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: Discuss the role of nuclear techniques in establishing science-based global food standards. How can these techniques contribute to food safety and security?
Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.
Introduction:
— Nuclear technologies are valuable instruments for assessing, maintaining, and controlling food safety, and they complement the One Health concept.
— QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), stated that “the consequences of food and energy price spikes, natural and man-made disasters, the climate crisis, as well as ongoing conflicts, are significantly affecting food availability, accessibility, and affordability globally.”
Body:
You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:
— The Symposium (27-31 May 2024), themed “Safe Food for a Better Life,” aims to highlight the important role of nuclear techniques in improving food safety and agricultural productivity, as well as facilitate information exchange among researchers, officials, and other key partners from both developed and developing countries.
— Nuclear technologies provide competitive and frequently distinctive ways to fight hunger, lower the rate of malnutrition, improve environmental sustainability, and guarantee the authenticity and safety of food.
— A strategic cooperation exists between FAO and the IAEA to support member nations in the safe and efficient application of these technologies. Utilising nuclear technologies to address important challenges including soil fertility, water management, pest control, and food safety has been made possible in large part by the joint FAO/IAEA Centre.
— Numerous innovations have come about as a result of this collaboration, such as better crop types, more successful pest management techniques, and improved food safety procedures.
Conclusion:
— The case for nuclear energy as a viable alternative to fossil fuels, at least for power generation, is not without merit. It is a clean source of energy with a low carbon footprint.
— FAO is committed to improving collaboration with nuclear sciences and technologies to assist all member nations in achieving the “four betters”: better productivity, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better living for all.
— India, which presently has 23 active nuclear reactors, recognises the significance of nuclear energy in its decarbonisation strategy and plans to rapidly expand in the next few years.
(Source: The push for nuclear energy as climate solution, http://www.fao.org)
Points to Ponder
Role of nuclear energy in electricity generation
IAEA
Related Previous Year Questions
What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification? (2021)
With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy? (2018)
QUESTION 2: Evaluate the implications of cyber-attacks, such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, on the functioning of online platforms and their broader impact on public discourse.
Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.
Introduction:
— A Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack occurs when a website or other online service is rendered inaccessible due to attacks launched by a hostile actor.
— According to the US government’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, this targeting is accomplished by simultaneously directing a large number of users to a certain web server in order to “flood” it.
Body:
You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:
How do DoS and DDoS attacks work?
— There are different ways of carrying out DOS attacks:
— Botnets: These are networks of compromised devices, which can be deployed by potential attackers.
— Smurf Attack: The attacker sends Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) broadcast packets to several hosts. The ICMP can be normally used to communicate data transmission errors to systems, but in this case, attackers send it maliciously.
While communicating, attackers employ a fake source IP address that corresponds to the target machine. As the target machines respond, they flood their own servers, causing a DDoS attack.
— SYN flood: It happens when an attacker submits a request to connect to the target server but does not complete the process. Normally, the request source initiates the connection, and the recipient responds by sending an acknowledgement. Finally, the request source completes the connection.
In this example, the attacker makes a request, obtains an acknowledgement, but does not complete the connection. Multiple, targeted unfinished connections overload the server, making it impossible to complete valid connections smoothly.
Impacts of these attacks for online platforms and public discourse
— DoS attacks can cause widespread interruption, lasting ranging from a few hours to several days. In 2016, a DDoS attack caused major websites such as Spotify, Twitter, and Amazon to be unavailable for many hours.
— Prior to the Paris Olympics, France’s state agencies were targeted in a massive cyberattack. “Several hacker groups claimed responsibility for the attacks on Telegram, a messaging app, including one calling itself Anonymous Sudan which said it had launched a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack on French government network infrastructure” , according to an AFP report.
Conclusion:
— Slow internet speed and inability to access online services are indicators of a DoS assault.
— However, firewalls and online security systems are the greatest sources for checking this because a variety of circumstances can cause internet problems.
(Source: Trump-Musk interview on X reportedly hit by DDoS attack: What it means)
Points to Ponder
Recent example of Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack
What is the blue screen of death?
Related Previous Year Questions
Discuss the types of organised crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organised crime that exist at the national and transnational levels. (2022)
What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (2022)
Previous Mains Answer Practice
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 63)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 64)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 64)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 63)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 63)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 64)
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Multiple Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) and content providers were subjected to significant attacks from a botnet dubbed ‘WireX’. Attempt question on Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks and its impact in today's answer writing practice. (File Photo) 
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