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Home/upsc mains

Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

Ashitosh
  • 2
AshitoshBegginer
Asked: July 9, 2024In:
  • 2

In the context of democratic governance, accountability, and ethical governance play a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of democratic institutions. Conceptual Understanding: Accountability refers to the obligation of individuals and institutions to be answerable for their actions and decisions, ...

accountabilitydemocratic institutionsethical governanceindian politypublic administrationupsc mains
  1. Yuvraj Sharma
    Yuvraj Sharma Begginer

    Being responsible and playing fair in politics is crucial for the health and well-being of India's democracy. Here are some reasons why: Trust and credibility: When politicians are responsible and fair, they build trust with the people. This trust is essential for a healthy democracy, as it enablesRead more

    Being responsible and playing fair in politics is crucial for the health and well-being of India’s democracy. Here are some reasons why:

    1. Trust and credibility: When politicians are responsible and fair, they build trust with the people. This trust is essential for a healthy democracy, as it enables citizens to participate in the political process with confidence.
    2. Accountability: Responsible politicians are accountable for their actions and decisions. This ensures that they are held accountable for their mistakes and are incentivized to work for the betterment of the country.
    3. Checks and balances: A fair and responsible political system ensures that there are checks and balances in place to prevent any one individual or group from abusing their power.
    4. Diverse representation: When politicians play fair, they promote diverse representation in parliament, ensuring that different voices and perspectives are heard.
    5. Good governance: Responsible politics leads to good governance, which is essential for economic growth, social welfare, and overall development.
    6. National cohesion: Fair politics promotes national cohesion by fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among citizens.
    7. Election integrity: When politicians play fair, elections become more transparent and free from manipulation, ensuring that the will of the people is accurately reflected.
    8. Prevents corruption: Responsible politics helps to prevent corruption by promoting transparency, accountability, and a culture of integrity.

    To achieve these benefits, it’s essential for Indians to:

    1. Engage in active citizenship: Participate in political discussions, vote, and hold their leaders accountable.
    2. Demand transparency and accountability: Encourage politicians to be transparent about their actions, policies, and decisions.
    3. Promote media literacy: Support fact-based reporting and media literacy to combat disinformation and promote informed decision-making.
    4. Encourage civic education: Promote civic education in schools to empower young Indians with the skills and knowledge necessary to participate in the political process.
    5. Support anti-corruption efforts: Encourage initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in government.

    By working together, we can build a more responsible and fair political system in India that truly represents the interests of its citizens.

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Kanudha
  • 1
KanudhaBegginer
Asked: July 13, 2024In:
  • 1

Answer this in 250 words.

csatenglish literaturejames joycemains specialnarrative techniquesupsc aspirantupsc expertupsc mainsupsc optionalvirginia
  1. Avinash Gorthi
    Avinash Gorthi Begginer
    Compare the narrative techniques employed by James Joyce in "Ulysses" with those used by Virginia Woolf in "Mrs Dalloway". How do these techniques contribute to the portrayal of modernist themes?

    James Joyce's "Ulysses" and Virginia Woolf's "Mrs Dalloway" exemplify modernist narrative techniques, each contributing uniquely to the portrayal of modernist themes like the complexity of consciousness and reality's fragmentation. Narrative Techniques in "Ulysses" Joyce's "Ulysses" is known for itsRead more

    James Joyce’s “Ulysses” and Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs Dalloway” exemplify modernist narrative techniques, each contributing uniquely to the portrayal of modernist themes like the complexity of consciousness and reality’s fragmentation.

    Narrative Techniques in “Ulysses”

    Joyce’s “Ulysses” is known for its stream-of-consciousness technique, which delves into the characters’ minds and presenting a realistic portrayal of consciousness. Joyce’s interior monologue creates an intimate connection, while multiple narrative styles and parodies emphasize modern life’s fragmented nature, underscoring subjective reality.

    Narrative Techniques in “Mrs Dalloway”

    Woolf’s “Mrs Dalloway” also uses stream-of-consciousness but is more fluid and lyrical compared to Joyce’s dense style. Woolf blends characters’ thoughts with the narrative voice, creating a seamless flow between perspectives. This technique explores characters’ inner lives while maintaining coherence. Woolf’s focus on time and reflections highlights reality’s transient nature, a core modernist concern, and underscores the interconnectedness of individual experiences within the broader social fabric.

