Q 1. 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? (UPSC 2025, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
भारत के विशेष सन्दर्भ में मानव विकास सूचकांक (एच डी आई) तथा असमानता-समायोजित मानव विकास सूचकांक (आई एच डी आई) में भेद कीजिए। आई एच डी आई को समावेशी संवृद्धि का एक बेहतर सूचक क्यों समझा जाता है?View Answer
Q 2. 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? (UPSC 2025, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था के समक्ष वे कौन-सी चुनौतियाँ हैं जब विश्व स्वतंत्र व्यापार तथा बहुपक्षीयता से दूर होकर संरक्षणवाद तथा द्विपक्षीयता की ओर बढ़ रहा है। इन चुनौतियों का सामना किस तरह किया जा सकता है?View Answer
Q 5. 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? (UPSC 2025, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
भारत में संलयन ऊर्जा कार्यक्रम का पिछले कुछ दशकों में निरंतर क्रमिक-विकास हुआ है। अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संलयन ऊर्जा परियोजना - अंतर्राष्ट्रीय तापनाभिकीय प्रायोगिक रिएक्टर (आई टी ई आर) में भारत के योगदान का उल्लेख कीजिए। वैश्विक ऊर्जा के भविष्य के लिए इस परियोजना की सफलता के क्या निहितार्थ होंगे?View Answer
Q 6. How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047? How can biotechnology play a crucial role in this endeavour? (UPSC 2025, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
भारत, वर्ष 2047 तक स्वच्छ प्रौद्योगिकी के माध्यम से ऊर्जा स्वतंत्रता कैसे प्राप्त कर सकता है ? जैव-प्रौद्योगिकी इस प्रयास में किस प्रकार महत्त्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभा सकती है?View Answer
By 2047, India aims for energy independence through clean technology, leveraging its vast renewable resources. According to the International Energy Agency, India's solar capacity could reach 750 GW by 2040. Biotechnology plays a crucial role by enhancing biofuel production and developing energy-efficient crops. Dr. Renu Swarup, former Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, emphasizes biotechnology's potential in creating sustainable energy solutions, aligning with India's vision for a greener future.
Q 7. What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change? (UPSC 2025, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
कार्बन अवशोषण (कैप्चर), उपयोग तथा भंडारण (सी सी यू एस) से क्या आशय है ? जलवायु परिवर्तन से निपटने में सी सी यू एस की संभावित भूमिका क्या है?View Answer
Q 8. 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? (UPSC 2025, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
भारत में तटीय जलभृत में समुद्री जल घुसपैठ एक मुख्य चिंता का विषय है। समुद्री जल घुसपैठ के क्या कारण हैं तथा ऐसी आपदा का सामना करने के उपचारात्मक उपाय क्या हैं?View Answer
Seawater intrusion in India's coastal aquifers poses a significant threat to freshwater resources, driven by over-extraction and rising sea levels. According to the Central Ground Water Board, excessive groundwater pumping disrupts the natural balance, allowing seawater to infiltrate. Rao et al. emphasize the need for sustainable water management and artificial recharge techniques to mitigate this issue. Implementing barrier wells and promoting rainwater harvesting are crucial remedial measures to combat this environmental hazard effectively.
Q 9. 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. (UPSC 2025, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
आतंकवाद एक वैश्विक महाविपत्ति है। यह भारत में किस रूप में प्रकट हुआ है? समसामयिक उदाहरणों से व्याख्या कीजिए। राज्य द्वारा कौन-से जवाबी उपाय अपनाए गए हैं? समझाइए।View Answer
Terrorism, as defined by the United Nations, is the use of violence to instill fear for political ends. In India, it has manifested through insurgencies in Kashmir, Maoist movements, and attacks like the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The state has countered these threats with measures like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, strengthening intelligence, and international cooperation. Thinkers like Noam Chomsky emphasize addressing root causes to effectively combat terrorism.
