Q1 10M 150w explain GDP methodology changes
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)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत की सकल घरेलु उत्पाद (जी.डी.पी.) के वर्ष 2015 के पूर्व तथा वर्ष 2015 के पश्चात् परिकलन विधि में अंतर की व्याख्या कीजिए । (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Economy: carry live data, draw the simple diagram. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Clearly distinguishes the old and new base years and explains the methodological changes.
- Identify 2004-05 as the old base year
- Identify 2011-12 as the new base year
- Mention the shift to value added at basic prices
- Note the change in the reference year for deflators
Q2 10M 150w distinguish Capital and Revenue Budget
Distinguish between Capital Budget and Revenue Budget. Explain the components of both these Budgets. (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
पूँजी बजट तथा राजस्व बजट के मध्य अंतर स्पष्ट कीजिए । इन दोनों बजटों के संघटकों को समझाइए । (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: compare. compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion Full marks: Clear distinction with accurate components for both budgets within word limit.
- Distinguishes Capital vs Revenue based on asset/liability creation
- Identifies Capital Receipts (borrowings, disinvestment, recoveries)
- Identifies Capital Expenditure (asset creation, debt repayment)
- Identifies Revenue Receipts (taxes, non-tax) and Expenditure (services)
Q3 10M 150w explain Land reforms impact
How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginal and small farmers? (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
देश के कुछ भागों में भूमि सुधारों ने सीमांत और लघु किसानों की सामाजिक-आर्थिक स्थिति को सुधारने के लिए किस प्रकार सहायता की है ? (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Detailed analysis of specific reforms (Zamindari, Tenancy, Ceilings) with clear link to socio-economic improvement.
- Abolition of intermediaries (Zamindari/Abolition of Intermediaries Act)
- Ceiling on land holdings and redistribution
- Tenancy reforms and security of tenure
- Consolidation of land holdings
Q4 10M 150w explain Micro-irrigation and water crisis
How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India's water crisis? (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत के जल संकट के समाधान में, सूक्ष्म-सिंचाई कैसे और किस सीमा तक सहायक होगी ? (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise technical mechanism + clear quantification of limits + specific scheme reference.
- Explains 'how' via drip/sprinkler efficiency
- Quantifies water savings (e.g., 40-60%)
- Identifies 'extent' limits (e.g., cost, scale)
- Links to 'more crop per drop' policy
Q5 10M 150w how S-400 air defence system
How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world? (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
S-400 हवाई रक्षा प्रणाली, विश्व में इस समय उपलब्ध अन्य किसी प्रणाली की तुलना में किस प्रकार से तकनीकी रूप से श्रेष्ठ है ? (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Security: classify threat, vulnerability, response; stay calm. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise technical comparison with specific capabilities (range, radar, missiles)
- Multi-layered engagement (short, medium, long range)
- Simultaneous tracking and engagement of multiple targets
- Active radar guidance (fire-and-forget capability)
- Counter-stealth and anti-cruise missile capability
Q6 10M 150w explain Green Grid Initiative COP26
Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
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 ? (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Environment: Threat, Causes, Impact, Mitigation. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precisely defines the virtual grid mechanism and correctly identifies the 2019 ISA Annual Conference as the origin point.
- Defines purpose as enabling 100% renewable energy integration
- Explains cross-border interconnection of grids to balance solar intermittency
- Identifies the first ISA Assembly (October 2018) as the origin of the idea
- Links initiative to COP26 Glasgow context
Q7 10M 150w describe WHO Air Quality Guidelines
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? (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
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 अद्यतन से, ये किस प्रकार भिन्न हैं ? इन संशोधित मानकों को प्राप्त करने के लिए, भारत के राष्ट्रीय स्वच्छ वायु कार्यक्रम में किन परिवर्तनों की आवश्यकता है ? (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Environment: threat, causes, impact, mitigation. describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Precise comparison of 2005 vs 2021 values with specific NCAP policy shifts.
- Mentions specific pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, O3, SO2, CO)
- Notes the drastic reduction in guideline values (e.g., PM2.5 annual mean)
- Identifies NCAP's current focus (131 non-attainment cities) vs global standards
- Suggests specific NCAP changes (stricter targets, source-specific measures)
Q8 10M 150w discuss Earthquake vulnerability India
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. (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भूकंप संबंधित संकटों के लिए भारत की भेद्यता की विवेचना कीजिए। पिछले तीन दशकों में, भारत के विभिन्न भागों में भूकंप द्वारा उत्पन्न बड़ी आपदाओं के उदाहरण प्रमुख विशेषताओं के साथ दीजिए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Environment: threat, causes, impact, mitigation. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise tectonic analysis with 2-3 specific, well-described disasters from the last 30 years.
