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GS Paper: GS3

  • Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels.

    As per FATF, “Money laundering is the processing of criminal proceeds to disguise their illegal origin in order to legitimize the ill-gotten gains of crime.”

    As per UNODC, money laundering costs around 2-5% of global GDP ($2 to $5.5 trillion)

    Role of emerging technologies

    Cryptocurrencies and Virtual Assets – Enable anonymous, borderless and rapid transfers. Eg- Laundering through Bitcoin and privacy coins.

    Dark Web and Encrypted Platforms – Facilitate illegal marketplaces and untraceable transactions. Eg- “Hydra Market”

    Fintech and Digital Payments – Micro-transactions and layering obscure audit trails. Eg- Use of mule accounts in UPI scams.

    AI Tools – Creation of fake digital identities to open mule accounts.

    Online Gambling and Gaming Platforms – Convert illicit funds into in-game assets and winnings. Eg- betting apps linked to Mahadev Book

    NFT Markets – Buying and selling NFTs at inflated prices to legitimise funds.

    DeFi Platforms – use mixers, decentralized exchanges (DEXs), and cross-chain bridges to obscure the origins of illicit funds. Eg- internationally sanctioned Tornado Cash

    Impact of Globalisation on Money Laundering

    Ease of Cross-Border Capital Mobility. Eg- Nirav Modi-PNB scam funds traced across Hong Kong, Dubai and the UK

    Offshore Financial Centres and Tax Havens. Eg- Eg- Pandora Papers (2021) revealed shell companies in British Virgin Islands used to hide assets.

    Complex Global Trade Networks – Trade-based laundering through invoice manipulation.

    Multinational Corporate Structures launder money through Shell companies. Eg- Eg- Adani-Hindenburg case (2023)

    Migration and Remittance Networks – Eg- Hawala networks in Gulf-Kerala corridor linked to gold smuggling and laundering.

    Measures taken

    At national Level

    PMLA, 2002 and Amendments

    Definition of “proceeds of crime” expanded to include assets held abroad.

    Virtual digital assets (VDAs) like cryptocurrencies, online gaming and betting platforms brought under PMLA.

    PMLA linked with National Financial Information Registry (RBI) to improve real-time data monitoring.

    ED- Investigates offences under PMLA, including attachment and confiscation of properties. Eg- over 6000 cases filed

    Financial Intelligence Unit – India (FIU-IND)- Receives and analyses suspicious transaction reports from banks and financial institutions.

    Regulatory Measures by Financial Regulators (KYC norms)

    RBI for banking

    SEBI for capital markets

    IRDAI for insurance

    At international level

    Vienna convention on money laundering 1988.

    FATF – Intergovernmental body setting global AML standards. (India in “regular follow-up” category – highest rating by FATF)

    Egmont Group – International network of FIUs for sharing of financial intelligence across borders.

    Basel AML Index – Ranks countries on AML risk.

    OECD Common Reporting Standard (CRS) – Information exchange among countries to detect offshore tax evasion and illicit financial flows.

    India has signed DTAA with 85 countries to prevent illegal activities like tax evasion & money laundering.

    These measures India’s commitment to zero tolerance for money laundering and terror funding.

  • Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve these revised standards?

    According to the World Air Quality Report 2024 by IQAir, India is the 5th most polluted country, with an average PM2.5 level of 50.6 µg/m³, 10 times the WHO safe limit (5 µg/m³).

    Key Points of the Revised WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs)

    The 2021 AQGs set significantly lower recommended levels for major pollutants to better protect health.

    Coverage of Six Key Pollutants – PM2.5, PM10, ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO).

    Include stepwise interim targets to help countries progressively reduce pollution. Eg- Short-term and long-term average recommendations for NO₂ and CO

    Provide guidance on specific particle types (black carbon, ultrafine particles)

    Differences from the 2005 Update

    More Stringent Pollutant Thresholds –

    The annual PM2.5 guideline was halved, from 10 µg/m³ (2005) to 5 µg/m³ (2021)

    PM10 and NO₂ limits are also significantly reduced.

    Expanded Pollutant Coverage – include updated short-term exposure metrics and carbon monoxide.

    Stronger Scientific Basis – incorporate global epidemiological data and new evidence on low-level health effects, unlike the more limited evidence base of 2005.

    New emphasis on interim milestone targets for progressive improvement, unlike the broader recommendations in 2005.

    Changes Required in India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

    Revise Reduction Targets to align with WHO’s stricter limits rather than the current 20-40% reduction targets.

    Broaden the air quality monitoring network to include more cities, rural zones, and all six pollutants to match WHO standards.

