UPSC CSE 2024/25

WRITE SMART
By Dr. Shivin Chaudhary

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

 General Studies Paper-3 (GSM3): Economy, Agriculture, Disaster Management, Environment, Science, Internal Security

Slot 1 - Economy

1) Indian Economy (issues relating to : planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development, employment)
2) Inclusive growth and issues therein

Qn.No YEAR QUESTION TOPIC MARKS

With a consideration towards the strategy of inclusive growth, the new companies bill,
2013 has indirectly made CSR a mandatory obligation. Discuss the challenges expected
1 2013 Inclusive Growth 10
in its implementation in right earnest. Also discuss other provisions in the bill and their
implications.
Capitalism has guided the world economy to unprecedented prosperity. However, it often
encourages shortsightedness and contributes to wide disparities between the rich and the
2 2014 Inclusive Growth 12.5
poor. In this light, would it be correct to believe and adopt capitalism driving inclusive
growth in India? Discuss.
While we found India’s demographic dividend, we ignore the dropping rates of
3 2014 employability. What are we missing while doing so? Where will the jobs that India Employment 12.5
desperately needs come from? Explain.
The nature of economic growth in India in described as jobless growth. Do you agree with
4 2015 Growth 12.5
this view? Give arguments in favour of your answer.
Craze for gold in Indians have led to a surge in import of gold in recent years and put
5 2015 pressure on balance of payments and external value of rupee. In view of this, examine the Development 12.5
merits of Gold Monetization Scheme.
“Success of ‘Make in India’ programme depends on the success of ‘Skill India’ programme
6 2015 Employment 12.5
and radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments.
Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is necessary for bringing unbanked to the
7 2016 institutional finance fold. Do you agree with this for financial inclusion of the poorer Inclusive Growth 12.5
section of the Indian society? Give arguments to justify your opinion.
Comment on the challenges for inclusive growth which include careless and useless
8 2016 manpower in the Indian context. Suggest measures to be taken for facing these Inclusive Growth 12.5
challenges.
Among several factors for India’s potential growth, savings rate is the most effective one.
9 2017 Growth 10
Do you agree? What are the other factors available for growth potential?
Account for the failure of manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour-intensive
10 2017 exports rather than capital-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour- Development 10
intensive rather than capital-intensive exports.
What are the salient features of ‘inclusive growth’? Has India been experiencing such a
11 2017 Inclusive Growth 15
growth process? Analyze and suggest measures for inclusive growth.
How are the principles followed by the NITI Aayog different from those followed by the
12 2018 Planning 15
erstwhile Planning Commission in India?
Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the
13 2019 Growth 10
Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments.
It is argued that the strategy of inclusive growth is intended to meet the objectives of
14 2019 Inclusive Growth 15
inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment on this statement.
Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been
15 2020 Growth 10
inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP?
Explain intra-generational and inter-generational issues of equity from the perspective of
16 2020 Inclusive Growth 10
inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Explain the difference between computing methodology of India’s Gross Domestic
17 2021 Growth 10
Product (GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015.
Do you agree that the Indian economy has recently experienced V- shapes recovery? Give
18 2021 Growth 15
reasons in support of your answer.
Is inclusive growth possible under market economy? State the significance of financial
19 2022 Inclusive Growth 10
inclusion in achieving economic growth in India.
“Economic growth in the recent past has been led by increase in labour productivity.”
20 2022 Explain this statement. Suggest the growth pattern that will lead to creation of more jobs Employment 15
without compromising labour productivity.
 Faster economic growth requires increased share of the manufacturing sector in GDP,
21 2023 particularly of MSMEs. Comment on the present policies of the government in this Growth 10
regard.

What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced
22 2023 Development 10
in this regard and suggest improvements.

Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology

23 2023 Employment 15
adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements.

Distinguish between ‘care economy’ and ‘monetised economy’. How can care economy be
24 2023 Inclusive Growth 15
brought into monetised economy through women empowerment?

