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[Analysis] UPSC GSM3-2017= More contemporary & Opinion, Yet 80% Qs solvable
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1. UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-3: 2017 (Linear Format)

2. Answer Sources for GSM3-2017 Paper
3. Bookie-Mentality #FAIL?
1. Fear for jobless and non-inclusive growth
2. Fear ABOUT industrial sector
3. Pingpongs b/n GSM1 & GSM3
4. Pingpong b/n general to speci c
4. How is 2017 vs. 2016?
1. Subjectwise Breakup
2. Current vs Theory
3. Opinion / Assessment Type Questions
4. Length wise
 5. GS3: Topicwise Papers since Syllabus Change
6. [Block #1] Economy
1. Growth and Resource mobilization
2. Economy: Budget
3. Economy: Investment and Infrastructure
4. Economy: Liberalization
7. [Block#2] Agriculture
1. Food: Cropping-irrigation
2. Food: Tech. in aid of farmers
3. Food: Food processing industry
4. Food: Land reforms
5. Food: MSP
8. [Block #3] Science
1. Disaster Management
2. Environment and Pollution Control
3. Science-Tech: Awareness
4. Science-Tech: Indians
9. [Block#4] Security
1. Security: Terrorism, Extremists (LWE, NE)
2. Security: Cross border
3. Security: org. crime & money laundering
4. Security: Cyber security and social media
5. Security- Security forces

UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-3: 2017 (Linear Format)

Total marks 250. Total duration: 3 hours. Date: 31/10/2017.

Answer following questions each in 150 words x 10 marks.

1. Among several factors for India’s potential growth, savings rate is the most e ective one. Do you agree?
What are the other factors available for growth potential?
2. Account for the failure of manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour-intensive exports rather
than capital-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour-intensive rather than capital-intensive
exports.
3. Examine the developments of Airports in India through Joint Ventures under Public-Private
Partnership(PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this regard.
4. Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How these
revolutions have helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India?
5. What are the reasons for poor acceptance of cost e ective small processing unit? How the food
processing unit will be helpful to uplift the socio-economic status of poor farmers?
 6. Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including
Leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe brie y what stem cell therapy is
and what advantages it has over other treatments?
7. India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and
Mars Orbitter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space mission, both in terms of technology
and logistics? Explain critically.
8. Not many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is becoming reality in the country. Discuss the
advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the environment.
9. Discuss the potential threats of Cyber attack and the security framework to prevent it.
10. The north-eastern region of India has been infested with insurgency for a very long time. Analyze the
major reasons for the survival of armed insurgency in this region.

Answer following questions each in 250 words x 15 marks.

11. One of the intended objectives of Union Budget 2017-18 is to ‘transform, energize and clean India’.
Analyse the measures proposed in the Budget 2017-18 to achieve the objective.
12. “Industrial growth rate has lagged behind in the overall growth of Gross-Domestic-Product(GDP) in the
post-reform period” Give reasons. How far the recent changes in Industrial Policy are capable of
increasing the industrial growth rate?
13. What are the salient features of ‘inclusive growth’? Has India been experiencing such a growth process?
Analyze and suggest measures for inclusive growth.
14. What are the major reasons for declining rice and wheat yield in the cropping system? How crop
diversi cation is helpful to stabilize the yield of the crop in the system?
15. How do subsidies a ect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the
signi cance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and marginal
farmers?
16. Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the
advantage of fast breeder reactor programme in India?
17. ‘Climate Change’ is a global problem. How India will be a ected by climate change? How Himalayan and
coastal states of India will be a ected by climate change?
18. On December 2004, tsumani brought havoc on 14 countries including India. Discuss the factors
responsible for occurrence of Tsunami and its e ects on life and economy. In the light of guidelines of
NDMA (2010) describe the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events.
19. Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples,
analyze the causes and consequences of such violence.
20. The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb
this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding?
 Answer Sources for GSM3-2017 Paper

If large chunk of answer is available at a single standard reference source, then I’ll count material
availability as yes.
If answer is scattered across multiple less-known / less used sources, then I’ll count as “no*”. It doesn’t
mean that given question is unsolvable, it only means that it requires much more e ort.

