General Studies Paper 3
20 Questions • 250 Marks • With Detailed Model Answers
1
2025
10
Marks
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)
Inclusive Growth and issues arising from it.
2
2025
10
Marks
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)
Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment./ Effects of Liberalization on the Economy
3
2025
10
Marks
Explain the factors influencing the decision of the farmers on the selection of high value crops in India.(Answer in 150 words)
Issues related to Direct and Indirect Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices; Public Distribution System - Objectives, Functioning, Limitations, Revamping; Issues of Buffer Stocks and Food Security; Technology Missions; Economics of Animal-Rearing./Storage, Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce and Issues and Related Constraints; E-technology in the aid of farmers.
4
2025
10
Marks
Elaborate the scope and significance of supply chain management of agricultural commodities in India.(Answer in 150 words)
Issues related to Direct and Indirect Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices; Public Distribution System - Objectives, Functioning, Limitations, Revamping; Issues of Buffer Stocks and Food Security; Technology Missions; Economics of Animal-Rearing./Storage, Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce and Issues and Related Constraints; E-technology in the aid of farmers.
5
2025
10
Marks
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)
Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology./Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life.
6
2025
10
Marks
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)
Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology./Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.
7
2025
10
Marks
What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change?(Answer in 150 words)
Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.
8
2025
10
Marks
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)
Disaster and Disaster Management.
9
2025
10
Marks
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)
Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism.
10
2025
10
Marks
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)
Role of External State and Non-state Actors in creating challenges to Internal Security./Challenges to Internal Security through Communication Networks, Role of Media and Social Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges,
11
2025
15
Marks
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)
Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment./Government Budgeting.
12
2025
15
Marks
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)
Effects of Liberalization on the Economy, Changes in Industrial Policy and their Effects on Industrial Growth.
13
2025
15
Marks
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)
Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.
14
2025
15
Marks
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)
Food Processing and Related Industries in India- Scope’ and Significance, Location, Upstream and Downstream Requirements, Supply Chain Management.
15
2025
15
Marks
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)
Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.
16
2025
15
Marks
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)
Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life./Investment Models
17
2025
15
Marks
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)
Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.
18
2025
15
Marks
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)
Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.
19
2025
15
Marks
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)
Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas - Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism.
20
2025
15
Marks
