Q1 10M 150w Compulsory examine Public expenditure on social services
Examine the pattern and trend of public expenditure on social services in the post-reforms period in India. To what extent this has been in consonance with achieving the objective of inclusive growth? (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में सुधारों के उपरांत की अवधि में, सामाजिक सेवाओं पर सार्वजनिक व्यय के स्वरूप एवं प्रवृत्ति का परीक्षण कीजिए। किस सीमा तक यह समावेशी संवृद्धि के उद्देश्य को प्राप्त करने के अनुरूप है? (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Economy: carry live data, draw the simple diagram. examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Clear trend analysis with specific data, strong link to inclusive growth
- Identify post-reform trend in social service spending
- Define inclusive growth objective in this context
- Assess consonance of expenditure with inclusive growth
- Provide specific evidence or data points
Q2 10M 150w Compulsory comment Food inflation and monetary policy
What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation. (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में निरंतर उच्च खाद्य मुद्रास्फीति के कारण क्या हैं? इस प्रकार की मुद्रास्फीति को नियंत्रित करने में आर० बी० आई० की मौद्रिक नीति की प्रभावशीलता पर टिप्पणी कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Economy: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Clearly separates supply/demand causes and correctly identifies the structural mismatch between monetary policy and food inflation.
- Distinguish supply-side causes (weather, logistics) from demand-side factors
- Explain why RBI's repo rate hikes are ineffective against supply shocks
- Mention RBI's limited tools (e.g., liquidity management) for food prices
- Provide a balanced judgment on the policy's limitations
Q3 10M 150w Compulsory elaborate Land reforms implementation
What were the factors responsible for the successful implementation of land reforms in some parts of the country? Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
देश के कुछ भागों में भूमि सुधारों के सफल कार्यान्वयन के लिए उत्तरदायी कारक क्या थे? स्पष्ट कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में 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: Identifies specific regions and links success to concrete factors like political will and legal enforcement.
- Identify specific successful regions (e.g., Kerala, West Bengal, Punjab)
- Explain the role of strong political will and leadership
- Mention effective implementation of legal frameworks (e.g., Zamindari Abolition)
- Discuss the role of social movements or institutional support
Q4 10M 150w Compulsory explain Millets for nutritional security
Explain the role of millets for ensuring health and nutritional security in India. (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में स्वास्थ्य एवं पोषण की सुरक्षा को सुनिश्चित करने के लिए मोटे अनाजों की भूमिका को समझाइए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Agriculture & Nutrition: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Links specific nutrients to health outcomes and connects climate resilience to food security.
- Nutritional profile: high protein, fiber, iron, and low glycemic index
- Health benefits: management of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity
- Nutritional security: addressing micronutrient deficiency (hidden hunger)
- Agricultural resilience: low water requirement and climate adaptability
Q5 10M 150w Compulsory explain IPR and patent commercialization
What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although, India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialized. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization. (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
जीवन सामग्रियों के संदर्भ में बौद्धिक संपदा अधिकारों का वर्तमान विश्व परिदृश्य क्या है? यद्यपि भारत पेटेंट दाखिल करने के मामले में दुनिया में दूसरे स्थान पर है, फिर भी केवल कुछ का ही व्यवसायीकरण किया गया है। इस कम व्यवसायीकरण के कारणों को स्पष्ट कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में 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 definition of global IP scenario, specific reasons for low commercialization, and relevant examples.
- Define global IP scenario for life materials
- Identify reasons for low commercialization of Indian patents
- Link patent filing to commercialization gap
- Provide specific examples of life materials
Q6 10M 150w Compulsory explain Electronic toll collection technology
What is the technology being employed for electronic toll collection on highways? What are its advantages and limitations? What are the proposed changes that will make this process seamless? Would this transition carry any potential hazards? (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
राजमार्गों पर इलेक्ट्रॉनिक पथ-कर संग्रह करने के लिए कौन-सी प्रौद्योगिकी अपनाई जा रही है? उसके क्या-क्या लाभ और क्या-क्या सीमाएँ हैं? वे कौन-से परिवर्तन प्रस्तावित हैं जो इस प्रक्रिया को निर्बाध बना देंगे? क्या यह परिवर्तन कोई संभावित खतरे लेकर आएगा? (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Technology: why it matters, use, benefit, risk, policy. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise tech ID, balanced pros/cons, specific hazards, and clear policy context.