Question Answer

1.factors
Yojana March 2017 (http://yojana.gov.in/Recent_archive_2017.asp): page 35 onwards- “SW
a ecting
Other factors include: channelizing of the savings into investment in private sector, rathe
growth
FDI reforms, ease of doing biz, skilling for demographic dividend, currency stability, policy
potential
giants where de-facto autocracy facilitated faster implementation of “Washington consen
apart from
All of this, su ciently covered in my BES17 series (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=
savings rate

2. Suggest
measures for
Economic survey has been highlighting this since last three years.
more labour-
intensive
Regulatory cholesterol preventing creation of “good” jobs in organized sector. Ref: My lec
rather than
Leather and garment industry has max. potential for job creation for every  1lakh investe
capital-
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGR15qUbBXc&list=PLAMBum9_RkuOeHdtr8dm0n7
intensive
exports.

3.JV model in
Generic points of PPP challenges given in Kelkar Committee report last year. Same can be
Airport PPP

4.how Agri.
Verbatim answer given in Kurkshetra 2016 March PDF  page 5 (http://yojana.gov.in/Recent_a
revolutions
Alternatively NCERT class11-Indian Economy:
have helped
in poverty
P24 onwards: Green Revolution Phase-I and II.
alleviation
P109: golden revolution in sheries (1991-2003)
and food
security in
Plus, lot of points spread around my [food processing] article series (http://mrunal.org/econo
India?

5.why poor
acceptance of
cost e ective
small
processing Seems to be a random question picked from some Professor’s research paper. “why sma
unit? How the Second part of the question easily available in my [food processing] article series (http://m
food
processing
uplift poor
farmers?
6. what stem
Yojana December 2016 Page 51 short note is given.
cell therapy is
Available in the science-technology section of any general studies manual (https://www.a
and what
21&camp=3638&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=9311129232&linkId=1a62d
advantages it
Even NIOS science-tech chapter21 (http://www.nios.ac.in/online-course-material/seconda
has over
Even Mrunal’s article (http://mrunal.org/2012/11/science-stem-cell-research-controversy-
other
CSAT Paper-II और अतरं गी Prelim GS1 के चलते इस साल पुराने चावल तो कम ही पास ए दीखत रहे है .
treatments?

7.India has
April 2017: PTI reported that ISRO is working on a human space ight Programme.
not ventured
Originally this problem was discussed in 2006 (https://www.isro.gov.in/update/07-nov-20
into manned
New research  required in life support systems, improved reliability and safety, crew esca
space
estimated cost Rs.10,000 crore spread over a period of 8 years.
mission?
ISRO immediate priority is to meet the basic needs of communication, navigation and rem
Explain
The real challenge is dragging these points into 150 words.
critically.

8. advantages
of river
Clichéd topic, beaten to death.
linking and its
Rajtanil’s Geography lecture series (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ua44Cv_i0g).
possible
Verbatim answer also given in Yojana-2016 July page 23 onwards in (http://yojana.gov.in/
impact on the
environment.

9. Cyber-
attack and
Internal Security by M.Karthikeyan (https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/9332587353/ref=
the security
21&camp=3638&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=9332587353&linkId=44046
framework in
India?

Pratik Nayak’s Lecture on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdPBnJqRPCI&list

10.The north-
Internal Security by M.Karthikeyan (https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/9332587353/ref=
eastern
21&camp=3638&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=9332587353&linkId=44046
insurgency?
2nd ARC: 7th Report (https://darpg.gov.in/arc-reports) Ch. 12

11.
‘transform,
energize and Entire budget-2017 and its initiatives have been amply covered in my BES17 lecture serie
clean India’ Alternatively, Yojana March 2017 (http://yojana.gov.in/Recent_archive_2017.asp):
agenda in
Budget-2017

12 Recent
changes in
Industrial
Seems UPSC examiner framed this question like a Postdated cheque because DIPP had a
Policy are
(http://dipp.nic.in/sites/default/ les/Industrial_policy_2017_DP.pdf).
capable of
So in absence of concrete info, I think most candidates would have made stories around
increasing the
industrial
growth rate?
13.inclusive Essayish question. You’ve to link SDG goals with government initiatives. Plenty of points a
growth in sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjJrrr906zXAhV
India 5cYHZGzpagZMFN) as well as my economic survey lecture series.

