GSM-20/gs3 Analysis

Q1. Explain intra-generational and inter-generational issues of equity

from the perspective of inclusive growth and sustainable development.
(Answer in 150 words)10

#Level: Easy to moderate

#Answer Source: As such it is verbatim lifted from ES 2011-12. But a question

from 10 year old economic survey(ES), shows the bankruptcy of both the examiner
as well as our recent ES. However, it is still possible to write this answer if you
understand what issues are inter generation and what are intra ones. Reading of the
Hindu or IE is not much useful as this issue is not discussed very often.

#Factual Meter: No facts as such needed. Analysis in terms of poverty, inequality,

social mobility, environment etc in context of inclusive and sustainable growth is
required.

Q2. Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the
factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP?
(Answer in 150 words)10

#Level: Easy to moderate

#Answer Source: No fixed source as such, you can however write ok ok answer
for part A and Part B is well discussed in newspaper Articles (both TH and IE). In
part A, determinants of potential GDP can be deduced from basic theory of GDP,
like capital formation, labour productivity etc, a rag tag answer can be written. Part
B is easy.

#Factual Meter: No facts as such needed. However, you can mention that
$5trillion economy goal that Government of India is pursuing.
Context: current affairs. Ex CEA came up with a detailed paper
(widely debated in news) also GoI’s dream of $5trillion.

Q3. What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of

agricultural produce in India? (Answer in 150 words)10

#Level: Easy.

#Answer Source: Straight away question from Syllabus topic, mrunal.org is

helpful for this. You can also use Vision VAM for static topics (can also use some
other coaching material).

#Factual Meter: few facts can be given to substantiate.

Context: current affairs. Three farm bills.

@ptt2019 @csp20info

 GSM-20/gs3 Analysis
Q4. 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? (Answer in 150 words)10

#Level: Easy to moderate

#Answer Source: mrunal.org has good maal on Food processing, can use vision
VAM.

#Factual Meter: part B requires facts to substantiate that income may be

increased by FPI.

Q5. What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in

health sector? (Answer in 150 words)10

#Level: Easy to moderate

#Answer Source: Question from Syllabus mentioned topic. Vision VAM or Vision
Mains 365 has covered it.

#Factual Meter: few recent case studies can be mentioned to get more marks.
Context: current affairs. The Hindu keeps writing about such
things every Sunday.

Q6. How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the
striking changes in agriculture triggered off by the science-based
technologies? (Answer in 150 words)10

#Level: Moderate

#Answer Source: Question per se is easy but better articulation is needed. Also
specific cases from agriculture needs to be written in part B. A similar question was
there in Vision Test series.

#Factual Meter: specific case studies will fetch good marks.

Context: current affairs. AI in Agri was debated in last one year.

Q7. How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)

Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006?
(Answer in 150 words)10
#Level: Easy to moderate

#Answer Source: current affairs

#Factual Meter: comparison of two EIA notifications.

Context: current affairs. The Hindu and IE both ran a commentary
on it.
@ptt2019 @csp20info

 GSM-20/gs3 Analysis
Q8. What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by
the Government of India for water conservation and water security?
(Answer in 150 words)10
#Level: Easy to moderate

#Answer Source: One year old Current affairs. Mains 365(2019) is useful.

#Factual Meter: Specific details needed.

Context: Contemporary affairs. The Hindu kept writing on it here
and there.

Q9. Discuss different types of cybercrimes and measures required to be

taken to fight the menace. (Answer in 150 words)10

#Level: Easy

#Answer Source: Question from topic in syllabus. Vision VAM helps in this. Also
there mains 365.

#Factual Meter: Need to state specific types.

Context: Contemporary affairs. Amid Covid crisis large number of
Cyber threats were listed. Also attack on Kudankulam Nuclear
reactor.

Q10. 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. (Answer in 150 words)10

#Level: Tough

#Answer Source: Tough question from topic mentioned in syllabus.

#Factual Meter: Need to state specific steps/ways.

Context: Contemporary affairs. Question in context of JnK
militant crisis, govt report highlighting that local militant
increasing in JnK.

Q11. 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.
(Answer in 250 words) 15

#Level: Moderate to tough

#Answer Source: Old economic survey 2014 to 2016-17 surveys also old
committee on PPP.

