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General Studies 2025 GS Paper III 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Mention

GS Paper III — Q5

The fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. Mention India's contributions to the…

The fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. Mention India's contributions to the international fusion energy project – International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). What will be the implications of the success of this project for the future of global energy ? (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

भारत में संलयन ऊर्जा कार्यक्रम का पिछले कुछ दशकों में निरंतर क्रमिक-विकास हुआ है। अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संलयन ऊर्जा परियोजना – अंतर्राष्ट्रीय तापनाभिकीय प्रायोगिक रिएक्टर (आई टी ई आर) में भारत के योगदान का उल्लेख कीजिए। वैश्विक ऊर्जा के भविष्य के लिए इस परियोजना की सफलता के क्या निहितार्थ होंगे ? (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)

Q5 of the 2025 UPSC Mains General Studies GS Paper III, as printed
The question as printed in the 2025 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.

India's role in ITER is concentrated in advanced cryogenics, plasma diagnostics, heating and materials testing. IPR, Gandhinagar, leads India's in-kind contribution, supplying high-technology cryogenic cooling systems and cryo-distribution components for ITER's superconducting magnets and cryoplant in the 4.5 K/80 K regime, along with heating-system elements and tritium-handling expertise. This builds on India's domestic tokamak experience, from SST-1 to the Aditya-U upgrades, strengthening indigenous plasma, cryogenic and high-voltage engineering. India's participation validates its ability to deliver mission-critical systems on international timelines and builds institutional credibility for future fusion projects.

Success of ITER would demonstrate carbon-neutral baseload fusion power, reducing fossil-fuel dependence and supporting climate goals. For developing nations, it can improve energy security by offering a low-carbon, fuel-diversified option. Strategically, it will transfer high-technology know-how, create domestic supply chains, and position India in global clean-energy diplomacy. Thus, ITER success would make fusion a credible pillar of the future global energy mix.

What "Mention" is asking you to do

Put specific factual content on record — the names, features, targets or instances the stem asks for. Mention is usually the subordinate half of a larger question, so it must be done fully but quickly, leaving room for the part that carries the main directive.

Structure that answers it

The items named directly, without preamble → one qualifying detail against each → straight on to the part of the stem the marks actually sit in

Where marks are lost

Gesturing at the category instead of naming the particulars, or expanding it until the analytical half of the question is squeezed.

All UPSC directive words, compared →

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

Framework: GS3 Technology: why it matters, use, benefit, risk, policy. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise details on India's 9% share/TF coil + clear link to climate goals.

Key points expected

  • Identify India as one of the 7 member states
  • Mention specific contribution (e.g., 9% cost share, TF coil manufacturing)
  • State benefit: virtually limitless, clean energy source
  • State benefit: reduction in carbon emissions/climate change

Evaluation rubric

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

  1. The answer Define India's specific role in ITER and analyze the global energy implications of its success. 10 marks · 150 words

    explain— definition/context → points in order → small example → short close

    Must cover

    • Identify India as one of the 7 member states
    • Mention specific contribution (e.g., 9% cost share, TF coil manufacturing)
    • State benefit: virtually limitless, clean energy source
    • State benefit: reduction in carbon emissions/climate change

    Loses marks

    • Confusing fusion with fission (nuclear power)
    • Vague generalities without specific ITER details
    • Ignoring the 'implications' part of the question

    Earns more

    • Mention 'fuel' aspect (Deuterium/Tritium availability)
    • Mention 'safety' aspect (no meltdown risk)
    • Reference to India's domestic fusion program (IFEC)

    Extra mark

    • Mention specific Indian contribution: Toroidal Field (TF) coil
    • Mention specific location: ITER site in France

Practice this exact question

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