UPSC Mains PYQ Microthemes
UPSC Mains previous year questions by microtheme
Search UPSC Mains GS previous year questions by paper, year, topic and microtheme. The table includes 898 questions from 2010 to 2024.
UPSC Mains PYQ list
Showing 898 of 898 questions
| GS Paper | Microtheme | Question | Year | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS 1 | Art forms | Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture. | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Art forms | Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Art forms | Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Bhakti and Sufi movement | Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti literature and its contribution to Indian culture. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Bhakti and Sufi movement | Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practices or the outward structure of Hindu/Muslim societies to any appreciable extent. Comment. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Buddhism | The third Sangam received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss. | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Buddhism | Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Buddhism | Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Buddhism | Highlight the central Asian and Greco-Bactrian elements in Gandhara art. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Civilizations and their Highlights | The ancient civilization in Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without breakdown to the present day. Comment. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Civilizations and their Highlights | To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to the present day urbanization? Discuss. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Civilizations and their Highlights | Underline the changes in the field of society and economy from the Rig vedic to the later Vedic period. | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Indian Philosophy | Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Indian Philosophy | Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Indian Philosophy | Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture. | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Indian Philosophy | How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of Gupta numismatic art is not as attained in later times? | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Kingdoms and their Highlights | Krishnadeva Raya, the king of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Kingdoms and their Highlights | Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Kingdoms and their Highlights | What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence the Indian society? | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Kingdoms and their Highlights | Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India. | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Kingdoms and their Highlights | Though the great Cholas are no more yet their name is still remembered with great pride because of their highest achievements in the domain of art and architecture. Comment. | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Kingdoms and their Highlights | Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Miscellaneous | 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. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Miscellaneous | Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Miscellaneous | How do you justify that medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days? | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Miscellaneous | Megalithic culture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also the socio-economic dimensions. Critically evaluate this. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Sources of Indian History | Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Sources of Indian History | The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early art and history. Discuss. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Sources of Indian History | 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. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Sources of Indian History | What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society? | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Modern Indian History | Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from mid-eighteenth century till independence. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Colonial rule and impact | Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy. | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Colonial rule and impact | How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression? | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Colonial rule and impact | 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. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Colonial rule and impact | Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Gandhi X Indian Leaders of Freedom Struggle | Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Gandhi X Indian Leaders of Freedom Struggle | How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Gandhi X Indian Leaders of Freedom Struggle | Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Gandhi X Indian Leaders of Freedom Struggle | Examine the significance of thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Gandhi X Indian Leaders of Freedom Struggle | What is the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism? | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Revolt and Mutiny | Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Revolt and Mutiny | Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Revolt and Mutiny | What ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India? | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Revolt and Mutiny | Why did the 1857 Uprising fail the recurrent big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British rule. Elucidate. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Revolt and Mutiny | The battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many battles fought at Panipat? | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Socio-religious reform | Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century's 'Indian Renaissance' and the emergence of national identity. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Socio-religious reform | Ramayana questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform movement. What were the major issues and debates concerning that period? | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Socio-religious reform | Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Viceroy and their Administration | In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Viceroy and their Administration | Evaluate the policies of Lord Curly and their long term implications on the national movement. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Acts and their Features | 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 for the experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Important contributors/contribution | Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyse their role in the Indian struggle for freedom. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Important contributors/contribution | Why did the 'Moderates' fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century? | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Various stages of Freedom struggle | Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian Independence since the twenties of the last century. | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Various stages of Freedom struggle | Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Various stages of Freedom struggle | Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate. | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Various stages of Freedom struggle | Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Various stages of Freedom struggle | Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s. | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Various stages of Freedom struggle | Examine the linkages between 19th centuries 'Indian Renaissance' and the emergence of national identity. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Various stages of Freedom struggle | What were the events that led to the Quit India Movement? Point out its results. | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Foreign influence on Independent India's policies | The New Economic Policy - 1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by India soon after independence. Evaluate. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Land reform | Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Personalities Contribution | Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post-independent India. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Slogan based | Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan 'Jai Jawana Jai Kisan'. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 1 | States Reorganisation | Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States. (150 words) | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 1 | States Reorganisation | Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India. | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 1 | States Reorganisation | Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of Indian Unity? | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | States Reorganisation | The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Wars after Independence | Analyse the circumstances that led to Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Wars after Independence | Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive roles in the emergence of Bangladesh. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 1 | American and French revolution | American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 1 | American and French revolution | Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French revolution. (15m,250 words) | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Anti-colonial struggles | Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European competition. Analyse. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Anti-colonial struggles | The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated Africans. Examine. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Anti-colonial struggles | What problems were germane to the decolonization process of Malay Peninsula. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Anti-colonial struggles | What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated the anti-colonial struggle in India? | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Great Economic Depression | What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression? | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Industrial Revolution | How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India? | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Industrial Revolution | Latecomer industrial revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what west had experience. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Industrial Revolution | 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? | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Miscellaneous | Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Miscellaneous | 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? | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Miscellaneous | Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there? | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 1 | World wars | There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.' Evaluate the statement. | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 1 | World wars | How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power? | 2014 | 15 |
