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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.
Explain the formation of volcanoes. Discuss the types of Volcanoes and how do they erupt. Give recent examples.
Why did Mahatma Gandhi opposed caste-based separate electorates? What are the differences in the views of Mahatma Gandhi and B.R Ambedkar?
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: Explain the formation of volcanoes. Discuss the types of Volcanoes and how do they erupt. Give recent examples.
Introduction:
— According to the US Geological Survey, “Volcanoes are openings, or vents where lava, tephra (small rocks), and steam erupt onto the Earth’s surface.”
— There are both onshore and offshore volcanoes. They are caused by both their own eruptions and the overall movement of tectonic plates that formed our planet.
Body:
Types of Volcanoes
— There are four main types of volcanoes and their type is determined by how the lava from an eruption flows and how that flow affects the volcano, and, as a result, how it affects its surrounding environment.
Cinder Cones
Composite or Stratovolcanoes
Shield Volcanoes
Lava Domes
Note: You can research more about types of volcanoes and their locations.
How do volcanoes erupt?
— It boils down to molten rock, or magma, bubbling up beneath the Earth’s surface and rising to the surface and overflowing, much like boiling milk in a pot on the stove.
— The magma finds its way to vents in the volcano and gets spewed across the land and into the atmosphere. When magma erupts from a volcano, it is called lava.
Recent Examples
— Mount Etna is Europe’s most active volcano and one of the largest in the world. The current eruptions at Etna have led to flight cancellations at nearby Catania airport.
— Dukono in Indonesia started erupting in August 1933 and is still continuing. Santa Maria in Guatemala began erupting in June 1922 and continues to this day.
— Yasur in Vanuatu first rumbled to life in about 1270 (± 110 years) and as of June 9, 2023, was still erupting.
— Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano began spewing in 1983 and continued — almost nonstop — for 35 years until 2018, only to restart in 2021. The eruption is still in progress.
Conclusion:
— The Pacific Ring of Fire, which includes New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Japan, and the western coast of the Americas, includes some of the most active volcanoes. This region is the epicentre of 90% of all earthquakes worldwide.
— Scientists monitor the ground for signs of deformation, which may be caused by the movement of magma. They also take readings of volcanic gas emissions, and changes in gravity and magnetic fields.
(Source: Mount Etna erupts: Why some volcanoes just keep spewing lava)
Points to Ponder
Volcanic landforms
Mid-Ocean Ridge Volcanoes
Related Previous Year Questions
Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment. (2021)
Why are the world’s fold mountain systems located along the margins of continents? Bring out the association between the global distribution of fold mountains and the earthquakes and volcanoes. (2014)
QUESTION 2: Why did Mahatma Gandhi opposed caste-based separate electorates? What are the differences in the views of Mahatma Gandhi and B.R Ambedkar?
Introduction:
— India has a system of caste-based reservations that reserves a certain number of seats for members of castes that have historically faced social and economic discrimination.
— Reservations are applicable in a range of settings, such as higher education, government jobs, and even political office.
— There are a certain number of seats reserved for scheduled castes (SCs) and (STs) in all legislative bodies, including Parliament.
— In the early 1930s, the issue of separate electorates for lower castes became a source of major debate between Dr Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi.
Body:
Ambedkar’s views on caste
— Dr. Ambedkar took a more radical stance, rejecting the institution of caste itself. He saw contemporary upper caste Hindu reformism as insufficient to undo millennia of discrimination. According to him, any revolt against the caste system would be possible only after the oppressed rejected their condition and oppression as divinely ordained.
— Ambedkar’s political platform emphasised the attainment of political power by lower castes. Separate electorates were proposed as a form of affirmative action to empower lower castes.
— Separate electorates with double vote – one for SCs to vote for an SC candidate and the other for SCs to vote for in the general electorate
Mahatma Gandhi’s opposition to caste-based separate electorates
— He advocated for reforming the caste system by abolishing untouchability.
— Mahatma Gandhi maintained that lower castes ought to strive to rule “the kingdom of the whole world,” as opposed to being confined to this pitiful portion of seats.
— Gandhi’s opposition also stemmed from the fear that separate electorates would “destroy Hinduism” by driving a wedge within the community.
— Mahatma Gandhi took fast unto death in Yervada Jail against the British decision to create separate electorates based on caste.
Conclusion:
— On the one hand, Ambedkar opposed Gandhi’s political alternative (reservations), believing that even with reserved seats, upper castes would numerically outnumber lower castes, dampening the possibility of more radical social change by determining which lower caste candidate to vote for. On the other hand, Gandhi was the nation’s most beloved political leader, and if something happened to him, the fledgling Dalit movement could face serious consequences, including upper caste violence against defenceless Dalits.
— Poona pact secured reservations for lower castes but put the question of separate electorates to bed.
(Source: Ambedkar Jayanti 2023: Ambedkar, Gandhi and the issue of separate electorates by Arjun Sengupta)
Points to Ponder
Poona Pact
Round Table Conferences
Related Previous Year Questions
What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism? (2023)
Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (2021)
Throw light on the significance of thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. (2018)
Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate. (2015)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 24)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 23)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 25)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 24)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 24)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 25)
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