[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 21 June 2023

NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same

General Studies – 1

Topic: Static syllabus.

1. Discuss the major characteristics and significance of the Neolithic Age. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Insights on india

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about characteristics and significance of neolithic age.

Directive word:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by writing definition and timeframe of the Neolithic Age

Body:

First, write about the Major Characteristics of the Neolithic Age – Agriculture and Domestication of Plants, Domestication of Animals, Sedentary Lifestyle and Permanent Settlements, Development of Crafts and Technologies etc. Cite examples.

Next, write about the significance of the above.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

The term Neolithic Period refers to the last stage of the Stone Age. The Neolithic period is significant for its megalithic architecture, the spread of agricultural practices, and the use of polished stone tools. Neolithic was a very important stage of the history of human culture, when humans were no longer dependent entirely on nature but had started to exploit nature to their own advantage. It lasted in India from approximately 6,000 B.C. to 1,000 B.C.

Body

major characteristics of the Neolithic Age

• Agriculture
  • The idea of Neolithic Revolutionrefers to the origin of agriculture, animal domestication and a settled way of life
  • It indicates the transformation of societyfrom a food gathering (hunting-gathering) economy to a food producing (agropastoral) economy.
  • The people of the Neolithic Age cultivated ragi, horse gram, cotton, rice, wheat, and barley and hence were termed as food producers.
  • They domesticated cattle, sheep, and goats, as well.
• Tools
  • Unlike the Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age) period, people in this period began to use polished stonetools and axes, often called celts.
    • The Neolithic tools appear more refined than the crude flaked stone tools of the Palaeolithic period
  • They also used tools and weapons made of bone
• Living
  • The introduction of domestication of plants and animals led to the production of a large quantity of grains and animal food.
    • The food that they produced had to be stored and hence, pottery-making emerged.
    • They had to settle in open areas away from caves and thus, houses were built.
    • Large villages developed and permanent residences were built
  • Housing
    • The people of the Neolithic Age lived in rectangular or circular houses which were made of mud and reed.
    • The people of Mehrgarh lived in mud-brick houses while pit-dwelling is reported from Burzahom, the Neolithic site found in Kashmir.
  • Pottery
    • With the advent of Agriculture, people were required to store their food grains as well as to do cooking, arrange for drinking water, and eat the finished product.
      • As a result, pottery first appearedin the Neolithic Age.
    • The pottery of the period was classified under grey ware, black-burnished ware, and mat-impressed ware.
  • Architecture
    • The Neolithic Age is significant for its Megalithic Architecture.
    • Megalithicmeans ‘large stone’ and in general, the word is used to refer to any huge, human-built or assembled structure or collection of stones or boulders
  • Community Life
    • Further, the surplus food production was one of the main factors for the development of early urban cultures at a later context.
    • Also, Neolithic people had common rightsover property. They led a settled life.

Significance of the Neolithic Age

• The Neolithic Revolution was the critical transition that resulted in the birth of agriculture, taking Homo sapiensfrom scattered groups of hunter-gatherers to farming villages establishing permanent settlements.
• It also led to technologically sophisticated societies with great temples and towers and kings and priests who directed the labor of their subjects and recorded their feats in written form.
• It paved the way for the innovations of the ensuing Bronze Age and Iron Age, when advancements in creating tools for farming, wars and art swept the world and brought civilizations together through trade and conquest.
• Neolithic period is also significant for its megalithicarchitecture.

Conclusion

The end of the Stone Age is marked by the Neolithic period, which is characterized by a wide range of innovations that appear to have arisen independently in various regions of the world. It persisted in India between roughly 6,000 and 1,000 B.C. Copper metallurgy was developed toward the end of the Neolithic period, establishing a transitional stage to the Bronze Age, also known as the Chalcolithic or Eneolithic Era.

Value addition

Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

2. Yoga helps us to improve our physical health, mental health, and spiritual well-being. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in New York in the early afternoon of June 20 on his first state visit to the United States. The Prime Minister is scheduled to lead the International Day of Yoga at the United Nations on Wednesday before flying to Washington DC for the core of his state visit.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the advantages of Yoga and its role in furthering humanity.

Directive word:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start by giving context.

Body:

First, in brief, write about the origins of Yoga in ancient India.

