UPSC Mains General Studies (Paper 3) - Mock Test 1 [Solutions] | UPSC Mains Mock Test Series 2025 PDF Download

Q1. Comment on the statement: “India’s $5 trillion economy goal by 2027 hinges on the growth of its MSME sector.” (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

Answer: 

Introduction
India’s ambition to achieve a $5 trillion economy by 2027 relies significantly on its Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), contributing 30% to GDP and employing over 110 million. MSMEs drive inclusive growth and economic resilience.

Body
Key Contributions of MSMEs:

• Employment Generation: MSMEs create jobs, especially in rural areas, reducing unemployment. The PMEGP scheme supported millions of jobs in 2024.
• Export Growth: Contributing 45% to exports, MSMEs boost foreign exchange through sectors like textiles.
• Innovation Drive: Initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Startup India promote digital adoption in 2025.
  Challenges to Growth:
• Limited Credit Access: Inadequate financing, despite MUDRA, restricts expansion.
• Technological Lag: Low digitalization and outdated machinery reduce competitiveness.

Conclusion
MSMEs are central to India’s $5 trillion goal, fostering employment and exports. Addressing credit and technology gaps is critical for sustained growth.

Q2. How has the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transformed financial inclusion in India? Highlight challenges in its rural penetration. (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

​Answer: 

Introduction
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), launched in 2016, has revolutionized India’s digital payment system, promoting financial inclusion with over 150 billion transactions annually by 2025, bridging urban-rural divides.

Body
UPI’s Role in Financial Inclusion:

• Accessibility: UPI’s user-friendly platform enables low-income groups to access banking via smartphones, with BHIM UPI empowering small vendors.
• Banking Penetration: Integration with Jan Dhan accounts facilitates cashless transactions for the unbanked.
• Economic Empowerment: UPI supports microtransactions for rural entrepreneurs, boosting local economies.
  Challenges in Rural Penetration:
• Digital Infrastructure: Poor internet connectivity in rural areas limits UPI adoption.
• Digital Literacy: Lack of technical know-how and awareness hinders usage.
• Cybersecurity Risks: Rising frauds, reported in 2024, erode trust in digital payments.

Conclusion
UPI has transformed financial inclusion by enabling accessible transactions. Overcoming rural connectivity and literacy barriers is vital for universal adoption.

Q3. What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this problem. (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

​Answer: 

Introduction
Persistent high food inflation, around 8-10% in 2024-25, burdens Indian households and challenges economic stability. It arises from structural and cyclical factors, with RBI’s monetary policy facing limitations in addressing it.

Body
Causes of Food Inflation:

• Supply Chain Disruptions: Monsoon failures in 2024 and logistical issues spiked vegetable and pulse prices.
• Global Price Shocks: Rising import costs for edible oils and fertilizers, driven by global conflicts, fueled inflation.
• Demand Pressures: Urban demand for protein-rich foods outpaces supply.
  Effectiveness of RBI’s Monetary Policy:
• Rate Hikes: RBI’s repo rate at 6.5% in 2024 curbs demand but has limited impact on supply-driven inflation.
• Liquidity Management: CRR adjustments stabilize markets but fail to address supply bottlenecks.
• Constraints: Food inflation’s supply-side nature limits monetary policy’s effectiveness, requiring fiscal measures.

Conclusion
Food inflation persists due to supply and global factors. RBI’s policies are partially effective, necessitating coordinated fiscal interventions.

Q4. Explain the significance of organic farming in ensuring sustainable agriculture in India. What are the major hurdles in its adoption? (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

​Answer: 

Introduction
Organic farming, emphasizing natural inputs, is crucial for sustainable agriculture in India, supporting environmental health and food security under schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana in 2025.

Body
Significance of Organic Farming:

• Soil Health: Organic practices enhance soil fertility, reducing degradation, as seen in Sikkim’s organic model.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Avoiding chemical pesticides preserves ecosystems and pollinators.
• Market Demand: Organic produce meets growing consumer demand, with exports reaching $1 billion in 2024.
  Hurdles in Adoption:
• High Transition Costs: Shifting to organic farming is expensive for small farmers.
• Certification Challenges: Complex NPOP certification processes deter adoption.
• Market Access: Limited infrastructure restricts organic produce marketing.
  Suggested Diagram: Flowchart of organic farming benefits (soil health → biodiversity → food security).

Conclusion
Organic farming fosters sustainable agriculture through ecological and economic benefits. Overcoming cost and certification barriers is essential for wider adoption.

