General Studies Paper 1
To succeed in the Civil Services Examination, using UPSC Previous Year Question papers is very helpful. They show you how the exam is set up, the types of questions asked, what topics are important, and how to manage your time. Practicing with these papers also helps you check how well you’re doing and build your confidence. Make sure to include solving these past papers in your study plan. This will improve your chances of passing the exam and reaching your goal of working in important administrative roles. Here are UPSC Mains PYQs of last 10 years.
History, Art and Culture, Geography, and Society.
Modern history PYQs
Q.1) What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism? [Answer in 150 words] [10 Marks] [2023]
Q.2) How did colonial rule affect the tribal in India and what was the tribal response to colonial oppression? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2023]
Q.3) Why did the armies of the British East India Company–mostly comprising of Indian soldiers–win consistently against the more numerous and better equipped armies of the Indian rulers? Give reasons. [Answer in 150 words] [10 Marks][2022]
Q.4) Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons.[Answer in 150 words][10 Marks][2022]
Q.5) Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement.[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.6) To what extent did the role of the Moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment.[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.7) Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.8) Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long-term implication on the national movement. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.9) Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.10) The 1857 uprising was the culmination of the recurrent, big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British rule. Elucidate. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.11) Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century’s ‘Indian Renaissance’ and the emergence of national identity. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.12) Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2019]
Q.13) Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2019]
Q.14) Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.15) Clarify how mid-eighteenth-century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.16) Why did the ‘Moderates’ failed to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.17) Examine how the decline of traditional artisan industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2017]
Q.18) Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian Independence since the twenties of the last century. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2017]
Q.19) Explain how the upraising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.20) Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase.[200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.21) Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.22) How difficult would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.23) Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B R Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.24) Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from mid-eighteenth century till independence. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.25) In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.26) What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated the anti-colonial struggle in India? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.27) Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torchbearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.28) Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements.Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.29) In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Post-independence India PYQs
Q.1) The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. [Answer in 250 words] [15 Marks] [2022]
Q.2) Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.3) Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]
Q.4) What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.5) Has the formation of linguistic states strengthened the cause of Indian unity? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.6) It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India in just three years, but its experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935.Discuss. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.7) Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.8) Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan “Jai Jawana Jai Kisan”. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.9) Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post-independent India. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.10) Analyse the circumstances that led to Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.11) Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence of Bangladesh. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
UPSC World History PYQs
Q.1) Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2023]
Q.2)”There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.3) Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French Revolutions.[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2019]
Q.4) Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to their colonies? have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]
Q.5) What problems are germane to the decolonization process in the Malay Peninsula? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.6) The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated Africans. Examine. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.7) Why did the industrial revolution first occur in England? Discuss the quality of life of the people there during the industrialization. How does it compare with that in India at present times? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.8) To what extend can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.9) What were the events that led to the Suez Crisis in 1956? How did it deal a final blow to Britain’s self-image as a world power? [150 Words][10 Marks] [2014]
Q.10) The New Economic Policy–1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by India soon after independence. Evaluate. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.11) “Latecomer” Industrial revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what west had experience. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.12) Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European competition. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.13) American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.14) What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression? [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
UPSC Indian Art and Culture PYQ’S
Indian Art and Culture Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Q.1) Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India [150 words] [10 Marks] [2023]
Q.2) What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society? [250 words][15 Marks] [2023]
Q.3) What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence the Indian society? [250 words][15 Marks] [2023]
Q.4) How will you explain the medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days? [150 words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q.5) Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture.[250 words][15 Marks] [2022]
Q.6) Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture. [250 words][15 Marks][2022]
Q.7) Evaluate the nature Of the Bhakti literature and its contribution to Indian culture.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.8) The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.9) Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India, Enumerate.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.10) Indian Philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.11) Persian Literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment.[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.12) Highlight the Central Asian and Greco-Bactrian elements in the Gandhara art.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.13) Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss.[150 Words][10 Marks] [2018]
Q.14) Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.15) The Bhakti Movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss.[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]
Q.16) How do you justify the view that the level of the excellence of the Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times?[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.17) The spirit of tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian society from very early times, but it is also playing an important part at the present. Elaborate.[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2017]
Q.18) Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives, successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.[200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.19) Krishnadeva Raya, the king of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss.[200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.20) The ancient civilisation in Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to present day. Comment.[200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.21) Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a fine aesthetic sense comparable to modern painting. Critically evaluate this comment.[200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.22) To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to the present-day urbanization? Discuss.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.23) Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.24) Taxila university was one of the oldest universities of the world with which were associated a number of renowned learned personalities of different disciplines. Its strategic location caused its fame to flourish, but unlike Nalanda, it is not considered as a university in the modern sense. Discuss.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.25) The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought at Panipat? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.26) Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practicesor the outward structure of Hindu / Muslim societies to any appreciable extent.Comment. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.27) Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India,the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.28) Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions. [100 Words] [5 Marks] [2013]
Q.29) Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture.Discuss. [100 Words] [5 Marks] [2013]
UPSC Mains Geography PYQs
Q.1) Discuss the consequences of Climate Change on food security in tropical Countries. [150 words] [10 Marks][2023]
Q.2) Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources? [150 words] [10 Marks][2023]
Q.3) How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world? [150 words] [10 Marks][2023]
Q.4) Why is the South-West Monsoon called ‘Purvaiya” (easterly) in Bhojpur region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region? [150 words] [10 Marks][2023]
Q.5) Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and Highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas. [250 words][15 Marks][2023]
Q.6) Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of Natural Vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rainforest regions of India. [250 words][15 Marks][2023]
Q.7) Why did Human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India? [250 words][15 Marks][2023]
Q.8) From being a net food importer in the 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons. [250 words][15 Marks][2023]
Q.9) Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks. [150 Words] [10 Marks][2022]
Q.10) What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in fishing industry of the world. [250 Words] [15 Marks][2022]
Q.11) Troposphere is a very significant atmospheric layer that determines weather processes.How? [250 Words] [15 Marks][2022]
Q.12) Discuss the natural resource potentials of ‘Deccan trap’. [150 Words] [10 Marks][2022]
Q.13) Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread. [150 Words] [10 Marks][2022]
Q.14) Describing the distribution of rubber producing countries, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them. [250 Words] [15 Marks][2022]
Q.15) Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade. [250 Words] [15 Marks][2022]
Q.16) Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological department. [150 Words] [10 Marks][2022]
Q.17) Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q. 18) Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.19) Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.20) Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.21) How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain.[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.22) Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.23) What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of Water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.24) How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India?[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.24) Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.25) India has immense potential of solar energy through there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.26) Discuss the geophysical characteristics of the Circum-Pacific zone. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.27) The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problem of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.28) The process of desertification does not have climate boundaries. Justify with examples.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.29) Account for the huge flooding of the million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.30) Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.31) How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and coastal environment? Give suitable examples. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2019]
Q.32) Can the strategy of regional resource-based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.33) Discuss the factors for localisation of agro-based food processing industries of North-West India. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.34) How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development in India?[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2019]
Q.35) Assess the impact of global warming on the coral life system with examples. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.36) Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.37) What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2019]
Q.38) How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2019]
Q.39) Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.40) Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation?[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.41) Why is India taking keen interest in the Arctic region? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.42) “The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system.” How can it be made effective in urban areas? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]
Q.43) Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]
Q.44) What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors,explain their main characteristics. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]
Q.45) Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]
Q.46) What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.47) How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.48) How does the cryosphere affect global climate? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.49) Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2017]
Q.50) What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2017]
Q.51) “Inspite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development”. Discuss. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.52) Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulses because of which the year 2016 was declared as the International Year of Pulses by United Nations. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.53) Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas,particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2017]
Q.54) In what way can floods be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather inland navigation in India? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2017]
Q.55) Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes.[200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.56)“The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides. “Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.57) The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.58) South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.59) Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.60) Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.61) Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.62) In what way micro-watershed development projects help in water conservation in drought-prone and semi-arid regions of India? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.63) Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates, fishing and navigation? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.64) Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural urban integration.[200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.65) What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences?[200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.66) Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three Mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.67) India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity.[200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.68) The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are reaching the limits of ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.69) How far do you agree that the behaviour of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscape? Discuss. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.70) Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually by-pass the eastern region despite fertile soil and good availability of water? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.71) Account for the change in the spatial pattern of the Iron and Steel industry in the world. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.72) Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet the resource crisis in the world. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.73) How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich Africa? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.74) Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do you agree? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.75) Why are the world’s fold mountain systems located along the margins of continents? Bringout the association between the global distribution of fold mountains and the earthquakes and volcanoes. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.76) Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.77) Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.78) Whereas the British planters had developed tea gardens all along the Shivaliks and Lesser Himalayas from Assam to Himachal Pradesh, in effect they did not succeed beyond the Darjeeling area. Explain. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.79) Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-continent. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.80) What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in its support.[100 Words] [5 Marks] [2013]
Q.81) The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are the tropical cyclones named across the world? Elaborate. [100 Words] [5 Marks] [2013]
Q.82) What do you understand by the phenomenon of temperature inversion in meteorology?How does it affect the weather and the habitats of the place? [100 Words] [5 Marks] [2013]
Q.83) Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degree north and on the western side of the continents. Why? [100 Words] [5 Marks] [2013]
Q.84) Bringout the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in Western Ghats. [100 Words] [5 Marks] [2013]
Q.85) There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghat. Why? [100 Words] [5 Marks] [2013]
