UPSC Mains 2022 GS Paper 3 with Answers | UPSC Previous Year Question Papers and Video Analysis PDF Download

Q1: Why is Public Private Partnership (PPP) required in infrastructural projects? Examine the role of PPP model in the redevelopment of Railway Stations in India. (Economic Development)
Ans: Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) serve as a means for governments to secure and implement public infrastructure and services by leveraging the resources and expertise of the private sector.

PPP in Infrastructure Projects:
Governments in developing nations grapple with the challenge of meeting the increasing demand for enhanced infrastructure services. The introduction of PPPs proves beneficial in delivering superior infrastructure services through heightened operational efficiency.

• Resource Constraints: Limited funding and the public sector's capacity to execute projects within deadlines remain obstacles. Partnering with the private sector emerges as an appealing option to augment and enhance the supply of infrastructure services.
• Local Private Sector Development: PPPs contribute to developing the local private sector by fostering joint ventures with large firms in areas such as civil works, electrical works, facilities management, security services, cleaning services, and maintenance services.
• Risk Transfer: Extracting long-term value-for-money involves transferring appropriate risks to the private sector throughout the project's lifespan, spanning from construction to operations.

Role of PPP Model in the Redevelopment of Railway Stations in India:
Railway station redevelopment in India comprises two crucial components:

1. Mandatory Station Redevelopment: Aiming for smooth and hassle-free travel.
2. Station Estate (Commercial) Development: Facilitating the tapping of various revenue streams to ensure the overall project's viability.

The Government of India is actively promoting railway infrastructure reforms through PPPs, with the first station redeveloped using this model being Gandhinagar in Gujarat. Further stations, including New Delhi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and those in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, are slated for redevelopment.
The responsibility for train operations and safety certification remains with Indian Railways.
PPPs offer the public sector potential advantages in terms of cost, quality, and scale to meet infrastructure service targets. NITI Aayog's strategy for 'New India @ 75' envisions ambitious railway infrastructure targets, including increasing infrastructure speed from the current 7 km/day to 19 km/day and achieving 100% electrification of broad-gauge tracks by 2022-23.

Q2:  Is inclusive growth possible under market economy? State the significance of financial inclusion in achieving economic growth in India.(Economic Development)
Ans: Market Economy: In a market economy, the production of goods and services is guided solely by the laws of supply and demand, as well as profit, without any government intervention.
Inclusive Growth: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) defines inclusive growth as economic growth that is fairly distributed across society, creating opportunities for all.

Challenges in Achieving Inclusive Growth:

• The absence of government intervention limits the scope for social welfare schemes.
• Profit-driven efficiency doesn't account for the hardships faced by marginalized populations, leading to socio-economic vulnerabilities like job loss.
• Market economy's encouragement of unregulated privatization can adversely affect a large section of the population, evident in high education fees and exorbitant prices of essential goods like vaccines and medicines.

Financial Inclusion: Financial inclusion ensures access to financial services for vulnerable groups at affordable costs.

Government Initiatives:

• The government has launched schemes like PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) and PM Mudra Yojana (PMJY) to promote financial inclusion.
• These initiatives aim to expand formal financial service coverage, bringing more people into the economic mainstream.
• Financial inclusion fosters savings habits, contributing to overall economic growth.
• Extension of loans through PM Mudra Yojana supports the establishment of more MSMEs and startups, enhancing economic growth.
• Pension-related schemes like Atal Pension Yojana enable the elderly population to remain economically productive and lead dignified lives.
• Technology-driven financial inclusion, exemplified by UPI, helps plug leakages and integrates a larger population with formal financial services, fostering economic growth.

Conclusion: Despite its economic efficiency, a market economy is not an ideal system for implementing inclusive growth, which emphasizes equity and socio-economic welfare.

Q3. What are the major challenges of Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? How can it be made effective and transparent?(Economic Development)
Ans: Public Distribution System (PDS): The PDS is an Indian food security system established under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution. It operates with joint responsibility from both the central and state governments.

Issues with the PDS System:

• Studies indicate that entitled beneficiaries are not receiving food grains, while ineligible individuals are gaining undeserved benefits.
• Targeted PDS (TPDS) experiences significant leakages of food grains during transportation.
• Open-ended procurement, accepting all incoming grains regardless of buffer stock, leads to a shortage in the open market.
• A performance audit by the CAG has revealed a serious shortfall in the government's storage capacity.

