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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.
How the process of Urbanisation was seen as an offshoot of the Industrial Revolution and modernisation? Discuss the factors that led to the massive growth of urbanisation in India.
Examine the factors contributing to the variability of monsoon rainfall in India.
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 the process of Urbanisation was seen as an offshoot of the Industrial Revolution and modernisation? Discuss the factors that led to the massive growth of urbanisation in India.
Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.
Introduction:
— The progress of urbanisation in the modern world may be traced back to the Industrial Revolution and the larger phenomenon of modernization.
— The Industrial Revolution, which began in Europe in the 18th century, resulted in tremendous technological advances, shifting civilizations from agrarian to industrialised economies. This transition led to the expansion of factories, the creation of manufacturing industries, and the concentration of economic activity in metropolitan areas.
Body:
You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:
— The Industrial Revolution accelerated urbanisation by creating a demand for labour in urban centres. People moved from rural areas to cities in pursuit of jobs in factories and other industrial facilities. This shift from rural to urban areas accelerated the growth of urban populations and the creation of industrial cities.
— The oldest known civilisation in the Indian subcontinent was predominantly urban, with major towns including Harappa, Mohenjodaro, and Lothal.
— The British occupation of India, which began in the 18th century, resulted in significant changes to the country’s economic and administrative structures, influencing India’s urbanisation process. To suit their colonial interests, the British created factories, railways, and administrative centres, most of which were urban.
Factors that led to the massive growth of urbanisation in India
— The introduction of railways was instrumental in encouraging urbanisation in India. Railways aided the flow of people, goods, and raw materials by connecting various sections of the country. This connectivity facilitated the rise of trade, commerce, and industries, attracting people to metropolitan areas.
— India’s population has grown significantly over the years, putting a strain on resources and causing people to migrate from rural to urban areas.
— India’s pursuit of industrialisation and economic development has resulted in the expansion of industry, services, and urban areas. People seeking better livelihoods and living standards have been drawn to urban areas because of the economic opportunities there.
— The government’s emphasis on infrastructure development, including road construction, transportation networks, and housing, has helped to drive urban growth.
— Urban areas in India provide better access to education, healthcare, and other important services, making them appealing locations for people wishing to improve their social and human development chances.
— India’s integration into the global economy has resulted in the expansion of urban areas as centres for international trade, commerce, and services.
— Globalisation has accelerated urbanisation by attracting investment and offering new job opportunities.
Conclusion:
— Urban areas drive economic growth. According to the World Bank, cities contribute more than 80% of global GDP. The concentration of industries, enterprises, and services in metropolitan areas promotes productivity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
— Urbanisation creates a variety of job opportunities, attracts investment, and drives economic development, ultimately leading to higher living standards and better economic outcomes.
Points to Ponder
Positive impacts of urbanisation
Problems associated with urbanisation
Related Previous Year Questions
Does urbanisation lead to more segregation and/or marginalisation of the poor in Indian metropolises? (2023)
Discuss the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanisation in India. (2013)
QUESTION 2: Examine the factors contributing to the variability of monsoon rainfall in India.
Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.
Introduction:
— The southwest monsoon is active across a large geographical area of India. Last week, at least 80% of the country had widespread rainfall, with heavy to extremely heavy rains affecting Assam, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, coastal Maharashtra and Karnataka, Kerala, and Lakshadweep.
— The southwest monsoon received much-needed vigour towards the end of June. The monsoon hit the entire country six days ahead of schedule.
Body:
You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:
Factors contributing to the variability of monsoon rainfall in India
— Multiple beneficial weather systems have kept the monsoon active or robust (in terms of rainfall events) across the southern peninsular, east, northeast, and central India regions.
— The two main factors contributing to the enhanced rainfall are:
(i) Continuous incoming of moisture-laden strong westerly winds from the Arabian Sea.
(ii) The position of the monsoon trough — a semi-permanent, low-pressure area extending between Pakistan and the Bay of Bengal during the monsoon season.
— Apart from these two factors, other weather systems have also contributed to the widespread rainfall:
(i) The persistence of an off-shore trough (a shallow trough of low pressure, which develops along India’s coast during the monsoon) between south Gujarat and north Kerala for more than a week now.
(ii) Intermittent development of a wind shear zone. — where winds move with different velocities and directions — along latitudes 20 ° N between central and peninsular India.
(iii) Development of a low pressure system over the west-central Bay of Bengal.
Conclusion:
— The southwest monsoon will continue to be active across the south peninsula, eastern India, and the Himalayan nations for the next few days.
— The emergence of a low-pressure system over the northwest Bay of Bengal will maintain monsoon momentum, with rainfall lasting throughout eastern and central India over the next few days.
(Source: What is causing widespread rainfall across India? by Anjali Marar)
Points to Ponder
Factors responsible for low rainfall
Difference between southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon
What is the retreating monsoon?
Related Previous Year Questions
Why is the South-West Monsoon called ‘Purvaiya’ (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultured ethos of the region? (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)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 59)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 58)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 60)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 59)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 59)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 60)
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