Q 10. 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? (UPSC 2025, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
भारत सरकार ने हाल ही में घोषणा की है कि वामपंथी उग्रवाद (एल डब्ल्यू ई) 2026 तक समाप्त कर दिया जाएगा। आप एल डब्ल्यू ई से क्या समझते हैं तथा जनता इससे किस प्रकार प्रभावित है? एल डब्ल्यू ई को समाप्त करने के लिए सरकार ने क्या उपाय किए हैं?View Answer
Left Wing Extremism (LWE), often associated with the Naxalite-Maoist insurgency, poses a significant threat to India's internal security, affecting over 90 districts. It primarily impacts tribal and rural populations, disrupting livelihoods and access to resources. The government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to eliminate LWE by 2026 through a multi-pronged strategy involving security operations, development initiatives, and improved governance. The Home Ministry has reported a 77% decline in LWE-related violence since 2010.
Q 11. 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? (UPSC 2025, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
समझाइए कि किस प्रकार राजकोषीय स्वास्थ्य सूचकांक (एफ एच आई) भारत में राज्यों के राजकोषीय प्रदर्शन के आकलन के उपकरण के रूप में प्रयोग किया जा सकता है। किस प्रकार यह राज्यों को विवेकपूर्ण तथा संपोषणीय राजकोषीय नीतियों को अपनाने के लिए प्रोत्साहित करेगा?View Answer
The Fiscal Health Index (FHI) serves as a vital tool for evaluating the fiscal performance of Indian states by analyzing key indicators like debt, deficit, and expenditure patterns. As noted by economist Arvind Subramanian, FHI encourages states to adopt prudent fiscal policies by providing a transparent benchmark for comparison. By highlighting fiscal strengths and weaknesses, it incentivizes states to implement sustainable practices, ensuring long-term economic stability and growth.
Q 12. 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? (UPSC 2025, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
उत्पादन संबद्ध प्रोत्साहन (पी एल आई) योजना के तर्काधार की विवेचना कीजिए। इसकी क्या उपलब्धियाँ हैं? किस प्रकार इस योजना की कार्य-पद्धति तथा परिणामों में सुधार किया जा सकता है?View Answer
The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme was introduced by the Indian government to boost domestic manufacturing and attract investments in key sectors. Launched in 2020, it aims to enhance India's manufacturing capabilities and exports by offering financial incentives. According to the Ministry of Commerce, the scheme has attracted significant investments and created numerous jobs. However, experts like Arvind Panagariya suggest that streamlining bureaucratic processes and ensuring timely disbursement of incentives could further enhance its effectiveness and outcomes.
Q 13. Examine the factors responsible for depleting groundwater in India. What are the steps taken by the government to mitigate such depletion of groundwater? (UPSC 2025, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
भारत में घटते भूजल के लिए उत्तरदायी कारकों का परीक्षण कीजिए। भूजल में ऐसी क्षीणता को कम करने के लिए सरकार ने क्या कदम उठाए हैं?View Answer
India faces a severe groundwater depletion crisis, with the World Bank noting it as the world's largest user of groundwater. Over-extraction for agriculture, rapid urbanization, and inefficient water management are key factors. Tushaar Shah, a water management expert, highlights the unsustainable extraction rates. In response, the Indian government has initiated measures like the Atal Bhujal Yojana and Jal Shakti Abhiyan to promote sustainable water use and recharge aquifers, aiming to curb this critical issue.
Q 14. 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. (UPSC 2025, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
भारत में खाद्य प्रसंस्करण उद्योगों के विस्तार का परीक्षण कीजिए। खाद्य प्रसंस्करण उद्योगों में रोजगार अवसरों को सृजित करने हेतु, सरकार द्वारा किए गए उपायों का विस्तार से उल्लेख कीजिए।View Answer
The food processing industry in India, valued at over $400 billion, plays a pivotal role in the economy, contributing to employment and agricultural growth. According to NITI Aayog, this sector can transform rural livelihoods. The government has initiated measures like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana to boost infrastructure and employment. FICCI highlights that these initiatives aim to double farmers' income and create millions of jobs, underscoring the sector's vast potential.