Measures for Improvement:

• Enhancing effectiveness through technology-based solutions, with caution in shifting towards Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Increasing public participation through social audits and involvement of SHGs, Cooperatives, and NGOs to ensure transparency at the ground level.
• Integrating Aadhar with TPDS for better beneficiary identification and addressing inclusion and exclusion errors to improve PDS efficiency.

Conclusion: PDS is a major government welfare program. Strengthening the existing TPDS system through capacity building, training of implementing authorities, and efforts to plug leakages is the optimal way forward.

Q4. Elaborate the scope and significance of the food processing industry in India.(Economic Development)
Ans: Food Processing Industry: The industry that transforms agricultural products into consumable or food forms using processing methods is known as the food processing industry.
Scope:

• Approximately 60.4 percent of India's land is dedicated to agriculture.
• India is a leading producer of fruits, vegetables, milk, meats, and cereals.
• India stands as one of the largest consumer markets globally.

Significance:

• Provides a profitable market for farmers, contributing to a potential doubling of their income.
• Serves as a vital link between agriculture and the manufacturing sector, fostering employment generation.
• The organized supply of readily available processed food can help alleviate nutritional poverty in India.
• Efficient forward and backward linkages can mitigate food inflation and reduce delays in bringing products to market.
• Industry-level processed food production can enhance India's export capacity in the international market.

Limitations:

• The unorganized nature of the industry poses challenges in formulating comprehensive, focused policies.
• Lack of robust logistics infrastructure results in the wastage of food resources.
• Inadequate functioning of backward and forward linkages leads to supply and demand side bottlenecks in the economy.
• Lack of investment and technological upgrades hinders the industry from realizing its full potential.

Way Forward:

• Formalization of the sector is crucial to harness its true potential.
• Increased investment and logistical infrastructure support can create new opportunities and jobs in the industry.
• Coordination among various government ministries and departments is essential for both Greenfields projects and ongoing projects.
• There is a need for an integrated system to reduce post-harvest losses, further enhancing the supply of agricultural products.

Q5. The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them?(Economic Development)
Ans: Life Expectancy: Life expectancy is an estimate of the number of years an individual is anticipated to live, commonly measured at birth.
Life Expectancy in India: India has experienced a consistent rise in life expectancy, attributed to factors like expanded public health coverage and improved sanitation. Currently, it stands at approximately 70 years.

Challenges Due to Increased Life Expectancy:

• Added pressure on the already strained public healthcare system.
• Vulnerability to diseases and health issues, influenced by factors like air pollution, recurring viruses, and pandemics.
• No corresponding increase in "healthy life expectancy," resulting in longer lives with illness and disability due to non-communicable diseases.
• Heightened financial burden on families and the state due to the rising healthcare needs of an aging population, including health insurance coverage and medical treatments.
• Accelerated utilization of resources leading to challenges in their distribution and management.

Addressing Challenges:

• Enhanced awareness regarding diseases and health can elevate the overall health quality of the population.
• Promoting healthier lifestyles can result in reduced medical resource requirements later in life.
• This, in turn, alleviates the economic burden on both families and the state in catering to medical needs.
• Improvements in the quality and accessibility of the public health system are crucial to meet challenges arising from increased life expectancy.

Conclusion: Increased life expectancy brings both positive and negative effects. Proper management can harness its positive impact on the broader community and the country.

Q6: Each year a large amount of plant material, cellulose, is deposited on the surface of Planet Earth. What are the natural processes this cellulose undergoes before yielding carbon dioxide, water and other end products?(Environment and Ecology)
Ans: Cellulose: Considered the most abundant organic compound on Earth, cellulose has a chemical formula represented as (C6H10O5)n when viewed as a chain. It serves as a crucial structural component in the primary cell wall of green plants, various forms of algae, and oomycetes. Additionally, certain bacteria secrete cellulose for biofilm formation.

Properties of Cellulose:

• Complex carbohydrate composed of oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen.
• A chiral, tasteless compound with no discernible odor.
• Biodegradable, insoluble in water, and most organic solvents.

