Q1 10M 150w what Digital Rupee and India's CBDC
What do you mean by Digital Rupee? In this context, explain the working and progress of India's Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
डिजिटल रुपये से आप क्या समझते हैं? इस सन्दर्भ में, भारत के केन्द्रीय बैंक डिजिटल मुद्रा (सी बी डी सी) की कार्यप्रणाली तथा प्रगति का वर्णन कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Economy/Technology: Definition > Working > Progress. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Clear definition, detailed working mechanism, specific progress updates, and balanced view.
- Define the Digital Rupee as RBI-issued sovereign digital currency and legal tender
- Explain the working mechanism: RBI issuance and two-tier distribution through banks' wallets
- Describe the progress of India's CBDC with specifics (pilot launches, features, adoption)
- Distinguish e₹-Wholesale and e₹-Retail
Q2 10M 150w examine Financial inclusion and RBI's Financial Inclusion Index
Examine the view that financial inclusion is an integral part of social and economic inclusion in a country like India. Also throw light on the usefulness of the R.B.I.'s Financial Inclusion Index. (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
इस दृष्टिकोण का परीक्षण कीजिए कि वित्तीय समावेशन भारत जैसे देश में सामाजिक तथा आर्थिक समावेशन का अभिन्न हिस्सा है। आर.बी.आई. के वित्तीय समावेशन सूचकांक की उपयोगिता पर भी प्रकाश डालिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Economy: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Clear link between financial and social inclusion; precise explanation of FII utility with data.
- Define financial inclusion as access to banking/credit/insurance
- Link financial access to poverty reduction and social mobility
- Explain RBI Financial Inclusion Index (FII) components
- Assess FII's role in measuring progress and policy gaps
Q3 10M 150w describe Technology Missions in Indian agriculture
Describe the various Technology Missions initiated in Indian agriculture and examine their role in food security. (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारतीय कृषि में लागू किए गए विभिन्न तकनीकी मिशनों का वर्णन कीजिए एवं खाद्य सुरक्षा में उनकी भूमिका का परीक्षण कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Names 3+ missions, clearly links each to food security, and provides a balanced assessment.
- Name at least 3 distinct technology missions (e.g., TMO 1986, Technology Mission on Cotton 2000, Horticulture mission for NE/Himalayan states)
- Explain the specific technology or focus of each mission
- Link mission outcomes to food security dimensions (availability, access/affordability, nutrition, stability)
- Provide a balanced assessment of their role
Q4 10M 150w explain Agri-produce marketing inefficiency and e-commerce
Explain the factors responsible for inefficiency of agri-produce marketing. How e-commerce helps to reduce inefficiency of agri-produce marketing? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
कृषि-उत्पाद विपणन की अदक्षता हेतु उत्तरदायी कारकों को समझाइए। कृषि-उत्पाद विपणन की अदक्षता को कम करने में ई-वाणिज्य किस प्रकार सहायता करता है? समझाइए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise mapping of specific bottlenecks to specific e-commerce solutions with named platforms.
- Identify 3-4 specific inefficiency factors (e.g., intermediaries, lack of info)
- Explain how e-commerce addresses specific inefficiencies (e.g., direct link, data)
- Mention specific platforms (e.g., e-NAM, ONDC) or mechanisms
- Maintain logical link between problem and digital solution
Q5 10M 150w explain Biotechnology in perishable crop processing
Explain by giving two examples, how biotechnology has helped the Indian farmers in processing their perishable crops. (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
दो उदाहरण देकर समझाइए कि जैवप्रौद्योगिकी ने भारतीय किसानों को उनकी नाशवान् फसलों के प्रसंस्करण में कैसे सहायता की है। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Two distinct, specific biotech processes (e.g., pectinase for juice, probiotics for dairy) clearly linked to farmer benefit.
- Example 1: Specific biotech process (e.g., fermentation, enzymes).
- Example 2: Specific biotech process (e.g., bio-preservation, probiotics).
- Link to 'processing' perishable crops (not just growing).
