UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE : 7 May 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. While the Morley-Minto reforms were presented as a step towards constitutional reform and self-governance, they ultimately served as another tool of British despotism. Comment. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1. Key Demand of the question: To write about how Morley-Minto reforms were another tool of despotism rather than being constitutional reforms. 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: Start by giving the context for the introduction of the Reforms of 1909 such as the dissatisfaction of the moderates of the Indian Councils Act, 1892 and the rise of the Extremists in the arena of Indian leaders. Body: Briefly mention the key changes brought in by the reforms of 1909 and then why it cannot be termed as “Constitutional reform”, as it brought out minor additive changes only and not met the demands of the Indian leaders genuinely such as provision for asking questions and supplementary questions but at the same time the question may be rejected, further the Indian representatives could not question on many forms of expenditure of the British etc. Mention why the reform was termed Benevolent Despotism, as the British tried to paint a colour of benevolence to the reforms by bringing small additive changes to the existing provisions but it was still an act of despotism as there was no substantial reform meeting the needs or demands of the Indian representatives in the legislative council. The introduction of separate electorates which formalised the British policy of divide and rule. Conclusion: Write about the impact of the reforms and response of the nationalists to it.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about how Morley-Minto reforms were another tool of despotism rather than being constitutional reforms.
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:
Start by giving the context for the introduction of the Reforms of 1909 such as the dissatisfaction of the moderates of the Indian Councils Act, 1892 and the rise of the Extremists in the arena of Indian leaders.
Briefly mention the key changes brought in by the reforms of 1909 and then why it cannot be termed as “Constitutional reform”, as it brought out minor additive changes only and not met the demands of the Indian leaders genuinely such as provision for asking questions and supplementary questions but at the same time the question may be rejected, further the Indian representatives could not question on many forms of expenditure of the British etc.
Mention why the reform was termed Benevolent Despotism, as the British tried to paint a colour of benevolence to the reforms by bringing small additive changes to the existing provisions but it was still an act of despotism as there was no substantial reform meeting the needs or demands of the Indian representatives in the legislative council. The introduction of separate electorates which formalised the British policy of divide and rule.
Conclusion:
Write about the impact of the reforms and response of the nationalists to it.
Topic: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
Topic: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
2 The accommodation of diverse religiosity within the framework of science in India can be seen as a testament to the country’s long history of pluralism, and synthesis of different cultural and philosophical traditions. Discuss. (150 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question: The Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Abhay Karandikar, posted on X on April 17 (Ram Navami) that the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) had played a “crucial role” in the ‘surya tilak’ project in the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Key Demand of the question: To write about how science in India has accommodated religious diversity and causes for 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. Introduction: Begin by giving context. Body: First, write about how accommodation of diverse religiosity within the framework of science in India is a reflection of the country’s long history of pluralism, syncretism, and the recognition of the interconnectedness of different knowledge systems. In the next part, write about the manifestations of the above and substantiate with examples. Conclusion: Conclude by summarising.
Why the question:
The Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Abhay Karandikar, posted on X on April 17 (Ram Navami) that the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) had played a “crucial role” in the ‘surya tilak’ project in the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about how science in India has accommodated religious diversity and causes for 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.
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
First, write about how accommodation of diverse religiosity within the framework of science in India is a reflection of the country’s long history of pluralism, syncretism, and the recognition of the interconnectedness of different knowledge systems.
In the next part, write about the manifestations of the above and substantiate with examples.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
3. By implementing effective regulatory measures, the government can foster a safer, more inclusive, and responsible online gaming environment that maximizes the benefits of gaming while mitigating potential risks and harms. Evaluate. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question: The Prime Minister’s vision to establish India as a prominent global gaming hub has received renewed attention as he engaged with seven of the top gamers in the country. Key Demand of the question: To write about the growing online gaming and need for its regulation. 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 highting the growth of online gaming. Body: First, write about the issues with online gaming – addiction, mental health issues, suicides, financial fraud, and privacy risks etc. Next, write about the need for effective regulation of the industry and measures needed to for it. Conclusion: Conclude with a way forward.
Why the question:
The Prime Minister’s vision to establish India as a prominent global gaming hub has received renewed attention as he engaged with seven of the top gamers in the country.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the growing online gaming and need for its regulation.
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 highting the growth of online gaming.
First, write about the issues with online gaming – addiction, mental health issues, suicides, financial fraud, and privacy risks etc.
