UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 8 August 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
The Insights IAS Secure Initiative for UPSC Mains Answer Writing practice enables you to practice daily answer writing, enhancing your skills and boosting your scores with regular feedback, expert tips, and strategies. Let consistency be the hallmark of your preparation and utilize UPSC Mains Answer Writing practice initiative wisely
Click on EACH question to post/upload you answers.
#### How to Follow Secure Initiative?
#### How to Self-evaluate your answer?
#### MISSION – 2024: YEARLONG TIMETABLE
#### Join IPM 4.0 to get an assured review of 2 secure answers everyday
General Studies – 1
Topic: Post Mauryan Age
Topic: Post Mauryan Age
Q1. “The Kushana Empire under Kanishka was a period of great cultural and economic prosperity”. Discuss. 10M
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights Ias
Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2025 Secure timetable. Key Demand of the question: To discuss how the reign of Kanishka marked a period of significant cultural and economic prosperity in the Kushana Empire. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Introduce the Kushana Empire and its significance in ancient Indian history. Body: Firstly, mention the Cultural prosperity under the rule of Kanishka – Patronage of Buddhism, Gandhara and Mathura Schools of Art, Convening of the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir under Kanishka’s patronage, Cultural Syncretism etc. In the second part, write about the economic Prosperity under Kanishka – Expansion of trade routes, Introduction of a uniform and standardized coinage system, Development of urban centres and infrastructure, etc. Conclusion: Conclude by emphasizing the long-lasting impact of Kanishka’s reign on the cultural and economic landscape of the region, and its significance in the broader context of ancient history.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2025 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To discuss how the reign of Kanishka marked a period of significant cultural and economic prosperity in the Kushana Empire.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Introduce the Kushana Empire and its significance in ancient Indian history.
• Firstly, mention the Cultural prosperity under the rule of Kanishka – Patronage of Buddhism, Gandhara and Mathura Schools of Art, Convening of the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir under Kanishka’s patronage, Cultural Syncretism etc.
• In the second part, write about the economic Prosperity under Kanishka – Expansion of trade routes, Introduction of a uniform and standardized coinage system, Development of urban centres and infrastructure, etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by emphasizing the long-lasting impact of Kanishka’s reign on the cultural and economic landscape of the region, and its significance in the broader context of ancient history.
Topic: Post Mauryan Age
Topic: Post Mauryan Age
Q2. Examine the contributions of the Satavahanas to art and architecture, focusing on their patronage of Buddhist and Hindu structures. 10M
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights ias
Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2025 Secure timetable. Key Demand of the question: To examine and detail the artistic and architectural achievements of the Satavahanas, with a focus on their support for Buddhist and Hindu structures. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Introduce the Satavahana dynasty, its historical significance, and the period during which it ruled. Body: First mention the Contributions of Satvahanas to Buddhist Art and Architecture – Patronage of Stupas, construction of rock-cut caves serving as monasteries and prayer halls, Development of intricate carvings, reliefs, and sculptures, etc. Next, discuss their Contributions to Hindu Art and Architecture — Patronising the construction of Hindu temples, Integrating Hindu iconography and themes in art, Documentation of patronage and endowments to Hindu religious institutions, fusion of architectural styles, integrating indigenous and foreign elements etc. Conclusion: Conclude by reflecting on the significance of the Satavahanas’ support for religious art and architecture in shaping the region’s historical and cultural legacy.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2025 Secure timetable. Key Demand of the question:
To examine and detail the artistic and architectural achievements of the Satavahanas, with a focus on their support for Buddhist and Hindu structures.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Introduce the Satavahana dynasty, its historical significance, and the period during which it ruled.
• First mention the Contributions of Satvahanas to Buddhist Art and Architecture – Patronage of Stupas, construction of rock-cut caves serving as monasteries and prayer halls, Development of intricate carvings, reliefs, and sculptures, etc.
• Next, discuss their Contributions to Hindu Art and Architecture — Patronising the construction of Hindu temples, Integrating Hindu iconography and themes in art, Documentation of patronage and endowments to Hindu religious institutions, fusion of architectural styles, integrating indigenous and foreign elements etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reflecting on the significance of the Satavahanas’ support for religious art and architecture in shaping the region’s historical and cultural legacy.
General Studies – 2
Topic: E-governance: Applications.
Topic: E-governance: Applications.
Q3. Technological innovations, particularly e-governance, have significantly transformed the functioning of government and its interaction with citizens in India. Critically comment. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question: Students from rural areas say that Bengal’s college admission portal is widening the digital divide. Key Demand of the Question: Critically comment on how technological innovations, particularly e-governance, have transformed government functioning and citizen interaction in India. Directive: Critically comment- Evaluate both the positive impacts and the limitations of technological innovations and e-governance in transforming government functions Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Briefly define e-governance and technological innovations in the context of government functioning. Body: First part: Transformation Through Technological Innovations: Improved Service Delivery, Enhanced Transparency Increased Accessibility, Efficiency Gains Second part: Critical Challenges and Limitations: Digital Divide, Infrastructure Issues Data Security and Privacy Concerns, Technical Literacy Third part: Practical suggestions Conclusion: Highlight the ongoing challenges and suggest the need for addressing these issues to ensure inclusive and effective governance.
