General Studies 2024 GS Paper III 15 marks 250 words Compulsory Discuss

Q15

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 प्रश्न 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)

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Directive word: Discuss

This question asks you to discuss. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'discuss' requires a balanced examination of alternative freshwater technologies with their merits and demerits. Structure: brief introduction acknowledging the crisis → three technologies with merits/demerits in separate paragraphs → conclusion with integrated approach. Ensure word economy given 250-word limit.

Key points expected

Introduction contextualizing global freshwater scarcity with India-specific stress (CPCB data, NITI Aayog Composite Water Management Index)
Three distinct technologies selected from: desalination, rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling, atmospheric water generators, fog harvesting, or membrane filtration
For each technology: clear merit (e.g., energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, scalability) and demerit (e.g., brine disposal, seasonal dependence, high CAPEX)
At least one Indian implementation example: Chennai desalination plants, Bengaluru rainwater harvesting mandate, or Surat wastewater reuse project
Conclusion suggesting integrated water management rather than single-technology dependence

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	3	Correctly interprets 'discuss' as requiring balanced treatment of merits AND demerits for each technology; addresses 'alternative' explicitly (non-conventional sources); maintains analytical tone without becoming purely descriptive	Lists technologies with some merits/demerits but imbalance in coverage; partially misses directive by being overly descriptive or missing critical evaluation component	Misinterprets directive as 'enumerate' or 'list'; provides only technologies without merits/demerits; or discusses conventional solutions (dams, canals) instead of alternatives
Content depth & accuracy	20%	3	Scientifically accurate descriptions of three technologies; precise technical terms (reverse osmosis, membrane bioreactors, dew point depression); correct energy/cost data; distinguishes between technologies appropriately	Generally accurate but vague on technical mechanisms; minor errors in describing processes; conflates similar technologies (e.g., UV treatment with membrane filtration)	Scientifically incorrect descriptions; confuses freshwater generation with water conservation; includes irrelevant technologies (solar pumps, drip irrigation)
Structure & flow	20%	3	Clear introduction-body-conclusion; each technology in separate paragraph with merit-demrit substructure; smooth transitions; adheres to 250-word limit precisely	Recognizable structure but uneven paragraphing; some technologies better developed than others; minor flow issues; word count slightly off	No discernible structure; bullet points without elaboration; abrupt jumps between technologies; significantly over/under word limit
Examples / case-law / data	20%	3	Specific Indian examples: Minjur/Nemmeli desalination plants (Chennai), mandatory RWH in Tamil Nadu Building Rules 2003, Surat's 40% wastewater reuse; or global benchmarks (Israel's 87% wastewater recycling, Singapore NEWater)	Generic references ('some cities in India') or outdated examples; no specific data points; only one example across three technologies	No examples; or incorrect examples (mentioning conventional irrigation projects); purely theoretical treatment
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	3	Synthesizes that no single technology suffices; advocates technology mix based on regional context (coastal desalination, arid fog harvesting, urban wastewater reuse); links to Jal Jeevan Mission or SDG-6; forward-looking note on R&D needs	Generic conclusion ('these technologies will help'); no synthesis; mere summary of points made	No conclusion; or abrupt ending; or introduces new technologies not discussed in body; purely aspirational without analytical grounding

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