UPSC Mains-2021 – General Studies 3 Trend Analysis

UPSC Mains-2021 – General Studies 3 Trend Analysis

No.	Question	Why UPSC Asked this question?
01	Explain the difference between computing methodology of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015. (Answer in 150 words)	Pre-2015 Methodology: Before 2015, India’s GDP was computed using the Old Series (base year 2004-05), which primarily relied on output-based measurement, focusing on sectoral value addition and traditional methodologies. Post-2015 Methodology: After 2015, India adopted a new GDP calculation methodology based on the new base year of 2011-12, emphasizing expenditure-based approach, including indirect taxes and value added in the informal sector for more accuracy. Impact of Change: The new methodology resulted in higher GDP growth estimates, as it accounts for modern economic activities better and reduces the reliance on traditional sectors, offering a more realistic and up-to-date economic picture.
02	Distinguish between Capital Budget and Revenue Budget. Explain the components of both these Budgets. (Answer in 150 words)	Capital Budget vs Revenue Budget: The Revenue Budget deals with the day-to-day operational expenses, including tax revenues and current expenditures. In contrast, the Capital Budget focuses on long-term investments, including capital receipts and expenditures for infrastructure and assets. Components of Revenue Budget: It includes tax revenue (direct and indirect taxes), non-tax revenue (dividends, interest), and expenditure on goods and services, subsidies, and salaries. Components of Capital Budget: It consists of capital receipts (loans, disinvestment proceeds) and capital expenditure on creation of physical assets like infrastructure, machinery, and investment in public sector enterprises.
03	How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginal and small farmers ? (Answer in 150 words)	Redistribution of Land: Land reforms in India, particularly in states like West Bengal and Kerala, aimed at redistributing land from large landlords to marginal and small farmers, providing them with ownership and improved control over their livelihoods. Increased Agricultural Productivity: Ownership of land led to greater investment in land productivity, as farmers had more incentives to improve irrigation, use better farming techniques, and reduce tenancy conflicts, boosting socio-economic conditions. Access to Credit and Welfare: With land ownership, small farmers gained access to credit, government schemes, and social security programs, helping improve their financial stability and overall quality of life.
04	How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis ? (Answer in 150 words)	Efficient Water Use: Micro-irrigation systems like drip irrigation and sprinklers ensure precise delivery of water to plants, significantly reducing water wastage and increasing water-use efficiency, especially in water-scarce regions. Enhanced Crop Yield: These systems improve crop yield by ensuring adequate moisture levels, making them ideal for areas with irregular rainfall, while also facilitating multiple cropping seasons per year. Sustainability and Economic Benefits: Micro-irrigation reduces dependence on overexploited groundwater and enhances soil health, while also lowering energy consumption and operational costs, contributing to long-term water conservation and better economic outcomes for farmers.
05	How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world? (Answer in 150 words)	Advanced Radar and Detection: The S-400 air defense system boasts advanced radar capabilities that can detect and track multiple targets, including stealth aircraft, at a range of up to 600 km, making it superior in terms of detection and tracking. Versatility and Range: It can target a wide range of aerial threats, including aircraft, missiles, and drones, at varying altitudes and distances, with its missiles having a range of 400 km for high-priority targets, offering multi-layer defense. Target Interception: The S-400’s ability to intercept multiple targets simultaneously, including hypersonic missiles and ballistic threats, positions it as one of the most capable air defense systems, outperforming existing technologies in terms of response time and effectiveness.
06	Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) ? (Answer in 150 words)	Purpose of Green Grid Initiative: Launched at the COP26 summit, the Green Grid Initiative aims to create a global network of interconnected renewable energy grids, facilitating the seamless exchange of solar energy across regions and enhancing energy security and sustainability. Enhancing Renewable Energy Access: The initiative seeks to promote clean energy access, lower carbon emissions, and foster energy transition by linking countries in the solar-rich regions to enable sharing of resources like solar power across borders. Origin in ISA: The idea of this global green energy network was first introduced by India at the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in 2018 as part of a broader effort to promote global solar energy cooperation and advance the global energy transition.
07	Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve these revised standards ? (Answer in 150 words)	Key Points of Revised AQGs: The WHO’s 2021 Global Air Quality Guidelines set stricter limits for particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide to reduce health risks, emphasizing the need for cleaner air to protect public health. Differences from 2005 Update: Compared to the 2005 guidelines, the 2021 update lowers the acceptable levels of PM2.5 from 10 µg/m³ to 5 µg/m³ annually, reflecting growing evidence of health impacts from lower concentrations of air pollution. Changes for India’s Clean Air Program: India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) needs stronger monitoring systems, stricter enforcement of emission standards, and greater emphasis on local air quality data, focusing on reducing industrial emissions and promoting cleaner transport solutions to meet these more stringent WHO standards.