Next, write about the advantages offered by performing Yoga by bringing body, mind, and spirit into balance.

Next, write about the role of yoga in furthering humanity in the post covid world.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity. Recognizing its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as International Yoga Day. June 21, which is the Summer Solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and has special significance in many parts of the world. International Yoga Day aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga. The theme for 2023 is “Yoga for Vasudhaiva kutumbakam”.

Body

The dire situation after COVID-19

• The post-Covid world faces several dilemmas.
• The rising tide of parochialism threatens to engulf humanity while depression, anxiety and innumerable physical and mental diseases have affected the well-being of people around the world.
• The World Health Organisation estimates that nearly 280 million people are suffering from depression.

Role of Yoga in furthering humanity in the post-Covid world

Physically:

• Yoga is also commonly understood as a therapy or exercise system for health and fitness. While physical and mental health are natural consequences of yoga, the goal of yoga is more far-reaching.
• Yoga is about harmonizing oneself with the universe. It is the technology of aligning individual geometry with the cosmic, to achieve the highest level of perception and harmony.
• Yoga does not adhere to any particular religion, belief system or community; it has always been approached as a technology for inner wellbeing.
• Anyone who practices yoga with involvement can reap its benefits, irrespective of one’s faith, ethnicity or culture.

Psychologically:

• Yoga asana’s and spirituality transcends religious, regional and virtually all forms of barriers.
• It helps to seek humanity in diversity – responsible consumerism (SDG 12) with social well-being.
• The concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” is inherently linked with sustainable life style which is a major component of Yoga.
• Yoga can not only help us improve our mental health but also help us perform our duty while maintaining equanimity under all circumstances.
• Yoga can also spark creativity, which can, in turn, enhance one’s self-esteem and improve focus.

Emotionally:

• Yoga can yield emotional health benefits because it’s an exercise that works both the body and the mind.
• Yoga practice comprises not just movement, but dynamic movements tied to breath.
• Focusing on body postures can shift attention away from negative thinking.
• Yoga’s deep breathing and meditation practices help foster an inner shift from to-do lists, kids and spouse’s needs, financial concerns, and relationship struggles to something a little bit bigger than the issues you face.
• Yoga helps relieve stress and declutters the mind, helping you to become more focused.
• Research shows yoga can benefit people with depression and schizophrenia, according to a review published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry.
• A study titled “Coping with coronavirus anxiety” by Harvard Medical School highlighted how yoga and meditation can help one stay calm in an increasingly tense environment.
• Yoga helps in elevating the levels of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is associated with better mood and decreased anxiety.
• Researchers around the world agree that yoga therapies play a key role in improving the quality of life by significantly reducing symptoms linked to depression, boosting immunity, improving cardiovascular functioning, and enhancing sleep patterns.

Conclusion

Yoga, an ancient practice and meditation, has become increasingly popular in today’s busy society. For many people, yoga provides a retreat from their chaotic and busy lives. Yoga is more than a physical activity. In the words of one of its most famous practitioners, the late B. K. S. Iyengar, “Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions.”

Extra information: History of Yoga:

• Though Yoga was being practiced in the pre-Vedic period, the great Sage Maharshi Patanjali systematized and codified the then existing practices of Yoga, its meaning and its related knowledge through his Yoga Sutras.
• Sage Patanjali’s treatise on raja yoga, the Yoga Sutras, says Yoga comprises of yama, niyama, asana, pranayam, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi.
• The phallic symbols and seals of idols of mother Goddess of Indus Valley Civilization are suggestive of Tantra Yoga.
• Presence of Yoga is available in folk traditions, Indus valley civilization, Vedic and Upanishadic heritage, Buddhist and Jain traditions, Darshanas, epics of Mahabharat and Ramayana, theistic traditions of Shaivas, Vaishnavas, and Tantric traditions.
• Sun was given highest importance during the Vedic period. The practice of ‘Surya namaskara’ may have been invented later due to this influence.

Topic: Effects of globalization on Indian society.

3. It is important to note that the positive and negative effects of globalization are not evenly distributed. Some countries have benefited more from globalization than others. Critically analyse the effects of globalization on India. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India

Why the question:

The article discusses the perils of globalization, particularly in the context of human migration.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about positive and negative effects of globalization on Indian society and culture.