    Contribution to Modernist Themes

    Both authors’ techniques reflect modernist themes by breaking away from traditional forms and exploring consciousness and perception’s complexities. Joyce’s fragmented style in “Ulysses” emphasizes reality’s disjointed nature, while Woolf’s interconnected stream-of-consciousness in “Mrs Dalloway” highlights the flow of human experience in a fragmented world. Together, these techniques contribute to a deeper understanding of modernist explorations of inner life and reality.

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Kanudha
  • 2
KanudhaBegginer
Asked: July 13, 2024In:
  • 2

english literaturepetals of bloodpostcolonial literatureupsc aspirantupsc mainsupsc optional
  1. Jaza Humayun
    Jaza Humayun Begginer

    Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s Petals of Blood are pivotal works in African literature, exploring the complexities of cultural identity amidst colonial and post-colonial challenges. Things Fall Apart delves into pre-colonial Igbo society and the impacts of European colonizRead more

    Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s Petals of Blood are pivotal works in African literature, exploring the complexities of cultural identity amidst colonial and post-colonial challenges.

    Things Fall Apart delves into pre-colonial Igbo society and the impacts of European colonization. The protagonist, Okonkwo, embodies the struggle between tradition and change. As European influences disrupt Igbo culture, Okonkwo’s resistance highlights the broader impact of colonialism on African societies.

    Petals of Blood portrays cultural identity as evolving, shaped by colonialism and post-colonial disillusionment. Through characters like Munira, Karega, Wanja, and Abdulla, Ngugi explores the clash between traditional African values and modernization. The transformation of Ilmorog from a rural village to a commercial town symbolizes the erosion of indigenous cultures. Ngugi underscores the importance of cultural heritage and collective identity as sources of resistance against neocolonial forces, advocating for a return to communal values and indigenous knowledge.

    Both novels illustrate the enduring significance of cultural identity in the face of external pressures, emphasizing the resilience and complexity of African societies.

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Kanudha
  • 0
KanudhaBegginer
Asked: July 13, 2024In:
  • 0

Answer in 190 words only. It shouldn’t miss anything important. I know it’s a bit tricky, but it’ll help you in the examination room.

english literatureliterary criticismpoetic theoryt.s. eliotupsc aspirantupsc mainsupsc optional
  1. Saptaparna Ghosh
    Saptaparna Ghosh Begginer

    T.S Eliot in his essay "Tradition and Individual Talent", explains how tradition is not static, but is dynamic. Every new work, engages with the vast tradition of literary works written before and hence, alters it. Eliot puts emphasis on historical consciousness of poets, which means that a buddingRead more

    T.S Eliot in his essay “Tradition and Individual Talent”, explains how tradition is not static, but is dynamic. Every new work, engages with the vast tradition of literary works written before and hence, alters it. Eliot puts emphasis on historical consciousness of poets, which means that a budding poet must interact and be aware of the rich literary tradition of his past, so write something new and interesting. According to him, individual talent cannot exist on its own. It necessarily draws from tradition and hence changes it by entering the literary canon. In this essay, he also gave the concept of impersonal theory of poetry, which essentially means that a poet’s personal emotions and passions should be distanced while writing a work of art. There must be a continuous surrender of the “personal self” to write better poetry.
    He employed the same theory in his practice of poetry as well. If one examines his classic poem “The Wasteland”, they are bound to find fragments of various literary works and tradition. For instance, it has references from Shakespeare, ancient Greek literary texts as well as Indian scriptures like Upanishads. It has the words, “Datta. Dayadhvam. Damyata.,” which are directly taken from the Upanishads.

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Kanudha
  • 0
KanudhaBegginer
Asked: July 13, 2024In:
  • 0

contemporary literary studiesecocriticismenglish literaturehenry david thoreauupsc aspirantupsc mainsupsc optionalwalden
  1. Krishna Karthikeya Jujjavarapu
    Krishna Karthikeya Jujjavarapu Begginer

    "Ecocritical Exploration of Nature in Henry David Thoreau's 'Walden'".... Ecocriticism is a literary and cultural theory that examines the relationship between literature and the natural environment. It emerged as a response to environmental concerns, aiming to explore how literary works represent nRead more

    “Ecocritical Exploration of Nature in Henry David Thoreau’s ‘Walden'”….

    Ecocriticism is a literary and cultural theory that examines the relationship between literature and the natural environment. It emerged as a response to environmental concerns, aiming to explore how literary works represent nature, interact with ecological issues, and reflect human attitudes towards the environment.

