[MISSION 2024] Insights SECURE : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 29 November 2023

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General Studies – 2

Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary

1. Examine the viability and challenges in implementation of All India Judicial Service (AIJS) as a reform in recruitment and appointment to the subordinate judicial services in India. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

President Droupadi Murmu’s suggestion that the creation of an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) will help diversify the judiciary by allowing bright youngsters from varied backgrounds to become judges through a merit-based process revives the debate on whether a national system of recruitment at the district judge level is desirable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the feasibility of All India Judicial Service as a reform in recruitment and appointment to the subordinate judicial services in India.

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 the giving context of All India Judicial services in brief.

Body:

First, present brief history of the origin of the idea; 14th Report of the Law Commission of India in 1958, aimed at creating a centralized cadre of District Judges. In the All-India Judges case in 1992 the apex court had opined that the recommendations of the Law Commission on the setting up of AIJS should be examined and implemented etc.

Next, write about advantages and disadvantages of creating AIJS.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a balanced opinion.

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

2. It is crucial to strike a balance between granting patent rights and promoting the public interest, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and environment. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty: Tough

Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:

India must avoid the ‘patent paradox’ suffered by China—where policy has spawned a patent-filing frenzy of very little value.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the issues with the granting of patents and the need for a balanced approach regarding it.

Directive word:

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Give a brief introduction of what is Patent.

Body:

Give its significance to India. Mention section 146(2), Patents Act, 1970 a unique provision not found in patent laws of most other countries. Talk about its needs for India as a developing country and mention the example of a Compulsory license for the production of Bayer Corporation’s Nexavar. You may mention, the amendment to the Patent Rules, 2020 and form 27 which has caused dilution of section 146(2).

Next, list down a few issues- at the national as well as at the International level with respect to patents. Write about the need to strike a balance between grant of patents and upholding public interest.

Next, suggest solutions for it.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

3. Discuss the advantages of optical fibre technology over conventional technologies used for communication. Throw light on their applications. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

Optical fibres are made of thin cylindrical strands of glass. The diameter of a typical fibre is close to the diameter of a human hair.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the advantages of optical fibre technology over conventional technologies used for communication.

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 giving context about growth of optical communications.

Body:

Write about the advantages of optical fibre technology over conventional technologies on the basis of – data transmission, speed, bandwidth, attenuation losses, cost, infrastructure, compatibility etc.

Next, write about the applications of optical fibres.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Topic: Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money laundering and its prevention.

4. How has social media emerged as a threat to internal security in recent times? Discuss the various ways in which social media can be exploited to create internal security challenges. Also, suggest the measures that can be adopted by the government to counter these emerging threats (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 from the social media and steps needed to prevent them.

Directive word:

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by giving context.

Body:

In the first part, write about the challenges to internal security from social media – spread misinformation, fake news, and propaganda, leading to communal violence, unrest, radicalization and recruitment of terrorists, and cybercrimes.

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

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Topic: Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

5. Chief of Defence staff (CDS) was created to promote jointness and restructure military commands for optimal resource utilisation. However, there is scope to utilise the post of CDS more effectively and in a more integrated manner among the tri services. Evaluate. (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 importance of CDS to the nation’s security and reforms needed in the post of CDS.

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 mentioning the rationale behind creation of the post of CDS.

Body:

In the first part, mention his role – he will be the single-point military adviser to the government as suggested by the Kargil Review Committee in 1999.

Next, Mention the roles and responsibilities of CDS – oversees and coordinates the working of the three Services, ensure the Army, Navy and IAF, which often pull in different directions, truly integrate to slash wasteful expenditure amidst the ongoing severe fund crunch for military modernization.

Next, write about the various limitations associated with CDS in its shorts existence and steps needed to overcome them.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

General Studies – 4

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)

“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” – Thomas Jefferson

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 being honest with oneself and how its importance in developing character. Elaborate upon how being honest with oneself results so many benefits for individual morality. Substantiate with examples.

Conclusion:

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

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)

“Each person is to have an equal right to the most extensive basic liberty compatible with a similar liberty for others.” ― John Rawls

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 bhakti in religion in the context of liberal and progressive bhakti movement in India.

Next, write about hero-worship in politics. Mention the consequences of such worship. Cite examples across the world.