Directive word:

Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by defining Globalisation.

Body:

First, write about the positive effects of globalisation on Indian society and culture – cite examples and statistics to substantiate.

Next, write about the negative effects of globalisation on Indian society and culture – cite examples and statistics to substantiate.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward to minimise the negatives and maximise the positives.

Introduction

Globalization is an international platform for maintaining evenness in the living mode of the people all over the world. Globalization is the resultant of the interchange of worldly views, opinions and the various aspects of the culture everywhere around the world. The impact of globalization on Indian and rural life has a tremendous influence which is both positive as well as negative. The Indian urban and rural life is viewed as the two faces of the same coin. They are mutually interdependent and both have a greater impact of globalization.

Body

Impact of globalization on Indian rural society

• Positives:
  • Commercialization of agriculture: There is an increased trend of commercialization from sustenance farming. This has been successful only with farmers having large tracts of lands.
  • Expansion of agro-industries: Increased crop yield has led to development of agro-processing industries which help in adding value to the products and increasing their shelf life. E.g.; Tomato Ketchup, Potato chips etc.
  • Wider use of information, communication and technologies: Agricultural extension techniques like Kisan TV, sms about weather conditions has helped farmers plan better. Initiatives like e-Nam have helped farmers get better prices in certain areas.
  • Increased Mechanization, better inputs: Mechanization like use of tractors, harvesters, tillers has eased the job. High yield variety seeds, fertilizers have given better yield as seen during Green Revolution
  • Socio-economic development: With telemedicine and teleeducation, people are able to access the health and education facilities at the remotest areas. Adult literacy has helped in fighting for their rights.
  • MSMEs: There has been a rise of MSMEs with women entrepreneurs heading it.
• Negatives:
  • Changes in Land-Use patterns
  • Internal labour migration: Labour migration  to  cities from  rural  areas  in  search  of  employment  was  a  common phenomenon.  This  was  for  various  reasons  especially  for luxurious  life,  handsome  salary  and  for  numerous  job opportunities
  • Increasing privatization of resources: Rural population is still    suffering    from    unemployment    as    rural    labour    is    mostly    uneducated and unskilled.  Machines and latest technologies   have   reduced   the   number   of manpower a lot
  • Loss of jobs and Displacement: due to mechanization, women are the worst sufferers. When big-ticket projects like Dams, Roads, and Mining come up, people are displaced making them internal refugees.
  • Increased inequality: Regional and sectional disparity due to only a few reaping the benefits.
  • No Behavioural changes: Open defecation still present, caste discriminations are still prevalent.

Impact of globalization on Indian urban society

Positives:

• Increased Urbanization: It has been estimated that by 2050 more than 50% of India’s population will live in cities. The boom of services sector and city centric job creation has led to increasing rural to urban migration.
• Increased job opportunities: due to inflow of MNCs, FDIs, people have a wide choice of job opportunities provided they have the requisite skills. Startups like Ola, Swiggy etc. have revolutionized the Gig-Economy. Development of Industries have also provided with jobs.
• Higher Per capita income: employees are paid well albeit lesser than the global pay levels.
• Enhanced lifestyle: due to higher PCI and wide array of facilities available from which the consumer can choose. It has raised the quality of life of many.
• Better infrastructure: In terms of education, health, transport available to people. This has in turn enhanced the agglomeration of economies leading to industrial belts, IT parks, SEZ, CEZ etc.
• Rapid Digitization: for faster and ease of connectivity, most of the services are digitized. This also increases the awareness of citizens in terms of rights, happenings around world etc. On the Governmental side, there is more accountability and transparency and faster delivery of services.

