UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice

UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 37)

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-2 to check your progress.

The ferry service between India and Sri Lanka has resumed after a 40-year hiatus. Discuss the potential and challenges.

How did the post of deputy Chief Minister emerge and what powers it carries? Discuss.

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: The ferry service between India and Sri Lanka has resumed after a 40-year hiatus. Discuss the potential and challenges.

Introduction:

— India and Sri Lanka have had a relationship for over 2,500 years. Both nations share a history of intellectual, cultural, religious, and linguistic exchange. Close contacts at all levels have characterised the partnership in recent years.

— Significant success in the implementation of developmental aid initiatives for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and underprivileged parts of the population in Sri Lanka has helped to strengthen the two nations’ friendship.

— The opening of a passenger ferry service from Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu to Kankesanthurai in Jaffna, Northern Sri Lanka, has revitalised an age-old maritime link between India and Sri Lanka.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Ferry Service

— The initiative is aimed at bolstering bilateral ties, boosting tourism, and increasing people-to-people relations. It is expected to benefit local traders on both shores.

— The name of the vessel, a High Speed Craft, is ‘Cheriyapani’.

Earlier Route

— The Indo-Ceylon Express or Boat Mail ran between Chennai and Colombo via the Thoothukudi port from the early 1900s up until 1982. However, the civil war in Sri Lanka resulted in the halting of these services.

— A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning passenger transportation by sea was signed in 2011 and a similar service was launched. However, it did not last for more than six months due to poor response.

Impact of the new service

— Transportation and Tourism: It can amplify religious tourism

(i) Travellers can access significant religious sites in Colombo and the southern parts of Sri Lanka

(ii) Indian pilgrim centres such as Nagapattinam, Nagore, Velankanni, Thirunallar, and temple towns such as Thanjavur, Madurai, and Tiruchi are expected to see an influx of Lankan tourists.

— Commerce and trade: The service would boost regional commerce and trade.

— Infrastructure and planning: Anticipating the influx of travellers, the state government of Tamil Nadu is ramping up infrastructural developments. E V Velu, the Minister for Public Works, said the state is in touch with multiple departments of the Union government, such as Customs, External Affairs, Shipping, and Immigration, to ensure a smooth experience for passengers.

Challenges

Frequency: Shipping Corporation of India’s (SCI) initial plan to run services every day for 10 days has been rescheduled to operate thrice a week.

Poor ticketing systems: The onset of the northeast monsoon is one of the reason for high price at approximately Rs 7,670. If the service is to be successful, ticket prices should be decreased and reservations made available on prominent travel websites.

Conclusion:

— The Indian government has prioritised India-Sri Lanka relations as part of its Neighbourhood First strategy. During Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to India in July, the two governments released a vision paper emphasising marine connectivity, including the expansion of ports in Colombo, Kankesanthurai, and Trincomalee, as well as the revitalization of sea routes.

— Besides improving business ties between the Indian Ocean neighbours, Cheriyapani is likely to bring pilgrims to religious centres in southern Sri Lanka and temple towns in south India.

(Source: India-Sri Lanka ferry service restarted after 40 yrs: Opportunities, challenges by Arun Janardhanan, A ferry from Tamil Nadu to Jaffna, once again, http://www.mea.gov.in)

Points to Ponder

Other developments between India and Sri Lanka

Palk Strait