UPSC_CS MAINS 2018 Paper III

Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefited the field of bio pharma?

Points to Remember: Rapid advancements in biotechnology globally. India’s large and diverse population – a significant resource and market. Government initiatives and policies supporting biotechnology. Growing private sector investment. Contributions to biopharmaceutical development. Challenges and limitations in the sector. Introduction: Biotechnology, the application of biological systems and organisms to develop or make products, is experiencing … Read more

Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it revolutionized the field of Physics.

Points to Remember: Bose-Einstein statistics’ fundamental principles. Its application in explaining phenomena like blackbody radiation. Its impact on the development of quantum mechanics. Its role in predicting the existence of Bose-Einstein condensates. The broader implications of Bose-Einstein statistics in various fields of physics. Introduction: Satyendra Nath Bose’s groundbreaking work on Bose-Einstein statistics revolutionized the field … Read more

With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy.

Points to Remember: India’s growing energy needs and the role of nuclear power in meeting them. The advantages of nuclear energy (low carbon emissions, energy security). The risks associated with nuclear energy (nuclear accidents, waste disposal, proliferation). Balancing energy security with safety and environmental concerns. International cooperation and best practices in nuclear energy. Introduction: India’s … Read more

Examine the role of supermarkets in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables and food items. How do they eliminate number of intermediaries?

Points to Remember: Supermarkets’ role in streamlining the supply chain for fruits, vegetables, and food items. Mechanisms used by supermarkets to reduce intermediaries. Benefits and drawbacks of supermarket involvement in supply chain management. Policy implications and future considerations. Introduction: Supermarkets have fundamentally reshaped the food retail landscape, significantly impacting the supply chain management of fruits, … Read more

Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers?

Points to Remember: National Horticulture Mission (NHM): A centrally sponsored scheme aimed at boosting horticulture production, productivity, and farmer income. Key Objectives: Increased production, improved productivity, enhanced farmer income, and improved market access. Success Measurement: Assessing the impact on production, productivity, and farmer income requires analyzing data on yields, prices, and farmer incomes before and … Read more

How has the emphasis on certain crops brought about changes in cropping patterns in recent past?Elaborate the emphasis on millets production and consumption.

Points to Remember: Shifting cropping patterns due to emphasis on specific crops. Focus on millet production and consumption. Impacts on food security, farmer livelihoods, and environment. Policy implications and future directions. Introduction: The global food system is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by factors like population growth, climate change, and evolving dietary preferences. Historically, cropping … Read more

Comment on the important changes introduced in respect of the Long term Capital Gains Tax (LCGT) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in the Union Budget for 2018-2019.

Points to Remember: Key changes in Long-Term Capital Gains Tax (LCGT) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in the 2018-19 Union Budget. Impact of these changes on investors, companies, and the economy. Analysis of the positive and negative aspects of the changes. Suggestions for improvement or future policy considerations. Introduction: The Union Budget 2018-19 introduced significant … Read more

“Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. Comment on the progress made in India in this regard.

Points to Remember: Access to Energy: The crucial role of energy access in achieving SDGs. India’s Progress: Assessment of India’s advancements in providing affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy. Challenges: Identification of obstacles hindering progress. Future Strategies: Recommendations for improving energy access and sustainability in India. Introduction: The statement “Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and … Read more

How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India?

Points to Remember: Protectionism: Trade policies that restrict imports to protect domestic industries. Currency manipulation: Deliberate actions by a government to influence its exchange rate. Macroeconomic stability: A state of a stable economy characterized by low inflation, sustainable growth, and manageable external debt. Impact on India: Analysis of how protectionism and currency manipulation globally affect … Read more

How are the principles followed by NITI Aayog different from those followed by the erstwhile planning commission in India?

Points to Remember: NITI Aayog’s cooperative federalism vs. Planning Commission’s top-down approach. Shift from command-and-control to collaborative and facilitative role. Focus on achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and inclusive growth. Emphasis on data-driven decision-making and evidence-based policy formulation. Enhanced role of states and other stakeholders in policy formulation and implementation. Introduction: The Planning Commission, established … Read more