Natural Processes of Cellulose:

• Biosynthesis: In plants, cellulose is synthesized at the plasma membrane by Rosette Terminal Complexes (RTCs) containing cellulose synthase enzymes.
• Breakdown (Cellulolysis): Cellulolysis involves breaking down cellulose into smaller polysaccharides (cellodextrins) or complete conversion into glucose units. Bacteria utilize these breakdown products for proliferation, and ruminants later digest the bacterial mass in their digestive systems.
• Breakdown (Thermolysis): At temperatures above 350 °C, cellulose undergoes thermolysis (pyrolysis), decomposing into solid char, vapors, aerosols, and gases like carbon dioxide. This process, occurring via a solid-to-liquid-to-vapor transition, yields maximum vapors condensing into a liquid known as bio-oil at 500 °C.

Applications of Cellulose:

• Primarily used in the production of paperboard and paper.
• Under development for conversion from energy crops to biofuels, such as cellulosic ethanol, representing a renewable fuel source.
• The potential biofuel production from cellulose holds significance in meeting India's targets in the Paris Climate Agreement.

Q7. Discuss in detail the photochemical smog emphasizing its formation, effects and mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg protocol.(Environment and Ecology)
Ans: Photochemical Smog: Also known as Los Angeles smog, photochemical smog is a form of air pollution resulting from the interaction of solar radiation with airborne mixtures of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (hydrocarbons).

Formation:

• The formation of photochemical smog is closely linked to the concentration of primary pollutants (nitrogen oxides like nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and nitrous oxide, along with most VOCs) in the atmosphere. In some cases, it is also associated with the concentration of secondary pollutants (aldehydes, tropospheric ozone, and PAN).
• Photochemical smog initiation involves nitrogen oxides absorbing visible or ultraviolet sunlight energy, forming nitric oxide (NO) and free oxygen atoms (O). These combine with molecular oxygen (O2) to create ozone (O3).
• Chemical reactions occur with hydrocarbons, certain organic compounds, and sunlight to generate photochemical smog.

Effects:

• Chemicals formed in photochemical smog, when combined with hydrocarbons, produce molecules causing eye irritation.
• Ground-level ozone can be highly toxic to humans, leading to symptoms like decreased vision and shortness of breath.
• Contributes to acid rain and eutrophication.

Mitigation:

• Usage of catalytic converters to reduce vehicle emissions of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons.
• Reduction of greenhouse gas and urban emissions through biofuels in transportation.
• Adoption of cleaner vehicle options, including hydrogen-powered and electric vehicles.

Gothenburg Protocol:

• Adopted on 30 November 1999 in Gothenburg (Sweden) by UNECE countries, the Gothenburg Protocol aims to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication, and Ground-level Ozone.
• Also known as the Multi-effect protocol, it sets emission ceilings for 2010 for four pollutants: Sulphur, NOx, VOCs, and ammonia.
• The protocol is currently under negotiation for a revised version, with an update in 2012 to include particulate matter and black carbon.

Q8. Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples.(Disaster Management)
Ans: Cloudbursts: Cloudbursts refer to brief, intense rainfall events occurring over a limited area. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), it is a weather phenomenon characterized by unforeseen precipitation exceeding 100mm/h across approximately 20-30 square km. Typically observed in the Himalayan region in the Indian Subcontinent, cloudbursts are short-lived and impactful.

Mechanism of Cloudburst:

• Moisture-laden air encountering hilly terrain leads to the formation of a vertical column of cloud, known as a cumulonimbus cloud. These clouds are often associated with rain, thunder, and lightning.
• These unstable clouds create an intense rainstorm over a small area, becoming trapped in the ridges and valleys between hills.

Occurrence of Cloudburst:
The occurrence of cloudbursts is influenced by maximum relative humidity, cloud cover, low temperature, and slow winds. These conditions lead to the rapid condensation of clouds, resulting in a cloudburst.

Recent Incidents:

• The Amarnath Cloudburst in July 2022 resulted in significant casualties among pilgrims on the yatra.
• In August 2022, cloudbursts and flash floods caused destruction and loss of life in various parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Necessity for Precautionary Measures:
Given the increasing frequency of cloudbursts, there is a pressing need to establish a dense network of weather instruments and enhance computing capabilities, particularly in hilly regions.