Government Budgeting

Qn.No YEAR QUESTION TOPIC MARKS

Discussion the rationale for introducing Good and services tax in India. Bring out
1 2013 GST 10
critically the reasons for delay in roll out for its regime.
What is meaning of the term tax-expenditure? Taking housing sector as an example,
2 2013 Policies 10
discuss how it influences budgetary policies of the government.

What are the reasons for introduction of Fiscal responsibility and Budget Management
3 2013 FRBM 10
(FRBM) act, 2003? Discuss critically its salient features and their effectiveness.

Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements and
4 2016 Gnder Budgeting 12.5
status of gender budgeting in the Indian context?
One of the intended objectives of Union Budget 2017-18 is to ‘transform, energize and
5 2017 clean India’. Analyse the measures proposed in the Budget 2017-18 to achieve the Budget 15
objective.

Comment on the important changes introduced in respect of the Long-term Capital Gains
6 2018 Tax 10
Tax (LCGT) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in the Union Budget for 2018-2019.

Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been subsumed in the Goods and Services Tax
7 2019 (GST) in India. Also, comment on the revenue implications of the GST introduced in GST 10
India since July 2017.
The public expenditure management is a challenge to the government of India in the
8 2019 Budget 15
context of budget-making during the post-liberalization period. Clarify it.
Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act of
9 2020 2017. How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal GST 15
tensions?
Distinguish between Capital Budget and Revenue Budget. Explain the components of
10 2021 Budget 10
both these Budgets.

Infrastructure (energy, ports, roads, airports, railways); Investment models

Qn.No YEAR QUESTION TOPIC MARKS

Adaptation of PPP model for infrastructure development of the country has not been free
1 2013 PPP 10
from criticism. Critically discuss the pros and cons of the model.

National urban transport policy emphasizes on moving people instead of moving vehicles.
3 2014 Transport 12.5
Discuss critically the success of various strategies of the government in this regard.

Explain how private public partnership agreements, in longer gestation infrastructure

4 2014 projects, can transfer unsuitable liabilities to the future. What arrangements need to be PPP 12.5
put in place to ensure that successive generations’ capacities are not compromised?
There is a clear acknowledgement that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are a tool of
industrial development, manufacturing and exports. Recognizing this potential, the
5 2015 SEZ 12.5
whole instrumentality of SEZs requires augmentation. Discuss the issues plaguing the
success of SEZs with respect to taxation, governing laws and administration.
 What are ‘Smart Cities? Examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it
6 2016 increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for Smart Villages’ in the light of Development 12.5
PURA and RURBAN Mission.
Justify the need for FDI for the development of the Indian economy. Why there is gap
7 2016 between MOUs signed and actual FDIs? Suggest remedial steps to be taken for FDI 12.5
increasing actual FDIs in India.
Examine the developments of Airports in India through Joint Ventures under Public-
8 2017 Private Partnership(PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this Airport 10
regard.
With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy
9 2018 Energy 15
programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy.
Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to
10 2018 achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Comment on the progress made in India SDG 10
in this regard.
Explain the meaning of investment in an economy in terms of capital formation. Discuss
11 2020 the factors to be considered while designing a concession agreement between a public Investment 15
entity and a private entity.
“Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth.
12 2021 Investment 15
”Discuss in the light of India’s experience
Why is Public Private Partnership (PPP) required in infrastructural projects? Examine
13 2022 Railway 10
the role of PPP model in the redevelopment of Railway Stations in India
Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by
14 2022 2030 ? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables Energy 15
help achieve the above objective? Explain.

