UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE : 3 April 2024

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General Studies – 1

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);

1. Deep sea mining holds the potential to meet the growing demand for critical metals and minerals; however, it also poses significant environmental risks and uncertainties. Critically examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Down to Earth

Why the question: The article provides an explanation of deep-sea mining and highlights the concerns related to the industry. Key Demand of the question: To write about the issues and concerns regarding deep-sea mining operations. Directive word: Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into 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. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by defining deep-sea mining. Body: First, write about the various issues regarding the above – potential environmental impact, biodiversity loss, disturbance of the deep-sea ecosystem, and the potential for negative impacts on fisheries and coastal communities. Next, write about the need for careful evaluation and consideration of alternative approach to it. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

The article provides an explanation of deep-sea mining and highlights the concerns related to the industry.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the issues and concerns regarding deep-sea mining operations.

Directive word:

Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into 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. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by defining deep-sea mining.

First, write about the various issues regarding the above – potential environmental impact, biodiversity loss, disturbance of the deep-sea ecosystem, and the potential for negative impacts on fisheries and coastal communities.

Next, write about the need for careful evaluation and consideration of alternative approach to it.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a 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.

2. Examine the reasons for the increasing incidence of heatwaves in different parts of the country, and to what extent is climate change responsible for this trend? (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday announced that India will see more than average heat wave days in this year’s hot weather season (April to June). Key Demand of the question: To write about heat waves and causes of heat wave conditions and role of climate change 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 ways in which climate change impacts heatwaves in India and to what extent. Conclusion: Conclude by writing about measures that must be taken to tackle heatwaves in India.

Why the question:

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday announced that India will see more than average heat wave days in this year’s hot weather season (April to June).

Key Demand of the question:

To write about heat waves and causes of heat wave conditions and role of climate change 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 ways in which climate change impacts heatwaves in India and to what extent.

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’s engagement with island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast reflects its strategic imperatives, geopolitical ambitions, and commitment to fostering regional stability and prosperity. Comment. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question: An audit of Indian foreign policy over the last decade shows that island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast have become new nodes in India’s changing strategic geography. Key Demand of the question: To write about India’s changing strategic geography with respect to island states. Directive word: Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by giving context. Body: First, write about reasons behind India’s changing strategic geography with respect to Island states – geopolitical influence, enhance maritime security, seize economic opportunities, and strengthen diplomatic ties. Cite examples to substantiate. In the next part write about the impact of the above – economic cooperation, maritime security collaboration, diplomatic outreach, and development assistance, with a focus on fostering stability, prosperity, and resilience in the Indo-Pacific region. Conclusion: Summarize the overall importance of the above.

Why the question:

An audit of Indian foreign policy over the last decade shows that island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast have become new nodes in India’s changing strategic geography.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about India’s changing strategic geography with respect to island states.

Directive word:

Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by giving context.

First, write about reasons behind India’s changing strategic geography with respect to Island states – geopolitical influence, enhance maritime security, seize economic opportunities, and strengthen diplomatic ties. Cite examples to substantiate.

In the next part write about the impact of the above – economic cooperation, maritime security collaboration, diplomatic outreach, and development assistance, with a focus on fostering stability, prosperity, and resilience in the Indo-Pacific region.

Conclusion:

Summarize the overall importance of the above.

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

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

4. The potential of geoengineering as a climate change mitigation strategy is a topic of significant debate and scrutiny. Critically analyse its potential. (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 analyse if Geo-engineering could be a viable option to overcome the climate crisis. Directive word: Critically 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. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgement. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin the answer by defining geo-engineering. Body: You can use a bubble diagram to show the various modes of geo-engineering such as Shoot Mirrors into Space (Solar Sunscreen), Copy a Volcano, Build Fake Trees etc. In the first part of the body, write about how the above strategies work and will be beneficial for the planet above and over existing mitigation strategies to tide over the climate crisis. Clearly outline as to why it may be needed. In the next part, mention about the major drawbacks, impediments and concerns regarding the implementation of the above strategies Conclusion: End your answer that existing strategies should be implemented on a war footing, but alternative ideas must also be considered, planned and studied about just in case of a climate emergency.

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 analyse if Geo-engineering could be a viable option to overcome the climate crisis.

Directive word:

Critically 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. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgement.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin the answer by defining geo-engineering.

You can use a bubble diagram to show the various modes of geo-engineering such as Shoot Mirrors into Space (Solar Sunscreen), Copy a Volcano, Build Fake Trees etc.

In the first part of the body, write about how the above strategies work and will be beneficial for the planet above and over existing mitigation strategies to tide over the climate crisis. Clearly outline as to why it may be needed.

In the next part, mention about the major drawbacks, impediments and concerns regarding the implementation of the above strategies

Conclusion:

End your answer that existing strategies should be implemented on a war footing, but alternative ideas must also be considered, planned and studied about just in case of a climate emergency.

General Studies – 3

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

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

5. Carbon credit and trading schemes can be effective mechanisms for achieving emissions reductions in sectors where it is difficult or costly to implement direct regulations. Evaluate. (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 carbon market and India’s potential in using to fight climate change. Directive word: Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by giving context of India’s carbon credit and trading scheme. Body: In the first part, in detail, write about the structure of India’s carbon credit and trading scheme Next, write about the potential of scheme in reducing carbon emissions and fighting climate change. Write the ways in which it would help. Substantiate with facts and examples. Next, write about the challenges and limitations associated with carbon markets in India. Mention ways to overcome them. 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 carbon market and India’s potential in using to fight climate change.

Directive word:

Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by giving context of India’s carbon credit and trading scheme.

In the first part, in detail, write about the structure of India’s carbon credit and trading scheme

Next, write about the potential of scheme in reducing carbon emissions and fighting climate change. Write the ways in which it would help. Substantiate with facts and examples.

Next, write about the challenges and limitations associated with carbon markets in India. Mention ways to overcome them.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.

Topic: Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.

6. Prioritizing virtues in a hierarchical order provides a practical framework for decision-making in the face of conflicts. Elaborate. (150 Words)

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 taking decision and overcoming conflicts by having a hierarchy of values. 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 by giving context regarding conflicts in decision making. Body: First, write about the ways conflicts impact decision making and its outcome – delays, improper decision making, dereliction of duty etc. Next, write about how having a set of hierarchy of virtues can help in resolving conflicts. Conclusion: Conclude by summarising.

Why the question:

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

Key Demand of the question:

To write about taking decision and overcoming conflicts by having a hierarchy of values.

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 by giving context regarding conflicts in decision making.

First, write about the ways conflicts impact decision making and its outcome – delays, improper decision making, dereliction of duty etc.

Next, write about how having a set of hierarchy of virtues can help in resolving conflicts.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Topic: dimensions of ethics

Topic: dimensions of ethics

7. Environmental integrity implies that the environment should be kept in a state where it can fulfil its essential ecological roles and support the diversity of life. Discuss. (250 words)

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 environmental integrity, its features and its importance. 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 ‘environmental integrity’. Body: In the first part, write about the various features of environmental integrity and its dimensions. Next, write about the importance of environmental integrity and cite examples to substantiate your points. Conclusion: Conclude by summarising.

Why the question:

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

Key Demand of the question:

To write about environmental integrity, its features and its importance.

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 ‘environmental integrity’.

In the first part, write about the various features of environmental integrity and its dimensions.

Next, write about the importance of environmental integrity and cite examples to substantiate your points.