Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on impact of climate change on rain patterns in India and role of Indian National Army (Week 104)

Indian Express

6 days ago

UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today's answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-1 to check your progress.
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How has climate change influenced the monsoon rain pattern in India?
How did the Indian National Army (INA) contribute to India's independence without fighting on the battlefield?
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 gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer.
— Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used 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.
QUESTION 1: How has climate change influenced the monsoon rain pattern in India?
Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.
Introduction:
— A monsoon is a shift in winds that frequently results in a highly rainy or very dry season. Monsoons are typically connected with portions of Asia.
— There are two notable types of monsoon in India:
(i) Southwest monsoon: It occurs from June to September. It hits Kerala on the southwestern coast and then proceeds across the country. This monsoon is the primary monsoon affecting India — it not only brings respite from the heat but also contributes to the country's ecosystem and economy, especially the growing of kharif crops.
(ii) Northeast monsoon: It is also known as the retreating monsoon, which occurs from October to December and affects peninsular India. It isn't as intense as the southwest monsoon but is crucial for the growth of rabi crops.
Body:
You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:
Effects of climate change on rain patterns in India
— According to the study, monsoon patterns in India have been fast-shifting. It is mainly driven by the accelerating rate of climate change.
— The southwest monsoon rainfall rose in 55% of India's tehsils. The increase, however, has resulted from short-duration, severe rainfall, which frequently causes flash floods.
— During the southwest monsoon in India, wet extremes account for an increasing share of total seasonal rainfall.
— Changes in monsoon patterns can affect agriculture output and ecosystems.
— Rainfall is not distributed evenly throughout the seasons and months.
(Source: How India's monsoon rain pattern has been changing amid climate)
Points to Ponder
Cropping season
Retreating monsoon
Related Previous Year Questions
Discuss the consequence of Climate change on the food security in tropical countries. (2023)
What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia? (2017)
QUESTION 2: How did the Indian National Army (INA) contribute to India's independence without fighting on the battlefield?
Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.
Introduction:
— The Indian National Army was formed on February 17, 1942, two days after the British surrendered to Japanese forces in Singapore.
— It primarily consisted of Indian prisoners of war (PoWs) seized by the Japanese during their Southeast Asia campaign. The Japanese believed that a native Indian force would be an effective weapon in their intended takeover of India.
Body:
You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:
— Over the next six months, he would pull off a public relations coup, gaining support — both material and human — from the Indian diaspora in Japanese-occupied Southeast Asia.
— The INA soon expanded to more than 40,000 members, and many Indians contributed their life savings to the cause.
— Bose had hoped for a large-scale insurrection within the country to supplement the INA's offensive on the border. 'When the British government is thus attacked from both sides — from inside India and from outside — it will collapse, and the Indian people will then regain their liberty,' he declared in a speech delivered on July 9, 1943.
— After being unable to take Imphal and Kohima, the supply starved INA, along with its Japanese allies, was forced to retreat, all while suffering heavy losses due to the enemy's air superiority and gunpowder, as well as starvation and disease.
— By 1945, the British had launched their own campaign to retake Burma, and the INA once again found itself in retreat.
— After the United States dropped two atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan surrendered on August 15.
(Source: How Bose's INA helped India win independence — but not on the battlefield)
Points to Ponder
Red Fort trials
Regiments of INA
Related Previous Year Questions
It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India in just three years but for the experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss. (2015)
Highlight the difference in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom. (2016)
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