Q5. Critically examine the statement: “Green Hydrogen is a game-changer for India’s energy security.” (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

Answer: 

Introduction
Organic farming, emphasizing natural inputs, is crucial for sustainable agriculture in India, supporting environmental health and food security under schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana in 2025.

Body
Significance of Organic Farming:

• Soil Health: Organic practices enhance soil fertility, reducing degradation, as seen in Sikkim’s organic model.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Avoiding chemical pesticides preserves ecosystems and pollinators.
• Market Demand: Organic produce meets growing consumer demand, with exports reaching $1 billion in 2024.
  Hurdles in Adoption:
• High Transition Costs: Shifting to organic farming is expensive for small farmers.
• Certification Challenges: Complex NPOP certification processes deter adoption.
• Market Access: Limited infrastructure restricts organic produce marketing.
  Suggested Diagram: Flowchart of organic farming benefits (soil health → biodiversity → food security).

Conclusion
Organic farming fosters sustainable agriculture through ecological and economic benefits. Overcoming cost and certification barriers is essential for wider adoption.

Q6. How does precision agriculture technology enhance productivity in Indian farming? Discuss its accessibility for small farmers. (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

​Answer: 

Introduction
Precision agriculture technology uses data-driven tools like IoT, drones, and sensors to optimize farming, enhancing productivity in India’s agriculture sector. It aligns with India’s 2025 goal of doubling farmers’ income.

Body
Enhancing Productivity:

• Resource Optimization: Sensors monitor soil and crop health, enabling precise water and fertilizer use, boosting yields by 20-30% in pilot projects (2024).
• Crop Monitoring: Drones provide real-time data, reducing crop losses through early pest detection.
• Data-Driven Decisions: AI analytics predict weather and market trends, aiding sowing and pricing strategies.

Accessibility for Small Farmers:

• High Costs: Advanced tools remain expensive, limiting adoption by small farmers.
• Digital Divide: Low digital literacy and poor internet access in rural areas hinder usage.
• Government Support: Schemes like PMKSY (2025) subsidize technology, but outreach remains limited.

Conclusion
Precision agriculture boosts productivity through efficient resource use. Ensuring affordability and digital literacy is key to making it accessible for small farmers.

Q7. Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in healthcare? (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

​Answer: 

Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) involves machines mimicking human intelligence, using algorithms to process data and make decisions. In healthcare, AI enhances clinical diagnosis, but privacy concerns persist.

Body
AI in Clinical Diagnosis:

• Improved Accuracy: AI tools like IBM Watson analyze medical imaging, detecting diseases like cancer with 90% accuracy (2024 studies).
• Early Detection: Machine learning predicts disease onset, enabling timely interventions, as seen in diabetes management.
• Efficiency: AI streamlines diagnostics, reducing doctors’ workload in overburdened hospitals.

Privacy Threats:

• Data Breaches: AI relies on sensitive patient data, vulnerable to cyberattacks, with 2024 incidents exposing healthcare records.
• Unauthorized Use: Unregulated AI systems may share data with third parties, violating consent.
• Regulatory Gaps: Weak data protection laws in India pose risks to patient confidentiality.

Conclusion
AI revolutionizes clinical diagnosis with accuracy and efficiency but poses privacy risks. Robust data protection laws are essential to safeguard individual privacy.

Q8. What are the causes of urban flooding in Indian cities? Suggest measures to mitigate this issue. (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

​Answer: 

Introduction
Urban flooding, a recurring issue in Indian cities like Mumbai and Chennai, disrupts lives and economies, as seen in 2024’s monsoon havoc. It stems from infrastructural and environmental factors.

Body
Causes of Urban Flooding:

• Encroachment of Water Bodies: Illegal constructions on wetlands reduce drainage capacity, evident in Chennai’s 2024 floods.
• Poor Drainage Systems: Clogged and outdated drains fail to handle heavy rainfall.
• Unplanned Urbanization: Rapid concretization reduces permeable surfaces, increasing runoff.

Mitigation Measures:

• Improved Drainage: Modernize and maintain urban drainage systems, as piloted in Delhi (2025).
• Water Body Restoration: Reclaim encroached lakes and wetlands to enhance natural drainage.
• Smart Urban Planning: Enforce green infrastructure like permeable pavements and urban forests.
  Suggested Diagram: Urban flooding cycle (rainfall → blocked drains → flooding → mitigation).