- Benefit to Indian farmers (shelf-life, value addition, waste reduction).
Q6 10M 150w distinguish Fast Breeder Reactor vs thermal reactor; Kalpakkam PFBR criticality
Distinguish between a Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) and a thermal nuclear reactor. In the context of first indigenously developed prototype FBR at Kalpakkam, explain the term 'criticality'. What are its implications for clean energy future of our country? (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
एक द्रुत प्रजनक रिएक्टर (एफ बी आर) और एक तापीय परमाणुक रिएक्टर के बीच भेद बताइए। कल्पक्कम में स्वदेशी रूप से विकसित प्रथम प्रारूपी (प्रोटोटाइप) एफ बी आर के संदर्भ में, 'क्रान्तिकता (क्रिटकलिटी)' पद की व्याख्या कीजिए। हमारे देश के स्वच्छ ऊर्जा भविष्य के लिये इसके निहितार्थ क्या हैं? (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Technology: why it matters, use, benefit, risk, policy. compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion Full marks: Clear distinction (fast vs thermal, breeding), precise definition of criticality, and strong link to fuel security.
- FBR uses fast (unmoderated) neutrons; thermal reactor uses a moderator to slow neutrons
- FBR breeds more fissile Pu-239 than it consumes; thermal reactor is a net consumer of fissile material
- Criticality defined as a self-sustaining chain reaction (k = 1), linked to the PFBR milestone
- Implications: stage 2 of the three-stage programme, fuel security/thorium, clean baseload power
Q7 10M 150w discuss Infrastructure development vs disaster-risk reduction
Discuss how the contradiction between 'rapid infrastructure development' and 'disaster-risk reduction' in ecologically-sensitive areas of India can be managed, with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
उपयुक्त उदाहरणों सहित चर्चा कीजिए कि भारत के पारिस्थितिक रूप से संवेदनशील क्षेत्रों में 'द्रुत अवसंरचना विकास' और 'आपदा-जोखिम में कमी' के बीच के विरोधाभास का प्रबंधन किस प्रकार किया जा सकता है। (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: Clear contradiction, specific examples, implementable measures, strong risk-reduction focus
- Identify the core contradiction between development and risk reduction
- Provide at least one specific example of an ecologically-sensitive area
- Suggest implementable measures for managing the contradiction
- Link measures to disaster-risk reduction specifically
Q8 10M 150w discuss Kunming-Montreal biodiversity framework
Discuss the aim and goals of Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework. Mention India's commitments and initiatives to achieve the goals and targets of this framework giving suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
कुनमिंग-मॉन्ट्रियल वैश्विक जैव-विविधता फ्रेमवर्क के उद्देश्य एवं लक्ष्यों की चर्चा कीजिए। उपयुक्त उदाहरण देते हुए इस फ्रेमवर्क के लक्ष्यों और उद्देश्यों को प्राप्त करने के लिए भारत की प्रतिबद्धताओं और पहलों का उल्लेख 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: Precise KMBF targets linked to specific Indian schemes (e.g., NEEA, NBSAP).
- State the GBF aim (halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030; 2050 vision) and its four 2050 goals
- Mention India's commitment via its updated NBSAP (2024) aligned with GBF targets
- Name Indian initiatives (e.g., Project Tiger/Cheetah, Ramsar site expansion, land restoration, BD Amendment Act 2023)
- Link initiatives to specific framework targets
Q9 10M 150w explain Fake news, disinformation and IT Rules 2021 amendments
Explain how fake news and disinformation pose threat to Internal Security and Public Order in Indian context? In this regard, discuss salient features of amendments in respect of Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021. (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारतीय संदर्भ में, फ़र्जी समाचार और दुष्प्रचार किस प्रकार आंतरिक सुरक्षा और सार्वजनिक व्यवस्था के लिये खतरा पैदा करते हैं, इसका वर्णन कीजिये। इस संदर्भ में, सूचना प्रौद्योगिकी (मध्यस्थ दिशानिर्देश और डिजिटल मीडिया आचार संहिता) नियम-2021 के संबंध में किये गये संशोधनों की प्रमुख विशेषताओं पर चर्चा कीजिये। (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: Precisely links disinformation to security threats and accurately details the 2021 IT Rules mechanisms.
