[Download] UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-3 (2013-2022) Topicwise papers: Economy, Agriculture, Environment, Disaster management, science technology and internal security since new syllabus

Prologue

In 2013, UPSC changed the syllabus-pattern of Mains examination and the number of general studies (GS) papers were increased from two to four. Out of them, GS Paper-3 deals with Economy, Agriculture, Environment, Disaster management, science technology and internal security. Here are the topicwise sorted questions since the pattern change:

Category	GSM3	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Economy	Growth	10	25	37.5	25	35	15	25	20	40	25
Economy	Budget	30	0	12.5	12.5	15	10	25	15	10	0
Economy	Liberlization	20	25	0	12.5	15	15	0	0	0	0
Economy	Infra, Invest	10	37.5	12.5	25	10	25	0	15	15	10
Food	Land Reform	10	0	0	12.5	0	0	0	0	10	0
Food	Cropping	0	0	0	37.5	15	40	45	30	25	15
Food	MSP-PDS	20	12.5	0	0	15	10	15	0	0	10
Food	E-Tech in aid	0	0	12.5	0	10	0	0	0	0	0
Food	Food Processing	10	12.5	37.5	0	10	10	15	20	0	25
Science	Sci.Tech	40	12.5	25	0	10	15	0	35	30	25
Science	Sci.Tech (Indian)	0	25	12.5	25	25	10	25	0	0	25
environment	Environment	35	25	25	25	25	35	15	50	35	40
environment	Disaster	10	12.5	12.5	25	15	15	35	15	25	25
Crime	Develop vs Exterm.	10	0	12.5	12.5	40	10	25	15	30	15
Crime	Border	10	62.5	25	25	0	10	15	25	10	10
Crime	Cyber Security	25	0	25	12.5	10	15	10	10	10	15
Crime	organized crime	10	0	0	0	0	15	0	0	10	10

[Block #1] Economy, Investment, Infrastructure

This block contains topics related to economy, infrastructure, investment

Growth and Resource mobilization

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Indian Economy (issues re: planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development, employment); Inclusive growth and issues therein

Is inclusive growth possible under market economy? State the significance of financial inclusion in achieving economic growth in India. (Q2. क्या बाज़ार अर्थव्यवस्था के अन्तर्गत समावेशी विकास संभव है? भारत में आर्थिक विकास की प्राप्ति के लिए वित्तीय समावेश के महत्व का उल्लेख कीजिए।)	2022
Economic growth in the recent past has been led by increase in labour productivity. Explain this statement. Suggest the growth pattern that will lead to creation of more jobs without compromising labour productivity. (Q11. “हाल के दिनों का आर्थिक विकास श्रम उत्पादकता में वृद्धि के कारण संभव हुआ है।” इस कथन को समझाइए । ऐसे संवृद्धि प्रतिरूप को प्रस्तावित कीजिए जो श्रम उत्पादकता से समझौता किए बिना अधिक रोजगार उत्पत्ति में सहायक हो)	2022
Explain the difference between computing methodology of India’s gross domestic product (GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015. (Answer in 150 words) भारत की सकल घरेलू उत्पाद (जी. डी. पी.) के वर्ष 2015 के पूर्व तथा वर्ष 2015 के पश्चात परिकलन विधि में अंतर की व्याख्या कीजिए।	2021
Do you agree that the Indian economy has recently experienced a V-shaped recovery? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 250 words) क्या आप सहमत हैं की भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था ने हाल ही में V-आकार के पुनरुत्थान का अनुभव किया है? कारण सहित अपने उत्तर की पुष्टि कीजिए ।	2021
What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India? (Answer in 250 words) राष्ट्रीय खाद्य सुरक्षा अधिनियम, 2013 की मुख्य विशेषताएँ क्या हैं ? खाद्य सुरक्षा विधेयक ने भारत में भूख तथा कुपोषण को दूर करने में किस प्रकार सहायता की है?	2021
Explain intra-generational and inter-generational issues of equity from the perspective of inclusive growth and sustainable development. (समावेशी संवृद्धि एवं संपोषणीय विकास के परिप्रेक्ष्य में, आंतपीढ़ी एवं अंतपीढ़ी साम्या के विषयों की व्याख्या कीजिए l )	2020
Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP? (संभाव्य स.घ.उ.(जी.डी.पी.) को परिभाषित कीजिए तथा उसके निर्धारकों की व्याख्या कीजिए l वे कौन-से करक हैं, जो भारत को अपने संभाव्य स.घ.उ.(जी.डी.पी.) को साकार करने से रोकते रहे हैं?)	2020
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. (क्या आप इस मत से सहमत हैं की सकल घरेलू उत्पाद (जी. डी. पी) की स्थायी संवृद्धि तथा निम्न मुद्रास्फीति के कारण भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था अच्छी स्थिति में है ? अपने तर्कों के समर्थन में कारण दीजिए \|)	2019
It is argued that the strategy of inclusive growth is intended to meet the objectives of inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment on this statement. (यह तर्क दिया जाता है की समावेशी संवृद्धि की रणनीति का आशय एकसाथ समावेशिता और धारणीयता के उदेश्यों को प्राप्त किया जाना है \| इस कथन पर टिपण्णी कीजिए \|)	2019
How are the principles followed by the NITI Aayog different from those followed by the erstwhile Planning Commission in India?	2018
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?	2017
Account for the failure of manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour-intensive exports rather than capital-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour-intensive rather than capital-intensive exports.	2017
What are the salient features of ‘inclusive growth’? Has India been experiencing such a growth process? Analyze and suggest measures for inclusive growth.	2017
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.	2016
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.	2016
The nature of economic growth in India in described as jobless growth. Do you agree with this view? Give arguments in favour of your answer.	2015
Craze for gold in Indians have led to a 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.	2015
Capitalism has guided the world economy to unprecedented prosperity. However, it often encourages shortsightedness and contributes to wide disparities between the rich and the poor. In this light, would it be correct to believe and adopt capitalism driving inclusive growth in India? Discuss.	2014
With a consideration towards the strategy of inclusive growth, the new companies bill, 2013 has indirectly made CSR a mandatory obligation. Discuss the challenges expected in its implementation in right earnest. Also discuss other provisions in the bill and their implications.	2013
“Success of ‘Make in India’ programme depends on the success of ‘Skill India’ programme and radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments.	2015
While we found India’s demographic dividend, we ignore the dropping rates of employability. What are we missing while doing so? Where will the jobs that India desperately needs come from? Explain.	2014

