UPSC Mains Exam - General Studies (Paper-3)

 

UPSC Mains Exam 2019 - General Studies (Paper-3)

Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management

Q1. Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been subsumed in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Also, comment on the revenue implications of the GST introduced in India since July 2017. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Q2. Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Q3. How far is Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural production? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Q4. Elaborate the impact of National Watershed Project in increasing agricultural production from water-stressed areas. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Q5. How was India benefitted from the contributions of Sir M.Visvesvaraya and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan in the fields of water engineering and agricultural science respectively? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Q6. What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Q7. Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment. Analyse the impact of sand mining along the Indian coasts, citing specific examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Q8. Vulnerability is an essential element for defining disaster impacts and its threat to people. How and in what ways can vulnerability to disasters be characterized? Discuss different types of vulnerability with reference to disasters. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Q9. The banning of ‘Jamaat-e – islaami’ in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize influence of OGWs. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Q10. What is CyberDome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet crimes in India. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Q11. It is argued that the strategy of inclusive growth is intended to meet the objectives of inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment on this statement. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Q12. The public expenditure management is a challenge to the government of India in the context of budget making during the post-liberalization period. Clarify it. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Q13. What are the reformative steps taken by the government to make food grain distribution system more effective? (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Q14. Elaborate the policy taken by the government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Q15. How is the government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Q16. How can biotechnology improve the living standards of farmers? (Answer in 250 words)  15 Marks

Q17. Define the concept of carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for sustainable development of a region. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Q18. Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will help in disaster mitigation in the case of landslides. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Q19. Indian government has recently strengthened the anti-terrorism laws by amending the unlawful activities (Prevention) act (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA Act. Analyze the changes in the context of prevailing security environment while discussing the scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organizations. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Q20. Cross-border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also discuss the steps to counter the challenges. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

UPSC Mains Exam 2018 - General Studies (Paper-3)
Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management

1.        “Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

2.       Comment on the important changes introduced in respect of the Long-term Capital Gains Tax (LCGT) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in the Union Budget for 2018-2019. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

3.       What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low income trap? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

4.       Examine the role of supermarkets in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables and food items. How do they eliminate number of intermediaries? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

5.       Discuss the work of 'Bose-Einstein Statistics' done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it revolutionized the field of Physics. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

6.       What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

7.       What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of wise use' in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

8.       Sikkim is the first ‘Organic State' in India. What are the ecological and economical benefits of Organic State? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

9.       The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China's larger 'One Belt One Road' initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

10.    Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India's approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

11.    How are the principles followed by the NITI Aayog different from those followed by the erstwhile Planning Commission in India? (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

12.    How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India? (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

13.    Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers? (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

14.    How has the emphasis on certain crops brought about changes in cropping patterns in recent past? Elaborate the emphasis on millets production and consumption. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

15.    Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefitted the field of biopharma? (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

16.    With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. " (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

17.    How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

18.    Describe various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before and after signing 'Sendai Framework for DRR (2015-2030)'. How is this framework different from ‘Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005’? (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

19.    Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized world due to rising cyber crimes. The Justice B. N. Srikrishna Committee Report addresses issues related to data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weaknesses of the Report relating to protection of personal data in cyber space? (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

20.    India's proximity to two of the world's biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug or illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What counter-measures should be taken to prevent the same? (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

 

UPSC Mains Exam 2017 - General Studies (Paper-3)
Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management

Marks: 250                                                                                                                        Time Allowed: 3 Hours

Instructions: All Questions are compulsory. 

1.       Among several factors for India’s potential growth, savings rate is the most effective one. Do you agree? What are the other factors available for growth potential?    (10 Marks)

2.       Account for the failure of manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour-intensive rather than capital – intensive exports.    (10 Marks)

3.       Examine the development of airports in India through joint ventures under Public – private Partnership (PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this regard?    (10 Marks)

4.       Explain various types of revolutions, took place in agriculture after Independence in India. How these revolutions have helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India?    (10 Marks)

5.       What are the reasons for poor acceptance of cost-effective small processing unit? How the food processing unit will be helpful to uplift the socio-economic status of poor farmers?    (10 Marks)

6.       Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including Leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and servere burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments?    (10 Marks)

7.       India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbitter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space missions. What are the main obstacles to launching a manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Examine critically.     (10 Marks)

8.       Not many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is becoming a reality in the country. Discuss the advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the environment.     (10 Marks)

9.       Discuss the potential threats of Cyber attack and the security framework to prevent it.    (10 Marks)

10.    The North- East region of India has been infested with insurgency for a very long time. Analyze the major reasons for the survival of armed insurgency in this region.     (10 Marks)

11.    One of intended objectives of the Union Budget 2017-18 is to transform, energise and clean India’. Analyse the measure proposed in the Budget 2017-18 to achieve the objective.     (15 Marks)

12.    “Industrial growth rate has lagged-behind in the overall growth of Gross-Domestic-product (GDP) in the post-reform period.” Give reasons. How far the recent changes in Industrial-policy are capable of increasing the industrial growth rate?     (15 Marks)

13.    What are the salient features of inclusive growth? Has India been experiencing such a growth process? Analyse and suggest measures for inclusive growth.      (15 Marks)

14.    What are the major reasons for declining rice and wheat yield in the cropping system? How crop diversification is helpful to stablise the yield of the crops in the system?     (15 Marks)

15.    How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of the crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and marginal farmers ?       (15 Marks)

16.    Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantages of fast breeder reactor programme in India?     (15 Marks)

17.    ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change?     (15 Marks)

18.    On December 2004, tsunami brought havoc on fourteen countries including India. Discuss the factor responsible for occurrence of tsunami and its effects on life and economy. In the light of guidelines of NDMA (2010) describe the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events.     (15 Marks)

19.    Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable example, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence.      (15 Marks)

20.    The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding?        (15 Marks)

 

UPSC Mains Exam 2016 - General Studies (Paper-3)

Answer all the following questions. Each question is to be answered in not more than 200 words. Each question carries equal marks.