Negatives:

• Family Structure: The increasing migration coupled with financial independence has led to the breaking of joint families into nuclear ones. The western influence of individualism has led to an aspirational generation of youth. Concepts of national identity, family, job and tradition are changing rapidly and significantly.
• Marriage Values: Similarly, marriages have also lost their values. It is very much evident from the increasing number of divorce cases and the extra-marital affairs reported every now and then.
• McDonaldization: A term denoting the increasing rationalization of the routine tasks of everyday life. It becomes manifested when a culture adopts the characteristics of a fast-food restaurant. McDonaldization is a reconceptualization of rationalization, or moving from traditional to rational modes of thought, and scientific management.
• Walmartization: A term referring to profound transformations in regional and global economies through the sheer size, influence, and power of the big-box department store WalMart. It can be seen with the rise of big businesses which have nearly killed the small traditional businesses in our society.
• Rise in Lifestyle diseases: due to reduced physical activity, increased habits of liquor and smoking etc.
• Urban Sprawl: Increasing slums, unplanned urbanizations are on the rise which is a ticking time-bomb.

Conclusion

It is difficult to say that the impact of globalization has been totally positive or totally negative. It has been both. Each impact mentioned above can be seen as both positive as well as negative. However, it becomes a point of concern when, an overwhelming impact of globalization can be observed on the Indian rural and urban society.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

4. A wider connection with the Indian diaspora would be a major benefit for India. It would boost the economy, attract foreign investment, and promote soft power. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question:

The article discusses Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States and highlights the significance of the Indian-American diaspora in strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the significance of Indian diaspora.

Directive:

Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start by giving a statistic related to Indian diaspora abroad.

Body:

First, write in detail about the importance of diaspora- boost the economy by attracting foreign investment and facilitating knowledge transfer. Additionally, it highlights that engaging with the diaspora would enhance India’s soft power by promoting its cultural and intellectual contributions abroad. Cite examples and statistics to substantiate.

Next, in detail, write about the issues faced by the Indian diaspora and cite examples of statistic to substantiate.

Next, write the need to have a coherent policy towards Indian diaspora and its components.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

The Indian diaspora has grown and become more influential in the past 2 decades. India now has the world’s largest diaspora, a new study on international migration by the United Nations has reported. More than 30 million persons of Indian origin live abroad, a number greater than the combined populations of Zimbabwe and Kuwait. 285 people of Indian origin in various positions of leadership such as Heads of state and governments, senators, state leaders and members of parliaments.

Body

The swiftly growing diaspora is an asset to India. The common perception of NRIs and Diaspora is that they are a product of brain-drain, migrants due to better life conditions in developed countries etc. However, in reality they are a boon to India. Their presence length and breadth varies across the countries of the world.

• High Achievers:
  • From Google CEO Sundar Pichai to Nobel laurete scientist Har Gobind Khorana and Microsoft CEO Sathya Nadella to world’s one among the leading music conductors Zubin Mehta, the list of NRIs and their contribution to the world goes endlessly.
• Influential Positions:
  • A diaspora estimated at over 30 million people fills mainstream roles and responsibilities in their adopted countries, helping shape the destiny of these countries.
  • The President of Singapore, Governor-General of New Zealand and prime ministers of Mauritius and Trinidad and Tobago were all of Indian descent.
• Pressure groups:
  • When people of Indian origin are held in high esteem, respect for and understanding of the country go up.
  • The influential Indian diaspora affects not just the popular attitude, but also government policies in countries where they live, to the benefit of India.
  • India benefits tremendously through these people in luring large multinational companies as well as entrepreneurial ventures.
  • Example: lobbying for the US-India Civilian Nuclear Agreement Bill in 2008
• Entrepreneurs across globe:
  • Between 1995 and 2005, over a quarter of immigrant-founded engineering and IT companies in the United States were started by Indians, according to a study by Duke University and the University of California.
  • And Indian expats owned an estimated 35 per cent of the country’s hotels. About 800 companies are owned by Indians in the UK.
  • These help in providing jobs and livelihoods to many people across world.
• Remittances:
  • A World Bank report released last year said, India was the largest remittance-receiving country in the world, with an estimated $69 billion in 2015.
• Soft Power:
  • The spread of Yoga, Ayurveda, Indian spiritualism, Bollywood, Indian cuisine across the world has made India famous.
  • It has even led to revival of many lost relationships with many countries.
  • Example: Central Asian countries like Kazakhstan and Middle Eastern countries.
• Humanitarian Assistance:
  • There are many instances where diaspora has stood up for their Indian kins in times of disaster.
  • Example: during the recent Kerala floods, immense help in the form of men, material and money from diaspora was given. Indian diaspora residing in China’s Shanghai has contributed Rs. 32.13 lakh to the Chief Minister’s distress relief fund for Kerala floods.

