Q1 10M 150w 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)
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
- Trend: 1990s fiscal squeeze, recovery after 2004 (rights-based schemes), post-2020 rise to about 8% of GDP and 26.2% of total government spending (FY25 BE, Economic Survey 2024-25)
- Pattern: education ~2.9% of GDP vs NEP 6% target; government health ~1.8–1.9% vs NHP 2.5%; heavy revenue component; states carry most social spending
- Positive link to inclusion: poverty decline (Tendulkar, NITI MPI), government share of health spending up (29% → 48%, FY15–FY22), safety nets like the rural job guarantee, PM-KISAN, PDS
- Gaps: inter-state disparities, high out-of-pocket health costs, learning and nutrition outcomes lag; verdict on consonance
Q2 10M 150w 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)
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.
- Supply-side causes: weather shocks and heatwaves, vegetables/pulses volatility (TOP crops), storage and logistics gaps, hoarding, input costs, global prices
- Structural/demand causes: rising incomes shifting diets to protein, MSP increases, fragmented markets and intermediaries
- Monetary policy limits: repo rate acts on demand with lags; food prices are supply-driven; large food weight in CPI (~46%) makes headline hostage to food
- Where monetary policy still matters: anchoring expectations and preventing second-round effects on wages and core inflation; balanced verdict with supply-side remedies
Q3 10M 150w 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)
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.
- Brief note that national results were uneven; success concentrated in a few states (Kerala, West Bengal, J&K; partly Tripura, Karnataka)
- Political will and sustained leadership; peasant mobilisation (kisan sabhas, tenancy movements)
- Administrative factors: updated land records, time-bound drives (Operation Barga 1978 recording bargadars), few legal loopholes, bar on benami transfers
- Timing and context: early action such as J&K Big Landed Estates Abolition Act 1950 before interests consolidated; supporting credit and institutions; Kerala Land Reforms (Amendment) Act 1969
Q4 10M 150w explain Millets for nutritional security
Explain the role of millets for ensuring health and nutritional security in India. (Answer in 150 words)
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: higher fibre, protein, iron, calcium (ragi), B-vitamins than polished rice/wheat; low glycaemic index; gluten-free
- Health links: anaemia, stunting and micronutrient deficiency; diabetes and lifestyle diseases
- Security links: drought tolerance, low water and input needs, rain-fed drylands, climate resilience, affordable local food
- Policy support: International Year of Millets 2023, 'Shree Anna', NFSM Nutri-Cereals, state missions (Odisha), inclusion in PDS, ICDS and PM POSHAN
Q5 10M 150w 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)
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.
- Global regime: TRIPS Art. 27.3(b) (micro-organisms and microbiological processes patentable; plants/animals may be excluded; sui generis plant variety protection), UPOV
- CBD and Nagoya Protocol access and benefit-sharing; biopiracy cases (neem, turmeric, basmati); WIPO Treaty on Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge (May 2024) with disclosure of origin
- India's framework: Patents Act s.3(d), 3(j); PPV&FR Act 2001; Biological Diversity Act 2002 (amended 2023); TKDL
- Reasons for low commercialisation: weak industry-academia links and tech-transfer offices, publish-or-perish incentives, funding and venture gaps, regulatory delays, poor IP valuation and marketing skills, defensive or low-quality filings
Q6 10M 150w 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)
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.
- Technology: passive RFID FASTag under NPCI's NETC, linked to bank/wallet accounts; mandatory since Feb 2021
- Advantages (less waiting, fuel saving, revenue transparency, data) and limitations (read failures, blacklisting, wrong deductions, plaza still needed, non-FASTag friction)
- Proposed changes: ANPR + FASTag Multi-Lane Free Flow (first live 1 May 2026, Choryasi plaza, NH-48 Gujarat); GNSS-based distance tolling with OBUs (rules notified 2024)
- Hazards: location privacy and surveillance, cyber-security, GNSS spoofing/signal loss, enforcement of unpaid tolls, cost of OBUs, digital exclusion; DPDP Act safeguards
Q7 10M 150w 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)
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
- Nature of the problem: heavy metals, dyes, tannery and distillery effluents; CPCB polluted river stretches (311 stretches, 2022 report)
- Mitigation: CETPs, ZLD, tertiary treatment and reuse, OCEMS real-time monitoring, cleaner production, siting and categorisation (Red/Orange/Green), polluter pays and environmental compensation
- Legal/institutional: Water Act 1974 (2024 amendment decriminalising minor violations), EP Act 1986, SPCBs, NGT orders
- Government initiatives: Namami Gange/NMCG (Jajmau tannery CETP), National River Conservation Plan, Grossly Polluting Industries inspections
Q8 10M 150w 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)
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.
