AIR 13 · CSE 2025 · GS3 · 56 pages

Ananya: GS3 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India.10 marks
  2. Q2Digitizing land records will go a long way in ensuring land reforms as well as lessening the burden on the Indian Judiciary. Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken in this context.10 marks
  3. Q3It has been pointed out that competitive politics to fund mostly non-merit subsidies is pushing a few states in India to the brink of a deep fiscal crisis. In this context, discuss the need to rationalise the subsidy regime in India.10 marks
  4. Q4Micro-irrigation has tremendous potential in transforming farming into a profitable and sustainable venture. Discuss the given statement in the context of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana.10 marks
  5. Q5Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse.10 marks
  6. Q6The recent "Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components.10 marks
  7. Q7Discuss the internal security implications emanating from the use of Emerging And Disruptive Technologies (EDT) by state and non-state actors.10 marks
  8. Q8Identify the impediments faced by India in boosting its defence exports. Also, discuss the steps taken by the government in this regard.10 marks
  9. Q9Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace.10 marks
  10. Q10The adoption of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India is expected to make e-commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers. Discuss.10 marks
  11. Q11While an agreement was recently reached at the WTO on a deal to curb "harmful" government fisheries subsidies, certain concerns raised by India suggests that the matter will require further negotiations. Discuss.15 marks
  12. Q12Despite the advantages that are associated with the hybrid annuity model (HAM) in the road construction sector, the interest in it has moderated due to various reasons. Discuss.15 marks
  13. Q13The existing MSP procurement regime is neither economically nor agro-ecologically sustainable. Elaborate. Also, evaluate the alternative approaches that can be adopted to improve the existing MSP regime.15 marks
  14. Q14It is being argued that India is struggling with overflowing foodgrains in warehouses. Discuss the statement in view of the existing buffer stock policy of India.15 marks
  15. Q15Recently, the government has asked all ports to prepare a master plan in order to become 'mega ports' by 2047. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by ports and suggest remedial measures in order to propel India's blue economy.15 marks
  16. Q16Inequality in income and wealth translates into carbon inequality. In this context, discuss the significance of addressing carbon inequality for India and suggest ways to achieve it.15 marks
  17. Q17Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine.15 marks
  18. Q18India needs a smart border management system to balance legitimate cross border flows with national security interests. Discuss. Also, highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard.15 marks
  19. Q19Establishing linkages between globalisation and money laundering, discuss the initiatives taken at the national and international levels to combat it.15 marks
  20. Q20There have been arguments that India needs to review some of its past assumptions about the nature of outer space and contribute to the development of new global norms. In this context, analyse India's stand in relation to the Artemis Accords.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 196 words written

Fiscal policy can be a key tool to reduce income inequality as well as make the poorest and the downtrodden a part of the country's growth story. Discuss in the context of India.

Opening · a figure

In India, 10% of the people own 78% of the wealth (Oxfam Report). This shows stark income inequality existing in India. To counter it, fiscal policy can be a key tool.

Body · points

Diagram
Fiscal Policy tool → decided by Govt. of India → Included taxes, subsidies, etc

Fiscal Policy → Reducing Inequality

  1. Tools like progressive taxation can help reduce the income inequality → Eg, in India, the income tax is progressive in nature.
  2. Reducing indirect taxes on necessary goods can reduce burden on poor → Eg, less tax on sugar, salt.
  3. Rationalisation of subsidies to poor → benefit to poor → less burden on govt.
  4. More revenue spending on indirect subsidies (to farmers) than direct (eg) more subsidy on inputs to farmer → promotes growth.
  5. Rationalisation of taxes on elderly.
  6. Reducing corporate tax (Present ≈ 22%) less tax → more investment → more employment → less inequality to people.

Issues with fiscal tool:

  1. Fiscal constraints of govt.
  2. High Fiscal Deficit (≈ 6.9% of GDP).
  3. Unsustainable steps → misuse of fiscal tools (eg) Farm loan waivers → add to fiscal burden.
  4. Often politicised.

Close · a way forward

Hence, way forward is rational usage of fiscal policy. The establishment of Independent Fiscal Council can be a positive step.