UPSC_CS MAINS 2023 Paper III

What is the main task of India’s third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the Virtual Launch Control Centre’ at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota.

Points to Remember: Chandrayaan-3’s primary objective: Successful soft landing and rover deployment on the lunar surface. Previous mission failures: Chandrayaan-2’s lander malfunction. Countries achieving lunar soft landing: USA, USSR (now Russia), China. Spacecraft subsystems: Propulsion, communication, navigation, payload. Virtual Launch Control Centre (VLCC) role: Remote monitoring and control of launch operations. Introduction: India’s space program … Read more

Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of Al in healthcare?

Points to Remember: Definition and scope of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI’s applications in clinical diagnosis (e.g., image analysis, predictive modeling). Privacy concerns related to AI in healthcare (data security, bias, transparency). Mitigation strategies and ethical considerations. Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad field encompassing the development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that … Read more

Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel shortage.

Points to Remember: Microorganisms’ diverse metabolic capabilities. Biofuel production methods (e.g., fermentation, anaerobic digestion). Sustainability and environmental impact of microbial biofuels. Technological challenges and future prospects. Introduction: The global energy crisis, characterized by fluctuating oil prices and increasing demand, necessitates exploring alternative fuel sources. Microorganisms, with their remarkable metabolic diversity, offer a promising avenue for … Read more

State the objectives and measures of land reforms in India. Discuss how land ceiling policy on landholding can be considered as an effective reform under economic criteria.

Points to Remember: Objectives of land reforms in India: redistribution of land, tenancy regulation, improved agricultural productivity, social justice, and rural development. Measures of land reforms: land ceiling, tenancy abolition, consolidation of holdings, and provision of credit and inputs. Economic criteria for evaluating land ceiling policy: impact on agricultural productivity, income distribution, and overall economic … Read more

Explain the changes in cropping pattern in India in the context of changes in consumption pattern and marketing conditions.

Points to Remember: Changes in India’s cropping pattern are driven by shifts in consumer preferences and market dynamics. Increased income levels and urbanization influence dietary habits, impacting demand for different crops. Improved infrastructure and technology affect marketing efficiency and profitability of various crops. Government policies and interventions play a significant role in shaping cropping patterns. … Read more

How does e-Technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it.

Points to Remember: Enhanced efficiency in farming practices. Improved market access and price discovery. Reduced post-harvest losses. Increased access to information and knowledge. Challenges and limitations of e-technology adoption. Introduction: The agricultural sector, a cornerstone of many economies, is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the rapid advancement of e-technology. E-technology, encompassing the use of … Read more

What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India? Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in relation to agricultural subsidies.

Points to Remember: Direct subsidies: Financial assistance directly transferred to farmers. Indirect subsidies: Support provided through infrastructure, input costs, etc. WTO concerns: Focus on trade-distorting effects of subsidies. Green Box, Amber Box, Blue Box classifications. Introduction: Agricultural subsidies in India play a crucial role in supporting farmers and ensuring food security. However, these subsidies have … Read more

Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements.

Points to Remember: India’s unemployment problem is largely structural. Understanding the methodology of unemployment calculation is crucial. Improvements in methodology are needed for accurate policymaking. Structural unemployment requires targeted interventions. Introduction: Unemployment is a significant socio-economic challenge in India. While the overall unemployment rate fluctuates, a substantial portion is attributed to structural unemployment – a … Read more

Distinguish between ‘care economy’ and ‘monetized economy’. How can care economy be brought into monetized economy through women empowerment?

Points to Remember: Definition and scope of care economy and monetized economy. Key differences between the two economies. The role of women in the care economy. Strategies for integrating the care economy into the monetized economy through women’s empowerment. Challenges and potential solutions. Introduction: The global economy is traditionally understood through the lens of the … Read more

What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements.

Points to Remember: Current state of digitalization in India. Challenges hindering digital adoption. Potential solutions and policy recommendations. Focus on inclusive and sustainable digital growth. Introduction: India’s digital transformation is a story of remarkable progress and persistent challenges. While the country boasts the second-largest internet user base globally, with over 800 million users as of … Read more