AIR 69 · CSE 2024 · GS3 · 53 pages

Kumud Mishra: GS3 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1Analyse how fintech can enhance financial inclusion and reduce gender gaps in India. Also, identify key challenges that need to be addressed.10 marks
  2. Q2As per government data, India recorded a trade deficit with 9 of its top 10 trading partners in FY 2023-24. Discuss contributing factors and assess their impact.10 marks
  3. Q3Evaluate why horticulture remains an understated contributor to India's agriculture. Discuss government measures that could enhance its global market share and address current challenges.10 marks
  4. Q4How has the Public Distribution system (PDS) impacted household food spending in India? What changes could enhance its effectiveness in ensuring food security?10 marks
  5. Q5Understanding and addressing orbital debris is crucial for space sustainability. In this context, discuss the concept of Space Situational Awareness.10 marks
  6. Q6What are data centres? How do they operate? Discuss their significance in driving India's digital revolution.10 marks
  7. Q7Explain the concept of the 'triple planetary crisis' and the interlinkages between different aspects of this crisis.10 marks
  8. Q8Discuss the key provisions and significance of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement. How will India benefit from signing and implementing this agreement?10 marks
  9. Q9The Armed Forces have finalized the structure for making integrated theatre commands. Evaluate the significance of theaterization in India's armed forces.10 marks
  10. Q10Assess the impact of recent peace agreements and reduction in violence on the internal security landscape of India's North east region.10 marks
  11. Q11Despite significant strides in reducing the share of agriculture in output and employment India's structural transformation is marked by sectoral imbalances, low productivity and the rise of low skill jobs. Evaluate key issues and suggest policy measures for addressing them.15 marks
  12. Q12India faces challenges in measuring extreme poverty due to varying estimates and outdated poverty lines. In this context, discuss the need for a national poverty indicator and its potential impact on policymaking.15 marks
  13. Q13To achieve sustainable agriculture growth the focus must be on enhancing the income of small and marginal farmers. Discuss the extent to which government policies have succeeded in this objective.15 marks
  14. Q14Analyse the potential impact of fisheries and seaweed aquaculture on the Indian economy. What factors contribute to its classification as a sunrise sector?15 marks
  15. Q15Despite India's talent in science and technology why does it lag in research and development compared to other emerging economies? Analyse the factors. Also examine how Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act 2023, aims to address them.15 marks
  16. Q16In the context of Artificial Intelligence (AI) development, how can India strike a balance between technological innovation and the need for inclusive growth that benefits marginalized communities. (15) 16. What are the major challenges to building disaster resilience in Indian cities? Enumerate the current initiatives and suggest improvements.15 marks
  17. Q17The Economic Survey 2023-24 has highlighted the flaws in the current global approach to climate change mitigation. Explain their impact on developing countries like India. Also suggest ways to balance development and climate action.15 marks
  18. Q19United Nations recently unveiled the 'Global Principles for Information Integrity' for curbing the spread of online misinformation. Assess the impact of online misinformation on societal trust and internal security. Also discuss the challenges in addressing it.15 marks
  19. Q20Despite significant progress in combating Left Wing Extremism (LWE), challenges persist. Evaluate the effectiveness of the government's strategy in reducing Left Wing Extremism and its goal of eradicating LWE by 2026.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 192 words written

Analyse how fintech can enhance financial inclusion and reduce gender gaps in India. Also, identify key challenges that need to be addressed.

Opening · a figure

India is having the 3rd largest startup ecosystem with the fintech sector contributing to one-third of the startups, promoting inclusion and development.

Body · points

Fintech enhancing financial inclusion and reducing gender gaps:

(1) The fintechs like Paytm, PhonePe have revolutionized financial landscape. Ex. digital transactions crossing one billion on monthly basis.

(2) It has brought the "last mile connectivity" by connecting the far flung regions. Ex. the 24x7 real time transactions.

(3) It has reduced the gender gap by promoting women led SHGs MSMEs. Ex. NABARD e-shakti project.

(4) It has empowered the marginalized women by providing effective employment avenues Ex. the IT and IT enabled services.

(5) It has facilitated the role of women as "agents of change". Ex. women banking / business corespondents.

Emerging challenges

(1) Rural-urban digital divide. Ex. only 42% rural areas have online connectivity.

(2) Lack of financial, digital literacy (only 48% in India).

(3) Lack of technical skill training and "societal barriers" for women. Ex. feminisation of pink collar jobs in IT industries.

(4) Data privacy concerns and deepfakes.

Close · a way forward

Ex. financial frauds.

Thus, the need is to leverage the Digital India Mission with JAM Trinity for financial inclusion.