Conclusion
Urban flooding results from poor planning and infrastructure. Coordinated mitigation through drainage upgrades and sustainable urban design is critical.

Q9. Comment on the statement: “Drones are revolutionizing India’s border security strategy.” (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

​Answer: 

Introduction
Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are transforming India’s border security strategy, enhancing surveillance and response capabilities along sensitive borders, as evidenced by 2024 deployments.

Body
Revolutionizing Border Security:

• Enhanced Surveillance: Drones provide real-time monitoring of remote borders, detecting infiltrations, as seen in BSF’s use in Jammu (2024).
• Rapid Response: Armed drones enable quick counteractions, improving operational efficiency.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Drones reduce manpower needs, offering scalable solutions for vast border areas.

Challenges and Limitations:

• Technological Dependence: Overreliance on drones risks vulnerabilities to cyberattacks and malfunctions.
• Regulatory Gaps: Unclear drone policies hinder seamless integration, despite 2025 liberalized rules.
• Environmental Constraints: Harsh terrains and weather limit drone efficacy in certain regions.

Conclusion
Drones significantly enhance India’s border security through advanced surveillance and rapid response. Addressing technological and regulatory challenges will ensure their transformative potential is fully realized.

Q10. What is the significance of the National Earthquake Risk Mitigation Program? Outline its key components. (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

​Answer: 

Introduction
The National Earthquake Risk Mitigation Program (NERMP), launched to enhance India’s seismic resilience, is critical for minimizing loss of life and property in earthquake-prone zones, especially after 2024’s seismic alerts.

Body
Significance of NERMP:

• Risk Reduction: It strengthens infrastructure to withstand quakes, protecting lives and assets.
• Public Awareness: Educates communities on preparedness, reducing panic during disasters.
• Economic Stability: Mitigates economic losses by safeguarding critical infrastructure, vital for India’s $5 trillion economy goal.

Key Components:

• Structural Retrofitting: Upgrades vulnerable buildings, as piloted in Delhi (2024).
• Seismic Zonation: Maps high-risk areas to guide urban planning and construction.
• Capacity Building: Trains engineers and first responders for effective disaster response.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Promotes earthquake-resistant practices through community outreach (2025).

Conclusion
NERMP is pivotal for seismic safety, ensuring infrastructure resilience and public preparedness. Its effective implementation is key to disaster risk reduction.

Q11. Evaluate the statement: “The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is a cornerstone of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.” (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

​Answer: 

Introduction
The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, launched in 2020, is a vital part of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. It aims to strengthen local manufacturing, create jobs, and reduce reliance on imports. The scheme provides financial rewards to industries, helping India become a global manufacturing hub by 2027.

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Strengths of the PLI Scheme:

• The scheme creates jobs. It has generated over 7 lakh jobs by 2025, especially in electronics, supporting economic growth.
• The PLI boosts exports. Mobile phone exports increased by 30% in 2024, with companies like Apple benefiting from incentives.
• It drives industry growth. Sectors like solar panels and medicines attracted ₹1.5 lakh crore in investments, enhancing India’s global position.
• The scheme encourages innovation. It promotes new technology in fields like green energy, fostering development.

Challenges of the PLI Scheme:

• Funds are released slowly. Delays in providing incentives discourage smaller companies from participating.
• The scheme favors big firms. Large companies benefit more, leaving small businesses with limited support.
• Production costs are high. India struggles to compete with countries like Vietnam due to costly manufacturing.
• Skilled workers are scarce. A lack of trained workers limits the scheme’s full potential.

Conclusion
The PLI scheme is a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, boosting jobs, exports, and innovation. To succeed, it must speed up fund release, support small businesses, and improve skills and infrastructure. These steps will strengthen India’s journey toward self-reliance by 2027.

Q12. What are the challenges in achieving India’s 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030? Suggest a roadmap to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

​Answer: 

Introduction
India plans to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 to combat climate change and ensure energy security. The country has reached 150 GW by 2025, but several challenges hinder scaling up solar, wind, and other renewable sources.

Body
Challenges to the 500 GW Target:

• Land acquisition is difficult. Local protests delay projects, such as Rajasthan’s solar parks in 2024.
• Funding is limited. High setup costs and low private investment slow down renewable projects.
• The grid system is weak. Old grids and insufficient storage cause energy wastage, as seen in 2025 curtailments.
• Policies are inconsistent. Unclear rules and delayed subsidies reduce investor confidence.

