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UPSC Mains 2020 GS 3 Question Paper (General Studies III)

All 20 questions from the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2020 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 Inclusive Growth · 10 marks

Explain intra-generational and inter-generational issues of equity from the perspective of inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Q2 Indian Economy & Planning · 10 marks

Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP?

Q3 Agriculture · 10 marks

What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India?

Q4 Agriculture · 10 marks

What are the challenges and opportunities of food processing sector in the country? How can income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing?

Q5 Science & Technology · 10 marks

What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector?

Q6 Science & Technology · 10 marks

How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by the science-based technologies?

Q7 Environment & Ecology · 10 marks

How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006?

Q8 Environment & Ecology · 10 marks

What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security?

Q9 Internal Security · 10 marks

Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace.

Q10 Internal Security · 10 marks

For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favourable perception among locals.

Q11 Investment Models · 15 marks

Explain the meaning of investment in an economy in terms of capital formation. Discuss the factors to be considered while designing a concession agreement between a public entity and a private entity.

Q12 Government Budgeting · 15 marks

Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act of 2017. How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal tensions?

Q13 Agriculture · 15 marks

What are the major factors responsible for making rice-wheat system a success? In spite of this success how has this system become bane in India?

Q14 Agriculture · 15 marks

Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenario.

Q15 Science & Technology · 15 marks

COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management of the pandemic.

Q16 Infrastructure & Energy · 15 marks

Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose?

Q17 Environment & Ecology · 15 marks

What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India?

Q18 Disaster Management · 15 marks

Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach.

Q19 Internal Security · 15 marks

What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?

Q20 Internal Security · 15 marks

Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard.

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