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This is question set #44 of ‘Clear IAS Mains High Value Answer Writing Test Series’. Mains High Value Answer Writing is a UPSC mains oriented program from ClearIAS.com that consists of 5 questions in each post, published around 8 pm every day. Each of the 5 questions are selected from 5 papers mentioned in UPSC Mains syllabus namely Essay, GS1, GS2, GS3 and GS4 (ethics). Selected questions of high probability to be asked UPSC mains are included in each of these mini tests. Aspirants can choose any question they wish to answer in the comment space provided at the bottom portion of this page, specifying the question.
Questions for Answer Writing – Selections for today:
- Essay Paper: The mobile revolution is just beginning. (1500 words)
- GS 1 Paper: [Indian History/Colonial rule ] – The numbers of British in India were small, yet they were able to rule two-thirds of the subcontinent directly and exercise considerable leverage over the princely states that accounted for the remaining one-third of the area. Comment. (200 words)
- GS 2 Paper: [Diaspora/ Indian Americans] Indian diaspora in US is the fastest growing population among Asian countries. Analyze the social, economic and political profile of Indian Americans with their significant contributions. (200 words)
- GS 3 Paper: [Science and Technology/2G, E, 3G, H, H+ and LTE] Explain the differences between the below technologies mentioning the salient features. (a) EDGE (b) UMTS (c) HSDPA (d) HSPA (e) LTE. (200 words)
- GS 4 Paper: [Ethics Case Study] You as an administrator is responsible for implementing a major infrastructure project in a locality. Considering the development needs of the locality, this project was long overdue. But at the same time, there are also environmentalconcernsregarding this project. The highest bidder for the project, a reputed firm XYZ,is run by a friend of you. He has already spend lakhs of rupees for campaigning and creating public awareness about the benefits of the project. While you are almost ready to give sanction to XYZ, you get a letter from the an NGO that this project will badly affect the ecosystem of the area if implemented. They have also threatened of mass protest, if you go ahead with the project. Considering this situations,
- What are the options available to you?
- Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.
(200 words)
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Note from Clear IAS Team
We have been noticing great improvement in the answer quality and comprehension skills in regular participants in Clear IAS Mains High Value Answer Writing Program. Our vision is to cover most of the important conventional and current topics for mains, so that serious and deserving aspirants who participate in this free program are always one step ahead in the competition. We have already seen many excellent answers from serious participants. Regarding evaluation, in the first 30 days, Clear IAS Team had been giving overall guidelines to write a good, high value answer, but in the coming days, we plan to award marks, so that aspirants will get a realistic idea about the UPSC expectations and quality they need to maintain in the answer.
Please note: Last year the toppers’ marks for General Studies varied from 300-400 out of 1000. (2013 CSE AIR 1, Gaurav Agrawal scored 338/1000 for GS). This means, 4 marks out of 10 for every answer in UPSC exam was excellent performance as far as 2013 mains GS was concerned. So our marking scheme too would be keeping those figures in mind. Please have a look at our marking scheme for coming days:
- 0.0-1.9/10 – Not satisfactory.
- 2.0-2.4/10 – Average.
- 2.5-2.9/10 – Good.
- 3.0-3.9/10 – Excellent.
- 4.0+/10 – Exceptional.
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PS: Aspirants can select any question they wish to answer in the comment space provided below specifying the question. Answering 3-4 questions, does not take much of your time. But for those who engage regularly in answer writing, the resultant score improvement in actual UPSC exam would be exponential.
1. Essay Paper: Social media and privacy. (1500 words)– test series 41
Man is a social animal. It is very natural for him to establish relationships with fellow human beings. With the advancement of science and technology, the connectivity between the individuals has increased robustly. Social media is one such tool to enable the persons across the globe to interact, share their opinions, comment on innumerable issues, post pictures , update the personal status and so forth. With the increasing penetration of internet, social media activity continues to be dominating other activities in internet. The social media websites like Face book, Twitter, Myspace, Google+ etc.. have infinite users. But the question that arises in this advanced scientific world is “Does the social media intrudes the private space of human beings? The answer largely lies in the preferences and priorities in our needs. Karl Marx has said that “ Man is completely alienated from himself in the materialistic world and has become a mere cog in the world”. Rousseu, great political thinker also criticised the scientific advancements are increasingly exploiting the social nature of human beings. It is indeed been true to say that the social media, which is an important scientific invention of 21st century , intruding the private life of human beings both physically and psychologically.