1.       How globalization has led to the reduction of employment in the formal sector of the Indian economy? Is increased informalization detrimental to the development of the country? 12.5 marks

2.       Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context? 12.5 marks

3.       Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is necessary for bringing unbanked to the institutional finance fold. Do you agree with this for financial inclusion of the poorer section of the Indian society? Give arguments to justify your opinion. 12.5 marks

4.       What are 'Smart Cities'? Examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for 'Smart Villages' in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission. 12.5 marks

5.       Justify the need for FDI for the development of the Indian economy. Why there is gap between MOUs signed and actual FDIS? Suggest remedial steps to be taken for increasing actual FDIs in India. 12.5 marks

6.       Comment on the challenges for inclusive growth which include careless and useless manpower in the Indian context. Suggest measures to be taken for facing these challenges. 12.5 marks

7.       What is water-use efficiency? Describe the role of micro-irrigation in increasing the water-use efficiency. 12.5 marks

8.       What is allclopatlıy? Discuss its role in major cropping systems of irrigated agriculture.  12.5 marks

9.       Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development. Identify the factors that were responsible for the success of land reforms in India. 12.5 marks

10.    Given the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). 12.5 marks

11.    Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). 12.5 marks

12.    Discuss India's achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development? 12.5 marks

13.    Why is nanotechnology one of the key technologies of the 21st century? Describe the salient features of Indian Government's Mission on Nanoscience and Technology and the scope of its application in the development process of the country. 12.5 marks

14.    Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the important environmental impacts which always attracts controversy while planning major projects. Discuss the measures suggested for mitigation of this impact while proposing major developmental projects.  12.5 marks

15.    The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. 12.5 marks

16.    With reference to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines, discuss the measures to be adopted to mitigate the impact of the recent incidents of cloudbursts in many places of Uttarakhand. 12.5 marks

17.    The terms 'Hot Pursuit' and 'Surgical Strikes' are often used in connection with armed action against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions. 12.5 marks

18.    "Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades." Analyze the above statement. 12.5 marks

19.    Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management. 12.5 marks

20.    Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major security concern. How have these been misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat. 12.5 marks

UPSC Mains Exam 2015 - General Studies (Paper - 3)

"Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management"

Duration: 3 hours

Instructions: Answer the following questions in not more than 200 words each. Contents of the answers are more important than their length. All questions carry equal marks.

Note: Each question carries 12.5 Marks (12.5×20 = 200 Marks )

Q1. The nature of economic growth in India in recent times is often described as a jobless growth. Do you agree with this view? Give arguments in favour of your answer.

Q2. Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non- farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sector in India.

Q3. In the view of the declining average size of land holdings in India which has made agriculture non – viable for a majority of farmers should contract farming and land leasing be promoted in agriculture? critically evaluate the pros and cons.

Q4. How can the Digital India program help farmers to improve farm productivity and income? What step has the government taken in this regard?

Q5. In what way could replacement of price subsidy with direct benefit Transfer (DBT) change the scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss.

Q6. What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in developing the food processing industry in India? Can e-commerce help in overcoming this bottleneck?

Q7. Craze for gold in Indian has led to surge in import of gold in recent years and put pressure on balance of payments and external value of rupee. In view of this, examine the merits of Gold Monetization scheme.

Q8. “Success of make in India program depends on the success of Skill India programme and radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments.

Q9. To what factors can be the recent dramatic fall in equipment cost and tariff of solar energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for thermal power producers and related industry?

Q10. There is a clear acknowledgement that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are a tool of industrial development, manufacturing and exports. Recognising this potential, the whole instrumentality of SEZs require augmentation. Discuss the issue plaguing the success of SEZs with respect to taxation, governing laws and administration.

Q11. What do you understand by “Standard Positioning System” and “Precision positioning system” in the GPS era? Discuss the advantage India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme employing just seven satellites.

Q12. What are the areas of prohibitive labour that can be sustainably managed by robots? Discuss the initiatives that can propel the research in premier research institutes for substantive and gainful innovation.

Q13. Discuss the advantage and security implication of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis in house machine based hosting for government business.

Q14. India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pro and cons of making the database available publicly available under open source licensing.

Q15. Discuss the Namami Gange and National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) programmes and causes of mixed results from the previous schemes. What quantum leaps can help preserve the river Ganga better than incremental inputs?

Q16. The frequency of earthquakes appears to have increased in the Indian subcontinent. However, India’s preparedness for mitigating their impact has significant gaps. Discuss various aspects.

Q17. Human right activists constantly highlight the fact that the Armed forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human right abuses by security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists. Critically evaluate the requirement with reference to the view held by Apex Court.

Q18. Religious indoctrination via social media has resulted in Indian youth joining the ISIS. What is ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous to the internal security of our country.

Q19. The persisting drives of the government for development of large industries in backward areas have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements. With Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discuss the corrective strategies needed to win the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) doctrine affected citizens back into mainstream of social and economic growth.

Q20. Considering the threats cyberspace poses for the country, India needs a “Digital Armed Forces” to prevent crimes. Critically evaluate the National Cyber Security Policy, 2013 outlining the challenges perceived in its effective implementation.