UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE : 25 March 2024

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General Studies – 1

Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.

Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.

1. The Quit India Movement marked a shift in the Indian nationalist movement towards more aggressive and direct action against British colonialism. One of the key figures who played a pivotal role in the Quit India Movement was Usha Mehta, a prominent freedom fighter and a staunch Gandhian. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express. , Insights on India

Why the question: Usha Mehta was 22 when the Quit India Movement began. A law student in Bombay, she was in awe of Gandhi, and like many peers, quit studies to join the movement. Key Demand of the question: To write about Quit India movement and role of Usha Mehta in it. 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: Give the context of political scene of the country that led to the launch of Quit India movement. Body: First, write about the factors that made the movement stand apart from other struggles or movements against the Imperial rule, on lines of, Gandhi’s strategy, emergence of new leaders, Violence, Princely States, new developments and mass involvement etc and the way it aligned the local interest with that of national interest. Next, write about the contributions of Usha Mehta to Quit India movement and India’s struggle for independence. Conclusion: Conclude by summarising.

Why the question:

Usha Mehta was 22 when the Quit India Movement began. A law student in Bombay, she was in awe of Gandhi, and like many peers, quit studies to join the movement.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about Quit India movement and role of Usha Mehta in it.

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:

Give the context of political scene of the country that led to the launch of Quit India movement.

First, write about the factors that made the movement stand apart from other struggles or movements against the Imperial rule, on lines of, Gandhi’s strategy, emergence of new leaders, Violence, Princely States, new developments and mass involvement etc and the way it aligned the local interest with that of national interest.

Next, write about the contributions of Usha Mehta to Quit India movement and India’s struggle for independence.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, and Human Resources.

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, and Human Resources.

2. Tuberculosis (TB) transcends being solely a health crisis; it also poses significant economic challenges. Addressing TB effectively requires not only medical interventions but also holistic approaches that address the socioeconomic determinants of the disease and its impact on individuals and societies. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu ,The Hindu ,Insights on India

Why the question: Globally, and in India, tuberculosis (TB) continues to loom large as a public health challenge impacting millions. Key Demand of the question: To write about the challenges posed by TB and ways to end it. 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 statistic highlighting the incidence and impact of TB in India. Body: First, write about the impact of TB on health as well as its economic impact. Next, write about the shortcomings of the above and other major challenges in India’s fight against TB. Next, write about the possible solutions to the above issue to end TB in India – improving awareness, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, reducing its economic impact, expanding access to diagnostics and treatment, targeting high-risk populations, and promoting research and innovation etc. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

Globally, and in India, tuberculosis (TB) continues to loom large as a public health challenge impacting millions.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the challenges posed by TB and ways to end it.

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 statistic highlighting the incidence and impact of TB in India.

First, write about the impact of TB on health as well as its economic impact.

Next, write about the shortcomings of the above and other major challenges in India’s fight against TB.

Next, write about the possible solutions to the above issue to end TB in India – improving awareness, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, reducing its economic impact, expanding access to diagnostics and treatment, targeting high-risk populations, and promoting research and innovation etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.

Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.

3. The question of whether India should restart trade with Pakistan is complex and influenced by various factors, including political, economic, and security considerations. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu ,Insights on India

Why the question: Pakistan will “seriously examine” whether to restart trade with India, said its newly appointed Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. Key Demand of the question: To write about the evolution of Indo-Pak foreign trade relations and state opinion on restarting Indo-Pak trade. 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, impact write about trade relations between India-Pakistan since independence. Next, write about the current impasse between India and Pakistan on trade and its impact. Next, write about the pros and cons of normalising the trade relationship between the two countries. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a balanced opinion on the issue.

Why the question:

Pakistan will “seriously examine” whether to restart trade with India, said its newly appointed Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the evolution of Indo-Pak foreign trade relations and state opinion on restarting Indo-Pak trade.

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, impact write about trade relations between India-Pakistan since independence.

Next, write about the current impasse between India and Pakistan on trade and its impact.

Next, write about the pros and cons of normalising the trade relationship between the two countries.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a balanced opinion on the issue.

Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.

Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.

4. As regional challenges continue to evolve, the strong relationship between India and Bhutan will play a crucial role in maintaining stability and addressing common concerns in the region. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan last week, while productive, was largely symbolic. Key Demand of the question: To write about the various areas of cooperation between India and Bhutan. 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 a brief history of India Bhutan relations. Body: In the first part, write about the various areas of cooperation between India and Bhutan – Treaties and Agreements, Economic Cooperation, Security Cooperation, Cultural Ties, People-to-People Contacts etc. Substantiate with facts and examples. Next, write about the various regional challenges in the Indo-Bhutanese relations and ways to address it. Conclusion: Conclude by summarising the importance of Indo-Bhutanese relations.