- Identify RFID/FASTag as the core technology
- List at least two distinct advantages (e.g., speed, fuel)
- List at least two distinct limitations (e.g., hardware, privacy)
- Identify one specific potential hazard of the transition
Q7 10M 150w Compulsory discuss River water industrial pollution
Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the government's initiatives in this regard. (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में नदी के जल का औद्योगिक प्रदूषण एक महत्त्वपूर्ण पर्यावरणीय मुद्दा है। इस समस्या से निपटने के लिए विभिन्न शमन उपायों और इस संबंध में सरकारी पहल की भी चर्चा कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Environment: threat, causes, impact, mitigation. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Specific legal/institutional measures + named schemes (Namami Gange) + technical solutions
- Legal framework (Water Act, CPCB)
- Institutional measures (CPCB, State Boards)
- Specific government initiatives (Namami Gange, etc.)
- Technical mitigation (Effluent treatment, Zero Liquid Discharge)
Q8 10M 150w Compulsory explain NGOs role in EIA outcomes
What role do environmental NGOs and activists play in influencing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes for major projects in India? Cite four examples with all important details. (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में प्रमुख परियोजनाओं के लिए पर्यावरणीय प्रभाव आकलन (ई० आई० ए०) परिणामों को प्रभावित करने में पर्यावरणीय गैर-सरकारी संगठन और कार्यकर्ता क्या भूमिका निभाते हैं? सभी महत्त्वपूर्ण विवरणों सहित चार उदाहरण दीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Environment: threat, causes, impact, mitigation. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Clear role definition + 4 detailed examples with specific project names and outcomes.
- Define the specific role of NGOs in the EIA process
- Cite four distinct examples of major projects
- Provide important details for each of the four examples
- Link the NGO action to the specific EIA outcome
Q9 10M 150w Compulsory explain Narco-terrorism threat and countermeasures
Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism. (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
समझाइए कि नारको-आतंकवाद सम्पूर्ण देश में किस प्रकार एक गंभीर खतरे के रूप में उभरकर आया है। नारको-आतंकवाद से निपटने के लिए समुचित उपायों पर सुझाव दीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में 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: Clear definition, specific examples of emergence, and implementable measures with named agencies/schemes.
- Define narco-terrorism (link between drugs and terror)
- Explain emergence: funding, cross-border routes, state failure
- Suggest legal measures (e.g., UNODC, NDPS Act)
- Suggest institutional measures (e.g., NCB, border fencing)
Q10 10M 150w Compulsory describe Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023
Describe the context and salient features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
डिजिटल व्यक्तिगत डेटा संरक्षण अधिनियम, 2023 के संदर्भ तथा प्रमुख विशेषताओं का वर्णन कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Precise context (Puttaswamy/GDPR) and 4+ specific features (DPB, Fiduciary, Rights).
- Context: GDPR influence and Supreme Court Puttaswamy judgment
- Feature: Data Fiduciary obligations and user rights
- Feature: Data Protection Board of India (DPB) as regulator
- Feature: Exemptions for government and small entities
Q11 15M 250w Compulsory discuss Four Labour Codes merits and demerits
Discuss the merits and demerits of the four 'Labour Codes' in the context of labour market reforms in India. What has been the progress so far in this regard? (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में श्रम बाजार सुधारों के संदर्भ में, चार 'श्रम संहिताओं' के गुण व दोषों की विवेचना कीजिए। इस संबंध में, अभी तक क्या प्रगति हुई है? (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Names all 4 codes, provides specific merits/demerits, and accurately details current adoption status.
