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: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent);
Difficulty level: Moderate
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 the resource richness of the Indian ocean and its economic implications.
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 brief of Indian ocean and its vast ocean resources.
Body:
First, draw a neat diagram showing major resources. Write in detail the economic implications of the resources mentioned in the introduction.
Next, write about the importance of marine resources – Fishing, Marine Biotechnology, Minerals, Tourism & Leisure and Education and research etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising and ways to sustainably harness the above.
Introduction
The Indian Ocean matters today, arguably more than ever. It is a major conduit for international trade, especially energy. Its littoral is vast, densely populated, and comprised of some of the world’s fastest growing regions. The Ocean is also a valuable source of fishing and mineral resources. The Indian Ocean basin is of particular importance for India, as the region’s most populous country and geopolitical keystone.
Body
The Economic importance of IOR for India includes:
- Trade and Commerce:
- It enjoys a privileged location at the crossroads of global trade, connecting the major engines of the international economy in the Northern Atlantic and Asia-Pacific. This is particularly important in an era in which global shipping has burgeoned.
- Today, almost 90,000 vessels in the world’s commercial fleet transport 9.84 billion tonnes per year. This represents an almost four-fold increase in the volume of commercial shipping since 1970.
- The Indian Ocean has vital sea lanes of communication crisscrossing it and which feeds Asia’s largest economies. Around 80 per cent of the world’s seaborne oil trade passes through the choke points of this ocean and therefore it literally connects the east to the west with 40 percent passing through the Strait of Hormuz, 35 percent through the Strait of Malacca and 8 percent through the Bab El-Mandab Strait.
- The Ocean’s vast drainage basin is important in its own right, home to some two billion people. This creates opportunities, especially given the high rates of economic growth around the Indian Ocean rim, including in India, Bangladesh, Southeast Asia, and Eastern and Southern Africa.
- 95 per cent of India’s trade by volume and 68 per cent of trade by value come via the Indian Ocean.
- Presence of 13 major ports and over 200 minor ports provide avenues for exports of Indian goods to world.
- Blue Economy: The Indian Ocean is rich in natural resources.
- Oil and Natural Gas:
- Forty per cent of the world’s offshore oil production takes place in the Indian Ocean basin.
- Energy security and resources are absolutely critical. The Indian Ocean Region is immensely rich in that.
- 28 million barrels per day—or nearly 80 per cent of India’s crude oil requirement—is imported by sea via the Indian Ocean. Taking into account India’s offshore oil production and petroleum exports, India’s sea dependence for oil is about 93 per cent, according to the Indian Navy.
- India is also the fourth-largest importer of liquefied natural gas (LNG), with about 45 per cent coming by sea.
- India has her own oil rigs in the Indian ocean region. Example: Bombay high
- Minerals:
- Mineral resources with nodules containing nickel, cobalt, and iron, and massive sulphide deposits of manganese, copper, iron, zinc, silver, and gold present in sizeable quantities on the sea bed.
- Indian Ocean coastal sediments are also important sources of titanium, zirconium, tin, zinc, and copper.
- Additionally, various rare earth elements are present, even if their extraction is not always commercially feasible.
- In 2014, the International Seabed Authority issued licenses for the Indian Ocean ridge, opening up new opportunities for deep seabed mining. This region is estimated to have massive reserves of manganese, as well as cobalt, nickel, and copper, all of which are scarce on Indian soil.
- Placer Deposits – Vitally important, thorium resources in placer sands of Malabar coast are a promise to Nuclear Energy security. Similarly Placers of Thailand, Indo-China and Australia are source of precious heavy metals critically important for Electronics and semiconductors industry.
- Fishing and Aquaculture:
- Fishing in the Indian Ocean now accounts for almost 15 per cent of the world’s total.
- Aquaculture in the region has also grown 12-fold since 1980. Although global fishing is reaching its natural limitations, the Indian Ocean may be able to sustain increases in production.
- The largely unregulated overexploitation of its fishery resources. The consequences of over fishing, which is actually largely a result of activity by countries outside the region, could eventually have serious consequences for littoral states that depend heavily on maritime resources to feed their populations and also provide valuable export revenues.
