A topper · GS3 · 52 pages

Mudit Foujdar: GS3 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1The concentration of wealth at the top necessitates addressing scarcity of resources for the masses. In this context, assess the potential of Universal Basic Income (UBI) in furthering the goals of economic equity.10 marks
  2. Q2Digital commerce is reshaping the global business environment, but its potential is marred by anti-competitive practices, supply chain gaps and limited participation from MSMEs. Discuss the statement and highlight the role of Open Network Digital Commerce (ONDC) in democratizing e-commerce sector.10 marks
  3. Q3Analyse the reasons for India's import dependence in edible oil. How far can National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP) aid the country in becoming self-reliant in edible oil?10 marks
  4. Q4Agriculture subsidy regime in its present form fuels economic inefficiency and creates ecological imbalance. In this perspective, examine various issues related to farm subsidies. Also, recommend measures to rationalise the same.10 marks
  5. Q5What do you mean by 'dark matter' and why is it difficult to detect? How has the search for 'dark matter' shaped modern pursuits in science?10 marks
  6. Q6The future of digital technologies lies in blurring lines between physical and virtual worlds. In this context, discuss the ways in which Metaverse can alter our everyday lives.10 marks
  7. Q7Underline factors responsible for poor solid waste management in Indian cities. In what ways can the trinity of citizens, businesses, and the governments tackle this hazard.10 marks
  8. Q8Ever-increasing competition to control land resources has not only led to environmental degradation but also fuelled social instability, poverty, and migration. Discuss the multidimensional effects of Land Degradation. How can we achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)?10 marks
  9. Q9While addressing the broader challenges of national security the finer questions of human security are often overlooked. What do you understand by human security? Also, recommend measures to build a robust human security paradigm?10 marks
  10. Q10Border management in the country is as much an endeavour in forging developmental partnerships with the locals as it is an exercise in managing cross-border threats. Elucidate.10 marks
  11. Q11The much-cherished demographic dividend of India can be leveraged only if the twin challenges of unemployment and unemployability are addressed holistically. Comment.15 marks
  12. Q12While infrastructure can act as the force multiplier to achieve a 5 trillion USD economy, Gatishakti masterplan can play a similar role for the growth of infrastructure. Elaborate.15 marks
  13. Q13Agriculture is both the cause and a casualty of climate change. In what ways climate change affects agriculture? Suggest ways to make agriculture climate resilient.15 marks
  14. Q14As an organization of the producers, by the producers and for the producers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) can resolve the multiple issues plaguing agriculture. Critically examine.15 marks
  15. Q15Vaccines have proven to be a vital tool in controlling the virulent effects of the SARS-CoV-2. Explaining various types of vaccines, enumerate steps involved in their development.15 marks
  16. Q16Quantum computing can herald transformative changes in various fields of human engagements that are beyond the capacity of traditional computers. Describe quantum computing and list its advantages over traditional computers.15 marks
  17. Q17What do you understand by cloud burst? Examine the reasons for high vulnerability of the mountainous regions to cloud bursts and discuss ways to mitigate its ill-effects.15 marks
  18. Q18COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the risk of infectious agents jumping the barriers of species, necessitating human, animal, and environmental health questions to be dealt in an integrated manner. In this light, discuss the concept of one health.15 marks
  19. Q19Trafficking in the country has grown to become a grave internal security threat and persistent social bane. Identifying the factors behind various forms of trafficking, suggest measures to tackle the menace.15 marks
  20. Q20Though drones have multitude of enabling applications for the welfare of human kind, their proliferation has opened a new dimension of security threat for the country. Discuss.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 169 words written

The concentration of wealth at the top necessitates addressing scarcity of resources for the masses. In this context, assess the potential of Universal Basic Income (UBI) in furthering the goals of economic equity.

Opening · a figure

OxFam India Report 2021 remarked that top 10% Indians owned 77% of the entire wealth owned by Indians. In this context of rising inequalities, UBI is proposed as a remedy.

Body · points

Arguments in Favour of UBI

  1. Will prevent destitution, indebtedness, extreme poverty, trafficking & bondage.
  2. Will counter leakages & gaps in implementation.
  3. Will address inclusion & exclusion errors.
  4. Will improve nutritional, health & educational outcomes (Madhya Pradesh pilot).
  5. Will ensure Economic Justice (Preamble).
  6. Will improve aggregate demand in the economy.

Arguments Against UBI

  1. May lead to culture of freebies, doles & laziness.
  2. High fiscal costs (India - Tax to GDP only at 17%).
  3. Misuse of funds by beneficiaries (drugs, alcohol).
  4. Leakages due to digital illiteracy.
  5. May lead to inflationary pressures (High labour costs).
  6. Politically infeasible to discontinue other welfare schemes to make fiscal space.

Close · a framework

The 3 pillars of Effectiveness, Economy & Equity need to be balanced in the implementation of UBI to ensure India's commitment to SDG 1.