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What are asteroids? How real is the threat of them causing extinction of life? What strategies have been developed to prevent such a catastrophe?

Introduction Asteroids are small, rocky objects that orbit the Sun and are primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.  Formation: Most asteroids are remnants of the early solar system, and they never coalesced into planets due to...

The world is facing an acute shortage of clean and safe freshwater. What are the alternative technologies that can solve this crisis? Briefly discuss any three such technologies, citing their key merits and demerits

Introduction Begin your answer, highlighting the status of freshwater scarcity in the world. The UN Water Development Report of 2023 reveals that between two and three billion people globally face water shortage.  UNICEF's projections are equally dire, forecasting that by...

Elucidate the importance of buffer stocks for stabilizing agricultural prices in India. What are the challenges associated with the storage of buffer stocks?

Introduction Buffer stocks managed primarily by the Food Corporation of India (FCI), plays a crucial role in stabilising agricultural prices in India, ensuring food security and protecting both consumers and farmers from price volatility, by procuring essential food grains like...

What are the major challenges faced by Indian irrigation systems in recent times? State the measures taken by the government for efficient irrigation management.

Introduction-  Start with a data related to the importance of irrigation system in India.  "India's irrigation system, crucial for the country's food security and agricultural growth, faces numerous challenges in recent times. With nearly 60% of the country's net sown...

What is the need for expanding regional air connectivity in India? In this context, discuss the government’s UDAN scheme and its achievements

UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, launched by the Government of India in 2017, is a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing regional air connectivity and making air travel accessible to the common citizen. Need for Expanding Regional Air Connectivity:...

Discuss the merits and demerits of the four ‘Labour Codes’ in the context of labour market reforms in India. What has been the progress so far?

Introduction You can start your answer by mentioning the four labour codes and highlighting the need for their implementation. The four Labour Codes introduced in India Code on Wages (2019),  Industrial Relations Code (2020),  Social Security Code (2020) Occupational Safety,...

Describe the context and salient features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023

Introduction You can start your answer by mentioning the significance of Digital Personal Data Protection. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 was enacted to create a comprehensive legal framework for protecting personal data in India.  The DPDP Act...

Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism

Introduction- Define Narco terrorism and explain the threats of narco terrorism in various dimensions. Narco-terrorism refers to the convergence of drug trafficking and terrorism, where drug trade profits are used to fund terrorist activities. Body This phenomenon has emerged as...

What role do environmental NGOs and activities play in influencing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes for major projects in India? Cite four examples with all the important details

Introduction Environmental NGOs act as watchdogs, playing a pivotal role in shaping Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes for major projects in India, ensuring environmental sustainability and social responsibility by ensuring transparent process, public participation and that the projects are environmentally...

What is the technology being employed for electronic toll collection on highways? What are the advantages and limitations? What are the proposed changes that will make this process seamless? Would this transaction carry any potential hazards?

Introduction You can start your answer by mentioning the need and the current technology that are being employed in electronic toll collection. Electronic toll collection (ETC) systems on highways are designed to automate toll payments using advanced technology, making the...