14.why
declining rice
and wheat
yield in the Reasons: Overuse of urea, declining water table and stagnent research in seed-developm
cropping How crop diversi cation can help? NCERT Scienc class9 Ch.15 page 207 onwards (Croppin
system? How Ref: ShankarIAS’s Agriculture book Page17 onwards.
crop
diversi cation
can help?

15. subsidies
a ect the
cropping
This is a running theme in last three years’ economic surveys, and even in the latest NITI3yr.
pattern, crop
economy-sde-agriculture-msp.html).
diversity and
economy of
farmers?

16. nuclear My lecture BES165/P3 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9X57a7OWEk) or

science and Rajtanil’s Lecture G9/P3 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCeRZZVf9yk) or
technology in Science Technology portion in any General Studies Manual. (https://www.amazon.in/gp/p
India. 21&camp=3638&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=9352607414&linkId=58a6d

17.‘Climate
Change’ on
Himalayan ShankarIAS Environment Book (https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B071DJLXHJ/ref=as_li
and coastal 21&camp=3638&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B071DJLXHJ&linkId=f8e78
states of
India

18.Tsunami
Disaster management: 2nd ARC 3rd report (http://arc.gov.in/3rdreport.pdf) 3rd chapter: p
management

2nd ARC 5th Public Order: (https://darpg.gov.in/arc-reports) page 8 onwards. It talks abou
19.Mob
(http://mrunal.org/2017/10/upsc-mains-gs2-mock-set1-section-498.html#q5.-fake-news)
violence
had covered in my Answer writing series).

2nd ARC 8th Report (https://darpg.gov.in/arc-reports).

20.terrorism?
How to curb menace? Just cite points given in ‘summary of recommendations’  at page 13
Terror Funding is given in Chapter 6.

Conclusion?
 16 out of 20 = 80% of the questions directly covered in standard sources.
And 2 questions:  partially available in standard sources. So total 90% of the paper is fully or partially
covered in sources that are either free or very cheap. And majority of them from Economic Survey,
Yojana, Kurukshetra and 2nd ARC : all freely available on internet.
Only 2 questions are not directly available. [(1) manned mission and (2) industrial policy change]
Therefore, expensive coaching and study material is not necessary for success. Mains Success primarily
depends on your ability to write less mediocre answer than others, in given time limit.
So, before scavenging for “Secret” material and compilations for 24/7 basis on telegram groups,
you should rst nish these standard reference sources.

Now coming to the analysis part….

Bookie-Mentality #FAIL?

UPSC usually doesn’t ask questions from hot-current a airs of the given year. Astrologers, Bookies and
Coaching classes use this unwritten rule to predict the questions. In GSM2-2017, Examiner blatantly violated
this rule (http://mrunal.org/2017/11/dl-upsc-mains-gs2-2017.html#380). Whether GST or right to privacy-
they’ve asked hot topics. However, in GSM3-2017, he has by and large avoided hot current a airs from 2016-
17. For example:

1. Nothing from arti cial intelligence (http://mrunal.org/2017/10/mains-answer-writing-arti cial-

intelligence.html), drones or robots this time, even though they were hot topics in science-tech in GSM3.
2. Nothing from black money, although it was a hot topic in the aftermath of demonetization
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=D2LyhWIsBd8&list=PLAMBum9_RkuOeHdtr8dm0n7qAvPJkaXsv&index=40) and passing of new bills
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=kw_q0ohr3Co&list=PLAMBum9_RkuOeHdtr8dm0n7qAvPJkaXsv&index=39) related to black money.
3. Nothing from NPA, TBS problem.
4. Instead of asking “funding to Kashmiri stone-pelters” speci cally, they asked about “funding to terrorism”
in general.
5. Nothing from D.B. Shekatkar committee report on defense reforms or Dokhlam crisis. Senior players
were expecting question in ‘security forces / border areas’.
6. Nothing from GST (but in fairness, it was asked in GSM2-2017 (http://mrunal.org/2017/11/dl-upsc-mains-
gs2-2017.html)).
7. Nothing from N.K.Singh’s FRBM Review panel in the Budgeting topic. (but in fairness, asked  full-scale
topic essay-2017 paper. (http://mrunal.org/2017/10/download-upsc-mains-2017-essay-paper.html))