    Improve enforcement and adopt binding air quality targets rather than advisory ones

    Implement an airshed-based approach that addresses transport, industry, biomass burning and regional pollution transport collaboratively.

    Integrate health impact data and public communication into NCAP, promoting behaviour change

    Strengthening NCAP to meet WHO AQGs supports India’s Panchamrit climate goals, and long-term sustainable development objectives.

  • Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?

    Green Grid Initiative, launched by India and UK, seeks to establish an inter-connected global renewable power grid, under the principle of “one sun, one world, one grid.”

    Purpose of Green Grid Initiative

    It is based on three thematic pillars:

    Finance – Mobilise investment to double grid funding by 2030.

    Planning, Permits & Operation – Improve long-term planning and speed up approvals for faster grid development.

    Supply Chains – Strengthen manufacturing and match demand with supply of grid components.

    “The Sun Never Sets” Vision – Ensure continuous solar availability globally by connecting regions in different time zones.

    Build international collaboration for the effective use of renewable energy.

    Global Interconnected Grid to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

    Energy Sharing Mechanism – Enable countries with low sunlight to access power from regions with surplus solar energy.

    Ensuring energy equity and access: enabling mini-grids and off-grid communities

    Accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels by enhancing deployment of clean energy

    History of Green Grid Initiative

    The concept of OSOWOG was first introduced by India’s Prime Minister at the first Assembly of ISA in October 2018.

    It was formally launched by India and UK in COP26

    By building a framework for international cooperation, it strengthens the global pathway towards decarbonisation and energy security by 2030, making it a pivotal instrument for achieving SDG-7 and supporting global climate action.

  • Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference?

    The 26th Conference of the Parties (COP-26) to the UNFCCC, held in Glasgow in 2021, sought to accelerate global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C under the Paris Agreement.

    Major Outcomes of COP-26

    Recognition of Climate Emergency – Countries reaffirmed the goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C.

    Accelerating Climate Action

    Countries acknowledged this as a critical decade, requiring 45% CO₂ reduction by 2030 to reach net-zero by mid-century.

    They agreed to submit stronger NDCs by 2022, and an annual NDC synthesis report.

    For the first time, parties agreed to phase down unabated coal and phase out inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies, though language was weakened from “phase-out” to “phase-down.”

    Urged immediate fulfilment of Climate Finance Commitments by Developed countries

    Countries agreed to double adaptation finance for developing nations and launched a Global Goal on Adaptation work programme.

    Completing the Paris Rulebook – Consensus achieved on Article 6 (carbon markets), Enhanced Transparency Framework, and common reporting formats.

    Strengthening of the Santiago Network for technical assistance and launch of the Glasgow Dialogue on funding arrangements for loss and damage.

    Major Side Deals & Announcements

    Forests: 137 countries committed to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030.

    103 countries joined the Global Methane Pledge to cut emissions by 30% by 2030.

    Zero-Emission Vehicles: Over 30 countries and major automakers committed to new zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035/2040.

    India’s Commitments at COP-26

    Panchamrit – Five Key Climate Targets

    500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity by 2030

    50% of energy requirements from renewables by 2030

    Reduction of emissions intensity of GDP by 45% (from 2005 levels) by 2030

    1 billion tonnes reduction in projected carbon emissions by 2030

    Net-zero by 2070

    India, along with the UK, launched the Green Grids Initiative – One Sun, One World and One Grid mission to connect grids

    Call for Climate Justice & Equity – India emphasised Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR-RC) and demanded enhanced finance and technology transfer from developed countries.

    The mantra of LIFE- Lifestyle for Environment as a mass movement for Environment Conscious Lifestyles.

    The summit produced new “building blocks” to advance implementation of the Paris Agreement for sustainable, low-carbon pathway forward.

  • How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world?

    The S-400 Triumf, developed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey, is widely regarded as one of the most potent long-range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems.

    Technical Superiority of the S-400 System

    Multi-Missile Capability: Unlike other systems that fire a single type of missile, the S-400 can launch four different types of missiles.

    Unmatched Range and Reach: Its longest-range missile (40N6E) can engage targets at 400 km, nearly double the effective range of the Patriot PAC-3 (approx. 160-180 km).

    360-Degree Coverage: The S-400 uses cold-vertical launch technology. This provides 360-degree coverage, whereas the Patriot is a “tilted” launcher that must be rotated to face the threat.

    Target Engagement Capacity: A single S-400 battalion can track up to 300 targets and engage 36 targets simultaneously with 72 missiles.

    High Mobility and Deployability: The entire system is truck-mounted and can be deployed or packed up in 5 to 10 minutes.