Economy: Budget

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Government Budgeting

Distinguish between capital budget and revenue budget. Explain the components of both these Budgets. (Answer in 150 words) पूँजी बजट तथा राजस्व बजट के मध्य अन्तर स्पष्ट कीजिए। इन दोनों बजटों के संघटकों को समझाइए।	2021
Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act of 2017. How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal tensions? (वास्तु एवं सेवा कर (राज्यों को क्षतिपूर्ति) अधिनियम, 2017 के तर्काधार की व्याख्या कीजिए l कोविद-19 ने कैसे वास्तु ाववम सेवा कर क्षतिपूर्ति निधि (जी.एस.टी.कॉम्पेन्सेशन फन्ड) को प्रभावित और नये संघीय तनावों को उत्पन्न किया है?)	2020
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. (उन अप्रत्यक्ष करों को गिनाइए जो भारत में वस्तु एवं सेवा कर में सम्मिलित किये गए हैं \| भारत में जुलाई २०१७ से क्रियान्वित (जी. एस. टी) के राजस्व निहितार्थों पर भी टिपण्णी कीजिए \|)	2019
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. (उत्तर-उदारीकरण अवधि के दौरान, बजट निर्माण के संदर्भ में, लोक व्यय प्रबंधन भारत सरकार के समक्ष एक चुनौती है \| इसको स्पष्ट कीजिए \|)	2019
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.	2018
One of the intended objectives of Union Budget 2017-18 is to ‘transform, energize and clean India’. Analyse the measures proposed in the Budget 2017-18 to achieve the objective.	2017
Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context?	2016
In what way could replacement of price subsidy with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) change the scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss.	2015
What are the reasons for introduction of Fiscal responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) act, 2003? Discuss critically its salient features and their effectiveness.	2013
What is meaning of the term tax-expenditure? Taking housing sector as an example, discuss how it influences budgetary policies of the government.	2013
Discussion the rationale for introducing Good and services tax in India. Bring out critically the reasons for delay in roll out for its regime.	2013

Economy: Investment and Infrastructure, PPP

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Infrastructure (energy, ports, roads, airports, railways); Investment models

Why is Public Private Partnership (PPP) required in infrastructural projects? Examine the role of PPP model in the redevelopment of Railway Stations in India. (Q1. बुनियादी ढांचागत परियोजनाओं में सार्वजनिक निजी साझेदारी (पी.पी.पी.) की आवश्यकता क्यों है? भारत में रेलवे स्टेशनों के पुनर्विकास में पी.पी.पी. मॉडल की भूमिका का परीक्षण कीजिए)	2022
Investment in infrastructure is essential for a more rapid and inclusive economic growth. Discuss in the light of India’s experience. (250 words) “तीव्रतर एवं समावेशी आर्थिक संवृद्धि के लिए आधारिक-अवसंरचना में निवेश आवश्यक है।” भारतीय अनुभव की परिप्रेक्ष्य में विवेचना कीजिए।	2021
Explain the meaning of investment in an economy in terms of capital formation. Discuss the factors to be considered while designing a concession agreement between a public entity and a private entity. (एक अर्थव्यवस्था में पूँजी निर्माण के रूप में विनियोग के अर्थ की व्याख्या कीजिए l उन कारकों की विवेचना कीजिए, जिन पर एक सार्वजनिक एवं एक निजी निकाय के मध्य रिआयत (कॉनसेशन एग्रीमेन्ट) तैयार करते समय विचार किया जाना चाहिए l)	2020
With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy.	2018
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.	2018
Examine the developments of Airports in India through Joint Ventures under Public-Private Partnership(PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this regard.	2017
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.	2016
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.	2016
There is a clear acknowledgement that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are a tool of industrial development, manufacturing and exports. Recognizing this potential, the whole instrumentality of SEZs requires augmentation. Discuss the issues plaguing the success of SEZs with respect to taxation, governing laws and administration.	2015
The right to fair compensation and transparency land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement act, 2013 has come into effect from 1 January 2014. What implication would it have on industrialisation and agriculture in India?	2014
National urban transport policy emphasizes on moving people instead of moving vehicles. Discuss critically the success of various strategies of the government in this regard.	2014
Explain how private public partnership agreements, in longer gestation infrastructure projects, can transfer unsuitable liabilities to the future. What arrangements need to be put in place to ensure that successive generations’ capacities are not compromised?	2014
Adaptation of PPP model for infrastructure development of the country has not been free from criticism. Critically discuss the pros and cons of the model.	2013

Economy: Liberalization

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Effects of Liberalisation on the economy; Changes in Industrial policy & their effects on industrial growth

How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India?	2018
“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?	2017
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?	2016
Normally countries shift from agriculture to industry and then later to services, but India shifted directly from agriculture to services. What are the reasons for the huge growth of services vis-a-vis industry in the country? Can India become a developed country without a strong industrial base?	2014
Foreign direct investment in the defence sector is now said to be liberalised. What influence this is expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long run?	2014
Examine the impact of liberalization on companies owned by Indian. Are the competing with the MNCs satisfactorily?	2013
Discuss the impact of FDI entry into multi-trade retail sector on supply chain management in commodity trade pattern of the economy.	2013
Though India allowed foreign direct investment (FDI) in what is called multi brand retail through joint venture route in September 2012, the FDI even after a year, has not picket up. Discuss the reasons.	2013