Examiner’s Fear for jobless and non-inclusive growth continues

 Previously Mains-2017

2015: The nature of economic growth in India

in described as jobless growth. Do you agree
with this view? Give arguments in favour of
your answer.
2014: While we found India’s demographic
Account for the failure of manufacturing sector in
dividend, we ignore the dropping rates of
achieving the goal of labour-intensive exports
employability. What are we missing while
rather than capital-intensive exports. Suggest
doing so? Where will the jobs that India
measures for more labour-intensive rather than
desperately needs come from? Explain.
capital-intensive exports.
2016: How globalization has led to the
reduction of employment in the formal sector
of the Indian economy? Is increased
informalization detrimental to the
development of the country?

2016: Comment on the challenges for inclusive

growth which include careless and useless What are the salient features of ‘inclusive growth’?
manpower in the Indian context. Suggest Has India been experiencing such a growth process?
measures to be taken for facing these Analyze and suggest measures for inclusive growth.
challenges.

As you can see, their pipudi (small- ute) is stuck at the same things since last three years.

Fear ABOUT industrial sector continues

Previously Mains-2017

“Industrial growth rate has lagged behind in the overall

2014: What are the reasons for the huge
growth of Gross-Domestic-Product(GDP) in the post-reform
growth of services vis-a-vis industry in the
period” Give reasons. How far the recent changes in
country? Can India become a developed
Industrial Policy are capable of increasing the industrial
country without a strong industrial base?
growth rate?

Pingpongs between GSM1 & GSM3

GSM1 GSM3

2017: ‘Climate Change’ is a global problem. How India will be

2014: Bring out the relationship
a ected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states
between the shrinking Himalayan
of India will be a ected by climate change? (even though given
glaciers and the symptoms of climate
the wording of this question, it is more suitable for asking in
change in the Indian sub-continent.
GSM1.)
2017: In what way can ood be
converted into a sustainable source of
2017: Discuss the advantages of river linking and its possible
irrigation and all-weather inland
impact on the environment.
navigation in India? (here you’ve to write
about river interlinking)

2016: Major cities of India are becoming 2016:  Discussing the reasons for urban oods. highlight the
more vulnerable to ood conditions. mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such
Discuss. events.

2017: What are ‘Smart Cities? Examine their relevance for

2016: The basis of providing urban
urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban
amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted
di erences? Give arguments for Smart Villages’ in the light of
in establishing connectivity. Comment.
PURA and RURBAN Mission.

Pingpong between general to speci c

Previously Mains-2017

2017: asked speci c investment

In 2014: they asked PPP problems in ‘general‘ terms:
Explain how private public partnership agreements, in
longer gestation infrastructure projects, can transfer
unsuitable liabilities to the future. What arrangements
need to be put in place to ensure that successive
generations’ capacities are not compromised?
model: “joint venture” model within
speci c sector: “airports’
 Examine the developments of Airports
in India through Joint Ventures under
Public-Private Partnership(PPP) model.
What are the challenges faced by the
authorities in this regard.

2017: asked “general” question  about all

2013: speci c question about “Pink Revolution” in food
agriculture revolutions that occurred since
industry.
independence.

2017: asked subsidies’ impact on speci c

2013: general question on subsidies to farmers @national things: How do subsidies a ect the
and state level, and how do they create distortions? cropping pattern, crop diversity and
economy of farmers?

2017: speci c question- why are we

2016: general question on how space-tech bene ts
socio-economically.
2014: general question on why scienti c research
declining in universities?
unable to send manned space-
missions? [on of the diagnosis will be
poor quality of scienti c research in
our universities – which was asked in
2014.]
As such UPSC examiner’s a ection for
space-tech continues for third year
running- 2015, 16 and now 17- again
asked about it.
 2017: India’s preparedness against
2015: India’s preparedness against Earthquakes. (speci c) Tsunamis (earthquakes in oceans). Again
speci c.

In 2016 asked about allelopathy (extremely

technical agro topic meant for perhaps
IFoS and Agriculture optional). Thankfully
no crazyness this time.

How is 2017’s Paper compared to 2016?

