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UPSC Mains 2018 GS 3 Question Paper (General Studies III)

All 20 questions from the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2018 General Studies III paper, transcribed from the official question paper and tagged by syllabus topic. Format: 150 words (Q1–10, 10 marks) · 250 words (Q11–20, 15 marks). Download the original question paper PDF.

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Q1 Infrastructure & Energy · 10 marks

"Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)." Comment on the progress made in India in this regard.

Q2 Government Budgeting · 10 marks

Comment on the important changes introduced in respect of the Long-term Capital Gains Tax (LCGT) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in the Union Budget for 2018–2019.

Q3 Agriculture · 10 marks

What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low income trap?

Q4 Agriculture · 10 marks

Examine the role of supermarkets in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables and food items. How do they eliminate number of intermediaries?

Q5 Science & Technology · 10 marks

Discuss the work of 'Bose-Einstein Statistics' done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it revolutionized the field of Physics.

Q6 Environment & Ecology · 10 marks

What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment?

Q7 Environment & Ecology · 10 marks

What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of 'wise use' in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India.

Q8 Environment & Ecology · 10 marks

Sikkim is the first 'Organic State' in India. What are the ecological and economical benefits of Organic State?

Q9 Internal Security · 10 marks

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China's larger 'One Belt One Road' initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same.

Q10 Internal Security · 10 marks

Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India's approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE.

Q11 Indian Economy & Planning · 15 marks

How are the principles followed by the NITI Aayog different from those followed by the erstwhile Planning Commission in India?

Q12 Indian Economy & Planning · 15 marks

How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India?

Q13 Agriculture · 15 marks

Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers?

Q14 Agriculture · 15 marks

How has the emphasis on certain crops brought about changes in cropping patterns in recent past? Elaborate the emphasis on millets production and consumption.

Q15 Science & Technology · 15 marks

Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefitted the field of biopharma?

Q16 Infrastructure & Energy · 15 marks

With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy.

Q17 Environment & Ecology · 15 marks

How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna?

Q18 Disaster Management · 15 marks

Describe various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before and after signing 'Sendai Framework for DRR (2015–2030)'. How is this framework different from 'Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005'?

Q19 Internal Security · 15 marks

Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized world due to rising cyber crimes. The Justice B. N. Srikrishna Committee Report addresses issues related to data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weaknesses of the Report relating to protection of personal data in cyber space?

Q20 Internal Security · 15 marks

India's proximity to two of the world's biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What counter-measures should be taken to prevent the same?

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