08	Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades. (Answer in 150 words)	Vulnerability to Earthquake Hazards: India is highly vulnerable to earthquakes due to its location along the Himalayan seismic belt and active fault zones like the Himalayan, Indo-Burmese, and Shillong plateaus, making regions like North India, Himalayan states, and parts of Kutch prone to frequent tremors. Major Earthquake Disasters: Notable disasters include the 1993 Latur Earthquake in Maharashtra, which caused over 10,000 deaths, and the 2001 Gujarat Earthquake, which killed over 20,000 people and caused massive destruction. The 2011 Sikkim Earthquake and 2015 Nepal Earthquake also impacted India significantly. Salient Features: These earthquakes caused devastating loss of life, property damage, landslides, and infrastructure collapse. India faces challenges in disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and rehabilitation efforts due to its diverse topography and densely populated regions.
09	Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. (Answer in 150 words)	Emerging Technologies and Globalization: Digital currencies, cryptocurrencies, and online banking platforms facilitate anonymous transactions, making it easier for criminals to transfer illicit money across borders, while globalized finance allows for complex, cross-jurisdictional money laundering schemes. National Measures: Countries must strengthen anti-money laundering (AML) laws, enhance financial transparency, and improve know-your-customer (KYC) regulations in financial institutions to detect suspicious activities. Public-private partnerships are crucial for real-time monitoring and reporting. International Measures: Global cooperation through agencies like the FATF (Financial Action Task Force), information sharing, and establishing standardized regulations among nations can help track and prevent cross-border illicit financial flows, enhancing the enforcement of anti-money laundering initiatives worldwide.
10	Keeping in view India’s internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber attacks. Also discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks. (Answer in 150 words)	Impact of Cross-border Cyber Attacks: Cross-border cyber attacks threaten India’s national security, targeting critical infrastructure like defense systems, energy grids, and financial networks, leading to data theft, disruption of services, and economic destabilization. Defensive Measures: To counter such threats, India must bolster cybersecurity frameworks through advanced threat detection systems, regular cybersecurity audits, and strengthening national cyber policies. Public-private collaborations can also enhance defenses. International Cooperation: India should actively engage in global cyber agreements, improve information sharing with international agencies, and align with cyber norms established by entities like the United Nations to combat cross-border cyber warfare and hacktivism.
11	Do you agree that the Indian economy has recently experienced V- shapes recovery? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 250 words)	V-Shaped Recovery in India: India’s economy has shown signs of a V-shaped recovery, characterized by a sharp decline during the pandemic followed by a robust rebound, driven by strong consumption demand, reform measures, and favorable monsoon conditions in 2021. Growth Indicators: Key economic indicators, such as GDP growth, industrial production, and exports, have rebounded quickly, with growth projections for the post-pandemic period showing significant improvements. This indicates a rapid recovery, especially in sectors like manufacturing, services, and agriculture. Challenges and Sustainability: However, challenges such as unemployment, inflation, and global supply chain disruptions remain, which could affect the sustainability of the recovery. The recovery is also uneven across regions and sectors, with some facing prolonged setbacks due to pandemic-induced disruptions.
12	“Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth. ”Discuss in the light of India’s experience. (Answer in 250 words)	Role of Infrastructure in Economic Growth: Investment in infrastructure is critical for India’s economic growth, as it improves productivity, reduces logistical costs, and supports key sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and services, thereby enabling inclusive growth. India’s Infrastructure Investments: Over the past decade, India has focused on enhancing transportation networks, energy supply, smart cities, and digital infrastructure through initiatives like PMGSY, UDAN, and Smart Cities Mission, fostering rural and urban development. Challenges and Way Forward: Despite progress, challenges like financing constraints, land acquisition issues, and infrastructure bottlenecks persist. To achieve more inclusive growth, India needs increased public-private partnerships, focused regional investments, and addressing environmental concerns.
13	What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013 ? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India?(Answer in 250 words)	Salient Features of NFSA, 2013: The National Food Security Act (NFSA) ensures food security for over 75% of rural and 50% of urban population, providing 5 kg of subsidized food grains per person per month, including rice, wheat, and coarse grains. It also includes provisions for nutritious meals for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. Provisions for Vulnerable Groups: The Act prioritizes food distribution to priority households (PHH) and antyodaya families (poorest of the poor), ensuring that the most vulnerable groups have access to subsidized food. Impact on Hunger and Malnutrition: The NFSA has helped reduce hunger by improving access to affordable food, while its focus on nutritional support for children and women aims to address malnutrition, although challenges like distribution inefficiencies and coverage gaps still hinder complete success.