Q9: Discuss the types of organised crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organised crime that exist at the national and transnational levels.(Internal Security)
Ans: 
Organised Crime: Organised crime refers to illegal activities conducted on a large scale for profit, strategically planned and executed by powerful criminal groups.
Major Types of Organised Crime: Some prominent forms include smuggling, racketeering, drug and human trafficking, among others.
Categories of Organised Crime: Organised crime can be broadly divided into 'traditional' and 'non-traditional'. Traditional activities encompass extortion, contract killings, and smuggling, while non-traditional activities involve cybercrime, enterprise and political corruption, white-collar crimes, etc.
Relation with Terrorism: Terrorism is not officially categorized as organised crime since its motivation is driven by political and ideological agendas rather than profit. However, organised crime and terrorism often intersect and complement each other.
Linkages Between Organised Crime and Terrorism:

• Terrorists often rely on financing and logistical support, frequently provided by entities engaged in organised crime.
• At times, terrorists themselves engage in activities falling under organised crime, like Left Wing Extremists resorting to extortion for funding against the state.
• Instances such as the 1993 bombings in Mumbai demonstrate that organised crime entities and individuals also offer logistical support to terrorists, including smuggling hazardous materials, providing human resources, establishing communication networks, offering information, and arranging financial assistance.

Conclusion: The close linkages between organised crime and terrorism, both at national and transnational levels, pose a substantial threat to the security of a country.

Q10: What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security.(Internal Security)
Ans: Maritime Security in India: India shares a maritime border of over 7000 km with seven nations, and instruments of maritime security play a vital role in safeguarding the nation's territorial sovereignty against potential marine threats.

Challenges

• Issues related to smuggling and human trafficking along the maritime border.
• Challenges of cross-border terrorism.
• Infiltration of illegal migration.
• Piracy concerns in maritime trade.
• Environmental hazards in the maritime domain.

Initiatives by India

Organisational:

• Introduction of the Security and Growth for All (SAGAR) policy for integrated collaboration with Indian Ocean region nations.
• Establishment of an integrated theatre command.
• Setting up the International Fusion Centre (IFC) for the Indian Ocean region in Gurugram.
• Launch of the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) by the Quad for better coordination and awareness.
• Participation in various organizations and dialogues such as IONS, IORA, and India-EU Maritime Dialogue.

Technical:

• Mission-based deployment of naval ships and aircraft, including INS Vikrant, Nuclear Submarines, and Project 75I.
• Development of digital cargo and bay arrangement optimization for improved maritime security efficiency.
• Introduction of the advanced Electronic Warfare System 'Shakti' in the Indian Navy.
• Utilization of advanced electronic and digital surveillance along the marine border.

Procedural:

• Adherence to the rules and regulations of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• Operational interactions with friendly nations via joint Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) surveillance.

Way Forward:

• Swift coordination and collaboration among various security institutions to enhance efficiency in maritime security services.
• Establishment of an integrated multilateral data sharing platform for preventing marine threats through multilateral information sharing.
• Holistic sharing of best practices among all friendly nations.

Q11: ''Economic growth in the recent past has been led by increase in labour productivity.'' Explain this statement. Suggest the growth pattern that will lead to creation of more jobs without compromising labour productivity.(Economic Development)
Ans: According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), labour productivity is the total output (measured in Gross Domestic Product, GDP) produced per unit of labour (measured in the number of employed persons or hours worked) during a given time period.
In recent times, India has experienced economic growth driven by increased labour activity, with various factors contributing to this development.

• Work-from-home: The prevalence of remote work during the Covid-19 pandemic has allowed individuals to dedicate more time to economic activities, leading to higher labour activity and productivity.
• Digital sectors: Flourishing fields like ed-tech and other digitally driven sectors have contributed to increased labour activity, resulting in higher productivity and economic growth.
• Government initiatives: Schemes like Skill India and support for the startup ecosystem (Startup India) have created a skilled workforce, positively impacting labour activity and productivity.
• Post-lockdown reinstatement: The resumption of economic activities after Covid-induced lockdowns has led to a surge in labour activity and productivity.