Roadmap to Overcome Challenges:

• Simplify land acquisition. Offer fair compensation and hold community talks to secure land.
• Increase funding. Promote green bonds and private partnerships, like ₹50,000 crore investments in 2024.
• Upgrade the grid. Build smart grids and battery storage, following Tamil Nadu’s 2025 pilot projects.
• Ensure clear policies. Provide stable rules and faster subsidies to attract investors.
• Train workers. Educate youth in renewable energy skills to support project growth.
  Suggested Diagram: A flowchart showing challenges (land, funding, grid, policy) and their solutions.

Conclusion
India’s 500 GW renewable energy target faces land, funding, and grid challenges. A clear roadmap with better policies, modern grids, and training will ensure success by 2030, supporting India’s climate and energy goals.

Q13. Discuss the role of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in enhancing agricultural marketing. How can they address post-harvest losses? (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

​Answer: 

Introduction
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are groups where farmers work together to improve their income through better market access. With over 10,000 FPOs by 2025 under schemes like SFAC, they enhance agricultural marketing and tackle post-harvest losses effectively.

Body
Role of FPOs in Agricultural Marketing:

• FPOs secure better prices. By pooling produce, they negotiate higher rates, like Maharashtra’s grape FPOs earning 20% more in 2024.
• They connect farmers to markets. FPOs link farmers directly to retailers, reducing middlemen and increasing profits.
• FPOs add value to products. They process crops into items like millet snacks, as seen in Karnataka, boosting income.
• They use digital tools. FPOs adopt platforms like e-NAM for transparent and fair sales.

Addressing Post-Harvest Losses:

• FPOs build storage facilities. Cold storage units reduce spoilage of perishables, cutting 15% vegetable losses in 2024.
• They set up processing units. Small units convert surplus crops into products, minimizing waste.
• FPOs train farmers. They teach better handling techniques to improve crop quality and shelf life.
• They improve transport. Partnerships with logistics firms ensure quick delivery, reducing losses during transit.

Conclusion
FPOs enhance agricultural marketing by improving prices and market access while reducing post-harvest losses through storage and training. Scaling government support and private partnerships will make FPOs more effective, ensuring better incomes and sustainable farming for India’s farmers.

Q14. What is Integrated Farming System? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India? (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

Answer: 

Introduction
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are groups where farmers work together to improve their income through better market access. With over 10,000 FPOs by 2025 under schemes like SFAC, they enhance agricultural marketing and tackle post-harvest losses effectively.

Body
Role of FPOs in Agricultural Marketing:

• FPOs secure better prices. By pooling produce, they negotiate higher rates, like Maharashtra’s grape FPOs earning 20% more in 2024.
• They connect farmers to markets. FPOs link farmers directly to retailers, reducing middlemen and increasing profits.
• FPOs add value to products. They process crops into items like millet snacks, as seen in Karnataka, boosting income.
• They use digital tools. FPOs adopt platforms like e-NAM for transparent and fair sales.

Addressing Post-Harvest Losses:

• FPOs build storage facilities. Cold storage units reduce spoilage of perishables, cutting 15% vegetable losses in 2024.
• They set up processing units. Small units convert surplus crops into products, minimizing waste.
• FPOs train farmers. They teach better handling techniques to improve crop quality and shelf life.
• They improve transport. Partnerships with logistics firms ensure quick delivery, reducing losses during transit.

Conclusion
FPOs enhance agricultural marketing by improving prices and market access while reducing post-harvest losses through storage and training. Scaling government support and private partnerships will make FPOs more effective, ensuring better incomes and sustainable farming for India’s farmers.

Q15. Critically examine the statement: “Private sector participation is critical for the success of India’s space missions like Gaganyaan.” (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

​Answer: 

Introduction
India’s space missions, like Gaganyaan, aim to make the country a global space leader by 2025. Private sector involvement is seen as essential for innovation and cost savings, but its role in ensuring mission success needs careful evaluation.

Body
Why Private Sector Participation is Important:

• Private firms bring new technology. Companies like Skyroot and Agnikul Cosmos develop affordable rockets, supporting Gaganyaan’s 2025 human spaceflight goal.
• They reduce costs. Private manufacturing cut ISRO’s expenses by 20% in 2024, saving resources.
• Partnerships enable growth. Collaboration helps launch more satellites, supporting India’s 100-satellite target by 2030.
• Private firms boost competitiveness. Their innovation strengthens India’s position against global players like SpaceX.

