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General Studies – 1

Topic: Bottom relief Features

Q1. The continental margins and ocean basins provide crucial resources, but their exploitation poses significant environmental risks. Comment.10M

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Insights ias

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2025 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To examine the resources available in continental margins and ocean basins and to analyze the environmental risks associated with the extraction of these resources and offer a balanced view on the sustainable use of ocean resources.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Begin by explaining the significance of continental margins and ocean basins as repositories of crucial natural resources like hydrocarbons, minerals, and marine life and growing interest in exploiting these resources due to advances in technology and increasing global demand for energy and materials.

Body:

Firstly, mention the Key Resources of Continental Margins and Ocean Basins: Continental shelves and ocean basins contain vast reserves of oil and natural gas. Similarly, Ocean basins, particularly in abyssal plains and around mid-ocean ridges, are rich in polymetallic nodules, containing valuable minerals such as manganese, nickel, and cobalt.

Next mention the Environmental Risks of Resource Exploitation – Marine Pollution, Destruction of Marine Habitats, Seabed Destruction and Sediment Displacement, etc.

At last, Provide way forward.

Conclusion:

Emphasize the need for international cooperation, sustainable technologies, and strict regulations to ensure that the exploitation of marine resources does not lead to irreversible environmental degradation.

Topic: Temperature distribution

Q2. “The vertical distribution of temperature in the atmosphere, particularly temperature inversion, plays a critical role in determining weather conditions.” In this light, enumerate the causes and consequences of temperature inversions and their impact on pollution and weather patterns. 15M

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights ias

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2025 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

The answer should explain how temperature inversion occurs and what causes it. Additionally, analyze the impacts of temperature inversion on pollution levels and weather conditions, focusing on the role it plays in trapping pollutants and altering normal weather patterns.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Begin by explaining the vertical distribution of temperature in the atmosphere, where under normal conditions, the temperature decreases with increasing altitude.

Body:

Begin by Causes of Temperature Inversions: Radiation Cooling of the Earth’s Surface, Frontal Inversion, etc.

Next, mention the Consequences of Temperature Inversion: Trapping of Pollutants, Fog Formation, Calm and Stable Conditions, etc.

Next, mention its Impact on Pollution and Weather Patterns

Pollution – Air Quality Deterioration, increased respiratory issues and cardiovascular diseases etc.

Weather patterns –Weather Anomalies like Increased Fog Formation, Suppression of Cloud Formation, etc.

Conclusion:

Emphasize the need for better air quality management and urban planning to mitigate the adverse effects of temperature inversion, particularly in high-risk areas like cities prone to pollution and fog formation.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger.

Q3. Despite falling poverty rates and rising incomes over the last decade or more, India has struggled to substantially improve its nutritional outcomes. Critically analyse. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The question is taken from today’s editorial section of the Hindu.

Key Demand of the Question:

Critically analyze why India’s nutritional outcomes have not substantially improved despite economic progress.

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the data related to paradox of falling poverty and rising incomes versus poor nutritional outcomes in India.

Body:

First part: Factors Contributing to Poor Nutritional Outcomes:

Hidden Hunger and Micronutrient Deficiency, Inequitable Access to Nutrition, Food Security vs. Nutrition Security, Socio-Cultural Factors

Second part: Measures for Nutritional security

Conclusion:

Emphasize the need for a shift from food security to nutrition security, with a multi-dimensional approach targeting hidden hunger and socio-economic inequalities.

Topic: Structure, Organization and Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary

Q4. To be truly great, the judiciary exercising democratic power must enjoy independence of a high order. Discuss. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The question is made from today’s “the archives” section of the Hindu and covers the static portion of the GS-2 syllabus.

Key Demand of the Question:

Discuss why judicial independence of a high order is crucial for the judiciary to be truly great while exercising democratic power.

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the concept of judicial independence and its significance in a democracy.

