AIR 384 · CSE 2025 · GS3 · 56 pages

Rupam Arora: GS3 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1Discuss the significance of the services sector in India's GDP composition. What implications does this have for economic resilience and vulnerability to global shocks?10 marks
  2. Q2Examine the impact of declining aerosol emissions on global warming, as highlighted by recent scientific studies. How should India balance air pollution control with climate mitigation goals?10 marks
  3. Q3The Union Budget 2025 has widened the definition of MSMEs and increased credit guarantee limits. Discuss how these reforms can address funding and growth challenges for MSMEs.10 marks
  4. Q4“Net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 is an unrealistic target.” Evaluate this assertion in light of current global and Indian energy trends, and suggest alternative pathways for sustainable development.10 marks
  5. Q5Discuss the importance of critical minerals for India's economic security and technological advancement. How does the National Critical Minerals Mission seek to address the challenges in this domain.10 marks
  6. Q6Hypertension and cardiovascular diseases are often termed "silent killers" due to their asymptomatic progression and high mortality. Critically analyse the challenges India faces in early detection and management of these conditions.10 marks
  7. Q7The India-EU Free Trade Agreement is seen as a crucial step for India's trade and strategic ambitions. Examine the major opportunities and persistent hurdles in finalising the agreement.10 marks
  8. Q8Despite decades of legislation and major river rejuvenation programmes, river pollution remains a critical challenge in India. Identify the main causes and critically assess the effectiveness of legal and policy frameworks.10 marks
  9. Q9How can India effectively develop electric highways under the NHEV initiative to boost sustainability?10 marks
  10. Q10How should India upgrade its defence policy to address the 3.5-front security challenge?10 marks
  11. Q11Recent drone incursions have exposed gaps in India's border management. Critically assess current strategies and suggest concise technological and policy reforms to enhance border security.15 marks
  12. Q12Recent spikes in food and fuel prices have pushed India's retail inflation above the RBI's target range. Examine the impact of inflation on household well-being and savings behaviour in India. What steps can policymakers take to balance inflation control with economic growth?15 marks
  13. Q13Critically examine the potential of the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) and the National Mission on High Yielding Seeds to enhance climate resilience and productivity in Indian agriculture. What challenges might impede their effective implementation?15 marks
  14. Q14What role does ISRO play in expanding India's space economy amid increasing private sector participation?15 marks
  15. Q15Fire incidents in India have risen across urban buildings, institutions, and forests. Analyse the key causes and systemic challenges in fire safety and regulation.15 marks
  16. Q16Recurring stampedes at mass gatherings in India highlight persistent gaps in crowd management and disaster preparedness. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of existing guidelines and suggest a comprehensive strategy to prevent such tragedies in the future.15 marks
  17. Q17India's launch of affordable CAR-T cell therapy and the upcoming HPV vaccination campaign mark significant advances in healthcare. Assess the potential of such innovations to address India's disease burden and the challenges in ensuring equitable access.15 marks
  18. Q18Discuss the significance of the proposed Nuclear Energy Mission and the operationalisation of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for India's clean energy transition. What are the technical, regulatory, and financial challenges in scaling up nuclear power?15 marks
  19. Q19With the increasing use of the darknet and encrypted platforms for illegal activities, critically analyse the challenges these technologies pose to India’s internal security. Suggest effective policy and technological responses.15 marks
  20. Q20Social media manipulation and misinformation campaigns have emerged as potent tools for extremist groups and external actors. Evaluate India's preparedness to counter digital threats to internal security and propose measures to strengthen resilience.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 191 words written

Discuss the significance of the services sector in India's GDP composition. What implications does this have for economic resilience and vulnerability to global shocks?

Opening · a figure

According to NSO (MoSPI), Service sector contributes about 53%-55% to India's GDP composition & employs about 30% of the workforce.

Body · points

Implications for Significance

  1. Largest sector to contribute to India's GDP, making India a service hub of the world.
  2. Growth of IT industry which service globally with companies like TCS, INFOSYS etc.
  3. Need for skilled & highly skilled labour with skills like AI & Machine Learning, Data Analytics etc.
  4. High ROI sector as many clients are situated abroad - hence increased forex.
  5. High job providing and high paying sector.

Vulnerability to Global Shocks

  1. Recent TCS layoff of 12000 employees show India's service sector's vulnerability to global shocks.
  2. Global recession will mean a slowdown in India's service sector.
  3. Post covid slow demand leading to stagnation and slow growth in service sector.
  4. Competition by South East Asian nations like Malaysia & Phillipines for BPO & call centers due to cheap workforce.

Close · a way forward

India's service sector provides rigidity to economy but it must transform to keep up with new advancements like AI & ML to become not only service providers but technology developers as well.