UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 26 July 2024

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General Studies – 1

Topic: National movement

Topic: National movement

Q1. Discuss the contributions of Bal Gangadhar Tilak in fostering a sense of national identity and mobilizing the public for political action during the Indian freedom struggle. 10M

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Print

Why the question: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has paid tributes to Lokmanya Tilak on his birth anniversary. Key Demand of the question: To discuss the ways in which Bal Gangadhar Tilak contributed to creating national consciousness and political awareness among the Indian masses during the national movement. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Introduce Bal Gangadhar Tilak, highlighting his significance as a leader in the Indian independence movement. Body: Firstly, discuss how he was instrumental in in fostering a sense of national identity. Next, mention how his actions were helpful in mobilizing the public for political action during the national movements. Conclusion: Conclude by acknowledging how Tilak’s efforts laid the groundwork for future leaders and movements in the quest for Indian independence.

Why the question:

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has paid tributes to Lokmanya Tilak on his birth anniversary.

Key Demand of the question:

To discuss the ways in which Bal Gangadhar Tilak contributed to creating national consciousness and political awareness among the Indian masses during the national movement.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Introduce Bal Gangadhar Tilak, highlighting his significance as a leader in the Indian independence movement.

• Firstly, discuss how he was instrumental in in fostering a sense of national identity.

• Next, mention how his actions were helpful in mobilizing the public for political action during the national movements.

Conclusion:

Conclude by acknowledging how Tilak’s efforts laid the groundwork for future leaders and movements in the quest for Indian independence.

Topic: Urbanisation

Topic: Urbanisation

Q2. Critically assess the impact of the Smart Cities Mission on urban development in India. How does the introduction of the National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM) reflect a shift in urban planning priorities? 15M

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question: The ever-growing pace of urbanisation in India calls for sustained investments, with a vision and determination. The maiden Budget of the new government has recognised cities as the growth hubs and offered many options and opportunities for the planned development and the growth of cities. Key Demand of the question: To critically comment on the challenges in translating policy recognition of offshore wind energy into actionable projects and to discuss the reasons behind these challenges. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Briefly introduce the Smart Cities Mission and its objectives, and Mention the recent introduction of the National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM) and its intended purpose in urban planning. Body: Firstly, mention the impact of Smart Cities Mission on Urban Development – Infrastructure development, technology integration, green initiatives like sustainable practices, such as solar energy projects, waste management systems etc. In second part, mention the limitations of Smart Cities Mission on Urban Development – Implementation gaps, inclusivity concerns, funding etc. with examples At last, write about the National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM) and how it shift in urban planning priorities- data driven governance, inclusivity and accessibility etc. Conclusion: Conclude by suggesting the potential for these initiatives to complement each other, ensuring comprehensive urban development that is technologically advanced, inclusive, and sustainable.

Why the question:

The ever-growing pace of urbanisation in India calls for sustained investments, with a vision and determination. The maiden Budget of the new government has recognised cities as the growth hubs and offered many options and opportunities for the planned development and the growth of cities.

Key Demand of the question:

To critically comment on the challenges in translating policy recognition of offshore wind energy into actionable projects and to discuss the reasons behind these challenges.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the Smart Cities Mission and its objectives, and Mention the recent introduction of the National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM) and its intended purpose in urban planning.

• Firstly, mention the impact of Smart Cities Mission on Urban Development – Infrastructure development, technology integration, green initiatives like sustainable practices, such as solar energy projects, waste management systems etc.

• In second part, mention the limitations of Smart Cities Mission on Urban Development – Implementation gaps, inclusivity concerns, funding etc. with examples

• At last, write about the National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM) and how it shift in urban planning priorities- data driven governance, inclusivity and accessibility etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by suggesting the potential for these initiatives to complement each other, ensuring comprehensive urban development that is technologically advanced, inclusive, and sustainable.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Issues and challenges pertaining to Federal structure.

Topic: Issues and challenges pertaining to Federal structure.

Q3. Analyze the current issues in fiscal federalism in India, with an emphasis on state’s taxation powers and financial autonomy. (10M)

•*Difficulty level: Moderate

•Reference: Live Law , Insights on India *

Why the question: While upholding the power of States to tax mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands, the Supreme Court (8:1 majority) emphasised the importance of safeguarding the principle of fiscal federalism. Key Demand of the question: Analyze the issues in fiscal federalism in India, focusing on the taxation powers and financial autonomy of states. Directive: Analyze – Break down the topic into its component parts and examine each part critically. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Define fiscal federalism. Briefly mention its significance and role of Finance commission in fiscal federalism. Body: First Part: Current Issues in Fiscal Federalism Centralization of Taxation Powers Revenue Sharing Disputes: Dependency on Central Grants Borrowing Limitations Uneven Development Second Part: Impact on State’s Taxation Powers and Financial Autonomy Reduced Fiscal Space Conditional Grants Erosion of Financial Independence Third part: Suggest measures Conclusion: Emphasize the need for reforms to enhance the financial autonomy and taxation powers of states to ensure balanced fiscal federalism.