Body:

First part: Importance of Judicial Independence:

Checks and Balances, Protection of Rights, Upholding Rule of Law

Second part: Challenges to Judicial Independence:

Political Pressure, Judicial appointments, internal challenges

Third part: Suggest measures to tackle threats to Judicial independence

Conclusion:

Emphasize that the greatness of the judiciary lies in its ability to maintain its independence, free from external and internal pressures, ensuring a healthy democracy.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources

Q5. Examine the impact of establishing data centers on local economies and job creation in India. How can the government ensure that these benefits are maximized? (10 marks)

Difficulty Level: Easy

Reference: IE

Why the question:

The significance of data centers in contributing to local economies and job creation in India, while exploring ways to maximize these benefits.

Key Demand of the question:

Examine the impact of establishing data centers on local economies and job creation, and suggest measures for the government to enhance these benefits.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction: Define data centers and their importance in the digital economy, mentioning their potential economic impact.

Body:

Impact on Local Economies:

Discuss how data centers attract investment and boost local services.

Job Creation:

Explain the types of jobs created and the potential for upskilling the local workforce.

Maximizing Benefits:

Suggest government policies to enhance local hiring, support skill development, and improve infrastructure.

Conclusion: Summarize the overall impact of data centers on local development and the necessity for targeted government interventions to enhance outcomes.

Topic: Internal Security: National Security Strategy

Q6. Why is a National Security Strategy (NSS) essential for India? Discuss the challenges in formulating such a strategy. (15M)

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the Question:
The article raises the urgent need for India to develop a National Security Strategy (NSS) that goes beyond defence, incorporating economic, geopolitical, and technological considerations. With rising security threats, the growing complexity of international relations, and India’s economic aspirations, an integrated NSS is critical to prioritize resources and ensure national security.

Key Demand of the Question:
To discuss the importance of a National Security Strategy (NSS) for India, highlighting how it should integrate defence, economy, and foreign policy into a unified vision. The answer must also address the inherent challenges of developing such a comprehensive and confidential document.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Define the concept of a National Security Strategy (NSS) and its importance for India. Mention that NSS should not be limited to military defence but include economic resilience, technological advancements, and foreign policy coordination, especially in light of current global and regional challenges.

Body:

Importance of a National Security Strategy for India:

Integration of Defence and Economy: Explain how economic strength underpins national security by ensuring that India can maintain sovereignty and secure critical industries like defence manufacturing and technology.

Foreign Policy Coordination: Discuss how a coherent NSS aligns with India’s multi-alignment strategy, balancing relationships with global powers and regional partners, especially in critical groupings like BRICS and Quad.

Technological and Industrial Preparedness: Highlight the importance of boosting indigenous capabilities in shipbuilding, submarine development, and cybersecurity as part of the NSS.

Challenges in Formulating a National Security Strategy:

Resource Allocation: Discuss how scarce resources need to be prioritized across competing sectors such as health, defence, and infrastructure, which complicates security planning.

Threat Identification: Explain how publicly defining threats, particularly from neighbors like China and Pakistan, could complicate diplomatic relations and stoke domestic political challenges.

Secrecy vs. Transparency: Analyze the tension between the need for strategic confidentiality and public demands for transparency in security-related decisions, noting that a comprehensive NSS must be kept confidential to avoid revealing critical vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:
Summarize how a well-conceived National Security Strategy can enhance India’s ability to face both internal and external threats while ensuring economic and technological advancement. Conclude with the need for a focused and flexible NSS that can adapt to changing global dynamics and ensure India’s long-term security interests.

General Studies – 4

Q7. Discuss how ethical principles can guide the creation of just laws. In what ways can the conflict between legal obligations and ethical duties be resolved in public policy-making? [10M]

Difficulty level: Medium

Reference: The Hindu

Context: Chief Justice of India emphasises intersection of law, ethics and medical innovation in gene therapy for rare disease treatment.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: Begin by giving context or quote.

Body:

First, explain how ethical principle can guide creation of just laws.

Then, explain various strategies to resolve the ethical duties and legal obligations.

Conclusion: Conclude the answer using ethical philosophy.