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GS 3

UPSC Mains 2016

20 questions · 240 marks · Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management

GS 1GS 2GS 3Ethics
Internal Security12 Marks

Q1.The use of the internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major security concern. How have these been misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat.

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Directive: Suggest
Internal Security12 Marks

Q2.Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management.

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Directive: Elucidate
Internal Security12 Marks

Q4.The terms ‘Hot Pursuit’ and ‘Surgical Strikes’ are often used in connection with armed action against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions.

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Directive: Discuss
Disaster Management12 Marks

Q5.With reference to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines discuss the measures to be adopted to mitigate the impact of recent incidents of cloudbursts in many places of Uttarakhand.

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Directive: Discuss
Environment & Ecology12 Marks

Q6.The frequency of urban floods due to high-intensity rainfall has increased over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events.

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Directive: Discuss
Environment & Ecology12 Marks

Q7.Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the important environmental impacts that always attract controversy while planning major projects. Discuss the measures suggested for mitigation of this impact while proposing major developmental projects.

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Directive: Discuss
Science & Technology12 Marks

Q8.Why is nanotechnology one of the key technologies of the 21st century? Describe the salient features of the Indian Government’s Mission on Nanoscience and Technology and the scope of its application in the development process of the country.

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Directive: Explain
Science & Technology12 Marks

Q9.Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development?

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Directive: Discuss
Science & Technology12 Marks

Q10.Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of the National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

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Directive: Discuss
Economy12 Marks

Q11.Given the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

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Directive: Discuss
Economy12 Marks

Q12.Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development. Identify the factors that were responsible for the success of land reforms in India.

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Directive: Discuss
Economy12 Marks

Q15.Comment on the challenges for inclusive growth which include careless and useless manpower in the Indian context. Suggest measures to be taken to face these challenges.

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Directive: Comment
Economy12 Marks

Q16.Justify the need for FDI for the development of the Indian economy. Why there is a gap between MOUs signed and actual FDIs? Suggest remedial steps to be taken to increase actual FDIs in India.

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Directive: Justify
Economy12 Marks

Q17.What are ‘Smart Cities’? Examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ’Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission.

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Directive: Explain
Economy12 Marks

Q18.Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is necessary for bringing the unbanked to the institutional finance fold. Do you agree with this for the financial inclusion of the poor section of the Indian society? Give arguments to justify your opinion.

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Directive: Justify
Economy12 Marks

Q20.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?

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