- Link disinformation to internal security and public order (mob violence, communal tension, radicalisation, cross-border influence operations)
- State the 2022 amendment: Grievance Appellate Committees and reasonable-efforts duty on intermediaries
- State the 2023 Fact Check Unit provision and that the Bombay High Court struck it down (2024)
- State the 2026 synthetically generated information (deepfake) rules: labelling and shorter takedown timelines
Q10 10M 150w discuss Ladakh: BADP, Army civic action, Sixth Schedule demand
Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) by the Central Government and civic actions by the Army. Also discuss demand of promulgation of provision of the Sixth Schedule of constitution for Ladakh. (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
लद्दाख रणनीतिक रूप से चीन और पाकिस्तान के मध्य स्थित है। स्थानीय लोगों का दिल और दिमाग जीतने के लिये, केन्द्र सरकार द्वारा सीमा क्षेत्र विकास कार्यक्रमों (बी ए डी पी) और सेना द्वारा नागरिक कार्यवाही की विवेचना कीजिए। लद्दाख के लिये संविधान की छठी अनुसूची के प्रावधान की घोषणा की मांग की भी विवेचना कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Security & Governance. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise BADP/Army examples, clear constitutional analysis of 6th Schedule, strategic context integrated.
- Define BADP's role in border area development
- Cite specific Army civic actions (e.g., medical camps, schools)
- Explain the constitutional basis of the Sixth Schedule
- Assess the political/administrative implications of the Sixth Schedule demand
Q11 15M 250w explain India's energy security challenges
Explain the key challenges for India's energy security. What measures do you suggest for ensuring energy security along with economic growth and sustainability? (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत की ऊर्जा सुरक्षा की प्रमुख चुनौतियों को समझाइए। आर्थिक संवृद्धि तथा संधारणीयता के साथ, ऊर्जा सुरक्षा को सुनिश्चित करने हेतु आप किन उपायों का सुझाव देंगे? (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: Identifies 3-4 specific challenges and maps implementable measures to them, addressing growth and sustainability.
- Identify 3-4 distinct challenges (e.g., import dependence, infrastructure gaps).
- Suggest measures mapped to the identified challenges.
- Address economic growth and sustainability in the measures.
- Measures must be implementable, not aspirational.
Q12 15M 250w how Startups: entrepreneurship, innovation, employment
How are startups in India promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and employment? Discuss the global and domestic challenges in their working and suggest suitable measures to overcome these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में नवोन्मेषी उद्यम (स्टार्टअप्स) किस प्रकार उद्यमिता, नवाचार तथा रोजगार को प्रोत्साहित कर रहे हैं? उनकी कार्यप्रणाली में वैश्विक तथा घरेलू चुनौतियों की विवेचना कीजिए तथा उन चुनौतियों को पराजित करने हेतु उपयुक्त सुझाव दीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures: legal, institutional, developmental > Assessment. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive analysis with specific examples, clear structure, and implementable measures.
- How startups promote entrepreneurship, innovation and employment, each addressed
- Global challenges (e.g., funding volatility, protectionism, Big Tech competition)
- Domestic challenges (e.g., compliance burden, skills, procurement access, governance)
- Suitable measures mapped to the challenges
Q13 15M 250w how Indian agriculture: food scarcity to surplus
How Indian agriculture has been transformed from food scarcity to food surplus level? Explain the various government policies implemented for diversification of Indian agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारतीय कृषि किस प्रकार खाद्य के अभाव से खाद्य-अतिरेक स्तर तक रूपान्तरित हुई है? भारतीय कृषि के विविधीकरण हेतु की गई विभिन्न सरकारी नीतियों का वर्णन कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Clear transition analysis with 3+ specific diversification policies and data.