[Block#2] Agriculture

This block contains Topics related to farming, food processing and food security

Food: Cropping-irrigation

What is Integrated Farming System? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India? 15 (Q14. समेकित कृषि प्रणाली क्या है? भारत में छोटे और सीमांत किसानों के लिए यह कैसे लाभदायक हो सकती है? ( 250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए))	2022
How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis? (150 words) भारत के जल संकट के समाधान में, सूक्ष्म-सिंचाई कैसे और किस सीमा तक सहायक होगी?	2021
What is the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification? (250 words) फ़सल विविधता है के समक्ष मौजूदा चुनौतियाँ क्या हैं? उभरती प्रौद्योगिकीयाँ फ़सल विविधता के लिए किस प्रकार अवसर प्रदान करती है ?	2021
What are the major factors responsible for making rice-wheat system a success? In spite of this success how has this system become bane in India? (धान-गेहूं प्रणाली को सफल बनाने के लिए कौन-से प्रमुख कारक उत्तरदायी हैं? इस सफलता के बावजूद यह प्रणाली भारत में अभिशाप कैसे बन गई है?)	2020
Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenario. (रिक्तीकरण परिदृश्य में विवेकी जल उपयोग के लिए जल भंडाराण और सिंचाई प्रणाली में सुधार के उपायों को सुजाइए l)	2020
How can biotechnology improve the living standards of farmers? (किसानों के जीवन मानकों को उन्नत करने के लिए जैव प्रौद्योगिकी किस प्रकार सहायता कर सकती है?)	2019
How far is the Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural production? (एकीकृत कृषि प्रणाली (आइ. एफ. एस) किस सीमा तक कृषि उत्पादन को संधारित करने में सहायक है ?)	2019
Elaborate on the impact of the National Watershed Project in increasing agricultural production from water-stressed areas. (जल-प्रतिबलित क्षेत्रों से कृषि उत्पादन में वृद्धि करने में जल-विभाजक परियोजना के प्रभाव को सविस्तार स्पष्ट कीजिए \|)	2019
How was India benefited from the contributions of Sir M.Visvesvaraya and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan in the fields of water engineering and agricultural science respectively?(जल इंजीनियरी और कृषि-विज्ञान के क्षेत्रों में क्रमश: सर एम. विश्वेश्वरैया और डॉ. एम. एस. स्वामीनाथन के योगदानों से भारत को किस प्रकार लाभ पहुंचा था ?)	2019
Sikkim is the first ‘Organic State’ in India. What are the ecological and economical benefits of Organic State?	2018
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?	2018
How has the emphasis on certain crops brought about changes in cropping patterns in recent past? Elaborate the emphasis on millets production and consumption.	2018
What are the major reasons for declining rice and wheat yield in the cropping system? How crop diversification is helpful to stabilize the yield of the crop in the system?	2017
What is water-use efficiency? Describe the role of micro-irrigation in increasing the water-use efficiency.	2016
What is allelopathy? Discuss its role in major cropping systems of irrigated agriculture.	2016
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)	2016

Food: Tech. in aid of farmers

GS3 Syllabus Topic: e-technology to aid farmers, Technology missions;

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?	2017
How can the ‘Digital India’ programme help farmers to improve farm productivity and income? What steps has the Government taken in this regards?	2015

Food: Food processing industry

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Food processing and related industries in India (scope & significance, location, upstream-downstream requirements, supply chain management); storage, transport & marketing of agro-produce and related issues & constraints; Economics of animal-rearing

Elaborate the scope and significance of the food processing industry in India. (Q4. भारत में खाद्य प्रसंस्करण उद्योग के कार्यक्षेत्र और महत्व का सविस्तार वर्णन कीजिए)	2022
What are the main bottlenecks in upstream and downstream process of marketing of agricultural products in India? (Q13′ भारत में कृषि उत्पादों के विपणन की ऊर्ध्वमुखी और अधोमुखी प्रक्रिया में मुख्य बाधाएँ क्या हैं?)	2022
What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India? (भारत में कृषि उत्पादों के परिवहन एवं विपणन में मुख्या बाधाएँ क्या हैं?)	2020
What are the challenges and opportunities of food processing sector in the country? How can income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing? (देश में खाद्य प्रसंस्करण क्षेत्र की चुनौतियां एवं अवसर क्या है? खाद्य प्रसंस्करण को प्रोत्साहित कर कृषकों की आय में पर्याप्त वृद्धि कैसे की जा सकती है?)	2020
Elaborate on the policy taken by the government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector. (खाद्य प्रसंस्करण क्षेत्रक की चुनौतियों के समाधान हेतु भारत सरकार द्वारा अपनाई गई नीति को सविस्तार स्पष्ट कीजिए \|)	2019
Examine the role of supermarkets in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables and food items. How do they eliminate number of intermediaries?	2018
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?	2017
Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sectors in India	2015
In 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.	2015
What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in industry in India? Can e-commerce help in overcoming these bottlenecks?	2015
There is also a point of view that agriculture produce market committees (APMCs) set up under the state acts have not only impeded the development of agriculture but also have been the cause of food inflation in India. Critically examine.	2014
India needs to strengthen measures to promote the pink revolution in food industry for better nutrition and health. Critically elucidate the statement.	2013

Food: Land reforms

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Land Reforms in India

How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginal and small farmers? (150 words) देश के कुछ भागों में भूमि सुधारों ने सीमांत और लघु किसानों की सामाजिक-आर्थिक स्थिति कि सुधारने के लिए किस प्रकार सहायता की है?	2021
Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development. Identify the factors that were responsible for the success of land reforms in India.	2016
Establish the relationship between land reform, agriculture productivity and elimination of poverty in Indian Economy. Discussion the difficulty in designing and implementation of the agriculture friendly land reforms in India.	2013

Food: MSP and PDS

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Farm subsidies and MSP and issues therein (direct and indirect); PDS (objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping, issues of buffer stocks & food security)

What are the major challenges of Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? How can it be made effective and transparent? (Q3. भारत में सार्वजनिक वितरण प्रणाली (पी.डी.एस.) की प्रमुख चुनौतियाँ क्या है? इसे किस प्रकार प्रभावी तथा पारदर्शी बनाया जा सकता है?)	2022
What are the reformative steps taken by the government to make food grain distribution system more effective? (अनाज वितरण प्रणाली को अधिक प्रभावी बनाने हेतु सरकार द्वारा कौन-कौन से सुधारात्मक कदम उठाए गए हैं ?)	2019
What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low income trap?	2018
How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and marginal farmers?	2017
“In the villages itself no form of credit organisation will be suitable except the cooperative society.” – All Indian rural credit survey. Discuss this statement in the background of agriculture finance in India. What constrain and challenges do financial institutions supplying agricultural finances? How can technology be used to better reach and serve rural clients?	2014
Food security bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in WTO	2013
What are the different types of agriculture subsidies given to farmers at the national and state levels? Critically analyze the agriculture subsidy regime with the reference to the distortions created by it.	2013

[Block #3] Disasters, Environment, Science Tech

This block contains topics related to environment, science-tech and disaster management

Figure 1: This graph shows trend of block3 and block4

Disaster Management

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Disasters & Disaster Management

Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples. (Q8. भारतीय उपमहाद्वीप के संदर्भ में बादल फटने की क्रियाविधि और घटना को समझाइए । हाल के दो उदाहरणों की चर्चा कीजिए।)	2022
Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard? (Q18. भारत में तटीय अपरदन के कारणों एवं प्रभावों को समझाइए । ख़तरे का मुकाबला करने के लिए उपलब्ध तटीय प्रबंधन तकनीकें क्या है?)	2022
Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades. (150 words) भूकम्प संबंधित संकटों के लिए भारत की भेध्यता की विवेचना कीजिए। पिछले तीन दशकों में, भारत के बिभिन्न भागों में भूकम्प द्वारा उत्पन्न बड़ी आपदाओं के उदाहरण प्रमुख विशेषताओं के साथ दीजिए।	2021
Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. (आपदा प्रबन्धन में पूर्ववर्ती प्रतिक्रियात्मक उपागम से हटते हुए भारत सरकार द्वारा आरम्भ किए गए अभिनूतन उपायों की विवेचना कीजिए l)	2020