Effects of Liberalisation on the economy; Changes in Industrial policy & their effects on industrial growth

Qn.No YEAR QUESTION TOPIC MARKS

Examine the impact of liberalization on companies owned by Indian. Are the competing
1 2013 MNC 10
with the MNCs satisfactorily?
Discuss the impact of FDI entry into multi-trade retail sector on supply chain
2 2013 FDI 5
management in commodity trade pattern of the economy.
Though India allowed foreign direct investment (FDI) in what is called multi brand retail
3 2013 through joint venture route in September 2012, the FDI even after a year, has not picket FDI 5
up. Discuss the reasons.
Normally countries shift from agriculture to industry and then later to services, but India
shifted directly from agriculture to services. What are the reasons for the huge growth of
4 2014 CORE 12.5
services vis-a-vis industry in the country? Can India become a developed country without
a strong industrial base?
Foreign direct investment in the defence sector is now said to be liberalised. What
5 2014 influence this is expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long FDI 12.5
run?
How globalization has led to the reduction of employment in the formal sector of the
6 2016 Indian economy? Is increased informalization detrimental to the development of the Globalisation 12.5
country?
“Industrial growth rate has lagged behind in the overall growth of Gross-Domestic-
7 2017 Product(GDP) in the post-reform period” Give reasons. How far the recent changes in Industrial 15
Industrial Policy are capable of increasing the industrial growth rate?
How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world
8 2018 CORE 15
trade affect macroeconomic stability of India?

Slot 2 - Agriculture

Major crops, cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems.

Qn.No YEAR QUESTION TOPIC MARKS

What is water-use efficiency? Describe the role of micro-irrigation in increasing the water-
1 2016 Micro 12.5
use efficiency.

2 2016 What is allelopathy? Discuss its role in major cropping systems of irrigated agriculture. System 12.5
 Given the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for
3 2016 crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Policy 12.5
Yojana (PMFBY)
What are the major reasons for declining rice and wheat yield in the cropping system?
4 2017 Yield 15
How crop diversification is helpful to stabilize the yield of the crop in the system?

Sikkim is the first ‘Organic State’ in India. What are the ecological and economical
5 2018 Concept 10
benefits of Organic State?
Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production,
6 2018 productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the Mission 15
income of farmers?
How has the emphasis on certain crops brought about changes in cropping patterns in
7 2018 Patterns 15
recent past? Elaborate the emphasis on millets production and consumption.
How far is the Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural
9 2019 System 10
production?
Elaborate on the impact of the National Watershed Project in increasing agricultural
10 2019 Project 10
production from water-stressed areas.
How was India benefited from the contributions of Sir M.Visvesvaraya and Dr. M. S.
11 2019 Contributions 10
Swaminathan in the fields of water engineering and agricultural science respectively?

Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious
12 2020 Measures 15
use under depleting scenario.
What are the major factors responsible for making rice-wheat system a success? In spite
13 2020 Factors 15
of this success how has this system become bane in India?
14 2021 How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis? Micro 10
What is Integrated Farming System ? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in
15 2022 Concept 15
India ?
Explain the changes in cropping patterns in India in the context of changes in
16 2023 Patterns 15
consumption patterns and marketing conditions.

E-technology to aid farmers, Technology missions.

Qn.No YEAR QUESTION TOPIC MARKS

How can the ‘Digital India’ programme help farmers to improve farm productivity and
1 2015 Programme 12.5
income? What steps has the Government taken in this regards?
Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in
2 2017 India. How these revolutions have helped in poverty alleviation and food security in Revolution 10
India?
8 2019 How can biotechnology improve the living standards of farmers? Technology 15
What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging
3 2021 Technology 15
technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification?
How does e-Technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural
4 2023 Technology 10
produce? Explain it.

1)Food processing and related industries in India (scope & significance, location, upstream-downstream requirements, supply chain
management)
2) Storage, transport & marketing of agro-produce and related issues & constraints
3) Economics of animal-rearing

Qn.No YEAR QUESTION TOPIC MARKS

India needs to strengthen measures to promote the pink revolution in food industry for
1 2013 Revolution 10
better nutrition and health. Critically elucidate the statement.
There is also a point of view that agriculture produce market committees (APMCs) set up
2 2014 under the state acts have not only impeded the development of agriculture but also have APMC 12.5
been the cause of food inflation in India. Critically examine.
Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income in
3 2015 Livestock 12.5
rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sectors in India
In view of the declining average size of land holdings in India which has made
Contract
4 2015 agriculture non-viable for a majority of farmers, should contract farming and land leasing 12.5
Farming
be promoted in agriculture? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.
 What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in industry in Marketing, SCM
5 2015 12.5
India? Can e-commerce help in overcoming these bottlenecks? etc

What are the reasons for poor acceptance of cost effective small processing unit? How the
6 2017 Small Farmers 10
food processing unit will be helpful to uplift the socio-economic status of poor farmers?