Asset in Disguise

• The Diaspora population bring technical and domain expertise to domestic start-ups and often act as angel investors.
• Diaspora Indian faculty abroad volunteer time and resources to help faculty on Indian campuses improve the quality of education — as in the case of member institutions of the Indo Universal Collaboration of Engineering Education.
• This was reflected in advancing projects whether through government arrangements or private commercial deals related to Make in India, Skill India, Digital India, Start Up India as well as those aimed at improving our infrastructure and transportation links and fostering all round sustainable development in urban or energy sectors.
• The diaspora can step up and act as Indian ‘ambassadors’, as it is insufficient and ineffective for a country or its missions abroad to rely only on press releases to change public opinion.
• The diaspora can provide the requisite strategic impulse, which makes it all the more important to unlock their potential.

Conclusion

In recent times, the government has laid a strong foundation by making diplomacy people-centric with government’s constant interaction with the Indian diaspora. The Indian diaspora is the bridge between their nation and India where they can grow simultaneously for betterment of their citizens. The diaspora can provide the requisite strategic impulse, which makes it all the more important to unlock their potential.

General Studies – 3

Topic: indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

5. What is semiconductor fabrication? With a well-planned strategy, India can make significant strides toward achieving self-reliance in semiconductor manufacturing, bolstering its scientific capabilities, and enhancing its strategic position in the global technology landscape. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

The article discusses the importance of India developing its own semiconductor fabrication (fab) industry.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about applications of semi-conductors and how the government can create a thriving domestic semiconductor industry.

Directive word: 

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving a statistic highlighting strategic significance of semiconductors in India.

Body:

In the first part, discuss the various applications of semiconductors – computers, phones, server farms, missiles and in their guidance systems, warplanes, submarines, aircraft carriers, satellites etc.

Next, write about the steps need to create a robust domestic industry for semiconductors – tackling R&D problems, funding, solving intellectual property issues. Mention various measures already initiated by the government in this regard.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

Semiconductor device fabrication is the process used to manufacture semiconductor devices, typically integrated circuits (ICs) such as computer processors, microcontrollers, and memory chips (such as NAND flash and DRAM) that are present in everyday electrical and electronic devices. It is a multiple-step photolithographic and physio-chemical process (with steps such as thermal oxidation, thin-film deposition, ion-implantation, etching) during which electronic circuits are gradually created on a wafer, typically made of pure single-crystal semiconducting mate.

India’s ambition of manufacturing semiconductor chips appears to be taking longer to materialize.

Body

Background

• Three entities(Vedanta-Foxconn, international consortium ISMC and Singapore-based IGSS Ventures) that had applied to build the chips are facing hurdles in setting up their manufacturing plants in India.
• The Centre, which expects its semiconductor market to be worth $63 billion by 2026, had received three proposals to set up a fab (fabrication/production) in the country.

Challenges

• For one, the level of fiscal support currently envisioned is minuscule when one considers the scale of investments typically required to set up manufacturing capacities in the various sub sectors of the semiconductor industry.
• A semiconductor fabrication facility, or fab, can cost multiples of a billion dollars to set up even on a relatively small scale and lagging by a generation or two behind the latest in technology.
• Even granting that India’s Production Linked Incentive scheme intends to give only 50% of the cost of setting up at least two greenfield semiconductor fabs by way of fiscal support, not much of the current scheme outlay of approximately $10 billion is likely to be left to support other elements including display fabs, packaging and testing facilities, and chip design centres.
• Chip fabs are also very thirsty units requiring millions of litres of clean water and extremely stable power supply.
• India has a decent chip design talent but it never built up chip fab capacity. The ISRO and the DRDO have their respective fab foundries but they are primarily for their own requirements and also not as sophisticated as the latest in the world.
• It may be best if the new mission focuses fiscal support, for now, on other parts of the chip-making chain including design, where surely India already has considerable talent and experience.