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. (किसी भी आपदा प्रबंधन प्रक्रम में आपदा तैयारी पहला कदम होता है \| भुस्खलनों के मामले में, स्पष्ट कीजिए की संकट अनुक्षेत्र मानचित्रण किस प्रकार आपदा अल्पीकरण में मदद करेगा \|)	2019
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. (आपदा प्रभावों और लोगों के लिए उसके खतरे को परिभाषित करने के भेद्यता एक अत्यावश्यक तत्त्व है \| आपदाओं के प्रति भेद्यता का किस प्रकार और किन-किन तरीकों के साथ चरित्र-चित्रण किया जा सकता है ? आपदाओं के संदर्भ में भेद्यता के विभिन्न प्रकारों पर चर्चा कीजिए \|)	2019
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?	2018
On December 2004, tsumani brought havoc on 14 countries including India. Discuss the factors 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.	2017
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.	2016
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.	2016
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.	2015
Drought has been recognised as a disaster in view of its party expense, temporal duration, slow onset and lasting effect on various vulnerable sections. With a focus on the September 2010 guidelines from the National disaster management authority, discuss the mechanism for preparedness to deal with the El Nino and La Nina fallouts in India.	2014
How important are vulnerability and risk assessment for pre-disaster management. As an administrator ,what are key areas that you would focus in a disaster management	2013

Environment and Pollution Control

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Environmental conservation; Environmental pollution and degradation; Environmental Impact Assessment

Pollution	Discuss in detail the photochemical amog emphasizing its formation, effects and mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol. (Q7. इसके निर्माण, प्रभाव और शमन को महत्व देते हुए फोटोकेमिकल स्मॉग की विस्तारपूर्वक चर्चा कीजिए । 1999 के गोथेनवर्ग प्रोटोकॉल को समझाइए \|)	2022
Pollution	Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030 ? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective? Explain. (Q12. क्या आपके विचार में भारत अपनी ऊर्जा आवश्यकता का 50 प्रतिशत भाग, वर्ष 2030 तक नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा से प्राप्त कर लेगा ? अपने उत्तर के औचित्य को सिद्ध कीजिए। जीवाश्म ईंधनों से सब्सिडी हटाकर उसे नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा स्रोतों में लगाना उपर्युक्त उद्देश्य पूर्ति में किस प्रकार सहायक होगा? समझाइए ।)	2022
Pollution	Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997. (Q17. ग्लोबल वार्मिंग (वैश्विक तापन) की चर्चा कीजिए और वैश्विक जलवायु पर इसके प्रभावों का उल्लेख कीजिए । क्योटो प्रोटोकॉल, 1997 के आलोक में ग्लोबल वार्मिंग का कारण बनने वाली ग्रीनहाउस गैसों के स्तर को कम करने के लिए नियंत्रण उपायों को समझाइए ।)	2022
Energy	Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at world leaders Summit of the COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glassgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (150 words) नवम्बर,2021 में ग्लासगो में विश्व के नेताओं के शिखर सम्मेलन में सी. ओ. पी. 26 संयुक्त राष्ट्र जलवायु परिवर्तन सम्मेलन में, आरम्भ की गई हरित ग्रिड पहल का प्रयोजन स्पष्ट कीजिए। अंतर्राष्ट्रीय सौर गठबंधन (आई एस ए) में यह विचार पहली बार कब दिया गया था?	2021
Pollution	Describe the key points of the revised Global Air-Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve these revised standards? (150 words) विश्व स्वास्थ्य संगठन (डब्ल्यू एच ओ) द्वारा हाल ही में जारी किए गए संशोधित वैश्विक वायु गुणवत्ता दिशानिर्देशों (ए. क्यू. जी.) के मुख्य बिंदुओं का वर्णन कीजिए। विगत 2005 के अध्यतन से, ये किस प्रकार भिन्न हैं? इन संशोधित मानकों को प्राप्त करने की लिए, भारत के राष्ट्रीय स्वच्छ वायु कार्यक्रम में किन परिवर्तनों की आवश्यकता है?	2021
Pollution	Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (250 words) संयुक्त राष्ट्र जलवायु परिवर्तन फ़्रेमवर्क सम्मेलन (यू. एन. एफ. सी. सी. सी.) के सी. ओ. पी. के 26 वें सत्र के प्रमुख परिणामों का वर्णन कीजिए । इस सम्मेलन में भारत द्वारा दी गई वचनबद्धताएँ क्या हैं ?	2021
EIA	How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006? (पर्यावरण प्रभाव आकलन (ई.आइ.ए.) अधिसूचना, 2020 प्रारूप मौजूदा ई.आइ.ए.अधिसूचना, 2006 से कैसे भिन्न हैं?)	2020
Water	What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launches by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (जल संरक्षण एवं जल सुरक्षा हेतु भारत सर्कार द्वारा प्रवर्तित जल शक्ति अभियान की प्रमुख विशेषताएँ क्या हैं?)	2020
Energy	Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose? (पारम्परिक ऊर्जा उत्पादन के विपरीत सूर्य के प्रकाश से विद्युत ऊर्जा प्राप्त करने के लाभों का वर्णन कीजिए l इस प्रयोजनार्थ हमारी सरकार द्वारा प्रस्तुत पहल क्या हैं?)	2020
Pollution-Air	What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India? (भारत सरकार द्वारा आरम्भ किए गए राष्ट्रीय स्वच्छ वायु कार्यक्रम (एन.सी.ए.पी.) की प्रमुख विशेषताएँ क्या हैं?)	2020
EIA	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. (पर्यावरण से सम्बंधित पारिस्थितिक तंत्र की वहां क्षमता की संकल्पना की परिभाषा दीजिए \| स्पष्ट कीजिए की किसी प्रदेश के दीर्घोपयोगी विकास (सस्टेनेबल डेवलपमेंट) की योजना बनाते समय इस संकल्पना को समझना किस प्रकार महत्वपूर्ण है \|)	2019
EIA	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?	2018
EIA	What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of ‘wise use’ in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India.	2018
EIA	How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna?	2018
EIA	‘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?	2017
EIA	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.	2016
Energy-Thermal	What are the consequences of illegal mining? Discuss the ministry of environment and forests’ concept of “GO AND NO GO” zones for coal mining.	2013
Energy- RNW	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).	2016
Energy- RNW	To what factors can the recent dramatic fall in equipment costs and tariff of solar energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for the thermal power producers and the related industry?	2015
Energy- RNW	Should the pursuit of carbon credit and clean development mechanism set up under UNFCCC be maintained even through there has been a massive slide in the value of carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth.	2014
Thermal energy	Environmental impact assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before project is cleared by the government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants located at Pitheads.	2014
Thermal energy	Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to alleviate the problems of conventional energy.	2013
Water	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. (तटीय बालू खनन, चाहे वह वैध हो या अवैध हो, हमारे पर्यावरण के सामने सबसे बड़े खतरों में से एक है \| भारतीय तटों पर हो रहे बालू खनन के प्रभाव का, विशिष्ट उदाहरणों का हवाला देते हुए, विश्लेषण कीजिए \|)	2019
Water	Not many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is becoming reality in the country. Discuss the advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the environment.	2017
Water	What do you understand by run of the river hydroelectricity project? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project?	2013
Water	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?	2015
Water	Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions for management and handling of hazardous wastes in India?	2013