Several strategies can be implemented to ensure job creation without compromising labour productivity:

• Promotion of industries: Encouraging manufacturing-intensive sectors, the MSME sector, and startups can ensure job creation without compromising labour productivity.
• Government expenditure: Capital expenditure by the government can create jobs while maintaining labour productivity.
• Skills development: Initiatives for upskilling the workforce and prudent government recruitments can contribute to job creation without compromising productivity.
• Automation and technology: Focus on automation and the adoption of efficient technologies can maintain labour productivity and drive economic growth.
• Inclusive workforce: Efforts should be made to include sections of the population that have not actively contributed to labour activity.

In summary, increased labour activity, resulting in higher productivity and economic growth, has been a notable feature of the post-pandemic economy. Ensuring a growth pattern that sustains job creation without compromising labour productivity is crucial.

Q12: Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective? Explain.(Economic Development)
Ans: India, during the 26th COP meeting of the UNFCCC, committed to a 5-point agenda program, including achieving 50% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030.

India has already made progress in meeting its commitments:

• COP 21 Commitment: India has surpassed its COP 21 commitment by fulfilling 40% of its power capacity through non-fossil fuels.
• Bioenergy Production: India is a leading global producer of modern bioenergy.
• Renewable Energy Production: Currently, India ranks as the world's third-largest producer of renewable energy, with 40% of its electricity capacity sourced from non-fossil fuels.
• UJALA LED Bulb Campaign: India's extensive UJALA LED bulb campaign is reducing emissions by 40 million tonnes annually.

However, there are challenges in achieving the set targets:

• Funding Requirements: Meeting wind and solar energy targets alone will necessitate a substantial investment of $223 Billion, according to a BNEF report.
• Financial Challenges: Short-term challenges include rising interest rates, a depreciating rupee, and high inflation affecting the financing of renewables.
• Tax Reduction: To meet targets, the Indian government must reduce taxes by almost 2 lakh crores by 2030, impacting sectors like education, health, and infrastructure.
• Fossil Fuel Subsidies: Although fossil fuel subsidies by the Union government have decreased by 742% since 2014, subsidies on coal, oil, and gas increased nine times in 2021-22, remaining significantly higher than renewable energy subsidies.

Despite these challenges, shifting subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables can facilitate E-vehicle subsidies and higher taxes on fossil fuels. This approach aligns with achieving the 2030 objectives, aiding global warming containment to the Paris goal of 1.5-2C.

Q13: What are the main bottlenecks in upstream and downstream process of marketing of agricultural products in India?(Agriculture)
Ans: Agriculture serves as the foundation of the Indian economy and maintains its pivotal role despite the growth in other sectors. Agricultural marketing is primarily under state jurisdiction, with central government support through central sector schemes. The entire economic landscape of India remains significantly influenced by agriculture, encompassing both upstream and downstream processes, which include inputs like seeds, machinery, and technology, as well as the food processing industry.

Nevertheless, there are several challenges in both the upstream and downstream processes of agricultural marketing:

• Upstream Challenges: Lack of comprehensive coverage in reform policies poses a major obstacle in addressing agricultural marketing issues. For instance, the full adoption of the Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (APLMA) Act is limited to only some states.
• Contract Farming: Removal of contract farming from the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) domain, citing conflict of interest, creates gaps in both upstream and downstream processes.
• Downstream Bottleneck: Flawed Minimum Support Price (MSP) provision puts pressure on private traders to buy produce at or above MSP, potentially stifling private markets for agricultural products.
• Effective Procurement: The state and its agencies need to ensure effective procurement with the involvement of local institutions like Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and producer companies, impacting sourcing and purchasing activities in both the upstream and downstream processes.
• Role of Arthiyas: The Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2017 (APL

Q14: What is Integrated Farming System? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India?(Agriculture)
Ans: Integrated Farming System (IFS) is a comprehensive, interdependent production model that combines various compatible enterprises such as crops (field crops, horticultural crops), agroforestry (agri-silvi culture, agri-horticulture), livestock (dairy, poultry, small ruminants), fishery, mushroom, and bee culture. This synergistic approach ensures that the by-products of one component become inputs for others, enhancing overall farm productivity.