14	What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification? (Answer in 250 words)	Challenges to Crop Diversification: The major challenges to crop diversification in India include land tenure issues, limited access to credit, market linkages, and government policies that prioritize staple crops like rice and wheat. Additionally, climatic uncertainty and lack of awareness among farmers hinder diversification efforts. Technological Opportunities: Emerging technologies like precision farming, genetically modified crops, and agriculture drones can help farmers optimize crop production, mitigate risks, and improve yield, making crop diversification more feasible. Improving Market Access: Digital platforms, e-marketing, and supply chain innovations provide opportunities for farmers to access new markets, ensuring profitability for diversified crops and encouraging a shift away from traditional monoculture farming
15	What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology/? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society? (Answer in 250 words)	Research and Development Achievements: Significant advancements in applied biotechnology include the development of genetically modified (GM) crops, biopesticides, biomaterials, and CRISPR technology, which have improved crop yields, pest resistance, and disease management. Benefits for Poorer Sections: These biotechnological innovations can enhance food security by improving crop productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, and lowering input costs for smallholder farmers, particularly in regions with limited resources. Economic Upliftment: By making agriculture more sustainable and profitable, biotechnology can help uplift poorer communities, create new livelihood opportunities, and improve access to affordable food, thereby contributing to poverty reduction and socio-economic development
16	The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in 1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings ? (Answer in 250 words)	Impact on Lighting Technology: The invention of blue LEDs revolutionized lighting by providing an energy-efficient, long-lasting alternative to traditional incandescent and fluorescent lights, leading to the widespread use of LED lighting in homes, offices, and public spaces. Environmental Benefits: Blue LEDs contributed to energy savings, reduced carbon emissions, and decreased electricity consumption, making them an integral part of global efforts to combat climate change and reduce energy dependency. Technological and Economic Influence: The development of blue LEDs paved the way for high-definition displays in electronics like smartphones, TVs, and computer monitors, improving digital technology and providing economic benefits through new industries and job opportunities in the LED market.
17	Describe the major outcomes of the 26^th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (Answer in 250 words)	Major Outcomes of COP26: COP26 focused on climate financing, carbon emissions reduction, and global collaboration. Key agreements included reducing coal dependence, enhancing adaptation efforts, and accelerating global carbon neutrality by 2050. The Glasgow Climate Pact aimed to limit global warming to 1.5°C. India’s Commitments: India announced its “Panchamrit” plan, promising to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, reduce carbon intensity by 45% by 2030, increase non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030, and boost the use of renewable energy to 50% of total energy needs by 2030. Financial and Technological Support: India called for financial support from developed nations to assist in mitigation and adaptation efforts and stressed the importance of climate finance for developing countries, aiming to make climate action more inclusive and equitable.
18	Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy. (Answer in 250 words)	Causes of Landslides: Landslides are triggered by natural factors such as heavy rainfall, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, as well as human activities like deforestation, construction, and mining that destabilize slopes. Improper drainage and soil erosion also contribute to landslide risk. Effects of Landslides: Landslides can lead to loss of life, destruction of property, infrastructure damage, and displacement of communities. They also disrupt transportation networks, damage agricultural land, and have long-term environmental impacts like soil erosion and loss of biodiversity. National Landslide Risk Management Strategy: Key components include landslide risk mapping, early warning systems, slope stabilization techniques, and capacity building. The strategy also focuses on community involvement, risk assessment, disaster preparedness, and mitigation measures to reduce the impact of landslides.
19	Analyse the multidimensıonal challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats. (Answer in 250 words)	Challenges from External State and Non-State Actors: External threats to India’s internal security include cross-border terrorism, insurgency, and militant activities supported by neighboring countries. Non-state actors like terrorist organizations, drug cartels, and cybercriminals also pose significant risks, destabilizing regions and affecting public safety. Multidimensional Impact: These threats lead to regional instability, economic disruption, and loss of lives, as well as posing challenges in cybersecurity and social cohesion. Proxy wars, social unrest, and radicalization exacerbate internal vulnerabilities. Measures to Combat Threats: To address these challenges, India needs intelligence sharing, border management improvements, stronger counterterrorism laws, and cybersecurity enhancements. Community engagement, counter-radicalization programs, and international cooperation are also essential for long-term security and stability.
20	Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism. (Answer in 250 words)	Complexity and Causes of Terrorism: Terrorism is fueled by political, ideological, and religious motivations. Causes include poverty, social inequality, political repression, and religious extremism. It is exacerbated by external state support, poor governance, and lack of education. Linkages and Nexus: Terrorist groups often form alliances with criminal organizations, drug cartels, and state actors to fund their operations. The nexus between terrorism and organized crime complicates counterterrorism efforts by enabling money laundering, weapon trafficking, and drug smuggling. Measures to Combat Terrorism: Effective measures include international cooperation, stronger intelligence networks, legal reforms, and enhanced border security. Addressing the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of education, and implementing counter-radicalization programs are crucial to long-term eradication.

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