Science-Tech: Awareness

GS3 Syllabus Topic: S&T developments and everyday applications & effects; Awareness in fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotech, Biotech, IPR issues

Each year a large amount of plant material, cellulose, is deposited on the surface of Planet Earth. What are the natural processes this cellulose undergoes before yielding carbon dioxide, water and other end products? (Q6. पृथ्वी की सतह पर प्रति वर्ष बड़ी मात्रा में वनस्पति पदार्थ, सेलुलोस, जमा हो जाता है । यह सेलुलोस किन प्राकृतिक प्रक्रियाओं से गुजरता है जिससे कि वह कार्बन डाइऑक्साइड, जल तथा अन्य अंत्य उत्पादों में परिवर्तित हो जाता है?)	2022
Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? (Q15. 25 दिसम्बर, 2021 को छोड़ा गया जेम्स वेब अंतरिक्ष टेलीस्कोप तभी से समाचारों में बना हुआ है। \|उसमें ऐसी कौन-कौन सी अनन्य विशेषताएँ हैं जो उसे इससे पहले के अंतरिक्ष टेलीस्कोपों से श्रेष्ठ बनाती हैं? इस मिशन के मुख्य ध्येय क्या हैं? मानव जाति के लिए इसके क्या संभावित लाभ हो सकते हैं? ( 250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए))	2022
What are the research in developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poor sections of the society? (250 words) अनुप्रयुक्त जैव-प्रौद्योगिकी में शोध और विकास संबन्धी उपलब्धियाँ क्या है ? ये उपलब्धियाँ समाज के निर्धन वर्गों के उत्थान में किस प्रकार सहायक होंगी ?	2021
The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to a Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings? (250 words) वर्ष 2014 में भौतिक विज्ञान में नोबेल पुरस्कार संयुक्त रूप से आकसाकी, अमानो तथा नाकामुरा को 1990 के दशक में नीली एल. ई. डी. के आविष्कार के लिए प्रदान किया गया था। इस आविष्कार ने मानव-जाति के दैनंदिन जीवन को किस प्रकार प्रभावित किया है ?	2021
What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector? (नैनोटेक्नोलाजी से आप क्या समझते हैं और यह स्वास्थ्य क्षेत्र में कैसे मद्दद कर रहा है?)	2020
How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by the science-based technologies? (विज्ञान हमारे जीवन में गहराई तक कैसे गुथा हुआ है? विज्ञान-आधारित प्रौद्योगिकियों द्वारा कृषि में उत्पन्न हुए महत्वपूर्ण परिवर्तन क्या हैं?)	2020
COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management to the pandemic. (कोविड-19 महामारी ने विश्वभर में अभूतपूर्व तबाही उत्पन्न की है l तथापि, इस संकट पर विजय पाने के लिए प्रौद्योगिकीय प्रगति का लाभ स्वेच्छा से लिया जा रहा है l इस महामारी के प्रबन्धन के सहायतार्थ प्रौद्योगिकी की खोज कैसे की गई, उसका एक विवरण दीजिए l)	2020

Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefitted the field of biopharma?	2018
Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including Leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments?	2017
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 the country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pros and cons making this database publicly available under open-source licensing	2015
What are the areas of prohibitive labour that can be sustainably managed by robots? Discuss the initiatives that can propel research in premier research institutes for substantive and gainful innovation.	2015
In a globalised world, intellectual property rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms – copyrights, patents and trade secrets.	2014
What do you understand by Umpire decision review in cricket? Discuss its various components. Explain how silicon tape on the edge of a bat may fool the system?	2013
What is an FRP composite material? How are they manufactured? Discuss their applications in aviation and automobile industry	2013
Bring out the circumstances in 2005 which forced amendment to section 3(d) in the India n Patent Law, 1970. Discuss how it has been utilized by Supreme court in its judgment rejecting Novartis patent application for “Glivec”. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision.	2013
How does the 3D printing technology work? List out the advantages and disadvantages of the technology.	2013
What do you understand by fixed dose drug combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits and demerits.	2013

Science-Tech: Indians

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Achievements of Indians in S&T; Indigenisation of technology & development of new technology

The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them? (Q5. देश में आयु संभाविता में आई वृद्धि से समाज में नई स्वास्थ्य चुनौतियाँ खड़ी हो गई हैं। यह नई चुनौतियाँ कौन-कौन सी हैं और उनके समाधान हेतु क्या-क्या कदम उठाए जाने आवश्यक हैं?)	2022
What is the basic(principle behind vaccine development ? How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines? (Q16. वैक्सीन विकास का आधारभूत सिद्धांत क्या है? वैक्सीन कैसे कार्य करते हैं? कोविड-19 टीकों के निर्माण हेतु भारतीय वैक्सीन निर्माताओं ने क्या-क्या पद्धतियाँ अपनाई हैं?)	2022
What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (भारत की अपना स्वयं का अंतिरिक्ष केंद्र प्राप्त करने की योजना है और हमारे अंतिरिक्ष कार्यक्रम को यह किस प्रकार लाभ पहुंचाएगी ?)	2019
How is the government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (भैषजिक कंपनियों के द्वारा आयुविर्ज्ञान के पारंपरिक ज्ञान को पेटेंट कराने से भारत सरकार किस प्रकार रक्षा कर रही है ?)	2019
Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it revolutionized the field of Physics.	2018
India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbitter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Explain critically.	2017
Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of fast breeder reactor programme in India?	2017
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?	2016
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.	2016
What do you understand by ‘Standard Positioning Systems’ and ‘Protection Positioning Systems’ in the GPS era? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme employing just seven satellites.	2015
Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as attractive as our business operations, engineering or administration, and the universities are becoming consumer oriented. Critically comment.	2014
Can overuse and the availability of antibiotics without doctor’s prescription, the contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.	2014

