AIR 3 · CSE 2019 · GS3 · 52 pages

Pratibha Verma: GS3 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges.10 marks
  2. Q2The policies and indicators introduced by the government, in recent times, to finance urban development in India are key in addressing the existing challenges. Discuss with special reference to municipal bonds.10 marks
  3. Q3With a number of issues continuing to be a roadblock, a large section of India's rural population is still 'financially excluded'. Discuss. Analyse how these issues can be addressed and the measures taken by the government and RBI recently in this regard.10 marks
  4. Q4What do you understand by the term 'Environmental Accounting'? Discussing the rationale behind introducing environmental accounting, highlight its status in India.10 marks
  5. Q5While access to irrigation is important, efficiency of water use is equally, if not more, crucial. Examine.10 marks
  6. Q6For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse.10 marks
  7. Q7What do you understand by food irradiation? Highlighting some of its unique applications, examine its relevance for India.10 marks
  8. Q8Whereas misuse of technology has abetted the spread of fake news, it is with the aid of technology that this menace can be curbed. Elaborate.10 marks
  9. Q9Explain the salient features of the recently established Defence Planning Committee. How can it help in credible defence preparedness?10 marks
  10. Q10Recent reports of Maoist leaders having amassed huge assets in property and cash underlines the significance of probing the funding network as part of counter-terrorism efforts. Discuss.10 marks
  11. Q11Not only do services MSMEs contribute mightily to the overall GDP growth, they have a powerful, multiplier impact on the local economies as well. Elaborating on the statement, highlight the problems faced by service sector MSMEs. How can the government make it easier for MSMEs to start and grow a business?15 marks
  12. Q12Contract Farming has many advantages, however it suffers from market failures. Elaborate. What can the government do to correct problems that lead to contract failures? Also, discuss whether the Model Contract Farming Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction.15 marks
  13. Q13Suggest the measures needed to improve the employability of labour force as well as increasing number of employment opportunities in light of structural changes being brought by disruptive technologies.15 marks
  14. Q14India's trade policy in agriculture, marred by ad-hocism and pro-consumer bias, has constrained realization of export potential, and prevented the farmers from reaping the benefits. Examine the statement and discuss ways, including government initiatives, to improve agricultural exports.15 marks
  15. Q15Is currency exchange rate a suitable measure of relative economic performance of countries? Despite improving macro-economic fundamentals, trade deficit in India continues to widen. Bring out the factors responsible for this situation.15 marks
  16. Q16It will take much more than relief packages to address the problems being faced by the sugar industry in India. Discuss.15 marks
  17. Q17NAPCC, almost 10 years old and formulated with lofty objectives, has not served as the best answer to cope with the impacts of climate change. Critically discuss.15 marks
  18. Q18Proliferation of nuclear weapons and the threat of their use are key concerns for global security nonetheless existing international arrangements seem to be ineffective. Comment. Also, identify the salient features of India's policy in this context and discuss whether India should join the NPT in the current form.15 marks
  19. Q19The maritime security domain requires collective multilateral and regional cooperation to combat non traditional threats. Discuss in the context of threats in the Western Indian Ocean and the recent amendments in the Djibouti Code of Conduct.15 marks
  20. Q20India's space programme was initiated with the vision of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, however with changing times it has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening security capabilities of India. Discuss with adequate examples.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 189 words written

There are many challenges in sustainably scaling up renewable energy in India. Analyse. Also, discuss what can be done to address these challenges.

Opening · a figure

India has targetted 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022. Out of which 62 GW has been installed by 2017. Yet there are many challenges in expanding & scaling up capacity with economic, environmental and social sustainability →

Body · points

(1) Financial impediments (A) Raising funds. (B) Allocation of available fund to different stream e.g. solar, wind, biofuel etc. (2) Technological impediments. (A) Intermittent character → continuous supply is not possible (B) Integration of various energy forms with each other and with grids. (C) Energy storage technology not developed (3) Social impediments. (A) Availability of land for large

infrastructure in 3rd generation of biofuels solar parks etc. (B) Adoption of biofuels, mini solar grids by people (C) lack of skilled workforce in operation and maintenance. (4) Environmental - Food vs fuel debate, emission from biofuels etc.

Way Ahead (1) Comprehensive integrated policy is needed. (2) Focus on decentralised production. e.g. mini grids, KUSUM initiative for farmers, GOBARDHAN (3) Adequate finance through clean energy green bonds. (4) Investment in technology. e.g. battery. etc. (5) Net metering should be implemented.

Close · a way forward

Further local bodies should be involved as decentralisation cant be achieved without them.