1) Privacy: Article 21 of the Indian constitution signifies the “Right to Life “The supreme court has interpreted that right to life includes right to privacy. This clearly shows the importance of privacy for existence. Individual space of a man acts as buffer from social pressures. The social media however, invades into the private space and draws the individual into an activity that does not allow him to feel the home.
2)Social evenings: Individuals day time activity is largely under constant surveillance. He behaves in a certain way that suits his economic activity and aspirations. The evenings are the biggest relief from pressures in social existence. He spends time with his family, friends, relatives and takes his own time in hobbies. However, the social media activity is largely hijacking the time, that is spent in his social evenings
The social media is only a tool to connect with friends. It is not predominantly a knowledge sharing website. It has to be used with limited time. The advertisements, pictures, messages are making the individuals to stay in it for longer duration. It becomes an addiction for many persons. The movie “social network” which is based on the life of Mark Zuckerberg ( inventor of Facebook), depicts a scene where Zuckerberg tells his friend that “ Every one is interested in knowing the status of others” This curiosity of us has been harnessed by the social media websites, to make us stay in it for longer time, thereby losing our private social evenings, There is an increasing tendency to not speak with our family members, however speak in virtual world with a unknown person
The social evenings with our family teaches ethics, morals, values and relationships for practicable life. This liberty of interaction with family is invaded by social media in the recent years.
3) Personal data: Users while crating accounts and in the process of being active in Facebook, Twitter, Myspace etc.. share innumerable personal information’s. The credibility to protect our personal data by these websites is questionable. Hackers mainly target the users profiles to get information from the individual. There are lot of dubious profiles in these social media websites.
“PRISM” the surveillance of United States of the electronic secretly. This operation was exposed by the National Security Agency member Edward Snowden in 2013.Many international organisations, personalities individual activity, including social are monitored
4) Social profiling: It denotes the phenomenon of identifying the patterns in individual preferences, choices, activities. These patterns are used by the corporates to market their products to individuals in the social media by posting ads , according to their behaviour choices. As result, the needs and desires of the man are constantly evoked to make him a consumer.
In urbanised cities, there is a “Mad rush “ for real estate business. People are living in EMI’s. They tend to spend 15 to 20 tears of their life in closing their EMI for a house. There is nothing illegal in closing so. However , the socially constructed myths(to own a house) are capitalised by the big real estate promoters. They target the young people in mainly in social media like Facebook, Whatsapp, Google to sell their lands.
Not only the house, the other products such as Televisions, cars, refrigerators, electronic gadgets are dumped into the market and promoted according to make the people mere consumer. This is a phenomenon observed across the boundaries. As a result, the multi- dimensional man , according to Herbert Marcuse, is replaced by one –dimensional man. He is not able to enjoy his private social life rather he runs to fulfil the desires created in the market.
5)Cultural Invasion: Every society has its own unique characteristics that influences the behaviour of the respective individuals. With the increasing penetration of connectivity through social media, people are leaning towards the Westernisation. In a larger perspective, the social media creates a psychosis among the masses to more towards western method of living . Posing pictures in KFC< MacDonald, big malls, rich western attires etc.. creates a social mobilisation towards the westernisation. The language used in the media is mostly English because the sites are mostly owned by western corporates . Linguistic dominance is also observed. The mother tongue of an individual is largely invaded with this foreign language. In China , they have banned most of the Western social media. This helps them to preserve their culture.
Culture is private to the particular society .In this way , one has to stay always close to this roots. Every one can learn different cultures but always preserve their indigenous culture.
6) Viral Character: Social media has a tendency to spread a content so virally. As a result , the people who in public life are constantly criticised and abused . Even their personal life are discussed , debated and made fun off. The most victimised section being the film personalities, sportspersons and elected representatives. Democracy ensures the diversity of opinions. However, in a society which is so diverse like India even a minuscule irresponsible comment can generate wide spread protests. The privacy henceforth comes with a lot of calculated behaviour. In 2012 incident in Mumbai, two girl posting on the death of Bal Thackray created criticism. Freedom has to be exercised with more than reasonable restrictions. .This conditions draws parallel to Rousseu’s quote “Man is born free but every where in chains”
7)Measures:
The government has taken lot of initiatives to curtail the social media abuses. The section 66A of Information Technology deals with posting seditions in online medium. The cyber security policy 2013 ensures protection of content in the social media. The law and order machinery also are directed its actions towards increasing crimes in social media.
More importantly, the self regulation is the greatest weapon to tackle the menace of scrutiny into private life, Parental guidance in educating the children about the positives and negatives of social media is very important . The curriculum should also educate about the social media and relevance in contemporary society.
