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UPSC GS-III PYQs 2016 | Vaidra | Vaidra
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GS-III UPSC PYQ 2016

21 questions from the UPSC 2016 examination.

21 questions

1Medium

“Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades.” Analyse the above statement. 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 INTERNAL SECURITY 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 "Terrorism as a Competitive Industry" Introduction The statement that " terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry " suggests that modern terrorism increasingly resembles a business or an industry — with organisation, financing, branding, recruitment, competition and a global market. This is a powerful lens for understanding contemporary terrorism. Analysis — How Terrorism Has Become an "Industry" Organised structure and management: Modern terrorist groups function like organisations — with hierarchies, divisions, planning, logistics and "human resources." Financing and a business model: Terrorism is sustained by diverse funding streams — drug trafficking and "narco-terrorism," extortion, smuggling, fake currency, kidnapping for ransom, charities and crypto-currency — and runs on a business-like model of revenue and expenditure. easemyprep.in Recruitment and "human resources": Groups actively recruit, train and indoctrinate cadres, using sophisticated propaganda — much like a labour market. Branding and marketing: Terror groups build "brands" (Al-Qaeda, ISIS) and use the internet and social media as marketing tools to spread propaganda, attract recruits and claim attacks. Competition: Different terror groups compete with one another — for recruits, funds, media attention, ideological leadership and territory — sometimes carrying out spectacular attacks to outdo rivals. easemyprep.in Innovation and adaptation: Like an industry, terrorism continuously innovates — in tactics, technology (drones, encryption), financing and propaganda — to evade counter-measures. Outsourcing and franchising: Larger groups "franchise" their brand to local affiliates and outsource attacks. State sponsorship as "investment": Some states "invest" in terrorism as an instrument of proxy war. easemyprep.in Implications and Way Forward Treating terrorism as an industry implies that the response must target its whole "supply chain" — choking financing (FATF norms, anti-money-laundering), countering recruitment and online radicalisation, dismantling networks and leadership, denying state sponsorship through diplomacy, and building counter-narratives — alongside intelligence and security action. Conclusion The statement captures an important truth: modern terrorism functions like a competitive, globalised industry, sustained by financing, recruitment, branding and innovation. Countering it therefore requires a comprehensive, "whole-of-supply-chain" approach — not just military action, but choking its finances, recruitment and ideological appeal. 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.

2Medium

“Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades.” Analyze the above statement. (200 words, 12.5 Marks)

3Medium

Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development? (200 words, 12.5 marks)

4Medium

What are ‘Smart Cities’? Examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ’Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission.

5Medium

Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management. (200 words, 12.5 Marks)

6Medium

The terms ‘Hot Pursuit’ and ‘Surgical Strikes’ are often used in connection with armed action against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions. (200 words, 12.5 Marks)

7Medium

Comment on the challenges for inclusive growth which include careless and useless manpower in the Indian context. Suggest measures to be taken for facing these challenges. (150 words, 10 marks)

8Medium

Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development. Identify the factors that were responsible for the success of land reforms in India. (150 words, 10 marks)

9Medium

With reference to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines, discuss the measures to be adopted to mitigate the impact of the recent incidents of cloudbursts in many places of Uttarakhand. [ 200 Words, 12.5 Marks]

10Medium

Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

11Medium

Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major concern. How have these have misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat. (200 words, 12.5 Marks)

12Medium

How globalization has led to the reduction of employment in the formal sector of the Indian economy? Is increased informalization detrimental to the development of the country? (150 words, 10 marks)

13Medium

Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is necessary for bringing unbanked to the institutional finance fold. Do you agree with this for financial inclusion of the poorer section of the Indian society? Give arguments to justify your option. (150 words, 10 marks)

14Medium

Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context? (150 words, 10 marks)

15Medium

Why is nanotechnology one of the key technologies of the 21st century? Describe the salient features of Indian Government’s Mission on Nanoscience and Technology and the scope of its application in the development process of the country. (200 words, 12.5 marks)

16Medium

The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall has increased over the years. Discussing the reason for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. [200 Words, 12.5 Marks]

17Medium

What is allelopathy? Discuss its role in major cropping systems of irrigated agriculture.

18Medium

Given the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). (150 words, 10 marks)

19Medium

Justify the need for FDI for the development of the Indian economy. Why there is gap between MOUs signed and actual FDIs? Suggest remedial steps to be taken for increasing actual FDIs in India. (150 words, 10 marks)

20Medium

Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the important environmental impacts which always attracts controversy while planning major projects. Discuss the measures suggested from mitigation of this impact while proposing major developmental projects.[200 Words, 12.5 Marks]

21Medium

What is water-use efficiency? Describe the role of micro-irrigation in increasing the water-use efficiency.

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