- India captured 4.1 million tonnes of fish in 2008, placing it sixth in the world and its fishing and aquaculture industries employ some 14 million people.
- Fisheries and aquaculture industries are also a major source of exports. India’s maritime exports grew 55 times in volume between 1962 and 2012 and fisheries exports now account for Rs. 16,600 crore or about $2.5 billion.
- Tourism:
- Coral atolls in Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands attract many tourists from India as well as abroad. This helps the livelihood of many islanders.
- Oil and Natural Gas:
Conclusion
Indian Ocean is an “ocean of economic opportunities” for India. The security threats posed by State and non-state actors are impeding the progress. The Government initiatives like SAGAR, IORA, Sagarmala etc. should ensure that the fruits of Blue Economy is well reaped.
Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.,
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 the impact of Tsunami and role of tsunami warning systems in its mitigation.
Directive word:
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:
Begin by defining a Tsunami.
Body:
First, explain the mechanism a Tsunami with a small neat diagram.
Next, write about the trail of destruction of Tsunami – Inundation, Wave Impact and Erosion. Also, give examples of few recent Tsunami including 2004 Indian Ocean.
Next, write about the role of tsunami warning systems in its mitigation – Risk Assessment & Reduction, Detection, Warning & Dissemination, and Awareness & Response.
Conclusion:
Conclude by Summarising.
Introduction
Tsunami means a “harbour wave” in literal translation and comes from the Japanese characters for harbour (tsu) and wave (nami). A tsunami also called seismic sea waves, is one of the most powerful and destructive natural forces. It is a series of extremely long waves caused by a large and sudden displacement of the ocean due to earthquake, volcanic eruptions etc. When they reach the coast, they can cause dangerous coastal flooding and powerful currents that can last for several hours or days.
The Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) was established at Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad, an autonomous body under Ministry of Earth Sciences which continues to provide timely tsunami advisories to stake holders. The ITEWC is also providing tsunami services to 25 Indian Ocean Countries as part of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO framework.
Body
Tsunami early warning system
- It is made up of two equally important components:-
- A network of sensors to detect tsunamis
- A communications infrastructure to issue timely alarms to permit evacuation of the coastal areas.
- It ismade up of a network of seismic-monitoring stations and sea-level gauges. These detect earthquakes and abnormal changes in sea level and help scientists decide whether a tsunami hasbeen triggered by an earthquake.
- When operating, seismic alerts are used to instigate the watches and warnings; then, data from observed sea level height (either shore-based tide gauges or DARTbuoys) are used to verify the existence of a tsunami.
- Other systems have been proposed to augment the warning procedures; for example, it has been suggested that the duration and frequency content of t-wave energy (which is earthquake energy trapped in the ocean SOFAR channel) is indicative of an earthquake’s tsunami potential.
- At present, early warning systems rely on measuring the movement of dart buoys which record changes in the sea level or assessing the bottom pressure of the propagating tsunami. The problem is that these systems require the tsunami to physically reach the measurement location.
- With the speed at which tsunami waves travel through open water, no system can protect against a very sudden tsunami, where the coast in question is too close to the epicenter.
Significance of Tsunami Early Warning System
- It will assist all persons, especially in vulnerable coastal communities, are prepared and respond appropriately and in a timely manner upon recognition that a potential destructive tsunami (local or regional) may be approaching
- It is imperative to detect tsunamis in advance and issue the warnings to prevent loss of life and damage to property as witnessed in India during the 2004 Tsunami.
- Many critical infrastructure of national importance is situated on India’s coastline. Eg: Kudankulam Nuclear plant, Ports, Naval bases. Etc.
- Livelihoods of millions dependent on seas. Eg.: fishermen families
- Early detection by the monitoring networks of tsunami warning centers (TWC) will trigger authoritative warnings that must immediately trigger emergency responses by emergency management and first responder agencies.
- To respond quickly and efficiently, well-known and clear standard operating procedures should be in place and practiced so that stakeholders are familiar with and understand their roles and responsibilities, and the timely actions that must take place for public safety.
