AIR 280 · CSE 2023 · GS3 · 56 pages

Ananya Rana: GS3 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1How far do you think the recent proposals to reform India's tax structure will help in improving India's tax buoyancy and base?10 marks
  2. Q2How do the rising trends of economic nationalism and protectionism affect India's global trade competitiveness? What recent measures has India taken to navigate these challenges?10 marks
  3. Q4In recent years, Indian agriculture has been witnessing a transformation towards better productivity and improved farmer incomes. What institutional and structural reforms have been undertaken by the Government to make agriculture more rewarding and sustainable?10 marks
  4. Q5How do Air Defence systems work? What are the various air-defence systems that India currently possesses?10 marks
  5. Q6Discuss the potential of RNA editing in treating genetic disorders. What are its advantages over DNA editing?10 marks
  6. Q7Urban areas are more vulnerable to disasters due to unplanned growth and infrastructure collapses. Discuss. What strategies do you recommend to enhance urban resilience to such disasters?10 marks
  7. Q8Despite its criticality for the success of the Swachha Bharat Mission, solid waste management in India remains at a sub-optimal level. In this context, suggest long-term technological and institutional solutions towards effective solid-waste management.10 marks
  8. Q9"Social media has emerged as a new frontier in modern warfare, shaping narratives, influencing perceptions, and impacting national security". In this context, analyse the role of social media in contemporary conflicts.10 marks
  9. Q10The Border Security Force (BSF) has evolved significantly in its jurisdiction as well as its strategic importance in border management and the internal security framework. Explain the role and mandate of BSF. What are the issues BSF faces while operating in the border States?10 marks
  10. Q11India's growth story is marred by persistent challenges of inequality and the middle-income-trap. Discuss. Highlight the approaches India should follow to escape the middle-income trap and ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth.15 marks
  11. Q12MSMEs are central to the success of the Make in India initiative, yet they face challenges in scaling up and integrating into formal supply chains. Discuss. Suggest structural reforms needed to make MSMEs more resilient and competitive.15 marks
  12. Q13“The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) aims to achieve ‘more crop per drop’, yet irrigation efficiency in India remains suboptimal.” Critically analyse. What reforms are needed to strengthen its implementation?15 marks
  13. Q14The rising import of oilseeds and pulses has made their cultivation unremunerative. In the light of this statement, elucidate the steps needed to promote the production and consumption of oilseeds and pulses in India.15 marks
  14. Q15Explain the scientific principles behind cloud seeding. Highlighting its role in alleviating air pollution and global warming, discuss its potential limitations.15 marks
  15. Q16Give an account of the evolution of India's 3-Stage Nuclear Power Programme. What are the advantages and strategic imperatives of realising the thorium-based third stage?15 marks
  16. Q17Recent studies indicate that the 2014-2024 decade is the warmest decade and 2024 is the warmest year on record. In the light of rapid global warming, what are the impacts of climate change on biodiversity? Discuss the measures needed to ensure ecological resilience and conservation of species diversity.15 marks
  17. Q18Forest fires in India are increasing in frequency and intensity, posing severe ecological and economic challenges. Describe the various causes of forest fires. What measures are followed to prevent and manage forest fires in India?15 marks
  18. Q19What are organized crimes? Discuss the linkages between organized crime and terrorism. How do such linkages pose internal security challenges to India?15 marks
  19. Q20India's north-eastern region is fraught with contentious issues and security challenges. Examine the various security challenges currently prevailing in the region. Discuss the steps to counter these challenges.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 228 words written

How far do you think the recent proposals to reform India's tax structure will help in improving India's tax buoyancy and base?

Opening · a definition

Tax buoyancy is defined as the change in tax revenue collection with change in rate structure while tax base is defined as the number of taxpayers in proportion to total population of the country.

Body · points and prose

Recent proposals to reform tax structure ↳ announced in Budget 2025-26 ↳ no tax on annual incomes upto 12 lakh ↳ Rate rationalisation according to incomes ↳ One time relief on all tax disputes upto 25 k.

Recent proposals will help improve tax buoyancy and base

  1. More adherence to tax payment. Due to tax savings eg upto 80 thousand tax savings estimated
  2. Increasing ambit of tax payers by preventing tax evasion.
  3. Increased compliance of payments due to simplified payment framework eg ITR filling - pre-filled

④ More disposable income will cause more spending and increase in indirect tax collection. (GST)

⑤ Decreasing legal disputes with tax dept will increase productivity in tax compliance matters.

Some challenges remain

① Potential of savings may increase due to uncertain geo-political world order.

② Tax evaders may still find loopholes to evade tax payment.

③ Increase in spending may not be in capital goods.

④ Need of big data analytics to understand impact of tax rate rationalisation.

Close · a summary

These tax reforms have brought relief to the middle class and is expected to increase tax revenue via efficient use of AI and improved vigilance to prevent evasion.