UPSC Mains 2016 GS3

What are 'Smart Cities'? Examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for 'Smart Villages' in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission. (Answer in not more than 200 words)

Justify the need for FDI for the development of the Indian economy. Why there is gap between MOUs signed and actual FDIs? Suggest remedial steps to be taken for increasing actual FDIs in India. (Answer in not more than 200 words)

Comment on the challenges for inclusive growth which include careless and useless manpower in the Indian context. Suggest measures to be taken for facing these challenges. (Answer in not more than 200 words)

What is water-use efficiency? Describe the role of micro-irrigation in increasing the water-use efficiency. (Answer in not more than 200 words)

What is allelopathy? Discuss its role in major cropping systems of irrigated agriculture. (Answer in not more than 200 words)

Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development. Identify the factors that were responsible for the success of land reforms in India. (Answer in not more than 200 words)

Given the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). (Answer in not more than 200 words)

Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). (Answer in not more than 200 words)

Discuss India's achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development? (Answer in not more than 200 words)

Why is nanotechnology one of the key technologies of the 21st century? Describe the salient features of Indian Government's Mission on Nanoscience and Technology and the scope of its application in the development process of the country. (Answer in not more than 200 words)

Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the important environmental impacts which always attracts controversy while planning major projects. Discuss the measures suggested for mitigation of this impact while proposing major developmental projects. (Answer in not more than 200 words)

The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (Answer in not more than 200 words)

With reference to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines, discuss the measures to be adopted to mitigate the impact of the recent incidents of cloudbursts in many places of Uttarakhand. (Answer in not more than 200 words)

The terms 'Hot Pursuit' and 'Surgical Strikes' are often used in connection with armed action against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions. (Answer in not more than 200 words)

"Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades." Analyze the above statement. (Answer in not more than 200 words)

Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management. (Answer in not more than 200 words)

Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major security concern. How have these been misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat. (Answer in not more than 200 words)