- Identify India's seismic zones (Zones IV and V)
- Explain tectonic causes (Himalayan belt, subduction)
- Cite specific disasters (e.g., 2001 Bhuj, 2015 Nepal)
- Mention salient features of the cited disasters
Q9 10M 150w discuss Money laundering and technology
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. (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
चर्चा कीजिए कि किस प्रकार उभरती प्रौद्योगिकियां और वैश्वीकरण मनी लॉन्ड्रिंग में योगदान करते हैं। राष्ट्रीय और अंतर्राष्ट्रीय दोनों स्तरों पर मनी लॉन्ड्रिंग की समस्या से निपटने के लिए किए जाने वाले उपायों को विस्तार से समझाइए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures: legal, institutional, developmental > Assessment. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise tech examples, clear national/intl measures, balanced close.
- Emerging techs (crypto, digital) aiding laundering
- Globalization (cross-border flows) aiding laundering
- National measures (PMLA, FIU, KYC)
- International measures (FATF, mutual legal assistance)
Q10 10M 150w analyse Cross-border cyber attacks
Keeping in view India's internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber attacks. Also discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks. (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत की आंतरिक 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। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Security: classify threat, vulnerability, response; stay calm. analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward Full marks: Precise threat classification, specific internal security impacts, and actionable defensive measures.
- Classify threat types (e.g., APTs, DDoS, data theft)
- Link specific impacts to internal security (e.g., critical infrastructure, social harmony)
- Identify vulnerabilities (e.g., legacy systems, lack of awareness)
- List implementable defensive measures (legal, institutional, technical)
Q11 15M 250w evaluate V-shaped economic recovery
Do you agree that the Indian economy has recently experienced V-shaped recovery? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
क्या आप सहमत हैं कि भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था ने हाल ही में V-आकार के पुनरुत्थान का अनुभव किया है ? कारण सहित अपने उत्तर की पुष्टि कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Economy: carry live data, draw the simple diagram. justify: claim > 3-4 reasons > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Clear stance with 4+ reasons, live data, diagram, and balanced view
- Clear stance on V-shaped recovery
- 3-4 distinct reasons supporting the claim
- Live data or specific economic indicators
- Balanced verdict using disaggregated evidence (K-shaped divergence)
Q12 15M 250w discuss Infrastructure investment and growth
"Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth." Discuss in the light of India's experience. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
"तीव्रतर एवं समावेशी आर्थिक संवृद्धि के लिए आधारिक-अवसंरचना में निवेश आवश्यक है ।" भारतीय अनुभव के परिप्रेक्ष्य में विवेचना कीजिए । (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive analysis with specific Indian data and balanced view
- Define infrastructure's role in economic growth
- Analyze India's experience (e.g., NITI Aayog, PPPs)
- Address 'inclusive' growth (rural/urban divide)
- Provide balanced assessment of current status
Q13 15M 250w describe National Food Security Act 2013
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)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
राष्ट्रीय खाद्य सुरक्षा अधिनियम, 2013 की मुख्य विशेषताएँ क्या हैं ? खाद्य सुरक्षा विधेयक ने भारत में भुख तथा कुपोषण को दूर करने में किस प्रकार सहायता की है ? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. highlight: name the salient points > one line of substance each > close Full marks: Precise features (67%, 5kg, 1/2 rupees) with clear impact analysis
- Coverage: up to 75% rural and 50% urban population (~67% overall; 81.35 crore)
- Entitlement: 5 kg/person/month; 35 kg/household for AAY
- Prices ₹3/₹2/₹1 for rice/wheat/coarse grains; free under PMGKAY from January 2023, extended for five years from January 2024
- Institutional framework: State Food Commissions, District Grievance Redressal Officers
Q14 15M 250w explain Crop diversification challenges
What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification? (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
फसल विविधता के समक्ष मौजूदा चुनौतियाँ क्या हैं ? उभरती प्रौद्योगिकियाँ फसल विविधता के लिए किस प्रकार अवसर प्रदान करती हैं ? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. challenges: 3-4 challenges > solutions mapped to them > conclusion Full marks: Clearly identifies 3-4 challenges and maps specific emerging technologies to them, with a balanced assessment.
