UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 24 July 2024

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General Studies – 1

Topic: Ancient Indian History

Topic: Ancient Indian History

Q1. Why are the majority of known Harappan settlements located in semi-arid areas with saline groundwater?10M

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Indian Express

Why the question: In a departure from the past, the new NCERT textbook makes multiple references to the ‘Sarasvati’ river in the chapter pertaining to the beginning of Indian civilisation. Key Demand of the question: To analyze the factors that led to the concentration of Harappan settlements in semi-arid areas with saline groundwater and to discuss the implications of these environmental conditions on the Harappan civilization. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Briefly introduce the Harappan civilization and its geographical extent. Body: Firstly, mention the geographical and environmental extent of Harappan civilisation. Next, mention the Factors Influencing Settlement Locations – Proximity to River Systems, Alluvial Soil Fertility, Climatic Stability, Strategic Location for Trade, Availability of Raw Materials etc. Next briefly mention the implications of these environmental conditions on the Harappan civilization Conclusion: Conclude accordingly.

Why the question:

In a departure from the past, the new NCERT textbook makes multiple references to the ‘Sarasvati’ river in the chapter pertaining to the beginning of Indian civilisation. Key Demand of the question:

To analyze the factors that led to the concentration of Harappan settlements in semi-arid areas with saline groundwater and to discuss the implications of these environmental conditions on the Harappan civilization.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the Harappan civilization and its geographical extent.

• Firstly, mention the geographical and environmental extent of Harappan civilisation.

• Next, mention the Factors Influencing Settlement Locations – Proximity to River Systems, Alluvial Soil Fertility, Climatic Stability, Strategic Location for Trade, Availability of Raw Materials etc.

• Next briefly mention the implications of these environmental conditions on the Harappan civilization

Conclusion:

Conclude accordingly.

Topic: Role of Women and Women’s organisation.

Topic: Role of Women and Women’s organisation.

Q2. Discuss the significance of the shift from women’s development to women-led development in India. How has this transition been reflected in the budgetary allocations for women’s welfare and empowerment schemes? 15M

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question: Observing that India is transitioning from women’s development to women-led development, the Chief Economic Advisor on July 22 said there has been a 218.8% increase in budgetary allocation for schemes for the welfare and empowerment of women. Key Demand of the question: To discuss the significance of the shift from women’s development to women-led development in India and analyze how budgetary allocations reflect this transition. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Briefly introduce the concepts of women’s development and women-led development. Mention the importance of this paradigm shift in the context of India’s socio-economic progress. Body: Firstly, discuss the significance of shift from women’s development to women-led development in India. E.g. Enhanced economic participation of women, Improved access to education and healthcare services for women and girls. Greater representation of women in leadership roles, addresses structural inequalities and promote gender equality. In second part, mention this reflection in budgetary allocations: – increased allocation for women centric schemes, Gender budgeting, Increased funding for education and vocational training programs for women and girls, Allocations for maternal and child health, reproductive health services etc. Conclusion: In conclusion, emphasize the positive impact of this shift on socio-economic progress and gender equality.

Why the question:

Observing that India is transitioning from women’s development to women-led development, the Chief Economic Advisor on July 22 said there has been a 218.8% increase in budgetary allocation for schemes for the welfare and empowerment of women.

Key Demand of the question:

To discuss the significance of the shift from women’s development to women-led development in India and analyze how budgetary allocations reflect this transition.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the concepts of women’s development and women-led development. Mention the importance of this paradigm shift in the context of India’s socio-economic progress.

• Firstly, discuss the significance of shift from women’s development to women-led development in India. E.g. Enhanced economic participation of women, Improved access to education and healthcare services for women and girls. Greater representation of women in leadership roles, addresses structural inequalities and promote gender equality.

• E.g. Enhanced economic participation of women, Improved access to education and healthcare services for women and girls. Greater representation of women in leadership roles, addresses structural inequalities and promote gender equality.

• In second part, mention this reflection in budgetary allocations: – increased allocation for women centric schemes, Gender budgeting, Increased funding for education and vocational training programs for women and girls, Allocations for maternal and child health, reproductive health services etc.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, emphasize the positive impact of this shift on socio-economic progress and gender equality.

