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General Studies 2023 GS Paper II 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Describe

GS Paper II — Q10

Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India. (Answer in 150 words)…

Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

भारतीय प्रवासियों ने पश्चिम में नई ऊँचाइयों को छुआ है। भारत के लिये इसके आर्थिक और राजनीतिक लाभों का वर्णन करें। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर) 10 marks

Q10 of the 2023 UPSC Mains General Studies GS Paper II, as printed
The question as printed in the 2023 General Studies paper
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Model answer

Written by UPSC Answer Check against this question's marking rubric, to the 150-word length. UPSC does not publish answers for Mains — this is one way to score well, not an official key.

The Indian diaspora in the West has transitioned from a demographic presence to occupying apex leadership roles across politics, industry, and academia, yielding substantial dividends for India.

Economic Benefits: The diaspora provides a crucial buffer to India’s foreign exchange reserves through record remittances surpassing $125 billion annually, while channeling Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) via key corridors like the US-India track. Led by corporate leaders such as Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai in Silicon Valley, Non-Resident Indians facilitate critical technology and knowledge transfers, mentor the domestic startup ecosystem, and steer reverse brain drain initiatives that bolster India's innovation economy.

Political Benefits: The political ascent of figures like Rishi Sunak and Priti Patel in the UK, alongside influential Congressional caucuses in the US, enhances India's diplomatic leverage in bilateral negotiations and multilateral forums. Diaspora-led lobbying was pivotal in milestones such as the India-US Civil Nuclear Deal. Additionally, as cultural ambassadors promoting yoga, cuisine, and cinema, the diaspora projects soft power, influences host-country policies, and counters anti-India narratives.

Thus, the diaspora acts as an invaluable strategic bridge, translating Western influence into long-term national gains.

What "Describe" is asking you to do

Give a full, ordered account of the thing named — its parts, stages or mechanism — in the sequence in which it actually exists or occurs. Most describe questions come from the science optionals, where the marks sit in correct technical detail and, where the stem says so, a labelled diagram.

Structure that answers it

One-line identification of the subject → the parts or stages in their real order, each with its defining detail → labelled diagram where the subject is structural → closing line on function or significance

Where marks are lost

Loose general prose where the examiner is ticking named parts, correct terminology and their sequence; and in the General Studies papers, turning to evaluation before the description is finished.

All UPSC directive words, compared →

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

Framework: GS2: International Relations (Indian Diaspora). describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Clear distinction between economic and political benefits with specific examples.

Key points expected

  • Economic benefits: Remittances, FDI, and skill transfer
  • Political benefits: Soft power, lobbying, and diplomatic support
  • Context: Reference to 'new heights' in the West
  • Structure: Distinct sections for economic and political aspects

Evaluation rubric

Each sub-part is marked on its own, against the marks and word limit printed on the paper.

  1. The answer Define diaspora's role and detail specific economic and political benefits for India. 10 marks · 150 words

    describe— define → structure or process in order → labelled diagram → significance

    Must cover

    • Economic benefits: Remittances, FDI, and skill transfer
    • Political benefits: Soft power, lobbying, and diplomatic support
    • Context: Reference to 'new heights' in the West
    • Structure: Distinct sections for economic and political aspects

    Loses marks

    • Reciting general facts without linking to India's benefit
    • Ignoring the 'political' dimension entirely
    • Vague generalities without specific examples

    Earns more

    • Mention of specific sectors (IT, Pharma, Defense)
    • Reference to specific political influence (US/UK lobbying)
    • Mention of 'Brain Gain' vs 'Brain Drain'

    Extra mark

    • Specific statistic on remittance volume (e.g., $100B+)
    • Reference to specific policy (e.g., Pravasi Bharatiya Day)

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