil society must express the highest levels of probity in public life. Congruence and alignment of morality among the stakeholders is a major prerequisite to ensure a harmonious and ethic al existence of all the players promoting a just society. Illustrate the same with suitable examples. Conclusion: Conclude by saying that Probity is one of the main pillars for a just society.

Why the question:

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

Key Demand of the question:

To write about importance of probity for an organisation.

Directive word:

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by defining what is Probity.

Argue on the lines that for a moral society, it is necessary for all the stakeholders- the government, the corporate and the civil society must express the highest levels of probity in public life. Congruence and alignment of morality among the stakeholders is a major prerequisite to ensure a harmonious and ethic al existence of all the players promoting a just society. Illustrate the same with suitable examples.

Conclusion:

Conclude by saying that Probity is one of the main pillars for a just society.

Topic: Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information

Topic: Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information

7. One of the most effective methods for detecting and preventing corruption and malpractices is through the act of whistleblowing. Is whistleblowing by civil servants ethically justified?

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 role whistle blowing ain prevention of corruption. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Explain what is whistle blowing. Body: Explain What are the moral and ethical justification of whistleblowing – whistleblowing is morally required when it is required at all; people have a moral obligation to prevent serious harm to others if they can do so with little costs to themselves. Give examples to justify your points. Conclusion: Conclude by stressing on the need of whistle-blower protection

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 role whistle blowing ain prevention of corruption.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Explain what is whistle blowing.

Explain What are the moral and ethical justification of whistleblowing – whistleblowing is morally required when it is required at all; people have a moral obligation to prevent serious harm to others if they can do so with little costs to themselves. Give examples to justify your points.