Examine the role of supermarkets in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables and
7 2018 SCM 10
food items. How do they eliminate number of intermediaries?
Elaborate on the policy taken by the government of India to meet the challenges of the
8 2019 Policy 15
food processing sector.
What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of agricultural produce in Transport and
9 2020 10
India? Marketing

What are the challenges and opportunities of food processing sector in the country? How
10 2020 Food Processing 10
can income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing?

What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013? How has the Food
11 2021 Act 15
Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India?
12 2022 Elaborate the scope and significance of the food processing industry in India Food Processing 10
What are the main bottlenecks in upstream and downstream process of marketing of
13 2022 Marketing 15
agricultural products in India ?

Land Reforms in India

Qn.No YEAR QUESTION TOPIC MARKS

Establish the relationship between land reform, agriculture productivity and elimination
1 2013 of poverty in Indian Economy. Discussion the difficulty in designing and implementation Economy 10
of the agriculture friendly land reforms in India.
The right to fair compensation and transparency land acquisition, rehabilitation and
2 2014 resettlement act, 2013 has come into effect from 1 January 2014. What implication would Act 12.5
it have on industrialisation and agriculture in India?
Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development. Identify the factors that
2 2016 Development 12.5
were responsible for the success of land reforms in India.
How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic
3 2021 Conditions 10
conditions of marginal and small farmers?

State the objectives and measures of land reforms in India. Discuss how land ceiling
4 2023 Policy 10
policy on landholding can be considered as an effective reform under economic criteria.

1)Farm subsidies and MSP and issues therein (direct and indirect)
2) PDS (objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping, issues of buffer stocks & food security)

Qn.No YEAR QUESTION TOPIC MARKS

What are the different types of agriculture subsidies given to farmers at the national and
1 2013 state levels? Critically analyze the agriculture subsidy regime with the reference to the Subsidies 10
distortions created by it.
Food security bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically
2 2013 discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it Bill 10
has generated in WTO
“In the villages itself no form of credit organisation will be suitable except the cooperative
society.” – All Indian rural credit survey. Discuss this statement in the background of
3 2014 agriculture finance in India. What constrain and challenges do financial institutions Financial 12.5
supplying agricultural finances? How can technology be used to better reach and serve
rural clients?
In what way could replacement of price subsidy with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
4 2015 DBT 12.5
change the scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss.
How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers?
4 2017 What is the significance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing Subsidies 15
for small and marginal farmers?
What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers
5 2018 MSP 10
from the low income trap?
 What are the reformative steps taken by the government to make food grain distribution
6 2019 PDS 15
system more effective?
What are the major challenges of Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? How can it
7 2022 PDS 10
be made effective and transparent ?
What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India. Discuss the
8 2023 issues raised by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in relation to agricultural Subsidies 15
subsidies.

Slot 3 - Disaster Management , Environment, Science and Technology.

Disasters & Disaster Management
Qn.No YEAR QUESTION TOPIC MARKS

How important are vulnerability and risk assessment for pre-disaster management. As
1 2013 Administration 10
an administrator ,what are key areas that you would focus in a disaster management

Drought has been recognised as a disaster in view of its party expense, temporal
duration, slow onset and lasting effect on various vulnerable sections. With a focus on the
2 2014 Drought 12.5
September 2010 guidelines from the National disaster management authority, discuss
the mechanism for preparedness to deal with the El Nino and La Nina fallouts in India.

The frequency of earthquakes appears to have increased in the Indian subcontinent.

