AIR 8 · CSE 2025 · GS3 · 62 pages

Pakshal Secretry: GS3 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1How far do you think the recent proposals to reform India's tax structure will help in improving India's tax buoyancy and base?10 marks
  2. Q2How do the rising trends of economic nationalism and protectionism affect India's global trade competitiveness? What recent measures has India taken to navigate these challenges?10 marks
  3. Q3Examine the role of Integrated Farming System (IFS) in improving agricultural productivity and minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture.10 marks
  4. Q4In recent years, Indian agriculture has been witnessing a transformation towards better productivity and improved farmer incomes. What institutional and structural reforms have been undertaken by the Government to make agriculture more rewarding and sustainable?10 marks
  5. Q5How do Air Defence systems work? What are the various air-defense systems that India currently possesses?10 marks
  6. Q6Discuss the potential of RNA editing in treating genetic disorders. What are its advantages over DNA editing?10 marks
  7. Q7Urban areas are more vulnerable to disasters due to unplanned growth and infrastructure collapses. Discuss. What strategies do you recommend to enhance urban resilience to such disasters?10 marks
  8. Q8Despite its criticality for the success of the Swachha Bharat Mission, solid waste management in India remains at a sub-optimal level. In this context, suggest long-term technological and institutional solutions towards effective solid-waste management.10 marks
  9. Q9"Social media has emerged as a new frontier in modern warfare, shaping narratives, influencing perceptions, and impacting national security". In this context, analyse the role of social media in contemporary conflicts.10 marks
  10. Q10The Border Security Force (BSF) has evolved significantly in its jurisdiction as well as its strategic importance in border management and the internal security framework. Explain the role and mandate of BSF. What are the issues BSF faces while operating in the border States?10 marks
  11. Q11India's growth story is marred by persistent challenges of inequality and the middle-income-trap. Discuss. Highlight the approaches India should follow to escape the middle-income trap and ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth.15 marks
  12. Q12MSMEs are central to the success of the Make in India initiative, yet they face challenges in scaling up and integrating into formal supply chains. Discuss. Suggest structural reforms needed to make MSMEs more resilient and competitive.15 marks
  13. Q13“The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) aims to achieve ‘more crop per drop’, yet irrigation efficiency in India remains suboptimal.” Critically analyse. What reforms are needed to strengthen its implementation?15 marks
  14. Q14The rising import of oilseeds and pulses has made their cultivation unremunerative. In the light of this statement, elucidate the steps needed to promote the production and consumption of oilseeds and pulses in India.15 marks
  15. Q15Explain the scientific principles behind cloud seeding. Highlighting its role in alleviating air pollution and global warming, discuss its potential limitations.15 marks
  16. Q16Give an account of the evolution of India's 3-Stage Nuclear Power Programme. What are the advantages and strategic imperatives of realising the thorium-based third stage?15 marks
  17. Q17Recent studies indicate that the 2014-2024 decade is the warmest decade and 2024 is the warmest year on record. In the light of rapid global warming, what are the impacts of climate change on biodiversity? Discuss the measures needed to ensure ecological resilience and conservation of species diversity.15 marks
  18. Q18Forest fires in India are increasing in frequency and intensity, posing severe ecological and economic challenges. Describe the various causes of forest fires. What measures are followed to prevent and manage forest fires in India?15 marks
  19. Q19What are organized crimes? Discuss the linkages between organized crime and terrorism. How do such linkages pose internal security challenges to India?15 marks
  20. Q20India's north-eastern region is fraught with contentious issues and security challenges. Examine the various security challenges currently prevailing in the region. Discuss the steps to counter these challenges.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 133 words written

How far do you think the recent proposals to reform India's tax structure will help in improving India's tax buoyancy and base?

Opening · a date or context

In Budget 2025-26, government has decided to reform India's tax Structure and also brought in New Income Tax Bill 2025.

Body · points and prose

Diagram
Recent proposal - Income tax for upto Rs 12.75 lakh income - Reform in Tax slabs & structure - Simplified Provision under New IT Act, 2025

Role in Improving Buoyancy

  1. Laffer curve → low Tax burden will improve buoyancy
Diagram
[Laffer curve] Tax Revenue ^ A' | / \ | / \ A | / \ +----------------> Tax Rate Now Part
  1. Consumption and demand side boost due to higher dispoble income → ↑ buoyancy

On Tax Base

(3) Less burden of Tax → ↑ compliance among tax payer (4) Lower incentive to cheat and go for tax evasion among corporates (5) Government projection

Diagram
* Government projection * Tax base → 11 crore expected this year * Tax Buoyancy → 1.3 in FY26

Other side (1) Projected loss of revenue → Rs 1 lakh crore (due to lowering of rates) (2) Structural issue persist:

  • eg inverted duty structure (3) Removal of exemption on investment given by government → less buoyancy

Close · a quotation

As Adam Smith says, we must follow 3 canons of taxation → Canon of equity, certainty and buoyancy