Conclusion:
We all need places where we can go to explore without the judgemental eyes of other people being cast upon us. Only in a realm where we are not being watched can we really test the limits of who we want to be. It’s really in the private realm where dissent, creativity and personal exploration lie, Social media is robust medium which implausible to be regulated by the government alone. The society and the individual must take steps to use the medium constructively and ensure the digital privacy. It is very important that we understand the positives and negatives of the medium and move in the right direction, protecting our culture.
Marks 108/250. Jagan, request you to write answers under the comment section of same test series to avoid confusion. Suggestion: You have ideas, but certain points do not connect well with the flow of the essay. Refrain from using sub-headings on every paragraph.
thanks clear ias for reviewing, will work on your suggestions… will post in the respective sections hereafter.
Clearias,
Plz review my essay on “Alcoholism in India” in test series 36.
Q2 Ans British were able to rule the 2/3 of our subcontinent due to a no. Of reasons.firstly it was the diversified culture and customs of our country . It was the reason for division among people. The situation was that every princely state was acting as a country. Example cited can be the battle of plassey and war of tipu sultan from my sore. The divisions on the lines of religion, caste were prevalent. The mughals were not supported by the hindu kings. Unity was invisible. Even in the sepoy mutiny not a single ruler was having a mass support of other emperors and Kings. The divide and rule policy was diplomatic step towards this notion.
Secondly , it was the interest of the British empire who got too much involved in trade and became superior among the colonial powers. Portuguese, Dutch , French they all were restricted to a particular part of the subcontinent whereas it were the Britishers who had spread in central part of the subcontinent.
The doctrine of lapse where a ruler has to surrender the kingdom in absence of its real heir. Annexation of jhansi and kanpur were based on these lines.
Subsidiary alliance were the British army provided protection to the territory of a king against its enemy and in return the king had to gift a part of land to the British army. The ruler has to consult the army for any agreement or treaty with other princely states.
The insecurity among the people led the British to rule our subcontinent
Marks 3.0.
GS 4 paper
The options available are:
a) To grant sanction to the project outright
b) To have a meeting with NGO and find out their concern and till then not to provide any sanction
c) Tell the friend (the bidder) regarding the issue and ask to get environmental clearance for the project
d) Reject the sanction of project
Evaluation of the options
a) The project would help in development but not the sustainable one. There would be question on objectivity and accountability. The mass protest will be difficult to handle and expose the issue.
b) Compromise could be achieved while talking with NGO like how the environment would be protected and bidder will take the responsibility. The mass protest may delay the sanction further if project does not have a solid argument regarding how development and environment can go hand-in-hand
c) The bidder can approach NGO and address concern on his level. But this will bring the governance and transparency compromise done in project by administrator later in limelight. The environmental clearance will let NGO understand.
d) The relation with friend may get hampered and further development projects would need to handled in a more systematic way for the area. This will reflect the integrity and transparency in the governance.
I would choose to have meeting with NGO along with the bidder to address environmental concerns and see all the pros and cons of the projects like employment, infrastructure, loss to ecosystem etc. I would ask friend to get all environmental clearance formalities done and tell NGOs regarding steps which the project will take to address any harm to ecosystem. In this way neither the relationship with friend will sour nor any compromise in sanction would be done.
Marks 7/15.
Clearias,
Could you provide a sample answer for one case study. I hv first time attempted to answer a case study. It will help to understand flow and structure required in case studies.
You as an administrator is responsible for implementing a major infrastructure project in a locality. Considering the development needs of the locality, this project was long overdue. But at the same time, there are also environmental concerns regarding this project. The highest bidder for the project, a reputed firm XYZ,is run by a friend of you. He has already spend lakhs of rupees for campaigning and creating public awareness about the benefits of the project. While you are almost ready to give sanction to XYZ, you get a letter from the an NGO that this project will badly affect the ecosystem of the area if implemented. They have also threatened of mass protest, if you go ahead with the project. Considering this situations,
What are the options available to you?
Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.
Answer:
In the said situation, i as the administrator responsible for the implementation of the project may have the following options- though the list is not exhaustive-
1. i may give in to the demands of the NGO, and refuse the go-ahead for the project on environmental considerations. However this creates consequences for the locality which is in dire need of the project. Also as there is enough public awareness created, there may arise protests from the locals against the refusal to implement the project. moreover the said letter from the NGO is not been supported by any scientific data or evidence to substantiate their claims. Also it would be detrimental to the interests of the locals if the project is not implemented.
2. I may proceed with the project as planned regardless of the concerns raised by the NGO. This may result in the ngo protesting as per its threat. But it would also mean i would follow my duty of executing the project. However, the concerns of the ecosystem would be given a short shrift in the process. Damage to the environment carries long term implications for the local community. Thus the benefits brought by the project would have to be weighed in the context the risks to environment.
