GS3 · Practice questions
Economy, environment, S&T, security
1,500 questions, with how toppers answered each. Years are the CSE year of the toppers who answered.
All 45 themesFewer themes
Despite phenomenal growth in recent years, India's startup ecosystem lags in innovation across strategic sectors. Identify the factors responsible for this inadequate focus on deep-tech and suggest strategies to bridge this gap.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Industrial Policy and LiberalisationIndigenisation and Defence Technology
India's approach to deal with water issues in the overall political and security context needs a holistic strategy. Examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
Irrigation and WaterEnvironmental Governance
Why retrofitting Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) in Indian thermal power plants is a more viable and effective option compared to the installation of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
PollutionEnergy
Critically evaluate the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in the modernization of railway infrastructure in India. Considering safety as one of the major challenges for railways, what measures can be taken to improve the overall safety parameters of Indian Railways?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
InfrastructureInvestment Models
In a digitally driven world, self-reliance in semi-conductor industry is a non-negotiable requirement. In this context, assess the opportunities and challenges associated with semi-conductor industry for India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
Information Technology and AIIndustrial Policy and Liberalisation
Launched on 25th June 2025, the Axiom-4 (Ax-04) mission has been much in the news since then. What are the key features of the mission? What significance does it hold for the Gaganyaan project and India's long-term space ambitions?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Space Technology
Why is self-sufficiency in pulse production crucial for India? Discuss the policy and technological interventions needed to achieve Aatma Nirbharata in pulses.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Crops and Cropping PatternsSubsidies and MSP
Mega Food Parks (MFPs) were considered to be a gamechanger for the food processing sector in India, but their progress remains stunted. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
Food ProcessingInfrastructure
'Cyberspace has emerged as a distinct domain of warfare, posing serious threats to national security.' Discuss this statement and suggest counter-measures.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Cyber Security
Explain the key components of the National Policy and Action Plan (2015) that have contributed to the significant decline of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). What additional steps would you suggest to eliminate LWE in the near future?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
ExtremismSecurity Forces and Agencies
Discuss how the Biodiversity Act, 2002, and the recently notified Biological Diversity (Access and Benefit Sharing) Regulation, 2025, promote access and benefit sharing while ensuring the growth of traditional industries.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Biodiversity and ConservationEnvironmental Governance
Highlight the key provisions of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025. How would the amendment help strengthen the disaster management framework in the country?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Disaster ManagementDisaster Risk Reduction
Highlighting different kinds of cyberthreats faced by India, evaluate the current status of cybersecurity framework in the country.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023
Cyber Security
Delays in infrastructure projects create massive cost overruns. Elaborate the major causes of delays and potential solutions for timely project execution.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
InfrastructureInvestment Models
The Union Budget 2025-26 outlines a shift towards the 'debt-to-GDP ratio' as the fiscal anchor starting from FY 2026-27. Discuss the rationale behind this shift.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
Fiscal Policy and BudgetingMacroeconomic Indicators
Delineate the linkages between urbanization patterns and rising PM 2.5 levels in Tier-II and Tier-III cities of India. What are the various mitigation measures and the government's initiatives to mitigate air pollution in India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
PollutionEnvironmental Governance
What do you understand by gig economy? Bring out its current status in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
EmploymentInclusive Growth
While tariff rationalization aims to enhance economic efficiency, it may also pose challenges to certain sectors. Critically assess the potential trade-offs involved in the Union Budget 2025-26's approach to tariff reforms.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Fiscal Policy and BudgetingTrade and Foreign Investment
India's agriculture export-import policies are tilted more towards the consumers rather than the farmers. In light of the given statement, critically analyze the impact of import and export policies on farmers. What measures can be undertaken to shield farmers from import-export price shocks?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Agricultural MarketingSubsidies and MSP
Analyse the reasons behind the increasing vulnerability of the Himalayan region to landslides. What steps can be taken for their management and control?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Disaster ManagementDisaster Risk Reduction
A number of initiatives in recent years have focussed on the MSME sector. Why is there a need to focus on this sector? Also, identify the measures taken by the government and further scope of action.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
Industrial Policy and LiberalisationEmployment
Illegal immigration poses a threat to India's democracy, sovereignty, and internal security. In light of this statement, discuss how the recently passed Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, helps in effectively addressing the issue of illegal immigration. What are the constitutional and potential human rights challenges associated with the Act?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Non-state ActorsBorder Management
Overexploitation strains the quality as well as the quantity of our groundwater resources. Analyze.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Irrigation and WaterCrops and Cropping Patterns
Identifying the need for a climate resilient agriculture in India, discuss how it can be achieved.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
Climate ChangeCrops and Cropping Patterns