UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 – General Studies Paper – III (Solutions)
Q1. What do you mean by Digital Rupee? In this context, explain the working and progress of India’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). (Answer in 150 words)
Answer:
Introduction The Digital Rupee (e₹) is India’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) issued by the Reserve Bank of India. It is the digital form of the physical Rupee and serves as legal tender with the same value and sovereign guarantee.
Working
Issued by RBI in two forms: Retail (e₹-R) for public and businesses, and Wholesale (e₹-W) for financial institutions.
Held in digital wallets provided by participating banks and non-banks.
Enables person-to-person and person-to-merchant payments with instant settlement finality.
Supports programmability for purpose-specific uses such as welfare transfers.
Progress
Announced in Union Budget 2022–23.
Wholesale pilot launched in November 2022; Retail pilot in December 2022.
Limited-scale pilots testing technology, scalability and use cases with select banks and users.
Expanded to Direct Benefit Transfer and food subsidy pilots in select regions.
Exploratory work underway for cross-border payments.
Conclusion The Digital Rupee remains in pilot mode and aims to offer a secure, efficient digital alternative to cash while enhancing payment system resilience and transparency in public fund delivery.
Q2. Examine the view that financial inclusion is an integral part of social and economic inclusion in a country like India. Also throw light on the usefulness of the RBI’s Financial Inclusion Index. (Answer in 150 words)
Answer:
Introduction Financial inclusion — ensuring access to affordable formal financial services — is essential for social and economic inclusion in India. It enables the poor, women and marginalised groups to participate in growth and escape poverty traps.
Financial Inclusion and Broader Inclusion
Provides savings, credit, insurance and payments that help households manage risks, invest in education/health and start enterprises.
Expands opportunities through schemes like PM Jan Dhan Yojana and digital infrastructure (UPI, Aadhaar, DBT).
Reduces welfare leakages and promotes empowerment, making growth more equitable.
Usefulness of RBI’s Financial Inclusion Index
Comprehensive measure (0–100) covering banking, insurance, pensions and more.
Based on Access (35%), Usage (45%) and Quality (20%) — including literacy and consumer protection.
Tracks progress (rose from 43.4 in 2017 to 70 in 2026) without a base year.
Helps identify gaps, evaluate policies and guide targeted interventions.
Conclusion Financial inclusion is both a driver and an outcome of inclusive development. The FI-Index serves as a valuable tool for monitoring and advancing India’s journey towards equitable growth.
Q3. Describe the various technology missions initiated in Indian agriculture and examine their role in food security. (Answer in 150 words)
Answer:
Introduction India has launched several technology missions in agriculture to raise productivity, promote diversification and build climate resilience, thereby strengthening food security.
Key Technology Missions
National Mission on Edible Oils — Oilseeds: Boosts domestic oilseed production through high-yielding varieties and expanded cultivation.
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH): Expands area under fruits and vegetables, improves planting material and post-harvest management.
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Promotes climate-resilient practices, soil health, water-use efficiency and organic farming.
Digital Agriculture Mission: Creates Agri Stack and decision-support systems using AI, remote sensing and geospatial data.
Other efforts include Clean Plant Programme, crop improvement schemes and space-based monitoring.
Role in Food Security
Increase production of foodgrains, pulses, oilseeds and horticultural crops.
Reduce import dependence, especially for edible oils.
Enhance climate resilience, water and soil efficiency.
Improve incomes, nutrition and risk management through digital tools and biofortified varieties.
Conclusion These missions collectively transform Indian agriculture into a more productive, sustainable and technology-driven system, ensuring long-term food and nutritional security.
Q4. Explain the factors responsible for the inefficiency of agri-produce marketing. How does e-commerce help to reduce inefficiency of agri-produce marketing? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)
Answer:
Introduction Agri-produce marketing in India remains inefficient due to structural constraints that limit farmers’ price realisation. Digital platforms, especially e-commerce initiatives, are helping address these gaps.
Factors of Inefficiency
Multiple intermediaries in APMC mandis reduce farmers’ share of the final price.
Fragmented markets and restrictions under state APMC laws limit buyer choice and inter-state trade.
Information asymmetry on prices and demand.
Inadequate storage, grading and transport infrastructure causing high post-harvest losses.
Delayed payments and high transaction costs.