Why the question:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan last week, while productive, was largely symbolic.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the various areas of cooperation between India and Bhutan.

Directive word:

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by giving a brief history of India Bhutan relations.

In the first part, write about the various areas of cooperation between India and Bhutan – Treaties and Agreements, Economic Cooperation, Security Cooperation, Cultural Ties, People-to-People Contacts etc. Substantiate with facts and examples.

Next, write about the various regional challenges in the Indo-Bhutanese relations and ways to address it.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising the importance of Indo-Bhutanese relations.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

5. Bioremediation is a promising approach for cleaning up polluted environments, offering several advantages. However, it also has limitations and challenges that need to be considered. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: investopedia.com

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 different types of bio-remediation techniques and their advantages and limitations in cleaning up polluted environments. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by defining bio-remediation and explain it briefly. Body: In brief, write about the different types of bio-remediation techniques like phytoremediation, mycoremediation, and microbial remediation, and how they work. Next, write about the advantages of bio-remediation, such as being cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and non-invasive, among others. Next, write about the limitations of bio-remediation, such as long timeframes, lack of predictability, and inability to remove certain pollutants, among others. Conclusion: Conclude by mentioning about the potential of bio-remediation.

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 different types of bio-remediation techniques and their advantages and limitations in cleaning up polluted environments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by defining bio-remediation and explain it briefly.

In brief, write about the different types of bio-remediation techniques like phytoremediation, mycoremediation, and microbial remediation, and how they work.

Next, write about the advantages of bio-remediation, such as being cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and non-invasive, among others.

Next, write about the limitations of bio-remediation, such as long timeframes, lack of predictability, and inability to remove certain pollutants, among others.

Conclusion:

Conclude by mentioning about the potential of bio-remediation.

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

6. What are ecotones? Ecotones deserve high conservation investment, potentially serving as speciation and biodiversity centres. Elaborate on their importance. (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 ecotones and their importance and the need to conserve them. 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 defining ecotone. Body: First, mention briefly how ecotones are formed. Mentioned about the edge effect. Next, write about the importance of ecotones – providing an area for a large number of species, nesting, food provisions, greater genetic diversity, serve as bridges of “gene flow” and buffer-zone” protecting the neighbouring ecosystem from possible environmental damage. Next, write about the need to conserve them. Conclusion: Conclude by summarising the importance and how Ecotones provide a sensitive indicator of global change.

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 ecotones and their importance and the need to conserve them.

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 defining ecotone.

First, mention briefly how ecotones are formed. Mentioned about the edge effect.

Next, write about the importance of ecotones – providing an area for a large number of species, nesting, food provisions, greater genetic diversity, serve as bridges of “gene flow” and buffer-zone” protecting the neighbouring ecosystem from possible environmental damage.

Next, write about the need to conserve them.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising the importance and how Ecotones provide a sensitive indicator of global change.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Case Study

Topic: Case Study

7. Rakesh was working as a Joint Commissioner in Transport department of a city. As a part of his job profile, among others, he was entrusted with the task of overseeing the control and functioning of City Transport Department. A case strike by drivers’ union of City Transport Department over the issue of compensation to a driver who died on duty while driving the bus came up before him for decision in the matter.

He gathered that the driver (deceased) was plying Bus No. 528 which passed through busy and congested roads of the city. It so happened that near an intersection on the way, there was an accident involving a middle-aged man. It was found that there was altercation between the driver and the car driver. Heated arguments between them led to fight and the driver gave him a a blow. Lot of passerbys had gathered and tried to intervene but without success. Eventually, both of them were badly injured and profusely bleeding and were taken to the nearby hospital. The driver succumbed to the injuries and could not be saved. The middle-aged driver’s condition was also critical but after a day, he recovered and was discharged. Police had immediately come to the spot and FIR was registered. Police investigation revealed that the quarrel in was started by the bus driver and he had resorted to physical violence. There exchange of blows between them.

The City Transport Department management is considering of not giving any extra compensation to the driver’s (deceased) family. The family is very aggrieved. depressed and agitated against the discriminatory and non-sympathetic approach of the City Transport Department management. The bus driver (deceased) was 52 years of age, was survived by his wife and two school-college going daughters. He was the sole earner of the family. The City Transport Department workers’ union took up this case and when found no favourable response from the management, decided to go on strike. The union’s demand was two fold. First was full extra compensation as given to other drivers who died on duty and secondly employment to one family member. The strike has continued for 10 days and the deadlock remains.

(a) What are the options available to Rakesh to meet the above situation?

(b) Critically examine each of the options identified by Rakesh.

(c) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Rakesh?

(d) What course of action would Rakesh adopt to diffuse the above situation?