UPSC Essentials : Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 3)

QUESTION 1

What is permafrost? Discuss the consequences of thawing permafrost.

QUESTION 2

Discuss the government’s role in empowering women and influencing Indian society.

General points on the structure of the answers

Introduction

— The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction.

— It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts.

Body

— It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content.

— The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points.

— Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question but do not over analyse.

— Underlining keywords give you an edge over the other candidates and helps in the better presentation of the answer.

— Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be use logically and only where it is required.

Way forward/ Conclusion

— The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction.

— You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers.

Self Evaluation

— It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers.

THOUGHT PROCESS

You may enrich your answers by some of the following points

QUESTION 1:What is permafrost? Discuss the consequences of thawing permafrost.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general definition of permafrost from the reliable source.

— According to NASA, Permafrost is any ground that remains completely frozen—32°F (0°C) or colder—for at least two years straight. These permanently frozen grounds are most common in regions with high mountains and in Earth’s higher latitudes—near the North and South Poles.

— Almost a quarter of the land area in the Northern Hemisphere has permafrost underneath. Although the ground is frozen, permafrost regions are not always covered in snow.

— Permafrost is composed of a combination of soil, rocks and sand that are held together by ice. The soil and ice in permafrost stay frozen all year long.

(Source: http://www.nasa.gov)

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Consequences of Thawing Permafrost

— Thawing permafrost can severely impact the planet. One of its most dangerous consequences is the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. 

— A 2022 report by NASA said, “Arctic permafrost alone holds an estimated 1,700 billion metric tons of carbon, including methane and carbon dioxide”. That’s roughly 51 times the amount of carbon the world released as fossil fuel emissions in 2019.

— Plant matter frozen in permafrost doesn’t decay, but when permafrost thaws, microbes within the dead plant material start to break the matter down, releasing carbon into the atmosphere. It could also unleash various dominant viruses and bacteria.

— Due to rising global temperatures, thawing permafrost is likely to destabilise thousands of industrial sites and linked contaminated areas in the Arctic region which could result in the spread of toxic substances across the region.

— The Arctic is getting warmer nearly four times as fast as the rest of the planet due to climate change, permafrost is thawing rapidly, which could destabilise not only the industrial sites but also the contaminated areas.

— There are various industrial wastes (in the region) including drilling and mining wastes, toxic substances like drilling muds and fluids, mine waste heaps, heavy metals, spilled fuels, and radioactive waste.

Conclusion:

Your concluding remark should be short and should encapsulate both parts of the answer.

A thawing permafrost layer can lead to severe impacts on people and the environment. For instance, as ice-filled permafrost thaws, it can turn into a mud slurry that cannot support the weight of the soil and vegetation above it. Infrastructure such as roads, buildings, and pipes could be damaged as permafrost thaws.

(Source: Thawing permafrost in the Arctic could unlock toxic waste buried for decades: New study highlights risks by Alind Chauhan,  http://www.epa.gov)

Points to Ponder:

Greenhouse gases

Toxic substances

QUESTION 2: Discuss the government’s role in empowering women and influencing Indian society.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a basic fact such as:

— Women are a gift to society. During the ancient period in India, women played a significant role. The Rig Vedic women in India enjoyed high status in society and their condition was good. The women were provided with an opportunity to attain high intellectual and spiritual standards.

— The census 2011, counts women population 48.5% of the total population in India, In the changing dynamics of society women’s empowerment is much relevant and very important.

— United Nations General Assembly adopted the convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). CEDAW establishes an international bill of rights for women.

(Source: http://www.niti.gov.in)

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

— The Constitution of India has certain provisions that specifically focus on women’s empowerment and prevents discrimination against women in society. Article 14 talks about equality before law. Article 15 enables the state to make special provisions for women.

— The focus of the government has shifted from women’s development to women-led development. In order to achieve this goal, the government is working on maximising women’s access to education, skill training and institutional credit through MUDRA Yojana ( Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency Ltd ) scheme.

— In the recent elections, the female voter turnout has increased. Seven out of eight states that went to the polls in 2022 saw a jump in female voter turnout.

— The Ministry for Women and Child Development focused on strengthening the participation of women at the panchayat level while highlighting the successes of women’s self-help groups.

— Three focus areas under India’s G20 Presidency will include:

(i) Women’s entrepreneurship

(ii) Partnership for promoting women’s leadership at all levels including at the grassroots

(iii) Education as the key to women’s empowerment and equal workforce participation.

Conclusion:

Your concluding remark should be short and you may give a constructive approach.

— The government has launched various schemes for the betterment of the women such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme, Working Women Hostel Scheme, One-Stop Centre Scheme, Women Helpline Scheme, Mahila Police Volunteers Scheme, and many more.

— The education policy needs to be more inclusive to ensure girls’ right to education and their right to be free from discrimination within educational institutions.

— NGOs working for the empowerment of women need to take interventions on livelihood development options related to the market and value chain.

(Sources: In politics and bureaucracy, women are severely under-represented by Trishali Chauhan and Christophe Jaffrelot, Women need to be at centre of decisions for future-ready society: Smriti Irani by Express News Service)

Related Previous Year Questions

Examine the role of the ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India. (2021)

‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view. (2018)

Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India. (2015)

Post your inputs in the comment box below and let us engage with other aspirants too. All the best!

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