    Hypersonic Target Engagement: The system is designed to intercept targets traveling at speeds up to Mach 14, making it capable of countering most modern tactical ballistic missiles.

    Anti-Electronic Warfare Protection: The S-400 are equipped with advanced frequency-hopping and electronic counter-countermeasures, making them highly resistant to jamming.

    Interoperability: It can be integrated into existing air defense networks, acting as a “Command and Control” hub for a country’s entire airspace.

    Altitude Versatility: It can engage targets as low as 10 meters (cruising drones) and as high as 30 km (near-space aircraft/ballistic missiles)

    While the US Patriot system is highly battle-proven and excels in point-defense, the S-400 offers an “Area Denial” (A2/AD) capability that is unmatched in terms of range, target variety, and rapid response.

  • What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology/? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of society?

    Applied biotechnology focuses on the practical application of these biological insights to solve real-world problems in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, environment, and industry.

    R&D Achievements in Applied Biotechnology

    Genomics: Genome India Project sequenced 10,000 Indian genomes. It provides a baseline for understanding genetic diseases unique to the Indian population.

    Climate-Resilient Crops: Eg- Sahbhagi Dhan for drought and Swarna-Sub1 for flood- prone areas has secured yields in disaster-prone regions.

    Human health

    Indigenous Vaccine Platforms: Eg- Development of the world’s first DNA-based COVID-19 vaccine (ZyCoV-D) and the indigenously developed HPV vaccine (Cervavac) for cervical cancer.

    Bio-fortification: R&D has led to the creation of nutrient-rich crop varieties, such as Sakti-1 maize (high lysine and tryptophan) and CR Dhan 310 (high protein rice).

    Bio-remediation and Waste-to-Wealth: Success in developing “Microbial Consortia” for cleaning oil spills (OilZapper) and converting agricultural waste into ethanol (2G Biofuels).

    Restorative Health

    Regenerative Research: Eg- LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) in Hyderabad has pioneered significant advancements in using limbal stem cells to restore vision.

    Synthetic Biology: Research into metabolic engineering has allowed for the microbial production of high-value compounds like Artemisinin (anti-malarial drug), reducing dependence on plant extraction.

    Molecular Diagnostics: The creation of low-cost, paper-based diagnostic strips (like the FELUDA test) for various infectious diseases has decentralized high-end testing.

    Uplifting Poorer Sections of Society

    Food and Nutritional Security: Bio-fortified crops directly combat “Hidden Hunger” among the rural poor by providing essential vitamins and minerals through their daily staple diet.

    Increased Farm Income: Biotech seeds like Bt Cotton and bio-stimulants reduce the cost of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, increasing the net profit margin for farmers.

    Affordable Healthcare: Local manufacturing of biologicals and biosimilars through biotech processes makes life-saving drugs like insulin and monoclonal antibodies affordable.

    Animal Husbandry and Dairy: Achievements in In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) for cattle and sex-sorted semen technology have helped landless laborers increase milk yield and improve livestock quality.

    Clean Environment and Sanitation: Biotech-based Bio-toilets utilize anaerobic bacteria to treat human waste in areas without sewage systems, improving hygiene and dignity for urban slum dwellers.

    Employment Generation: The growth of the Bio-Economy (targeted at $300 billion by 2030) creates a range of jobs from high-end research to low-skilled manufacturing.

    Energy Security: The production of bio-gas and ethanol from farm residue provides a secondary source of income for farmers while offering cheaper, cleaner fuel for cooking and transport.

    Resilience to Climate Change: For the poor who are most vulnerable to weather shocks, biotech-developed salt-tolerant or heat-resistant seeds provide a safety net against crop failure.

    Applied biotechnology is no longer a luxury science but a fundamental pillar for inclusive growth.

  • The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in 1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings?

    The Blue LEDs invention triggered a fundamental shift in lighting technology, comparable to the transition from the candle to the incandescent bulb. Without the Blue LED, the world was stuck with energy-inefficient incandescent bulbs and mercury-laden fluorescent lamps.

    Impact on Everyday Life

    Energy Efficiency: LEDs convert 50% of energy to light, compared to just 4% for incandescent bulbs lasting 100,000 hours. This efficiency slashes global CO2 emissions.

    Electronics & Mobility: Provided the essential backlighting for LCD screens in smartphones and laptops, allowing for thinner designs and significantly longer battery life.

    Cost-saving: Eg- 50000 hours of white LEDs cost $86 compared to $350 in incandescent light.

    Democratization of Light: Enabled low-power, solar-powered LED lamps, providing safe and affordable light to over a billion people in off-grid rural areas.

    New innovations: Eg- New screens of mobiles & TV which are more efficient & sustainable.