Role of E-Commerce
Platforms like e-NAM integrate mandis into a unified digital market (“One Nation, One Market”).
Enable transparent online bidding and real-time price discovery.
Reduce intermediary dependence through direct electronic trading and bank payments to farmers.
Provide price information via apps and SMS.
Support quality assaying and wider market access, improving price realisation and reducing costs.
Conclusion E-commerce enhances transparency, competition and efficiency in agri-marketing, helping farmers secure better prices while strengthening the overall value chain.
Q5. Explain by giving two examples, how biotechnology has helped the Indian farmers in processing their perishable crops. (Answer in 150 words)
Answer:
Introduction Biotechnology has enabled Indian farmers to process perishable crops more effectively, reducing post-harvest losses and creating value-added products.
Examples
Bio-enzymes from kinnow waste: Farmers in Punjab ferment low-grade or dropped kinnow fruits and peels with jaggery and water to produce bio-enzymes. These are used as natural cleaners, bio-pesticides and soil conditioners, converting waste into marketable products and generating extra income.
Microbial enzymes for juice processing: Enzymes such as pectinases (produced through microbial biotechnology) break down pectin in fruits like mango, citrus and apple. This improves juice extraction yield, clarifies the product and enhances quality, resulting in higher recovery, reduced pulp waste and better marketable processed goods.
Conclusion These biotechnological applications help farmers minimise losses of perishable produce, add value through processing and improve incomes while supporting sustainable utilisation of agricultural output.
Q6. Distinguish between a Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) and a thermal nuclear reactor. In the context of the first indigenously developed prototype FBR at Kalpakkam, explain the term “criticality.” What are its implications for the clean energy future of our country? (Answer in 150 words)
Answer:
Introduction India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam marks a key advance in nuclear technology. Understanding its distinction from thermal reactors and the meaning of criticality is essential for assessing its role in clean energy.
Distinction
Thermal reactors (e.g., PHWRs): Use moderated (slow) neutrons, natural/enriched uranium fuel, and water coolant; they consume more fissile material than they produce.
Fast Breeder Reactors: Use unmoderated (fast) neutrons, plutonium-based MOX fuel with a fertile blanket, and liquid sodium coolant; they produce more fissile material than they consume, enabling far higher resource efficiency.
Criticality at Kalpakkam PFBR Criticality is the state in which a self-sustaining controlled fission chain reaction is achieved (neutron production equals losses). The 500 MWe indigenous PFBR attained first criticality in April 2026, confirming successful core loading and design integrity.
Implications for Clean Energy
Launches Stage II of India’s three-stage nuclear programme.
Multiplies energy extraction from uranium (up to 80–100 times) through fuel breeding and recycling.
Prepares for Stage III thorium utilisation using abundant domestic reserves.
Supports long-term energy security and net-zero goals with reliable low-carbon baseload power.
Conclusion The PFBR strengthens India’s indigenous nuclear capabilities and paves the way for sustainable, resource-efficient clean energy.
Q7. Discuss how the contradiction between “rapid infrastructure development” and “disaster-risk reduction” in ecologically-sensitive areas of India can be managed, with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)
Answer:
Introduction Ecologically sensitive regions of India, especially the Himalayas, face a sharp conflict between rapid infrastructure development and the need for disaster-risk reduction. Unplanned projects often increase landslide, flood and GLOF risks.
Managing the Contradiction
Enforce science-based zoning and strict environmental impact assessments to restrict construction in high-risk zones.
Adopt disaster-resilient design standards, slope stabilisation and climate-appropriate engineering.
Strengthen early-warning systems, GLOF monitoring and real-time hazard mapping.
Align projects with national disaster management frameworks and carrying-capacity studies.
Promote community participation and nature-based solutions.
Examples
Char Dham highway project: Wide road construction has doubled landslide density, highlighting the need for narrower, eco-sensitive designs.
Joshimath subsidence: Linked to tunnelling and heavy building, underlining the risks of unchecked development.
NDMA’s GLOF programme: Hazard assessment, early warning and mitigation measures demonstrate proactive risk reduction alongside development.
Conclusion The contradiction can be managed by shifting from “build fast” to “build right.” Integrating scientific planning, resilient engineering and community involvement ensures infrastructure reduces rather than amplifies vulnerability in sensitive ecosystems.