Q.86) Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the Southern states of India? Discuss with justification. [100 Words] [5 Marks] [2013]
Q.87) Analyse the factors for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India. [100 Words] [5 Marks] [2013]
Q.88) With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw materials required for the generation of atomic energy in India and in the world. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.89) It is said the India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resources doesn’t appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.90) Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. [100 Words] [5 Marks] [2013]
Indian Society PYQs
Q.1) Do you think marriage as a sacrament is loosing its value in modern India? [150 Words] [10 Marks][2023]
Q.2) Why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society? [150 Words] [10 Marks][2023]
Q.3) Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children [150 Words] [10 Marks][2023]
Q.4) Does urbanisation lead to more segregation and/or marginalisation of the poor in Indian metropolises. [250 Words] [15 Marks][2023]
Q.5) Why is caste identity in India both static and fluid? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2023]
Q.6) Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity of communalism. [250 Words] [15 Marks][2023]
Q.7) Explore and evaluate the impact of ‘Work From Home’ on family relationships. [150 Words] [10 Marks][2022]
Q.8) How is the growth of Tier 2 cities related to the rise of a new middle class with an emphasis on the culture of consumption? [150 Words] [10 Marks][2022]
Q.9) Given the diversities among the tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category?[150 Words] [10 Marks][2022]
Q.10) Analyze the salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region and religion. [250 Words] [15 Marks][2022]
Q.11) Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer.[250 Words] [15 Marks][2022]
Q.12) Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce resources, with special reference to India. [250 Words] [15 Marks][2022]
Q.13) How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it.[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.14) What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also.[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.15) Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail.[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.16) What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India?[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.17) Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.18) Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge system when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.19) Why is India considered as a subcontinent? Elaborate your answer.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.20) Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answers with illustrations.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.21)COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.22) Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalization? Justify your answer.[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.23) Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.24) Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.25) How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.26) What makes the Indian society unique in sustaining its culture? Discuss. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.27) “Empowering women is the key to control population growth.” Discuss. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.28) What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.29) Do we have cultural pockets of small India all over the nation? Elaborate with examples. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2019]
Q.30) What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space?[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2019]
Q.31) Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss.[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2019]
Q.32) “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.33)‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing’. Explain by giving reasons. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.34) How the Indian concept of secularism different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.35) ‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view.[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]
Q.36) ‘Globalisation is generally said to promote cultural homogenisation but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian society.’ Elucidate [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]
Q.37) ‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.’ Argue by giving suitable illustrations. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]
Q.38) In the context of the diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural unit srather than the States? Give reasons with examples for your view point. [150 Words] [10 Marks][2017]
Q.39) The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform movement. What are the major issues and debates concerning women in that period? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2017]
Q.40) Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the former has got transformed into the latter in independent India. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2017]
Q.42) “The growth of cities as I.T. hubs has opened up new avenues of employment, but has also created new problems”. Substantiate this statement with examples. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2017]
Q.43) To what extent globalisation has influenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.44) “An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from the process of deprivation.” Substantiate this statement with suitable examples. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.45) Why are the tribals in India referred to as ‘the Scheduled Tribes’? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.46) With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme.” [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.47) What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of development on regional basis eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate your answer. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.48) Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a national identity. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.49) Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the mains cause of population increase in India. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.50) How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more favourable to women than the sex ratio among Scheduled Castes? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.51) Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.52) Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.53) Debate the issue whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work towards annihilation of caste. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.54) How does patriarchy impact the position of a middle-class working woman in India? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.55) Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex ratio for women? Give your arguments.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.56)The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than social values. Discuss. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.56) Discuss the various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving increasing feminization of agriculture in India. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.57) How do the Indian debates on secularism differ from the debates in the West? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q.58) Discussion the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.59) Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organization free from gender bias. Comment. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.60) Critically examine the effects of globalization on the aged population in India. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.61) Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a separate state. Discuss. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
General Studies Paper 2
Indian Polity PYQs
Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure:
Q: Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India. [10 Marks] [2023]
Q: “The Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society.” Illustrate with special reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty. [15 Marks] [2023]
Q: Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws. [15 Marks] [2023]
Q: Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid-1990s. [15 Marks] [2023]
Q: Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism. [15 Marks] [2023]
Q: Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalization of Indian Parliament? [15 Marks] [2023]
Q.1) “Right of movement and residence throughout the territory of India are freely available to the Indian citizens, but these rights are not absolute.” Comment. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q.2) ‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.3) Indian Constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.4) “Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution is a limited power and it cannot be enlarged into absolute power.” In the light of this statement explain whether Parliament under Article 368 of the Constitution can destroy the Basic Structure of the Constitution by expanding its amending power? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2019]
Q.5) Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]
Q.6) Explain the salient features of the constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016. Do you think it is efficacious enough ‘to remove cascading effect of taxes and provide for common national market for goods and services’? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2017]
Q.7) Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2017]
Q.8) To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note “temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.9) Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the ‘Preamble’. Are they defendable in the present circumstances? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.10) What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.11) In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, social and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India.[200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.12) Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizen a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.13) Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers during Diwali? Discus in the light of Article 21 of Indian Constitution and judgements of the apex in this regard. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.14) What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.15) Discuss-Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.16) Recent directives from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are perceived by the ‘Nagas’ as a threat to override the exceptional status enjoyed by the State. Discuss in light of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein:
Q: “The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially.” [10 Marks] [2023]
Q.1) To what extent, in your opinion, as the decentralization of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q.2) While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of State autonomy.” Comment. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2022]
Q.3) The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging FIR and conducting probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.4) How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples, to validate your answer. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.5) The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funds’ to the contemporary stage of Functionality’. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.6) From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers by the courts, ‘Principle of Federal Supremacy’ and ‘Harmonious Construction’ have emerged. Explain. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.7) Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for financing developmental projects? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]
Q.8) “The local self-government system in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance”. Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.9) Discuss the essentials of the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act and anomalies, if any, that have led to recent reported conflicts between the elected representatives and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor in the administration of Delhi. Do you think that this will give rise to a new trend in the functioning of the Indian federal politics? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.10) Did the Government of India Act, 1935 lay down a federal constitution? Discuss. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.11)The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasized in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.12) In the absence of well–educated and organised local level government system, Panchayats and Samitis have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instrument of governance. Critically Discuss.[200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.13) Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that principle is one of its basic features, but it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong Centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.14) Starting from inventing the ‘basic structure’ doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly pro active role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the role played by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of democracy.[200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.15) Many States Governments further bifurcate geographical administrative areas like Districts and Talukas for better governance. In light of the above, can it also be justified that more number of smaller States would bring in effective governance at State level? Discuss. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.16) Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions:
Q: “Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy”. Comment. [10 Marks] [2023]
Q.1) Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.2) Do you think that constitution of India does not accept principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balance’? Explain. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.3) Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern on violation of the spirit of separation of power doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate, analyse whether the decision of the Supreme Court on the issue have further facilitated to resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate the ordinances be repealed? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.4) ‘The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution.’ Discuss critically. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries:
Q.1) Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary sovereignty. [10 Marks] [2023]
Q.2) Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2022]
Q.3) Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Right to Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.4) The judicial systems in India and UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.5) What can France learn from the Indian Constitution’s approach to secularism? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.6) Indian and USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]
Topic: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these:
Q.1) Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices. [10 Marks] [2023]
Q.2) Discuss the role of the Vice–Presidents of India as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha. [150 Words][10 Marks] [2022]
Q.3) Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2022]
Q.4) Do Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administrations on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.5) Explain the constitutional provisions under which the Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.6) To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India?[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.7) ‘Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker’! Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.8) Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a ‘useless stepney tyre to supporting organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas which this transformation could be visible. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.9) Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss. [250 Words][15 Marks][2019]
Q.11) Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.12) Discuss the role of Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.13) The Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint session of the two houses of the Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also the occasions when it cannot, with reasons thereof. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2017]
Q.14) If amendment bill to the Whistle-blowers Protection Act 2011 tabled in the Parliament is passed,there may be no on left to protect. Critically Evaluate. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.15) The ‘Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and its Members’ as envisaged in Article 105 of the Constitution leave room for a large number of un-codified and un-enumerated privileges to continue. Assess the reasons for the absence of legal codification of the ‘parliamentary privileges’. How can this problem be addressed? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.16) The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law which was legislated but with a different intention? [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity:
Q.1) “The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q.2) “Pressure Groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.” Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.3) Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.4) What are the methods used by the Farmers organizations to influence the policy-makers in India and how effective are these methods? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.5) “The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India.” Discuss.[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2019]
Q.6) Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]
Q.7) How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts? In view of the above, discuss the constitutional validity and competency of the tribunals in India. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]
Q.8) Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.9) How do pressure groups influence Indian political process? Do you agree with this view that informal pressure groups have emerged as powerful than formal pressure groups in recent years? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.`10) ‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.11) “The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.” Discuss. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.12) Khap panchayat shave been in the news for functioning as extra–constitutional authorities, often delivering pronouncements amounting to human right violations. Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative, executive and judiciary to set the things right in this regard. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.13) What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1966 through the recent ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve India’s dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.14) Instances of President’s delay in commuting death sentences has come under public debate as denial of justice. Should there be a time specified for the President to accept/reject such petitions? Analyse. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.15) The size of the cabinet should be as big as governmental work justifies and as big as the Prime Minister can manage as a team. How far is the efficacy of a government then inversely related to the size of the cabinet? Discuss. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.16) Pressure group politics is sometimes seen as the informal face of politics. With regards to the above, assess the structure and functioning of pressure groups in India. [200 Words] [10 Marks][2013