Why the question:

While upholding the power of States to tax mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands, the Supreme Court (8:1 majority) emphasised the importance of safeguarding the principle of fiscal federalism.

Key Demand of the question:

Analyze the issues in fiscal federalism in India, focusing on the taxation powers and financial autonomy of states.

Directive:

Analyze – Break down the topic into its component parts and examine each part critically.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Define fiscal federalism. Briefly mention its significance and role of Finance commission in fiscal federalism.

First Part: Current Issues in Fiscal Federalism

Centralization of Taxation Powers

Revenue Sharing Disputes:

Dependency on Central Grants

Borrowing Limitations

Uneven Development

Second Part: Impact on State’s Taxation Powers and Financial Autonomy

Reduced Fiscal Space

Conditional Grants

Erosion of Financial Independence

Third part: Suggest measures

Conclusion:

Emphasize the need for reforms to enhance the financial autonomy and taxation powers of states to ensure balanced fiscal federalism.

Topic: Indian Constitution: Features, Amendments

Topic: Indian Constitution: Features, Amendments

Q4. Assess the effectiveness of the anti-defection law in India in maintaining political stability. What are the key challenges in its implementation? Suggest reforms. (15M)

•*Difficulty level: Moderate

•Reference: The Hindu, Insights on India*

Why the question: On the eve of the six-day monsoon session, the Jharkhand Assembly Speaker’s Tribunal on Thursday disqualified two legislators under the anti-defection law. Key Demand of the question: Assess how effectively the anti-defection law maintains political stability, identify its implementation challenges, and suggest reforms. Directive: Assess – Provide a critical evaluation of the effectiveness, challenges, and suggest reforms. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Briefly explain the Anti-Defection law of 1985, 52nd constitutional amendment and its purpose. Body: First part: Effectiveness of the Anti-Defection Law Stabilizing Effect. Promoting Party Discipline Second part: Key Challenges in Implementation Loopholes and Evasion Inconsistent Enforcement Political Manipulation Third part: Reforms Strengthening Provisions Independent Tribunal Clear Guidelines Conclusion: Emphasize the need for reforms to enhance its effectiveness and ensure political stability.

•*Why the question:

On the eve of the six-day monsoon session, the Jharkhand Assembly Speaker’s Tribunal on Thursday disqualified two legislators under the anti-defection law.

Key Demand of the question:

Assess how effectively the anti-defection law maintains political stability, identify its implementation challenges, and suggest reforms.

Directive:

Assess – Provide a critical evaluation of the effectiveness, challenges, and suggest reforms.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Briefly explain the Anti-Defection law of 1985, 52nd constitutional amendment and its purpose.

Body:

First part: Effectiveness of the Anti-Defection Law

Stabilizing Effect.

Promoting Party Discipline

Second part: Key Challenges in Implementation

Loopholes and Evasion

Inconsistent Enforcement

Political Manipulation

Third part: Reforms

Strengthening Provisions

Independent Tribunal

Clear Guidelines

Conclusion:

Emphasize the need for reforms to enhance its effectiveness and ensure political stability.

General Studies – 3

Topic: India’s internal Security

Topic: India’s internal Security

Q5. Discuss the impact of the border dispute with China on India’s security and bilateral relations. Despite numerous efforts, why do the disputes remain unresolved? (250 words)

•Source: The Hindu*

Why this question: In a recent meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the side-lines of ASEAN-related meetings, Mr. Jaishankar stresses significance of India and China as key economies of the world; both Ministers call for stronger guidance to officials to complete LAC disengagement Key demand of the question: To discuss the threat posed by the border dispute to India’s security and bilateral relations with China, identify reasons for the unresolved status of the disputes. Directive: Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Introduce the significance of the India-China border dispute and its historical context. Body: Impact on Security and Bilateral Relations: Mention the security threats posed by the ongoing standoff, including military and strategic challenges. Mention the strain on diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries. Reasons for Unresolved Disputes: Mention the major factors contributing to the persistence of the disputes, such as territorial claims, historical grievances, and geopolitical interests. Mention the role of miscommunication, lack of trust, and domestic political considerations. Efforts Taken by Both Countries: List the diplomatic, military, and political measures taken by India and China to resolve the disputes, such as bilateral talks, agreements, and confidence-building measures. Include specific instances like the Working Mechanism on Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) meetings, disengagement agreements, and high-level diplomatic engagements. Conclusion: Conclude with way forward.

