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General Studies – 1
Topic: factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Economic times
Why the question:
The article discusses the potential of India to become a global player in the semiconductor industry.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about applications of semiconductors and how the government can create a thriving domestic semiconductor industry.
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 needed to create a robust domestic industry for semiconductors – tackling R&D problems, funding, and solving intellectual property issues. Mention various measures already initiated by the government in this regard.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Topic: World History
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The above article discusses the significance of key historical events that shaped contemporary Iran.
Key Demand of the question:
Examine the influence of the 1953 CIA-sponsored coup and the Iran-Iraq War on the political landscape of contemporary Iran.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Introduce the significance of historical events in shaping the political landscape of a country.
Body:
- 1953 CIA-Sponsored Coup: Describe the events of the coup, detailing the CIA and MI6’s involvement in overthrowing Mossadegh and reinstating the Shah.
- Discuss the immediate political effects, including the Shah’s consolidation of power, the establishment of a more authoritarian regime, increasing anti-Western sentiment, political repression, and the eventual rise of revolutionary movements.
- The Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988): Explain the causes, Describe the major events and phases of the war, then write its impact on Iran’s political landscape
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing about the lasting influence of these events on Iran’s political dynamics, national identity, and foreign policy.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Q3. Compare and contrast the major features of the constitutions of India and Britain. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: IE, Insights on India
Why the question:
United Kingdom (UK) elects new Prime Minister (PM)
Key Demand of the question:
To write about salient features of the Indian constitution and the nature of federalism in India.
Compare and contrast – provide a detailed comparison of the two types, and their features that are similar as well as different. One must provide for detailed assessment of the two.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning the legacy of the British on the Indian constitution
Body:
In the first part, write about the major differences between the Indian and British constitutions. Written constitution, Nature of federation, Citizenship, Sovereign power, Judicial review etc.
Next, write about similarities between the Indian and British constitutions – Rule of Law, Independence of Judiciary, Parliamentary system etc,
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising the major observations.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy: BoP
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: InstaPedia, IE
Why the question:
Last week, data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) showed that India’s current account registered a surplus during the fourth quarter (Jan-Mar) of the 2023-24 financial year. This was the first time in 11 quarters that India had witnessed a surplus.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about BoP and India’s vulnerabilities with regard to its BoP.
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 presenting them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining BoP and its various components.
Body:
First, in brief, elaborate on the evolution of India’s BoP and various crises faced with respect to BoP.
Next, write about the various reforms undertaken to strengthen India’s BoP scenario and write about their impact.
Next, write about the present vulnerabilities with respect to India’s BoP and the steps needed to prevent it from any adverse impact.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Topic: Internal Security: Indigenous Defence Industry in India
Difficulty Level: High
Reference: TH
Why the question?
Defence production hit record high of nearly ₹1.27 lakh crore in 2023-24: Defence Ministry.
Key Demand of the Question: Discuss the importance of Indigenous defence production, highlight successful initiatives, and analyze the challenges hindering further progress.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly give the status of the indigenous defence industry in India.
Body:
- Potential of Indigenous Defence Industry: Mention the economic benefits, strategic importance and national security imperatives, employment generation, and technological advancements associated with a robust indigenous defence sector.
- Success Achieved: Detail significant achievements such as the development of critical defence systems like INS Vikrant, Arihant submarine, and various missile programs under IGMDP.
- Challenges in Indigenous Defence Production: Mention the challenges like the lack of a strong domestic manufacturing base, dependence on imports, and bureaucratic hurdles.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
General Studies – 4
Q6. What do understand by the following ethical terms?
-
- Moral muteness.
- Nonmaleficence
- Beneficence
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Why the question:
The question is part of the General studies paper – 4 modelled based on PYQ of UPSC.
Key Demand of the question:
Define the term and write your own understanding of the term.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Introduction is not needed for such question.
Body:
- In the body for each term first write the definition. Explain what it means to you in simple words.
- Write one or two examples concerning the ethical terms. If you add quotes it is an added advantage.
- For each term write the significance of it or write about the importance of the term in real life.
Conclusion:
No need to write any conclusion for such questions.
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