- Explain the drivers of the transition (Green Revolution HYVs, irrigation, fertiliser, MSP/procurement)
- List specific diversification policies (e.g., Crop Diversification Programme, MIDH, NFSM, National Mission on Edible Oils)
- Cover diversification into allied sectors (dairy, fisheries, livestock) and nutri-cereals
- Conclude with the current state of food and nutritional security
Q14 15M 250w discuss Agricultural subsidies and WTO Agreement on Agriculture
Discuss the different types of subsidies and supports provided by the Government of India to agricultural sector. Examine the related issues pertaining to Agreement on Agriculture of World Trade Organisation (WTO). (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत सरकार द्वारा कृषि क्षेत्र में प्रदान किए जाने वाले विभिन्न प्रकार के अनुदानों एवं सहायता की विवेचना कीजिए। विश्व व्यापार संगठन (डब्ल्यू टी ओ) के कृषि समझौते से संबंधित मुद्दों का परीक्षण कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise mapping of Indian schemes to WTO boxes with clear legal reasoning.
- Categorise subsidies and support (input, price/MSP, income, credit, insurance)
- Define the WTO AoA Amber, Blue and Green Boxes
- Link MSP-based market price support to Amber Box (AMS) accounting and the fixed 1986–88 reference price
- Explain the de minimis ceiling and the Peace Clause/permanent-solution issue on public stockholding
Q15 15M 250w mention Mission Drishti satellite (3 May 2026)
Mention salient features of 'Mission Drishti'. Discuss the imaging techniques used in the satellite launched on 3rd May 2026. Why it is being considered world's first satellite of its kind? (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
'मिशन दृष्टि' की प्रमुख विशेषताओं का उल्लेख कीजिए। 3 मई 2026 को प्रक्षेपित उपग्रह में प्रयुक्त प्रतिबिम्बीकरण की तकनीकियों (इमेजिंग टेक्नीक्स) की विवेचना कीजिए। यह विश्व में अपने प्रकार का प्रथम उपग्रह क्यों माना जा रहा है? (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Technology: why it matters, use, benefit, risk, policy. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Covers all three sub-demands with specific technical and policy detail, balanced close.
- Salient features of Mission Drishti
- Imaging techniques used in the satellite
- Reasons it is world's first of its kind
- Balanced close on significance
Q16 15M 250w what Agentic AI: working, applications, risks
What is agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Explain its working. Describe its applications with suitable examples. Discuss the advantages, risks and challenges associated with agentic AI systems. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
एजेंटिक कृत्रिम बुद्धिमत्ता (ए आई) क्या है? इसकी कार्य-प्रणाली को समझाइए। इसके अनुप्रयोगों का वर्णन उचित उदाहरणों के साथ कीजिये। एजेंटिक ए आई प्रणालियों से सम्बद्ध लाभों, जोखिमों और चुनौतियों की चर्चा कीजिये। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Technology: why it matters, use, benefit, risk, policy. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Clear definition, logical working explanation, specific examples, and balanced risk analysis.
- Define agentic AI as autonomous goal-oriented systems
- Explain working: perception, planning, tool use, memory, action-feedback loop
- Provide specific application examples (e.g., coding, customer service, research, fintech)
- Discuss advantages as well as risks and challenges (hallucination cascades, security, accountability, jobs)
Q17 15M 250w what Solid waste management: Delhi vs Indore
What are the challenges to solid waste management in India? Discuss the governmental policy framework on solid waste management. Discuss the success/failure cases of Delhi and Indore cities highlighting the salient feature of their solid waste management initiatives. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में ठोस अपशिष्ट प्रबंधन में क्या चुनौतियाँ हैं? ठोस अपशिष्ट प्रबंधन पर सरकारी नीति फ्रेमवर्क की चर्चा कीजिए। ठोस अपशिष्ट प्रबंधन पहलों की मुख्य विशेषताओं पर प्रकाश डालते हुए दिल्ली और इन्दौर शहरों के सफलता/विफलता मामलों की चर्चा कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise policy framework, clear contrast between Indore's success and Delhi's failure with specific features.