Subjectwise Breakup 2016 2017

Economy 75 75

Agriculture 50 50

Sci. Env. 75 75

Security 50 50

Total 250 250

No change in weightage to each subject:

Area 2016 2017

Theory 62.5 20

Current 75 40

Contemporary 112.5 190

Total Marks 250 250

In both 2016 and 2017, majority of the questions came from contemporary issues i.e. topics older than
one year. But in 2017, there is heavy focus on contemporary issues, over 75% questions from this
area only.
2017 has just two theory questions: 1) factors a ecting growth potential (2) principles & bene ts of stem
cell therapy. In every other question – at least partially they’ve asked some contemporary issue e.g. crop-
diversi cation bene ts is “theory” but simultenously they asked in the same question “why rice-wheat
yields declining (in recent times)?
Implications: rather than doing haay-haay for ‘next’ current a airs, one should look back at what has
been happening in last 3-5-7-10 years in contemporary perspective.
 Opinion / Assessment Type Questions

Type of Question 2016 2017

Write Opinion, assessment, suggestion, prospects.

Analyse impact of xyz, examine how abc’s role in achieving pqr 62.5 95
Discuss whether  good x is true but bad y is also happening.

Non-Opinion.
Just describe, narrate things as they are, steps that already taken, without judging 187.5 155
their merit / impact.

Total Marks 250 250

In 2017, there is slight increase in the ‘opinion / assessment’ type questions.

2016 2017

10 questions in 150 words each

20 questions: all have to be answered in 200 words
10 questions in 250 words each

Total 4000 words. Total 4000 words.

Length wise there is no di erence, but paper is tougher because this time more ‘contemporary, opinion,
analysis’ type questions where you’ve to pause, think, arrange points in logical sequence and then answer.

GS3 Topicwise Papers since Syllabus Change

In 2013, UPSC changed the syllabus-pattern of Mains examination and the number of general studies (GS)
papers were increased from two to four. Out of them, GS Paper-3 deals with Economy, Agriculture,
Environment, Disaster management, science technology and security. Here are the topicwise sorted
questions since the pattern change:

Block GSM3 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Growth 10 25 37.5 25 35

Budget 30 0 12.5 12.5 15

1: Economy
Liberlization 20 25 0 12.5 15

Infra, Invest 10 37.5 12.5 25 10

2: Food land Reform 10 0 0 12.5 0

Cropping 0 0 0 37.5 15
 MSP-PDS 20 12.5 0 0 15

E-Tech in aid 0 0 12.5 0 10

Food Processing 10 12.5 37.5 0 10

Sci.Tech 40 12.5 25 0 10

Sci.Tech (Indian) 0 25 12.5 25 25

3: Science
Environment 35 25 25 25 25

Disaster 10 12.5 12.5 25 15

Develop vs Exterm. 10 0 12.5 12.5 40

Border 10 62.5 25 25 0
4: Crime
Cyber Security 25 0 25 12.5 10

Money Laundering 10 0 0 0 0

Total 250 250 250 250 250

[Block #1] Economy

Topics related to economy, infrastructure, investment

 Growth and Resource mobilization

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Indian Economy (issues re: planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development,
employment); Inclusive growth and issues therein

Among several factors for India’s potential growth, savings rate is the most e ective one. Do you
2017
agree? What are the other factors available for growth potential?

Account for the failure of manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour-intensive exports
rather than capital-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour-intensive rather than 2017
capital-intensive exports.

What are the salient features of ‘inclusive growth’? Has India been experiencing such a growth
2017
process? Analyze and suggest measures for inclusive growth.

Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is necessary for bringing unbanked to the institutional
nance fold. Do you agree with this for nancial inclusion of the poorer section of the Indian 2016
society? Give arguments to justify your opinion.

Comment on the challenges for inclusive growth which include careless and useless manpower in
2016
the Indian context. Suggest measures to be taken for facing these challenges.

The nature of economic growth in India in described as jobless growth. Do you agree with this
2015
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 pressure on
balance of payments and external value of rupee. In view of this, examine the merits of Gold 2015
Monetization Scheme.

Capitalism has guided the world economy to unprecedented prosperity. However, it often
encourages shortsightedness and contributes to wide disparities between the rich and the poor.
2014
In this light, would it be correct to believe and adopt capitalism driving inclusive growth in India?
Discuss.

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 in its 2013
implementation in right earnest. Also discuss other provisions in the bill and their implications.