Topic: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act:
Q.1) Discuss the procedures to decide the disputes arising out of the election of a Member of the Parliament or State Legislature under The Representation of the People Act, 1951. What are the grounds on which the election of any returned candidate may be declared void? What remedy is available to the aggrieved party against the decision? Refer to the case laws. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2022]
Q.2) “There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of Peoples Act”. Comment. [150 Words] [10 Marks][2020]
Q.3) On what grounds a people’s representative can be disqualified under the Representation of People Act, 1951? Also mention the remedies available to such person against his disqualification. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2019]
Q.4) The light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India?[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.5) To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2017]
Topic: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies:
Q.1) Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the ModelCode of Conduct. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2022]
Q.2) How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the States to improve their fiscal position? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.3) Which steps are required for constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.4) “The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play.” Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range of powers he can exercise. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.5) Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.6) How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you know about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]
Q.7) Exercise of CAG’s powers in relation to the accounts of the Union and the States is derived from Article 149 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss whether audit of the Government’s policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own (CAG) jurisdiction. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.8) Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a departure fromthe previous commissions for strengthening the local government finances.[200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.9) ‘A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs.’ Discuss. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies:
Q: Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of dominant position by the Multi-National Corporations in India. Refer to the recent decisions. [10 Marks] [2023]
Q.1) Discuss the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes in the wake of its transformation from a statutory body to a constitutional body. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q.2) Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, ye they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures. [150 Words] [10 Marks][2021]
Q.3) “Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.4) “The Central Administration Tribunal which was established for redressal of grievances and complaints by or against central government employees, nowadays is exercising its powers as an independent judicial authority.” Explain. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.5) Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women facet both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2017]
Q.6) What is quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks][2016]
Q.7) For achieving the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institution remain independent and autonomous. Discuss in the light of experiences in recent past. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.8) The setting up of a Rail Tariff Authority to regulate fares will subject the cash strapped Indian Railways to demand subsidy for obligation to operate non-profitable routes and services. Taking into account the experience in the power sector, discuss if the proposed reform is expected to benefit the consumers, the Indian Railways or the private container operators.[200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.9) National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In light of above observation assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human rights standards. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks][2014]
Q.10) The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in overlapping of products and services strengthens the case for the merger of the two regulatory agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: India and its neighbourhood-relations:
Q.1) India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q.2) China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.3) “Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable examples. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.4) Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of Indian government to improve relationship with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.5) Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India–Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchange could help generate goodwill between the two countries. Discuss with suitable examples. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.6) With respect to the South China sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affirm the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and over flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.7) The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society between the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India? [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.8) In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests:
Q.1) How will 12U2 (India, Israel, UAE, and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2022]
Q.2) “If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years.[150 Words] [10 Marks][2021]
Q.3) Quadrilateral Security Dialogue(Quad)’ is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times–Discuss.[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.4) What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.5) ‘The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.6) “The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised Nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order” Elaborate. [250 Words][15 Marks] [2019]
Q.7) “What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s National self-esteem and ambitions” Explain with suitable examples. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2019]
Q.8) “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.9) A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India’s joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.10) The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.11) Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.12) Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pro and cons. Critically Examine.[200 Words] [12.5Marks] [2014]
Q.13) The aim of Information Technology Agreements (ITAs) is to lower all taxes and tariffs on Information technology products by signatories to zero. What impact would such agreements have on India’s interests? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.14) Some of the International funding agencies have special terms for economic participation stipulating a substantial component of the aid used for sourcing equipment from the leading countries. Discuss on merits of such terms and it, there exists a strong case not to accept such conditions in the Indian context. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.15) India has recently signed to become founding member of New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). How will the role of the two Banks be different?Discuss the strategic significance of these two Banks for India.[200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.16) The proposed withdrawal of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the countries of the region. Examine in light of the fact that India is faced with a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its own strategic interests.[200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.17) What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this.[200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.18) Economic ties between India and Japan while growing in the recent years are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are inhibiting this growth. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.19) What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today.Discuss. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora:
Q.1) Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international for in the context of geopolitics. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2022]
Q.2) The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.3) “The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.4) ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.5) In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]
Q.6) Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries’ economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South-East Asia in this context.[250 Words] [15 Marks][2017]
Q.7) Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India? [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora-their structure, mandate:
Q.1) Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organization like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q.2) Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.3) Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.4) ‘Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.5) What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]
Q.6) What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.7) “The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international trade in the era of globalization. But the Doha round of negotiations seem doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries.” Discuss in the Indian perspective.[200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.8) What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What is India’s position on these? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.9) Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UNSC. [200 Words} [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.10) WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in a profound manner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are their decisions? Critically analyse India’s stand on the latest round of talks on Food security. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.11) The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Governance PYQs
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation:
Q.1) The Gati-Shakti Yojana needs meticulous coordination between the government and the private sector to achieve the goal of connectivity. Discuss. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q.2) ‘Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful” Comment. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.3) ‘In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost effective and remove many implementation blockages.’-Discuss. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2019]
Q.4) The need for cooperation among various service sector has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges bring the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of ‘Collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements above examine India’s Development process. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2019]
Q.5) “Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate ‘protection and prevention of degradation to environment.” Comment with relevant illustrations. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.6) ‘To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing water, sanitation and hygiene needs,the identification of beneficiary segments is to be synchronized with the anticipated outcomes’ Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.7) Has the Indian governmental system responded adequately to the demands of Liberalization,Privatization and Globalization started in 1991? What can the government do to be responsive to this important change?[200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.8) Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non-news media like a trade publication and general entertainment channel, the government is mulling over the proposal for increased FDI in news media for quite some time. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.9) Two parallel run schemes of the Government, viz the Aadhar card and NPM, one of voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits,discuss whether or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve development benefits and equitable growth. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.10) An athlete participates in Olympics for personal triumph and nation’s glory; victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies, on their return. Discuss the merit of state sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of areward mechanism as encouragement. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.11) The concept of Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme is almost a century old in India with early beginnings in Madras Presidency in pre-independent India. The scheme has again been given impetus in most states in the last two decades. Critically examine its twin objectives, latest mandates and success. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.12) The Central Government frequently complains on the poor performance of the State Governments in eradicating suffering of the vulnerable sections of the society. Restructuring of Centrally sponsored schemes across the sectors for ameliorating the cause of vulnerable sections of population aims at providing flexibility to the States in better implementation. Critically evaluate.[200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.13) Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms Comment.[200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.14) The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity Comment.[200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Development processes and the development industry—the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders:
Q. The crucial aspect of development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this inadequacy. [10 Marks] [2023]
Q. E-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancement of these features? [10 Marks] [2023]
Q.1) Do you agree with the view that increasing dependence on donor agencies for development reduces the importance of community participation in the development process? Justify your answer. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2022]
Q.2) Can Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations present an alternative model of public service delivery to benefit the common citizen? Discuss the challenges of this alternative model. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.3) Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.4) “Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of the Self-Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India.[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.5) ‘The emergence of Self-Help Groups(SHGs) in contemporary times points to the slow but steady withdrawal of the state from developmental activities’. Examine the role of the SHGs in developmental activities and the measures taken by the Government of India to promote the SHGs. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2017]
Q.6) Examine critically the recent changes in the rule governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.7) The Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Program (SBLP), which is India’s own innovation, has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programme. Elucidate. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.8) How can be the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to protection of the Environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints.[200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.9) The penetration of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks][2014]
Q.10) The legitimacy and accountability of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and their patrons, the micro-finance outfits, need systematic assessment and scrutiny for the sustained success of the concept. Discuss. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Issues relating to poverty and hunger
Q.1) Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through micro financing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.2) “The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyse the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.3) There is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to spend more on non-Food essential items squeezing their food-budget.Elucidate. [150 Words][10 Marks] [2019]
Q.4) How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]
Q.5) ‘Poverty Alleviation Programmes in India remain mere show pieces until and unless they are backed by political will’. Discuss with reference to the performance of the major poverty alleviation programmes in India. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2017]
Q.6) Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in poverty over time. Do you agree. Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications,models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures:
Q. Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India. [15 Marks] [2023]
Q.1) Has digital literacy, particularly rural areas, coupled with lack of information and Communications Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.2) “The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.3) Implementation of information and Communication Technology (ICT) based Projects /Programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors, and suggest measures for their effective implementation. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.4) e-governance in not only about utilization of the power of new technology, but also much about critical importance of the ‘use value’ of information. Explain. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.5) The Citizen’s Charter is an ideal instrument of organisational transparency and accountability, but it has its own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for greater effectiveness of the Citizen’s Charters. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]
Q.6) Hunger and Poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems.Suggest measures for improvement. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.7) “In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal.” Critically examine this statement. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.8) “Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people’s participation in the governance system are inter-dependent/” Discuss their relationship in the context of India. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.9) In the light of Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in the corporate governance to ensure transparency and accountability. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.10) Though Citizens’ charters have been formulated by many public service delivery organizations,there is no corresponding improvement in the level of citizens’ satisfaction and quality of services being provided Analyse. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Role of civil services in a democracy:
Q.1) “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.2) Initially Civil Services in India were designed to achieve the goals of neutrality and effectiveness,which seems to be lacking in the present context. Do you agree with the view that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services. Comment. [250 Words][15 Marks] [2017]
Q.3) “Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic development in India.” Comment. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.4) Has the Cadre based Civil Services Organization been the cause of slow change in India? Critically examine. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Social Justice PYQs for UPSC IAS Mains examination.
Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections:
Q.1) Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q.2) The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitization of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment. [150 Words][10 Marks] [2022]
Q.3) Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and the underprivileged sections of the society. Discuss. [250 Words] [15 Marks][2022]
Q.4) “Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? [250 Words] [15 Marks][2021]
Q.5) “The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process.” Comment. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2019]
Q.6) Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process.Discuss. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2019]
Q.7) Multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections of the society leads to problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions. Is it better to merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission? Argue your case. i[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]
Q.8) Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in the society? Discuss. [150 Words][10 Marks] [2017]
Q.9) Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.10) Do government’s schemes for up-lifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required social resources for them, lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economies? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources:
Q.1) Skill development programmes have succeeded in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyze the linkages between education, skill, and employment. [15 Marks] [2023]
Q.2) The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2022]
Q.3) “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyze. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.4) National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030).It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.5) In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.6) Despite Consistent experience of High growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.7) Appropriate local community level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.8) Professor Amartya Sen has advocated important reforms in the realms of primary education and primary health care. What are your suggestions to improve their status and performance? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.9) “Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative.” What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.10) The quality of higher education in India requires major improvement to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of technical and higher education in the country. Discuss. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks][2015]
Q.11) Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.12) Should the premier institutes like IITs/IIMs be allowed to retain premier status, allowed more academic independence in designing courses and also decide mode/criteria of selection of students. Discuss in light of the growing challenges. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.13) Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health. Discuss the success of the actions taken by the Government for achieving the same. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
International Relations is an important topic in Mains GS 2 paper of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Along with bilateral ties, neighbourhood relations, India’s foreign policies, Bilateral Grouping, Regional and global groupings, and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests are some of the key focus areas in international relations.
Topic: India and its neighbourhood-relations:
Q.1) ‘Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO’. In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems. [10 Marks] [2023]
Q.2) Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India. [10 Marks] [2023]
Q.3) ‘The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India’. What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. [15 Marks] [2023]
Q.4) Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos”. Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organization) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. [15 Marks] [2023]
Q.5) India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q.6) China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.7) “Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable examples. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.8) Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of Indian government to improve relationship with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.9) Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India–Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchange could help generate goodwill between the two countries. Discuss with suitable examples. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.10) With respect to the South China sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affirm the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and over flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.11) The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society between the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India? [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.12) In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests:
Q.1) How will 12U2 (India, Israel, UAE, and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2022]
Q.2) “If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years.[150 Words] [10 Marks][2021]
Q.3) Quadrilateral Security Dialogue(Quad)’ is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times–Discuss.[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.4) What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.5) ‘The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.6) “The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised Nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order” Elaborate. [250 Words][15 Marks] [2019]
Q.7) “What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s National self-esteem and ambitions” Explain with suitable examples. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2019]
Q.8) “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.9) A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India’s joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.10) The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.11) Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.12) Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pro and cons. Critically Examine.[200 Words] [12.5Marks] [2014]
Q.13) The aim of Information Technology Agreements (ITAs) is to lower all taxes and tariffs on Information technology products by signatories to zero. What impact would such agreements have on India’s interests? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.14) Some of the International funding agencies have special terms for economic participation stipulating a substantial component of the aid used for sourcing equipment from the leading countries. Discuss on merits of such terms and it, there exists a strong case not to accept such conditions in the Indian context. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.15) India has recently signed to become founding member of New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). How will the role of the two Banks be different? Discuss the strategic significance of these two Banks for India.[200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.16) The proposed withdrawal of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the countries of the region. Examine in light of the fact that India is faced with a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its own strategic interests.[200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.17) What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this.[200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.18) Economic ties between India and Japan while growing in the recent years are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are inhibiting this growth. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.19) What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today.Discuss. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora:
Q.1) Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international for in the context of geopolitics. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2022]
Q.2) The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.3) “The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.4) ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.5) In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]
Q.6) Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries’ economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South-East Asia in this context.[250 Words] [15 Marks][2017]
Q.7) Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India? [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora-their structure, mandate:
Q.1) Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organization like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q.2) Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.3) Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.4) ‘Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.5) What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’,especially keeping in mind the interest of India? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2018]
Q.6) What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.7) “The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international trade in the era of globalization. But the Doha round of negotiations seem doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries.” Discuss in the Indian perspective.[200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.8) What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What is India’s position on these? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.9) Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UNSC. [200 Words][12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.10) WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in a profound manner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are their decisions? Critically analyse India’s stand on the latest round of talks on Food security. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.11) The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
General Studies Paper 3
Economy PYQs for UPSC IAS Mains examination
Topic: The Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
Q.1) Faster economic growth requires increased share of the manufacturing sector in GDP, particularly of MSMEs. Comment on the present policies of the Government in this regard. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2023]
Q.2) What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2023]
Q.3) Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2023]
Q.4) Distinguish between ‘care economy’ and ‘monetized economy’. How can care economy be brought into monetized economy through women empowerment? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2023]
Q.6) Economic growth in the recent past has been led by increase in labour activity.” Explain this statement. Suggest the growth pattern that will lead to creation of more jobs without compromising labour productivity. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2022]
Q.7) Do you agree that Indian economy has recently experienced V–shaped recovery? Give reasons in support of their answer. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.8) Explain the difference between computing methodology of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.9) Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act of 2017.How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal tensions? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.10) Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been subsumed in the goods and services tax (GST) in India. Also, comment on the revenue implications of the GST introduced in India since July 2017. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.11) Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.12) How are the principles followed by NITI Aayog different from those followed by the erstwhile planning commission in India? [250 Words] [15 marks] [2018]
Q.13) How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India? [250 Words] [15 marks] [2018]
Q.14) Among several factors for India’s potential growth, savings rate is the most effective one. Do you agree? What are the other factors available for growth potential?[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.15) How globalization has led to the reduction of employment in the formal sector of the Indian economy? Is increased in formalization detrimental to the development of the country? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.16) Justify the need for FDI for the developments of the Indian economy. Why there is gap between MOUs signed and actual FDIs? Suggest remedial steps to be taken for increasing actual FDIs in India. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.17) The nature of economic growth in India in recent times is often described as a jobless growth. Do you agree with this view? Give arguments in favour of your answer. [200 Words][12.5 Marks][2015]
Q.18) Craze for gold in Indian has led to surge in import of gold in recent years and put pressure on balance of payments and external value of rupee. In view of this, examine the merits of Gold Monetization scheme. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.19) Normally countries shift from agriculture to industry and then later to services, but India shifted directly from agriculture to services. What are the reasons for the huge growth-services vis-a-visindustry in the country? Can India become a developed country without a strong industrial base?[200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.20)“While we flaunt India’s demographic dividend, we ignore the dropping rates of employ ability.”What are we missing while doing so? Where will the jobs that India desperately needs come from? Explain. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.21) With a consideration towards the strategy of inclusive growth, the new Companies Bill, 2013 has indirectly made CSR a mandatory obligation. Discuss the challenges expected in its implementation in right earnest. Also discuss other provisions in the Bill and their implications.[200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.22) What were the reasons for the introduction of Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003? Discuss critically its salient features and their effectiveness.[200 Words] [10 Marks][2013]