    In contemporary literary studies, ecocriticism is relevant for several reasons. It encourages a deeper understanding of how literature shapes and is shaped by environmental contexts, fostering awareness of ecological crises and advocating for environmental stewardship. Ecocritical approaches analyze literary texts through the lens of ecological principles, exploring themes such as human-nature relationships, environmental degradation, and the impact of industrialization on ecosystems.

    In Henry David Thoreau’s “Walden,” an ecocritical analysis focuses on Thoreau’s transcendentalist exploration of nature as a source of spiritual and philosophical insight. Thoreau’s depiction of Walden Pond and the surrounding woods emphasizes the interconnectedness of humans and the natural world, advocating for simplicity, self-sufficiency, and harmony with nature. Ecocritics might examine Thoreau’s observations of seasonal changes, wildlife interactions, and his critique of industrial society’s environmental impact. Thoreau’s call to reconnect with nature and live deliberately resonates with ecocritical concerns about sustainability and environmental ethics, making “Walden” a foundational text in ecocritical discourse.

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Kanudha
  • 0
KanudhaBegginer
Asked: July 13, 2024In:
  • 0

csatenglish literaturegeneral studiesliterary criticismmarxist literary criticismupsc aspirantupsc mainsupsc optional
  1. Faizaan Ali
    Faizaan Ali Begginer

    Marxist literary criticism interprets the relationship between literature and society through the lens of class struggle, economic disparity, and the socio-economic forces that shape both. In George Orwell's "1984," these themes are evident in the rigid class structure and the pervasive control exerRead more

    Marxist literary criticism interprets the relationship between literature and society through the lens of class struggle, economic disparity, and the socio-economic forces that shape both. In George Orwell’s “1984,” these themes are evident in the rigid class structure and the pervasive control exerted by the Party. The society depicted is divided between the ruling Party and the oppressed proles. The Party, especially the Inner Party, represents the bourgeoisie, controlling resources, information, and power, while the proles are kept in ignorance and poverty, rendering them powerless. Economic disparity is a central theme, with the proles living in deprivation and the Inner Party enjoying luxuries, highlighting the unequal distribution of wealth and resources. This disparity underscores the Marxist critique of capitalism, where the ruling class thrives at the expense of the working masses. The Party’s manipulation of language and truth through doublethink and Newspeak, along with the use of surveillance and ideological control, reflects Marxist ideas about how ruling classes maintain dominance. Winston’s failed rebellion and the Party’s control over supposed revolutionary groups illustrate the difficulties of overthrowing entrenched power structures. Through a Marxist lens, “1984” critiques totalitarianism and explores power, control, and resistance within a stratified society.

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Kanudha
  • 0
KanudhaBegginer
Asked: July 13, 2024In:
  • 0

csatgeneral studies paperindian politym.laxmikantreformsupsc aspirantupsc mainsupsc optional
  1. Saumya
    Saumya Begginer
    This answer was edited.

    “Local government is the key to good governance and development at the grassroots level.” - Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India mentioned under Part IXA - The Municipalities, face several challenges encompassing various aspects that hinder effective urban governance and sustainaRead more

    “Local government is the key to good governance and development at the grassroots level.” – Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India mentioned under Part IXA – The Municipalities, face several challenges encompassing various aspects that hinder effective urban governance and sustainable development.

    Challenges Faced by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs):

    • 1. Infrastructure Deficit:
      • Issue: Many cities and towns in India suffer from inadequate infrastructure such as roads, water supply, sanitation, solid waste management, and public transport.
      • Impact: Poor infrastructure leads to congestion, environmental degradation, health hazards, and affects the quality of life for urban residents.
      2. Financial• Issue: ULBs often face financial constraints due to limited revenue sources, inadequate fiscal devolution from higher levels of government, and inefficiencies in revenue collection.
      • Impact: Insufficient funds hinder infrastructure development, maintenance of civic amenities, and provision of essential services like healthcare and education.
      3. Urban Planning and Land Use:
      • Issue: Rapid urbanization often outpaces urban planning, leading to informal settlements, encroachments, and inefficient land use patterns.
      • Impact: Lack of proper planning results in unplanned growth, slums, congestion, and challenges in providing basic services to all residents.
      4. Governance and Institutional Capacity:
      • Issue: Weak governance structures, bureaucratic inefficiencies, lack of transparency, and corruption hinder effective decision-making and service delivery.
      • Impact: Poor governance undermines public trust, affects accountability, and delays project implementation and policy reforms.
      5. Environmental Sustainability:
      • Issue: Urban areas face environmental challenges such as air and water pollution, depletion of natural resources, and vulnerability to climate change impacts.
      • Impact: Degraded environment leads to health hazards, loss of biodiversity, and affects the resilience of urban areas to climate-related risks.
      6. Social Inclusion and Equity:
      • Issue: Urban growth often exacerbates socio-economic inequalities, with marginalized communities lacking access to basic services and infrastructure.
      • Impact: Social exclusion undermines inclusive development, perpetuates poverty cycles, and poses social tensions within cities.