- 3-4 specific challenges to SWM in India
- Governmental policy framework (SWM Rules 2026 replacing 2016 Rules, SBM-Urban 2.0)
- Salient features of Indore's success case
- Salient features of Delhi's failure case
Q18 15M 250w analyse Community participation in disaster management
"Community participation is the cornerstone of effective disaster management." Analyse this statement with suitable examples from India. Also discuss the challenges to community participation and measures to strengthen it. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
“सामुदायिक सहभागिता प्रभावी आपदा प्रबंधन की आधारशिला है।” इस कथन का विश्लेषण भारत से उपयुक्त उदाहरणों के साथ कीजिए। सामुदायिक सहभागिता की चुनौतियों और इसे मजबूत करने के उपायों की चर्चा भी कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward Full marks: Clear analysis with specific Indian examples, well-structured challenges and measures, and a strong conclusion.
- Analyse why community participation is the cornerstone of disaster management, including its limits without state capacity
- Provide suitable examples from India (e.g., Kerala 2018, Odisha cyclones, Aapda Mitra)
- Discuss challenges to community participation
- Discuss measures to strengthen community participation
Q19 15M 250w highlight J&K mainstreaming: Articles 370 and 35A abrogation
Separatist movements have been one of the major factors contributing to militancy and instability in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). Bring out actions taken by the Government to bring J&K into national mainstream. Discuss pre and post abrogation status of Articles 370 and 35A. Also bring out positive impacts of abrogation of both articles in mainstreaming the state. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
जम्मू व कश्मीर (जे एण्ड के) में उग्रवाद और अस्थिरता के प्रमुख कारणों में से एक अलगाववादी आंदोलन भी रहे हैं। जम्मू-कश्मीर को राष्ट्रीय मुख्यधारा में लाने के लिए सरकार द्वारा की गई कार्यवाही को स्पष्ट कीजिए। अनुच्छेद 370 और 35 ए को निरस्त करने से पहले और बाद की स्थिति पर चर्चा कीजिए। साथ ही, राज्य को राष्ट्रीय मुख्यधारा में लाने में इन दोनों अनुच्छेदों को निरस्त करने के सकारात्मक प्रभावों को भी स्पष्ट कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Security/Polity: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise legal definitions, specific government actions, and clear positive impacts with examples.
- State the pre-abrogation status of Article 370 (special status, own constitution, limited Parliament jurisdiction)
- State the pre-abrogation status of Article 35A (permanent residents and their exclusive rights) and its post-2019 status
- List specific government actions for mainstreaming (security operations, UAPA bans, DDC and Assembly elections, rehabilitation)
- Explain positive impacts of abrogation (security, rights of excluded groups, investment, tourism)
Q20 15M 250w discuss Counterfeit currency, money laundering, FATF and terror funding
Discuss counterfeit currency and money laundering as major sources of terror funding in India. State the actions being taken at International level to check these menaces. Highlight the role of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and methods of compliance by its member states in preventing terror funding. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में आतंकवाद के वित्तपोषण के प्रमुख स्रोतों के रूप में नकली मुद्रा और धन शोधन (मनी लाउन्ड्रिंग) पर चर्चा कीजिए। इन खतरों को रोकने के लिए अंतर्राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर की जा रही कार्रवाइयों का विवरण प्रस्तुत कीजिए। आतंकी वित्तपोषण को रोकने में वित्तीय कार्रवाई कार्यबल (फायनान्शीयल एक्शन टास्क फोर्स) (एफ ए टी एफ) की भूमिका और इसके सदस्य देशों द्वारा अपनाये जा रहे अनुपालन के तरीकों पर प्रकाश डालिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Security: classify threat, vulnerability, response; stay calm. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive analysis of both funding sources, specific international actions, and detailed FATF role with compliance methods.
- Link counterfeit notes to terror funding in India
- Explain money laundering mechanisms for terror financing
- Detail international actions to check these menaces
- Highlight FATF's role and member state compliance methods