Q.23) What is the meaning of the term ‘tax expenditure’? Taking housing sector as an example, discuss how it influences the budgetary policies of the government. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.24) Food Security Bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discussvarious apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in WTO. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.25) Discuss the rationale for introducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Bring outcritically the reasons for the delay in roll out for its regime. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it:
Q.1) Is inclusive growth possible under market economy? State the significance of financial inclusion in achieving economic growth in India.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q.2) Explain intra-generational and inter-generational issues of equity from the perspective of inclusive growth and sustainable development. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.3) It is argued that the strategy of inclusive growth is intended to meet the objectives of inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment on this statement. [250 Words] [15 marks][2019]
Q.4)“Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.5) What are the salient features of ‘inclusive growth’? Has India been experiencing such a growth process? Analyze and suggest measures for inclusive growth. [250 Words] [15 marks] [2017]
Q.6) Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is necessary for bringing unbanked to the institutional fiancé fold. Do you agree with this for financial inclusion of the poorer section of the Indian society? Give arguments to justify your opinion. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.7) What are ‘Smart Cities’? examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.8) Comment on the challenges for inclusive growth which include careless and useless manpower inthe Indian context. Suggest measures to be taken for facing these challenges.[200 Words] [12.5Marks] [2016]
Q.9) Capitalism has guided the world economy to unprecedented prosperity. However, it often encourages short-sightedness and contributes to wide disparities between the rich and the poor.In this light, would it be correct to believe and adopt capitalism for bringing inclusive growth in India? Discuss. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Topic: Government Budgeting:
Q.1) Distinguish between Capital Budget and Revenue Budget. Explain the components of both these Budgets. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.2) Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.3) The public expenditure management is a challenge to the Government of India in context of budget making during the post liberalization period. Clarify it. [250 Words] [15 marks] [2019]
Q.4) Comment on the important changes introduced in respect of the Long term Capital Gains Tax (LCGT) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in the Union Budget for 2018-2019. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.5) One of the intended objectives of Union Budget 2017-18 is to ‘transform, energize and clean India’.Analyse the measures proposed in the Budget 2017-18 to achieve the objective. [250 Words] [15 marks] [2017]
Q.6) Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Topic: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country,–different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers:
Q.1) How does e-Technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2023]
Q.2) What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India? Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in relation to agricultural subsidies. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2023]
Q.3) Explain the changes in cropping pattern in India in the context of changes in consumption pattern and marketing conditions. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2023]
Q.4) What is Integrated Farming System? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2022]
Q.5) What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide opportunity for crop diversification? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.6) How and to what extent would micro irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.7) What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.8) What are the major factors responsible for making rice-wheat system a success? In spite of this success how has this system become bane in India? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.9) Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenario. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.10) How far is Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural production? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.11) Elaborate the impact of National Watershed Project in increasing agricultural production from water-stressed areas. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.12) How has the emphasis on certain crops brought about changes in cropping patterns in recent past? Elaborate the emphasis on millets production and consumption. [250 Words] [15 marks][2018]
Q.13) What are the major reasons for declining rice and wheat yield in the cropping system? How crop diversification is helpful to stabilize the yield of the crop in the system? [250 Words] [15 marks][2017]
Q.14) What is water-use efficiency? Describe the role of micro-irrigation in increasing the water-use efficiency.[200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.15) What is allelopathy? Discuss its role in major cropping systems of irrigated agriculture. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.16) In the view of the declining average size of land holdings in India which has made agriculture non–viable for a majority of farmers should contract farming and land leasing be promoted in agriculture? critically evaluate the pros and cons. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System-objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions;economics of animal-rearing:
Q.1) What are the major challenges of Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? How can it be made effective and transparent? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q.2) 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? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.3) What are the reformative steps taken by the Government to make food grain distribution system more effective? [250 Words] [15 marks] [2019] Q.4) What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low-income trap? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.5) Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers? [250 Words] [15 marks] [2018]
Q.6) Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How these revolutions have helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.7) How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and marginal farmers? [250 Words] [15 marks] [2017]
Q.8) Give the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.9) Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sector in India. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.10) How can the Digital India program help farmers to improve farm productivity and income? What step has the government taken in this regard? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.11) In what way could replacement of price subsidy with direct benefit Transfer (DBT) change the scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.12) There is also a point of view that Agricultural Produce Market Committees [APMCs] set up under the State Acts have not only impeded the development of agriculture but also have been the cause of food inflation in India. Critically examine. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.13) “In the villages itself no form of credit organization will be suitable except the cooperative society.”–All India Rural Credit Survey. Discuss this statement in the background of agricultural finance in India. What constraints and challenges do financial institutions supplying agricultural finance face? How can technology be used to better reach and serve rural clients? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.14) What are the different types of agriculture subsidies given to farmers at the national and at state levels? Critically analyse the agricultural subsidy regime with reference to the distortions created by it.[200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.15) India needs to strengthen measures to promote the pink revolution in food industry for ensuring better nutrition and health. Critically elucidate the statement. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Food processing and related industries in India-scope’ and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management:
Q.1) Elaborate the scope and significance of the food processing industry in India.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q.2) What are the main bottlenecks in upstream and downstream process of marketing of agricultural products in India?[ 250 Words] [15 Marks] [2022]
Q.3) What are the challenges and opportunities of food processing sector in the country? How can income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.4) Elaborate the policy taken by the Government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector? [250 Words] [15 marks] [2019]
Q.5) Examine the role of supermarkets in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables and food items. How do they eliminate number of intermediaries? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.6) What are the reasons for poor acceptance of cost-effective small processing unit? How the food processing unit will be helpful to uplift the socio-economic status of poor farmers? [150 Words][10 Marks] [2017]
Q.7) What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in developing the food processing industry in India? Can e-commerce help in overcoming this bottleneck? [200 Words][12.5 Marks] [2015]
Topic: Land reforms in India:
Q.1) State the objectives and measures of land reforms in India. Discuss how land ceiling policy on landholding can be considered as an effective reform under economic criteria. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2023]
Q.2) How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginal and small farmers. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.3) Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development. Identify the factors that were responsible for the success of land reforms in India. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.4) The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 has come into effect from Ist January, 2014. What are the key issues which would get addressed with the Act in place? What implications would it have on industrialization and agriculture in India? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.5) Establish relationship between land reforms, agricultural productivity and elimination of poverty in the Indian economy. Discuss the difficulties in designing and implementation of agriculture–friendly land reforms in India. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth:
Q.1) Account for the failure of manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour-intensive exports rather than capital-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour-intensive rather than capital-intensive exports. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.2) “Industrial growth rate has lagged behind in the overall growth of Gross-Domestic-Product (GDP)in the post-reform period” Give reasons. How far the recent changes is Industrial Policy are capable of increasing the industrial growth rate? [250 Words] [15 marks] [2017]
Q.3) “Success of make in India program depends on the success of Skill India programme and radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.4) There is a clear acknowledgement that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are a tool of industrial development, manufacturing and exports. Recognising this potential, the whole instrumentality of SEZs require augmentation. Discuss the issue plaguing the success of SEZs with respect to taxation, governing laws and administration. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.5) Examine the impact of liberalization on companies owned by Indians. Are they competing with the MNCs satisfactorily? Discuss. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc:
Q.1) Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewable help achieve the above objective? Explain. [250 words][15 Marks][2022]
Q.2)“Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth.” Discuss in the light of India’s experience. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.3) Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National Programme on Light Emitting diodes (LEDs). [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.4) To what factors can be the recent dramatic fall in equipment cost and tariff of solar energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for thermal power producers and related industry? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.5) National Urban Transport Policy emphasises on ‘moving people’ instead of ‘moving vehicles. Discuss critically the success of the various strategies of the Government in this regard. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.6) Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to alleviate the problem of conventional energy. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Investment models:
Q.1) Why is Public Private Partnership (PPP) required in infrastructural projects? Examine the role of PPP model in the redevelopment of Railway Stations in India. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q.2) Explain the meaning of investment in an economy in terms of capital formation. Discuss the factors to be considered while designing a concession agreement between a public’ entity and a private entity.[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.3) Examine the developments of Airports in India through Joint Ventures under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this regard. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.4) Explain how Private Public Partnership arrangements, in long gestation infrastructure projects, can transfer unsustainable liabilities to the future. What arrangements need to be put in place to ensure that successive generations’capacities are not compromised? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks][2014]
Q.5) Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector is now set to be liberalized: What in fluence this is expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long run? [200 Words][12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.6) Discuss the impact of FDI entry into multi-trade retail sector on supply chain management in commodity trade pattern of the economy. [100 Words] [5 Marks] [2013]
Q.7) Though India allowed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in what is called multi-brand retail through the joint venture route in September 2012, the FDI, even after a year, has not picked up. Discuss the reasons. [100 Words] [5 Marks] [2013]
Q.8) Adoption of PPP model for infrastructure development of the country has not been free of criticism. Critically discuss the pros and cons of the model. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Biodiversity and the environment.