[Block#4] Security

This block contains topics related to security, crime, extremism

Security: Terrorism, Extremists (LWE, NE)

GS3 Syllabus Topic:

Linkages between Development & spread of Extremism;
Linkages of Organized crime and Terrorism
Linkages of Pakistan and Terrorism

Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism. (Q20. नक्सलवाद एक सामाजिक, आर्थिक और विकासात्मक मुद्दा है जो एक हिंसक आन्तरिक सुरक्षा ख़तरे के में रूप प्रकट होता है । इस संदर्भ में उभरते हुए मुद्दों की चर्चा कीजिए और नक्सलवाद के ख़तरे से निपटने की बहुस्तरीय रणनीति का सुझाव दीजिए।)	2022
Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to take to be taken to combat the threats. (250 words) भारत की आंतरिक सुरक्षा के लिए बाह्य राज्यों और ग़ैर-राज्य कारकों द्वारा प्रस्तुत बहुआयामी चुनौतियों का विश्लेषण कीजिए । इन संकटों का मुक़ाबला करने के लिए आवश्यक उपायों की भी चर्चा कीजिए।	2021
Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism. (250 words) आतंकवाद की जटिलता और तीव्रता, इसके कारणों, संबंधों तथा अप्रिय गठजोड़ का विश्लेषण कीजिए । आतंकवाद के ख़तरे के अन्मूलन के लिए उठाए जाने वाले उपायों का भी सूजाव दीजिए ।	2021
What are the sound determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas? (भारत के पूर्वी भाग में वामपंथी उग्रवाद के निर्धारक क्या हैं? प्रभावित क्षेत्रों में खतरों के प्रतिकारार्थ भारत सरकार, नागरिक प्रशासन एवं सुरक्षा बलों को किस सामरिकी को अपनाना चाहिए?)	2020

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 the influence of OGWs. (जम्मू और कश्मीर में ‘जमात-ए-इस्लामी’ पर पाबंदी लगाने से आतंकवादी संगठनों को सहायता पहुंचाने में भूमि-उपरि कार्यकर्ताओं (ओ. जी. डबल्यू) की भूमिका ध्यान का केंद्र बन गई है \| उपप्लव (बगावत) प्रभावित क्षेत्रों में आतंकवादी संगठनो को सहायता पहुंचाने में भूमि-उपरि कार्यकर्ताओं द्वारा निभाई जा रही भूमिका का परिक्षण कीजिए \| भूमि-उपरि कार्यकर्ताओं के प्रभाव को निष्प्रभावित करने के उपायों की चर्चा कीजिए \|)	2019
The 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. (भारत सरकार ने हाल ही में विधिविरुद्ध क्रियाकलाप (निवारण) अधिनियम (यू. ए. पी. ए), 1967 और एन. आइ. ए. अधिनियम के संशोधन के द्वारा आतंकवाद-रोधी कानूनों को मजबूत कर दिया है \| मानवधिकार संगठनों द्वारा क्रियाकलाप (निवारण) अधिनियम का विरोध करने के विस्तार और कारणों पर चर्चा करते समय वर्तमान सुरक्षा परिवेश के संदर्भ में, परिवर्तनों का विश्लेषण कीजिए \|)	2019
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.	2018
Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence.	2017
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?	2017
The north-eastern 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.	2017
“Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades.” Analyse the above statement.	2016
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 the mainstream of social and economic growth.	2015
Religious indoctrination via digital media has resulted in Indian youth joining the ISIS. What is ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous for the internal security of our country?	2015
Article 244 of Indian Constitution relates to Administration of Scheduled areas and tribal areas. Analyze the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of fifth schedule on the growth of Left Wing Extremism.	2013

Security: Cross border

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Border Areas (security challenges and management thereof); Security forces & agencies (mandate); Role of External State & Non-State actors in creating internal security challenges

What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security. (Q10. भारत में समुद्री सुरक्षा चुनौतियाँ क्या हैं? समुद्री सुरक्षा में सुधार के लिए की गई संगठनात्मक, तकनीकी और प्रक्रियात्मक पहलों की विवेचना कीजिए।)	2022
How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world? (150 words) S-400 हवाई रक्षा प्रणाली, विश्व में इस समय उपलब्ध अन्य किसी प्रणाली की तुलना में किस प्रकार से तकनीकी रूप से श्रेष्ट है?	2021
For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favourable perception among locals. (प्रभावी सीमावतीं क्षेत्र प्रबन्धन हेतु हिंसावादियों को स्थानीय समर्थन से वंचित करने के आवश्यक उपायों की विवेचना कीजिए और स्थानीय लोगों में अनुकूल धरना प्रबंधन के तरीके भी सुजाइए l)	2020
Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. (आन्तरिक सुरक्षा ख़तरों तथा नियन्त्रण रेखा सहित म्यांमार, बांग्लादेश और पाकिस्तान सीमाओं पर सिमा-पार अपराधों का विश्लेषण कीजिए l विभिन्न सुरक्षा बलों द्वारा इस सन्दर्भ में निभाई गई भूमिका की विवेचना भी कीजिए l)	2020

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. (उत्तर-पूर्वी भारत में उपप्लवियों की सीमा के आरपार आवाजाही, सीमा की पुलिसिंग के सामने अनेक सुरक्षा चुनौतियों में से केवल एक है \| भारत-म्यांमार सीमा के आरपार वर्तमान में आरंभ होने वाली विभिन्न चुनौतियों का परिक्षण कीजिए \| साथ ही चुनौतियों को प्रतिरोध करने के कदमों पर चर्चा कीजिए \|)	2019
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.	2018
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.	2016
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.	2016
International civil aviation laws provide all countries complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above the territory. What do you understand by airspace? What are the implications of these laws on the space above this airspace? Discuss the challenges which this poses and suggests ways to contain the threat.	2014
The diverse nature of India as a multireligious and multi-ethnic society is not immune to the impact of radicalism which has been in her neighbourhood. Discuss along with the strategies to be adopted to counter this environment.	2014
How illegal transborder migration does pose a threat to India’s security? Discuss the strategies to curb this, bring out the factors which give impetus to such migration.	2014
In 2012, the longitudinal marking of the high-risk areas for piracy was moved from 65° East to 78° east in the Arabian Sea by International Maritime organisation. What impact does this have on India’s maritime security concerns?	2014
China and Pakistan have entered into an agreement for development of an economic corridor. What thread does it dispose for India’s security? Critically examine.	2014
How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management, particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar?	2013

