Q1 10M 150w Compulsory examine PPP in infrastructure
Why is Public Private Partnership (PPP) required in infrastructural projects? Examine the role of PPP model in the redevelopment of Railway Stations in India. (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
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। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Economy/Infrastructure: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Links fiscal logic to specific railway examples with policy names.
- Identify fiscal constraints of government in infrastructure
- Explain private sector efficiency and technology transfer
- Detail PPP role in station redevelopment (e.g., commercial space)
- Mention specific examples like New Delhi or Mumbai stations
Q2 10M 150w Compulsory state Financial inclusion and growth
Is inclusive growth possible under market economy? State the significance of financial inclusion in achieving economic growth in India. (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
क्या बाजार अर्थव्यवस्था के अंतर्गत समावेशी विकास संभव है? भारत में आर्थिक विकास की प्राप्ति के लिए वित्तीय समावेश के महत्व का उल्लेख कीजिए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Clear feasibility judgment with specific financial inclusion mechanisms and Indian data
- Define inclusive growth in market context
- Explain market economy's inherent exclusion risks
- Link financial inclusion to economic growth
- Provide balanced judgment on feasibility
Q3 10M 150w Compulsory what PDS challenges and reforms
What are the major challenges of Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? How can it be made effective and transparent? (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में सार्वजनिक वितरण प्रणाली (पी.डी.एस.) की प्रमुख चुनौतियाँ क्या हैं? इसे किस प्रकार प्रभावी तथा पारदर्शी बनाया जा सकता है? (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures: legal, institutional, developmental > Assessment. challenges: 3-4 challenges > solutions mapped to them > conclusion Full marks: Precise challenges with mapped, implementable solutions for both effectiveness and transparency.
- 3-4 specific PDS challenges (leakage, exclusion, infrastructure)
- Solutions mapped directly to the challenges
- Measures for effectiveness (supply chain, storage)
- Measures for transparency (digitization, grievance redressal)
Q4 10M 150w Compulsory elaborate Food processing industry
Elaborate the scope and significance of the food processing industry in India. (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में खाद्य प्रसंस्करण उद्योग के कार्यक्षेत्र और महत्व का संविस्तार वर्णन कीजिए। (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: Clear scope definition, strong economic significance, specific examples.
- Define scope (diversity of products/sectors)
- Explain significance (employment, rural economy)
- Mention value addition/reducing wastage
- Link to export potential
Q5 10M 150w Compulsory enumerate Health challenges of aging
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? (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
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? (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures: legal, institutional, developmental > Assessment. challenges: 3-4 challenges > solutions mapped to them > conclusion Full marks: Identifies 3-4 specific challenges with clear mapping to implementable steps, includes current scheme/data, and maintains logical flow.
- Identify 3-4 specific challenges (e.g., NCDs, geriatric care, mental health)
- Map specific steps to each identified challenge
- Steps must be implementable (legal, institutional, or developmental)
- Maintain logical link between the challenge and the proposed solution
Q6 10M 150w Compulsory describe Cellulose decomposition processes
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? (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
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 अंत उत्पादों में परिवर्तित हो जाता है? (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Environment: threat, causes, impact, mitigation. trace: start point > the stages in sequence > end point > what changed Full marks: Clear sequence from cellulose to CO2/water with specific biological agents
- Identifies cellulose as the primary substrate
- Describes microbial enzymatic breakdown (cellulase)
- Distinguishes aerobic vs anaerobic pathways
- Links process to carbon cycle
Q7 10M 150w Compulsory discuss Photochemical smog and Gothenburg Protocol
Discuss in detail the photochemical smog emphasizing its formation, effects and mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol. (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
इसके निर्माण, प्रभाव और शमन को महत्व देते हुए फोटोकैमिकल स्मॉग की विस्तारपूर्वक चर्चा कीजिए। 1999 के गोथेनबर्ग प्रोटोकॉल को समझाइए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Environment: threat, causes, impact, mitigation. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Covers all four components (formation, effects, mitigation, protocol) with specific chemical/policy details.
