[MISSION 2022] SECURE 2022 : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 1 October 2021 – INSIGHTSIAS

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General Studies – 1


 

Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.

1. The cold war played itself out in many domains and theatres across the world which had a lot of implications. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: History of modern world by Jain & Mathur

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2022 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

There were different arenas (Korea, Vietnam, etc.) of the cold war. Apart from these different arenas, mention the different fields (ex: space race, sports) in which the cold war played out.

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:

Begin your answer by writing briefly what the primary cause of the cold war was.

Body:

First write about the “hot” aspects of the war, the different places where the two superpowers technically battled each other (Korea, Vietnam etc.). Proceed to write about the different fields in which the cold war ended up playing out – sports, space race, weapons race etc.

Write about the impact of the above.

Conclusion:

You can conclude by highlighting how in recent years a new cold war may be brewing, this time between USA and China.

 

Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.

2. Did the non-aligned countries play any role in reducing Cold War conflicts? As one of the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement, what responsibility did India shoulder? Critically examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Mastering Modern World History by Norman Lowe, NCERT Class 12 Contemporary World Politics

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2022 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

Highlight nature of engagement of NAM countries with the superpowers. Evaluate the role played by India, as a member of NAM.

Directive:

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:

Introduce NAM, and the background in which it emerged.

Body:

Elaborate on the role played by NAM in easing tensions between the superpowers by citing examples. Note how NAM did not practise isolationism or neutrality.

Proceed to write the role played by India as part of NAM, and evaluate it (mention some of the criticisms of India’s role).

Conclusion:

End your answer noting that India continues to embrace NAM, mentioning PM Modi’s attendance at the 2020 summit and him referring to NAM as the “world’s moral voice”.

 

Topic: Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

3. The deeply entrenched communalism and casteism permeates as occasional outbursts of violence against the poor and vulnerable. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

The video footage of a photographer hired by the administration stomping on the body of a man during an eviction drive in Assam’s Darrang district was brutal enough to make one think it wasn’t real.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the how communalism and casteism lead to violence and its impact.

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: 

Start by defining communalism and casteism.

Body:

First, discuss the reasons contributing to Communalism; Vested political interests, Rise of communal organisations, Politicization of local problems, religious fundamentalism and how they lead to violence etc. Cite examples to substantiate your points.

Next, explain how in Indian societal setup caste a form of social stratification leads to discrimination, exploitation, intolerance and leads to violence. Cite examples to substantiate your points.

Next, discuss the impact of communal and caste violence on Indian society; impact on social fabric, economy, polity etc.

Conclusion:

Suggest way forward for eradicating communalism and casteism in India.

 


General Studies – 3


 

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.

4. In reference to start-ups, what is a Unicorn? With the right regulatory ambience and local sources of funding, India can create a truly innovative and resilient economy amidst the Unicorn boom of 2021. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:

The year 2021 has witnessed the emergence of 28 new unicorns till date, averaging three unicorns per month and the number includes 10 new unicorns in the edtech and fintech sectors, equivalent to the past three years combined.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about potential benefits proper regulation and funding of Unicorns to the Indian economy,

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 defining a Unicorn and give context about the rapid rise of unicorns in India in 2021.

Body:

First, in brief, give reasons for the unicorn boom in India.

Next, write about the need for proper regulatory mechanism – mention the issues these unicorns face, policy based, scrutiny based, compliance based etc.

Next, write about facilitating proper funding for start-ups to turn Unicorns and sustain that position.

Mention, how Unicorns will benefit job creation, growth, technological advancement etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

 

Topic: Disaster and disaster management.

5. Overstretched drainage, unplanned construction, no regard to the natural buffers and rejuvenating ecosystems, all together make urban floods a man-made disaster. Comment. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:

Floods have begun to afflict a widening expanse of India with rising intensity and frequency. Urban infrastructure is under severe pressure and it’s unclear if we are prepared for worse.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the various causes of urban flooding and suggest measures to overcome them.

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 about rising instances of urban floods in India with examples.

Body:

First, write about the various anthropogenic reasons for urban flood – lack of urban water draininge and sanitation infrastructure, lack of urban governance in this field, illegal constructions, encroachments of lakes etc.

Mention how these are exacerbated in combination of natural factors.

Suggest more mitigation measures – in policy planning, retrofitting, creation of natural buffers – to address the issue

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward

 


General Studies – 4


 

Topic: Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information;

6. Public’s right for accurate and reliable government information has never been stronger than now, as the country struggle to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, rebuild communities and institutions. Elucidate with respect to the recent changes to RTI Act, 2005. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications.

Why the question:

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

Key Demand of the question:

Bring out the key issues regarding the balance between transparency and secrecy, the right of the public to know and touch upon the recent amendments to RTI act, 2005.

Directive:

Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin the answer by right of citizen that the information and data that the government holds.

Body:

In the first part of the body, mention importance of transparency in public records. The right of the public to know the affairs of the government especially in the pandemic.

Weigh down the balance between transparency and need to maintain the secrecy for the functioning of the government.

Bring out the recent changes to RTI act, 2005 and debate upon Amendments adopted with haste and without much scrutiny and discussion have diluted the RTI Act and reduced transparency in public dealing. At the same time, the amended Act has hit at citizens’ rights and have strengthened hands of the government of the day. Officials, now, are going to be reluctant to give information about the ruling dispensation.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a balanced way forward.

 

Topic: Case Study.

7.  As the Chief Project Officer, you have been given an emergency grant for re-construction of the bridge that collapsed due to recent flash floods in the area surrounding Malgudi. Although it is a small project for you but it is vital one as it is a sole way in and out of the rural hamlet of Malgudi. After the collapse, people of Malgudi are forced to navigate the river in an un-safe means for reaching to jobs, hospitals and educational institutes etc.

The instruction from the higher ups is to get the project completed at the earliest as well as ensure highest level of quality so that bridge remains strong for a long time irrespective of the weather conditions.

As it is a small project, you need to assign, just one engineer to it. Most of the engineers under you are involved in other major projects and you have two engineers who are relatively less burdened – Mr Swami and Mr Rajam. Both are similar in the quality of work. Mr Swami is known for his honesty and uprightness in the department but his efficiency is low. He has missed many deadlines in the past. On the other hand, Mr Rajam, is a highly efficient worker and known for doing high quality work on time but in the past, he had some allegations of corruption against him and many have complained against his nexus with the contractors.

With the bridge needing to be constructed at the earliest, who will you appoint as the engineer for this project? (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Case Study Fridays’ in Mission-2022 Secure.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start by giving the context of choosing between an effective but dishonest guy or an honest but ineffective individual.

Bring out the key stakeholders in the above case study and major ethical dilemmas present

Body:

In the body, analyse the case of Mr Rajam, who is highly productive but integrity is questionable. Bring forward both the short term and long-term consequences of put Mr Rajam in charge of the Malgudi bridge project.

Then take up the case of Mr Swami, who is known for his honesty but is not efficient and prone to missing deadlines. Bring forward both the short term and long-term consequences of put Mr Swami in charge of the Malgudi bridge project.

Conclusion:

Follow this up with ethical reasoning and justify who you will choose for the project.


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