AIR 247 · CSE 2025 · GS3 · 56 pages

Abhinav Ashok: GS3 answer copy

20 answers by Abhinav Ashok, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions.10 marks
  2. Q2Modern technologies such as blockchain and ChatGPT are powerful tools with immense potential to transform agriculture into a more efficient and sustainable sector. Discuss in the context of India.10 marks
  3. Q3What factors have led to the recent acceleration in the trend towards de-dollarization of the global economy? Do you think the dollar will lose its dominance anytime soon?
  4. Q4Despite significant pressure from the developed countries to alter its food subsidy regime, there is merit in India trying to retain its policy support for the poor in the country. Discuss.10 marks
  5. Q5Several initiatives have been taken by the government towards addressing India's water needs, but the issues of water availability and water quality still warrant prioritised intervention. Discuss.10 marks
  6. Q6What are the major drivers of glacial retreat in the Arctic? Describe the potential impact of the retreat of Arctic glaciers on the ecosystem.10 marks
  7. Q7Space tourism, which was viewed as something straight out of a science fiction movie, is now becoming a reality albeit not without hindrances. What are the challenges associated with space tourism? What measures can be taken to address these challenges?10 marks
  8. Q8Global health experts widely believe that the development of CAR-T cell therapy can be a game changer in the treatment of cancer. How can CAR-T cell therapy overcome the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology?10 marks
  9. Q9Discuss why the rising deployment of new and emerging technologies by prominent violent extremist organizations demand concerted global efforts.10 marks
  10. Q10With the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remaining tense after the Galwan and Yangste incidents and both India and China ramping up infrastructure in the border areas, discuss the role that ITBP plays in the region.10 marks
  11. Q11Do you think there is a need for a shift from 'land productivity' to 'irrigation water productivity' in India? Justify your answer. What are the challenges in making this shift? Explain.15 marks
  12. Q12Examine the role that green hydrogen can play in unlocking the energy security of India. How can the National Green Hydrogen Mission help India in achieving its energy goals?15 marks
  13. Q13The government has been weighing a transition from minimum wage to living wage in recent times. What are the benefits and constraints in the adoption of living wage in India?15 marks
  14. Q14The Union Budget affects almost every sector of the Indian economy, yet neither the budgetary processes nor the budget policies come under substantial public scrutiny. Do you agree? Justify your answer.15 marks
  15. Q15India has been able to transform itself from a milk deficit country to the world's biggest milk producer, but the productivity of dairy animals in the country remains a concern. Discuss.15 marks
  16. Q16While climate change is responsible for crop failures, the agricultural sector itself is partly responsible for extreme weather events. Discuss. What strategy has been adopted under National Agriculture Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the resilience of the farming community in India?15 marks
  17. Q17Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist?15 marks
  18. Q18Recently, scientists announced net energy gain in nuclear fusion reaction, which is considered as a major scientific breakthrough for the future of clean energy. What are the advantages of nuclear fusion based power generation? What are the limitations in using it to generate electricity at a commercial scale?15 marks
  19. Q19Keeping in view the recent amendment, examine the efficacy of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in tackling the menace of money laundering in India.15 marks
  20. Q20Discuss the security threats present in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which have a direct bearing on India's maritime border interests. Suggest a robust strategy to deal with these threats.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 199 words written

What are the different dimensions of food security? Examine India's status in terms of ensuring food security with regard to these dimensions.

Opening · a definition

Food security means the affordability, accessibility and availability of food. According to UN committee on Food Security, it is the economic & social availability of nutritious food of choice at all times.

Body · points

Dimensions of Food Security

  1. Availability - India has ensured availability post Green Revolution where a large surplus of grains like wheat & rice is present.

  2. Affordability & accessibility - By the means of PDS, Antyodaya Anna Yojna etc., it has ensured low cost at all ration shops.

India's status of Food Security

  1. Largest PDS system in the world hence ample accessibility.

  2. Production of rice is about 315 MMT and wheat is also large much greater than even its storage capacity

  3. The presence of large number of schemes like NFSA, Antyodya Yojana and other benefits to farmers, its affordability has been ensured.

Challenges to India's Food Security

  1. Storage - Poor facility of only 145 MMT.

  2. First In First Out - Inefficient method where the grain rot for a long time.

  3. Inclusion, exclusion error & leakages.

  4. Lack of nutritional security

Diagram
Way forward - Explore alternatives like UBI - Forward & backward linkages - Build storage - Diversify food crops

Close · a way forward

India is a food secure country but needs to focus on nutritional security by focusing on horticulture & protein diet