Next, write about the need for effective regulation of the industry and measures needed to for it.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
4. Ensuring the safety of dams in India is critical due to the risks of failure, including loss of life and property damage. However, several challenges hinder dam safety efforts. Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question: The article discusses the dam Safety. Key Demand of the question: To write about the dam in India and ways to improve Dam Safety. 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: First, mention the various issues with respect to dam safety in India – Aging infrastructure and inadequate maintenance, Hydrological variability and extreme weather events, Siltation and reservoir management issues and Seismic vulnerability etc. Next, write about the measures that are needed to improve dam safety – Dam Safety Act of 2021, improved reservoir management, enhanced emergency preparedness, and robust regulatory oversight etc. Conclusion: Conclude with a way forward.
Why the question:
The article discusses the dam Safety.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the dam in India and ways to improve Dam Safety.
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.
First, mention the various issues with respect to dam safety in India – Aging infrastructure and inadequate maintenance, Hydrological variability and extreme weather events, Siltation and reservoir management issues and Seismic vulnerability etc.
Next, write about the measures that are needed to improve dam safety – Dam Safety Act of 2021, improved reservoir management, enhanced emergency preparedness, and robust regulatory oversight etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
5. Ensuring the well-being of informal sector employees is crucial for creating a more inclusive and equitable labour market in India. 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. Key Demand of the question: To analyse the informal sector in India, its importance and the necessary measures to protect the employees in the informal sector. 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: Begin by giving context. Body: First, write about the importance of the informal sector. Next, write about the various issues in the informal sector. write about the impact of the above issues. Cite statistics and examples to substantiate. Next, mention that are needed to address the above mentioned issues. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3.
Key Demand of the question:
To analyse the informal sector in India, its importance and the necessary measures to protect the employees in the informal sector.
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:
Begin by giving context.
First, write about the importance of the informal sector.
Next, write about the various issues in the informal sector. write about the impact of the above issues. Cite statistics and examples to substantiate.
Next, mention that are needed to address the above mentioned issues.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
6. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers significant potential to enhance climate resilience. Integrating AI into interdisciplinary approaches is crucial for building holistic and adaptive responses to climate change. Critically analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question: Deploying AI against climate change can make our cities safer, more adaptable and more sustainable. Key Demand of the question: To write about the role AI can play in tackling climate change. Directive word: Critically analyze – 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 balanced judgment on the topic. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by giving context. Body: First, write in detail the role of AI in tackling climate change – enabling early warning systems, risk assessment and management, natural resource management, energy efficiency, climate modelling, and community engagement. Next, write about the limitations of AI in the above case. Conclusion: Conclude with a way forward
Why the question:
Deploying AI against climate change can make our cities safer, more adaptable and more sustainable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the role AI can play in tackling climate change.
Directive word:
Critically analyze – 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 balanced judgment on the topic.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
First, write in detail the role of AI in tackling climate change – enabling early warning systems, risk assessment and management, natural resource management, energy efficiency, climate modelling, and community engagement.
Next, write about the limitations of AI in the above case.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward
General Studies – 4
Topic: dimensions of ethics;
Topic: dimensions of ethics;
7. Integrating ethical considerations into environmental decision-making is essential for addressing current environmental crises and fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and the natural world. Explain. (150 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Key Demand of the question: To explain environmental ethics and how it has become an important dimension of ethics in the twenty first century. Directive word: Explain – Clarify the topic by giving 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: Start by describing the anthropocentric nature of the discourse of ethics. Only recently the focus has shifted to environmental ethics. Body: Mention the implications of neglect of the environment, varied cultural beliefs surrounding it, the western ideology that environment is for human disposal without regard to the future generations, concept of sustainable development, associating rights of environment to preservation etc. Conclusion: Conclude by saying that environmental ethics is more relevant now than ever in the context of climate change.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.
Key Demand of the question:
To explain environmental ethics and how it has become an important dimension of ethics in the twenty first century.
Directive word:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving 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:
Start by describing the anthropocentric nature of the discourse of ethics. Only recently the focus has shifted to environmental ethics.
Mention the implications of neglect of the environment, varied cultural beliefs surrounding it, the western ideology that environment is for human disposal without regard to the future generations, concept of sustainable development, associating rights of environment to preservation etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by saying that environmental ethics is more relevant now than ever in the context of climate change.
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