Q8. Discuss the aim and goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Mention India’s commitments and initiatives to achieve the goals and targets of this framework giving suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)
Answer:
Introduction The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), adopted at CBD COP15 in 2022, aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and achieve harmony with nature by 2050.
Aim and Goals
Four 2050 goals: restore ecosystem integrity and halt extinctions; ensure sustainable use of biodiversity; enable fair benefit-sharing from genetic resources; and provide adequate means of implementation.
23 targets for 2030, including restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems, reducing pollution, and mobilising at least $200 billion annually for biodiversity.
India’s Commitments and Initiatives
Submitted Seventh National Report showing alignment of 23 national targets with KMGBF.
National Red List Assessment of ~11,000 species for science-based conservation.
Strong protected area network (Tiger Reserves, National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Ramsar sites).
Access and Benefit Sharing: over 5,600 agreements and community funds.
Community involvement through Biodiversity Management Committees and People’s Biodiversity Registers.
Ecosystem restoration via MISHTI (mangroves) and large-scale tree plantation drives.
Whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach integrating biodiversity across ministries.
Conclusion India’s multi-pronged strategy positions it well to contribute to global biodiversity goals while addressing national conservation and livelihood priorities.
Q9. Explain how fake news and disinformation pose a threat to internal security and public order in the Indian context? In this regard, discuss salient features of amendments in respect of Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. (Answer in 150 words)
Answer:
Introduction Fake news and disinformation pose significant threats to India’s internal security and public order by fuelling unrest and eroding trust. Amendments to the IT Rules, 2021 seek to address these challenges through greater platform accountability.
Threats to Internal Security and Public Order
Incite communal violence, riots and social polarisation.
Undermine trust in institutions, elections and governance.
Enable radicalisation and panic during sensitive periods.
Amplify rapidly via social media and AI-generated deepfakes.
Salient Features of Amendments to IT Rules, 2021
Empower the government to designate a Fact Check Unit to identify “fake, false or misleading” content related to the Central Government.
Require intermediaries to make reasonable efforts to prevent hosting or transmission of such flagged content.
Withdraw “safe harbour” protection if platforms fail to act on flagged content.
Strengthen due diligence, grievance redressal and accountability obligations.
Address synthetically generated information (deepfakes) and faster takedown timelines.
Conclusion Effective regulation of fake news is essential for maintaining public order. The amended IT Rules aim to enhance accountability while the balance with free speech continues to evolve through judicial oversight.
Q10. Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) by the Central Government and civic actions by the Army. Also discuss the demand of promulgation of provision of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for Ladakh. (Answer in 150 words)
Answer:
Introduction Ladakh’s strategic location between China and Pakistan makes winning local trust essential for border security. The Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Army civic actions, along with demands for Sixth Schedule status, address this need.
Border Area Development Programme (BADP)
Covers villages within 0–10 km of the international border.
Provides essential infrastructure in health, education, roads, water, sanitation and livelihoods.
Implements projects through convergence of central and local schemes to improve quality of life in remote border areas.
Army Civic Actions (Operation Sadbhavana)
Runs Army Goodwill Schools for quality education.
Undertakes infrastructure, healthcare, skill development and national integration projects.
Selects initiatives in consultation with local communities to build goodwill and civil-military trust.
Demand for Sixth Schedule
Sought by local groups to protect land, jobs, culture and tribal identity.
Aims for Autonomous District Councils with legislative and administrative powers.
Driven by the region’s predominantly tribal population and desire for greater autonomy after becoming a Union Territory.
Conclusion Development programmes and civic actions help secure local support, while the Sixth Schedule demand seeks constitutional safeguards for Ladakh’s unique identity and self-governance.
Q11. Explain the key challenges for India’s energy security. What measures do you suggest for ensuring energy security along with economic growth and sustainability? (Answer in 250 words)
Answer:
Introduction India’s energy security faces critical challenges due to high import dependence and structural gaps, even as demand rises with economic growth. Ensuring security while promoting growth and sustainability requires a balanced, multi-pronged strategy.
Key Challenges
High import dependence: Over 85% of crude oil and more than 50% of natural gas are imported, leading to heavy forex outflows (nearly $170 billion in FY2023–24) and macroeconomic pressures.