#Factual Meter: You know it or you poorly invest your time in this ques.
@ptt2019 @csp20info

 GSM-20/gs3 Analysis
Q12. 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? (Answer in
250 words) 15

#Level: Easy

#Answer Source: Easy question. Was in news with so many states up in arms
against center on Compensation issue and center calling it ‘an act of god’.

#Factual Meter: Mostly analytical.

Context: Contemporary affairs. It’s a mildly recycled question
already asked in GS2 as well as GS3 but part B was added to give
it current context. Also, examiner has become “GST-maniac”
asking it every year here and there.

Q13. 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? (Answer in 250 words) 15

#Level: Easy

#Answer Source: Mostly covered in newspapers, especially in background of

“defence of three farm laws” by Agriculture arm chair experts. Anyways it’s an easy
ques, mildly recycled from 2017 ques.

#Factual Meter: If you can write facts like poor land productivity (India
2.5tonne/hectare and China has 6.1tonne/hectare etc) you may fetch good marks.
Concept of virtual water can be written.
Context: Contemporary affairs. Mildly recycled question, often
discussed in newspaper columns issue.

Q14. Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system

to make its judicious use under depleting scenario. (Answer in 250
words) 15

#Level: Moderate to tough

#Answer Source: question from topic mentioned in syllabus.

#Factual Meter: Need to state specific measures. Also, facts needed to highlight
depleting water scenario.
Context: Contemporary affairs. For many years GoI focusing on
drip irrigation etc, plus NITI coming up with water index etc.

@ptt2019 @csp20info

 GSM-20/gs3 Analysis
Q15. 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. (Answer in 250 words) 15

#Level: Moderate to tough

#Answer Source: Not available in routine sources, newspaper reading can help.
Both The Hindu and IE are useful.

#Factual Meter: Need to state specific examples apart from Arogya Setu etc.
Context: Current affairs.

Q16. 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? (Answer in 250 words) 15

#Level: Easy as it’s a bookie question.

#Answer Source: India’s thrust area = Solar energy. So any senior and serious
aspirant will prepare it.

#Factual Meter: State initiatives.

Context: Contemporary affairs.

Q17. What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme
(NCAP) initiated by the Government of India? (Answer in 250 words) 15

#Level: Moderate to tough

#Answer Source: It’s one year old topic, given in all year compilations. But
reproducing this word to word would be difficult.

#Factual Meter: Specific Key features needed.

Context: Contemporary affairs. Mains 365 and other year
compilations will be useful.

Q18. Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by

the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach.
(Answer in 250 words) 15
#Level: Moderate to tough.

#Answer Source: Open ended question, need to brain storm on themes like
Disaster plan 2016, resilience initiate that PM Modi started etc. still it is a question
from topic mentioned in syllabus.
#Factual Meter: Need to state specific initiatives then evaluate how they are
different from earlier approach.
Context: Contemporary affairs.
@ptt2019 @csp20info

 GSM-20/gs3 Analysis
Q19. 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? (Answer in 250 words) 15

#Level: Easy

#Answer Source: Easy question from topic mentioned in syllabus.

#Factual Meter: Facts needed. Also it’s a mildly recycled question.

Context: Contemporary affairs.

Q20. Analyse 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. (Answer in 250 words) 15

#Level: Easy

#Answer Source: Easy question from topic mentioned in syllabus.

#Factual Meter: Mostly analytical.

Note:
1. This document is prepared by Kaptaan Jack Sparrow for illustrative purposes.
No intended or unintended promotion of any coaching/newspaper etc.
2. GS3 is mainly about contemporary affairs rather than one year Affairs. Hard
facts needed to substantiate your arguments. The questions are mostly
dynamic barring few topics like security, technology where bookie mentality
works fine.
3. Prepare basic + minimal fodder material on all static topics from Vision/
Forum value material, keep reading The Hindu and IE for latest issues.
4. Writing practice is important for mains, because you will not get questions
from your test series (whichever you are using that includes Insights secure
initiative), but understanding developed there helps in actual exam.
5. Best wishes,

Kaptaan 🙏

@ptt2019 @csp20info