Q.1) What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2023]
Q.2) The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2023]
Q.3) Comment on the National Wetland Conservation Programme initiated by the Government of India and name a few India’s wetlands of international importance included in the Ramsar Sites. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2023]
Q.4) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted a global sea level rise of about one metre by AD 2100. What would be its impact in India and the other countries in the Indian Ocean region? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2023]
Q.5) Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2022]
Q.6) Discuss in detail the photo chemical smog emphasizing its formation, effects and mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q.7) Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.8) 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? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.9) Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November,2021. When was this idea first floated inthe International Solar Alliance (ISA)? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.10) How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.11) What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.12) What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.13) Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment. Analyze the impact of sand mining along the Indians coasts, citing specific examples. [150 Words][10 Marks] [2019]
Q.14) Define the concept of carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for sustainable development of a region. [250 Words] [15 marks] [2019]
Q.15) What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.16) What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of ‘wise use’ in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.17) Sikkim is the first ‘Organic State’ in India. What are the ecological and economic benefits of Organic State? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.18) How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? [250 Words] [15 marks] [2018]
Q.19) Not many years ago,river linking was a concept but it is becoming reality in the country. Discuss the advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the environment. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.20) ‘Climate Change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? [250 Words] [15 marks] [2017]
Q.21) Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the important environmental impacts which always attracts controversy while planning major projects. Discuss the measures suggested from mitigation of this impact while proposing major developmental projects. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.22) Discuss the Namami Gange and National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) programmes and causes of mixed results from the previous schemes. What quantum leaps can help preserve the river Ganga better than incremental inputs? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.23) Should the pursuit of carbon credits and clean development mechanisms set up under UNFCCC be maintained even though there has been a massive slide in the value of a carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.24) Environmental Impact Assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before a project is cleared by the Government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants located at coal pitheads. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.25) What are the consequences of Illegal mining? Discuss the Ministry of Environment and Forest’s concept of GO AND NO-GO zones for coal mining sector. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.26) Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions of management and handling of hazardous wastes in India? [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Science and technology PYQ’S
Topic: Science and Technology-developments and their applications and effects in everyday life:
Q.1) The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q.2) Each year a large amount of plant material, cellulose, is deposited on the surface of Planet Earth. What are the natural processes this cellulose undergoes before yielding carbon dioxide, water and other end products?[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q.3) 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?[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.4) How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.5) How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by the science-based technologies? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.6) COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis.Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management of the pandemic. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.7) Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by ourgovernment for this purpose? [250Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.8) With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. [250 Words] [15 marks] [2018]
Q.9) Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.10) Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of fast breeder reactor programme in India? [250 Words] [15 marks] [2017]
Q.11) India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pro and cons of making the data base available publicly available under open-source licensing. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.12) Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as attractive as are business professions, engineering or administration, and the universities are becoming consumer-oriented. Critically comment. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.13) Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks][2014]
Q.14) What do you understand by Fixed Dose drug Combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits and demerits. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.15) What do you understand by Umpire Decision Review System in cricket? Discuss its various components. Explain how silicone tape on the edge of a bat may fool the system? [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.16) What is a digital signature? What does its authentication mean? Give various salient built-in features of a digital signature. [100 Words] [5 Marks] [2013]
Q.17) How does the 3D printing technology work? List out the advantages and disadvantages of the technology. [100 Words] [5 Marks] [2013]
Q.18) What is an FRP composite material? How are they manufactured? Discuss their application in aviation and automobile industries. [100 Words] [5 Marks] [2013]
Q.19) What do you understand by Run-of-river hydroelectricity project? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project? [100 Words] [5 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indignation of technology and developing new technology:
Q.1) Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel shortage. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2023 ]
Q.2) Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? [250 words][15Marks][2022]
Q.3) How was India benefited from the contributions of Sir M. Visvesvaraya and Dr. M. S. Swaminathanin the fields of water engineering and agricultural science respectively?[150 Words] [10 Marks][2019]
Q.4) Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it revolutionized the field of Physics. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.5) Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India inits socio-economic development? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks][2016]
Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, biotechnology and issues relating to intellectual property rights:
Q.1) What is the main task of India’s third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the Virtual Launch Control Centre’ at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2023 ]
Q.2) Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of Al in healthcare? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2023 ]
Q.3) What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines? [250 words][15 Marks][2022]
Q.4) What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.5) What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector?[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.6) What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.7) How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? [250 Words] [15 marks] [2019]
Q.8) How can biotechnology help to improve the living standards of farmers? [250 Words] [15 marks][2019]
Q.9) Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefited the field of bio pharma? [250 Words] [15 marks] [2018]
Q.10) India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Explain critically. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.11) Why is nanotechnology one of the key technologies of the 21st century? Describe the salient features of India Government’s Mission on Nan science and Technology and the scope of its application in the development process of the country. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.12) What do you understand by “Standard Positioning System” and “Precision positioning system” in the GPS era? Discuss the advantage India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme employing just seven satellites. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.13) What are the areas of prohibitive labour that can be sustainably managed by robots? Discuss the initiatives that can propel the research in premier research institutes for substantive and gainful innovation. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.14) Discuss the advantage and security implication of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis in house machine-based hosting for government business. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.15) In a globalized world, Intellectual Property Rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms—Copyrights, Patents and Trade Secrets. [200Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.16) Bringing out the circumstances in 2005 which forced amendment to the section 3(d) in Indian Patent Law, 1970, discuss how it has been utilized by the Supreme Court in its judgement in rejecting Novartis’ patent application for ‘Glivec’. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Disaster Management PYQs
Referring to the disaster management PYQ UPSC will help you understand the pattern and type of questions asked. In the Mains test, candidates can expect 1 to 2 questions from the topic.
Q.1) Dam failures are always catastrophic, especially on the downstream side, resulting in a colossal loss of life and property. Analyse the various causes of dam failures. Give two examples of large dam failures. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2023]
Q.2) Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q.3) Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard? [250 words] [15 Marks] [2022]
Q.4) Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention components of the important components of National Landslide Risk Management strategy. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.5) 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. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.6) Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.7) Vulnerability is an essential element for defining disaster impacts and its threat to people. How and in what ways can vulnerability to disasters be characterized? Discuss different types of vulnerability with reference to disasters. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.8) Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will help disaster mitigation in the case of landslides. [250 Words] [15 marks] [2019]
Q.9) Describe various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before and after signing ‘Sendai Framework for DRR (2015-2030)’. How is this framework different from ‘Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005’? [250 Words] [15 marks] [2018]
Q.10) On December 2004, tsunami brought havoc on 14 countries including India. Discuss the factors responsible for occurrence of Tsunami and its effects on life and economy. In the light of guidelines of NDMA (2010) describe the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. [250 Words] [15 marks] [2017]
Q.11) The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.12) With reference to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines, discuss the measures to be adopted to mitigate the impact of the recent incidents of cloudbursts in many places of Uttarakhand. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.13) The frequency of earthquakes appears to have increased in the Indian subcontinent. However, India’s preparedness for mitigating their impact has significant gaps. Discuss various aspects. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.14) Drought has been recognized as a disaster in view of its spatial expanse, temporal duration, slow onset and lasting effects on vulnerable sections. With a focus on the September 2010 guidelines from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), discuss the mechanisms for preparedness to deal with likely El Nino and La Nina fall outs in India. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.15) How important are vulnerability and risk assessment for pre-disaster management? As an administrator, what are key areas that you would focus on in a Disaster Management System? [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Internal Security PYQ’s for UPSC IAS Mains examination.
Topic: Linkages between development and spread of extremism:
Q.1) Winning of ‘Hearts and Minds’ in terrorism-affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2023]
Q.2) Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues gets a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism. [250 words] [15 Marks] [2022]
Q.3) What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas? [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.4) Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India’s approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.5) Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples,analyze the causes and consequences of such violence. [250 Words] [15 marks] [2017]
Q.6) The persisting drives of the government for development of large industries in backward area shave resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements. With Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discuss the corrective strategies needed to win the Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) doctrine affected citizens back into mainstream of social and economic growth. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.7) Article 244 of the Indian Constitution relates to administration of schedules area and tribal areas.Analyse the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of the Fifth schedule on the growth of Left-Wing extremism. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security:
Q.1) The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2023]
Q.2) Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.3)The banning of ‘Jammat-e-Islami’ in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize influence of OGWs. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.4)The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q.5) The north-eastern region of India has been infested with insurgency for a very long time. Analyze the major reasons for the survival of armed insurgency in this region. [150 Words] [10 Marks][2017]
Q.6) “The diverse nature of India as a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society is not immune to the impact of radicalism which is seen in her neighborhood? Discuss along with strategies to be adopted to counter this environment. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.7) International civil aviation laws provide all countries complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above their territory. What do you understand by ‘airspace’ What are the implications of these laws on the space above this airspace? Discuss the challenges which this poses and suggest ways to contain the threat. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.8) In 2012, the longitudinal marking for high-risk areas for piracy was moved from 65 degrees east to 78 degrees east in the Arabian Sea by the International Maritime Organisation. What impact does this have on India’s maritime security concerns? [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Topic: Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention:
Q.1) What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats. [250 words][15 Marks][2023]
Q.2) What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q.3)What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2022]
Q.4) Keeping in view India’s internal security, analyse the impact of cross border cyber-attacks. Also discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.5) Discuss how emerging technologies and globalization contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q.6) Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.7) What is Cyber Dome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet crimes in India. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q.8) Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized world due to rising cyber-crimes.The Justice B. N. Sri krishna Committee Report addresses issues related to data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weaknesses of the Report relating to protection of personal data in cyber space? [250 Words] [15 marks] [2018]
Q.9) Discuss the potential threats of Cyber-attack and the security framework to prevent it. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q.10) The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding? [250 Words] [15 marks] [2017]