    Advancements in Healthcare and Sanitation

    Water Purification: UV-light emitting diodes are used to sterilize drinking water by destroying the DNA of bacteria and viruses.

    Medical Treatment: Blue light is used in phototherapy to treat neonatal jaundice and certain skin conditions.

    Sustainable Agriculture (Vertical Farming)

    Blue light is essential for photosynthesis.

    Indoor Farming: By fine-tuning light “recipes” using Blue and Red LEDs, farmers can grow food indoors in urban environments without pesticides, using 90% less water

    Enhanced Communication and Connectivity

    Optical Storage: The development of the blue laser led to Blu-ray technology, allowing for much higher data storage densities than earlier red-laser CDs or DVDs.

    Li-Fi: Current research is using Blue LEDs for Light Fidelity (Li-Fi), a high-speed wireless communication technology that transmits data through light pulses.

    Government initiatives promoting LEDs

    UJALA ( Unnat Jyoti by affordable LED for all)

    Street Lighting National Program (SLNP) as Prakash Rath

    In 2026, as we strive for Net Zero goals, the Blue LED remains our most effective tool for “decarbonizing” the night.

  • Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake-related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades

    Vulnerability of India to Earthquake-Related Hazards

    Active Plate Tectonics – High seismicity in the Himalayan belt, North-East India, Kutch region, and Andaman-Nicobar Islands.

    Wide Seismic Zonation

    Zone V (Very High Risk) – Himalayan states, Kutch, Andaman & Nicobar.

    Zone IV – Delhi, Bihar, parts of J&K and NE India.

    Major cities such as Delhi, Guwahati, Srinagar, Imphal lie in high-risk zones.

    Weak enforcement of earthquake-resistant building codes (BIS).

    Rapid and Unplanned Urbanisation without seismic safety.

    Secondary and Cascading Hazards – Landslides, liquefaction, fires, dam failure, and infrastructure collapse.

    Vulnerability of critical infrastructure – Disruption of transport, power, water, and communication networks.

    Examples of Major Earthquake Disasters in India (Last Three Decades)

    Latur Earthquake, Maharashtra (1993)

    Magnitude – ~6.3

    Intraplate earthquake caused by reactivation of ancient fault lines in the Deccan Plateau

    Over 9,000 deaths.

    Bhuj Earthquake, Gujarat (2001)

    Magnitude – 7.7

    Intraplate fault movement due to stress transmitted from the Indian Plate-Eurasian Plate collision

    Around 13,800 deaths and massive infrastructure loss.

    Kashmir Earthquake (2005)

    Magnitude – 7.6

    Thrust faulting due to ongoing collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate

    Extensive landslides and isolation of remote villages.

    Sikkim Earthquake (2011)

    Magnitude – 6.9

    Active tectonics of the Himalayan collision zone

    Triggered widespread landslides.

    Damage to roads, bridges, and hydropower projects.

    Hazard zonation mapping, disaster resilient infrastructure and institutional strengthening for quick response and recovery is essential to achieve Sendai targets on disaster risk reduction.

  • What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India?

    NFSA marks a paradigm shift in the approach to food security from welfare to rights based approach. It is the world’s largest food transfer programme and social safety net, accounting for around 50% of India’s overall social assistance budget.

    Salient Features of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013

    Legal entitlement to food for 75% of rural and 50% of urban population81 crore people).

    Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) supplies 5 kg of foodgrains per person per month at highly subsidized prices:

    Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households receive 35 kg per family per month.

    Life-cycle approach:

    Pregnant & lactating women: Free meals + (PMMVY).

    Children: ICDS & Mid-Day Meal/PM-POSHAN.

    State-wise coverage is determined by the NITI Aayog by using the NSS Household Consumption Survey data.

    Identification of eligible households is done by States/UTs

    Food security allowance: If foodgrains are not supplied, beneficiaries receive compensation.

    Grievance redressal mechanisms at state and district levels including State Food Commissions.

    Role of NFSA in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India

    Reduced out-of-pocket spending on staple foods has improved dietary diversity by ‘crowding in’ the consumption of nutrient-dense foods

    Fortified rice under NFSA covers 291 districts (Phase II) and over 65% of NFSA households

    Malnourishment in children under 5 years has reduced (NHFS-5)

    Stunting – from 38.4% to 35.5%,

    Wasting – 21.0% to 19.3% and

    Underweight – 35.8% to 32.1% .

    Malnutrition among women aged 15-49 years has also reduced from 22.9% to 18.7%.