Way Forward

• Given the long gestation periods and rapid technology changes, India must out-strategize on design and functionality as the end product will be out only after three-four years from the moment work begins, by which point the prevailing chip shortage would have been resolved, while technology would have advanced further.
• Apart from incentivising more FDI in electronics to deepen our supply chains through incentive schemes, we need to focus on encouraging Indian manufacturers and start-ups to enter and master complex R&D and manufacturing verticals.
• We can then ensure that valuable Intellectual Property is created and owned by Indian companies.
• The semiconductor industry is changing fast as new-age technologies require innovation at the design, material, and process levels.
• Indian engineers have contributed immensely to this area in multinational companies. We must encourage them to set up their design start-ups with handsome government grants and tax incentives.
• Premier research institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science should also be asked to work aggressively on R&D in chip designing and manufacturing.
• Further, the government must focus on emerging technologies like LiDAR and Phased Array in which incumbents do not have a disproportionate advantage and the entry barrier is low.
• By working aggressively in new cutting-edge technologies, India can ensure that it becomes Aatmanirbhar.
• India needs to push for a Quad Supply Chain Resilience Fund to immunise the supply chain from geopolitical and geographic risks
• India and Taiwan have started negotiations for a free-trade agreement and setting up a semiconductor manufacturing hub in an Indian city, signalling their resolve to further expand the two-way economic engagement.

Conclusion

The program will usher in a new era in electronics manufacturing by providing a globally competitive incentive package to companies in semiconductors and display manufacturing as well as design. The program will promote higher domestic value addition in electronics manufacturing and will contribute significantly to achieving a USD 1 Trillion digital economy and a USD 5 Trillion GDP by 2025. This shall pave the way for India’s technological leadership in these areas of strategic importance and economic self-reliance.

Value addition

Government initiatives in this regard

The Union Cabinet’s decision to set aside ₹76,000 crore for supporting the development of a ‘semiconductors and display manufacturing ecosystem’ is a belated but welcome acknowledgment of the strategic significance of integrated circuits, or chips, to a modern economy.

• India Semiconductor Mission:
  • In order to drive the long-term strategies for developing a sustainable semiconductors and display ecosystem, aspecialised and independent India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) will be set up.
  • ISM will beled by global experts in the semiconductor and display industry. It will act as the nodal agency for efficient and smooth implementation of the schemes on Semiconductors and Display ecosystem.
• Production Linked Incentives:
  • Incentive support to the tune of Rs.55,392 crore (7.5 billion USD) has been approved under PLIfor Largest Scale Electronics Manufacturing, PLI for IT Hardware, SPECS Scheme and Modified Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC 2.0) Scheme.
  • In addition, PLI incentives to the quantum of Rs.98,000 crore (USD 13 billion) is approved for alliedsectors comprising ACC battery, auto components, telecom & networking products, solar PV modules and white goods.
• Semiconductor Fabs and Display Fabs:
  • It would provide fiscal support of up to 50% of the project costfor setting up semiconductor and display fabrication units.
  • The Union government will work with the States to set up high-tech clusters with the required infrastructuresuch as land and semiconductor-grade water.
• Semi-conductor Laboratory (SCL):
  • MeitY will take requisite steps for modernization and commercialization of Semi-conductor Laboratory (SCL).
  • MeitY will explore the possibility for the Joint Venture of SCL with a commercial fab partnerto modernise the brownfield fab facility.
• Compound Semiconductors:
  • It will support fiscal support of 30% of capital expenditure to approved units.
  • At Least 15 such unitsof Compound Semiconductors and Semiconductor Packaging are expected to be established with Government support under this scheme.
• Semiconductor Design Companies:
  • TheDesign Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme shall extend product design linked incentive of up to 50% of eligible expenditure and product deployment linked incentive of 6% – 4% on net sales for five years.
  • Support will be provided to 100 domestic companiesof semiconductor design for Integrated Circuits (ICs), Chipsets, System on Chips (SoCs), Systems & IP Cores and semiconductor linked design.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;

6. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)

“When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” ― Lao Tzu

Difficulty level: Easy

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Quotes Wednesdays’ in Mission-2024 Secure.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote and highlighting its core meaning.

Body:

Write about the importance of contentment. Mention the when humans seek to desire more, it leads to greed and ethics and moral are violated for the gratification of the greed. When we have contentment in life, we enjoy whatever we have. Substantiate with examples.

Conclusion:

Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.

