UPSC CARE Mains Practice 3rd March 2026
Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Despite the availability of domestic uranium reserves, India relies heavily on imports to power its nuclear reactors. Analyze the reasons behind this dependence and discuss how recent international agreements support India’s long-term energy security. (250 words)
- The shift from a regulatory compliance burden to a trust-based governance model has been the cornerstone of India’s recent economic reforms.” Discuss this statement in the context of the Jan Vishwas Act and recent taxation and customs reforms. (250 words)
Q. “Despite the availability of domestic uranium reserves, India relies heavily on imports to power its nuclear reactors.” Analyze the reasons behind this dependence and discuss how recent international agreements support India’s long-term energy security. (250 words)
Introduction:
Recent hostilities between a U.S.-led coalition and Iran have highlighted the central role of Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) systems in modern warfare. The conflict demonstrates that missile defence is not only about interception capability but also about cost, stockpile sustainability, and industrial capacity.
Body
1. Shift Towards Layered Missile Defence
Modern conflicts employ multi-layered systems such as Arrow-3 (exo-atmospheric), THAAD, Patriot, David’s Sling, and Iron Dome. These systems aim to intercept threats at different stages of flight, enhancing defensive depth.
2. Cost Asymmetry and Saturation Attacks
Iran’s strategy of launching large numbers of relatively inexpensive missiles and drones creates cost asymmetry. For instance, a Patriot PAC-3 MSE interceptor costs nearly $4 million, while incoming drones may cost far less. Saturation attacks aim to exhaust interceptor stockpiles.
3. Industrial and Logistical Constraints
High-tempo warfare depletes stocks rapidly. Reports indicate that replenishing advanced systems like THAAD may take over a year. Production capacity has not scaled proportionately to modern combat requirements.
4. Rise of Directed Energy Systems
To address sustainability challenges, systems like Iron Beam (laser) and IFPC are being deployed to counter cheaper threats at lower cost per shot.
Way Forward
- Expand defence industrial capacity for faster replenishment.
- Increase deployment of low-cost interceptors and directed energy systems.
- Strengthen sensor fusion and real-time command integration.
- Promote regional de-escalation mechanisms to prevent prolonged missile exchanges.
Conclusion:
The U.S.–Iran conflict underscores that future wars will be shaped not merely by offensive firepower but by the ability to sustain defensive capabilities. Ensuring strategic stability requires a balance between technological innovation, industrial readiness, and escalation control mechanisms.
Q. “The shift from a regulatory compliance burden to a trust-based governance model has been the cornerstone of India’s recent economic reforms.” Discuss this statement in the context of the Jan Vishwas Act and recent taxation and customs reforms. (250 words)
Relevance: GS Paper 2 (Government Policies and Interventions); GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy, Growth, Development, Employment, and Investment Models).
Introduction:
For decades, the Indian business environment was restricted by a heavy regulatory compliance burden, often referred to as the “Inspector Raj.” However, recent economic reforms are guided by the principle of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.” This approach shifts the focus to a trust-based governance model, assuming that businesses intend to follow the law and prioritizing ease of compliance over harsh punishments.
Body
The Jan Vishwas Act and Decriminalization
The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Acts of 2023 and 2025 are prime examples of this shift. Historically, even minor technical errors in business filings could lead to criminal charges. These Acts have decriminalized hundreds of minor offences across various sectors, replacing the threat of imprisonment with simple monetary fines. By removing the fear of criminal prosecution for honest mistakes, the government is building deep trust with entrepreneurs and wealth creators.
Customs Reforms and Trade Facilitation
In international trade, customs administration has moved away from strict physical inspections toward a system of self-declaration.
- Under the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, trusted businesses are now given a 30-day duty deferral period. This “clear first, pay later” approach allows them to move imported goods to their factories immediately, facilitating just-in-time manufacturing.
- The upcoming Customs Integrated System (CIS) further relies on advanced AI scanning and trust-based electronic tracking to clear cargo rapidly without unnecessary bureaucratic delays.
Taxation Reforms and Simplification
Taxation reforms have also focused on transparency and taxpayer trust:
- Reduced Litigation: The government has lowered the pre-deposit amount required to file tax appeals from 20% to 10% and allowed updated returns even after reassessments, showing greater faith in the taxpayer.
- Predictability: The rationalization of the Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) to 14% and the introduction of a simplified two-rate structure under GST 2.0 have significantly reduced the compliance stress on companies.
Conclusion:
The transition from a penalty-driven framework to a trust-based ecosystem is the foundation of India’s modern economic strategy. By trusting businesses and simplifying regulations, these reforms not only improve the Ease of Doing Business but also lay a strong foundation for a globally competitive and resilient Indian economy.