Benefits for Small and Marginal Farmers:

• Resource Utilization: By using by-products in a complementary manner, IFS reduces effective input costs. For example, converting cattle dung and farm waste into nutrient-rich vermicompost.
• Maximized Yield: IFS maximizes the yield of all component enterprises, providing a steady and stable income at higher levels.
• Ecological Balance: It rejuvenates and ameliorates system productivity, achieving agro-ecological equilibrium.
• Pest and Disease Control: Natural cropping system management helps control the population of insects, pests, diseases, and weeds, maintaining low levels of intensity.
• Reduced Chemical Use: IFS reduces the reliance on chemical fertilizers and harmful agrochemicals, ensuring pollution-free, healthy produce and environment.
• Environmental Impact: It mitigates the negative environmental impact of agriculture or livestock.
• Stable Income Streams: Small and marginal farmers benefit from regular income through products like eggs, milk, mushrooms, vegetables, and silkworm cocoons.

Challenges and Limitations of IFS:

• Financial Constraints: Affordability issues hinder small and marginal farmers from investing in large cattle or setting up fisheries ponds.
• Lack of Awareness: Limited awareness among farmers and hesitancy to adopt newer farming systems and technologies.
• MSP Limitations: The Minimum Support Price (MSP) applies to only 23 crops, excluding others like mushrooms and beekeeping industries.

Overall, IFS serves multiple objectives, making farmers self-sufficient, enhancing living standards, providing jobs, uplifting rural communities, and conserving natural resources and crop diversity.

Q15:  Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race?(Science and Technology)
Ans: The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST or Webb) is a large infrared telescope featuring a 6.5-meter primary mirror. Launched successfully from French Guiana on December 25, 2021, it is a collaborative effort between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency.

Notable Features of James Webb Telescope compared to other Telescopes:

The James Webb and Herschel Telescopes orbit the L2 region, providing improved image capturing due to different wavelengths. The larger mirror size of the James Webb telescope facilitates the collection of a more extensive area compared to other telescopes. It is anticipated to surpass the capabilities of the Hubble Telescope, revealing stars and galaxies dating back 13.7 billion years.

Key Goals of James Webb Telescope:

• Search for the first galaxies formed after the Big Bang.
• Determine the evolution of galaxies from their early formation to the present.
• Observe the formation of stars from initial stages to the creation of planetary systems.
• Measure the physical and chemical properties of planetary systems and explore the potential for life.

Potential Benefits for Humanity:

• Understanding the formation and growth of early galaxies.
• Detecting potential signs of life on other planets, such as water and methane in exoplanet atmospheres.
• Observing the birth of stars, as infrared light can penetrate through dust.
• Studying black holes from different angles, providing valuable data on their temperatures, speed, and chemical composition.
• Observing the atmospheres of extrasolar planets beyond our solar system.

The James Webb telescope, succeeding the Hubble Telescope, is expected to contribute significantly to the understanding of ancient galaxies' mass, age, history, and composition, spanning various fields of astronomy and cosmology.

Q16: What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines?(Science and Technology)
Ans: A vaccine is a biological product designed to safely stimulate an immune response, providing protection against infection and disease upon subsequent exposure to a pathogen. Typically, vaccines contain one or more protein antigens crucial for inducing immune responses that confer protection.

Basic Principle Behind Vaccine Development:

• Mimicking Natural Interaction: The fundamental aim is to induce protection against a pathogen by replicating its natural interaction with the human immune system.
• Immunological Memory: Vaccines prompt the immune system to create immunological memory through T and B lymphocytes, ensuring a rapid and effective response upon exposure to the targeted pathogen.

Working of the Immune System:

• Pathogen Response: When a pathogen infects the body, the immune system is activated to attack and eliminate the invader.
• Antigen Recognition: The part of the pathogen triggering antibody formation is called an antigen.

Working of Vaccines:

• Antigen Presence: Vaccines include weakened or inactive parts of an antigen, initiating an immune response in the body.
• Immune System Response: This weakened antigen version prompts the immune system to react similarly to its initial response to the actual pathogen.

India’s First Indigenous COVID-19 Vaccines:

• COVAXIN: Developed by Bharat-Biotech, it is an inactivated vaccine using Whole-Virion Inactivated Vero Cell derived platform technology.
• COVISHIELD: Developed by the University of Oxford with AstraZeneca, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. It is based on a weakened version of the adenovirus found in chimpanzees, containing genetic material from the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

India’s Vaccination Milestone:
In a historic achievement, India's vaccination drive surpassed the 200-Crore milestone in July 2022. The country has consistently supported COVID-19 vaccine research, development, and manufacturing under the "Make-in-India" and "Make-for-World" strategy, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like CoWIN.