Geopolitical and supply risks: Concentration on few suppliers and exposure to conflict zones and chokepoints create vulnerability to price shocks and disruptions.
Integration and infrastructure gaps: Multiple programmes exist, but lack of coordination causes transmission bottlenecks (over 60 GW renewable capacity stranded) and underutilisation of gas plants.
Limited strategic reserves and concentration of renewable capacity in a few states far from demand centres.
Suggested Measures
Boost domestic production through coal gasification (using India’s large reserves with carbon capture), expanded biofuels/ethanol blending, and greater exploration.
Scale clean energy: Accelerate solar and wind with better transmission and storage; advance National Green Hydrogen Mission (5 MMT target by 2030) with local manufacturing; expand nuclear via Small Modular Reactors and thorium.
Strengthen resilience: Diversify import sources, expand strategic petroleum and gas reserves, and promote energy efficiency and electric mobility.
Adopt a unified national energy framework focusing on adequacy, access, affordability and sustainability for better integration across sectors.
Conclusion A coherent strategy combining indigenous capacity, diversified clean energy and systemic integration can secure energy supplies, support high growth and advance sustainability goals.
Q12. How are startups in India promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and employment? Discuss the global and domestic challenges in their working and suggest suitable measures to overcome these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)
Answer: Introduction
Initiatives like Startup India have propelled India’s ecosystem to become the world’s third-largest, driving economic modernization and employment.
Role in Growth and Innovation
· Startups have generated nearly 2.4 million jobs over the past decade across sectors like IT services, health-tech, and fintech.
· They drive grassroots innovation by leveraging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).
· Over 50% of Indian startups now originate from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, decentralizing economic dynamism.
Global and Domestic Challenges
· Funding Winters: Global macroeconomic headwinds and tightening venture capital availability have restricted liquidity for early-stage ventures.
· Governance Gaps: High-profile financial irregularities and compliance failures have raised serious regulatory and investor concerns.
· Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Capital-intensive deep-tech sectors face long gestation periods and a shortage of specialized testing facilities.
· Talent Mismatches: Disconnects between academic curricula and industry requirements create skill gaps in niche technical domains.
Measures to Overcome Challenges
· Deepening Capital: Expanding government-backed mechanisms like the Fund of Funds for Startups to ensure steady risk capital.
· Strengthening Governance: Enforcing rigorous transparency, ethical accounting standards, and self-regulation frameworks to rebuild market trust.
· Fostering Collaboration: Enhancing public-private partnerships and specialized Centers of Excellence to bridge skill shortages.
· Streamlining Compliance: Simplifying regulatory procedures and improving single-window clearances to enhance ease of doing business.
Conclusion
India’s startups are indispensable drivers of Viksit Bharat; overcoming current governance hurdles and structural funding constraints through targeted policy support will ensure their long-term sustainability.
Q13. How Indian agriculture has been transformed from food scarcity to food surplus level? Explain the various government policies implemented for diversification of Indian agriculture. (Answer in 250 words)
Answer: Introduction Indian agriculture has transformed from a food-scarce nation dependent on imports at Independence to a food-surplus and self-sufficient country. This shift, driven by technological and policy interventions, has been followed by efforts to diversify beyond cereals for sustainability and higher incomes.
Transformation from Scarcity to Surplus
In 1950–51, foodgrain production was only about 50–51 million tonnes amid frequent shortages and heavy import dependence.
The Green Revolution of the 1960s introduced high-yielding variety seeds, expanded irrigation, fertilisers and mechanisation.
Yields rose sharply and production crossed 300–350 million tonnes, making India self-sufficient and a major exporter of rice and wheat.
Complementary gains in dairy (White Revolution) and fisheries (Blue Revolution) further strengthened food and nutritional security.
Government Policies for Diversification
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH): Promotes fruits, vegetables and high-value horticulture through quality planting material, micro-irrigation and post-harvest infrastructure.
Crop Diversification Programme: Encourages shift from water-intensive paddy to pulses, oilseeds and nutri-cereals in Green Revolution states to restore soil health and conserve water.
Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses: Expands area, improves seeds and aims for self-sufficiency in pulses through intercropping and procurement support.
National Mission on Edible Oils — Oilseeds: Boosts domestic oilseed production to reduce import dependence.
Supporting measures include price support under PM-AASHA and promotion of coarse cereals under the National Food Security & Nutrition Mission.