3 2015 However, India’s preparedness for mitigating their impact has significant gaps. Discuss Earthquake 12.5
various aspects.
The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years.
4 2016 Discussing the reasons for urban floods. highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to Floods 12.5
reduce the risk during such events.
With reference to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines, discuss
5 2016 the measures to be adopted to mitigate the impact of the recent incidents of cloudbursts Cloudburst 12.5
in many places of Uttarakhand.
On December 2004, tsumani brought havoc on 14 countries including India. Discuss the
factors responsible for occurrence of Tsunami and its effects on life and economy. In the
6 2017 Tsunami 15
light of guidelines of NDMA (2010) describe the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce
the risk during such events.
Describe various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before and
7 2018 after signing ‘Sendai Framework for DRR (2015-2030)’. How is this framework different DRR 15
from ‘Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005?

Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how
8 2019 Landslide 15
hazard zonation mapping will help in disaster mitigation in the case of landslides.

Vulnerability is an essential element for defining disaster impacts and its threat to
9 2019 people. How and in what ways can vulnerability to disasters be characterized? Discuss Vulnerability 10
different types of vulnerability with reference to disasters.
Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of
10 2020 Measures 15
India departing from the earlier reactive approach.
Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake-related hazards. Give examples
11 2021 including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts Earthquake 10
of India during the last three decades
Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important
12 2021 Landslide 15
components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy.
Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian
13 2022 Cloudburst 10
subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples.
Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal
14 2022 Coastal 15
management techniques for combating the hazard?
Dam failures are always catastrophic, especially on the downstream side, resulting in a
15 2023 colossal loss of life and property. Analyse the various causes of dam failures. Give two Dam Failure 10
examples of large dam failures.

Environmental conservation; Environmental pollution and degradation; Environmental Impact Assessment

Qn.No YEAR QUESTION TOPIC MARKS
 What are the consequences of illegal mining? Discuss the ministry of environment and
1 2013 Mining 10
forests’ concept of “GO AND NO GO” zones for coal mining.
Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to alleviate the problems of conventional Alleviation
2 2013 10
energy. Measure
What do you understand by run of the river hydroelectricity project? How is it different
3 2013 Projects 5
from any other hydroelectricity project?
Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example,
discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and
4 2013 Policy 10
management. What are the legal provisions for management and handling of hazardous
wastes in India?
Should the pursuit of carbon credit and clean development mechanism set up under
International
5 2014 UNFCCC be maintained even through there has been a massive slide in the value of 12.5
Mechanisms
carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth.
Environmental impact assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before project is
6 2014 cleared by the government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal EIA 12.5
plants located at Pitheads.
To what factors can the recent dramatic fall in equipment costs and tariff of solar energy
7 2015 be attributed? What implications does the trend have for the thermal power producers Power Industry 12.5
and the related industry?
The Namami Gange and National mission for clean Ganga (NMCG) programmes and
8 2015 causes of mixed results from the previous schemes. What quantum leaps can help Projects 12.5
preserve the river Ganga better than incremental inputs?

Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the important environmental impacts

9 2016 which always attracts controversy while planning major projects. Discuss the measures EIA 12.5
suggested for mitigation of this impact while proposing major developmental projects.

Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to
10 2016 renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National Programmes 12.5
Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).
‘Climate Change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How
11 2017 Impact 15
Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change?

Not many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is becoming reality in the country.
12 2017 Projects 10
Discuss the advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the environment.

