AIR 16 · CSE 2024 · GS3 · 52 pages

Madhav Agarwal: GS3 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?10 marks
  2. Q2Discuss the perceived successes and challenges of implementing inflation targeting under the new Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) regime.10 marks
  3. Q3Assess the potential of millet production in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in India.10 marks
  4. Q4Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to end the regional disparity in the availability and accessibility of drinking water. Highlighting the significance of the mission, discuss the underlying impediments in achieving the desired objectives.10 marks
  5. Q5What do you understand by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)? Discuss its applications and how it can revolutionize the energy program of India.10 marks
  6. Q6Discuss in brief developments and challenges in the Gaganyaan mission of ISRO. What are the possible benefits of the mission for the society?10 marks
  7. Q7"Green hydrogen can be the silver bullet in our quest to tackle climate change and pollution". Critically analyze the statement in light of India's National Green Hydrogen mission.10 marks
  8. Q8What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand?10 marks
  9. Q9"The recent radical trends in Punjab show that the Khalistan issue is still simmering." Discuss the statement with respect to recent developments and suggest measures to handle it.10 marks
  10. Q10The anonymity and ease of drone operation contribute to the challenges of India's border security. Elaborate and give suggestions to tackle the drone problem in border areas.10 marks
  11. Q11Electricity Amendment Bill, 2022 brings several advantages for consumers, DISCOMs as well as the environment. Elaborate. Also, list out its shortcomings and suggest some measures to overcome them.15 marks
  12. Q12Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays an important role in the regulation of the share market and safeguarding the interests of investors. In the light of given statement, highlight the challenges faced by the SEBI and suggest reforms in this regard.15 marks
  13. Q13Despite being a major contributor to the Indian economy, the agriculture sector is plagued by several constraints that impede its growth and development. Discuss the role of technology in overcoming these constraints.15 marks
  14. Q14Evaluate the impact of irrigation on the environment and natural resources, and suggest measures to ensure the sustainability and equity of irrigation practices in agriculture.15 marks
  15. Q15How India benefitted strategically from the contributions of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai in the fields of atomic energy and space technology respectively?15 marks
  16. Q16Genreative AI holds the potential to push the boundaries of innovation in the near future, yet its societal impact raises substantial challenges. Elaborate.15 marks
  17. Q17Explain the purpose of the "Mangrove Alliance for Climate" launched at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt in November 2022. Elaborate on the importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology of tropical nations.15 marks
  18. Q18The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India.15 marks
  19. Q19The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure and major corporations has highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and policies. Discussing the key factors contributing to this trend, analyze the impact of these attacks on various sectors.15 marks
  20. Q20In the context of border security, how can cooperation and coordination between different security agencies be improved to ensure effective and efficient management of coastal and terrestrial borders?15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 60 words written

What do you understand by Windfall tax? Do you think that windfall taxes can effectively redistribute wealth and promote greater economic equality?

Opening · a definition

Windfall tax is the direct tax imposed on the earning of assessees making supernormal profits due to external conditions.

Recently, imposed on the petrochemical refineries who get access to deeply discounted Russian crude oil post Russia-Ukraine crisis.

Body · points and prose

Illustration:

Diagram
Normally Raw Material Price | Processing Then Sales Price | Profit Oil Barrel | $70-80 | Suppose $100/Barrel | $20~ Russia-Ukraine crisis | $30-40/per barrel | selling 100/B. | $60~ 3x growth of profits
Diagram
Effectiveness in redistributing wealth & Economic equality Yes (1) High profits are taxed and collected by the government (2) Used for relief to the customers (3) Progressive tax (4) Fund other schemes for vulnerable sections (5) Gareeb Kalyan Yojana No (1) Short term measure only (2) Challenges in computation due to varying rates (3) Global price cap affects overall tax potential

Close · a way forward

Windfall tax is a mechanism of short term. In long term, we need a "shared growth" where all sections and sectors benefit.