Q17: Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997.(Environment and Ecology)
Ans: Global warming refers to the prolonged heating of Earth's surface, observed since the pre-industrial period (between 1850 and 1900), primarily attributed to human activities such as fossil fuel burning. These activities elevate the levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere.

Effects on Global Climate:

• Water Shortages: Early snowmelts, vanishing glaciers, and severe droughts contribute to increased water scarcity.
• Coastal Flooding: Rising sea levels result in heightened coastal flooding.
• Environmental Challenges: Heatwaves, intense rainfall, and elevated flooding pose challenges for agriculture, forests, and urban areas.
• Ecosystem Disruption: Coral reefs and alpine meadows face disruption, leading to potential extinction of numerous plant and animal species.
• Health Impact: Higher air pollution levels contribute to increased allergies, asthma, and infectious diseases.

Control Measures for Greenhouse Gases:

1. Kyoto Protocol: An international treaty adopted in 1997, entering into force in 2005, committing states to policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Targeted Gases: The Kyoto Protocol addresses six gases, including Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (NO2), Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), hydrocarbons (HCFs), and perfluorocarbons (PFCs).
3. Mechanisms for Reduction:

   • The Clean Development Mechanism allows countries with emission-reduction commitments to implement projects in developing nations.

   • Carbon Credits, tradable certificates equal to one tonne of carbon dioxide, aim to limit greenhouse gas concentration growth through activities like afforestation and methane capture.

   • Joint Implementation enables countries with emission reduction commitments to earn units from emission reduction projects.

   • Emission Trading allows countries to sell unused emission units to others exceeding their targets.

4. Principle and Binding Limits: The Kyoto Protocol operates based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and stands as the only global treaty imposing binding limits on greenhouse gas emissions.

Q18: Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard?(Environment and Ecology)
Ans: Coastal erosion refers to the removal of coastal sand or land displacement caused by factors such as local sea level rise, strong wave action, and heavy intrusion of seawater in coastal regions. The Ministry of Earth Sciences reported to the Lok Sabha that a significant portion of the 6,907.18 km long Indian mainland coastline is experiencing varying degrees of coastal erosion.

Factors Responsible for Coastal Erosion

Natural Reasons:

• Global Warming: The rise in CO2 concentration in the atmosphere contributes to planet warming and glacier melting, leading to sea level rise and increased coastal erosion threats.
• Planetary Cycle: Earth and Moon's planetary positions cause fortnightly tides in the sea.
• Strong Winds: Winds generate energy, released by waves breaking rocks into sand over time.
• Warming of Sea Water: Increased cyclone formation in the Indian peninsula contributes to coastal area destruction.

Anthropological Reasons:

• Violation of Coastal Management Zones (CMZ) Rules: Builders violating CMZ rules contribute to coastal erosion.
• Energy Production: Activities like nuclear and tidal energy production near coastal areas.
• Dredging: Shallow water dredging near coasts.
• Reduced Sand Flow: Decreased sand flow from rivers into the ocean.

Effects of Coastal Erosion:

• Rise in Sea Level: Increases the threat of submergence for small islands.
• Habitat Destruction: Leads to the vulnerability of coastal flora and fauna.
• Loss of Income: Impacts income from coastal ecosystems.

Coastal Management Techniques
Natural Response:

1. Coastal Shelter Belts:
   • Mangroves, coral reefs, and lagoons act as natural defenses against sea storms and erosion, absorbing and deflecting storm energy.
   • These habitats are crucial for shore protection and environmental conservation.

Artificial Response:

• Geo-synthetic Tubes / Bags: Tube-shaped bags filled with sand slurry and lined with geotextile create artificial coastal structures like breakwaters or dunes, reducing wave energy and preventing erosion.
• Artificial Beach Nourishment: Adding sand or sediment to beaches combats erosion and increases beach width.
• Groynes: Active structures extending into the sea catch and hold back sediment, reducing longshore erosion.