Conclusion While the Green Revolution ended food scarcity, diversification policies are essential to ensure nutritional security, resource sustainability and better farmer incomes in the long run.
Q14. Discuss the different types of subsidies and supports provided by the Government of India to the agricultural sector. Examine the related issues pertaining to the Agreement on Agriculture of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). (Answer in 250 words)
Answer:
Introduction The Government of India provides extensive subsidies and support measures to the agricultural sector to ensure food security, stabilise farmer incomes and boost productivity. These supports, however, face scrutiny under the World Trade Organisation’s Agreement on Agriculture (AoA).
Types of Subsidies and Supports
Price Support: Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 22 crops, fixed at a minimum of 1.5 times the cost of production. PM-AASHA offers additional price protection for pulses, oilseeds and copra through procurement and deficit payments.
Direct Income Support: PM-KISAN provides ₹6,000 annually to eligible land-holding farmers via Direct Benefit Transfer.
Input Subsidies: Fertilizer subsidies, interest subvention on crop loans (effective rate as low as 4%), and support for seeds, irrigation and farm machinery.
Other Measures: Crop insurance, credit facilities and infrastructure support under various schemes.
Issues under WTO Agreement on Agriculture
Domestic support is classified into Green Box (permitted) and Amber Box (trade-distorting, subject to limits). Developing countries face a 10% de minimis ceiling on the value of production.
Public stockholding programmes for food security, based on MSP procurement, are counted as Amber Box support. Outdated 1986–88 reference prices inflate calculated subsidies.
The Peace Clause (Bali 2013) offers temporary protection against disputes but is only an interim arrangement.
India seeks a permanent solution that updates calculation methods, covers post-2013 programmes and provides greater flexibility for developing countries’ food security needs.
Conclusion While domestic supports are vital for India’s smallholder farmers and food security, reforming AoA rules remains essential to remove outdated constraints and ensure a fair multilateral trading system.
Q15. Mention salient features of “Mission Drishti.” Discuss the imaging techniques used in the satellite launched on 3rd May 2026. Why is it being considered the world’s first satellite of its kind? (Answer in 250 words)
Answer:
Introduction Mission Drishti, launched on 3 May 2026 by Bengaluru-based startup GalaxEye, marked a historic milestone for India’s private space sector as the world’s first commercial OptoSAR satellite integrating advanced Earth observation technologies on a single platform.
Salient Features
India’s largest privately developed Earth observation satellite (approx. 190 kg).
World’s first to fuse Electro-Optical (EO) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors on one operational platform (OptoSAR).
Onboard AI processing for edge computing and faster delivery of analysis-ready data.
High-resolution fused imagery (around 1.8 metres) with dual-use applications in defence, disaster management, agriculture and maritime surveillance.
Imaging Techniques
Electro-Optical (EO): Multispectral imager providing high-resolution, photo-like visual and colour data under clear conditions.
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): Active X-band sensor enabling all-weather, day-and-night imaging by penetrating clouds and darkness.
Synchronised dual sensors captured the same location simultaneously, allowing seamless data fusion that combined optical clarity with radar reliability and structural detail.
Why the World’s First of Its Kind
First commercial satellite to successfully integrate EO and SAR on a single platform, overcoming the traditional limitation of using separate satellites.
Eliminated temporal and geometric mismatches inherent in multi-satellite data combination.
Delivered inherently aligned, information-rich imagery with greater reliability across diverse conditions.
Conclusion Mission Drishti demonstrated India’s growing private-sector capability in cutting-edge space technology. Despite a later anomaly caused by a solar storm, it successfully validated OptoSAR technology and provided valuable insights for future Earth observation missions.
Q16. What is Agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Explain its working. Describe its applications with suitable examples. Discuss the advantages, risks and challenges associated with agentic AI systems. (Answer in 250 words)
Answer:
Introduction Agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI) marks a shift from reactive generative AI tools to autonomous systems that pursue multi-step goals independently. These AI agents understand objectives, plan actions, interact with external tools, and execute workflows with minimal human intervention.
How Agentic AI Works
Goal Comprehension: Breaks high-level objectives into sequential tasks.
Planning and Reasoning: Uses foundational large language models to determine action sequences and select tools (browsers, APIs, coding environments).