Q.11) Use of internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major security concern. How have these been misused in the recent past? Suggest Effective guidelines to curb the above threat. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.12) Religious indoctrination via social media has resulted in Indian youth joining the ISIS. What is ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous to the internal security of our country. [200 Words][12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.13) Considering the threats cyberspace poses for the country, India needs a “Digital Armed Forces” to prevent crimes. Critically evaluate the National Cyber Security Policy, 2013 outlining the challenges perceived in its effective implementation. [200 Words][12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q.14) Money laundering poses a serious security threat to a country’s economic sovereignty. What is its significance for India and what steps are required to be taken to control this menace? [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.15) What are social networking sites and what security implications do these sites present? [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q.16) Cyber warfare is considered by some defence analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyber warfare? Outline the cyber threats which India is vulnerable to and bring out the state of the country’s preparedness to deal with the same. [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas–linkages of organized crime with terrorism:
Q.1) Discuss the types of organized crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organized crime that exist at the national and transnational levels.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q.2) Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism.[250 Words] [15 Marks] [2021]
Q.3) For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favourable perception among locals.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q.4) Analyze internal security threats and trans border crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. [250 Words] [15 Marks] [2020]
Q.5) Cross-Border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to counter the challenges. [250 Words][15 marks] [2019]
Q.6) India’s proximity to two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What countermeasures should betaken to prevent the same? [250 Words] [15 marks] [2018]
Q.7) The terms ‘Hot Pursuit’ and ‘Surgical Strikes’ are often used in connection with armed action against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks][2016]
Q.8) “Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades.” Analyze the above statement. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.9) Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management. [200 Words][12.5 Marks] [2016]
Q.10) How does illegal trans border migration pose a threat to India’s security? Discuss the strategies tocurb this, bringing out the factors which give impetus to such migration. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks][2014]
Q.11) China and Pakistan have entered into an agreement for development of an economic corridor. What threat does this pose for India’s security? Critically examine. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2014]
Q.12) How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar? [200 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Topic: Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate:
Q.1) Give out the major sources of terror funding in India and the efforts being made to curtail these sources. In the light of this, also discuss the aim and objective of the No Money for Terror (NMPT Conference recently held at New Delhi in November 2022. [250 words][15 Marks][2023]
Q.2) Indian Government has recently strengthened the anti-terrorism laws by amending the unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA act. Analyze the changes in the context of prevailing security environment while discussing the scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organizations. [250 Words] [15 marks] [2019]
Q.3) Human right activists constantly highlight the fact that the Armed forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human right abuses by security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists. Critically evaluate the requirement with reference to the view held by Apex Court. [200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
General Studies Paper- IV
Ethics, aptitude and integrity
Topic: Ethics Theoretical Framework: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships. Human Values–lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values:
Q1. What do you understand by ‘Values’ and ‘Ethics’? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q2. Some people feel that values keep changing with time and situation, while others strongly believe that there are certain universal and eternal human values. Give your perception in this regard with due justification. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q3. It is often said that ‘politics’ and ‘ethics do not go together. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustration. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q4. “The good of an individual is contained in the good of all.” what do you understand by this statement?How can this principle be implemented in public life? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q5. What does ethics seek to promote in human life? Why is it all the more important in Public Administration? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q6. Which eminent personality has inspired you the most in the context of ethical conduct in life? Give the Gist of his/her teachings. Giving specific examples,describe how you have been able to apply these teachings for your own ethical development. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q7. The current society is plagued with widespread trust-deficit. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can you do at the personal level to make yourself trustworthy? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q8.In the context of defense services, ‘patriotism’ demands readiness to even lay down one’s life in protecting the nation. According to you, what does patriotism imply in everyday civil life? Explain with illustrations and justify your answer. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q9. All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you agree? What does happiness mean to you? Explain with examples. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q10. Differentiate between the following (i) Law and ethics (ii) Ethical management and management of ethics (iii) Discrimination and preferential treatment(iv) Personal Ethics and Professional Ethics [150 Words] [10 Marks][2015][200 Words] [12.5 Marks] [2015]
Q11. Social values are more important than economic values.Discuss the above statement with examples in the context of inclusive growth of a nation. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2015]
Q12. What is meant by ‘environmental ethics’? Why is it important to study? Discuss any one environmental issue from the viewpoint of environmental ethics. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2015]
Q13.Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2016]
Q14. The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow perception of the good life. Discuss. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q15. Increased national wealth did not result in equitable distribution of its benefits. It has created only some“ enclaves of modernity and prosperity for a small minority at the cost of the majority.” Justify. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q16. Without commonly shared and widely entrenched moral values and obligations, neither the law, nor democratic government, nor even the market economy will function properly. What do you understand by this statement? Explain with illustration in the contemporary times. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q17. With regard to the morality of actions, one view is that means is of paramount importance and the other view is that the ends justify the means. Which view do you think is more appropriate? Justify your answer. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q18. What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three with suitable examples. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q19. What is meant by the term ‘constitutional morality’? How does one uphold constitutional morality? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q20. Discuss the role of ethics and values in enhancing the following three major components of Comprehensive National Power (CNP) viz. human capital, soft power (culture and policies) and social harmony. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q21. “Education is not an injunction; it is an effective and pervasive tool for all round development of an individual and social transformation”. Examine the New Education Policy, 2020 (NEP, 2020) in light of the above statement. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q22. “The current internet expansion has instilled a different set of cultural values which are often in conflict with traditional values.’ Discuss. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q23. The will to power exists, but it can be tamed and be guided by rationality and principles of moral duty.’ Examine this statement in the context of international relations. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q24. “Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face persecution or human right violation.” Examine the statement with reference to ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with open society. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q25. (a) “Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society.” In your opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2023](b) In the context of work environment, differentiate between ‘coercion’ and
‘undue influence’ with suitable examples. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2023]
Topic: Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behavior; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion. Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance:
Q1. What is ‘emotional intelligence’ and how can it be developed in people? How does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q2. What factors affect the formation of a person’s attitude towards social problems? In our society, contrasting attitudes are prevalent about many social problems. What contrasting attitudes do you notice about the caste system in our society? How do you explain the existence of these contrasting attitudes? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q3. We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative measures to tackle this menace. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q4. Two different kinds of attitudes exhibited by public servants towards their work have been identified as bureaucratic attitude and the democratic attitude. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2015]
(a) Distinguish between these two terms and write their merits and demerits.
(b) Is it possible to balance the two too create a better administration for the faster development of our country?
Q5. How could social influence and persuasion contribute to the success of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2016]
Q6. Our attitudes towards life, work, other people and society are generally shaped unconsciously by the family and the social surroundings in which we grow up. Some of these unconsciously acquired attitudes and values are often undesirable in the citizens of a modern democratic and egalitarian society.
(a) Discuss such undesirable values prevalent in Today’s educated Indians.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2016]
(b) How can such undesirable attitudes be changed and socio-ethical values considered necessary in public services be cultivated in the aspiring and serving civil servants? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2016]
Q7. Anger is a harmful negative emotion. It is injurious to both personal life and work life.
(a) Discuss how it leads to negative emotions and undesirable behaviors.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2016]
(b) How can it be managed and controlled? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2016]
Q8. Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q9. How will you apply emotional intelligence in administrative practices?[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q10. “Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of against you.” Do you agree with this view? Discuss.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q11.‘Hatred is destructive of a person’s wisdom and conscience that can poison a nation’s spirit.’ Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q12. What are the main components of emotional intelligence (EI)? Can they be learned? Discuss. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q13. A positive attitude is considered to be an essential characteristic of a civil servant who is often required to function under extreme stress. What contributes to a positive attitude in a person?[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q14. What are the main factors responsible for gender inequality in India? Discuss the contribution of Savitri bai Phule in this regard. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q15. Attitude is an important component that goes as input in the development of human being. How to build a suitable attitude needed for a public servant? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q16.In case of crisis of conscience does emotional intelligence help to overcome the same with out compromising the ethical or moral stand that you are likely to follow? Critically examine. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q17. The Rules and Regulations provided to all the civil servants are same, yet there is difference in the performance. Positive minded officers are able to interpret the Rules and Regulations in favour of the case and achieve success, whereas negative minded officers are unable to achieve goals by interpreting the same Rules and Regulations against the case. Discuss with illustrations. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q18. International aid’ is an accepted form of helping ‘resource-challenged’ nations. Comment on ‘ethics in contemporary international aid’. Support your answer with suitable examples. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2023]
Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections. Public/Civil Service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations, and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance. Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption:
Q1. (a) What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service? [250 Words] [3×5= 15 Marks] [2013]
1. Integrity;
2. Perseverance
3. Spirit of Service
4. Commitment
5. Courage of Conviction
(b) Indicate two more attributes which you consider important for public service. Justify your answer. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q2. What do you understand by the term ‘voice of conscience’? How do you prepare yourself to heed to the voice of conscience? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q3. What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’? Narrate one incident in your life when you were faced with such a crisis and how you resolved the same. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q4. What do you understand by ‘probity’ in public life? What are the difficulties in practicing it in the present times? How can these difficulties be overcome? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q5. There is a heavy ethical responsibility on the public servants because they occupy positions of power,handle huge amounts of public funds, and their decisions have wide ranging impact on society and environment. What steps have you taken to improve your ethical competence to handle such responsibility? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q6. It is often said that poverty leads to corruption. However there is no dearth of instances where affluent and powerful people indulge in corruption in a big way. What are the basic causes of corruption among people? Support your answer with examples. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q7. What does ‘accountability’ mean in the context of public service? What measures can be adopted to ensure individual and collective accountability of public servants? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q8. “A mere compliance with law is not enough, the public servant also have to have a well-developed sensibility to ethical issues for effective discharge of duties” Do you agree? Explain with the help of two examples where:
(i) an act is ethically right, but not legally and
(ii) an act is legally right, but not ethically.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2015]
Q9. How do the virtues of trustworthiness and fortitude get manifested in public service? Explain with examples [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2015]
Q10. Some recent developments such as introduction of RTI Act, media and judicial activism, etc. are proving helpful in bringing about greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government. However, it is also being observed that at times the mechanisms are misused. Another negative effect is that the officers are now afraid to take prompt decisions. Analyse the situation in detail and suggest how the dichotomy can be resolved. Suggest how these negative impacts can be minimized. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2015]
Q11. Today we find that in-spite of various measures of prescribing codes of conduct, setting up vigilance cells/commissions, RTI, active media and strengthening of legal mechanism, corrupt practices are not coming under control. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2015]
(a) Evaluate the effectiveness of these measures with justifications.
(b) Suggest more effective strategies to tackle this menace.
