UPSC Mains-2022 – General Studies 3 Trend Analysis

UPSC Mains-2022 – General Studies 3 Trend Analysis

No.	Question	Why UPSC Asked this question?
01	Why is Public Private Partnership (PPP) required in infrastructural projects ? Examine the role of PPP model in the redevelopment of Railway Stations in India. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Need for PPP in Infrastructure: PPP is crucial for leveraging private sector expertise, reducing financial burden on the government, and ensuring efficiency in infrastructure development. Role in Railway Station Redevelopment: The PPP model facilitates modernization, better amenities, and enhanced passenger experience in railway stations by involving private investors in the design, construction, and operation of stations. Impact on Indian Railways: PPP in station redevelopment aims at boosting capacity, generating revenue, and addressing infrastructure gaps while maintaining public service standards.
02	Is inclusive growth possible under market economy ? State the significance of financial inclusion in achieving economic growth in India. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Inclusive Growth under Market Economy: Inclusive growth can be achieved under a market economy by ensuring equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, focusing on social welfare alongside economic progress. Significance of Financial Inclusion: Financial inclusion in India ensures that marginalized populations have access to essential financial services, leading to improved economic participation and wealth distribution. Impact on Economic Growth: By promoting access to credit, savings, and insurance, financial inclusion helps boost entrepreneurship, reduce poverty, and stimulate consumption, fostering overall economic growth.
03	What are the major challenges of Public Distribution System (PDS) in India ? How can it be made effective and transparent ? (Answer in 150 words) 10	Challenges of PDS: Major challenges include leakages, inefficiency, poor targeting, and corruption, leading to diverted resources and inaccessibility for the needy. Improvement Measures: To enhance effectiveness, there should be digitization of records, Aadhar-based authentication, and monitoring mechanisms to reduce fraud and ensure targeted distribution. Transparency and Accountability: Ensuring public scrutiny, regular audits, and community participation will increase transparency, making PDS more accountable and efficient in serving the poor.
04	Elaborate the scope and significance of the food processing industry in India. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Scope of Food Processing Industry: The industry includes production, preservation, packaging, and distribution of food items. With vast agricultural output, it covers sectors like dairy, meat, fruits, and vegetables. Significance: It adds value to raw agricultural products, reduces post-harvest losses, and promotes employment generation in rural areas, contributing significantly to GDP and exports. Opportunities: It enables integration of farmers with modern markets, boosts exports, and caters to the growing demand for nutritious and ready-to-eat food in urban centers.
05	The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them ? (Answer in 150 words) 10	Challenges: Increased life expectancy has led to age-related diseases such as chronic illnesses (heart disease, diabetes, dementia) and geriatric care needs, putting a strain on healthcare systems. Health System Pressure: There is a rising demand for long-term care services, skilled healthcare professionals, and specialized medical infrastructure for the elderly population. Necessary Steps: India needs to focus on preventive healthcare, elderly care infrastructure, training healthcare professionals in geriatrics, and improving access to affordable healthcare services for aging citizens.
06	Each year a large amount of plant material, cellulose, is deposited on the surface of Planet Earth. What are the natural processes this cellulose undergoes before yielding carbon dioxide, water and other end products ? (Answer in 150 words) 10	Decomposition: Plant material, mainly cellulose, is broken down by microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) through biological decomposition, releasing gases like methane and carbon dioxide. Aerobic and Anaerobic Processes: In the presence of oxygen (aerobic), cellulose decomposes into carbon dioxide and water. In anaerobic conditions (absence of oxygen), methane is produced before eventually oxidizing into carbon dioxide. Natural Cycle: This decomposition process is part of the carbon cycle, where plant material is converted back into carbon dioxide and water, returning carbon to the atmosphere and supporting plant growth.
07	Discuss in detail the photochemical smog emphasizing its formation, effects and mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Formation & Effects: Photochemical smog forms when sunlight reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), producing harmful substances like ozone and peroxyacetyl nitrates (PANs). It causes respiratory problems, eye irritation, and deteriorates the quality of air and vegetation. Mitigation: Reducing vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, and controlling the release of NOx and VOCs are essential. Implementing cleaner technologies, and promoting public transport and regulations help mitigate smog formation. 1999 Gothenburg Protocol: Aimed at reducing air pollution in Europe, it set targets to cut emissions of NOx, VOCs, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ammonia (NH3). It strengthens international cooperation to reduce acidification, eutrophication, and ground-level ozone.