Action and Tool Use: Directly interacts with external applications — navigating websites, managing emails, writing/debugging code, or updating databases.
Observation and Iteration: Evaluates outcomes, corrects errors, and dynamically adjusts the plan or escalates to humans when needed.
Applications
Software Development: Plans, writes, tests, and debugs complete projects, positioning engineers as supervisors.
Enterprise Workflows: Automates multi-step processes such as market intelligence, customer qualification, and invoice handling.
Consumer Assistance: Browses the web, compares products, books travel, or manages multi-app services (e.g., localised apps for cab and food bookings).
Advantages
Delivers hyper-productivity by automating repetitive digital tasks, freeing humans for strategic and creative work.
Enables seamless end-to-end execution across multiple platforms without constant oversight.
Risks and Challenges
Potential loss of control, task drift, or unintended actions due to high autonomy.
Vulnerability to cybersecurity threats, including prompt injection attacks.
Rapid propagation of errors across interconnected systems.
High computational costs of continuous reasoning and tool integration.
Conclusion Agentic AI transforms AI from a passive assistant into an active digital delegate, offering significant productivity gains. Realising its benefits safely requires robust governance, rigorous evaluation, and effective human-in-the-loop oversight.
Q17. What are the challenges to solid waste management in India? Discuss the governmental policy framework on solid waste management. Discuss the success/failure cases of Delhi and Indore cities highlighting the salient features of their solid waste management initiatives. (Answer in 250 words)
Answer:
Introduction Rapid urbanisation and rising consumption have made solid waste management a major environmental and public health challenge in India. Effective solutions require overcoming systemic gaps and learning from successful municipal models.
Key Challenges
Lack of source segregation leading to mixed waste that hampers recycling and increases landfill dependence.
Inadequate processing infrastructure, scientific landfills and transport systems in many Urban Local Bodies.
Land scarcity and overflowing legacy dumpsites causing leachate pollution, methane emissions and fires.
Heavy reliance on the informal sector without adequate safety, recognition or social security.
Financial constraints and weak enforcement by local bodies.
Governmental Policy Framework
Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 (and subsequent updates) mandate source segregation into wet, dry and hazardous waste and promote circular economy principles.
Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 1.0 and 2.0 focus on garbage-free cities through complete segregation, legacy waste remediation and processing infrastructure.
Complementary support under Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT for modern monitoring and facilities.
Indore (Success Case)
Achieved consistent top ranking as India’s cleanest city through 100% door-to-door segregated collection with GPS-tracked vehicles.
Strong processing network including bio-CNG plants, composting and material recovery facilities.
High community ownership via behaviour-change campaigns, user fees and strict enforcement.
Delhi (Struggling Case)
Generates over 11,000 tonnes of waste daily with significant untreated portion reaching landfills.
Overloaded dumpsites (Ghazipur, Bhalswa, Okhla) suffer from legacy waste, frequent fires, leachate and capacity exceedance.
Persistent problems of poor segregation, land constraints and slow remediation.
Conclusion Sustainable solid waste management requires strict source segregation, adequate processing capacity and strong community participation, as demonstrated by Indore, rather than technology alone.
Q18. “Community participation is the cornerstone of effective disaster management.” Analyse this statement with suitable examples from India. Also discuss the challenges to community participation and measures to strengthen it. (Answer in 250 words)
Answer:
Introduction Community participation forms the cornerstone of effective disaster management in India, as local people are the first responders possessing critical knowledge and capacity for timely action. The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and NDMA guidelines emphasise Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) for sustainable resilience.
Analysis with Examples
Communities enable early warning dissemination, evacuation, search-rescue and recovery.
Odisha cyclone model: After the 1999 Super Cyclone, village committees, trained volunteers and cyclone shelters enabled large-scale evacuations during Phailin (2013) and Fani (2019), keeping casualties minimal despite millions affected.
Aapda Mitra Scheme: NDMA trains community volunteers as first responders in multi-hazard districts, equipping them with skills and kits for rapid local response.
Kerala floods (2018): Spontaneous mobilisation of youth and local groups complemented official efforts, showcasing social capital.
Challenges
Low awareness and risk perception in remote areas.
Resource and capacity constraints at the grassroots level.
Inadequate inclusion of women, marginalised groups and persons with disabilities.
