AIR 34 · CSE 2017 · GS3 · 52 pages

Gaurav Kumar: GS3 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1The 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
  2. Q2Why does India need to transition from a 'build to print' to a 'build to design' model in manufacturing? What steps has been taken by the government in this regard?10 marks
  3. Q3Explain the concept of a nutrition-sensitive food system and suggest strategies to achieve it in the country.10 marks
  4. Q4Give a brief overview of the 'Digital Agriculture Mission'. How can it benefit the agriculture sector?10 marks
  5. Q5Rare earths are not just elements; they are foundational inputs that act like 'seeds of technology'. (10 marks, 150 words) Elaborate.10 marks
  6. Q6Why 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
  7. Q7'The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regime in India remains weak and is often reduced to a procedural formality.' In light of this statement, examine the key challenges in EIA implementation and suggest reforms.10 marks
  8. Q8Plastic pollution is emerging as a serious environmental threat in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to address this problem and also the government's initiatives in this regard.10 marks
  9. Q9Amid evolving threats, there is a need to blend private sector capabilities with India's current internal security architecture. In this context, elaborate on the ways in which the private sector can contribute to strengthening internal security.10 marks
  10. Q10'Radicalisation in Jammu and Kashmir is driven as much by socio-economic factors as by external influences.' Discuss how education and youth engagement can play a role in countering radicalisation in J&K. 10M.10 marks
  11. Q11Outlining the key characteristics of the care economy, discuss how India can better integrate the value of unpaid and underpaid care work into its economic framework.15 marks
  12. Q12'The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges for India's labour market.' Examine. Also suggest strategies to align AI adoption with inclusive and resilient labour market outcomes.15 marks
  13. Q13Why does India's agricultural export performance remain weak despite high production levels? What measures would you suggest to improve agri-export competitiveness?15 marks
  14. Q14"The agricultural subsidy regime in the country needs reforms to address the distortions it causes." Comment.15 marks
  15. Q15How can biomanufacturing transform today's consumptive manufacturing paradigm to the one based on regenerative principles? Also discuss how BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) aims to foster biomanufacturing in the country.15 marks
  16. Q16The future of digital innovation depends on self-reliant, domain-specific AI capabilities. In this context, bring out the key considerations in developing Indigenous AI models and tools. Suggest measures to build an enabling ecosystem for AI innovation in India. What initiatives have been taken by the government in this regard?15 marks
  17. Q17Marine oil spills are a form of environmental disaster, with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and coastal livelihoods; however, India's preparedness to prevent such incidents and mitigate their impact has significant gaps. Analyze.15 marks
  18. Q18'The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation.' Bring out the ecological and socio-economic significance of glaciers. What are the key challenges in preserving them? What measures have been taken at national and international levels towards preservation of glaciers?15 marks
  19. Q19What are the determinants of insurgency in the north-eastern region of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?15 marks
  20. Q20Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral aspect of modern conflict and warfare, employed by both state and non-state actors. Discuss its implications for India's security architecture and state the measures being taken to address them. Also suggest other steps to tackle the threats emanating from UAVs.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 219 words written

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.

Opening · a definition

The debt to GDP ratio is the cumulative addition of deficits through years. It is stock concept while fiscal deficit is flow concept.

Budget outlines shift towards debt-GDP as fiscal anchor because:

Body · points

  1. Tough to anchor fiscal deficit: years wise control over deficit term is difficult due to multiple & large expenditures (eg) 9.6 %D in COVID.

  2. Mere 0.5% escape clause in FRBM (NK Singh Committee) → so tough for govt to balance public welfare & austerity in finance.

  3. Debt to GDP ratio gives time to fiscal manuever: till 2025 govt in targeting 60% of GDP (Debt/GDP)

  4. Control over debt/GDP is easier than fiscal deficit in long run; in short run fiscal deficit target can be breeched for countercyclical policies like PM-Kisan, MNREGA expenditure during slowdown.

  5. To avoid criticism of fiscal profligacy - difficult to track debt/GDP by public.

  6. Why not target the 'final fiscal anchor' rather then intermediate fiscal deficit?

  7. In the end, stock variable target (debt/GDP 60% Centre, 40% States - FRBM) to be achieved.

  8. Centre-states fiscal tussle over fiscal deficit - though states are within 3%, Centre is constantly deviating 9% → 6.8% → 6.7% → 5.6% from 2020-2025.

Close · a summary

Therefore, to escape the tighter grip over fiscal space, to get fiscal freedom to spend, govt is going for debt/GDP.