Introduction

This quote is about self-realisation that everything which is important in life or to us, we already have all that we need. Perhaps not all that we want, but all that is necessary. And in that, we have all that matters in the world. The idea behind the quote is the importance of being content with ourselves. The attitude of gratitude helps anchor us and to be happy with everything we own, be it health, wealth, family or friends.

Body

As human beings we focus on what we do not have, and overlook or even ignore what we do have. Many people today think life is a race where you must be the best at everything. We might want a fancier car, a bigger house, a better-earning job, or more money. The moment we achieve one thing, the race for the next thing starts. Rarely do many individuals spare a minute to be grateful for all they have achieved. Instead of looking back at the distance they have covered, they stretch themselves to cover the distance that remains. And in some cases, this is when ambition becomes greed.

There is often a fine line between ambition and greed. People may think that when they have achieved all they need for their dream lifestyle, they will be satisfied with what they have—but this is rarely the case. Even after you have ticked off all the achievements from your list, you still don’t feel at ease. There may remain an uneasy feeling that something is still missing. That missing element is gratitude and contentment.

Contentment brings peace of mind and positivity that can facilitate growth and self-improvement. This does not mean one can’t have dreams and aspirations. One can accept the present and still wish for a better future. Contentment only means to be at peace with the present, not complacent.

When one is grateful, only then they are able to manifest more abundance into life. It opens up the mind to see all the good things that one already has. Sometimes we take things for granted and forget to be thankful for them and for all that it was needed to have them in our life. We often see what is lacking or what we haven’t achieved yet. This will only make us bitter

Contentment means to be happy with what we have, who we are, and where we are. It is respecting the reality of the present. It is appreciating what we do have and where we are in life. Contentment does not mean the absence of desire; it just means we are satisfied with the present, and we trust that the turns life takes will be for the best.

Conclusion

If one wishes to feel the essence of contentment, it’s important to practice gratitude, be aware of the fact that nothing is permanent, understand that material things do not often promote long-term happiness, and realize that life is not a race or competition: it is about self-sustenance. The more thankful we are in the present, the happier we may be.

Gratitude is a state of mind. When we realize that nothing is missing from our life, we will see that we have everything. “Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for”

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators.

7. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)

“Fortitude is the power of the mind to endure pain or adversity without yielding.” – William Shakespeare

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Quotes Wednesdays’ in Mission-2024 Secure.

Directive word: 

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by explaining the quote in your own words.

Body:

Mention how fortitude is a foundation on which all others virtues are practised. Mention without it all other virtues cannot practised especially in tough circumstances. Substantiate with examples.

Conclusion:

Conclude by emphasising on the importance of fortitude.

Introduction

Fortitude is firmness of spirit, especially in difficulty. It provides for constancy in the pursuit of virtue. Fortitude is a willingness to freely go beyond the call of duty, to make sacrifices, to act on your convictions. Fortitude includes the courage to confront our personal weaknesses and attraction to vice.

Body

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenges and controversy.” (Martin Luther King Jr)

The above quote captures how fortitude is the guard of other virtues. One must be brave in faces the many curve ball and challenges that we face in life. Take for instance, when Gandhiji was being compelled to stop his Salt Satyagraha in 1930, he braved arrest rather than giving up what he believed in.

In our lives many situations arise in which it becomes difficult to do the right thing, even when we know what it is. There may be all sorts of reasons for why it is disagreeable to act according to what we know is best. In order to stay strong, to do what is good, we need the third cardinal virtue, known alternately as fortitude, courage, or bravery. This is the virtue by which we do the right thing, even in the midst of hardship.

When it is the hardest to uphold our virtues, it is fortitude that will support it. For instance, as Kautilya said in context of corruption, when there is honey on the tongue, it is difficult to not taste it. It was seen as the virtue of the soldier, who was determined to offer his life for the sake of a greater good. Now, those of us who struggle to live virtuous lives believe that we too are soldiers, that we too are engaged in battle, although the battle is not a physical one, but rather spiritual.

Conclusion

All the virtues exist as forms of balance, and so must be carefully distinguished from the various excesses which threaten to substitute for virtue. This is especially true in the case of fortitude, with can easily degenerate into extremes of brashness or cowardice.

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