Why the question:
Students from rural areas say that Bengal’s college admission portal is widening the digital divide.
Key Demand of the Question:
Critically comment on how technological innovations, particularly e-governance, have transformed government functioning and citizen interaction in India.
Directive:
Critically comment- Evaluate both the positive impacts and the limitations of technological innovations and e-governance in transforming government functions
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly define e-governance and technological innovations in the context of government functioning.
Body:
First part: Transformation Through Technological Innovations:
Improved Service Delivery, Enhanced Transparency
Increased Accessibility, Efficiency Gains
Second part: Critical Challenges and Limitations:
Digital Divide, Infrastructure Issues
Data Security and Privacy Concerns, Technical Literacy
Third part: Practical suggestions
Conclusion:
Highlight the ongoing challenges and suggest the need for addressing these issues to ensure inclusive and effective governance.
Topic: Role of civil services in a democracy.
Topic: Role of civil services in a democracy.
Q4. Discuss the key issues affecting the recruitment process for civil services in India. Suggest measures to address them. (150 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question: Puja Khedkar’s entry into civil service calls into question the recruitment process. Key Demand of the Question: Discuss the key issues affecting the recruitment process for civil services in India and suggest measures to address them. Directive: Discuss- present the issues and suggest practical measures to tackle them. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Briefly outline the importance of a transparent and effective civil service recruitment process in India. Body: First part: Key Issues: Lack of Transparency and Accountability Bias and subjectivity concerns, Lengthy and complex process Inequality in Access, Overemphasis on Examination Marks Unambiguous Quotas and lack of stringent verification. Second part: Suggested Measures: Propose measures to address each key issue, such as reforms in examination patterns, better representation policies, and streamlined processes. Conclusion: Emphasize the need for reforms to ensure a fair, transparent, and effective recruitment process for civil services.
Why the question:
Puja Khedkar’s entry into civil service calls into question the recruitment process.
Key Demand of the Question:
Discuss the key issues affecting the recruitment process for civil services in India and suggest measures to address them.
Directive:
Discuss- present the issues and suggest practical measures to tackle them.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly outline the importance of a transparent and effective civil service recruitment process in India.
Body:
First part: Key Issues:
Lack of Transparency and Accountability
Bias and subjectivity concerns, Lengthy and complex process
Inequality in Access, Overemphasis on Examination Marks
Unambiguous Quotas and lack of stringent verification.
Second part: Suggested Measures:
Propose measures to address each key issue, such as reforms in examination patterns, better representation policies, and streamlined processes.
Conclusion:
Emphasize the need for reforms to ensure a fair, transparent, and effective recruitment process for civil services.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy and Taxation
Topic: Indian Economy and Taxation
Q5. Analyze the implications of imposing GST on health and life insurance premiums in India. Should the GST rates be rationalized to make insurance more affordable? Discuss. (250 words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why the Question: There is an ongoing debate in India about the impact of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on health and life insurance premiums. Opposition leaders and industry stakeholders have raised concerns about the 18% GST making insurance less affordable, especially amid rising medical costs and inflation. This has prompted calls for the government to reconsider the current GST rates on insurance policies. Key Demand of the Question: To assess the impact of the current GST on health and life insurance premiums and discuss whether there is a need to rationalize GST rates to enhance insurance affordability in India. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Briefly explain the current GST rate on health and life insurance premiums and its impact on the cost of insurance policies. Body: Current Scenario: Mention the increase in premiums due to GST and its effect on insurance affordability. Next, mention the concerns raised by opposition leaders and industry stakeholders. Implications of GST on Insurance: Mention how GST affects the insurance penetration in India, particularly for health and life insurance. Consider the impact on vulnerable populations, including senior citizens and those seeking microinsurance policies. Arguments for Rationalizing GST: Mention the potential benefits of reducing GST rates, such as increased affordability and higher insurance penetration. Provide examples from other countries with lower or no GST on insurance products. Counterarguments: Mention the government’s revenue considerations and the challenges of implementing tax rate changes. Conclusion: Emphasize the need for a balanced approach that addresses affordability concerns while considering the broader fiscal implications for the government.
Why the Question:
There is an ongoing debate in India about the impact of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on health and life insurance premiums. Opposition leaders and industry stakeholders have raised concerns about the 18% GST making insurance less affordable, especially amid rising medical costs and inflation. This has prompted calls for the government to reconsider the current GST rates on insurance policies.
Key Demand of the Question:
To assess the impact of the current GST on health and life insurance premiums and discuss whether there is a need to rationalize GST rates to enhance insurance affordability in India.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction: Briefly explain the current GST rate on health and life insurance premiums and its impact on the cost of insurance policies.
• Current Scenario: Mention the increase in premiums due to GST and its effect on insurance affordability. Next, mention the concerns raised by opposition leaders and industry stakeholders.
• Mention the increase in premiums due to GST and its effect on insurance affordability.
• Next, mention the concerns raised by opposition leaders and industry stakeholders.