Measures for mitigation of Tsunami waves
Structural measures
- A robust techno-legal regime through efficient land use practices, bio shields, and shelter belt plantation and mangrove regeneration with community involvement is the need of the hour.
- Setting up tsunami prediction and warning systems such as INCOIS of India. India is much safer against tsunami threat than it was in 2004, thanks to the state-of-the-art tsunami early warning system established at Indian National Centre for Ocean Information System (INCOIS).
- Construction of seawalls, breakwaters, tsunami river gates and developing forest barriers may also help in preventing extensive damage.
- Building tsunami evacuation structures
- Limiting new development in tsunami hazard zones
- Designing, siting, and building structures to minimize tsunami damage
- Adopting building codes that address tsunamis
- Protecting and strengthening existing structures and infrastructure that if damaged would negatively affect response and recovery
- Moving important community assets and vulnerable populations out of tsunami hazard zones
- Other ways to prepare for and mitigate the potential impacts of a tsunami emphasize thoughtful land-use planning and building design in tsunami hazard zones.
Non-structural measures
- Communities can use the tsunami hazard zone maps to determine where people and other important community assets (e.g., buildings, facilities, bridges, schools, hospitals) are at risk so they can decide where to focus preparedness, response, and mitigation efforts.
- Educating the public (residents and visitors) about tsunamis and tsunami safety before a tsunami strikes.
- A strong mechanism has been recommended for effective emergency response by involving local police network, civil defence volunteers wherever available, home guards, State Disaster Response Forces and National Disaster Response Force is also imperative.
- The focus in recent times has been on enhancing community awareness and responsethrough several capacity building activities, biennial Indian Ocean wide tsunami drills and piloting of the UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready initiative.
- Protection of coastal ecosystems like mangroves and coral reefs may help in lowering tsunami-related hazards.
Way forward
- Initiatives like Tsunami Ready has to be replicated in other vulnerable coastal communities as it enhances ability to respond to cyclones and storm surges too.
- The best of warning systems could fail, if communities are not prepared, if they do not understand the official and natural warning signs of a tsunami, and if they do not take appropriate and timely response.
- Building resilient infrastructure, setting up early warning systems, and spreading awareness among people is critical in preventing tsunami-related risks in the future.
Conclusion
More than 700 million people live in low-lying coastal areas and Small Island Developing States exposed to extreme sea-level events including tsunamis. Resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and education is critical to saving people and protecting their assets against tsunami risk in the future.
Topic: urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article discusses the need for a comprehensive approach to urban health management, particularly in the context of climate change-induced extreme weather events. It emphasizes that urban health is not only about medical care but also about addressing the environmental and social factors that contribute to health vulnerabilities.
Key Demand of the question: To write about the importance of incorporating the impact of climate change in our urban development plans and taking steps to tackle it.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
Body:
First, in brief, how climate change is impacting modern cities and its predicted impact in the future. Substantiate with examples. Also, mention how the progress made so far maybe be nullified due to the impact of climate change.
Next, write about the steps that are needed in this regard to address it – Climate planning and city planning, Stakeholders and participation, Vulnerability assessment, Monitoring and evaluation etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
Climate change is altering the nature of each and every country. It’s like a pandemic, it doesn’t know political boundaries. Even the most advanced countries are not being spared by nature. India is one of the nations most vulnerable to the ravages of climate change. The solution to climate change lies in understanding the impact of climate change in our life and taking steps to achieve climate resilience.
In India, the monsoons, are primarily turning into an erratic and destructive force. As climate change intensifies, the monsoon is becoming more erratic and violent. A recent report by the World Bank titled “Thriving: Making Cities Green, Resilient, and Inclusive in a Changing Climate” provides guidance to local and national policymakers on how to create greener, more resilient, and inclusive cities.
Body
Urban development and climate resilience
- About 1.4 million people move to cities around the world every week and nearly 55% of the world’s population now lives in urban areas. Such rapid urbanisation can strain local capacities, contributing to increased risk from natural and human made disasters.
- As more people are concentrated in cities, dependent on local services and networks, the risks from natural and human made disasters grow.
- The poor and vulnerable, living in substandard, hazardous places are most at risk with around 1 billion people living in slums.
