UPSC Mains question bank

GS3 · Economy · 15 marks

Recently government has decided capital infusion of banks in order to help them move out of RBI’s Prompt Corrective Action Framework. Examine the impact of such a move along with its long term implications for the economy.

GS3 · Economy · 15 marks

Discuss the rationale behind the merger of the state run banks and its impact, along with challenges in its implementation.

GS3 · Economy · 15 marks

. To deal with agrarian crisis, government has been adopting short term measures like farm loan waivers, MSP for crops without addressing the real causes of farm distress. Discuss the reasons for present agrarian crisis, impact of populist measures and suggest long term reforms needed in agrarian sector .( 250 words)

GS3 · Economy · 15 marks

. Among the mainstream banks, eleven government banks are under RBI’s Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework. Discuss the need for PCA and its impact on public sector banks and economy at large.

GS3 · Economy · 10 marks

. In light of recent tussle between RBI and government, critically examine the need to ensure central bank’s autonomy in globally changing economic scenario.

GS3 · Economy · 15 marks

In light of the recent farmers’ protests, discuss the causes of agricultural distress in India and suggest measures to tackle these issues.

GS3 · Internal Security · 15 marks

Examine the multifaceted threat posed by 'Deepfakes' to internal security. How should the state balance the regulation of Artificial Intelligence with the protection of freedom of expression?

GS3 · Internal Security · 15 marks

Decades of conflict in LWE-affected zones have left deep psychological scars, trust deficits, and fragmented social structures within tribal communities. Devise a comprehensive socio-psychological rehabilitation framework to restore social cohesion in these areas.

GS3 · Internal Security · 15 marks

In the backdrop of rapid technological diffusion, analyse how low-cost disruptive technologies are altering the asymmetry between state and non-state actors.

GS3 · Internal Security · 15 marks

With the increasing use of encrypted communication and dark web networks by non-state actors, examine how technological anonymity challenges traditional intelligence and law enforcement mechanisms. ( 250 words).

GS3 · Internal Security · 15 marks

With the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles by non-state actors, examine the challenges to border management and internal security, and assess the adequacy of India’s institutional preparedness. (250 words).

GS3 · Internal Security · 15 marks

Internal security challenges in border states are shaped by a complex interaction of geography, economy, and geopolitics. Examine with suitable examples.(250 words).

GS3 · Internal Security · 15 marks

Internal security challenges in India are increasingly shaped by non-traditional threats rather than conventional law-and-order issues. Examine the changing nature of internal security threats and discuss the preparedness of India’s security architecture. (250 words).

GS3 · Internal Security · 15 marks

Cyber security has emerged as a critical pillar of national security in the digital age. Discuss the major cyber security challenges faced by India and evaluate the institutional, technological, and legal measures taken to address them. (250 words).

GS3 · Internal Security · 15 marks

Terrorism in India is rapidly evolving from cross-border insurgency to urban symbolic attacks, cyber terrorism and white collar terrorism. Critically analyse these emerging trends and suggest a multidimensional counterterrorism strategy for India.

GS3 · Internal Security · 15 marks

The Indian Ocean is emerging as the strategic heartland of the 21st century. Discuss the evolving maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and evaluate India’s preparedness to safeguard its strategic interests.

GS3 · Internal Security · 15 marks

Analyse the factors contributing to insurgency in India’s North-Eastern states and assess the effectiveness of government interventions and peace accords in the past decade.

GS3 · Internal Security · 15 marks

“Borders today are as much digital as they are physical.” Analyze India’s vulnerabilities to cyber intrusions and digital espionage. Suggest an integrated cyber defense and digital sovereignty strategy.

GS3 · Internal Security · 15 marks

“Narco-terrorism is the silent war on youth.”Analyze how narco-terrorism affects India’s demographic dividend. Suggest preventive and rehabilitative measures to shield the young population from this menace.

GS3 · Internal Security · 15 marks

"Indigenous defence technology plays a critical role in enhancing India’s strategic autonomy and national security”. Discuss its significance in the context of India’s evolving security landscape.

GS3 · Internal Security · 15 marks

“India’s counter-terrorism strategy has evolved over time in response to changing patterns of terrorism”. Discuss the key components of India's current counter-terrorism strategy and evaluate its effectiveness in curbing cross-border terrorism.

GS3 · Internal Security · 15 marks

. Critically examine the role of Indian intelligence agencies in countering terrorism. In light of existing challenges, do you think structural reforms are needed to enhance coordination?

GS3 · Internal Security · 15 marks

Cybersecurity is becoming a key component of national security. Discuss the challenges faced by India in protecting its cyberspace and the steps to be taken to ensure a robust cybersecurity framework.

GS3 · Internal Security · 15 marks

Discuss the strategic, economic, and technological dimensions of transforming India from a major defence importer to a potential global defence manufacturing hub.

GS3 · Internal Security · 10 marks

Explain the concept of ‘information warfare’ and discuss how misinformation and social media manipulation can pose challenges to India’s internal security.