- Identify the four specific Labour Codes
- List at least two distinct merits of the codes
- List at least two distinct demerits or challenges
- State the current progress (e.g., state adoption status)
Q12 15M 250w Compulsory discuss UDAN Scheme and regional air connectivity
What is the need for expanding the regional air connectivity in India? In this context, discuss the government's UDAN Scheme and its achievements. (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में क्षेत्रीय वायु कनेक्टिविटी के विस्तार की क्या आवश्यकता है? इस संदर्भ में, सरकार की 'उड़ान' योजना तथा इसकी उपलब्धियों की चर्चा कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Economy: Regional Connectivity & Infrastructure. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Clear link between regional disparity and UDAN; specific data on routes/passengers; balanced view of challenges.
- Need: Access to remote/tribal areas (last-mile connectivity)
- Need: Economic development & tourism in underdeveloped regions
- UDAN: Mechanism (Viability Gap Funding / VGF) explained
- Achievements: Specific stats (routes, passengers, airports)
Q13 15M 250w Compulsory state Indian irrigation system challenges
What are the major challenges faced by Indian irrigation system in recent times? State the measures taken by the government for efficient irrigation management. (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
हाल के दिनों में भारतीय सिंचाई प्रणाली के सामने क्या प्रमुख चुनौतियाँ हैं? कुशल सिंचाई प्रबंधन के लिए सरकार द्वारा अपनाए गए उपायों को बताइए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में 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 specific, named government schemes mapped to each; strong analytical link.
- 3-4 distinct challenges (e.g., water scarcity, inefficiency, pollution)
- Measures mapped to specific challenges (not generic)
- Mention of specific government schemes (e.g., PMKSY, Jal Jeevan Mission)
- Balanced conclusion on the path forward
Q14 15M 250w Compulsory elucidate Buffer stocks for agricultural price stabilization
Elucidate the importance of buffer stocks for stabilizing agricultural prices in India. What are the challenges associated with the storage of buffer stock? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में कृषि कीमतों के स्थिरीकरण के लिए सुरक्षित भंडार (बफर स्टॉक) के महत्व को स्पष्ट कीजिए। बफर स्टॉक के भंडारण से जुड़ी चुनौतियाँ क्या हैं? विवेचना कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Agriculture: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Clear mechanism of price stabilization + specific storage challenges mapped to solutions.
- Define buffer stock and its price stabilization mechanism
- Identify 3-4 specific storage challenges (e.g., rot, infrastructure)
- Map solutions to the identified storage challenges
- Balanced conclusion on the viability of the system
Q15 15M 250w Compulsory discuss Alternative technologies for freshwater crisis
The world is facing an acute shortage of clean and safe freshwater. What are the alternative technologies which can solve this crisis? Briefly discuss any three such technologies citing their key merits and demerits. (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
विश्व को स्वच्छ एवं सुरक्षित मीठे पानी की अत्यधिक कमी का सामना करना पड़ रहा है। इस संकट का समाधान करने के लिए कौन-सी वैकल्पिक तकनीकें हैं? ऐसी किन्हीं तीन तकनीकों के मुख्य गुणों और दोषों का उल्लेख करते हुए संक्षेप में चर्चा कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Environment/Technology: Threat, Causes, Impact, Mitigation. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Three technologies clearly identified with balanced, specific merits and demerits.
- Identify three distinct alternative technologies
- Cite key merits for each technology
- Cite key demerits for each technology
- Briefly discuss the crisis context
Q16 15M 250w Compulsory what Asteroids threat and prevention strategies
What are asteroids? How real is the threat of them causing extinction of life? What strategies have been developed to prevent such a catastrophe? (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
शुद्रग्रह क्या हैं? इनसे जीवन के विलुप्त होने का खतरा कितना वास्तविक है? ऐसे विध्वंस को रोकने के लिए क्या रणनीतियाँ विकसित की गई हैं? (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Environment/Security: Threat, Causes, Impact, Mitigation. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise definition, realistic threat assessment with historical context, and specific named mitigation strategies (e.g., DART).
