AIR 5 · CSE 2025 · GS3 · 56 pages

Ishan Bhatnagar: GS3 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade.10 marks
  2. Q2The Reserve Bank of India’s surplus transfers offer the government much-needed fiscal space, yet they are not without challenges. Critically examine the implications of the RBI’s surplus transfers to the government.10 marks
  3. Q3To what extent was the first National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) able to meet its objectives? What are the objectives of the new Asset Monetization Plan 2025–30 as announced in the recent 2025 Budget?10 marks
  4. Q4Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain.10 marks
  5. Q5Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy?10 marks
  6. Q6Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India.10 marks
  7. Q7Chemical pollution poses a grave threat to human health and the environment in India. Discuss the key sources contributing to pervasive chemical contamination and evaluate the effectiveness of existing environmental laws in curbing this problem.10 marks
  8. Q8Missile defence systems are becoming critical for national security in the face of evolving regional threats and advanced weapon technologies. Explain the working principle of missile defence systems. Critically assess India's progress in developing indigenous missile defence capabilities.10 marks
  9. Q9Despite multiple resolutions and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its efforts to counter terrorism have achieved limited success. Discuss the reasons for this limited effectiveness.10 marks
  10. Q10India practices a 'multi-alignment' approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India's internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy?
  11. Q11While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like.15 marks
  12. Q12As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India.15 marks
  13. Q13What are the primary causes of limited formal credit penetration among the rural and unbanked populations in India? Comment on the effectiveness of Small Finance Banks in addressing this gap and advancing inclusive financial growth.
  14. Q14To what extent has the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the food processing industry facilitated value addition, employment generation, and global competitiveness in India's food processing industry?15 marks
  15. Q15Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy?15 marks
  16. Q16Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience.15 marks
  17. Q17CRISPR technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with new tools and clinical breakthroughs. Highlight the recent developments in CRISPR-based gene editing technology applications. Discuss the opportunities and ethical challenges these advancements present for healthcare and society.15 marks
  18. Q18A credible semiconductor ecosystem is pivotal for India's economic security as much as for national security. Analyse the strategic objectives, incentives, and institutional architecture of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). Identify the major risks that could derail its timelines.15 marks
  19. Q19Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region.15 marks
  20. Q20Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 162 words written

Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade.

Opening · a figure

In the past decade, India has lifted 25 crore people out of multidimensional poverty (NITI Aayog) showing its commitment to inclusive growth.

Body · points

Factors that contributed to inclusive growth

Close · a summary

1> Broad-based welfare agenda enshrined in motto 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'.

2> Efforts at employment (eg MGNREGA, NRLM) and skilling (PMKVY 3.0)

3> Capabilities development through outlays on education (Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan), Health (Ayushman Bharat mission)

4> JAM trinity : financial inclusion, digital payments, and universal identity.

5> Combatting hunger with NFSA and PM Garib Kalyan.

6> Made sure that benefits reach the intended beneficiary through DBT, Aadhar-linkage, digitalization of PACS.

7> Boost to cooperatives as engines of rural development through a new cooperative ministry.

8> Focus on balanced regional development with focus on North-East: connectivity (UDAN), infrastructure and investment (investment summits).

9> Empowering vulnerable sections by encouraging entrepreneurship (Stand up India).

10> Gender-focused policies like Lakhpati Didi, Drone Didi, gender-based budgeting.

Hence, the last decade marked a period of inclusive and balanced growth.