AIR 16 · CSE 2025 · GS3 · 56 pages

Monika Srivastava: GS3 answer copy

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

The questions

Q1Analyse the factors that have contributed to India's inclusive economic growth in the past decade.10 marks
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
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
Q4Examine the major challenges hindering the Indian textile industry from achieving its full potential in the global value chain.10 marks
Q5Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy?10 marks
Q6Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India.10 marks
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
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
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
Q10India practices a 'multi-alignment' approach in its cyber diplomacy. How does this posture strengthen India's internal security while maintaining strategic autonomy?10 marks
Q11While examining the shortcomings of the land reforms in the past, elaborate what land reforms 2.0 should look like.15 marks
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 · 198 words written

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

Opening · a definition

The idea of inclusive economic growth entails contribution to growth from all sections of society and benefits of growth percolates down to all sections. Indian economy has grown to Rs 331 lakh crore on path of inclusive development.

Body · points and prose

Diagram

- Central Node: Components of Inclusive Growth - Employment Generation - Sustainable development - Poverty alleviation - Mobilisation of resources - women empowerment - Agricultural growth

FACTORS CONTRIBUTED TO ECONOMIC GROWTH (INCLUSIVE)

(1) Growth Rate: India being 4th largest economy of world → Increase in size of pie (Economic Survey 2024)

(2) Employment-led Growth → Fall in unemployment rate to 3.2% in 2024 (a) Make in India, PLI, & LI etc

(3) Increase in female labor force participation rate to 42% in PLFS 2024 → Hybrid work policies → legal measures like POSH → Schemes like Standup India

(4) Poverty alleviation as India's extreme poverty fell to 2.3% in 2024 due to schemes → PM Awas Yojana → Ayushman Bharat → Garib Kalyan Yojana

(5) Focus on Green Economy and Sustainability → Panchamrit Goals, Green Credit Program, Green Hydrogen mission

(6) Revenue Mobilisation like GST reforms, Faceless etc.

challenges (1) Rising economic inequality (10% own 77% wealth - oxfam) (2) stagnant manufacturing Growth (3) Automation Risks (-40% jobs)

Close · a framework

The idea of Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas is truly included in Saptarishi Goals of Budget (Annadata, Nari Shakti)