UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE : 29 April 2024

Click on EACH question to post/upload you answers.

#### How to Follow Secure Initiative?

#### How to Self-evaluate your answer?

#### MISSION – 2023: YEARLONG TIMETABLE

#### Join IPM 4.0 to get an assured review of 2 secure answers everyday

General Studies – 1

Topic: Social empowerment

Topic: Social empowerment

1. Female Bhakti saints in medieval India made significant contributions to religious, social, and cultural spheres. Discuss. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on Inia

Why the question: The article explains that three mediaeval women saints stand particularly tall in the Indian faithscape – Mirabai, Akka Mahadevi and Lal Ded. Key Demand of the question: To write about the contributions of female bhakti saints of India during the medieval period. 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 giving context about Female saints during Bhakti period. Body: First, write about the contributions of female bhakti saints- popularized the Bhakti movement through their songs and teachings, challenging social norms and advocating for equality and empowerment of women, enriched regional traditions, while their advocacy for social justice and spiritual leadership left a lasting legacy. Cite examples to substantiate. Conclusion: Conclude by summarising.

Why the question:

The article explains that three mediaeval women saints stand particularly tall in the Indian faithscape – Mirabai, Akka Mahadevi and Lal Ded.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the contributions of female bhakti saints of India during the medieval period.

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 giving context about Female saints during Bhakti period.

First, write about the contributions of female bhakti saints- popularized the Bhakti movement through their songs and teachings, challenging social norms and advocating for equality and empowerment of women, enriched regional traditions, while their advocacy for social justice and spiritual leadership left a lasting legacy. Cite examples to substantiate.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent);

Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent);

2. Sundarbans, are one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Its resource richness is unparalleled, making it an invaluable ecological asset. Discuss the resource richness and major issues faced by the Sundarbans. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India.

Why the question: The article explains that for most of the world, the Sundarbans evoke a sense of awe for their flora and fauna. Key Demand of the question: To write about the resource richness of Sundarbans and issues it faces. 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 giving context about Sundarbans. Body: First, write about the resource richness of Sundarbans – Bay of Bengal delta, boasts unparalleled biodiversity and invaluable resources, mangrove forests, diverse flora and fauna, serve as a crucial habitat for endangered species like the Bengal tiger and saltwater crocodile, supports thriving fisheries, sustains local livelihoods, and attracts tourists with its scenic beauty etc. Next, explain the concerns in the region – Climate change, deforestation, pollution, poaching, and human-wildlife conflicts are pressing issues. Next, discuss the efforts that are needed to be taken in this direction. Conclusion: Conclude with way forward.

Why the question:

The article explains that for most of the world, the Sundarbans evoke a sense of awe for their flora and fauna.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the resource richness of Sundarbans and issues it faces.

Directive word:

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by giving context about Sundarbans.

First, write about the resource richness of Sundarbans – Bay of Bengal delta, boasts unparalleled biodiversity and invaluable resources, mangrove forests, diverse flora and fauna, serve as a crucial habitat for endangered species like the Bengal tiger and saltwater crocodile, supports thriving fisheries, sustains local livelihoods, and attracts tourists with its scenic beauty etc.

Next, explain the concerns in the region – Climate change, deforestation, pollution, poaching, and human-wildlife conflicts are pressing issues.

Next, discuss the efforts that are needed to be taken in this direction.

Conclusion:

Conclude with way forward.

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.

3. Examine the reasons behind the increasing frequency of forest fires in India. What role is climate change playing in exacerbating the forest fire risk? (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question: The article explains the recent forest fires that occurred in Goa, India, in March 2023. It describes the causes and impact of the fires, which destroyed large areas of forest and wildlife habitats. Key Demand of the question: To write about causes of forest fires in India and measures need to mitigate them. 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 forest fires and statistic regarding rising instances of forest fires in India. Body: Draw a small illustrative diagram showing major forest fire prone areas. Discuss first the reasons of forest fires; Thunderstorms are the most likely natural cause for forest fires. Slash and burn techniques etc. Write about the role of climate change in rising instances of forest fires. Next, explain the concerns posed by it. Explain why they are difficult to control. Next, discuss the efforts that are needed to be taken in this direction. Conclusion: Conclude with way forward.

Why the question:

The article explains the recent forest fires that occurred in Goa, India, in March 2023. It describes the causes and impact of the fires, which destroyed large areas of forest and wildlife habitats.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about causes of forest fires in India and measures need to mitigate them.

Directive word:

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by defining forest fires and statistic regarding rising instances of forest fires in India.

Draw a small illustrative diagram showing major forest fire prone areas.

Discuss first the reasons of forest fires; Thunderstorms are the most likely natural cause for forest fires. Slash and burn techniques etc. Write about the role of climate change in rising instances of forest fires.

Next, explain the concerns posed by it. Explain why they are difficult to control.

Next, discuss the efforts that are needed to be taken in this direction.

Conclusion:

Conclude with way forward.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges

Topic: Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges

4. The dissemination of rumours via fabricated news has the potential to generate significant social unrest within a nation and present a threat to its internal security. 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 – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable. Key Demand of the question: To write about the threats posed by disinformation and ways to tackle it. Directive: 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 the context of spread of misinformation in the digital age. Body: First, write about the various political, economic and social consequences of the spread of misinformation and fake news. Substantiate with examples. Next, write about how the above can compromise national security. Next, write about the measures that are needed to tackle the above. 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 threats posed by disinformation and ways to tackle it.

Directive:

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 the context of spread of misinformation in the digital age.

First, write about the various political, economic and social consequences of the spread of misinformation and fake news. Substantiate with examples.

Next, write about how the above can compromise national security.

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

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Topic: money laundering and its prevention.

Topic: money laundering and its prevention.

5. Cryptocurrencies can make it easy to obscure the source of criminal proceeds and are increasingly becoming the preferred currency because cryptocurrency offers a combination of anonymity, ease of use and the ability to circumvent international borders and regulations, in essence, to launder the ill-gotten proceeds. 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 how cryptocurrency has facilitated money laundering and measures needed to prevent it. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Start by giving context regarding the challenges posed by cryptocurrency. Body: First, explain in detail as to how crypto can facilitate money laundering and challenges it poses for the enforcement agencies to tack and analyse it. Next, write about the measures that are needed to ensure this growing technology is regulated and challenges associated with it are overcome. Conclusion: Conclude by summarising.

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 how cryptocurrency has facilitated money laundering and measures needed to prevent it.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by giving context regarding the challenges posed by cryptocurrency.

First, explain in detail as to how crypto can facilitate money laundering and challenges it poses for the enforcement agencies to tack and analyse it.

Next, write about the measures that are needed to ensure this growing technology is regulated and challenges associated with it are overcome.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

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. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)

“It is our moral failure that we still tolerate poverty” – Ela Bhatt

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote. Body: Write about how prevalence and tolerance of poverty is moral failure of the society and why it displays a lack of compassion and altruism. Mention the values that must be promoted to end poverty. Conclusion: Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.

Why the question:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote.

Write about how prevalence and tolerance of poverty is moral failure of the society and why it displays a lack of compassion and altruism. Mention the values that must be promoted to end poverty.

Conclusion:

Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.

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;

7. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)

“One’s life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others.” ― Simone de Beauvoir

Difficulty level: Easy

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote. Body: Write about how one can generate value in his/her life by creating or generating value in others life or contribution to the happiness of others. Cite examples to substantiate wherein people to served others added value to their own life. Conclusion: Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.

Why the question:

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

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote.

Write about how one can generate value in his/her life by creating or generating value in others life or contribution to the happiness of others. Cite examples to substantiate wherein people to served others added value to their own life.