General Studies Paper III (GS III)

20 questions, 250 marks, 3 hours. Open a question for its Hindi text, a topper’s answer to it, and to write it and get it marked.

1. Q1“Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the *sine qua non* to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” Comment on the progress made in India in this regard.10 marks · 150 words
2. Q2Comment on the important changes introduced in respect of the Long-term Capital Gains Tax (LCGT) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in the Union Budget for 2018–2019.10 marks · 150 words
3. Q3What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low income trap?10 marks · 150 words
4. Q4Examine the role of supermarkets in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables and food items. How do they eliminate number of intermediaries?10 marks · 150 words
5. Q5Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it revolutionized the field of Physics.10 marks · 150 words
6. Q6What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment?10 marks · 150 words
7. Q7What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of ‘wise use’ in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India.10 marks · 150 words
8. Q8Sikkim is the first ‘Organic State’ in India. What are the ecological and economical benefits of Organic State?10 marks · 150 words
9. Q9The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same.10 marks · 150 words
10. Q10Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India’s approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE.10 marks · 150 words
11. Q11How are the principles followed by the NITI Aayog different from those followed by the erstwhile Planning Commission in India?15 marks · 250 words
12. Q12How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India?15 marks · 250 words
13. Q13Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers?15 marks · 250 words
14. Q14How has the emphasis on certain crops brought about changes in cropping patterns in recent past? Elaborate the emphasis on millets production and consumption.15 marks · 250 words
15. Q15Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefitted the field of biopharma?15 marks · 250 words
16. Q16With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy.15 marks · 250 words
17. Q17How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna?15 marks · 250 words
18. Q18Describe various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before and after signing ‘Sendai Framework for DRR (2015–2030)’. How is this framework different from ‘Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005’?15 marks · 250 words
19. Q19Data 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 data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weaknesses of the Report relating to protection of personal data in cyber space?15 marks · 250 words
20. Q20India’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 illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What counter-measures should be taken to prevent the same?15 marks · 250 words

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper III. The paper on upsc.gov.in.