- Channels: public hearings under EIA Notification 2006, RTI, scientific critique of EIA reports, litigation (NGT, High Courts, Supreme Court), media and mass mobilisation, Gram Sabha consent under FRA
- Four examples with project, actors, issue, forum and outcome (e.g., Sardar Sarovar/NBA; Niyamgiri/Dongria Kondh 2013 SC order and 12 Gram Sabhas; POSCO Odisha, withdrawn 2017; Aarey car shed/Vanashakti)
- Dates and legal outcomes stated correctly for each example
- Assessment: improved accountability and rights of affected people vs delays, cost overruns and questions of foreign funding; need for a robust, independent EIA
Q9 10M 150w 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)
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.
- Definition: drug trafficking financing and sustaining terror/insurgent groups; India between the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle
- Theatres: Punjab and J&K (cross-border drones, Pakistan-based handlers), North-East (Myanmar route, methamphetamine), maritime route (e.g., 2021 Mundra ~3,000 kg heroin seizure)
- Enablers: porous borders, hawala, crypto and darknet, local addiction and demand, nexus with organised crime
- Countermeasures: border tech (CIBMS, anti-drone), NCB/NCORD coordination, NDPS and UAPA/PMLA financial action, NIA probes, international cooperation (UNODC, FATF, BIMSTEC), demand reduction (Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, MANAS helpline)
Q10 10M 150w 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)
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: Puttaswamy (2017) privacy as a fundamental right; gaps in IT Act s.43A regime; Srikrishna Committee (2018); growth of the digital economy; withdrawn 2019 bill
- Scope and grounds: digital personal data processed in India (and abroad if offering goods/services to people in India); consent-based processing plus 'legitimate uses'
- Rights and duties: Data Principal rights (access, correction, erasure, grievance, nominate) and duties; Data Fiduciary obligations, Significant Data Fiduciaries, children's data with verifiable parental consent
- Enforcement: Data Protection Board of India, penalties up to ₹250 crore per instance; negative-list cross-border transfer; exemptions for State and research; DPDP Rules notified Nov 2025 with phased 18-month rollout
Q11 15M 250w 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)
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.
- The four codes consolidating 29 central laws: Wages 2019; Industrial Relations, Social Security and OSH 2020
- Merits: simplification and single registration/return, universal minimum wage and floor wage, fixed-term employment, social security for gig/platform workers, women in night shifts with safeguards, inspector-cum-facilitator
- Demerits: layoff/closure approval threshold raised 100 → 300, strike notice extended to all establishments, weak coverage of informal workers, dilution of inspection, limited tripartite consultation
- Progress: all four codes brought into force from 21 November 2025; states' rules at different stages (labour is Concurrent List)
Q12 15M 250w 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)
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: regional balance, remote and hilly/island access (North-East, J&K, islands), tourism, emergency and medical access, economic multipliers, under-used airstrips
- UDAN design: RCS under NCAP 2016; fare cap on about half the seats; VGF from a levy on major routes plus Centre-state support; concessions; helicopters and seaplanes; Krishi UDAN
- Achievements: 600+ routes, about 90 airports/heliports/water aerodromes, 1.5 crore+ passengers; tier-2/3 cities connected
- Challenges and next steps: route discontinuation after VGF ends, weak airline finances, infrastructure gaps; Modified UDAN (Cabinet, March 2026, ₹28,840 crore, about 100 more airports over 10 years)
Q13 15M 250w 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)
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 > Assessment. challenges: 3-4 challenges > solutions mapped to them > conclusion Full marks: Identifies 3-4 specific challenges and maps 3-4 specific government measures (PMKSY, etc.) to them with data.
- Challenges: groundwater over-extraction (Punjab, Haryana, western UP; free/cheap power), low canal efficiency (~35–40%), siltation and poor O&M, gap between potential created and utilised
- Further challenges: delayed and costly projects (AIBP), inter-state disputes, climate variability, weak Water User Associations, low water pricing
- Measures: PMKSY (AIBP, Har Khet Ko Pani incl. CADWM and surface minor irrigation, Per Drop More Crop micro-irrigation, watershed development); M-CADWM pilot (2025) for pressurised canal delivery
- Groundwater and governance measures: Atal Bhujal Yojana, aquifer mapping (NAQUIM), participatory irrigation management, digital monitoring (Jaldoot, IoT)
Q14 15M 250w 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)
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 explanation with 3+ specific storage challenges and balanced assessment
- Buffer stock concept: FCI-held wheat and rice reserves with quarterly buffer norms; operational stock for PDS/PMGKAY plus strategic reserve
- Price stabilisation: MSP procurement as a floor for farmers; OMSS releases and PDS to cap consumer prices (e.g., wheat OMSS 2023–24); pulses/onion price stabilisation fund
- Storage challenges: capacity gaps and CAP storage, losses to pests and moisture, high carrying cost and economic cost vs issue price, regional imbalance and freight, excess over norms at times
- Measures: steel silos in PPP, Decentralised Procurement, warehouse receipts (e-NWR), grain storage plan in the cooperative sector (2023), Shanta Kumar Committee reforms
Q15 15M 250w 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)
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.
