PAPER-VI: GENERAL STUDIES-III- Economy, Science Tech and Environment

PAPER-VI: GENERAL STUDIES-III (200 MARKS)

UNIT–I

SUB UNIT–1

 Characteristics of Indian Economy:
 Demographic Profile, Demographic Dividend and Population Policy.
 Sectoral Composition with respect to contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Employment.
 Poverty and Inequality, Unemployment, Inflation in India.
 Industrial Growth in India.
 Regulatory framework for money and banking: Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Commercial banks and Regional Rural Banks.
 Monetary policy, Foreign exchange, Balance of Payment Scenario.
 Foreign Trade: Policy, Composition and Direction, Impact of Liberalization , Privatization and Globalization.

SUB UNIT-2

 Economic Planning in India.
 Five Year Plans: strategies and outcomes, Public / Private / Joint Sectors.
 Fiscal Policy, Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003, Debt and Investment in India: Current Status, Growth and Development experience including Natural Resource Management.
 Sustainable development and Inclusive growth.
 Measurement of economic development: Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI), Millennium Development Goals, Human Development Index (HDI) / Gender Development Index (GDI) / Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM).
 Latest / Current Development Schemes / Initiatives / Institutional Changes (e.g. Swach Bharat Mission, Make in India, Digital India, Skill India, Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Ayog etc.).
 International Financial and Economic Organizations: International Monetary Fund (IMF), International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), World Trade Organization (WTO), International Development Association (IDA), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS).

SUB UNIT-3

 Economy of Himachal Pradesh:
 Demographic profile and Human resource, Sectoral distribution of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).
 Diversification in Agriculture and allied activities, Land tenure and size of land holdings.
 Industrialization in the state.
 Skilled / Unskilled labour.
 Revenue generation with special reference to hydro potential, tourism, flora and fauna.
 Cottage and Small Scale Industries.
 Tax base, Pros and Cons of Special Category status.
 Appraisal of education, Health, Physical and Financial Infrastructure Development.

Note:—All the topics / subjects covered under SUB UNIT-3 are relevant to the State of Himachal Pradesh.

UNIT-II
SUB UNIT-1

 Applications of space technology in natural resources, development and communications.
 Important missions and programmes of Department of Space and Indian Space Research Organization.
 Historical evolution of Indian Space programme. Lunar, interplanetary and Earth Observation Missions.
 Remote Sensing and Communication satellites. Applications of Remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) for natural resources monitoring and applications benefiting common man.

SUB UNIT-2

 Developments in energy sectors such as Hydro power, non conventional sources of energy and nuclear energy including policies, programmes and research base in the country.
 Concepts of non conventional, renewable, clean and environment friendly energy sources. Role of energy in sustainable development.

SUB UNIT-3

 Modern and emerging technologies and initiatives in the State of Himachal Pradesh Including biotechnology policy, research, vision, scope and applications for developing horticulture, medicinal and aromatic plants resources of the State.
 IT policy of Himachal Pradesh and its role in governance, concept of Himachal State Wide Area Network (HIMSWAN), State plans of e-governance, concept of LokMitra Kendra and Aryabhatta Geo-Informatics Space Application Centre (AGISAC).
 State Biodiversity strategy and Action Plan. Endangered and threatened species of Himachal Pradesh. Factors responsible for Bio diversity decline in Himachal Pradesh.
 Relevance and role of Intellectual Property Rights, Geographical Indications and Traditional wisdom and knowledge in sustainable development of the State.

Note:— All the topics / subjects covered under SUB UNIT-3 are relevant to the State of Himachal Pradesh.

UNIT-III
SUB UNIT-1

 Issues, concerns, policies, programmes, conventions, treaties and missions aimed at environment protection, and dealing with the problem of climate change.
 State of environment reports. Environment protection and pollution control Act and rules.
 Environment Impact Assessment.
 National Action plans on Climate Change.
 Himalayan ecology, biosphere reserve, Science and economics of climate change.
 Social and ethical issues in use of Biotechnology.

SUB UNIT-2

 Latest developments in science and technology for harnessing agriculture, horticulture, medicinal and herbal resources in the country.
 National mission for sustainable agriculture, mission for integrated development of horticulture.
 Concept of organic farming, seed certification, rain water harvesting, techniques of irrigation and soil conservations and soil health cards.

SUB UNIT-3

 Tourism policy, potential and initiative in Himachal Pradesh.
 Types of tourism: religious, adventure, heritage, Important tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh.
 Social, Economic and Cultural implications of Tourism.
 Concept of Eco-Tourism and green tourism and their role in sustainable development of the State.
 Environmental concerns of tourism industry, both positive and negative effects including climate change with reference to Himachal Pradesh.

Note:— All the topics / subjects covered under SUB UNIT-3 are relevant to the State of Himachal Pradesh.

 

FAQs on PAPER-VI: GENERAL STUDIES-III- Economy, Science Tech and Environmentof Himachal Pradesh

What are the key topics covered under “Characteristics of Indian Economy”?

This section covers the demographic profile, demographic dividend, population policy, sectoral composition of GDP and employment, poverty, inequality, unemployment, inflation, and industrial growth in India.

What topics are included in the “Economy of Himachal Pradesh” section?

This section covers the demographic profile and human resources, sectoral distribution of GSDP, diversification in agriculture and allied activities, land tenure and size of landholdings, industrialization, skilled/unskilled labor, revenue generation (hydro potential, tourism, flora, and fauna), cottage and small-scale industries, tax base, pros and cons of special category status, and appraisal of education, health, and skill development.

What aspects of Indian planning and resource mobilization are included?

The syllabus covers the objectives and strategies of planning in India, NITI Aayog, decentralized planning, public-private partnership, types of resources, land reforms, and agrarian relations.

What topics are covered in the “Science and Technology” section?

This section covers the nature and scope of science and technology, developments in energy (conventional and non-conventional), space, nano-technology, defense, biotechnology, IT, and communication. It also includes the contributions of Indians to science and technology, technology missions, and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

What environmental topics are included in the syllabus?

The syllabus covers the ecosystem, biodiversity, environmental pollution, climate change, sustainable development, environmental impact assessment, environmental laws, and policies in India.

What is the weightage of Paper-VI in the HPAS Mains exam?

Paper-VI carries 200 marks out of a total of 1400 marks for the HPAS Mains exam.

What are some recommended resources for preparing for Paper-VI?

• Economy:
  • Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
  • Economic Survey of India
  • Economic Survey of Himachal Pradesh
  • Budget Documents
• Science and Technology:
  • Science and Technology in India by Kalpana Rajaram
  • The Hindu’s Science and Technology section
• Environment:
  • Environmental Studies by Benny Joseph
  • Shankar IAS Environment

How should I approach the preparation for Paper-VI?

• Understand the syllabus: Thoroughly go through the syllabus and make a note of the topics covered.
• Refer to standard textbooks: Start with NCERTs for basic concepts and then refer to standard textbooks for in-depth understanding.
• Make notes: Prepare concise notes on each topic for quick revision.
• Practice answer writing: Practice writing answers to previous years’ questions and model papers within the time limit.
• Join a test series: Enrolling in a test series will help you evaluate your preparation and identify areas for improvement.
• Stay updated: Keep yourself updated on current affairs related to the Indian economy, science and technology, and environment.

 

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