- Identify 3-4 specific challenges (e.g., MSP bias, water scarcity, market access).
- Map emerging technologies (e.g., precision ag, AI, drones) to specific challenges.
- Explain how technology provides an opportunity for diversification.
- Give a balanced assessment of the potential impact, noting adoption barriers.
Q15 15M 250w explain Applied biotechnology achievements
What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society? (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
अनुप्रयुक्त जैव-प्रौद्योगिकी में शोध तथा विकास-संबंधी उपलब्धियाँ क्या हैं ? ये उपलब्धियाँ समाज के निर्धन वर्गों के उत्थान में किस प्रकार सहायक होंगी ? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Specific examples linked clearly to poverty reduction with data.
- Cite specific achievements (e.g., Bt cotton, insulin, vaccines)
- Link achievements to poverty alleviation (e.g., cost reduction, food security)
- Mention agricultural biotech benefits for small farmers
- Mention healthcare biotech benefits (e.g., affordable diagnostics)
Q16 15M 250w explain Blue LED invention impact
The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in 1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings? (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
वर्ष 2014 में भौतिक विज्ञान में नोबेल पुरस्कार संयुक्त रूप से आकासाकी, 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 ? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Technology: why it matters, use, benefit, risk, policy. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Detailed, specific impacts on energy, health, and industry with clear examples.
- Energy efficiency and reduced electricity consumption
- Enabling white light for general illumination
- Impact on display technologies (TVs, screens)
- Health and safety benefits (reduced heat, no UV)
Q17 15M 250w describe COP26 outcomes and India
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? (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
संयुक्त राष्ट्र जलवायु परिवर्तन प्रेमवर्क सम्मेलन (यू.एन.एफ.सी.सी.सी.) के सी.ओ.पी. के 26वें सत्र के प्रमुख परिणामों का वर्णन कीजिए । इस सम्मेलन में भारत द्वारा की गई वचनबद्धताएँ क्या हैं ? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures: legal, institutional, developmental > Assessment. describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Precise outcomes (Glasgow Pact, coal) and specific Indian targets (2070, 50%)
- Mention Glasgow Climate Pact
- Mention 'phase down' of coal
- Mention India's 2070 Net Zero target
- Mention India's 50% non-fossil fuel capacity target
Q18 15M 250w describe Landslides and risk management
Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भू-स्खलन के विभिन्न कारणों और प्रभावों का वर्णन कीजिए । राष्ट्रीय भू-स्खलन जोखिम प्रबंधन रणनीति के महत्वपूर्ण घटकों का उल्लेख कीजिए । (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Environment: threat, causes, impact, mitigation. describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Comprehensive causes/effects and detailed strategy components with specific examples.
- Natural causes: slope, geology, rainfall, seismicity
- Anthropogenic causes: deforestation, road cutting, mining
- Effects: loss of life, infrastructure damage, siltation
- Strategy components: mapping, early warning, mitigation
Q19 15M 250w analyse External threats to internal security
Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत की आंतरिक सुरक्षा के लिए बाह्य राज्य और गैर-राज्य कारकों द्वारा प्रस्तुत बहुआयामी चुनौतियों का विश्लेषण कीजिए । इन संकटों का मुकाबला करने के लिए आवश्यक उपायों की भी चर्चा कीजिए । (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Security: classify threat, vulnerability, response; stay calm. analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward Full marks: Clear distinction of actors, specific measures, and analytical depth.
- Distinguish state vs non-state actors
- Link external threats to internal security
- Identify multidimensional challenges (e.g., terrorism, cyber)
- Propose specific legal/institutional measures
Q20 15M 250w analyse Terrorism complexity and measures
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. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
आतंकवाद की जटिलता और तीव्रता, इसके कारणों, सम्बन्धों तथा अप्रिय गठजोड़ का विश्लेषण कीजिए । आतंकवाद के खतरे के उन्मूलन के लिए उठाए जाने वाले उपायों का भी सुझाव दीजिए । (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Security: classify threat, vulnerability, response; stay calm. analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward Full marks: Analyzes complexity/nexus deeply; measures are specific and implementable.
- Define complexity/intensity (e.g., non-state actors, WMDs, cyber)
- Identify causes (ideological, economic, political grievances)
- Explain obnoxious nexus (narcotics, arms, cybercrime, state sponsorship)
- Suggest implementable measures (legal, institutional, developmental)