UPSC_CS MAINS 2021 Paper III

Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by ourgovernment for this purpose?

Points to Remember: Benefits of solar energy over conventional energy sources. Government initiatives promoting solar energy in India. Challenges and limitations of solar energy adoption. Introduction: The world is facing an energy crisis fueled by dwindling fossil fuel reserves and the escalating impacts of climate change. Conventional energy generation, primarily reliant on fossil fuels (coal, … Read more

The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in 1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings?

Points to Remember: The impact of blue LEDs on lighting technology. The impact of blue LEDs on various industries and applications. The environmental and economic benefits of blue LEDs. The societal impact of improved lighting. Introduction: The 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics recognized Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano, and Shuji Nakamura for their invention of efficient … Read more

How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world?

Points to Remember: S-400’s capabilities in range, target engagement, and countermeasures. Comparison with other leading air defense systems (e.g., Patriot, THAAD). Technological advancements incorporated in S-400. Limitations and vulnerabilities of the S-400. Geopolitical implications of S-400 deployment. Introduction: The S-400 Triumf (Triumph) is a Russian long-range surface-to-air missile system (SAM) considered one of the most … Read more

“Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth.” Discuss in the light of India’s experience.

Points to Remember: Infrastructure’s role in economic growth (productivity, market access, etc.) Inclusivity – benefits reaching all segments of society India’s infrastructure challenges and successes Government policies and initiatives Private sector participation Sustainable infrastructure development Introduction: The statement “Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth” is a widely accepted tenet … Read more

How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginal and small farmers.

Points to Remember: Land reforms aimed at redistributing land ownership from large landlords to landless and marginal farmers. Success varied significantly across regions due to implementation challenges and socio-political factors. Improved access to land led to increased agricultural productivity and income for beneficiaries. Social empowerment accompanied economic gains in some areas. Challenges included inadequate support … Read more

What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act 2013? How has the Food security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India?

Points to Remember: Key features of the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA). Impact of NFSA on hunger and malnutrition in India – both positive and negative aspects. Assessment of the effectiveness of the Act. Suggestions for improvement. Introduction: The National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA), is a landmark legislation aimed at ensuring food security … Read more

What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide opportunity for crop diversification?

Points to Remember: Current obstacles hindering crop diversification. Potential of emerging technologies in overcoming these challenges. Specific examples of technologies and their applications. Policy recommendations for promoting technology adoption. Introduction: Crop diversification, the practice of cultivating a variety of crops in a given area, is crucial for enhancing food security, improving soil health, and building … Read more

How and to what extent would micro irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis?

Points to Remember: Micro-irrigation techniques (drip and sprinkler irrigation) Water scarcity in India Increased agricultural productivity Reduced water consumption Economic benefits for farmers Environmental impact Government policies and support Introduction: India faces a severe water crisis, characterized by depleting groundwater levels, erratic rainfall patterns, and increasing water demand from agriculture, industry, and domestic use. Agriculture … Read more

Distinguish between Capital Budget and Revenue Budget. Explain the components of both these Budgets.

Points to Remember: Capital Budget focuses on long-term investments. Revenue Budget focuses on day-to-day expenses and income. Both are crucial for effective government financial management. Clear distinction is essential for sound fiscal policy. Introduction: A government’s budget is a comprehensive financial plan outlining its projected revenue and expenditure for a specific period, typically a fiscal … Read more

Do you agree that Indian economy has recently experienced V–shaped recovery? Give reasons in support of their answer.

Points to Remember: Definition of V-shaped recovery. Indicators of economic performance (GDP growth, industrial production, consumption, investment). Recent economic data for India. Factors contributing to the recovery (government policies, global factors). Limitations and challenges remaining. Introduction: A V-shaped recovery refers to a sharp economic decline followed by a rapid and strong rebound. It’s characterized by … Read more