“Success of ‘Make in India’ programme depends on the success of ‘Skill India’ programme and
2015
radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments.

While we found India’s demographic dividend, we ignore the dropping rates of employability.
What are we missing while doing so? Where will the jobs that India desperately needs come from? 2014
Explain.

Economy: Budget

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Government Budgeting

 One of the intended objectives of Union Budget 2017-18 is to ‘transform, energize and clean India’.
2017
Analyse the measures proposed in the Budget 2017-18 to achieve the objective.

Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements and status of
2016
gender budgeting in the Indian context?

In what way could replacement of price subsidy with Direct Bene t Transfer (DBT) change the
2015
scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss.

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

What is meaning of the term tax-expenditure? Taking housing sector as an example, discuss how it
2013
in uences budgetary policies of the government.

Discussion the rationale for introducing Good and services tax in India. Bring out critically the
2013
reasons for delay in roll out for its regime.

Economy: Investment and Infrastructure

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Infrastructure (energy, ports, roads, airports, railways); Investment models

Examine the developments of Airports in India through Joint Ventures under Public-Private
2017
Partnership(PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this regard.

What are ‘Smart Cities? Examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase
rural-urban di erences? Give arguments for Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN 2016
Mission.

Justify the need for FDI for the development of the Indian economy. Why there is gap between
MOUs signed and actual FDIs? Suggest remedial steps to be taken for increasing actual FDIs in 2016
India.

There is a clear acknowledgement that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are a tool of industrial
development, manufacturing and exports. Recognizing this potential, the whole instrumentality of
2015
SEZs requires augmentation. Discuss the issues plaguing the success of SEZs with respect to
taxation, governing laws and administration.

The right to fair compensation and transparency land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement
act, 2013 has come into e ect from 1 January 2014. What implication would it have on 2014
industrialisation and agriculture in India?

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

Explain how private public partnership agreements, in longer gestation infrastructure projects, can
transfer unsuitable liabilities to the future. What arrangements need to be put in place to ensure 2014
that successive generations’ capacities are not compromised?
 Adaptation of PPP model for infrastructure development of the country has not been free from
2013
criticism. Critically discuss the pros and cons of the model.

Economy: Liberalization

GS3 Syllabus Topic: E ects of Liberalisation on the economy; Changes in Industrial policy & their e ects on
industrial growth

“Industrial growth rate has lagged behind in the overall growth of Gross-Domestic-Product(GDP) in
the post-reform period” Give reasons. How far the recent changes in Industrial Policy are capable 2017
of increasing the industrial growth rate?

How globalization has led to the reduction of employment in the formal sector of the Indian
2016
economy? Is increased informalization detrimental to the development of the country?

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 services vis-a-vis 2014
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 in uence this is
2014
expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long run?

Examine the impact of liberalization on companies owned by Indian. Are the competing with the
2013
MNCs satisfactorily?

Discuss the impact of FDI entry into multi-trade retail sector on supply chain management in
2013
commodity trade pattern of the economy.

Though India allowed foreign direct investment (FDI) in what is called multi brand retail through
joint venture route in September 2012, the FDI even after a year, has not picket up. Discuss the 2013
reasons.

[Block#2] Agriculture

Topics related to farming, food processing and food security

 Food: Cropping-irrigation

What are the major reasons for declining rice and wheat yield in the cropping system? How crop
2017
diversi cation is helpful to stabilize the yield of the crop in the system?

What is water-use e ciency? Describe the role of micro-irrigation in increasing the water-use
2016
e ciency.

What is allelopathy? Discuss its role in major cropping systems of irrigated agriculture. 2016

Given the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop
2016
insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

Food: Tech. in aid of farmers

GS3 Syllabus Topic: e-technology to aid farmers, Technology missions;

Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How
2017
these revolutions have helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India?

How can the ‘Digital India’ programme help farmers to improve farm productivity and income?
2015
What steps has the Government taken in this regards?

Food: Food processing industry

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Food processing and related industries in India (scope & signi cance, location,
upstream-downstream requirements, supply chain management); storage, transport & marketing of agro-
produce and related issues & constraints; Economics of animal-rearing

What are the reasons for poor acceptance of cost e ective small processing unit? How the food
2017
processing unit will be helpful to uplift the socio-economic status of poor farmers?

Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income in rural
2015
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 agriculture non-
viable for a majority of farmers, should contract farming and land leasing be promoted in 2015
agriculture? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.

What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in industry in India? Can e-
2015
commerce help in overcoming these bottlenecks?

There is also a point of view that agriculture produce market committees (APMCs) set up under
the state acts have not only impeded the development of agriculture but also have been the cause 2014
of food in ation in India. Critically examine.

India needs to strengthen measures to promote the pink revolution in food industry for better
2013
nutrition and health. Critically elucidate the statement.

Food: Land reforms

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Land Reforms in India

Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development. Identify the factors that were
2016
responsible for the success of land reforms in India.

Establish the relationship between land reform, agriculture productivity and elimination of poverty
in Indian Economy. Discussion the di culty in designing and implementation of the agriculture 2013
friendly land reforms in India.

Food: MSP

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Farm subsidies and MSP and issues therein (direct and indirect); PDS (objectives,
functioning, limitations, revamping, issues of bu er stocks & food security)

How do subsidies a ect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the
signi cance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and 2017
marginal farmers?
 “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 agriculture nance in
2014
India. What constrain and challenges do nancial institutions supplying agricultural nances? How
can technology be used to better reach and serve rural clients?

Food security bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss
various apprehensions in its e ective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in 2013
WTO

What are the di erent types of agriculture subsidies given to farmers at the national and state
levels? Critically analyze the agriculture subsidy regime with the reference to the distortions 2013
created by it.

[Block #3] Science

Topics related to environment, science-tech and disaster management

Disaster Management

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Disasters & Disaster Management

On December 2004, tsumani brought havoc on 14 countries including India. Discuss the factors
responsible for occurrence of Tsunami and its e ects on life and economy. In the light of
2017
guidelines of NDMA (2010) describe the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during
such events.
 The frequency of urban oods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing
the reasons for urban oods. highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk 2016
during such events.

With reference to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines, discuss the
measures to be adopted to mitigate the impact of the recent incidents of cloudbursts in many 2016
places of Uttarakhand.

The frequency of earthquakes appears to have increased in the Indian subcontinent. However,
2015
India’s preparedness for mitigating their impact has signi cant gaps. Discuss various aspects.

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

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

Environment and Pollution Control

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Environmental conservation; Environmental pollution and degradation; Environmental
Impact Assessment

Theme Question Year

‘Climate Change’ is a global problem. How India will be a ected by climate change? How
EIA 2017
Himalayan and coastal states of India will be a ected by climate change?

Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the important environmental impacts

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

Energy- What are the consequences of illegal mining? Discuss the ministry of environment and
2013
Thermal forests’ concept of “GO AND NO GO” zones for coal mining.

Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to
Energy-
renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National 2016
RNW
Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

To what factors can the recent dramatic fall in equipment costs and tari of solar
Energy-
energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for the thermal power 2015
RNW
producers and the related industry?

Should the pursuit of carbon credit and clean development mechanism set up under
Energy-
UNFCCC be maintained even through there has been a massive slide in the value of 2014
RNW
carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth.
 Environmental impact assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before project is
Thermal
cleared by the government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal- red thermal 2014
energy
plants located at Pitheads.

Thermal Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to alleviate the problems of conventional
2013
energy energy.

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

What do you understand by run of the river hydroelectricity project? How is it di erent
River 2013
from any other hydroelectricity project?

The Namami Gange and National mission for clean Ganga (NMCG) programmes and
River causes of mixed results from the previous schemes. What quantum leaps can help 2015
preserve the river Ganga better than incremental inputs?

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
River 2013
management. What are the legal provisions for management and handling of
hazardous wastes in India?

Science-Tech: Awareness

GS3 Syllabus Topic: S&T developments and everyday applications & e ects; Awareness in elds of IT, Space,
Computers, Robotics, Nanotech, Biotech, IPR issues

Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions
including Leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe brie y what stem 2017
cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments?

India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted
information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in the
2015
country’s ght 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? Discuss the
initiatives that can propel research in premier research institutes for substantive and gainful 2015
innovation.

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

What do you understand by Umpire decision review in cricket? Discuss its various components.
2013
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 applications in
2013
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 rejecting Novartis 2013
patent application for “Glivec”. Discuss brie y the pros and cons of the decision.

