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General Studies – 1

Topic: World Mapping

Q1. Discuss how advancements in bathymetric mapping and ocean floor studies have contributed to resolving maritime boundary disputes.10M

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:

To discuss how advancements in bathymetric mapping and ocean floor studies have enabled the accurate mapping of the ocean floor and contributed to resolving boundary disputes.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the concept of maritime boundary disputes and the importance of defining territorial waters, EEZs, and continental shelves under international law (UNCLOS).

Mention the role of bathymetric mapping and ocean floor studies in providing scientific accuracy in defining these boundaries.

Body:

Begin by discussing the Importance of Bathymetric Mapping and Ocean Floor Studies: help in the accurate identification of continental shelves, High-resolution bathymetric data ensures precise delimitation of EEZs, etc.

Next, explore its role resolving Maritime Boundary Disputes: Countries submit ocean floor data to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) to justify their claims over extended continental shelves, helps in Arbitration and Negotiation, reduces the risk of conflicts between nations over resource-rich areas, etc. Cite examples of maritime disputes in Indian ocean, South China sea, etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by highlighting the need for continued technological innovation and international cooperation to address future maritime challenges, ensuring peaceful resolutions.

Topic: Marine resources

Q2. Marine resources are often seen as the next frontier for sustainable development, particularly for coastal nations like India. In this context, evaluate the potential of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in harnessing marine resources for economic growth, and the challenges involved in ensuring sustainable use. 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:

To Analyze the economic potential of India’s EEZ for resource extraction (e.g., fisheries, oil and gas, minerals) and how it can contribute to India’s Blue Economy. Additionally, identify challenges in the sustainable use of these resources, including environmental, legal, and technological concerns.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Define the concept of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): An area extending up to 200 nautical miles from a country’s coast where it has special rights to explore and exploit marine resources.

Body:

Describe the Potential of India’s EEZ for Economic Growth: rich fishing ground with substantial potential for commercial fisheries, contains significant reserves of oil and natural gas, seabed of India’s EEZ holds valuable minerals like polymetallic nodules and rare earth elements, etc.

Next highlight the Challenges in Ensuring Sustainable Use: Environmental Degradation (overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution), Regulatory and Management Issues, Climate Change Impacts, Technological and Financial Constraints, etc.

Suggest way forward – Strengthening marine governance, improving monitoring, Encouraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) in marine technology development, Expanding Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and enforcing sustainable fishing regulations, etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarizing that India’s EEZ holds immense potential for boosting economic growth through marine resources. However, sustainable management is crucial to avoid over-exploitation and environmental degradation.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation

Q3. The absence of procedural safeguards make the Union “a judge in its own cause”. In this context, discuss the provisions of the recently amended IT rules. What made Supreme Court declare the fact checking unit as unconstitutional? (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Live Law

Why the question:

The Bombay High Court (HC) struck down a key provision of the amended Information Technology (IT) Rules 2021 (under IT Act of 2000), as unconstitutional.

Key Demand of the Question:

Discuss the provisions of the recently amended IT rules and explain why the Supreme Court declared the fact-checking unit unconstitutional.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the context of the amended IT Rules 2021, focusing on the establishment of a fact-checking unit to regulate online content.

Body:

First part: Provisions of the Amended IT Rules:

Fact-Checking Unit, Content Moderation, Increased Government Control

Second part: Why the Supreme Court Declared it Unconstitutional:

Violation of Article 19(1)(a), Absence of Procedural Safeguards, Government as “Judge in its Own Cause”

Conclusion:

The fact-checking unit’s excessive control over online content without adequate checks and balances raised concerns over press freedom and led to its judicial invalidation.

Topic: Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Q4. Explain the role of the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) and the National Credit Framework (NCrF) in addressing the challenges of the Indian Education system. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question:

The question is made from the editorial section of the Hindu: “The NCrF as a framework for well-rounded education”.

Key Demand of the Question:

Explain how the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) and the National Credit Framework (NCrF) address challenges in the Indian education system.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the challenges in the Indian education system, such as lack of flexibility, rigid learning pathways, and limited interdisciplinary opportunities.

Body:

First part: Role of the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC):

Flexible Learning Pathways, Interdisciplinary Opportunities, Lifelong Learning

Second part: Role of the National Credit Framework (NCrF):

Holistic Education, Skill-Based Learning, Inclusive Learning:

Conclusion:

Both ABC and NCrF aim to make education more flexible, skill-oriented, and inclusive, addressing the current challenges in the Indian education system.

General Studies – 3

Topic: growth, development and employment.

Q5. Critically assess the factors contributing to the stagnation of the overall unemployment rate in India. How can the government address these challenges to improve employment opportunities? (15 marks)

Difficulty Level:Easy

Reference: TH

Why the Question:

To analyze the reasons behind the stagnant unemployment rate in India and propose effective government interventions.

Key Demand of the Question:

Identify key factors causing stagnation in the unemployment rate.

Suggest measures the government can take to enhance employment opportunities.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Introduce the current unemployment scenario in India based on recent data.

Body:

Factors Contributing to Stagnation:

Economic Slowdown: Highlight sectors like agriculture and manufacturing that lack growth.

Skill Mismatch: Discuss the gap between education outcomes and job market needs.

Policy Barriers: Examine ineffective labor laws that limit hiring flexibility.

Government Interventions:

Skill Development: Recommend vocational training aligned with industry needs.

Support for Startups: Suggest incentives for entrepreneurship to boost job creation.

Enhancing Social Security: Propose improvements to support the informal sector for better job stability.

Conclusion:

Emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to create sustainable job opportunities.

Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space

Q6. “India’s first mission to Venus marks a significant milestone in the country’s space exploration journey”. Discuss the scientific and strategic importance of the Venus mission for India. (10 marks)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: IE

Why the Question:

To assess the scientific benefits and strategic implications of India’s first Venus mission in space exploration.

Key Demand of the Question:

Examine the scientific goals of the mission, such as understanding Venus’s atmosphere and surface.

Analyze the strategic importance for India in the global space exploration context.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce India’s first Venus mission and its relevance to ISRO’s interplanetary explorations.

Body:

Scientific Importance:

Understanding Venus’s atmosphere, surface, and greenhouse effect.

Potential insights into Earth’s climate and planetary evolution.

Advanced technologies like aero-braking and synthetic aperture radar to study Venus.

Strategic Importance:

Strengthening India’s position in the global space race.

Collaboration with international space agencies for scientific payloads.

Enhancing India’s technological prowess and space diplomacy.

Conclusion:

Reaffirm the mission’s role in elevating India’s space capabilities and its contribution to planetary science.

General Studies – 4

Q7. “Ethics is the activity of man directed to secure the inner perfection of his own personality.” Albert Schweitzer [10M]

Difficulty level: Medium

Context: Part of Quote Wednesday’s. This also covers the theme of ethics in personal and professional life.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: Begin by giving context or defining ethics.

Body:

First, explain how ethics secure the inner perfection of personality.

Then, mention the challenges one faces in adopting ethics.

Conclusion: Conclude the answer with a balanced stand and argue with ethical philosophy.