What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes
13 2018 which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that Waste 10
have been accumulating in our habitable environment?
What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of ‘wise use’ in the context of wetland International
14 2018 10
conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India. Mechanisms
How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in
15 2018 Act 15
conservation of flora and fauna?
Define the concept of carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment.
16 2019 Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for sustainable Concept 15
development of a region.
Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our
17 2019 environment. Analyse the impact of sand mining along the Indian coasts, citing specific Mining 10
examples.
How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from
18 2020 EIA 10
the existing EIA Notification, 2006?
What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launches by the Government of
19 2020 Programmes 10
India for water conservation and water security?
Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the
20 2020 conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for Programmes 15
this purpose?
What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the
21 2020 Programmes 15
Government of India?
 Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit
International
22 2021 of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. When was 10
Mechanisms
this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?
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 International
23 2021 10
update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to Mechanisms
achieve these revised standards?
Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to
International
24 2021 the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the 15
Mechanisms
commitments made by India in this conference? (
Each year a large amount of plant material, cellulose, is deposited on the surface of
25 2022 Planet Earth. What are the natural processes this cellulose undergoes before yielding Concept 10
carbon dioxide, water and other end products?
Discuss in detail the photochemical smog emphasizing its formation, effects and International
26 2022 10
mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol. Mechanisms
Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control
International
27 2022 measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the 15
Mechanisms
light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997.
What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is
28 2023 Pollution 10
pollution particularly harmful for a country like India.
Comment on the National Wetland Conservation Programme initiated by the
29 2023 Government of India and name a few India’s wetlands of international importance Programmes 15
included in the Ramsar Sites.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted a global sea level
International
30 2023 rise of about one metre by AD 2100. What would be its impact in India and the other 15
Mechanisms
countries in the Indian Ocean region?

1) S&T developments and everyday applications & effects

2) Awareness in fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotech, Biotech, IPR issues
Qn.No YEAR QUESTION TOPIC MARKS
What do you understand by Umpire decision review in cricket? Discuss its various
1 2013 Technology 10
components. Explain how silicon tape on the edge of a bat may fool the system?
What is an FRP composite material? How are they manufactured? Discuss their
2 2013 Technology 5
applications in aviation and automobile industry
Bring out the circumstances in 2005 which forced amendment to section 3(d) in the India
n Patent Law, 1970. Discuss how it has been utilized by Supreme court in its judgment
3 2013 IPR 10
rejecting Novartis patent application for “Glivec”. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the
decision.
How does the 3D printing technology work? List out the advantages and disadvantages of
4 2013 Technology 5
the technology.
What do you understand by fixed dose drug combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits
5 2013 Biotechnology 10
and demerits.

In a globalised world, intellectual property rights assume significance and are a source of
6 2014 IPR 12.5
litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms – copyrights, patents and trade secrets.

India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing
formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a
7 2015 IPR 12.5
powerful weapon in the country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pros and
cons making this database publicly available under open-source licensing
What are the areas of prohibitive labour that can be sustainably managed by robots?
8 2015 Discuss the initiatives that can propel research in premier research institutes for Robot 12.5
substantive and gainful innovation.
Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical
conditions including Leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and several burns.
9 2017 Biotechnology 10
Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other
treatments?
Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this
10 2018 Biotechnology 15
activity benefitted the field of biopharma?
11 2020 What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector? Nanotechnology 10
 How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in
12 2020 Impact 10
agriculture triggered off by the science-based technologies?
COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However,
13 2020 technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an Vaccine 15
account of how technology was sought to aid management to the pandemic.
How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently
14 2021 defence 10
available in the world?
What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology/? How
15 2021 Biotechnology 15
will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of society?

The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the
16 2022 Medical 10
community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them ?

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
17 2022 Space 15
Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it
hold for the human race?
Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does Al help clinical diagnosis?
18 2023 Medical 10
Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of Al in healthcare?
Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel
19 2023 Biotechnology 10
shortage.
The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles
20 2023 contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer EV 15
compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles?

Achievements of Indians in S&T; Indigenisation of technology & development of new technology

Qn.No YEAR QUESTION TOPIC MARKS
Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as
1 2014 attractive as our business operations, engineering or administration, and the universities Research 12.5
are becoming consumer oriented. Critically comment.

Can overuse and the availability of antibiotics without doctor’s prescription, the
2 2014 contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available Issue 12.5
mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.