    Reforms Necessary for Improving Urban Governance and Sustainable Development:

    1. Financial Reforms:
    • Enhance fiscal devolution from central to local governments.
    • Implement innovative financing mechanisms like municipal bonds and public-private partnerships (PPPs).
    • Improve property tax administration and explore new revenue sources.
    2. Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development:
    • Strengthen urban planning frameworks and enforce zoning regulations.
    • Promote integrated land use planning to accommodate growth and ensure efficient use of land.
    • Invest in sustainable and resilient infrastructure, focusing on water supply, sanitation, public transport, and green spaces.
    3. Governance and Institutional Strengthening:
    • Enhance transparency and accountability through digital governance solutions and citizen participation mechanisms.
    • Build capacity of ULB officials through training and skill development programs.
    • Streamline administrative processes and promote e-governance initiatives for efficient service delivery.
    4. Environmental Sustainability:
    • Adopt and enforce environmental standards and regulations.
    • Promote renewable energy adoption, waste management practices, and green building norms.
    • Integrate climate change adaptation and resilience measures into urban planning and development projects.
    5. Social Inclusion and Equity:
    • Ensure inclusive urban development by providing basic services and infrastructure to all residents.
    • Implement slum rehabilitation and affordable housing programs.
    • Promote social safety nets and empowerment programs for vulnerable communities.
    6. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing:
    • Foster partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and international agencies for knowledge exchange and technical assistance.
    • Support ULBs in adopting best practices and innovative solutions through peer learning and networking platforms.

    By addressing these challenges and implementing necessary reforms, Urban Local Bodies can enhance their capacity to manage urban growth effectively, promote sustainable development, and improve the quality of life for urban residents in India.

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Shivani Chaudhari
  • 0
Shivani ChaudhariBegginer
Asked: July 13, 2024In: ,
  • 0

How can communities be effectively involved in disaster preparedness and risk reduction efforts, and what strategies can be employed to insure their active participation and resilience ?

disaster managementgeography hons.research paperupsc mains
  1. Krishna Karthikeya Jujjavarapu
    Krishna Karthikeya Jujjavarapu Begginer
    This answer was edited.

    "Empowering Communities: Strategies for Effective Disaster Preparedness and Resilience".... Effective community involvement in disaster preparedness and risk reduction is crucial for building resilience. First, education and awareness programs play a pivotal role. By conducting workshops, training sRead more

    “Empowering Communities: Strategies for Effective Disaster Preparedness and Resilience”….

    Effective community involvement in disaster preparedness and risk reduction is crucial for building resilience. First, education and awareness programs play a pivotal role. By conducting workshops, training sessions, and drills, communities can learn about potential hazards, evacuation procedures, and basic first aid. This knowledge empowers individuals to take proactive measures and respond effectively during emergencies.

    Second, fostering community networks and partnerships enhances resilience. Establishing local disaster management committees or neighborhood watch groups encourages collaboration among residents, local authorities, and NGOs. These networks facilitate communication, information sharing, and coordinated response efforts before, during, and after disasters.

    Third, integrating traditional knowledge and practices into modern disaster management strategies is beneficial. Indigenous communities often possess valuable insights and adaptive strategies based on their historical experiences with natural hazards. Incorporating these practices into official disaster plans can improve effectiveness and community buy-in.

    Furthermore, incentivizing community involvement through recognition and support encourages active participation. Providing resources, funding for infrastructure improvements, or insurance incentives for disaster-resilient housing motivates communities to invest in preparedness measures.

    Overall, empowering communities to take ownership of their safety and resilience through education, collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and tangible support fosters a proactive approach to disaster management. This grassroots engagement not only enhances response capabilities but also strengthens social cohesion and solidarity in times of crisis.

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