Q12. At the international level, bilateral relations between most nations are governed on the policy of promoting one’s own national interest without any regard for the interest of other nations. This lead to conflicts and tension between the nations. How can ethical consideration help resolve such tensions? Discuss with specific examples. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2015]
Q13. Public servants are likely to confront with the issues of “Conflict of Interest”. What do you understand by the term “Conflict of Interest”and how does it manifest in the decision making by public servants? If faced with the conflict of interest situation how would you resolve it? Explain with the help of examples. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2015]
Q14. Why should impartiality and non-partisanship be considered as foundational values in public services, especially in the present-day socio-political context? Illustrate your answer with examples. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2016]
Q15. What do you understand by the terms ‘governance’, ‘good governance’ and‘ethical governance’? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2016]
Q16. Discuss the Public Services Code as recommended by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2016]
Q17. Conflict of interest in the public sector arises when(a) official duties,(b) public interest, and(c) personal interest are taking priority one above the other. How can this conflict in administration be resolved? Describe with an example. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q18. Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil service:[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017](Topic 6)(a) Transparency (b) Accountability (c) Fairness and justice (d) Courage of conviction (e) Spirit of service
Q19. One of the tests of integrity is complete refusal to be compromised. Explain with reference to a real life example. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q20. Corporate social responsibility makes companies more profitable and sustainable. Analyse. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q21. Strength, peace and security are considered to be the pillars of international relations. Elucidate. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q22. Discipline generally implies following the order and subordination. However, it may be counter-productive for the organisation. Discuss. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q23.State the three basic values, universal in nature, in the context of civil services and bring out their importance. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q24. Distinguish between “Code of ethics” and“Code of conduct” with suitable examples. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q25.What is mean by public interest? What are the principles and procedures to be followed by the civil servants in public interest? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q26. “The Right to Information Act is not all about citizens’ empowerment alone, it essentially redefines the concept of accountability. Discuss. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q27. What is mean by conflict of interest? Illustrate with examples, the difference between the actual and potential conflicts of interest. (150 words, 10 marks) 2018
Q28. Explain the process of resolving ethical dilemmas in Public Administration.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q29. Suppose the Government of India is thinking of constructing a dam in a mountain valley bond by forest sand inhabited by ethnic communities. What rational policy should it resort to in dealing with unforeseen contingencies. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q30. What do you understand by the term‘public servant’? Reflect on the expected role of public servant. (150 words, 10 marks) 2019
Q31. Effective utilization of public finds is crucial to meet development goals. Critically examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q32.“Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption”. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q33. What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’? How does it manifest in the public domain? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q34. Explain the basic principles of citizens’ charter movement and bring out its importance. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q35. There is a view that the official secrets act is an obstacle to the implementation of Rights to Information act. Do you agree with the view? Discuss [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q36. What do you understand by probity in governance? Based on your understanding of the term, suggest measures for ensuring probity in government.[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q37. Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q38. Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q39. Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behavior in the public servants. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q40. Impact of digital technology as reliable source of input for rational decision making is a debatable issue. Critically evaluate with suitable example. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q41.Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with suitable example. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q42.Should impartial and being non-partisan be considered as indispensable qualities to make a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations [150 Words][10 Marks] [2021]
Q43. An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must in every sphere of public service, including judiciary, to ensure performance, accountability and ethical conduct. Elaborate. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q44. Integrity is a value that empowers the human being.” Justify with suitable illustration. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q45. Wisdom lies in knowing what to reckon with and what to overlook. An officer being engrossed with the periphery, ignoring the core issues before him, is no rare in the bureaucracy. Do you agree that such preoccupation of an administrator leads to travesty of justice to the cause of effective service delivery and good governance? Critically evaluate. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q46. Apart from intellectual competency and moral qualities, empathy and compassion are some of the other vital attributes that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in tackling the crucial issues or taking critical decisions. Explain with suitable illustrations. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q47.It is believed that adherence to ethics in human actions would ensure in smooth functioning of an organization/system. If so, what does ethics seek to promote in human life? How do ethical values assist in the resolution of conflicts faced by him in his day-to-day functioning?[150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q48. What do you understand by term ‘good governance’? How far recent initiatives in terms of e-Governance steps taken by the State have helped the beneficiaries?Discuss with suitable examples. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q49. Online methodology is being used for day-to-day meetings, institutional approvals in the administration and for teaching and learning in education sector to the extent telemedicine in the health sector is getting popular with the approvals of the competent authority. No doubt it has advantages and disadvantages for both the beneficiaries and system at large. Describe and discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of online method particularly to vulnerable section of society. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q50. Russia and Ukraine war has been going on for the last seven months. Different countries have taken independent stands and actions keeping in view their own national interests. We are all aware that war has its own impact on the different aspects of society, including human tragedy. What are those ethical issues that are crucial to be considered while launching the war and its continuation so far? Illustrate with justification the ethical issues involved in the given state of affair. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q51. Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:
(i) Constitutional morality
(ii) Conflict of interest
(iii) Probity in public life
(iv) Challenges of digitalization
(v) Devotion to duty [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q52. Whistle blower, who reports corruption and illegal activities, wrongdoing and misconduct to the concerned authorities, runs the risk of being exposed to grave danger, physical harm and victimization by the vested interests, accused persons and his team. What policy measures would you suggest to strengthen protection mechanism to safeguard the whistle blower? [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q53. In contemporary world, corporate sector’s contribution in generating wealth and employment is increasing. In doing so, they are bringing in unprecedented onslaught on the climate, environmental sustainability and living conditions of human beings. In this background, do you Responsibility (CSR) is efficient and sufficient enough to fulfill the social roles and responsibilities needed in the corporate work mandated? Critically examine. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q54. What do you understand by ‘moral integrity’ and ‘professional efficiency’ in the context of corporate governance of India? Illustrate with suitable examples. [150 Words] [10 Marks][2023]
Q55 (a) What really matters for success, character, happiness and lifelong achievements is a definite set of emotional skills – your EQ- not just purely cognitive abilities that are measured by conventional IQ tests.” Do you agree with this view ? Give reasons in support of your answer. [150 Words] [10 Marks][2023](b) Differentiate ‘moral intuition from ‘moral reasoning’ with suitable examples. [150 Words] [10 Marks][2023]
Q56. (a) Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision making ? Discuss. [150 Words] [10 Marks][2023] (b) ‘Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic development.’ Discuss. [150 Words] [10 Marks][2023]
Q57. Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance? Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance? [150 Words] [10 Marks][2023]
Thinkers and Quotes
Topic: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
Q1. “There is enough on this earth for every one’s need but for no one’s greed.”-Mahatma Gandhi [150 Words][10 Marks] [2013]
Q2. “Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”–Abraham Lincoln. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q3. “I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who overcomes his enemies.”–Aristotle [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2013]
Q4. “Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, but knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.” What do you understand by this statement? Explain your stand with illustrations from modern day context. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q5. “Human beings should always be treated as ‘ends’ in themselves and never as ‘means’.” Explain the meaning and significance of this statement, giving it’s implications in the modern techno-economic society. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2014]
Q6. “The weak can never forgive; forgiveness is the attribute of strong.” [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2015]
Q7. “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light” [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2015]
Q8. Analyse John Rawls’s concept of social justice in the Indian Context. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2016]
Q9. “Max Weber said that it is not wise to apply to public administration the sort of moral and ethical norms we apply to matters of personal conscience. It is important to realize that the state bureaucracy might possess its own independent bureaucratic morality.” Critically analyse this statement. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2016]
Q10. Discuss Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of seven sins. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2016]
Q11. “Great ambition is the passion of a great character. Those endowed with it may perform very good orvery bad acts. All depends on the principles which direct them.”–Napoleon Bonaparte. Stating examples mention the rulers (i) who have harmed society and country, (ii) who worked for the development of society and country. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q12. “If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. they are father, the mother and the teacher.”–A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. Analyse. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2017]
Q13. “In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence and energy. And if they do not have the first, the other two will kill you.”–Warren Buffett. What do you understand by this statement in the present-day scenario? Explain. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q14. “In doing a good thing, everything is permitted which is not prohibited expressly or by clear implication”. Examine the statement with suitable examples in the context of a public servant discharging his/her duties. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q15. “The true rule, in determining to embrace, or reject anything, is not whether it has any evil in it; but whether it has more evil than good. There are few things wholly evil or wholly good. Almost everything,especially of governmental policy, is an inseparable compound of the two; so that our best judgement of the preponderance between them is continually demanded.”-Abraham Lincoln. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q16. Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding. “-Mahatma Gandhi [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q17. “Falsehood takes the place of truth when it results in unblemished common good.”-Tirukkural [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2018]
Q18. “An unexamined life is not worth living.”–Socrates [150 Words] [10 Marks][2019]
Q19. “A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.”–M. K. Gandhi [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q20. “Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.”–A.P.J. Abdul Kalam [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2019]
Q21. What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why?Discuss. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q22. “Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If not, fold your hands, bless your brothers,and let them go their own way.”–Swami Vivekanand [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q23. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”–Mahatma Gandhi [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q24. “A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion. A thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true.”–Socrates [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2020]
Q25. Every work has got to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding. Those that persevere will see the light, sooner or later.-Swami Vivekanand [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
26. “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until and unless we obtain peace within ourselves.”-Dalai Lama [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q27. “Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, it is better for us all.”-Erik Erikson [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2021]
Q28. Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do.’-Potter Stewart [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q29. “If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the teacher.”–Abdul Kalam. [150 Words] [10 Marks] [2022]
Q30.“Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.-Dalai Lama. [150 Words] [10 Marks][2022]
Q31. Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?
(a) “The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” – Mahatma Gandhi [150 Words] [10 Marks][2022
b) “To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Ones she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves.” – Jawaharlal Nehru [150 Words] [10 Marks][2022]
Q32. What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. [150 Words] [10 Marks][2023]