Security: org. crime & money laundering

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Money laundering & Prevention

Discuss the types of organised crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organised crime that exist at the national and transnational levels. (Q9. संगठित अपराधों के प्रकारों की चर्चा कीजिए। राष्ट्रीय और अंतर्राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर मौजूद संगठित अपराध और आतंकवादियों के बीच संबंधों का वर्णन कीजिए।)	2022
Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. (150 words) चर्चा कीजिए कि किस प्रकार उभरती प्रोध्योगिकियाँ और वैश्वीकरण मनी लॉन्ड्रिंग की समस्या में योगदान देते है। इनसे निपटने के लिए राष्ट्रीय व वैश्विक स्तर पे उपायों को विस्तृत कीजिए।	2021
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 trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What counter-measures should be taken to prevent the same?	2018
Money laundering poses a serious threat to country’s economic sovereignty. What is its significance for India and what steps are required to be taken to control this menace?	2013

Security: Cyber security and social media

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Basics of Cyber Security; Role of media and social-networking sites in internal security challenges; Internal security challenges through communication networks

What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (Q19. साइबर सुरक्षा के विभिन्न तत्त्व क्या हैं? साइबर सुरक्षा की चुनौतियों को ध्यान में रखते हुए समीक्षा कीजिए कि भारत ने किस हद तक एक व्यापक राष्ट्रीय साइबर सुरक्षा रणनीति सफलतापूर्वक विकसित की है।)	2022
Keeping in view India’s internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber attacks. Also discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks. (150 words) भारत की आन्तरिक सुरक्षा को ध्यान में रखते हुए, सीमा-पार से होने वाले साइबर हमलों के प्रभाव का विश्लेषण कीजिए। साथ ही, इन परिष्कृत हमलों के विरुद्ध रक्षात्मक उपायों की चर्चा कीजिए।	2021
What is the CyberDome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet crimes in India. (साइबरडोम परियोजना क्या है ? स्पष्ट कीजिए की भारत में इंटरनेट अपराधों को नियंत्रित करने में यह किस प्रकार उपयोगी हो सकता है \|)	2019
Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace. (साइबर अपराध के विभिन्न प्रकारों और इस ख़तरे से लड़ने के आवश्यक उपायों की विवेचना कीजिए l)	2020

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 weakness sof the Report relating to protection of personal data in cyber space?	2018
Discuss the potential threats of Cyber attack and the security framework to prevent it.	2017
Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major concern. How have these have misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat.	2016
Discuss the advantage and security implications of cloud hosting of server vis-a-vis in-house machine-based hosting for government businesses.	2015
Considering the threats cyberspace poses for the country, India needs a “Digital Armed Force” to prevent crimes. Critically evaluate the National Cyber Security Policy, 2013 outlining the challenges perceived in its effective implementation.	2015
What is digital signature? What does its authentication mean? Giver various salient built in features of a digital signature.	2013
What are social networking site and what security implications do these sites present?	2013
Cyber warfare is considered by some defense analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyber warfare? Outline the cyber threats which India is vulnerable to and bring out the state of the country’s preparedness to deal with the same.	2013