08	Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Mechanism of Cloudburst: Cloudbursts occur when warm, moist air is forced to rise rapidly, cool, and condense, resulting in an intense rainfall over a short period. The heavy rain is often localized and can cause flash floods in vulnerable regions. Occurrence in India: In India, cloudbursts typically occur in the Himalayan region, hilly terrains, and coastal areas during the monsoon season. They are often triggered by topographic influences and weather disturbances. Recent Examples: In Uttarakhand (2021), a cloudburst caused severe flash floods, damaging infrastructure and causing casualties. In Kashmir (2020), a cloudburst resulted in landslides and extensive damage, exacerbating flood risks and posing challenges to rescue operations.
09	Discuss the types of organised crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organised crime that exist at the national and transnational levels. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Types of Organised Crimes: These include drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, money laundering, extortion, illegal arms trade, and smuggling, all orchestrated by criminal syndicates for profit. Linkages between Terrorism and Organised Crime: Terrorist groups often rely on organised crime networks for funding, weapons, and logistical support, facilitating their operations. Criminal activities like drug trade and money laundering provide terrorists with resources for executing attacks. National and Transnational Connections: Organised crime syndicates operate both domestically and internationally, with terrorist groups using these networks for cross-border operations, complicating law enforcement efforts and posing significant security challenges.
10	What are the maritime security challenges in India ? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Maritime Security Challenges: India faces challenges such as piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing, maritime terrorism, and tensions in the Indo-Pacific due to strategic rivalries. Organisational Initiatives: The Indian Coast Guard and National Maritime Security Coordinator have been established to coordinate responses. The Coastal Security Scheme aims to strengthen coastal surveillance. Technical and Procedural Initiatives: Advanced systems like Automatic Identification System (AIS), satellite monitoring, and Integrated Coastal Surveillance Network (ICSN) enhance security. Regular joint exercises with international partners strengthen procedural readiness.
11	Economic growth in the recent past has been led by increase in labour activity.” Explain this statement. Suggest the growth pattern that will lead to creation of more jobs without compromising labour productivity. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Economic Growth Driven by Labour: Recent economic growth in India has been driven by an increase in labour activity, particularly in sectors like services and manufacturing, where the labour force participation has risen. Growth Pattern for Job Creation: A sustainable growth model should focus on labour-intensive industries such as agriculture, construction, and manufacturing, while promoting skill development, automation, and entrepreneurship to boost productivity and create new jobs. Balancing Productivity and Jobs: To balance labour productivity and job creation, fostering sectors like green energy, digital economy, and infrastructure development can help provide large-scale employment while leveraging technological advances.
12	Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030 ? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective ? Explain. (Answer in 250 words) 15	India’s Renewable Energy Target: India has set an ambitious target of 50% renewable energy by 2030. While it has made significant progress in solar and wind energy installations, meeting the target will require greater investment, infrastructure development, and policy reforms. Subsidy Shift to Renewables: Redirecting subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables will promote clean energy technologies, reduce carbon emissions, and make renewable energy sources more affordable and competitive. Support for Renewable Energy Growth: The shift will enable enhanced R&D, incentivize private investment, and encourage the transition to a sustainable energy mix, thus supporting India’s commitment to climate change mitigation and meeting the 50% renewable energy target.
13	What are the main bottlenecks in upstream and downstream process of marketing of agricultural products in India ? (Answer in 250 words) 15	Upstream Bottlenecks: Challenges like lack of modern farming techniques, low productivity, and poor access to quality inputs hinder agricultural production, affecting the supply of raw materials for marketing. Additionally, insufficient storage and poor infrastructure lead to post-harvest losses. Downstream Bottlenecks: In marketing, fragmented supply chains, unorganized markets, and lack of cold storage facilities impede efficient distribution. Moreover, price volatility, limited access to credit, and middlemen exploitation reduce farmers’ income. Measures for Improvement: Improving agricultural infrastructure, enhancing market linkages, and streamlining the supply chain through digital platforms can address these bottlenecks, ensuring fair prices and reduced wastage in the marketing of agricultural products.
14	What is Integrated Farming System ? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India ? (Answer in 250 words) 15	Integrated Farming System (IFS): IFS is an agricultural approach that combines crop production, livestock, poultry, fishery, and agroforestry to enhance sustainability, resource use efficiency, and income generation for farmers. Benefits for Small Farmers: For small and marginal farmers, IFS provides diversified income sources, risk mitigation, and better utilization of resources like land and water, which helps improve resilience against market fluctuations and environmental stresses. Enhancing Farm Viability: IFS increases farm productivity, improves soil health, and ensures nutritional security for farmers while making farming more economically viable by reducing dependency on single-crop farming.