Challenges of Private Sector Involvement:

• The private sector lacks experience. India’s space industry is new and struggles with complex missions like Gaganyaan.
• Rules are unclear. IN-SPACe policies in 2025 are vague, slowing private participation.
• Security is a concern. Relying on private firms risks mission safety and accountability.
• Funding is limited. Low private investment in research hampers innovation growth.

Conclusion
Private sector participation is critical for Gaganyaan’s success, offering new technology and cost savings. However, its impact depends on clear rules, building expertise, and strong oversight. A balanced partnership between ISRO and private firms, supported by better policies and funding, will ensure India’s space missions succeed while maintaining security.

Q16. What are the environmental and social impacts of illegal sand mining in India? Discuss government measures to curb it. (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

​Answer: 

Introduction
Illegal sand mining, rampant across India’s riverbeds and coastal areas, causes severe environmental and social harm. Driven by construction demands, it disrupts ecosystems and livelihoods. The government has introduced measures to control it, but challenges remain.

Body
Environmental Impacts:

• Illegal mining damages river ecosystems. It destroys aquatic habitats, reducing fish populations, as seen in the Yamuna River in 2024.
• It causes soil erosion. Excessive sand extraction destabilizes riverbanks, increasing flood risks.
• Mining lowers groundwater levels. Over-extraction depletes aquifers, affecting irrigation in rural areas.

Social Impacts:

• It harms local livelihoods. Fishermen and farmers lose income due to damaged ecosystems, impacting 10 lakh people in 2024.
• Mining fuels conflicts. Local communities clash with illegal miners over resource access.
• It endangers workers. Unsafe mining practices lead to accidents and exploitation.

Government Measures to Curb Illegal Mining:

• The government enforces laws. The Mines and Minerals Act, 1957, regulates mining, with stricter penalties introduced in 2024.
• It uses technology. Satellite monitoring and drones track illegal activities, as piloted in Uttar Pradesh in 2025.
• Sustainable alternatives are promoted. Policies encourage manufactured sand to reduce river mining.

Challenges:

• Corruption hinders enforcement. Local officials often collude with miners.
• Monitoring is limited. Remote areas lack adequate surveillance.

Conclusion
Illegal sand mining harms ecosystems and communities, threatening sustainability. Government measures like stricter laws and technology are steps forward, but tackling corruption and improving monitoring are crucial for effective control.

Q17. Analyze the role of cybersecurity in protecting India’s digital infrastructure. How effective is the National Cyber Security Policy of 2013? (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

​Answer: 

Introduction
Cybersecurity safeguards India’s digital infrastructure, including banking, governance, and critical services, against rising cyber threats. With 1.2 billion internet users in 2025, the National Cyber Security Policy (NCSP) of 2013 aims to secure this ecosystem, but its effectiveness is debated.

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Role of Cybersecurity:

• Cybersecurity protects critical systems. It secures power grids, railways, and banks from attacks, like the 2024 banking malware incident.
• It ensures data privacy. Robust measures safeguard sensitive data, vital for UPI’s 150 billion transactions in 2025.
• Cybersecurity boosts digital trust. It encourages adoption of e-governance platforms like Digital India.

Effectiveness of NCSP 2013:

• The policy builds institutions. It established the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC), strengthening critical sector security.
• It promotes awareness. Training programs have educated 5 lakh professionals by 2025.
• The policy fosters coordination. It aligns government and private sectors to counter threats.

Limitations of NCSP 2013:

• The policy is outdated. It lacks provisions for emerging threats like AI-driven attacks in 2024.
• Implementation is weak. Limited funding and coordination hinder progress.
• Skilled manpower is scarce. A shortage of cybersecurity experts slows response capabilities.

Conclusion
Cybersecurity is vital for protecting India’s digital infrastructure and fostering trust. The NCSP 2013 laid a foundation but struggles with modern threats and implementation gaps. Updating the policy, increasing funding, and training more experts will enhance India’s cyber resilience.

Q18. Discuss the implications of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in the Himalayas. Suggest steps to mitigate this disaster risk. (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

​Answer: 

Introduction
Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) occur when glacial lakes burst, releasing massive water flows in the Himalayas. With climate change accelerating glacier melt, GLOFs, like the 2024 Sikkim incident, pose growing risks to lives and infrastructure.