What do you understand by ‘Standard Positioning Systems’ and ‘Protection Positioning

3 2015 Systems’ in the GPS era? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious satellite 12.5
IRNSS programme employing just seven satellites.
Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the
4 2016 Space 12.5
application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development?
Why is nanotechnology one of the key technologies of the 21st century? Describe the
5 2016 salient features of Indian Government’s Mission on Nanoscience and Technology and the Nanotechnology 12.5
scope of its application in the development process of the country.
India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the
6 2017 Chandrayaan and Mars Orbitter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space Space 10
mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Explain critically.
Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology
7 2017 Nuclear 15
in India. What is the advantage of fast breeder reactor programme in India?
Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and
8 2018 Scientist 10
show how it revolutionized the field of Physics.
What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space
9 2019 Space 10
programme?
How is the government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from
10 2019 Pharma 15
patenting by pharmaceutical companies?
The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and
11 2021 Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in 1990s. How has this invention impacted the Scientist 15
everyday life of human beings?
What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What
12 2022 approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 Vaccine 15
vaccines?
 What is the main task of India’s third moon mission which could not be achieved in its
earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the system in
13 2023 the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the ‘Virtual Launch Control Centre’ at the Space 15
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from
Sriharikota.

Slot 4 - Security
1) Linkages between Development & spread of Extremism;
2) Linkages of Organized crime and Terrorism
Qn.No YEAR QUESTION TOPIC MARKS
Article 244 of Indian Constitution relates to Administration of Scheduled areas and tribal
1 2013 areas. Analyze the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of fifth schedule on the LWE 10
growth of Left Wing Extremism.
The persisting drives of the government for development of large industries in backward
areas have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple
2 2015 displacements with Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discuss the corrective strategies LWE 12.5
needed to win the left wing extremism (LWE) doctrine affected citizens back into the
mainstream of social and economic growth.
Religious indoctrination via digital media has resulted in Indian youth joining the ISIS.
3 2015 What is ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous for the internal security of our Terrorism 12.5
country?
“Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades.” Analyse the
4 2016 Terrorism 12.5
above statement.
Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable
5 2017 Organised Crime 15
examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence.

The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you
6 2017 Terrorism 15
suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding?

The north-eastern region of India has been infested with insurgency for a very long time.
7 2017 Insurgency 10
Analyze the major reasons for the survival of armed insurgency in this region.
Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of
8 2018 the country. Briefly explain the Government of India’s approach to counter the challenges LWE 10
posed by LWE.
Indian government has recently strengthened the anti-terrorism laws by amending the
unlawful activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA Act. Analyze the changes
9 2019 Anti-Terrorism 15
in the context of prevailing security environment while discussing the scope and reasons
for opposing the UAPA by human rights organizations.
The banning of ‘Jamaat-e – islaami’ in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of
over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role
10 2019 Terrorism 10
played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas. Discuss
measures to neutralize the influence of OGWs.
What are the sound determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What
11 2020 strategy should Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to LWE 15
counter the threat in the affected areas?

Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious
2 2021 Terrorism 15
nexus. Also, suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism.