3. Hence there is a need to probe another choice which balance the requirements of the project and concerns of the environment. I would instead call the NGO and the bidder who is executing the project to discuss upon the probable impact of the project. The NGO would also be explained the importance and urgency of the project. I would also demand the ngo to come up with substantive evidence to support their claims as also suggest adequate measures to mitigate the impacts on environment. The agency executing the project would be advised to adopt environment friendly measures while executing the project. The bidder being my friend, i would also persuade him informally to seek guidance and expertise from environmentalists so as to ensure minimum damage to the ecosystem.
As the project is urgent and a necessity, a balanced line of action of executing the project with necessary safeguards and precautions can be adopted.
Marks 7/15.
The numbers of British in India were small, yet they were able to rule two-thirds of the subcontinent directly and exercise considerable leverage over the princely states that accounted for the remaining one-third of the area. Comment. (200 words)
Ans
British and East India Company ruled over India by playing different groups of India against each other. The basic policy was divide and rule in different avatars.
Military-
After the 1857 rebellion they created strategically grouped battalions such that one group could be used against the other. Also they barred Indians from officer’s rank to ensure that the leadership remained with British. Ex. Gurkhas firing in Jalianwala bagh.
Politics-
They used ring fence, subsidiary alliance and later subsidiary union in incremental steps to play off one group of Indians against each other. This was possible because the modern concept of India hadnt evolved. Ex. Maratha and Hyderabad against Mysore.
Economic-
British monopolized trade and agriculture; trade barriers against Indian exports, Laisses Faire and later conversion of Indian economy to primary feeder for British industries was followed in steps to curb Indian production and make it dependent on British Industries.
Religious-
British played hindus and muslims against each other by alternately favoring one over the other. The result of this was Muslim league and Hindu Mahasabha, both fighting for favours from British for their own communities.
Others-
Through stagnant investment in irrigation and infrastructure India was impoverished to such a degree where rising up was no more a feasible option for common Indians.
Indian diaspora in US is the fastest growing population among Asian countries. Analyze the social, economic and political profile of Indian Americans with their significant contributions. (200 words)
Ans
Indians moved to USA in different waves and today there are over 4 million USA citizens of Indian origin.
They have the second highest household income of any community after Jewish people with over $ 90k per year. They also have the highest graduation rates of any community with 13% of post-graduation students with a population of under 1% in the nation. Due to the high levels of education, they are over represented in some of the highest skill jobs in technology, medicine, law and administration.
The second and third generation Americans of Indian origin have started diverging from the traditional strong holds and have diversified into areas like television and movies, sports, comedy and politics.
Some of the prominent names are-
Politics- Bobby Jindal, Zed Rajan, Nikki Haley
Entertainment and modelling- Kal Penn, Farid Zakaria, Padma Lakshmi
Administration- Neel Kashkari
Technology and Business- Kalpana Chawla, Satya Nadella, Sabeer Bhatia
Others- Nina Duvulari (Miss USA), Deepak Chopra(traditional medicine)
Indian diaspora today has risen from its humble beginnings to have substantial numbers in Silicon valley, governance, businesses and most other areas of public influence.
Marks 3.0
[Ethics Case Study] You as an administrator is responsible for implementing a major infrastructure project in a locality. Considering the development needs of the locality, this project was long overdue. But at the same time, there are also environmental concerns regarding this project. The highest bidder for the project, a reputed firm XYZ,is run by a friend of you. He has already spend lakhs of rupees for campaigning and creating public awareness about the benefits of the project. While you are almost ready to give sanction to XYZ, you get a letter from the an NGO that this project will badly affect the ecosystem of the area if implemented. They have also threatened of mass protest, if you go ahead with the project. Considering this situations,
A. What are the options available to you?
B. Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.
(200 words)
Ans.
The merits of social progress and ecological preservation demand that validity of the NGO’s claims be considered on the earnest and based on that decision taken. The options available in such a situation would be.
1) The NGO be invited to send the basis for its conclusions and have it evaluated by experts in field of environment.
2) Call the NGO, Investor and experts to conference to evaluate if both development and ecological balance can be maintained together. Based on that make amendments to project or add clause for safeguard ecosystem.
3) Put a stay on project till the issue is finalised in a tribunal or court.
4) Let the project go ahead considering the background ecological checks ensured before its initiation.
The decision should be made on two considerations; adequate checks to avoid adverse impact on environment and meeting needs of the people. Hence the first option should be ideal, as it would ensure speedy decision along with proper consideration for the claims of NGO.