- People exposed to natural hazards in poorest nations are more than seven times likely to die than those in the richest.
- Challenges to resilience can also be economic, cultural, civic and social and develop over time such as economic downturns or crises, high unemployment, lack of inclusion, social cohesion or discrimination, disease outbreaks and terrorism.
- Fast-growing coastal cities are in particular danger because of sea-level rise, increasing storms and the global addiction to concrete and asphalt which exacerbate flooding.
Building climate resilient cities
- Cities can protect against economic shocks by diversifying their economy, creating opportunities for business and employment, and engaging the private sector.
- They can build socially cohesive societies becoming democratic, sustainable and inclusive by ensuring residents from all backgrounds take part in decision making.
- To build climate and environment resilience, authorities need to plan cities properly to minimize the overall effect on the environment as well as ensuring resilience through strengthened infrastructure, good planning and public education.
- Responses to disasters in urban areas can promote greater resilience to future crises and support long-term development goals.
- The need for resilient cities is recognised in the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement for Climate Change, the Sendai Framework and in the New Urban Agenda (Habitat-III).
- An important step would be moving away from an endless consumption of land. This means using the land we’ve already developed to build more dense and walkable neighbourhoods, connected with mass transit. It also means living with nature instead of fighting against it.
Conclusion
Addressing the challenges of climate change and creating sustainable cities requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves prioritizing green practices, building resilience to climate impacts, and promoting inclusiveness in urban development. Taking action at the city level is crucial in mitigating climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
The article underscores the urgency of accelerating India’s digital expansion efforts and highlights the potential benefits of doing so.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the challenge for future ready digital India and steps needed to overcome it.
Directive word:
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:
Begin by giving context.
Body:
First, write about the challenges in the above – Policy frameworks, Infrastructure, Digital literacy and empowerment etc.
Next, write about the measures to bridge the digital divide – Infrastructure development, Digital literacy and skill development, Inclusive policies and affordability etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to digital technologies and those who do not. Promoting digital literacy is essential to empower individuals with the skills needed to navigate the digital landscape. Digital literacy encompasses not only the ability to use digital tools but also critical thinking, evaluating online information, and understanding online safety.
With the increasing digitization of personal and sensitive information, data privacy has become a paramount concern. Robust data protection regulations and practices are necessary to ensure that individuals’ personal data is collected, stored, and used responsibly. Strengthening data privacy laws and enforcement mechanisms is essential to build trust in digital services and prevent misuse of personal information.
Body
Background: Digital Penetration in India
- Increasing internet penetration, widely affordable connectivity and monthly Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments headed above 10 billion (and worth over ₹15 trillion) are examples of the strides we have taken.
- The promise of basic digital enablers can also count on policy support in the form of data-security once privacy rules come to forge fairer—if not freer—online markets, a balance of scales best struck before forces of demand and supply get free play.
- We also have an e-com-aligned export policy.
- Cheap data tariffs led a surge from 462 million in 2018 to 759 million users in 2022, a majority of our population, going by data from a report by Kantar and Internet and Mobile Association of India. This number is projected to rise to 900 million by 2025.
Context for India
- Digital Divide: The digital divide takes form in rich-poor, male-female, urban-rural etc segments of the population.
- The gap needs to be narrowed down, then only the benefits of digitization would be utilized equally.
- There are many roadblocks in the way of its successful implementation like digital illiteracy, poor infrastructure, low internet speed, lack of coordination among various departments, issues pertaining to taxation These challenges need to be addressed in order to realize the full potential of this programme.
- Slow adoption of new technologies. For example, Banking sector most vulnerable to cloning of magnetic strip debit/credit cards.
- Piracy: Rampant use of unlicensed and pirated software that are easy targets for malware. E.g.: Saposhi attack leading to Denial of Service.
- Import dependence: Majority of electronic devices from cellphones to equipments used in power sector, defense and other critical infrastructure puts India into a vulnerable situation.
- Lack of uniform security protocol and standards used across various electronic devices.
- Security Issues: There is a cybersecurity challenge in ensuring end-to-end protection of data throughout the whole ecosystem.
