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General Studies – 1
Topic: World Geography
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: InsightsIAS
Why the question
The African Rift Valley system is a critical example of active geological transformation and provides real-world evidence for plate tectonics and continental drift, making it relevant to physical geography.Key demand of the question
The question requires explaining why the African Rift Valley is considered a dynamic geological zone and analyzing how it demonstrates the principles of both plate tectonics and continental drift.Structure of the Answer
Introduction:
Briefly introduce the African Rift Valley system as an active geological feature resulting from tectonic forces, highlighting its significance in understanding Earth’s dynamic processes.Body:
- The African Rift Valley as a dynamic geological zone: Explain its tectonic activity, including crustal stretching, faulting, and seismic events, showcasing ongoing transformation.
- Illustration of plate tectonics: Discuss how the rift exemplifies a divergent boundary, involving mantle plume activity, volcanic formations, and earthquake occurrences.
- Illustration of continental drift: Explain how the rift supports the concept of drifting continents through geological, fossil, and tectonic evidence, drawing parallels with past continental separations.
Conclusion:
Conclude by emphasizing how the African Rift Valley serves as a present-day example of Earth’s geological evolution, with potential long-term consequences such as the formation of a new ocean basin.
Topic: World Geography
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: InsightsIAS
Why the question
The Pacific Islands are among the most vulnerable to climate change, with rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and resource depletion driving large-scale displacement. Understanding the geographical vulnerabilities, socio-political challenges, and adaptation strategies is crucial for climate resilience and migration policies.
Key demand of the question
The question requires an analysis of the geographical factors that contribute to the vulnerability of Pacific Islands, followed by a discussion on the major challenges faced due to climate-induced migration and potential strategies for climate adaptation.
Structure of the Answer
Introduction:
Start with a strong contextual statement on the existential threat faced by the Pacific Islands due to climate change, linking it to forced migration.Body:
- Geographical factors making Pacific Islands vulnerable – Discuss how low-lying geography, exposure to extreme weather, coastal erosion, freshwater scarcity, and land instability exacerbate their vulnerability.
- Challenges in addressing climate-induced migration – Highlight issues like lack of legal recognition for climate refugees, cultural displacement, financial constraints, external aid dependency, and governance limitations.
- Potential strategies for climate adaptation – Suggest solutions like planned relocation, nature-based coastal protection, international legal recognition, enhanced climate financing, and resilient infrastructure development.
Conclusion:
End with a forward-looking perspective on the need for urgent global cooperation, climate financing, and technological innovations to ensure a sustainable future for Pacific Island nations.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question:
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology commenced its meeting on Wednesday (March 5, 2025) at Parliament House Annexe.
Key demand of the question:
The question requires an analysis of how PSCs function as ‘mini-Parliaments’ by scrutinizing laws and policies in detail, followed by an evaluation of their impact on legislative quality, including both positive contributions and challenges.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly introduce the role of PSCs in strengthening democracy by ensuring detailed legislative examination and policy oversight, citing their constitutional/statutory basis.
Body:
- PSCs as ‘mini-Parliaments’: Explain their function in legislative scrutiny, policy evaluation, and executive accountability.
- Impact on quality of law-making (positives and challenges): Highlight how they improve law-making through expert consultation and bipartisan discussions while also addressing issues like non-binding recommendations, delayed reports, and political interference.
- Way forward: Suggest reforms such as making recommendations more binding, increasing bill referrals, ensuring time-bound proceedings, and enhancing transparency.
Conclusion:
Emphasize the need to strengthen PSCs as essential institutions for evidence-based policymaking, ensuring legislative effectiveness in a rapidly evolving governance landscape.
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IE
Why the question:
The fact that the invasion of Ukraine happened at all was a profound failure, not of Ukraine but of the international community, which failed to uphold its security guarantees to a country that had willingly given up its nuclear arsenal.
Key demand of the question:
The question demands an analysis of whether nuclear proliferation has become a rational choice for smaller states post-Ukraine, requiring arguments both in favor and against, while critically assessing the overall impact.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly mention how the Russia-Ukraine war has altered global security perceptions, especially regarding nuclear deterrence and non-proliferation commitments.
Body:
- Supporting nuclear proliferation: Discuss the failure of security assurances, strategic deterrence benefits, shifting global power structures, weakening of non-proliferation regimes, and selective security commitments by major powers.
- Against nuclear proliferation: Highlight economic and technological challenges, risks of escalation, diplomatic isolation, violation of international commitments, and the threat of nuclear proliferation to non-state actors.
Conclusion:
Provide a balanced view, acknowledging the risks of proliferation while emphasizing the need for strengthened international security mechanisms and arms control agreements.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints;
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IE
Why the question:
Punjab has utilised 100% of the Rs 4,713 crore allocated to it by the Centre under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme, state horticulture minister said recently.
Key demand of the question:
The question requires an analysis of how AIF contributes to modernizing post-harvest management and improving farmer income, followed by a critical evaluation of its impact on agricultural value chains, covering both benefits and challenges.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction: Mention the significance of post-harvest infrastructure in reducing losses and improving farm profitability, linking it to the AIF initiative.
Body:
- AIF’s role in post-harvest modernization and income enhancement: Explain how AIF supports infrastructure, processing, and better market access for farmers.
- Positive impact on agricultural value chains: Highlight improvements in logistics, value addition, export potential, and rural employment.
- Challenges in implementation: Discuss accessibility issues, regional disparities, bureaucratic delays, and environmental concerns.
Conclusion:
Provide a balanced view, acknowledging AIF’s role in strengthening agricultural value chains while suggesting ways to overcome existing limitations for broader impact.
Topic: Changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
With proper coordination between the private sector and academia, the Indian pharma sector’s valuation could grow to ₹10 lakh crore, from its current worth of ₹4 lakh crore, Prime Minister said recently.Key demand of the question
The answer must examine India’s pharmaceutical supply chain weaknesses, critically evaluate how government policies have mitigated these gaps, and suggest forward-looking measures to enhance India’s global market position.Structure of the Answer
Introduction
Briefly highlight India’s role as the “Pharmacy of the World” while mentioning key supply chain challenges that affect self-reliance and global competitiveness.Body
- Key vulnerabilities in India’s pharmaceutical supply chain – Discuss issues such as API dependency, logistics inefficiencies, regulatory delays, and R&D limitations.
- Impact of government policies in strengthening domestic production – Analyze initiatives like the PLI scheme, Bulk Drug Parks, regulatory reforms, and public procurement strategies.
- Strategic measures to enhance global competitiveness – Suggest reforms in API production, regulatory harmonization, R&D investments, trade expansion, and digital health integration.
Conclusion
Conclude with the need for a resilient, innovation-driven pharmaceutical sector, emphasizing policy continuity, global alignment, and investment in technology.
General Studies – 4
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question:
Four policemen injured as communal clashes erupt in A.P.’s Rayachoti.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must analyze how communal violence erodes moral integrity at both individual and institutional levels, followed by an application of virtue ethics and Gandhian non-violence in fostering peace and ethical governance.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly highlight how communal violence tests ethical principles like justice, fairness, and integrity in a diverse society.
Body:
- Impact on moral integrity: Explain how communal clashes weaken individual morality, institutional trust, and constitutional ethics.
- Application of virtue ethics: Discuss how ethical virtues like justice, empathy, and courage can guide responsible governance and social conduct.
- Gandhian principles of non-violence: Examine the relevance of satyagraha, ahimsa, and grassroots peace-building in preventing and resolving conflicts.
Conclusion:
Emphasize the need for ethical leadership, social trust, and constitutional values to ensure lasting communal harmony.
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