Civil Services Mains 2013 · General Studies Paper 3

UPSC Mains 2013 GS Paper 3 Question Paper

25 questions, each with a model answer

The complete UPSC Civil Services Mains 2013 GS Paper 3 question paper — all 25 questions as they appeared, on Economy, Agriculture, Science & Technology, Environment, Disaster Management and Internal Security. Each links to a structured model answer with an outline, key points and examples. Attempt the question first, then open the answer to check your structure and coverage.

2014 → All GS Paper 3 years

Q1
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.
10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
Q2
What were the reasons for the introduction of Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003? Discuss critically its salient features and their effectiveness.
10 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →
Q3
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.
10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
Q4
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.
10 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →
Q5
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.
10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
Q6
India needs to strengthen measures to promote the pink revolution in food industry for ensuring better nutrition and health. Critically elucidate the statement.
10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
Q7
Examine the impact of liberalization on companies owned by Indians. Are they competing with the MNCs satisfactorily? Discuss.
10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
Q8
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.
10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
Q9
(a) Discuss the impact of FDI entry into Multi-trade retail sector on supply chain management in commodity trade pattern of the economy. (b) 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.
10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
Q10
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.
10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
Q11
Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to alleviate the problems of conventional energy.
10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
Q12
Adoption of PPP model for infrastructure development of the country has not been free of criticism. Critically discuss pros and cons of the model.
10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
Q13
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 Novartis’ patent application for ‘Glivec’. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision.
10 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →
Q14
What do you understand by Fixed Dose Drug Combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits and demerits.
10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
Q15
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?
10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
Q16
(a) What is a digital signature? What does its authentication mean? Give various salient built-in features of a digital signature. (b) How does the 3D printing technology work? List out the advantages and disadvantages of the technology.
10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
Q17
(a) What is an FRP composite material? How are they manufactured? Discuss their applications in aviation and automobile industries. (b) What do you understand by Run-of-river hydroelectricity project? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project?
10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
Q18
How important are vulnerability and risk assessment for pre-disaster management? As an administrator, what key areas would you focus on in a disaster management setup?
15 marks 250 words Medium Model answer →
Q19
What are the consequences of illegal mining? Discuss the Ministry of Environment and Forests’ concept of ‘Go’ and ‘No-Go’ zones for the coal mining sector.
10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
Q20
Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking the river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies that may be adopted for river-water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions for the management and handling of hazardous wastes in India?
15 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
Q21
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?
10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
Q22
What are social networking sites and what security implications do these sites present?
10 marks 200 words Medium Model answer →
Q23
Cyber warfare is considered by some defense analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyber warfare? Outline the cyber threats which India is vulnerable to and bring out the state of the country’s preparedness to deal with the same.
10 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →
Q24
Article 244 of the Indian Constitution relates to administration of scheduled areas and tribal areas. Analyse the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of the Fifth schedule on the growth of Left Wing extremism.
10 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →
Q25
How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar?
10 marks 200 words Hard Model answer →

Other 2013 Mains papers

GS Paper 1 GS Paper 2 GS Paper 4 Essay