Inconsistent policy implementation and weak sustainability of initiatives.
Measures to Strengthen Participation
Scale up volunteer training programmes like Aapda Mitra with insurance and equipment support.
Institutionalise village/ward-level Community Disaster Management Plans and regular mock drills.
Ensure inclusive representation of vulnerable sections.
Integrate disaster education in schools and link with panchayats/ULBs.
Combine technology-enabled early warning with traditional knowledge under NDMA’s CBDRR framework.
Conclusion Community participation shifts disaster management from reactive relief to proactive resilience. India’s successes, especially Odisha’s model, prove its value. Sustained capacity building, inclusion and institutional support are essential to empower communities as equal partners in risk reduction.
Q19. Separatist movements have been one of the major factors contributing to militancy and instability in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). Bring out actions taken by the Government to bring J&K into national mainstream. Discuss pre and post abrogation status of Articles 370 and 35A. Also bring out positive impacts of abrogation of both articles in mainstreaming the state. (Answer in 250 words)
Answer:
Introduction Separatist movements in Jammu & Kashmir long contributed to militancy and instability by exploiting the region’s special constitutional status. The Government has pursued multiple measures to integrate the region into the national mainstream, with the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A on 5 August 2019 marking a decisive step.
Government Actions for Mainstreaming
Reorganisation of the State into two Union Territories (J&K and Ladakh) in 2019.
Extension of Central laws and schemes on education, health, land and welfare.
Large-scale infrastructure projects, industrial incentives, recruitment drives and security measures.
Strengthening of grassroots democracy through local body and Assembly elections.
Pre- and Post-Abrogation Status
Pre-abrogation: Article 370 granted temporary special status, allowing a separate Constitution and limited application of the Indian Constitution. Article 35A empowered the State to define permanent residents and reserve special rights in land, jobs and scholarships.
Post-abrogation: Both provisions ceased to operate. The Indian Constitution applies fully; permanent residency restrictions were removed; Central laws became applicable and the region was reorganised into Union Territories.
Positive Impacts of Abrogation
Constitutional integration under “One Nation, One Constitution, One Law.”
Decline in organised street violence and improved security environment.
Accelerated development in infrastructure, tourism, health and education.
Extension of welfare schemes and reservation benefits to previously excluded groups.
Restoration of democratic processes through elections.
Conclusion The abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A removed structural barriers to uniform national laws and development. Combined with sustained administrative and developmental efforts, it has facilitated closer integration of Jammu & Kashmir with the rest of India while expanding opportunities for peace, growth and democratic participation.
Q20. Discuss counterfeit currency and money laundering as major sources of terror funding in India. State the actions being taken at the international level to check these menaces. Highlight the role of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and methods of compliance by its member states in preventing terror funding. (Answer in 250 words)
Answer:
Introduction Terrorism depends on continuous financial support for operations, recruitment and logistics. In India, counterfeit currency and money laundering remain key conduits for funding cross-border and domestic terror activities, making financial disruption central to national security.
Counterfeit Currency and Money Laundering as Sources
Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN): High-quality counterfeit notes are smuggled across borders to provide untraceable cash for local operatives, logistics and attacks while undermining the monetary system.
Money Laundering Channels: Hawala networks, misuse of non-profit organisations and charities, and increasingly virtual assets and online platforms are used to obscure the origin of funds and channel them to terrorist groups.
International Actions
Adoption of uniform global standards to criminalise terrorist financing.
Implementation of UN Security Council resolutions for targeted financial sanctions, asset freezes and travel bans.
Enhanced intelligence sharing among Financial Intelligence Units to track and dismantle cross-border networks.
Role of FATF and Compliance Methods
FATF sets international AML/CFT standards, conducts mutual evaluations and maintains grey/black lists to pressure non-compliant jurisdictions.
Member states comply through:
Risk-based assessment of domestic threats.
Strong laws (e.g., PMLA and UAPA in India).
Customer due diligence, KYC norms and suspicious transaction reporting.
Oversight of virtual asset service providers and non-profits.
India has achieved a high level of technical compliance and is placed in the regular follow-up category by FATF.
Conclusion Counterfeit currency and money laundering form the financial backbone of terror networks. Sustained domestic vigilance, robust legal frameworks and active international cooperation through bodies like FATF are essential to choke these funding channels and strengthen national security.
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