Q 15. How does nanotechnology offer significant advancements in the field of agriculture? How can this technology help to uplift the socio-economic status of farmers? (UPSC 2025, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
नैनो-प्रौद्योगिकी कृषि के क्षेत्र में महत्त्वपूर्ण उन्नति कैसे प्रदान करती है ? यह प्रौद्योगिकी कैसे किसानों की सामाजिक-आर्थिक स्थिति के उत्थान में सहायक हो सकती है?View Answer
Nanotechnology is revolutionizing agriculture by enhancing crop yield and reducing resource usage. According to the FAO, global food demand is expected to rise by 70% by 2050, necessitating innovative solutions. Richard Feynman, a pioneer in nanotechnology, envisioned its potential to manipulate matter at an atomic level. This technology can improve pest control, nutrient delivery, and soil health, thereby uplifting the socio-economic status of farmers by increasing productivity and reducing costs.
Q 16. 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. (UPSC 2025, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
भारत ने एक सेमिकंडक्टर विनिर्माण केन्द्र बनने का लक्ष्य रखा है। भारत में सेमिकंडक्टर उद्योग के सामने क्या चुनौतियाँ हैं? भारत सेमिकंडक्टर मिशन की प्रमुख विशेषताओं का उल्लेख कीजिए।View Answer
India is ambitiously positioning itself as a semiconductor manufacturing hub, driven by the India Semiconductor Mission. This initiative aims to bolster the nation's electronics ecosystem, addressing challenges like infrastructure deficits, skilled workforce shortages, and high capital costs. According to McKinsey, India's semiconductor market could reach $64 billion by 2026. The mission emphasizes incentives for manufacturing, research and development, and collaboration with global tech leaders to overcome these hurdles and establish a robust semiconductor industry.
Q 17. 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. (UPSC 2025, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
खनिज संसाधन देश की अर्थव्यवस्था के लिए आधारभूत हैं तथा इनका खनन द्वारा शोषण होता है। खनन को पर्यावरणीय आपदा क्यों समझा जाता है? खनन द्वारा पैदा होने वाली पर्यावरणीय आपदा को कम करने हेतु आवश्यक उपचारात्मक उपायों की व्याख्या कीजिए।View Answer
Q 18. 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? (UPSC 2025, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
पेरिस समझौता (2015) के अंतर्गत, भारत की जलवायु वचनबद्धताओं पर समीक्षा लिखिए तथा बताइए कि उन्हें किस प्रकार कॉप 26 (2021) में और अधिक दृढ़ता प्रदान की गई है। इस दिशा में, किस प्रकार पहली बार भारत द्वारा प्रस्तावित राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर निर्धारित योगदान को 2022 में अद्यतन किया गया है?View Answer
India's climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) aimed to reduce emissions intensity by 33-35% by 2030. At COP26 (2021), India pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, enhancing its climate goals. In 2022, India's updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) included a target to increase non-fossil energy capacity to 50% by 2030. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of sustainable development, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
Q 20. Why is maritime security vital to protect India's sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward. (UPSC 2025, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
भारत के समुद्री व्यापार के संरक्षण के लिए समुद्री सुरक्षा क्यों अत्यावश्यक है? समुद्री तथा तटीय सुरक्षा की चुनौतियों तथा आगे बढ़ने के मार्ग पर चर्चा कीजिए।View Answer
Maritime security is crucial for safeguarding India's sea trade, which constitutes over 90% of its international trade by volume. According to Alfred Thayer Mahan, a nation's maritime power is pivotal for its global influence. India's extensive coastline of 7,516 kilometers and strategic location in the Indian Ocean necessitate robust security measures to counter threats like piracy, smuggling, and geopolitical tensions, ensuring uninterrupted trade and economic stability.