UPSC Mains GENERAL-STUDIES-PAPER-III 2013

25 Questions • 220 Marks • With Detailed Model Answers

1
10 Marks200 Wordsmedium
With a consideration towards the strategy of inclusive growth, the new Companies Bill, 2013 has indirectly made CSR a mandatory obligation. Discuss the challenges expected in its implementation in right earnest. Also discuss other provisions in the Bill and their implications.
EconomyGovernanceSocial Issues
2
10 Marks200 Wordsmedium
What were the reasons for the introduction of Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003 ? Discuss critically its salient features and their effectiveness.
EconomyGovernance
3
10 Marks200 Wordsmedium
What is the meaning of the term 'tax expenditure'? Taking housing sector as an example, discuss how it influences the budgetary policies of the government.
EconomyGovernance
4
10 Marks200 Wordsmedium
Food Security Bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in WTO.
EconomySocial IssuesInternational Relations
5
10 Marks200 Wordsmedium
What are the different types of agriculture subsidies given to farmers at the national and at state levels ? Critically analyse the agricultural subsidy regime with reference to the distortions created by it.
EconomyAgriculture
6
10 Marks200 Wordsmedium
India needs to strengthen measures to promote the pink revolution in food industry for ensuring better nutrition and health. Critically elucidate the statement.
EconomyAgricultureHealth
7
10 Marks200 Wordsmedium
Examine the impact of liberalization on companies owned by Indians. Are they competing with the MNCs satisfactorily? Discuss.
EconomyGlobalization
8
10 Marks200 Wordsmedium
Establish relationship between land reforms, agriculture productivity and elimination of poverty in the Indian economy. Discuss the difficulties in designing and implementation of agriculture-friendly land reforms in India.
EconomyAgricultureSocial Issues
9
5 Marks100 Wordsmedium
Discuss the impact of FDI entry into Multi-trade retail sector on supply chain management in commodity trade pattern of the economy.
EconomyGlobalization
10
5 Marks100 Wordsmedium
Though India allowed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in what is called multi-brand retail through the joint venture route in September 2012, the FDI, even after a year, has not picked up. Discuss the reasons.
EconomyGlobalization
11
10 Marks200 Wordsmedium
Discuss the rationale for introducing Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Bring out critically the reasons for the delay in roll out for its regime.
EconomyGovernance
12
10 Marks200 Wordseasy
Write a note on India's green energy corridor to alleviate the problem of conventional energy.
EnvironmentEconomy
13
10 Marks200 Wordsmedium
Adoption of PPP model for infrastructure development of the country has not been free of criticism. Critically discuss pros and cons of the model.
EconomyGovernance
14
10 Marks200 Wordshard
Bringing out the circumstances in 2005 which forced amendment to the section 3(d) in Indian Patent Law, 1970, discuss how it has been utilized by the Supreme Court in its judgement in rejecting Novratis' patent application for 'Glivec'. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision.
Science & TechnologyGovernance
15
10 Marks200 Wordsmedium
What do you understand by Fixed Dose Drug Combinations (FDCs) ? Discuss their merits and demerits.
Science & TechnologyHealth
16
10 Marks200 Wordsmedium
What do you understand by Umpire Decision Review System in Cricket ? Discuss its various components. Explain how silicone tape on the edge of a bat may fool the system?
Science & TechnologySports
17
5 Marks100 Wordsmedium
What is a digital signature ? What does its authentication mean? Give various salient built-in features of a digital signature.
Science & TechnologyGovernance
18
5 Marks100 Wordsmedium
How does the 3D printing technology work? List out the advantages and disadvantages of the technology.
Science & TechnologyEconomy
19
5 Marks100 Wordsmedium
What is an FRP composite material? How are they manufactured? Discuss their applications in aviation and automobile industries.
Science & TechnologyEconomy
20
5 Marks100 Wordsmedium
What do you understand by Run-of-river hydroelectricity project ? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project?
EnvironmentEconomy
21
10 Marks200 Wordsmedium
How important are vulnerability and risk assessment for pre-disaster management ? As an administrator, what are key areas that you would focus on in a Disaster Management System.
EnvironmentGovernance
22
10 Marks200 Wordsmedium
What are the consequences of Illegal mining ? Discuss the Ministry of Environment and Forests' concept of GO AND NO GO zones for coal mining sector.
EnvironmentEconomy
23
10 Marks200 Wordsmedium
Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions of management and handling of hazardous wastes in India?
EnvironmentEconomy
24
10 Marks200 Wordsmedium
Money laundering poses a serious security threat to a country's economic sovereignty. What is its significance for India and what steps are required to be taken to control this menace?
EconomyGovernance
25
10 Marks200 Wordseasy
What are social networking sites and what security implications do these sites present ?
Science & TechnologySocial Issues