Discuss the types of organised crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and
13 2022 Organised Crime 10
organised crime that exist at the national and transnational levels.
Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal
14 2022 security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered LWE 15
strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism.
Winning of ‘Hearts and Minds’ in terrorism affected areas is an essential step in restoring
15 2023 the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this Terrorism 10
respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir.
Give out the major sources of terror funding in India and the efforts being made to curtail
16 2023 these sources. In the light of this, also discuss the aim and objective of the No Money for Terrorism 15
Terror (NMFT) Conference recently held at New Delhi in November 2022.
 1) Border Areas (security challenges and management thereof)
2) Security forces & agencies (mandate)
3) Role of External State & Non-State actors in creating internal security challenges
Qn.No YEAR QUESTION TOPIC MARKS
How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management,
1 2013 particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Border 10
Myanmar?
International civil aviation laws provide all countries complete and exclusive sovereignty
over the airspace above the territory. What do you understand by airspace? What are the
2 2014 Forces 12.5
implications of these laws on the space above this airspace? Discuss the challenges which
this poses and suggests ways to contain the threat.
The diverse nature of India as a multireligious and multi-ethnic society is not immune to
3 2014 the impact of radicalism which has been in her neighbourhood. Discuss along with the Challenge 12.5
strategies to be adopted to counter this environment.
How illegal transborder migration does pose a threat to India’s security? Discuss the
4 2014 Border 12.5
strategies to curb this, bring out the factors which give impetus to such migration.
In 2012, the longitudinal marking of the high-risk areas for piracy was moved from 65°
5 2014 East to 78° east in the Arabian Sea by International Maritime organisation. What impact Maritime 12.5
does this have on India’s maritime security concerns?
China and Pakistan have entered into an agreement for development of an economic
6 2014 Border 12.5
corridor. What thread does it dispose for India’s security? Critically examine.
Human rights activists constantly highlight the view that the Armed Forces (Special
Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human rights abuses by
7 2015 Forces 12.5
the security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists? Critically
evaluate the requirement with reference to the view held by the Apex Court.
The terms ‘Hot Pursuit’ and ‘Surgical Strikes’ are often used in connection with armed
8 2016 Forces 12.5
action against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions.

Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with
9 2016 Border 12.5
some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s

10 2018 larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate Border 10
the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same.
Cross-border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing
the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently
11 2019 Border 15
emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to counter the
challenges.
Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh
12 2020 and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by Border 15
various security forces in this regard
For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny
13 2020 local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favourable perception among Border 10
locals
Keeping in view India’s internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber
14 2021 Border 10
attacks. Also, discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks.
Analyse the multidimensıonal challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to
15 2021 the internal security of India. Also, discuss measures required to be taken to combat Actors 15
these threats
What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical
16 2022 Maritime 10
and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security.
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to
17 2023 ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc, is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment Border 10
on the measures being taken to tackle this threat.

Money laundering & Prevention

Qn.No YEAR QUESTION TOPIC MARKS
 Money laundering poses a serious threat to country’s economic sovereignty. What is its
1 2013 Steps 10
significance for India and what steps are required to be taken to control this menace?

India’s proximity to two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced
her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other
2 2018 Linkage 15
illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What
counter-measures should be taken to prevent the same?
Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering.
3 2021 Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and Technologies 10
international levels.

1) Basics of Cyber Security

2) Role of media and social-networking sites in internal security challenges
3) Internal security challenges through communication networks.
Qn.No YEAR QUESTION TOPIC MARKS
Cyber warfare is considered by some defense analysts to be a larger threat than even Al
Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyber warfare? Outline the cyber
1 2013 Terrorism 10
threats which India is vulnerable to and bring out the state of the country’s preparedness
to deal with the same.
What is digital signature? What does its authentication mean? Giver various salient built
2 2013 Concept 5
in features of a digital signature.

3 2013 What are social networking site and what security implications do these sites present? Social Network 10

Discuss the advantage and security implications of cloud hosting of server vis-a-vis in-
4 2015 Concept 12.5
house machine-based hosting for government businesses.
Considering the threats cyberspace poses for the country, India needs a “Digital Armed
5 2015 Force” to prevent crimes. Critically evaluate the National Cyber Security Policy, 2013 Policy 12.5
outlining the challenges perceived in its effective implementation.
Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major
6 2016 concern. How have these have misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to Social Network 12.5
curb the above threat.
Prevention
7 2017 Discuss the potential threats of Cyber attack and the security framework to prevent it. 10
Measure
Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized world due to rising
cyber crimes. The Justice B. N. Srikrishna Committee Report addresses issues related to
8 2018 Data 15
data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weakness sof the Report relating
to protection of personal data in cyber space?
What is the CyberDome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet
9 2019 Project 10
crimes in India.
Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the
10 2020 Concept 10
menace
What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in
11 2022 cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a Concept 10
comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy.
What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of
12 2023 Challenges 15
Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats.