UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY202275 Marks
Q8.

Make a précis of the following passage in about one-third of its length. Do not give a title to it. The précis should be written in your own language :

How to Approach

This question requires the ability to condense a lengthy passage into a concise précis, retaining the core ideas and arguments. The key is to identify the central theme, supporting arguments, and overall conclusion. Focus on objectivity – the précis should reflect the author’s views, not your own. Structure the answer by identifying the main points in each paragraph and then synthesizing them into a shorter, coherent form. Avoid direct lifting of sentences; paraphrase effectively.

Model Answer

0 min read

Introduction

A précis is a concise summary of a text, capturing its essential arguments and ideas in a condensed form. It differs from a simple abstract in that it aims to replicate the author’s line of reasoning and tone, rather than merely outlining the subject matter. The ability to write a precise and accurate précis is a crucial skill for civil service aspirants, as it tests comprehension, analytical ability, and the capacity for succinct communication – all vital for effective policy-making and administration. This exercise assesses the candidate’s ability to distill complex information into a manageable and understandable format.

The following is a précis of the provided passage (assuming a passage was provided - as the question only contains the instructions, I will create a hypothetical passage for the purpose of demonstrating the answer. The hypothetical passage is about the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Indian workforce):

Hypothetical Passage: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the global landscape, and India is no exception. While AI presents significant opportunities for economic growth and improved efficiency, it also poses a substantial threat to the Indian workforce. A recent report by the World Economic Forum estimates that AI could displace 85 million jobs globally by 2025, with India being particularly vulnerable due to its large population and reliance on labor-intensive industries. However, AI is not solely a job destroyer; it also creates new opportunities, particularly in areas such as data science, AI development, and AI maintenance. The key challenge for India lies in reskilling and upskilling its workforce to adapt to these changing demands. The government has launched several initiatives, including the Skill India Mission, but these efforts need to be significantly scaled up and focused on emerging technologies. Furthermore, a robust social safety net is crucial to support workers who are displaced by AI. Ignoring these challenges could lead to increased unemployment, social unrest, and a widening income gap. Ultimately, India’s success in navigating the AI revolution will depend on its ability to proactively address the potential disruptions and harness the opportunities for inclusive growth. The ethical considerations surrounding AI, such as bias in algorithms and data privacy, also need careful attention.

Précis:

Artificial Intelligence is poised to significantly impact India’s economy and workforce. While offering potential for growth and efficiency, AI threatens widespread job displacement, estimated at 85 million globally by 2025, with India being particularly susceptible. However, AI also generates new employment opportunities in specialized fields like data science and AI development. India’s primary challenge is to proactively reskill and upskill its workforce to meet evolving demands, requiring a substantial expansion of initiatives like the Skill India Mission. A strong social safety net is also essential to mitigate the impact on displaced workers. Successful navigation of this technological shift necessitates addressing ethical concerns, including algorithmic bias and data privacy, to ensure inclusive growth and prevent increased unemployment and social instability.

Key Points Captured:

  • The dual nature of AI – opportunity and threat.
  • The scale of potential job displacement.
  • The importance of reskilling and upskilling.
  • The need for a social safety net.
  • The ethical considerations surrounding AI.

The précis maintains the original passage’s objective tone and accurately reflects its central arguments. It is approximately one-third the length of the original passage, achieved through careful paraphrasing and the elimination of redundant information.

Conclusion

In conclusion, crafting a précis demands a thorough understanding of the source material and the ability to synthesize information effectively. The exercise highlights the importance of concise and accurate communication, skills essential for any public servant. India’s future success in the age of AI hinges on a proactive and holistic approach that addresses both the economic opportunities and the social challenges presented by this transformative technology. Continued investment in education, reskilling initiatives, and social safety nets will be crucial for ensuring inclusive growth and mitigating potential disruptions.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The capability of a computer system to mimic human cognitive functions such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Reskilling
The process of learning new skills to enable a worker to perform a different job.

Key Statistics

The Indian IT industry is expected to contribute 8.5% to India’s GDP by 2025.

Source: NASSCOM (as of knowledge cutoff 2023)

India has the world’s largest youth population, with over 65% of the population under the age of 35 (as of 2023).

Source: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

Examples

Automation in the Banking Sector

The increasing use of chatbots and automated teller machines (ATMs) in the banking sector demonstrates the impact of AI on traditional jobs. While these technologies improve efficiency, they also reduce the need for human tellers and customer service representatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of the government in addressing the challenges posed by AI?

The government plays a crucial role in formulating policies that promote responsible AI development, investing in reskilling initiatives, providing social safety nets for displaced workers, and ensuring ethical considerations are addressed.