21 questions from the UPSC 2015 examination.
21 questions
What do you understand by ‘Standard Positioning Systems’ and ‘Precision Positioning Systems’ in the GPS era ? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme employing just seven satellites. (200 words, 12.5 marks)
Considering the threats cyberspace poses for the country, India needs a “Digital Armed Force” to prevent crimes. Critically evaluate the National Cyber Security Policy, 2013 outlining the challenges perceived in its effective implementation. (200 words, 12.5 Marks)
The nature of economic growth in India in recent times is often described as jobless growth. Do you agree with this view? Give arguments in favour of your answer. (150 words, 10 marks)
In view of the declining average size of land holdings in India which has made agriculture non- viable for a majority of farmers, should contract farming and land leasing be promoted in agriculture? Critically evaluate the pros and cons. (150 words, 10 marks)
What are the areas of prohibitive labour that can be sustainably managed by robots ? Discuss the initiatives that can propel research in premier research institutes for substantive and gainful innovation. (200 words, 12.5 marks)
To what factors can the recent dramatic fall in equipment costs and tariff of solar energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for the thermal power producers and the related industry? (150 words, 10 marks)
Discuss the Nanami Gange and National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) programmes and causes of mixed results from the previous schemes. What quantum leaps can help preserve the river Ganga better than incremental input? [200 Words,12.5 Marks]
In what way could replacement of price subsidy with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) change the scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss (150 words, 10 marks)
The frequency of earthquakes appears to have increased in the Indian subcontinent. However, India’s preparedness for mitigating their impact has significant gaps. Discuss various aspects. [200 Words,12.5 Marks]
Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non – farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sector in India. (150 words, 10 marks)
Religious indoctrination via digital media has resulted in Indian youth joining the ISIS. What is ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous for the internal security of our country? (200 words, 12.5 Marks)
Discuss the advantages and security implications of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis in-house machine-based hosting for government businesses. (200 words, 12.5 marks)
The persisting drives of the government for development of large industries in backward areas have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements with Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discuss the corrective strategies needed to win the left-wing extremism (LWE) doctrine affected citizens back into the mainstream of social and economic growth. (200 words, 12.5 Marks)
“Success of make in India program depends on the success of Skill India programme and radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments.
India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), which has a database containing formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in the country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pros and cons of making this database publicly available under open-source licensing. (200 words, 12.5 marks)
There is a clear acknowledgement that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are the tools of industrial development, manufacturing and exports. Recognizing this potential, the whole instrumentality of SEZs requires augmentation. Discuss the issues plaguing the success of SEZs with respect to taxation, governing laws and administration. (150 words, 10 marks)
What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in developing the food processing industry in India? Can e- commerce help in overcoming these bottlenecks? (150 words, 10 marks)
Human rights activists constantly highlight the view that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human rights abuses by the security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists? Critically evaluate the requirement with reference to the view held by the Apex Court. (200 words, 12.5 Marks)
How can the ‘Digital India’ Programme help farmers to improve farm productivity and income? What steps has the Government taken in this regard? (150 words, 10 marks)
Craze for gold in Indian has led to surge in import of gold in recent years and put pressure on balance of payments and external value of rupee. In view of this, examine the merits of Gold Monetization scheme
The nature of economic growth in India in described as jobless growth. Do you agree with this view? Give arguments in favour of your answer. How to approach this question Write a brief introduction setting context ( 1–2 lines ) Cover both sides if question says "critically discuss / examine / analyse" Use data, schemes, examples specific to INDIAN ECONOMY Conclude with a forward-looking statement ( 1 line ) Practice all GS3 Mains questions Model answers + key points for every question Open App Model Answer Framework (English) Show Hide Is India's Growth "Jobless Growth"? Introduction "Jobless growth" describes a situation where the economy expands but employment fails to grow commensurately. India's high GDP growth alongside sluggish job creation has prompted this characterisation — a view that is largely, though not wholly, supported by the evidence. Arguments Supporting the "Jobless Growth" View Low employment elasticity of growth: Each percentage point of GDP growth now generates far fewer jobs than in the past — employment elasticity has fallen sharply. Capital- and skill-intensive growth: Growth has been led by capital-intensive sectors and high-end services such as IT and finance that employ relatively few workers, while labour-intensive manufacturing stagnated. easemyprep.in Stagnant manufacturing: Manufacturing's share of GDP and employment remained low, failing to absorb labour leaving agriculture. Rising informality and underemployment: Most workers remain in the informal sector with low productivity; much of the "employment" is disguised unemployment or distress work. Workforce participation: Falling labour-force participation, especially among women, and large numbers of youth neither in employment nor in education or training. easemyprep.in Skill mismatch: A large share of youth are not employable, widening the gap between growth and quality jobs. Arguments Qualifying the View Job creation did occur in construction, services and the informal economy ; the problem is more about the quality, productivity and formality of jobs than their total absence. Data-measurement issues and the dominance of the informal sector and self-employment make "jobless" an overstatement — it is better described as "job-poor" or "low-quality-job" growth . Way Forward Revive labour-intensive manufacturing (Make in India, the PLI scheme); invest in construction and infrastructure; boost MSMEs; reform skilling (Skill India) and education; ease labour and business regulation; and promote the care economy, green jobs and the gig economy with worker protection. easemyprep.in Conclusion India's growth has substantially under-delivered on quality employment , justifying much of the "jobless growth" critique. The real challenge is to make growth employment-intensive and formal — converting GDP expansion into decent, productive jobs for a young workforce. Source: easemyprep.in Structured Mains Preparation Mains Mastery Programme Master Every GS Theme — GS1 to GS4 Theme-first. PYQ-anchored. You write every answer. All themes + all PYQs covered 2-Month or 4-Month track Starting ₹4,999 View GS4 Ethics Mastery · Now Live Ethics Mastery — 2 Questions Daily All GS4 PYQs · Part A + Part B Ethical lens built through daily practice Concept clarity + case study method Starting ₹1,999 View इस प्रश्न को हिंदी में पढ़ें हिंदी में पढ़ें → Structured Preparation Mains Mastery Programme Master Every GS Theme — GS1 to GS4 Theme-first. PYQ-anchored. You write every answer. All themes + all PYQs covered 2-Month or 4-Month track Starting ₹4,999 View GS4 Ethics Mastery · Now Live Ethics Mastery — 2 Questions Daily All GS4 PYQs · Part A + Part B Ethical lens built through daily practice Concept clarity + case study method Starting ₹1,999 View Practice All Mains GS3 — Economy, Environment & Security Questions Download App More GS3 Questions Ease My Prep Focused UPSC preparation. Daily current affairs, PYQ practice, trend analysis, and mentorship for serious CSE aspirants across India. Based in Gurugram, Haryana · Founded 2022 Product Features Pricing AI Copy Checking Courses Daily News Mentorship Books Blog Company About Us Community Contact Legal Privacy Policy Terms of Service Refund Policy 📱 Android App 🍎 iOS App 🌐 Web App © 2022 – 2026 Ease My Prep . All rights reserved. Made with dedication for UPSC aspirants across India.