AIR 14 · CSE 2025 · GS3 · 51 pages

Surabhi Yadav: GS3 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1Discuss the significance of the International Solar Alliance and highlight the initiatives taken by it in recent times.10 marks
  2. Q2Identify the factors behind the problem of low agricultural productivity in India. What initiatives have been taken by the government to address this problem?10 marks
  3. Q3Despite pulses providing dual benefits of nutritional security and sustaining agricultural production systems, India has not been able to achieve self-sufficiency in their production. Discuss.10 marks
  4. Q4What do you understand by methanol economy? Critically discuss its role in achieving India's energy security and economic prosperity.10 marks
  5. Q5Despite many initiatives towards road safety, India accounts for 11% of the global death in road accidents with about 1% of the world's vehicles. Discuss.10 marks
  6. Q6Increasing the share of rail freight in the overall modal mix could present a golden opportunity for India to shift to an efficient freight paradigm. Discuss.10 marks
  7. Q7The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, seeks to grant greater autonomy and flexibility to the major ports and professionalise their governance. Discuss.10 marks
  8. Q8Analyse the need for shifting from presumptive land titling to conclusive land titling system in India. Also, highlight the hurdles in its implementation.10 marks
  9. Q9In light of various issues being faced, discuss the need for a revamped and need-based PDS in India.10 marks
  10. Q10Planning for the potential long-term impacts of climate change on agriculture needs to be prioritised to mitigate threats it poses to India's food security. Discuss.10 marks
  11. Q11Private sector participation in the operations of Indian Railways can provide a solution to the multiple issues that it faces. Discuss. Also, highlight the features of the Bharat Gaurav Scheme in this context.15 marks
  12. Q12Discuss how the India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture (IDEA) will help the government in increasing farmers' income and improving efficiency of the agriculture sector as a whole. Also, state the associated concerns.15 marks
  13. Q13Owing to rapid depletion of water resources, there is an urgent need to increase water use efficiency. In this context, discuss the status of irrigation in India and challenges faced. Also, suggest suitable measures to address the challenges.15 marks
  14. Q14Dairying is a viable livelihood option for a large section of the population. In this context, discuss the significance, challenges faced and associated government initiatives for the dairy sector in India.15 marks
  15. Q15Food subsidy bill is becoming an "unmanageably large" expenditure for the government. In this context, analyse the need for revisiting the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.15 marks
  16. Q16Food processing industry provides a vital link between the two pillars of the economy, i.e. agriculture and industry. In view of this, examine the constraints faced by the agri-food supply chain system in India. Suggest suitable solutions as well.15 marks
  17. Q17Availability of adequate storage infrastructure has a direct bearing on agricultural yield and farmer's income. Comment. In this context, discuss the measures that can be undertaken to enhance India's agriculture storage capacity.15 marks
  18. Q18A farmer-centric approach is required to realise the true potential of the animal husbandry sector in India and address the issues it faces. Discuss.15 marks
  19. Q19Despite being one of the largest agricultural producers in the world, India's agricultural exports have been a laggard. In this context, discuss the issues that need to be addressed for India to emerge as a top global exporter.15 marks
  20. Q20The imperative to increase farmer's income must shift to creating value chains and must not be reliant on the MSP regime and subsidy bias prevalent in the current Indian agricultural system. Examine.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 190 words written

Discuss the significance of the International Solar Alliance and highlight the initiatives taken by it in recent times.

Opening · a definition

Ans. International Solar Alliance is a coalition of mostly solar resource rich countries to work for efficient harness of solar energy. Came together during COP21, Paris.

Body · points

Significance of ISA

1- Indian leadership - HQ Gurugram, India. India will get opportunity to lead alliance to clean energy.

2- Technology - will harness new technology and ease adopting renewable source of energy.

3- Finance - each nation contributing to create solar infrastructure. India - $ 27 million.

4- Energy Security - will help meet SDG 7 of providing clean energy.

5- Help Least- Developed Countries (LDC) develop low carbon growth.

Recent Initiatives of ISA

1- One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG)

  • Based on idea that Sun never sets
  • aim of building global cooperation to share renewable energy resources.

2- ISA Solar Technology and Application Resource Centre (ISTAR C)

  • It is created to help collaborative Research & Development among ISA members.

3- Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Scheme:

  • 21 day training to master trainers.

Close · a summary

International Solar Alliance is an opportunity for India to strengthen its position in renewable energy sector and move towards addressing its NDC goals.