• Implications of GST on Insurance: Mention how GST affects the insurance penetration in India, particularly for health and life insurance. Consider the impact on vulnerable populations, including senior citizens and those seeking microinsurance policies.
• Mention how GST affects the insurance penetration in India, particularly for health and life insurance.
• Consider the impact on vulnerable populations, including senior citizens and those seeking microinsurance policies.
• Arguments for Rationalizing GST: Mention the potential benefits of reducing GST rates, such as increased affordability and higher insurance penetration. Provide examples from other countries with lower or no GST on insurance products.
• Mention the potential benefits of reducing GST rates, such as increased affordability and higher insurance penetration.
• Provide examples from other countries with lower or no GST on insurance products.
• Counterarguments: Mention the government’s revenue considerations and the challenges of implementing tax rate changes.
• Mention the government’s revenue considerations and the challenges of implementing tax rate changes.
Conclusion:
Emphasize the need for a balanced approach that addresses affordability concerns while considering the broader fiscal implications for the government.
Topic: Environmental Conservation
Topic: Environmental Conservation
Q6. Examine the rising threat of ground-level ozone pollution in urban India. Also, discuss the measures required to tackle this invisible hazard effectively. (250 words)
Reference: DTE, Insights on India
Why the Question: Recent findings from the CSE highlight a dangerous increase in ground-level ozone pollution across major Indian cities, posing significant health risks, particularly to those with respiratory conditions. This has raised concerns about the current air quality management strategies and the need for stricter regulations. Key Demand of the Question: To analyze the growing issue of ground-level ozone pollution in India, its health implications, and the necessary regulatory and policy interventions to control this pollutant. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Define ground-level ozone pollution and its sources, emphasizing its increasing prevalence in Indian cities. Body: Current Scenario: Overview of the CSE report findings on ozone pollution exceedances in various cities. Health risks associated with prolonged exposure to ground-level ozone. Challenges: Inadequate monitoring and data collection. Complexity of ozone chemistry and its interaction with other pollutants like NOx. Required Measures: Strengthening regulations to curb NOx emissions from vehicles and industries. Implementing a multi-pollutant control strategy under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Enhancing monitoring infrastructure and real-time data analysis. Conclusion: Emphasize the need for immediate action and stringent regulations to mitigate the health hazards posed by ground-level ozone pollution in India.
Why the Question:
Recent findings from the CSE highlight a dangerous increase in ground-level ozone pollution across major Indian cities, posing significant health risks, particularly to those with respiratory conditions. This has raised concerns about the current air quality management strategies and the need for stricter regulations.
Key Demand of the Question:
To analyze the growing issue of ground-level ozone pollution in India, its health implications, and the necessary regulatory and policy interventions to control this pollutant.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction: Define ground-level ozone pollution and its sources, emphasizing its increasing prevalence in Indian cities.
• Current Scenario: Overview of the CSE report findings on ozone pollution exceedances in various cities. Health risks associated with prolonged exposure to ground-level ozone.
• Overview of the CSE report findings on ozone pollution exceedances in various cities.
• Health risks associated with prolonged exposure to ground-level ozone.
• Challenges: Inadequate monitoring and data collection. Complexity of ozone chemistry and its interaction with other pollutants like NOx.
• Inadequate monitoring and data collection.
• Complexity of ozone chemistry and its interaction with other pollutants like NOx.
• Required Measures: Strengthening regulations to curb NOx emissions from vehicles and industries. Implementing a multi-pollutant control strategy under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Enhancing monitoring infrastructure and real-time data analysis.
• Strengthening regulations to curb NOx emissions from vehicles and industries.
• Implementing a multi-pollutant control strategy under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
• Enhancing monitoring infrastructure and real-time data analysis.
Conclusion:
Emphasize the need for immediate action and stringent regulations to mitigate the health hazards posed by ground-level ozone pollution in India.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Corruption and value ethics.
Topic: Corruption and value ethics.
Q7. There is a common feeling that there has been a gradual erosion of cultural values, resulting in a widespread ‘culture of corruption’, with personal interests taking precedence over the public good in all spheres of life. Comment [10M]
Difficulty level: Hard
Reference: The Indian Express
Why the question: Eight years after conducting its preliminary inquiry, the CBI has booked the country’s leading aluminium producer, Hindalco of the Aditya Birla Group, for alleged corruption in getting environmental clearances for coal mining between. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by defining corruption or the meaning of the culture of corruption. Body: First, explain why the culture of corruption is increasing lately. Then, explain which value decline has been leading to such a condition. Mention how to eradicate corruption in India. Conclusion: Summarize by writing an ethical philosophy or quote.
Why the question: Eight years after conducting its preliminary inquiry, the CBI has booked the country’s leading aluminium producer, Hindalco of the Aditya Birla Group, for alleged corruption in getting environmental clearances for coal mining between.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction: Begin by defining corruption or the meaning of the culture of corruption.
Body:
• First, explain why the culture of corruption is increasing lately.
• Then, explain which value decline has been leading to such a condition.
• Mention how to eradicate corruption in India.
Conclusion:
Summarize by writing an ethical philosophy or quote.
Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE
Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE
Follow our Twitter Account HERE
Follow our Instagram ID HERE