UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 3 : Questions on 3D printing and policy to end Naxalism (Week 51)

— 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

What is 3D printing and how is it done? Explain with an example how it promises to transform different sectors.

Introduction:

— 3D printing is a process that uses computer-created design to make three-dimensional objects layer by layer.— It is an additive process, in which layers of a material like plastic, composites or bio-materials are built up to construct objects that range in shape, size, rigidity, and colour.

Body:

— To carry out 3D printing, one needs a personal computer connected to a 3D printer. All they need to do is design a 3D model of the required object on computer-aid design (CAD) software and press ‘print’. The 3D printer does the rest of the job.

— 3D printers construct the desired object by using a layering method, which is the complete opposite of the subtractive manufacturing processes.

Example: 

(Here is a recent example from space sector. You may choose other examples too.)

— Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully tested a liquid rocket engine made with the help of 3D printing.

— The engine, PS4, which is used as the engine for the fourth stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), was redesigned by ISRO for production using 3D printing.

— The technology helped ISRO bring down the number of parts in the engine from 14 to a single piece. The space agency was able to eliminate 19 weld joints and saved 97% of raw material. It also reduced the overall production time by 60%.

Conclusion:

(You may conclude by writing on the future applications of 3D printing or simply by talking of some other examples.)

— 3D printing is being used in a host of different industries like healthcare, automobile and aerospace. At the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the healthcare industry used 3D printers to make much-needed medical equipment, like swabs, face shields, and masks, as well as the parts to fix their ventilators. India’s first 3D-printed post office was inaugurated last year.

(Source: ISRO successfully tests 3D-printed rocket engine: What is 3D printing and how does it work?)

Points to Ponder:

Types of 3D printing

Advantages and challenges of 3D printing

Related Previous Year Questions:

How does the 3D printing technology work? List out the advantages and disadvantages of the technology. (UPSC CSE Mains 2013)

QUESTION 2

A national policy to end Naxalist violence has to emanate out of economic, developmental and internal security considerations. Discuss. 

 Jaganathan Saravanasamy in How to end Maoist violence provides some points which you may consider for your answer.

Introduction:

— According to Maoist ideology, economically oppressed peasants/working class will triumph over the oppressive capitalist bourgeois class to establish a classless society – establish through armed revolution. 

— Rapid economic growth, aspirational youth and opportunities created by communication and mobility act as a strong counter for economic class-based division.

Body:

— Strategic victory over them calls for clarity on the role and responsibility of the central and state and governments; honest assessment of capabilities, operational philosophy, mindset, willingness, compulsions and resolve of security forces involved in anti-Naxalite operations; and a realistic timeframe to root out this menace.

— This warfare at the tactical level can be successfully fought by an equally agile, stealthy, enduring and disciplined commando force of the state police, recruited trained and raised primarily out of the local youth. (Example: Greyhounds of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh police)

— It is not merely for tactical reasons the Maoist influence thrives in contiguous forested areas spread over Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. There is a deep-rooted financial interest. This region is richly endowed with minerals of bauxite, iron ore, limestone, marble, dolomite, coal and copper and of pristine forests rich in timber and Minor Forest Produce (MFP).

— The value chain in these natural resources leaves a huge profit margin for the extractive industry/contractors and scope for extortion/protection money to the Maoists. With many state governments notifying the Panchayat (Extension of Scheduled Areas) Act 1996, the gram panchayats now auction the MFP, including bamboo and tendu leaves. So what? (Elaborate)

Conclusion:

— An integrated approach spearheaded by counter-offensive operations led by well trained, disciplined, agile and stealthy commando force of state police; expansion of road networks from the periphery to core of liberated zone constructed under security cover of central forces or even constructed by the specially raised engineering units of central forces; quick expansion of mobile communication and commercialisation of economic activities are slow but sure and irrevocable process to success.

(Source: How to end Maoist violence)

Points to Ponder:

Naxalbari movement

Minor Forest Produce (MFP)

Guerrilla warfare

Related Previous Year Questions:

Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism. (UPSC CSE 2022)

Previous Mains Answer Practice

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 49)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 48)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 50)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 49)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 49)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 50)

UPSC Essentials : Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 50)

Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsnxUastCeM?si=a9mzMFGKtoWAgDbh