General Studies – 2

Q3. The Economic survey highlights the increase in mental health issues in India. In this context, analyze the reasons for poor mental health and suggest measures. (10M)

•*Difficulty level: Moderate

•Reference: The Economic times, Insights on India*

* *Why the question: The Economic Survey has highlighted the rise in mental health issues among Indians and suggested a bottom-up, whole-of-community approach for addressing the issue. Key Demand of the question: Analyse the reasons behind the rise in mental health issues in India and suggest measures to address these issues. Directive: Analyse-Examine in detail the reasons for poor mental health in India and suggest measures to address the issue. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Mention the observation from the Economic Survey. Highlight the significance of mental health. Body: First part: Reasons for Poor Mental Health Socio-economic factors, Lifestyle changes. Social isolation, Stigma and lack of awareness. Work-related stress, Impact of COVID-19. Second part: Suggested Measures Policy interventions, Public awareness campaigns. Improving healthcare infrastructure, Community support systems, Workplace mental health program, Leveraging technology. Conclusion: Emphasise the need for a bottom up community approach.

* *Why the question:

The Economic Survey has highlighted the rise in mental health issues among Indians and suggested a bottom-up, whole-of-community approach for addressing the issue.

Key Demand of the question:

Analyse the reasons behind the rise in mental health issues in India and suggest measures to address these issues.

Directive:

Analyse-Examine in detail the reasons for poor mental health in India and suggest measures to address the issue.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Mention the observation from the Economic Survey. Highlight the significance of mental health.

Body:

First part: Reasons for Poor Mental Health

Socio-economic factors, Lifestyle changes.

Social isolation, Stigma and lack of awareness.

Work-related stress, Impact of COVID-19.

Second part: Suggested Measures

Policy interventions, Public awareness campaigns.

Improving healthcare infrastructure, Community support systems,

Workplace mental health program, Leveraging technology.

Conclusion:

Emphasise the need for a bottom up community approach.

Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability.

Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability.

Q4. Despite being hailed as a sunshine legislation, there are many challenges that persist in Right to Information (RTI) Act. Analyse in the context of recent amendments. (15M)

•Difficulty level: Moderate *

•Reference: Insights on India *

Why the question: The question is part of static theme of GS-2 paper syllabus. Key Demand of the question: Analyse the persistent challenges in the RTI Act, especially in light of recent amendments. Directive: Analyse- Examine in detail the challenges and implications of the recent amendments in the RTI act. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Briefly introduce the RTI Act. Body: First part: Highlight how RTI is a sunshine legislation. Second part: Challenges in the RTI Act Bureaucratic resistance. Delays in information dissemination. Lack of awareness among citizens. Threats and harassment faced by RTI activists. Third part: Impact of Recent Amendments Reduced autonomy of Information Commissions. Changes in tenure and terms of service of Information Commissioners. Analysis of how these changes affect transparency and accountability. Fourth part: Emphasise the need for addressing these challenges and strengthening RTI implementation. Conclusion: Summarise with a relevant conclusion.

•*Why the question:

The question is part of static theme of GS-2 paper syllabus.

Key Demand of the question:

Analyse the persistent challenges in the RTI Act, especially in light of recent amendments.

Directive:

Analyse- Examine in detail the challenges and implications of the recent amendments in the RTI act.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the RTI Act.

Body:

First part: Highlight how RTI is a sunshine legislation.

Second part: Challenges in the RTI Act

Bureaucratic resistance.

Delays in information dissemination.

Lack of awareness among citizens.

Threats and harassment faced by RTI activists.

Third part: Impact of Recent Amendments

Reduced autonomy of Information Commissions.

Changes in tenure and terms of service of Information Commissioners.

Analysis of how these changes affect transparency and accountability.

Fourth part: Emphasise the need for addressing these challenges and strengthening RTI implementation.

Conclusion:

Summarise with a relevant conclusion.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Government policies and interventions for agricultural development.

Topic: Government policies and interventions for agricultural development.

Q5. What do you understand by ‘Agri Stack? Discuss its use for better targeting of fertiliser subsidy. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: ET

Why the question: The article highlights the Economic Survey’s recommendation to use the ‘Agri Stack’ digital system to enhance the targeting of fertiliser subsidies, ensuring more efficient and equitable distribution among farmers based on specific parameters. Key Demand of the question: To explain the ‘Agri Stack’ system, how it will target fertiliser subsidies more effectively, and its potential benefits for farmers and subsidy management. Directive word: Discuss – This directive requires an in-depth examination of the topic, exploring different dimensions and implications. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by introducing the ‘Agri Stack’ and its purpose in the context of fertiliser subsidies. Body: First, describe the ‘Agri Stack’ digital system and its components. Explain how the system targets subsidies based on land ownership, cropping patterns, and soil health. Mention the direct transfer of subsidies through E-RUPI and its benefits. Mention how this system can prevent misuse and promote balanced fertiliser use. Conclusion: Mention the potential impacts of the ‘Agri Stack’ on improving subsidy efficiency and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

Why the question:

The article highlights the Economic Survey’s recommendation to use the ‘Agri Stack’ digital system to enhance the targeting of fertiliser subsidies, ensuring more efficient and equitable distribution among farmers based on specific parameters.