15	Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes ? What are the key goals of this mission ? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? (Answer in 250 words) 15	Unique Features: The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has a larger mirror, advanced infrared capabilities, and a much more powerful sensor array compared to its predecessors, enabling it to observe distant galaxies, stars, and exoplanets with higher resolution and sensitivity. Key Goals: JWST aims to study the formation of stars and galaxies, investigate the origins of life, observe exoplanets’ atmospheres, and understand the evolution of our universe through infrared observations. Potential Benefits: It can offer insights into the origins of life, advance our knowledge of the cosmos, and aid in the search for habitable planets, contributing to scientific breakthroughs and enhancing technology for Earth.
16	What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines ? (Answer in 250 words) 15	Vaccine Development Principle: Vaccines are developed to stimulate the immune system by introducing a harmless component (antigen) of a pathogen, which trains the body to recognize and combat the actual pathogen if exposed in the future. How Vaccines Work: Once administered, vaccines trigger an immune response, producing antibodies and activating memory cells, ensuring the body can fight off the pathogen if it encounters it again. Indian Vaccine Approaches: India adopted several approaches for COVID-19 vaccines, including inactivated virus (Covaxin), viral vector-based (Covishield), and DNA-based vaccines (ZyCoV-D), with manufacturers scaling up production through collaborations, technology transfer, and government support.
17	Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Global Warming and Its Effects: Global warming refers to the increase in Earth’s average temperature due to the greenhouse effect caused by greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Its effects include rising sea levels, extreme weather events, melting glaciers, and disruption of ecosystems. Control Measures under the Kyoto Protocol: The Kyoto Protocol (1997) established binding emission reduction targets for industrialized countries. It aimed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 5% below 1990 levels by 2012 through mechanisms like carbon trading, joint implementation, and clean development mechanisms. Long-Term Measures: Countries are encouraged to adopt renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and implement carbon pricing policies. Technological advancements in carbon capture and storage (CCS) and reforestation are also pivotal in controlling emissions.
18	Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard ? (Answer in 250 words) 15	Causes and Effects of Coastal Erosion: Coastal erosion in India is primarily caused by natural factors such as sea-level rise, storms, and tides, along with human activities like construction of coastal infrastructure, sand mining, and deforestation. It results in loss of beaches, damage to habitats, increased flooding risk, and loss of agricultural land. Available Coastal Management Techniques: To combat coastal erosion, India employs techniques like beach nourishment, seawalls, groynes, and dune restoration. These methods aim to reduce the impact of waves, rebuild eroded coastlines, and protect vulnerable areas. Sustainable Coastal Management: Sustainable strategies include ecosystem-based approaches like mangrove restoration and afforestation, which stabilize the coastline and reduce erosion. Integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) combines these measures with careful land-use planning and regulation.
19	What are the different elements of cyber security ? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Elements of Cyber Security: Cyber security encompasses several critical elements, including network security, data protection, identity management, incident response, and access control. It aims to defend against threats like hacking, malware, and data breaches. Challenges in Cyber Security: India faces challenges such as rapid technological advancements, lack of skilled professionals, inadequate infrastructure, and cybercrime proliferation. These issues hinder effective protection of national and individual data. National Cyber Security Strategy: India has made strides with the National Cyber Security Policy (2013) and National Cyber Security Strategy (2020), focusing on cybersecurity awareness, capacity building, and collaborative efforts with international entities. However, the implementation gap remains, and more robust steps are needed to ensure comprehensive national protection.
20	Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues gest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Emerging Issues of Naxalism: Naxalism, fueled by poverty, social injustice, and lack of development, has led to violent insurgencies in tribal and backward regions. It thrives due to poor governance, alienation of marginalized communities, and lack of access to basic services. Multilayered Strategy to Tackle Naxalism: A comprehensive approach is required, involving security operations, developmental initiatives, addressing socio-economic grievances, and empowerment of local communities. Cooperation between state and central forces, along with effective intelligence gathering, is crucial for neutralizing the threat. Need for Long-Term Solutions: To curb Naxalism, social inclusion, economic reforms, better infrastructure, and inclusive policies are necessary. It is equally important to win hearts and minds through education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, ensuring sustained peace in affected areas.

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