- Brief scale of scarcity (e.g., NITI CWMI 2018: ~600 million Indians under high-extreme water stress; global figures)
- Three technologies clearly named and explained (e.g., desalination by RO, wastewater recycling/reuse, managed aquifer recharge/RWH; others valid: atmospheric water generation, solar stills, membrane distillation, graphene filters)
- Merits and demerits for each (energy, cost, brine, contamination risk, acceptance, scale)
- Indian examples (Chennai Minjur/Nemmeli desalination, Surat and Nagpur treated-water reuse, Bengaluru RWH mandate)
Q16 15M 250w 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)
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: Environment: threat, causes, impact, mitigation. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Scientific definition, historical context, and specific technical mitigation strategies.
- Definition: rocky/metallic small bodies, mostly in the main belt; NEOs and Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (≥140 m, MOID ≤0.05 AU)
- Threat: extinction-scale (≥~10 km) impacts are very rare (tens of millions of years) but catastrophic; K-Pg Chicxulub 66 Ma; smaller regional threats (Tunguska 1908, Chelyabinsk 2013); 2024 YR4 episode (2025)
- Detection: surveys (Pan-STARRS, ATLAS, Catalina), NEO Surveyor, Vera Rubin Observatory; Torino and Palermo scales; ISRO SSA
- Deflection: kinetic impactor (DART 2022 changed Dimorphos' orbit; Hera to arrive late 2026), gravity tractor, laser ablation, nuclear stand-off; IAWN and SMPAG coordination
Q17 15M 250w 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)
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 definition, clear determinants, structured framework, and accurate Sendai targets.
- Definition (UNDRR): ability of a system exposed to hazards to resist, absorb, accommodate, adapt, transform and recover in a timely, efficient manner
- Determinants: hazard exposure, vulnerability (physical, social, economic, environmental), coping and adaptive capacity; measured through indices (e.g., BRIC, Climate Disaster Resilience Index)
- Framework elements: physical/infrastructure, social, economic, institutional/governance, environmental; cycle of preparedness, response, recovery ('build back better'), learning
- Sendai's seven targets A–G (mortality, affected people, economic loss, critical infrastructure, DRR strategies, international cooperation, early warning and risk information)
Q18 15M 250w 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)
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: threat, causes, impact, mitigation. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Links causes to specific urban failures; names 2 floods with dates; cites NDM Act & specific schemes.
- Causes: extreme short-duration rainfall (climate change, urban heat island), encroachment of lakes, wetlands and floodplains, concretisation, inadequate/choked drains, reservoir mismanagement, tidal backwater in coastal cities
- Two floods with specific features (e.g., Mumbai 2005: 944 mm in 24 h at Santacruz, Mithi river, high tide; Chennai 2015: record rain, Chembarambakkam release, Adyar, Pallikaranai marsh; others valid: Bengaluru 2022, Hyderabad 2020, Chennai 2023 Michaung)
- Policies: DM Act 2005 and NDMA Urban Flood Guidelines 2010; DM (Amendment) Act 2025 Urban Disaster Management Authorities; AMRUT 2.0 drainage, Smart Cities; wetland rules 2017; IMD urban flood warning systems (e.g., IFLOWS-Mumbai, CFLOWS-Chennai)
- Gaps and way forward: sponge-city/blue-green infrastructure, floodplain zoning, drainage master plans, data-driven early warning
Q19 15M 250w 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)
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: undefined LAC, Aksai Chin and Arunachal claims, standoffs (Doklam 2017, Galwan 2020, Depsang/Demchok), October 2024 patrolling understanding, infrastructure asymmetry (xiaokang villages), water issues
- Pakistan: LoC ceasefire violations, cross-border terrorism and infiltration (Uri, Pulwama, Pahalgam 2025 and Operation Sindoor), tunnels, drones, narco-arms smuggling, Sir Creek and riverine gaps
- BADP: socio-economic infrastructure in border blocks (16 states, 2 UTs) to meet special needs and check out-migration; Vibrant Villages Programme I (2023) and II (2025)
- BIM: fencing, floodlights, roads, BOPs, CIBMS/technology; ₹13,020 crore for 2021–26; plus BRO/strategic roads (e.g., Sela tunnel)
Q20 15M 250w 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)
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.
- Challenges: radicalisation and recruitment, fake news and deepfakes inciting violence, coordination of riots/terror via encrypted apps, cyber fraud, foreign influence operations, difficulty of lawful access
- National measures: IT Act s.69A blocking and s.79 safe harbour; IT Rules 2021 (grievance officers, GACs, traceability for significant messaging intermediaries—challenged by WhatsApp); CERT-In 2022 directions; I4C and Sahyog portal; BNS provisions; Telecommunications Act 2023
- Other levels: state police cyber cells, platform self-regulation and transparency reports, international (Budapest Convention—India not a party; UN Convention against Cybercrime 2024; Christchurch Call)
- Remedies: digital literacy, fact-check capacity, algorithmic accountability, MLAT reform, capacity building, privacy-respecting lawful access consistent with Puttaswamy proportionality