Key Demand of the question:

To explain the ‘Agri Stack’ system, how it will target fertiliser subsidies more effectively, and its potential benefits for farmers and subsidy management.

Directive word:

Discuss – This directive requires an in-depth examination of the topic, exploring different dimensions and implications.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by introducing the ‘Agri Stack’ and its purpose in the context of fertiliser subsidies.

• First, describe the ‘Agri Stack’ digital system and its components.

• Explain how the system targets subsidies based on land ownership, cropping patterns, and soil health.

• Mention the direct transfer of subsidies through E-RUPI and its benefits.

• Mention how this system can prevent misuse and promote balanced fertiliser use.

Conclusion:

Mention the potential impacts of the ‘Agri Stack’ on improving subsidy efficiency and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

Topic: Economy: Energy Infrastructure: Nuclear Power and Renewable Energy.

Topic: Economy: Energy Infrastructure: Nuclear Power and Renewable Energy.

Q6. Explain the concept of ‘Bharat Small Reactors’ and small modular reactors (SMRs). How can these technologies address India’s energy challenges? (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question: The budget 2024 highlights the potential of small nuclear reactors, especially Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) and small modular reactors (SMRs), in addressing the limitations of current renewable energy solutions and the persistent reliance on fossil fuels for continuous power generation. Key Demand of the question: To describe BSRs and SMRs, their design and safety features, and discuss how they can contribute to solving India’s energy challenges. Directive word: Explain – When asked to ‘explain’, we must clarify the topic by giving a detailed description and making it clear to the reader. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by defining BSRs and SMRs and their significance in the context of nuclear energy. Body: First, describe SMRs: miniaturised versions of large nuclear power plants, their safety features, and operational advantages. Next, explain BSRs: the specifics of the Bharat Small Reactor, its re-engineering process, and the safety enhancements. Mention how these reactors can address India’s energy challenges, including reducing fossil fuel dependence and supporting energy needs for industrial facilities. Conclusion: Mention the potential impact of BSRs and SMRs on India’s energy landscape and their role in achieving energy sustainability and decarbonisation.

Why the question:

The budget 2024 highlights the potential of small nuclear reactors, especially Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) and small modular reactors (SMRs), in addressing the limitations of current renewable energy solutions and the persistent reliance on fossil fuels for continuous power generation.

Key Demand of the question:

To describe BSRs and SMRs, their design and safety features, and discuss how they can contribute to solving India’s energy challenges.

Directive word:

Explain – When asked to ‘explain’, we must clarify the topic by giving a detailed description and making it clear to the reader.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: Begin by defining BSRs and SMRs and their significance in the context of nuclear energy.

• First, describe SMRs: miniaturised versions of large nuclear power plants, their safety features, and operational advantages.

• Next, explain BSRs: the specifics of the Bharat Small Reactor, its re-engineering process, and the safety enhancements.

• Mention how these reactors can address India’s energy challenges, including reducing fossil fuel dependence and supporting energy needs for industrial facilities.

Conclusion:

Mention the potential impact of BSRs and SMRs on India’s energy landscape and their role in achieving energy sustainability and decarbonisation.

General Studies – 4

Q7. What does this quote mean to you? [10M]

“Where the roots of private virtue are diseased, the fruit of public probity cannot but be corrupt”.

Difficulty level: Medium

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question: This question is part of QUOTE Wednesday and covers the Static part of GS-4. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by linking the context of a recent corruption case or simply define probity. Body: First, mention how private virtues are diseased. Then explain how it leads to lowering of probity in the office using examples. Lastly, mention strategies that can be used to improve the virtue of an individual. Conclusion: Summarize the above discussion in brief.

Why the question:

This question is part of QUOTE Wednesday and covers the Static part of GS-4.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: Begin by linking the context of a recent corruption case or simply define probity.

Body:

• First, mention how private virtues are diseased.

• Then explain how it leads to lowering of probity in the office using examples.

• Lastly, mention strategies that can be used to improve the virtue of an individual.