How does the 3D printing technology work? List out the advantages and disadvantages of the
2013
technology.

What do you understand by xed dose drug combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits and
2013
demerits.

Science-Tech: Indians

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Achievements of Indians in S&T; Indigenisation of technology & development of new
technology

India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the
Chandrayaan and Mars Orbitter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space mission, both 2017
in terms of technology and logistics? Explain critically.

Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What
2017
is the advantage of fast breeder reactor programme in India?

Discuss India’s achievements in the eld of Space Science and Technology. How the application of
2016
this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development?

Why is nanotechnology one of the key technologies of the 21st century? Describe the salient
features of Indian Government’s Mission on Nanoscience and Technology and the scope of its 2016
application in the development process of the country.

What do you understand by ‘Standard Positioning Systems’ and ‘Protection Positioning Systems’ in
the GPS era? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme 2015
employing just seven satellites.

Scienti c research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as

attractive as our business operations, engineering or administration, and the universities are 2014
becoming consumer oriented. Critically comment.

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

[Block#4] Security

Topics related to security, crime, extremism

 यिद काले धन के बारे म पूछना ही नही तो िसलेबस म र ा ों है ?

Security: Terrorism, Extremists (LWE, NE)

GS3 Syllabus Topic:

1. Linkages between Development & spread of Extremism;

2. Linkages of Organized crime and Terrorism
3. Linkages of Pakistan and Terrorism

Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable
2017
examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence.

The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest
2017
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. Analyze
2017
the major reasons for the survival of armed insurgency in this region.

“Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades.” Analyse the above
2016
statement.
 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 displacements
with Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discuss the corrective strategies needed to win the left wing 2015
extremism (LWE) doctrine a ected citizens back into the mainstream of social and economic
growth.

Religious indoctrination via digital media has resulted in Indian youth joining the ISIS. What is ISIS
2015
and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous for the internal security of our country?

Article 244 of Indian Constitution relates to Administration of Scheduled areas and tribal areas.
Analyze the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of fth schedule on the growth of Left 2013
Wing Extremism.

Security: Cross border

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Border Areas (security challenges and management thereof); Security forces & agencies
(mandate); Role of External State & Non-State actors in creating internal security challenges

The terms ‘Hot Pursuit’ and ‘Surgical Strikes’ are often used in connection with armed action
2016
against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions.

Border management is a complex task due to di cult terrain and hostile relations with some
2016
countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for e ective border management.

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 implications of
2014
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 the
impact of radicalism which has been in her neighbourhood. Discuss along with the strategies to be 2014
adopted to counter this environment.

How illegal transborder migration does pose a threat to India’s security? Discuss the strategies to
2014
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° East to 78°
east in the Arabian Sea by International Maritime organisation. What impact does this have on 2014
India’s maritime security concerns?

China and Pakistan have entered into an agreement for development of an economic corridor.
2014
What thread does it dispose for India’s security? Critically examine.

How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management, particularly in
2013
view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar?

Security: org. crime & money laundering

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Money laundering & Prevention

Money laundering poses a serious threat to country’s economic sovereignty. What is its
2013
signi cance for India and what steps are required to be taken to control this menace?

Security: Cyber security and social media

GS3 Syllabus Topic: Basics of Cyber Security; Role of media and social-networking sites in internal security
challenges; Internal security challenges through communication networks

Discuss the potential threats of Cyber attack and the security framework to prevent it. 2017

Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major concern.
How have these have misused in the recent past? Suggest e ective guidelines to curb the above 2016
threat.

Discuss the advantage and security implications of cloud hosting of server vis-a-vis in-house
2015
machine-based hosting for government businesses.

Considering the threats cyberspace poses for the country, India needs a “Digital Armed Force” to
prevent crimes. Critically evaluate the National Cyber Security Policy, 2013 outlining the challenges 2015
perceived in its e ective implementation.

What is digital signature? What does its authentication mean? Giver various salient built in
2013
features of a digital signature.

What are social networking site and what security implications do these sites present? 2013

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 threats which India is 2013
vulnerable to and bring out the state of the country’s preparedness to deal with the same.

Security- Security forces

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 the security forces.
2015
What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists? Critically evaluate the requirement with
reference to the view held by the Apex Court.

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