UPSC_CS MAINS 2020 Paper III

COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis.Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management of the pandemic.

Points to Remember: The role of technology in pandemic response. Specific technological applications during COVID-19. Benefits and limitations of technology in managing the pandemic. Lessons learned and future preparedness. Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic, a global health crisis of unprecedented scale, exposed vulnerabilities in healthcare systems worldwide. However, the crisis also accelerated the adoption and development … Read more

Explain the meaning of investment in an economy in terms of capital formation. Discuss the factors to be considered while designing a concession agreement between a public’ entity and a private entity.

Points to Remember: Investment’s role in capital formation. Types of investment (domestic, foreign, public, private). Key components of a concession agreement. Balancing public interest with private sector efficiency. Risk allocation and dispute resolution mechanisms. Introduction: Investment, in the context of an economy, refers to the allocation of resources (funds, time, effort) with the expectation of … Read more

What are the challenges and opportunities of food processing sector in the country? How can income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing?

Points to Remember: Challenges faced by the Indian food processing sector. Opportunities available for growth in the sector. Strategies to enhance farmers’ income through food processing. Policy recommendations for sustainable growth. Introduction: India’s food processing sector is a significant contributor to the national economy, employing millions and processing a vast array of agricultural produce. However, … Read more

What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India?

Points to Remember: Inadequate infrastructure (roads, storage, cold chains) Lack of market information and access Post-harvest losses Price volatility Lack of farmer organization and bargaining power Regulatory hurdles and corruption Financing constraints Introduction: India’s agricultural sector, while employing a significant portion of the population, faces significant challenges in efficiently transporting and marketing its produce. These … Read more

What are the major factors responsible for making rice-wheat system a success? In spite of this success how has this system become bane in India?

Points to Remember: High productivity of rice and wheat. Green Revolution’s impact. Environmental consequences (water depletion, soil degradation). Economic benefits and social implications. Health concerns related to diet. Sustainability challenges. Introduction: The rice-wheat cropping system, predominantly practiced in the Indo-Gangetic plains of India, has been a cornerstone of the country’s Green Revolution. This system, characterized … Read more

Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenario.

Points to Remember: Depleting water resources necessitate improved storage and irrigation. Judicious water use requires efficient technologies and practices. Policy interventions are crucial for sustainable water management. Introduction: Water scarcity is a growing global concern, exacerbated by climate change and increasing water demands. Many regions face depleting groundwater levels and unreliable surface water supplies, impacting … Read more

Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP?

Points to Remember: Definition of Potential GDP Determinants of Potential GDP (Supply-side factors) Factors inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP (Demand-side and Supply-side bottlenecks) Policy recommendations for bridging the gap Introduction: Potential GDP represents the maximum level of output an economy can sustainably produce using its existing resources (labor, capital, technology) at full employment. … Read more

Explain intra-generational and inter-generational issues of equity from the perspective of inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Points to Remember: Intra-generational equity: Fairness in resource distribution among different groups within the same generation. Inter-generational equity: Fairness in resource distribution between current and future generations. Inclusive growth: Economic growth that benefits all segments of society. Sustainable development: Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own needs. Introduction: … Read more

Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act of 2017.How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal tensions?

Points to Remember: Rationale behind the GST Compensation Act, 2017. Mechanism of compensation to states. Impact of COVID-19 on GST compensation. New federal tensions arising from the pandemic. Suggestions for future GST compensation mechanisms. Introduction: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Compensation to States Act, 2017, was enacted to address the concerns of states regarding … Read more