UPSC Mains 2025 GS3
GS3 — Economy · Environment · Sci-Tech — 20 questions. Click any question for full text, examiner-intent decoding, source citations, cross-year examiner pattern, and a structured answer skeleton.
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Q1 Inclusive growth, HDIFree
Distinguish between the Human Development Index (HDI) and the Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI) with special reference to India. Why is the IHDI considered a better indicator of inclusive growth? (Answer in 150 words)
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Q2 Indian Economy, TradeFree
What are the challenges before the Indian economy when the world is moving away from free trade and multilateralism to protectionism and bilateralism? How can these challenges be met? (Answer in 150 words)
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Q3 Agriculture, Crop selectionFree
Explain the factors influencing the decision of the farmers on the selection of high value crops in India. (Answer in 150 words)
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Q4 Supply chain managementPro
Elaborate the scope and significance of supply chain management of agricultural commodities in India. (Answer in 150 words)
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Q5 Science and Technology, FusionPro
The fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. Mention India's contributions to the international fusion energy project International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). What will be the implications of the success of this project for the future of global energy? (Answer in 150 words)
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Q6 Energy independence, BiotechnologyPro
How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047? How can biotechnology can play a crucial role in this endeavour? (Answer in 150 words)
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Q7 Environment, CCUSPro
What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change? (Answer in 150 words)
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Q8 Disaster management, AquifersPro
Seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers is a major concern in India. What are the causes of seawater intrusion and the remedial measures to combat this hazard? (Answer in 150 words)
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Q9 Internal security, TerrorismPro
Terrorism is a global scourge. How has it manifested in India? Elaborate with contemporary examples. What are the counter measures adopted by the State? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)
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Q10 Internal security, LWEPro
The Government of India recently stated that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be eliminated by 2026. What do you understand by LWE and how are the people affected by it? What measures have been taken by the government to eliminate LWE? (Answer in 150 words)
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Q11 Fiscal federalism, FHIPro
Explain how the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) can be used as a tool for assessing the fiscal performance of states in India. In what way would it encourage the states to adopt prudent and sustainable fiscal policies? (Answer in 250 words)
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Q12 Industrial policy, PLIPro
Discuss the rationale of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. What are its achievements? In what way can the functioning and outcomes of the scheme be improved? (Answer in 250 words)
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Q13 Environment, GroundwaterPro
Examine the factors responsible for depleting groundwater in India. What are the steps taken by the government to mitigate such depletion of groundwater? (Answer in 250 words)
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Q14 Food processing industryPro
Examine the scope of the food processing industries in India. Elaborate the measures taken by the government in the food processing industries for generating employment opportunities. (Answer in 250 words)
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Q15 Science and Technology, NanotechnologyPro
How does nanotechnology offer significant advancements in the field of agriculture? How can this technology help to uplift the socio-economic status of farmers? (Answer in 250 words)
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Q16 Science and Technology, SemiconductorsPro
India aims to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry in India? Mention the salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission. (Answer in 250 words)
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Q17 Environment, Mining hazardsPro
Mineral resources are fundamental to the country's economy and these are exploited by mining. Why is mining considered an environmental hazard? Explain the remedial measures required to reduce the environmental hazard due to mining. (Answer in 250 words)
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Q18 Environment, Climate changePro
Write a review on India's climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and mention how these have been further strengthened in COP26 (2021). In this direction, how has the first Nationally Determined Contribution intended by India been updated in 2022? (Answer in 250 words)
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Q19 Internal security, North-EastPro
What are the major challenges to internal security and peace process in the North-Eastern States? Map the various peace accords and agreements initiated by the government in the past decade. (Answer in 250 words)
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Q20 Internal security, Maritime securityPro
Why is maritime security vital to protect India's sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward. (Answer in 250 words)