MAINS SELF STUDY GUIDE: Insights Mock Test – 23 (GS – 3)

MAINS SELF STUDY GUIDE: Insights Mock Test – 23 (GS-3)

TIMETABLE

NOTE: Those who want to write in notebook should treat this as a Real Exam and try to complete the paper within One and Half Hours. You can download PDF copy of the same HERE. The Timetable is HERE.

Insights Mains Offline Test Series 2015

GENERAL STUDIES – 3

Mock Test – 23                                                                                                         

21 November 2015

Duration: 3 Hours

 

Answer questions in NOT MORE than the word limit specified for each in the parenthesis. Content of the answer is more important than its length. Each question carries 12.5 Marks. (12.5 x 20 = 250)

 

1. Critics say we don’t need a Pay Commission every ten years because salaries in government are indexed to inflation. Do you agree? Discuss. (150 Words)

 

2. “Nanotechnology is an area of science and technology that holds highly promising prospects for military applications, considering its wide applicability in defensive as well as offensive operations.” Examine. (200 Words)

 

3. It is argued that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) is necessary if the security forces are to resolutely contain the internal unrest and insurgencies that threaten the nation’s cohesion and integrity. Do you agree? Critically comment. (200 Words)

 

4. It is said that Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has immense potential for agriculture and empowering farming communities. Discuss. (200 Words)

 

5. Data mining is becoming a useful tool for detecting and preventing terrorism. Examine the various types of terrorist threats and describe how data mining techniques could provide solutions to counterterrorism. (200 Words)

 

6. If you are asked to make recommendations for robust response to the naxal challenge, what would they be? Enumerate. (200 Words)

 

7. Analyse the effectiveness of carbon tax and emission trading in dealing with climate change problem. (200 Words)

 

8. In 2014, the National Transport Development Policy Committee, chaired by Rakesh Mohan submitted a report titled ‘India Transport Report: Moving India To 2032’. Examine the highlights of this report. (200 Words)

 

9. It is said that Competitive federalism coupled with Cooperative federalism is triggering reforms in Indian states. Examine. (150 Words)

 

10. There was celebratory mood in India, as well as fierce debate on poverty when 2015 Nobel in Economics was announced. Discuss why. (200 Words)

 

• “Indian research is hampered by stifling bureaucracy, poor-quality education at most universities and insufficient funding. Successive governments have pledged to increase support for research and development to 2% of India’s gross domestic product, but it has remained static at less than 0.9% of GDP since 2005.” Comment on the problems mentioned in the statement and examine what else ails scientific research in India. (200 Words)

 

12. Critically evaluate some of the claims of ancient Indian achievements in science. (200 Words)

 

13. Recently the US supported India’s application to become the member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). What are the objectives of MTCR? Examine the benefits for India and issues affecting its membership. (200 Words)

 

14. “Often criticised as an obstructionist or stubborn negotiator, India now holds considerable credibility as a leader when it comes to climate related pledges. “ Critically comment. (200 Words)

 

15. “The Indian Navy’s burgeoning ties with Arab Gulf navies demonstrate the utility of maritime power as a foreign policy tool. India’s Indian Ocean diplomacy has shown that the political role of sea power remains as important as its wartime uses.” Discuss. (200 Words)

 

16. India’s increasing investments in space for strategic purposes clearly indicates the rising relevance of space assets for the armed forces. In this regard, what progress has India made? Discuss. (200 Words)

 

17. Critically discuss India’s recent humanitarian assistance and disaster relief effort in Nepal post 7.9 magnitude earthquake, the controversy it created and the lessons learnt. (200 Words)

 

18. Analyse variety of cyber security threats that India faces today and measures needed to address these threats. (200 Words)

 

19. Scientists have warned that the world is on the cusp of a “post-antibiotic era”. What do you understand by ‘post – antibiotic era’? Examine why scientific basis of this warning and implications of ‘post-antibiotic era’ for humans. (200 Words)

 

20. After the recent Paris attacks, do you think India should join war on ISIS? Substantiate. (200 Words)