- Define asteroids as rocky bodies in the asteroid belt
- Assess threat using historical extinction events (e.g., Chicxulub)
- Explain mitigation strategies like kinetic impactors or gravity tractors
- Mention specific missions like DART or planetary defense programs
Q17 15M 250w Compulsory describe Disaster resilience and Sendai Framework
What is disaster resilience? How is it determined? Describe various elements of a resilience framework. Also mention the global targets of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030). (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
आपदा प्रतिरोध क्या है? इसे कैसे निर्धारित किया जाता है? एक प्रतिरोध ढाँचे के विभिन्न तत्वों का वर्णन कीजिए। आपदा जोखिम न्यूनीकरण के लिए सेंडाई ढाँचे (2015-2030) के वैश्विक लक्ष्यों का भी उल्लेख कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Method: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Precise definitions, clear framework elements, accurate Sendai targets, logical flow.
- Define disaster resilience (capacity to cope/adapt)
- List determinants (social, economic, institutional, physical)
- Describe resilience framework elements (prevention, preparedness, response, recovery)
- Mention Sendai Framework global targets (2015-2030)
Q18 15M 250w Compulsory discuss Urban flooding causes and policies
Flooding in urban areas is an emerging climate-induced disaster. Discuss the causes of this disaster. Mention the features of two such major floods in the last two decades in India. Describe the policies and frameworks in India that aim at tackling such floods. (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
शहरी क्षेत्रों में बाढ़ एक उभरती हुई जलवायु-प्रेरित आपदा है। इस आपदा के कारणों की चर्चा कीजिए। पिछले दो दशकों में, भारत में आयी ऐसी दो प्रमुख बाढ़ों की विशेषताओं का उल्लेख कीजिए। भारत की उन नीतियों और ढाँचों का वर्णन कीजिए जिनका उद्देश्य ऐसी बाढ़ों से निपटना है। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Environment/Disaster Management: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise causes, specific flood examples with dates, and detailed policy analysis.
- Causes: Urbanization, drainage failure, climate change
- Features of two specific floods (e.g., Chennai 2015, Mumbai 2005)
- Policies: National Disaster Management Act, NDRF, State Action Plans
- Balanced close on implementation gaps
Q19 15M 250w Compulsory examine Border security challenges and BADP BIM
India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development being undertaken in these areas under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme. (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत की चीन एवं पाकिस्तान के साथ एक दीर्घकालिक अशांत सीमा है जिसमें अनेक विवादास्पद मुद्दे हैं। सीमा के साथ परस्पर-विरोधी मुद्दों तथा सुरक्षा-चुनौतियों का परीक्षण कीजिए। सीमा क्षेत्र विकास कार्यक्रम (बी० ए० डी० पी०) तथा सीमा अवसंरचना और प्रबंधन (बी० आई० ए०) योजना के अंतर्गत इन क्षेत्रों में किए जाने वाले विकास-कार्यों को भी उल्लिखित कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Security: classify threat, vulnerability, response; stay calm. examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Precise analysis of China/Pak issues with specific BADP/BIM details.
- China border issues (LAC, Aksai Chin, Galwan)
- Pakistan border issues (Line of Control, terrorism)
- BADP scheme objectives and scope
- BIM scheme infrastructure focus
Q20 15M 250w Compulsory suggest Social media security challenges and measures
Social media and encrypting messaging services pose a serious security challenge. What measures have been adopted at various levels to address the security implications of social media? Also suggest any other remedies to address the problem. (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
सोशल मीडिया एवं 'को गोपित' (एनक्रिप्टेड) संदेश सेवाएँ गंभीर सुरक्षा चुनौती हैं। सोशल मीडिया के सुरक्षा निहितार्थों को संबोधित करते हुए विभिन्न स्तरों पर क्या उपाय अपनाए गए हैं? इस समस्या को संबोधित करते हुए अन्य किन्हीं उपायों का भी सुझाव दीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Security: classify threat, vulnerability, response; stay calm. suggest: the problem in one line > implementable measures > who acts > conclusion Full marks: Detailed measures across legal, institutional, and individual levels with specific remedies for encryption.
- Measures at legal level (IT Act, PDPB, rules)
- Measures at institutional level (CERT-In, MeitY, platforms)
- Measures at individual/developmental level (awareness, tech)
- Specific other remedies for encryption challenges