With the escalating threats of climate change, rising sea levels are an inevitable outcome. Considering the dense population of coastal areas in India, thoughtful coastal planning is crucial, including the option of relocating people to safer areas.

Q19: What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy.(Internal Security)
Ans: Cybersecurity involves safeguarding cyberspace, including critical information infrastructure, from attacks, damage, misuse, and economic espionage. It encompasses a set of technologies and practices aimed at preventing various types of cybercrimes.

Key Elements of Cybersecurity

• Application Security: Measures taken during an application's development process to protect it from threats arising from flaws in design, development, and deployment.
• Information Security: Protection of information to prevent unauthorized access, identity theft, and ensure privacy.
• Network Security: Activities to ensure the usability, reliability, integrity, and safety of the network.
• Disaster Recovery Planning: Involves risk assessment, priority establishment, and development of recovery strategies in case of a cyber-attack.
• End-user Awareness: Dissemination of information and raising awareness about various cybersecurity facets among the public.

Challenges in Cybersecurity

• Increase in Cyber-attacks: Notable rise in cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure.
• Lack of Infrastructure and Trained Human Resources: Insufficient necessary infrastructure and trained personnel to address cybersecurity issues.
• Private Sector Focus: Inadequate emphasis by the private sector on developing preparedness for cyber-attacks.
• Digital Ecosystem Vulnerability: Expanding digital ecosystem and inadequate infrastructure expose large amounts of data to cyber threats.
• International Cooperation: Non-signatory status to the Budapest Convention, hindering global cooperation in addressing cybercrimes.

India's Cybersecurity Measures
National Cyber Security Strategy:

• Information Technology Act: Enacted in 2000 and amended in 2008, addresses cybercrime mitigation and related issues.
• Specialized Agencies: Establishment of agencies like CERT-In, NCIIPC, and I4C for dealing with cybercrime.
• Government Initiatives: Initiatives such as Cyber Surakshit Bharat, NCCC, Cyber Swachhta Kendra, and ISEA for awareness and mitigation.
• National Cyber Security Policy: Implemented in 2013 to combat cybercrimes.
• National Cyber Security Strategy 2020: Conceptualized by DSCI in 2020, awaiting implementation for addressing evolving cyber threats.

While India has taken steps to counter cybercrimes, ongoing efforts are crucial to effectively address the evolving nature of cyber threats.

Q20: Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism.(Internal Security)
Ans: Naxalism is identified as the primary security threat to the country, deriving its name from the village Naxalbari in West Bengal. Originating in 1967 under the leadership of Kanu Sanyal and Jagan Santhal, the Naxal Movement initially rebelled against local landlords in a land dispute. The movement spread across eastern India, particularly in less developed states like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh.

Emerging Issues

• The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, deprives tribals of depending on forest produce, leading to massive displacement due to developmental and mining projects.
• Administrative failure to provide essential services like education, freedom, sanitation, and food in Naxalite-affected regions. Confusion exists on whether to address Naxalism as a social issue or a security threat.
• Infrastructural problems in some villages, such as communication and connectivity, along with a lack of technical intelligence to combat Naxalites.
• Lack of political participation by the tribal community and the inability of political authorities to uplift the deprived sections structurally.

Strategy to Tackle Naxalism
Social Dimensions:

• The Aspirational District Programme addresses Left Wing Extremism (LWE) holistically, ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities and improving governance.
• The Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme reimburses security forces' needs, such as ex-gratia payments and compensation, aiming to combat LWE violence.
• Initiating more dialogues between Naxalites and government officials, emphasizing equal political participation, and providing access to basic resources like forests, education, sanitation, and food.

Economic Dimensions:

• Addressing economic disparity to curb the growth of Naxalism.
• Generating more employment with higher wages to uplift the skills of the people in the affected region.
• Implementing a coherent national strategy by the Central Government to end Naxalism.

Developmental Dimensions:

• The Road Connectivity Project for LWE-affected areas (RCPLWE) enhances road connectivity.
• The LWE Mobile Tower Project improves mobile connectivity in LWE areas.
• Addressing infrastructure concerns in Naxalite-affected regions.

Despite limited success in tackling Naxalism, the root causes remain unaddressed. Central and State Governments must continue collaborating to develop a common strategy.