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 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.
THOUGHT PROCESS
You may enrich your answers by some of the following points
QUESTION 1: Examine the challenges posed by an ageing population in South India, with particular emphasis on healthcare, employment, and social security.
Introduction:
— India’s population is expected to age with each passing year. The proportion (percentage) of individuals aged 60 and up will climb overall, while the increase in the Northern states will be smaller than in the South. This is because most Southern states had a decreased fertility rate sooner than Northern states.
— For example, Uttar Pradesh is expected to reach the Replacement Level of Fertility only next year, more than two decades after Andhra Pradesh.
Body:
— In the 25 years between 2011 and 2036, India’s population would grow by 31.1 crore. Almost half—17 crore—will be added in five states: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh. Up to 19% of the entire population increase between 2011 and 1936 is predicted to occur in UP.
— The five Southern states — AP, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu — are estimated to contribute only 2.9 crore, or 9%, of the overall population rise from 2011 to 2036.
— With decreased fertility and rising life expectancy, the population of elderly people is predicted to more than double from 10 crore in 2011 to 23 crore in 2036, with their share of the population increasing from 8.4% to 14.9% during this time.
— As people get older, they are more likely to develop chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and cognitive disorders like dementia. The fast rising geriatric population in South India places a huge pressure on the healthcare system.
— As the population ages, fewer young people will enter the workforce, potentially creating a labour shortage. This is especially concerning in South India, where several industries (including IT, manufacturing, and agriculture) rely significantly on a young workforce.
— In Kerala, where lower fertility and mortality rates were attained considerably sooner than in other states, the proportion of people aged 60 and more will rise from 13% in 2011 to 23% in 2036, or nearly one in every four people.
Why is an ageing population, and a relatively smaller population, a concern?
— If two-thirds of the entire population is of working age, it suggests a “dividend” — since the dependence ratio (the percentage of the population that does not earn and is dependent on others) is less than half.
— Dependency exists in two categories: those under the age of 15 and those over the age of 60. A high percentage of the population is ageing, which implies that the state may have to spend more money to care for this expanding population.
— Some countries — such as Japan, China, and countries in Europe — that are also struggling with ageing populations.
— Japan, China, Korea, and France — have pro-natalist policies. The only place where such policies had some impact to the extent that they did not allow the fertility rate to plummet to very low levels were in Scandinavian countries. Here the policies were more in the shape of family support, childcare support, gender equality, paternity leaves etc.
Conclusion:
— Fertility, mortality, and migration all contribute to the total population. The primary issue for India was rapid population expansion, which was spurred by high fertility rates (births per woman). The situation was once thought so dire that many questioned if India would even have enough food to feed its burgeoning population.
— Over the decades, however, India has been able to slow the rate of population growth, a feat spearheaded by several Southern states. Andhra Pradesh achieved the Replacement Level of Fertility (2.1 children per woman) in 2004, becoming the fifth Indian state to do so after Kerala (1988), Tamil Nadu (2000), Himachal Pradesh (2002), and West Bengal (2003).
(Source: How should South India deal with its aging population? by Udit Misra)
Points to Ponder
Find out the difference between fertility, mortality, and migration
Suggest some measures to mitigate the challenges for ageing population
Related Previous Year Questions
Critically examine the effect of globalisation on the aged population in India. (2013)
Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the main cause of population increase in India. (2015)
QUESTION 2: Discuss the socio-economic and political factors that influence India’s dependence on coal and critically assess the feasibility of transitioning to cleaner energy sources without compromising energy security and economic growth.
Introduction:
— Coal is the most essential and plentiful fossil fuel in India. It accounts for 55% of the country’s energy use. The country’s industrial heritage is based on indigenous coal.
— India’s need for power is still increasing and has not peaked. As a result, the country’s installed capacity must be increased on an annual basis. India does not have:
(i) access to cheap gas to substitute coal;
(ii) issues crippled with the growth of the hydro sector; and
(iii) nuclear sector contributes less than 3 per cent to the electricity mix.
Body:
— The Ministry of Coal, Government of India, remains steadfast in its efforts to promote coal production and ensure surplus supply while transitioning to cleaner energy alternatives such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, recognising the need to address environmental concerns and reduce carbon emissions.
— To promote clean coal technologies, the government has developed a number of clean coal projects, including the Coal Gasification Mission. It intends to gasify 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030 via surface coal/lignite gasification facilities.
— Alternatives to coal energy include wind, solar, ocean thermal, fuel cells, nuclear, natural gas, and carbon capture and storage technology.
— The government has taken initiatives to restrict coal imports, such as increasing the Annual Contracted Quantity (ACQ) and establishing a new sub-sector through non-regulated sector (NRS) linkage auctions.
Conclusion:
— The growth in renewable power may appear spectacular, but it is significantly less than what is required to meet demand in 2030. So, India must rely on coal, and the country’s policies appear to be tailored towards this. The country is delaying the retirement of coal-fired power facilities and wants them to continue beyond the terms of their power purchase agreements, which are typically 25 years.
— Guidelines on environmental criteria were issued in 2015 and have since been reduced to allow for greater coal-based electricity.
— India has a poor track record of deploying flue-gas desulfurisers (FGDs), with less than 5% of the identified capacity in the central sector having FGDs installed.
(Source: This is why India cannot phase out coal like the UK by Somit Dasgupta, pib.gov.in)
Points to Ponder
India’s potential in renewable energy
India’s solar energy production
Related Previous Year Questions
“In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development”. Discuss. (2017)
Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread. (2022)
Previous Mains Answer Practice
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 75)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 74)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 76)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 74)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 76)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 75)
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Attempt question on India's coal dependency and feasibility of transitioning to cleaner energy in today's answer writing practice. (Express File Photo by Partha Paul) 
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