- Formation via NOx/VOCs and sunlight
- Specific health or environmental impacts
- Mitigation measures (e.g., catalytic converters)
- Explanation of 1999 Gothenburg Protocol
Q8 10M 150w Compulsory explain Cloudburst mechanism in India
Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारतीय उपमहाद्वीप के संदर्भ में बादल फटने की क्रियाविधि और घटना को समझाइए। हाल के दो उदाहरणों की चर्चा कीजिए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Environment: threat, causes, impact, mitigation. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Clear mechanism, specific subcontinent context, two distinct recent examples with data.
- Define cloudburst (intense rainfall in short duration)
- Explain mechanism (orographic lift, monsoon, topography)
- Contextualize for Indian subcontinent (Himalayas, Western Ghats)
- Discuss two recent examples with location/year
Q9 10M 150w Compulsory discuss Organised crime and terrorism linkages
Discuss the types of organised crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organised crime that exist at the national and transnational levels. (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
संगठित अपराधों के प्रकारों की चर्चा कीजिए। राष्ट्रीय और अंतर्राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर मौजूद संगठित अपराध और आतंकवादियों के बीच संबंधों का वर्णन कीजिए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Security: classify threat, vulnerability, response. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Clear classification of crime types with specific examples of national and transnational crime-terror nexus.
- List 3-4 types of organised crime (e.g., drug trafficking, arms smuggling)
- Define the 'nexus' between organised crime and terrorism
- Describe national level linkages (e.g., funding, logistics, safe havens)
- Describe transnational level linkages (e.g., cross-border networks, global routes)
Q10 10M 150w Compulsory discuss Maritime security challenges and initiatives
What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security. (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में समुद्री सुरक्षा चुनौतियाँ क्या हैं? समुद्री सुरक्षा में सुधार के लिए की गई संगठनात्मक, तकनीकी और प्रक्रियात्मक पहलों की विवेचना कीजिए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Security: classify threat, vulnerability, response. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Clear challenges and distinct, specific examples for all three initiative types.
- 3-4 specific maritime security challenges (e.g., piracy, smuggling)
- Organisational initiatives (e.g., Coast Guard, Joint Command)
- Technical initiatives (e.g., surveillance, radar, drones)
- Procedural initiatives (e.g., port security, protocols, coordination)
Q11 15M 250w Compulsory explain Labour productivity and employment growth
"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. (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
"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। (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: Clear explanation of productivity-led growth with a specific, implementable job-creating pattern.
- Define labour productivity and its role in GDP growth
- Explain the mechanism of productivity-led growth (capital deepening/tech)
- Suggest a specific growth pattern (e.g., labour-intensive sectors)
- Explain how the suggested pattern creates jobs without lowering productivity
Q12 15M 250w Compulsory justify Renewable energy targets 2030
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. (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
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। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Environment/Energy Policy. justify: claim > 3-4 reasons > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Clear stance with 3-4 strong reasons, detailed subsidy shift explanation, specific data/schemes.
- Clear stance on 50% target feasibility
- 3-4 reasons justifying the stance
- Explanation of fossil fuel subsidy removal
- Explanation of renewable energy subsidy benefits
Q13 15M 250w Compulsory what Agricultural marketing bottlenecks
What are the main bottlenecks in upstream and downstream process of marketing of agricultural products in India? (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में कृषि उत्पादों के विपणन की ऊर्ध्वमुखी और अधोमुखी प्रक्रिया में मुख्य बाधाएं क्या हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures: legal, institutional, developmental > Assessment. highlight: name the salient points > one line of substance each > close Full marks: Clear distinction between stages with specific, relevant examples for each.
- Define upstream (pre-harvest) and downstream (post-harvest) processes
- List 3-4 specific upstream bottlenecks (e.g., credit, inputs, land fragmentation)
- List 3-4 specific downstream bottlenecks (e.g., storage, transport, market access)
- Distinguish clearly between the two stages
Q14 15M 250w Compulsory explain Integrated Farming System
What is Integrated Farming System? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India? (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
समेकित कृषि प्रणाली क्या है? भारत में छोटे और सीमांत किसानों के लिए यह कैसे लाभदायक हो सकती है? (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: Clear definition, detailed mechanism of integration, and specific economic benefits for small farmers.