Security- Security forces

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

2015

Appendix: Linear Paper GSM3-2022

Why is Public Private Partnership (PPP) required in infrastructural projects? Examine the role of PPP model in the redevelopment of Railway Stations in India. (Q1. बुनियादी ढांचागत परियोजनाओं में सार्वजनिक निजी साझेदारी (पी.पी.पी.) की आवश्यकता क्यों है? भारत में रेलवे स्टेशनों के पुनर्विकास में पी.पी.पी. मॉडल की भूमिका का परीक्षण कीजिए) 10 marks, 150w
Is inclusive growth possible under market economy? State the significance of financial inclusion in achieving economic growth in India. (Q2. क्या बाज़ार अर्थव्यवस्था के अन्तर्गत समावेशी विकास संभव है? भारत में आर्थिक विकास की प्राप्ति के लिए वित्तीय समावेश के महत्व का उल्लेख कीजिए।) 10 marks, 150w
What are the major challenges of Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? How can it be made effective and transparent? (Q3. भारत में सार्वजनिक वितरण प्रणाली (पी.डी.एस.) की प्रमुख चुनौतियाँ क्या है? इसे किस प्रकार प्रभावी तथा पारदर्शी बनाया जा सकता है?) 10 marks, 150w
Elaborate the scope and significance of the food processing industry in India. (Q4. भारत में खाद्य प्रसंस्करण उद्योग के कार्यक्षेत्र और महत्व का सविस्तार वर्णन कीजिए) 10 marks, 150w
The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them? (Q5. देश में आयु संभाविता में आई वृद्धि से समाज में नई स्वास्थ्य चुनौतियाँ खड़ी हो गई हैं। यह नई चुनौतियाँ कौन-कौन सी हैं और उनके समाधान हेतु क्या-क्या कदम उठाए जाने आवश्यक हैं?) 10 marks, 150w
Each year a large amount of plant material, cellulose, is deposited on the surface of Planet Earth. What are the natural processes this cellulose undergoes before yielding carbon dioxide, water and other end products? (Q6. पृथ्वी की सतह पर प्रति वर्ष बड़ी मात्रा में वनस्पति पदार्थ, सेलुलोस, जमा हो जाता है । यह सेलुलोस किन प्राकृतिक प्रक्रियाओं से गुजरता है जिससे कि वह कार्बन डाइऑक्साइड, जल तथा अन्य अंत्य उत्पादों में परिवर्तित हो जाता है?) 10 marks, 150w
Discuss in detail the photochemical amog emphasizing its formation, effects and mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol. (Q7. इसके निर्माण, प्रभाव और शमन को महत्व देते हुए फोटोकेमिकल स्मॉग की विस्तारपूर्वक चर्चा कीजिए । 1999 के गोथेनवर्ग प्रोटोकॉल को समझाइए |) 10 marks, 150w
Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples. (Q8. भारतीय उपमहाद्वीप के संदर्भ में बादल फटने की क्रियाविधि और घटना को समझाइए । हाल के दो उदाहरणों की चर्चा कीजिए।) 10 marks, 150w
Discuss the types of organised crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organised crime that exist at the national and transnational levels. (Q9. संगठित अपराधों के प्रकारों की चर्चा कीजिए। राष्ट्रीय और अंतर्राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर मौजूद संगठित अपराध और आतंकवादियों के बीच संबंधों का वर्णन कीजिए।) 10 marks, 150w
What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security. (Q10. भारत में समुद्री सुरक्षा चुनौतियाँ क्या हैं? समुद्री सुरक्षा में सुधार के लिए की गई संगठनात्मक, तकनीकी और प्रक्रियात्मक पहलों की विवेचना कीजिए।) 10 marks, 150w
Economic growth in the recent past has been led by increase in labour productivity. Explain this statement. Suggest the growth pattern that will lead to creation of more jobs without compromising labour productivity. (Q11. “हाल के दिनों का आर्थिक विकास श्रम उत्पादकता में वृद्धि के कारण संभव हुआ है।” इस कथन को समझाइए । ऐसे संवृद्धि प्रतिरूप को प्रस्तावित कीजिए जो श्रम उत्पादकता से समझौता किए बिना अधिक रोजगार उत्पत्ति में सहायक हो) 15 marks, 250w
Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030 ? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective? Explain. (Q12. क्या आपके विचार में भारत अपनी ऊर्जा आवश्यकता का 50 प्रतिशत भाग, वर्ष 2030 तक नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा से प्राप्त कर लेगा ? अपने उत्तर के औचित्य को सिद्ध कीजिए। जीवाश्म ईंधनों से सब्सिडी हटाकर उसे नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा स्रोतों में लगाना उपर्युक्त उद्देश्य पूर्ति में किस प्रकार सहायक होगा? समझाइए ।) 15 marks, 250w
What are the main bottlenecks in upstream and downstream process of marketing of agricultural products in India? (Q13′ भारत में कृषि उत्पादों के विपणन की ऊर्ध्वमुखी और अधोमुखी प्रक्रिया में मुख्य बाधाएँ क्या हैं?) 15 marks, 250w
What is Integrated Farming System? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India? 15 (Q14. समेकित कृषि प्रणाली क्या है? भारत में छोटे और सीमांत किसानों के लिए यह कैसे लाभदायक हो सकती है? ( 250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)) 15 marks, 250w
Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? (Q15. 25 दिसम्बर, 2021 को छोड़ा गया जेम्स वेब अंतरिक्ष टेलीस्कोप तभी से समाचारों में बना हुआ है। |उसमें ऐसी कौन-कौन सी अनन्य विशेषताएँ हैं जो उसे इससे पहले के अंतरिक्ष टेलीस्कोपों से श्रेष्ठ बनाती हैं? इस मिशन के मुख्य ध्येय क्या हैं? मानव जाति के लिए इसके क्या संभावित लाभ हो सकते हैं? ( 250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)) 15 marks, 250w
What is the basic(principle behind vaccine development ? How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines? (Q16. वैक्सीन विकास का आधारभूत सिद्धांत क्या है? वैक्सीन कैसे कार्य करते हैं? कोविड-19 टीकों के निर्माण हेतु भारतीय वैक्सीन निर्माताओं ने क्या-क्या पद्धतियाँ अपनाई हैं?) 15 marks, 250w
Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997. (Q17. ग्लोबल वार्मिंग (वैश्विक तापन) की चर्चा कीजिए और वैश्विक जलवायु पर इसके प्रभावों का उल्लेख कीजिए । क्योटो प्रोटोकॉल, 1997 के आलोक में ग्लोबल वार्मिंग का कारण बनने वाली ग्रीनहाउस गैसों के स्तर को कम करने के लिए नियंत्रण उपायों को समझाइए ।) 15 marks, 250w
Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard? (Q18. भारत में तटीय अपरदन के कारणों एवं प्रभावों को समझाइए । ख़तरे का मुकाबला करने के लिए उपलब्ध तटीय प्रबंधन तकनीकें क्या है?) 15 marks, 250w
What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (Q19. साइबर सुरक्षा के विभिन्न तत्त्व क्या हैं? साइबर सुरक्षा की चुनौतियों को ध्यान में रखते हुए समीक्षा कीजिए कि भारत ने किस हद तक एक व्यापक राष्ट्रीय साइबर सुरक्षा रणनीति सफलतापूर्वक विकसित की है।) 15 marks, 250w
Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism. (Q20. नक्सलवाद एक सामाजिक, आर्थिक और विकासात्मक मुद्दा है जो एक हिंसक आन्तरिक सुरक्षा ख़तरे के में रूप प्रकट होता है । इस संदर्भ में उभरते हुए मुद्दों की चर्चा कीजिए और नक्सलवाद के ख़तरे से निपटने की बहुस्तरीय रणनीति का सुझाव दीजिए।) 15 marks, 250w

Appendix: Model Answer pe Free Lecture & Powerpoint

Free Lecture: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYR7WJw1-QWw2l-GA5DVW0EThFRkORf8
Free Powerpoint: https://unacademy.com/content/upsc/mains-paper-analysis/

Appendix: Syllabus of UPSC Mains-GSM3 General Studies Paper 3

Government Budgeting
Indian Economy (issues re: planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development, employment); Inclusive growth and issues therein
Devolution of powers and finances to local levels; challenges therein
Infrastructure (energy, ports, roads, airports, railways); Investment models
Effects of Liberalisation on the economy; Changes in Industrial policy & their effects on industrial growth
Major Crops in various parts of country (cropping patterns, types of irrigation, irrigation systems, , )
e-technology to aid farmers; Technology missions;
Food processing and related industries in India (scope & significance, location, upstream-downstream requirements, supply chain management); storage, transport & marketing of agro-produce and related issues & constraints; Economics of animal-rearing
Land Reforms in India
Farm subsidies and MSP and issues therein (direct and indirect); PDS (objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping, issues of buffer stocks & food security)
Disasters & Disaster Management
Environmental conservation; Environmental pollution and degradation; Environmental Impact Assessment
Achievements of Indians in S&T; Indigenisation of technology & development of new technology
S&T developments and everyday applications & effects; Awareness in fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotech, Biotech, IPR issues
Linkages of Organised crime and Terrorism; Moneylaundering & Prevention
Border Areas (securite challenges and management thereof); Security forces & agencies (mandate); Role of External State & Non-State actors in creating internal security challenges
Basics of Cyber Security; Role of media and social-networking sites in internal security challenges; Internal security challenges through communication networks
Linkages between Development & spread of Extremism;