| GS 1 | World wars | To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Diversity and pluralism | Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a national identity. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Diversity and pluralism | Do we have cultural pockets of small India all over the nation? Elaborate with examples. | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Diversity and pluralism | Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category ? | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Diversity and pluralism | In the context of diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than the States? Give reasons with examples for your viewpoint. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Diversity and pluralism | What is regional disparity? How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India? | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Diversity and pluralism | Critically analyse the proposition that there is a high correlation between India's cultural diversities and socio-economic marginalities. | 2014 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Family | Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Family | Do you think marriage as a sacrament in losing its value in Modern India? | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Family | The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than social values. Discuss. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Family | Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss. | 2010 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Uniqueness of Indian society | Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge system when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Uniqueness of Indian society | How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it. | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Uniqueness of Indian society | The spirit 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. | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Uniqueness of Indian society | What makes Indian society unique in sustaining its culture? Discuss. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Population and associated issues | Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the main cause of population increase in India. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Population and associated issues | Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Population and associated issues | Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (250 words) | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Population and associated issues | 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? | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Population and associated issues | Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India? | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Population and associated issues | Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex ratio for women? Give your arguments. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Population and associated issues | What is the concept of a 'demographic winter'? Is the world moving towards such a situation? Elaborate. | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Poverty and Developmental issues | An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from deprivation. Substantiate this statement with suitable examples | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Poverty and Developmental issues | COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Poverty and Developmental issues | Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing.' Explain by giving reasons. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Poverty and Developmental issues | How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the educational system in the country? Elaborate your answer. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Poverty and Developmental issues | What is cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also? (250 words) | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Poverty and Developmental issues | In dealing with socio-economic issues of development, what kind of collaboration between government, NGO's and private sector would be most productive? | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Women and Associated concerns | 'Empowering women is the key to control population growth'. Discuss (10m,150 words) | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Women and Associated concerns | Discuss the various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving increasing feminization of agriculture in India. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Women and Associated concerns | Examine the role of 'Gig Economy' in the process of empowerment of women in India. (150 words) | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Women and Associated concerns | Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian Society. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Women and Associated concerns | How does patriarchy impact the position of a middle class working woman in India? | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Women and Associated concerns | Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women's organization free from gender bias. Comment. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Women and Associated concerns | What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space? (15m,250 words) | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Women and Associated concerns | Women's movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata. Substantiate your view. | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Women and Associated concerns | Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity and women's empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in programme design & implementation? | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Environmental Problems | Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Environmental Problems | Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. | 2013 | 5 |
| GS 1 | Environmental Problems | Major cities of India are becoming more vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Environmental Problems | What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Government Programme | Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success. | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Government Programme | With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the 'Smart City Programme'. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Emerging urban issues | Explore and evaluate the impact of 'Work From Home' on family relationships. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Emerging urban issues | 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? | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Emerging urban issues | The growth of cities as I.T. hubs has opened up new avenues employment but has also created new problems. Substantiate this statement with examples. | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Emerging urban issues | What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of india? (250 words) | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Emerging urban issues | Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries. | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Miscellaneous | Discussion the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Miscellaneous | Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor in Indian metropolises? | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Miscellaneous | How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development of India? | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Miscellaneous | Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural urban integration. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Globalisation | Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss. (15m,250 words) | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Globalisation | Critically examine the effects of globalization on the aged population in India. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Globalisation | Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Globalisation | Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce resources, with special reference to India. | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Globalisation | Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian Society. Elucidate. | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Globalisation | Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Globalisation | To what extent globalization has influenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Globalisation | Globalization has increased urban migration by skilled, young, unmarried women from various classes. How has this trend impacted upon their personal freedom and relationship with family? | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Caste system | Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India. Comment. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Caste system | Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Caste system | Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static? | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Communalism | Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation. Argue by giving suitable illustrations. | 2013 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Communalism | Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism. | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Communalism | Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the former has got transformed into the latter in independent India. | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Miscellaneous | Analyse the salience of 'sect' in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region and religion. | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Miscellaneous | Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Regionalism | Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue. | 2016 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Regionalism | Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a separate state. Discuss. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Regionalism | What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of development on regional basis eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate your answer. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Secularism | Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Secularism | How do the Indian debates on secularism differ from the debates in the West? | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Secularism | How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Secularism | What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism. (10m,150 words) | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Social empowerment | Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work towards annihilation of caste. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Social empowerment | What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence, addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)? | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Social empowerment | 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. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Social empowerment | Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment. | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Climatology | Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Climatology | Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do you agree? | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Climatology | Troposphere is a very significant atmospheric layer that determines weather processes. How? | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Climatology | What do you understand by the phenomenon of temperature inversion in meteorology? How does it affect the weather and the habitants of the place? | 2013 | 5 |
| GS 1 | Climatology | What are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered? | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Cryosphere and Himalayan Eco-system | Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-continent. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Cryosphere and Himalayan Eco-system | How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Cryosphere and Himalayan Eco-system | How does the cryosphere affect global climate? | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Cryosphere and Himalayan Eco-system | How does the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain. | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Cryosphere and Himalayan Eco-system | How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India? | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Cryosphere and Himalayan Eco-system | Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region? | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Geomorphology | Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Geomorphology | Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Geomorphology | Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Geomorphology | How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world? | 2013 | 5 |
| GS 1 | Geomorphology | What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in its support. | 2015 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Geomorphology | Why is India considered as a subcontinent? Elaborate your answer. | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Monsoon | How far do you agree that the behavior of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscapes? Discuss. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Monsoon | What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia? | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Monsoon | Why is the South-West monsoon called 'Purvaayi' (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region? | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Oceanography | What are the consequences of spreading of 'Dead Zones' on marine ecosystems? | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Oceanography | How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and the coastal environment? Give suitable examples? | 2015 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Oceanography | Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates, fishing and navigation? | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Oceanography | Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects. | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Energy | Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world. | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Energy | Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Energy | India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Energy | 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. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Energy | What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences? | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Energy | With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for the generation of atomic energy in India and in the world. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Natural resources Potential | Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Natural resources Potential | Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas. | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Natural resources Potential | Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet the resource crisis in the world. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Natural resources Potential | Describing the distribution of rubber producing countries, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them. | 2015 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Natural resources Potential | Discuss the natural resource potentials of 'Deccan Trap'. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Natural resources Potential | How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich Africa? | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Water Management | In what way can flood be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather inland navigation in India? | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Water Management | In what way micro-watershed Development projects help in water conservation in drought prone and semi-arid regions of India. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Water Management | India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Water Management | Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Water Management | The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Water Management | The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system. How can it be made effective in urban areas? | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Water Management | The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Water Management | What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Water Management | Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources? | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Water Management | The groundwater potential of the gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India? | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Primary sector | Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Primary sector | From being net food importer in 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons. | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Primary sector | In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development.' Discuss. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Primary sector | Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulse because of which the year 2016 was declared as the International Year of Pulses by the United Nations. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Primary sector | 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. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Primary sector | Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually by-pass the eastern region despite fertile soil and good availability of water? | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Secondary sector | Account for the change in the spatial pattern of the Iron and Steel industry in the world. | 2013 | 5 |
| GS 1 | Secondary sector | Analyze the factors for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Secondary sector | Can the strategy of regional-resource based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Secondary sector | Discuss the factors for localization of agro-based food processing industries of North-West India. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Secondary sector | Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the Southern states of India? Discuss with justification | 2013 | 5 |
| GS 1 | Secondary sector | Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications. | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Secondary sector | What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identify industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Tertiary sector | Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Tertiary sector | The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand reaching the limits of their ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Tertiary sector | Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation? | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Cyclone | Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Cyclone | The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called 'Phailin'. How are the tropical cyclones named across the world? | 2014 | 5 |
| GS 1 | Cyclone | Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why? | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Cyclone | What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones? | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Desertification | The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples. | 2016 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Landslides | Bring out the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in Western Ghats | 2013 | 5 |