Marks 6/15.
GS 2 Paper: [Diaspora/ Indian Americans] Indian diaspora in US is the fastest growing population among Asian countries. Analyze the social, economic and political profile of Indian Americans with their significant contributions. (200 words)
Ans : 17 % of asian americans are indian americans and 0.6 % of the total population .
their growth rate is highest among asian americans .
economic profile
– most of them have high levels of education
– they are productive assets to the society
– their per capita income is double of their average per capita income levels
– they are found in almost every field such as , medicine , information technology , financial services , higher education , media and many more
socio-cultural profile
– referred to as model minority
– seen as hard working and adaptive community
– attached to their traditional values
– represents the diversity
politicalprofile
– sizable voting force
– they are regarded as separate category in us census
– elected to some key positions
– their representatives are consulted in relevant matters especially in indo us ties
Marks 3.5. Missed the contribution aspects.
thank you for review
i will keep this in mind
Answer to question number 2. GS paper 1.
india’s enormous wealth attracted people from different parts of the world and that paved the way for the arrival of British. Amused by India’s wealth, they soon wanted to get the major share of India’s wealth. They knew that if they could rule India, it will help them in getting hold of entire indian wealth but the Mughals were very strong. When Mughals fell, they knew that it was the best time to get hold of India and its wealth. The following reasons combined with the fall of Mughals helped British to rule india even though their numbers were small.
-Idea of burden of the White and Racial superiority
-No unity among the indian rulers.
-Support of intelligentsia with the hope of introduction of modern education
-Support of zamindars and money lenders
-Indian sepoys were loyal as they got regular pay and benifits
-Diversity of India
-No centralised power to replace Mughals and constant fight within Marathas
-Lack of modern ideas and education
-Lack of capital
-technological and industrial advancement of Britain.
– Hindu Muslim disunity
– princely state Kings were highly self centred and stood with British for personal interests.
Thus social backwardness and narrow minded thinking of indian rulers paved the way for British supremacy in India even though they were small in number
Marks 3.0.
Thanks for the review
GS 4 Paper: [Ethics Case Study] You as an administrator is responsible for implementing a major infrastructure project in a locality. Considering the development needs of the locality, this project was long overdue. But at the same time, there are also environmental concerns regarding this project. The highest bidder for the project, a reputed firm XYZ,is run by a friend of you. He has already spend lakhs of rupees for campaigning and creating public awareness about the benefits of the project. While you are almost ready to give sanction to XYZ, you get a letter from the an NGO that this project will badly affect the ecosystem of the area if implemented. They have also threatened of mass protest, if you go ahead with the project. Considering this situations,
What are the options available to you?
Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.
(200 words)
Ans.
A. The options available to me are following-
1. Give sanction to XYZ ignoring NGO’s letter and Threat of mass protest
2. Refuse the sanction, taking cognizance of the letter and threat of NGO,
3. Notify to the public about the environmental concern and refer the matter to ecological expert committee of State/Centre alongwith concerns raised by NGO and asking for an early action due to over-delay in the project.
Option 1.
Merit:
1. The development need ot the people will be met.
2. The friend will be able to do the job early and get payment early and cot escalation will be avoided both by friend and government.
3. Long pending issue will be solved and can concentrate on other tasks.
4. Display assertiveness by ignoring mass protest threat.
5. Mass may not support the NGO, as the project is made for the masses only.
Demerit:
1. Ignoring environmental concerns, will cause irreparable damage.
2. Criticism from NGO and international bodies will be faced by GoI for being insensitive towards environmental concerns.
3. Public Participation in decision making is absent
Option 2.
Merit:
1. Respect the environmental concern raised by the NGO
2. Strive for sustainable development
3. Encouraging Public Participation
Demerit:
1. Friend’s firm and GoI may suffer cost escalation
2. May give a message of buckling under NGO pressure
3. Friendship may be under threat as I could have chosen option 1.
4. Delay the development work for the people and face criticism of public.
Option 3.
Merit:
1. Expert advice and will enable strive for sustainable development and Climate Change
2. Environmental concern will improve name of the country
3. General Public will be aware of the reason for delay in the work.
4. Public Participation in Decision Making
Demerit:
1. The work will be delayed but informed public and firm will cooperate
2. Once go ahead is received the work shall be completed in Fast Track Mode.
3. Friend’s cost will escalate and may be unhappy with me.
Thus best action in this aspect is option 3. It will promote sustainable development and also make general public informed about issues involved and will ask for any further issue within a time frame and thereafter we will complete the. Friends advertising cost must have been included in his quoted price.