Why this question:

In a recent meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the side-lines of ASEAN-related meetings, Mr. Jaishankar stresses significance of India and China as key economies of the world; both Ministers call for stronger guidance to officials to complete LAC disengagement

Key demand of the question:

To discuss the threat posed by the border dispute to India’s security and bilateral relations with China, identify reasons for the unresolved status of the disputes.

Directive:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Introduce the significance of the India-China border dispute and its historical context.

• Impact on Security and Bilateral Relations:

• Mention the security threats posed by the ongoing standoff, including military and strategic challenges. Mention the strain on diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries.

• Mention the security threats posed by the ongoing standoff, including military and strategic challenges.

• Mention the strain on diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries.

• Reasons for Unresolved Disputes:

• Mention the major factors contributing to the persistence of the disputes, such as territorial claims, historical grievances, and geopolitical interests. Mention the role of miscommunication, lack of trust, and domestic political considerations.

• Mention the major factors contributing to the persistence of the disputes, such as territorial claims, historical grievances, and geopolitical interests.

• Mention the role of miscommunication, lack of trust, and domestic political considerations.

• Efforts Taken by Both Countries:

• List the diplomatic, military, and political measures taken by India and China to resolve the disputes, such as bilateral talks, agreements, and confidence-building measures. Include specific instances like the Working Mechanism on Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) meetings, disengagement agreements, and high-level diplomatic engagements.

• List the diplomatic, military, and political measures taken by India and China to resolve the disputes, such as bilateral talks, agreements, and confidence-building measures.

• Include specific instances like the Working Mechanism on Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) meetings, disengagement agreements, and high-level diplomatic engagements.

Conclusion:

Conclude with way forward.

General Studies – 4

Q6. Krithi Kumari, a 24-year-old woman from Bihar, was the sole breadwinner for her family. Her parents, struggling with poverty, relied on her earnings to support the household. Despite the financial hardships, Krithi was a determined and hopeful individual, working diligently at a private company in Bangalore to secure a better future for her family. Krithi’s aspirations included securing a stable job and eventually getting married. She had recently started preparations for her marriage, having engaged in discussions with a prospective groom and his family. Her family was filled with hope and excitement for this new chapter in her life. Living in a paying guest (PG) facility in, Bangalore, Krithi was managing her responsibilities with resilience. The PG facility provided her with the necessary accommodation as she worked far from her hometown. Her presence in Bangalore was a symbol of hope for her family, who depended on her remittances to meet basic needs and sustain their modest lifestyle. On a fateful night, Krithi’s life was abruptly and violently cut short. The attacker, armed with a knife, entered the PG facility and committed a heinous crime. The attack was brutal, Krithi was stabbed multiple times and had her throat slit, horrifically ending her life. This occurred around 11:00 pm after Krithi had returned from her workplace. The attacker managed to gain entry into the building when the caretaker was absent and the main door was left open. The crime was discovered when other residents, disturbed by the commotion, raised an alarm. The attacker fled the scene, and Krithi’s tragic death was soon reported to the authorities. This tragic incident not only raises concerns about the specific case but also highlights broader issues related to women’s safety and societal attitudes towards gender-based violence.

In the given circumstances, address the following: [20M]

• Identify the key stakeholders and ethical issues involved in this case. How do societal attitudes and systemic issues contribute to incidents of violence against women? Being a responsible Civil Servant, what broader reforms would you recommend to improve women’s safety and address gender-based violence?

• Identify the key stakeholders and ethical issues involved in this case.

• How do societal attitudes and systemic issues contribute to incidents of violence against women?

• Being a responsible Civil Servant, what broader reforms would you recommend to improve women’s safety and address gender-based violence?

Reference: New Indian Express

•Difficulty Level: Moderate*

Why the question: The Kirthi Kumari murder by her friend has been in the news lately. This issue raises several questions on women’s safety and the case study is part of ‘Case Study Fridays’. Key Demand of the question: To write about stakeholders, ethical issues, social attitudes leading to incidents, and measures that can be adopted. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by giving context or start with NCRB data on women’s harassment. Body: First, identify stakeholders and list out the ethical issues involved in the case. Next, discuss what social and institutional factors lead to such crime on women. Lastly, explain the measures that you would propose to enhance women’s safety. Try to use ethical philosophy and quotes in case studies to fetch more marks. Conclusion: Conclude by summarising.

Why the question: The Kirthi Kumari murder by her friend has been in the news lately. This issue raises several questions on women’s safety and the case study is part of ‘Case Study Fridays’.

Key Demand of the question: To write about stakeholders, ethical issues, social attitudes leading to incidents, and measures that can be adopted.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by giving context or start with NCRB data on women’s harassment.

Body:

• First, identify stakeholders and list out the ethical issues involved in the case.

• Next, discuss what social and institutional factors lead to such crime on women.

• Lastly, explain the measures that you would propose to enhance women’s safety.

• Try to use ethical philosophy and quotes in case studies to fetch more marks.