- Define IFS as a multi-component system (crop+livestock+forestry)
- Explain the circular flow of resources (e.g., manure to soil)
- Link IFS to risk diversification for small farmers
- Mention reduction in input costs (fertilizer/seed)
Q15 15M 250w Compulsory explain James Webb Space Telescope
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? (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
25 दिसंबर, 2021 को छोड़ा गया जेम्स वेब अंतरिक्ष टेलीस्कोप तभी से समाचारों में बना हुआ है। उसमें ऐसी कौन-कौन सी अनन्य विशेषताएं 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)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Technology: why it matters, use, benefit, risk, policy. compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion Full marks: Precise technical comparison (mirror size, IR vs Optical) and clear mission goals.
- 6.5m segmented mirror vs Hubble's 2.4m
- Infrared capability vs Hubble's optical/UV
- L2 orbit vs Hubble's LEO
- Key goals: exoplanets, first galaxies, star formation
Q16 15M 250w Compulsory explain Vaccine development and COVID-19
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? (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
वैक्सीन विकास का आधारभूत सिद्धांत क्या है? वैक्सीन कैसे कार्य करते हैं? कोविड-19 टीकों के निर्माण हेतु भारतीय वैक्सीन निर्माताओं ने क्या-क्या पद्धतियां अपनाई हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures: legal, institutional, developmental > Assessment. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Clear distinction between principle and mechanism; precise identification of Indian platforms (Inactivated/Vector) and manufacturers.
- Define principle: training immune system via antigens
- Explain mechanism: B-cell antibodies and T-cell memory
- Name Indian platforms: Inactivated (Covaxin) and Viral Vector (Covishield)
- Identify manufacturers: Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute
Q17 15M 250w Compulsory discuss Global warming and Kyoto Protocol
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. (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
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। (250 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 definition, 4+ distinct climate impacts, and detailed explanation of Kyoto mechanisms (CDM/JI) with specific targets.
- Define global warming and identify key greenhouse gases (CO2, Methane).
- List 3-4 specific effects on global climate (e.g., sea-level rise, extreme weather).
- Explain Kyoto Protocol mechanisms (Annex I vs Non-Annex I, binding targets).
- Mention specific control measures (Clean Development Mechanism, Joint Implementation).
Q18 15M 250w Compulsory explain Coastal erosion and management
Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard? (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में तटीय अपरदन के कारणों एवं प्रभावों को समझाइए। खतरे का मुकाबला करने के लिए उपलब्ध तटीय प्रबंधन तकनीकें क्या हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Environment: threat, causes, impact, mitigation. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Balanced analysis of natural/anthropogenic causes with specific Indian examples and detailed management strategies.
- Natural causes: waves, tides, currents, storms
- Anthropogenic causes: dredging, construction, deforestation
- Effects: loss of land, habitat destruction, infrastructure damage
- Management: hard engineering (seawalls) and soft (dune restoration)
Q19 15M 250w Compulsory examine Cyber security and national strategy
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. (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
साइबर सुरक्षा के विभिन्न तत्व 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। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Precise elements, specific challenges, named strategies, and a critical assessment of their efficacy.
- Define 3-4 core elements (e.g., data, network, application security)
- Identify 2-3 specific challenges (e.g., ransomware, state-sponsored attacks)
- Name specific Indian strategies (e.g., CERT-In, National Cyber Security Policy)
- Provide a balanced assessment of the strategy's success/limitations
Q20 15M 250w Compulsory discuss Naxalism challenges and strategy
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. (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
नक्सलवाद एक सामाजिक, आर्थिक और विकासात्मक मुद्दा है जो एक हिंसक आंतरिक सुरक्षा खतरे के रूप में प्रकट होता है। इस संदर्भ में उभरते हुए मुद्दों की चर्चा कीजिए और नक्सलवाद के खतरे से निपटने की बहुस्तरीय रणनीति का सुझाव दीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Security: classify threat, vulnerability, response; stay calm. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Balanced analysis of root causes and multi-layered strategy with specific schemes and legal references.
- Identify root causes: land rights, exclusion, governance failure
- Discuss emerging issues: tribal rights, resource conflict, state capture
- Propose security measures: CAPF deployment, intelligence, legal action
- Propose developmental measures: infrastructure, livelihoods, welfare schemes