- While channels and databases used by the Government for transmission and storage are usually secure, other players in the ecosystem may not possess the requisite expertise or security to prevent and respond to breaches.
- The alleged breach of the Aadhar database is a case in point.
Measures needed for India
- Inclusion: Addressing the digital divide and promoting digital literacy can ensure that all segments of society, including marginalized communities, have access to and can benefit from digital technologies. This inclusion can lead to greater social and economic equity.
- Security: Focusing on data privacy is essential to protect individuals’ rights and prevent cyber threats. Strong data privacy measures can build trust in digital services, encouraging more people to embrace technology without fear of their personal information being misused.
- Innovation and Competitiveness: By fostering innovation, India can create a conducive environment for startups, research institutions, and technology companies to thrive. This, in turn, can drive economic growth, create high-value jobs, and enhance the country’s global competitiveness.
- Empowerment: Empowering citizens with digital literacy skills enables them to make informed decisions, engage in online civic activities, and access government services efficiently. This empowerment can lead to active participation in governance and democracy.
- Sustainable Development: Leveraging technology for sustainable development, such as using digital solutions for agriculture, healthcare, and education, can address critical challenges and improve the overall quality of life.
Conclusion
Overall, India’s progress in developing its Digital Public Infrastructure has laid a strong foundation for a digital economy. However, to realize the vision of inclusive and sustainable growth, continuous efforts are needed to address challenges related to data privacy, security, and digital literacy. Additionally, adapting to emerging technologies and fostering innovation will be crucial for India to maintain its momentum towards becoming a digital-first nation.
General Studies – 3
Topic: indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
Difficulty level: Moderate.
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article discusses the “Chips Act” of the United States and suggests that India could learn from its approach to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing.
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 context.
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 chips are the basic building blocks that serve as the heart and brain of all modern electronics and information and communications technology products. These chips are now an integral part of contemporary automobiles, household gadgets and essential medical devices such as ECG machines.
Semiconductor shortage is turning into an acute issue. Due to it, the growth prospects of the auto industry are once again in jeopardy. This issue also offers immense opportunity for India to foray in to Integrated Circuits and Chip design.
Body
Strengths of semiconductor industry of India
- India’s biggest advantage in the Plus 1 space is its end-to-end design and manufacturing capabilities.
- Vietnam is known for strong midstream activities, and local companies focus mainly on assembly.
- Upstream activities, involving design and production, are mostly done overseas.
- India has a highly talented young engineering force.
- Not only is India considered to be the most digitally dexterous country in the world due to the largest Gen Z workforce, we have a huge domestic market.
- And we are closer to Africa, the Middle East and European markets.
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)
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.
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)
“Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power.” ― Seneca
Difficulty level: Tough
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.
Body:
Write about the importance of power and how many people can succumb and get corrupted once the have various powers. Substantiate with examples.
Next, write about how a person who can control himself can be considered a powerful man and the various ways to do so.
Conclusion:
Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.
Introduction
The strongest person is the one who controls their senses and is not controlled by their senses. Such a person can put restraints over themselves and do not give into anger, hatred, jealousy, greed, temptation, pain, pleasure or narcissism. They can sacrifice even the dearest thing to them for the sake of righteousness or greater good. They have a core set of morals and ethics which they never stray away from.
Body
A man who can control himself (his own emotions and impulses) is more powerful than a man who can only control others. One must not be in the mercy of their emotions rather they must own their mind and be in a place to master their emotions.
The mind is more powerful than most of us realize. When we control our thoughts, you control your destiny. When left unchecked, the mind can take us to dark places. We then live in a cycle of self-doubt that prevents us from facing new challenges. This type of thought holds us back from experiencing the world and taking those small risks needed to succeed.
People with a growth mindset believe they can become good at something with perseverance. They are more willing to tackle challenges and don’t pressure themselves to attain perfection. Instead, they focus on growth and improvement with time
Conclusion
Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded thoughts. Vedic traditions describe the mind like a chariot: you are the driver and the horses represent the different senses. When you let your thoughts and emotions take control, the chariot gets pulled in all sorts of directions.
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