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Implications of GLOFs:

• GLOFs cause loss of life. Sudden floods endanger downstream communities, killing dozens in Sikkim in 2024.
• They damage infrastructure. Roads, bridges, and hydropower plants are destroyed, costing ₹10,000 crore annually.
• GLOFs disrupt livelihoods. Floods ruin farmlands and displace communities, impacting 5 lakh people in 2024.
• They harm ecosystems. Floods alter river systems, affecting biodiversity in Himalayan regions.

Steps to Mitigate GLOF Risks:

• Monitor glacial lakes. Use satellites and drones to track lake formation, as piloted in Uttarakhand in 2025.
• Build early warning systems. Install sensors to alert communities about potential floods.
• Strengthen infrastructure. Construct flood-resistant roads and dams to minimize damage.
• Raise community awareness. Train locals on evacuation plans to reduce casualties.
• Promote climate action. Reduce glacier melt through global emission cuts and afforestation.
  Suggested Diagram: Flowchart of GLOF impacts (floods → loss of life → infrastructure damage) and mitigation steps.

Conclusion
GLOFs threaten lives, infrastructure, and ecosystems in the Himalayas. Effective mitigation through monitoring, early warnings, and climate action is essential to reduce risks and protect vulnerable communities in India’s mountainous regions.

Q19. Evaluate the statement: “The Digital India initiative has bridged the urban-rural digital divide effectively.” (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

​Answer: 

Introduction
Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) occur when glacial lakes burst, releasing massive water flows in the Himalayas. With climate change accelerating glacier melt, GLOFs, like the 2024 Sikkim incident, pose growing risks to lives and infrastructure.

Body
Implications of GLOFs:

• GLOFs cause loss of life. Sudden floods endanger downstream communities, killing dozens in Sikkim in 2024.
• They damage infrastructure. Roads, bridges, and hydropower plants are destroyed, costing ₹10,000 crore annually.
• GLOFs disrupt livelihoods. Floods ruin farmlands and displace communities, impacting 5 lakh people in 2024.
• They harm ecosystems. Floods alter river systems, affecting biodiversity in Himalayan regions.

Steps to Mitigate GLOF Risks:

• Monitor glacial lakes. Use satellites and drones to track lake formation, as piloted in Uttarakhand in 2025.
• Build early warning systems. Install sensors to alert communities about potential floods.
• Strengthen infrastructure. Construct flood-resistant roads and dams to minimize damage.
• Raise community awareness. Train locals on evacuation plans to reduce casualties.
• Promote climate action. Reduce glacier melt through global emission cuts and afforestation.
  Suggested Diagram: Flowchart of GLOF impacts (floods → loss of life → infrastructure damage) and mitigation steps.

Conclusion
GLOFs threaten lives, infrastructure, and ecosystems in the Himalayas. Effective mitigation through monitoring, early warnings, and climate action is essential to reduce risks and protect vulnerable communities in India’s mountainous regions.

Q20. What are the socio-economic drivers of Left-Wing Extremism in India? Suggest a multi-pronged strategy to address it. (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

​Answer: 

Introduction
Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), rooted in Maoist ideology, persists in India’s tribal belts, affecting 10 states in 2025. Socio-economic inequalities fuel this issue, requiring a comprehensive strategy to address it.

Body
Socio-Economic Drivers of LWE:

• Poverty drives extremism. Lack of economic opportunities in tribal areas pushes youth toward LWE, as seen in Chhattisgarh in 2024.
• Land alienation fuels unrest. Tribal displacement due to mining and projects sparks resentment.
• Poor governance creates distrust. Limited access to education and healthcare in remote areas strengthens extremist narratives.
• Social exclusion marginalizes tribes. Discrimination against adivasis fuels support for LWE groups.

Multi-Pronged Strategy to Address LWE:

• Improve economic opportunities. Create jobs through skill training and rural industries, like Jharkhand’s 2025 initiatives.
• Protect tribal rights. Enforce laws like the Forest Rights Act to secure land and resources for tribals.
• Enhance governance. Expand schools, hospitals, and roads in LWE areas to build trust, as piloted in Odisha in 2024.
• Strengthen security measures. Use targeted operations and community policing to curb LWE while avoiding civilian harm.
• Promote dialogue. Engage tribal leaders to address grievances and reduce extremist influence.

Conclusion
LWE stems from poverty, land issues, and poor governance. A multi-pronged strategy combining economic development, tribal rights, better governance, security, and dialogue can address its root causes, ensuring peace and inclusion in India’s tribal regions by 2030.