    Food Security during COVID under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana

    Regular PDS supply has reduced seasonal hunger in tribal belts of Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh

    ICDS covers an 90 million children, 11 million pregnant women, and 2 million adolescent girls

    However, despite these steps there are few challenges

    As per study by Crisil using a ‘thali index’, up to 50% of rural and 20% of urban Indians cannot afford two balanced meals a day

    Fiscal Burden – Food subsidy budget @ 2.1 lakh cr in 2025-26

    Even with PDS support, food deprivation remained 40% in rural and 10% in urban areas

    Diversion – Eg- 28% of allocated foodgrains fail to reach beneficiaries as per HCES 2022-23.

    Inclusion and exclusion errors due to faulty beneficiary identification.

    Corruption at Fair Price Shops (FPS) – Issues of under-weighing, overcharging etc

    Persistent triple burden of malnutrition

    Way Forward

    Shanta Kumar Committee Recommendations on Revamping of PDS

    Direct Procurement by States

    Private Sector Involvement in procurement, storage, and distribution

    Diversify the food basket – Include millets, pulses, edible oil and iodised salt

    Nutrition Education and Behavior Change through nudge theory. Eg- POSHAN Abhiyaan’s Jan Andolan people’s movement approach

    Involvement of Civil Society – Eg- Akshaya Patra Foundation’s centralized kitchens model

    Strengthening Life-cycle Approach to Nutrition– Eg- Karnataka’s “Mathrupoorna” scheme provides one full meal to pregnant women.

    To realise SDG 1,2,3,and 12, the focus needs to shift from Food Security to Nutritional Security

  • Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy.

    Landslides are the downhill movement of rock, debris or earth due to slope failure, triggered by natural or anthropogenic factors.

    Causes of Landslides

    Natural Causes

    Intense or Prolonged Rainfall leads to liquefaction – Eg- 2018 Kerala floods triggered major landslides in Idukki and Wayanad.

    Hydrological Factors: Water seepage through porous materials raises pore pressure and weakens the slope.

    Earthquakes – Seismic shaking destabilises slopes.

    Weathering & Erosion

    Physical and chemical weathering reduce slope strength

    River undercutting erodes base material.

    Snowmelt – Eg- Landslides linked to glacial retreat in Chamoli (Uttarakhand).

    Volcanic Activity – Though rare in India, globally volcanic regions face debris flows and lahars.

    Anthropogenic Causes

    Unregulated Construction– Eg- Frequent landslides along Char Dham highway in Uttarakhand.

    Deforestation – Reduces root binding capacity and slope cohesion. Eg- Western Ghats tea and cardamom plantations.

    Mining & Quarrying Activities– Eg- Quarry-linked landslides in Kerala’s Idukki district.

    Poor Drainage –Blocked drains, leaking pipelines, and slope saturation trigger failures.

    Unplanned Urbanisation – Unscientific hill-cutting and unsustainable tourist influx. Eg- Joshimath Crisis in Uttarakhand

    Effects of Landslides

    Loss of Life and Injury – Eg- 2024 Wayanad landslide killed 250+ people and injured 400

    Damage to critical Infrastructure– Eg- Frequent closure of NH-44 in J&K and HP.

    Economic Losses – 1% to 2% of the Gross National Product (GSI)

    River Blockage due to debris creates temporary dams and flash floods. Eg- 2021 Rishiganga disaster.

    Environmental Degradation – Loss of forests, soil fertility, biodiversity, and increased erosion.

    Disaster induced displacement – as per Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), India recorded 5.4 million displacements in 2024 due to disasters Eg- Joshimath crisis (2023).

    Components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy (NLRMS)

    Landslide Hazard Zonation Mapping using GIS, remote sensing, LiDAR.

    At macro scale (1:50,000 / 25,000)

    At meso level (1:10,000)

    Developing landslide monitoring & early warning systems – Eg- use of Rainfall thresholds, automated sensors, Doppler radar support etc

    Awareness generation and capacity building of local communities in landslide safety and mitigation.

    Land use regulation – Eg- Restricting construction in high-risk slopes.

    Creation of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for Landslide Management

    Mitigation Measures –

    Engineering solutions – Retaining walls, slope drainage, rock bolting, geo-textiles,

    Nature based solutions – Afforestation in himalaya

    Establishment of a National Landslide Inventory for modelling and planning.

    Response & Relief – SOPs for search and rescue, emergency shelters.

    Institutional Mechanism & Coordination – Defining roles of NDMA, GSI, MoRTH, state DMAs and local bodies.

    Research & Development – Geotechnical studies, rainfall-landslide correlations.

    To prevent a catastrophe like the Wayanad Landslide of 2024, engineering as well as nature-based solutions along with early warning systems, and effective land use practices are essential.