| GS 1 | Landslides | Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Landslides | The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides. Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Volcanic activity | Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Cloudbursts | What is the phenomenon of 'cloudbursts'? Explain. | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Twisters | What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico? | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Flora & Fauna and related changes | Assess the impact of global warming on coral life system with examples. | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Flora & Fauna and related changes | Define blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Flora & Fauna and related changes | Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Flora & Fauna and related changes | Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Flora & Fauna and related changes | Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forests regions of India. | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Geographical features and their location | Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Geographical features and their location | Explain the formation of thousands of islands in indonesian and Philippines archipelagoes. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Geographical features and their location | Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degree north and on the western side of the continents. Why? | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Geographical features and their location | Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade. | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 1 | Geographical features and their location | 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? | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Geographical features and their location | South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 1 | Geographical features and their location | There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghat. Why? | 2013 | 5 |
| GS 1 | Geographical features and their location | Why are the world's fold mountain systems located along the margins of continents? Bring out the association between the global distribution of Fold Mountains and the earthquakes and volcanoes. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Miscellaneouse | Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 1 | Miscellaneouse | How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth? | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Amendments | '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? | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Amendments | 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'? | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Case Laws | '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. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Case Laws | Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws. | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Case Laws | The most significant achievement of modern law in India in the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Case Laws | 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? | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | DPSP | Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizens a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Making of the Constitution | Did the Government of India Act, 1935 lay down a federal constitution? Discuss. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Making of the Constitution | Discuss each adjective attached to the word 'Republic' in the preamble. Are they defendable in the present circumstances? | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Fundamental Rights | '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. | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Fundamental Rights | Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Fundamental Rights | Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulations on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and Judgement(s) of the Apex Court in this regard. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Fundamental Rights | Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Fundamental Rights | Right of movement and residence throughout the territory of India are freely available to the Indian citizens, but these rights are not absolute. Comment | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Fundamental Rights | What do you 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. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Fundamental Rights | Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the Constitution. Explain. In this reference discuss the law relating to D.N.A. testing of a child in the womb to establish its paternity. | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Center-State Relations | 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? | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Center-State Relations | Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism? | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Center-State Relations | From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers by the courts, 'Principle of Federal Supremacy' and 'Harmonious Concurrence' have emerged. Explain. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Center-State Relations | Many State 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. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Center-State Relations | What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Center-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Emergency | Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s. | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Emergency | Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force? | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Nature of Indian Federalism | 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. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Nature of Indian Federalism | 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. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Nature of Indian Federalism | 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. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Nature of Indian Federalism | The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasised in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which cooperative federalism would answer these shortcomings. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Nature of Indian Federalism | 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. Discuss. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Special Provisions | 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. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Special Provisions | 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. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Executive Vs Judiciary | 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. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Executive Vs Legislature | 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. | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Executive Vs Legislature | Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern on violation of the spirit of separation of powers doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate ordinances, analyse whether the decisions of the Supreme Court on the issue have further facilitated resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate ordinances be repealed? | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Executive Vs Legislature | To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India? | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Executive Vs Judiciary | Whether the Supreme Court judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Executive Vs Legislature | The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the legislature in policy supremacy.' Elucidate. | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Judiciary Vs Legislature | 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. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Judiciary Vs Legislature | The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution. Discuss critically. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Separation of Powers | Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy'. Comment. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Separation of Powers | 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. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Local Self Government | 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. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Local Self Government | 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. | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Local Self Government | The states in india seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially.' Comment. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Local Self Government | Assess the importance of 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. | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Local Self Government | In absence of a well-educated and organised local level government system, 'Panchayats' and 'Samitis' have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instruments of governance. Critically discuss. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Local Self Government | 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. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Local Self Government | To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in india changed the governance landscape at the grassroots ? | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Local Self Government | Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level bring out the pros and cons merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies. | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Constitutional Comparison | Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Right to Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India. | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Constitutional Comparison | Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary sovereignty. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Constitutional Comparison | Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected. | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Constitutional Comparison | India and USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenants on which the two political systems are based. | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Constitutional Comparison | 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. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Constitutional Comparison | What can France learn from the Indian Constitution's approach to secularism? | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Constitutional Comparison | Discuss India as a secular state and compare with the secular principles of the US constitution. | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Bicameralism | Discuss the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Bicameralism | Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations. | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Bicameralism | Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a 'useless stepney tyre' to the most useful supporting organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Bicameralism | 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. | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Parliamentary Committees | Discuss the role of Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Parliamentary Committees | Do Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administration on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples. | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Parliamentary Committees | Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalization in Indian Parliament? | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Parliamentary Committees | Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role or the Estimates Committee. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Parliamentary Privileges | 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? | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Presiding Officers | '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? | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Presiding Officers | Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices. | 2015 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Role of MPs | 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. | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Role of MPs | 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? | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Informal associations and their role in polity | Khap Panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra-constitutional authorities, often delivering pronouncements amounting to human rights violations. Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative, executive and the judiciary to set the things right in this regard. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Alternate Dispute Resolution | What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 through the recent ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve India's dispute resolution mechanisms? Discuss. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Alternate Dispute Resolution | Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Alternate Dispute Resolution | Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases? | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Judiciary | Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Judiciary | Starting from inventing the 'basic structure' doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive 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. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Judiciary | Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As a result of it, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world's most powerful judiciary? | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Pressure Groups | Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India. Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Pressure Groups | 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? | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Pressure Groups | 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. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Pressure Groups | What are the methods used by the Farmers organizations to influence the policy-makers in India and how effective are these methods? | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Union Executive | The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India.' Discuss. | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Union Executive | Instances of President's delay in commuting death sentences has come under public debate as denial of justice. Should there be a time limit specified for the President to accept/reject such petitions? Analyse. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Union Executive | 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 the efficacy of a government then is inversely related to the size of the cabinet? Discuss. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | ECI | Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct. | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 2 | ECI | 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? | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Elections | 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. | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Elections | In 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? | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Elections | Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to 'one nation-one election' principle. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Political Parties | The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.' Discuss. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Political Parties | While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of State autonomy. Comment. | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 2 | RP Act | There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of Peoples Act'. comment. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 2 | RP Act | 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. | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 2 | RP Act | 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. | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Constitutional Bodies | Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a departure from the previous commissions for strengthening the local government finances. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Constitutional Bodies | Discuss the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes in the wake of its transformation from a statutory body to a constitutional body. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Constitutional Bodies | 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. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Constitutional Bodies | How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the States to improve their fiscal position? | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Constitutional Bodies | How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss. | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Constitutional Bodies | 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. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Constitutional Bodies | Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Constitutional Bodies | The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety'. Comment. | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Enforcement Agencies | The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the State to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India. | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Quasi judicial Bodies | 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. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Quasi judicial Bodies | 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. | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Quasi judicial Bodies | What is a quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Sectoral Regulatory Bodies | For achieving the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions remain independent and autonomous. Discuss in the light of the experiences in recent past. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Sectoral Regulatory Bodies | 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. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Sectoral Regulatory Bodies | 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. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Statutory Bodies | 'A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs'. Discuss. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Statutory Bodies | 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. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Statutory Bodies | Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer. | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Statutory Bodies | Multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections or the society leads to problems or overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions. Is it better to merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission? Argue your case. | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Statutory Bodies | 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 the above observation assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human rights standards. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Statutory Bodies | Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures. | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Statutory Bodies | 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. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Government Schemes and Policies | The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Government Schemes and Policies | The Gati-Shakti Yojana needs meticulous coordination between the government and the private sector to achieve the goal of connectivity. Discuss. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Government Schemes and Policies | Two parallel run schemes of the Government, viz. the Aadhaar Card and NPR, one as 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 developmental benefits and equitable growth. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Structural reforms and Actions | '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. | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Structural reforms and Actions | Has the Indian government 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? | 2016 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Structural reforms and Actions | Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate 'protection and prevention of degradation' to environment.' Comment with relevant illustration. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Structural reforms and Actions | 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. | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Structural reforms and Actions | 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. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Civil Society | 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. | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Civil Society | Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women's effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India. | 2015 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Civil Society | Examine critically the recent changes in the rules governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act [FCRA], 1976. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Civil Society | How can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to protection of the environment? Discuss through light on the major constraints. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Civil Society | In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal. Critically examine this statement. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Donor Agencies | 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. | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Donor Agencies | Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India's development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment. | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 2 | SHGs | 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. | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 2 | SHGs | 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 Self Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 2 | SHGs | Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 2 | SHGs | 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. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | SHGs | The penetration of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | SHGs | The Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP), which is India's own innovation, has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programmes. Elucidate. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | E-governance | The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government'. Discuss. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 2 | E-governance | E-Governance is not only about utilization of the power of new technology, but also much about critical importance of the 'use value' of information Explain. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 2 | E-governance | 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? | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 2 | E-governance | Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | E-governance | Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of information and communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 2 | E-governance | 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. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 2 | E-governance | e-governance is not just about the routine application of digital technology in service delivery process. It is as much about multifarious interactions for ensuring transparency and accountability. In this context evaluate the role of the 'Interactive Service Model' of e-governance. | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Citizens Charter | Citizens' Charter is an ideal instrument of organizational transparency and accountability, but it has its own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for greater effectiveness of the Citizens Charter. | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Citizens Charter | Though Citizen's 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. Analyze. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Citizens Charter | The Citizens' Charter has been a land mark initiative in ensuring citizen-centric administration. But it is yet to reach its full potential. Identify the factors hindering the realisation of its promise and suggest measures to overcome them. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Transparency and Accountability | Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the information commission'. Discuss. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Transparency and Accountability | Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people's participation in the governance system are inter-dependent. Discuss their relationship with each other in context of India. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Transparency and Accountability | If amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Act, 2011 tabled in the Parliament is passed, there may be one left to protect. Critically evaluate. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Transparency and Accountability | In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, economic, social and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Transparency and Accountability | With reference to the Indian society, discuss the changes brought in corporate governance by the Companies Act, 2013. | 2015 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Transparency and Accountability | The government has recently introduced minimum support price for fishery products. Discuss the rationale and likely impact of the decision. | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Transparency and Accountability | What are the aims and objects of the recently passed and enforced, The Public Education and Service Guarantee Act, 2022? Whether University/State Education Board examinations, too, are covered under the Act ? | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Civil Services | 'Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance'. In this context suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Civil Services | Has the Cadre based Civil Services Organisation been the cause of slow change in India? Critically examine. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Civil Services | 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 | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Civil Services | Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic development in India. Comment. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Civil Services | The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss. | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Children | Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Disables | Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in the society? Discuss | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Disables | The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Welfare and Development Schemes | 'Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are discriminatory in approach.' Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Welfare and Development Schemes | 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 economics? | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Welfare and Development Schemes | 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. | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Welfare and Development Schemes | 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. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Women | 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? | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Education | 'Earn while you learn' scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.' Comment. (150 words) | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Education | 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. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Education | 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. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Education | The quality of higher education in India requires major improvements to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of higher and technical education in the country? Discuss. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Education | 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. | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Health | 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. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Health | Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development'. Analyse.(150 words) | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Health | Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve 'Health for All' in India. Explain. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Health | 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. | 2016 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Health | 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. | 2015 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Health | Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives would you suggest? | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Health | In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system, the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level. | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Human Resources | 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 a reward mechanism as encouragement. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Human Resources | 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? | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Human Resources | 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. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Human Resources | Skill development programs have succeed in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyze the linkages between education, skill and employment. | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Human Resources | The crucial aspect of development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this adequacy. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Miscellaneous | 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? | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Hunger | 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? | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Hunger | 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. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Hunger | 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. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Miscellaneous | 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. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Poverty | 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. | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Poverty | 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. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Poverty | Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and elevate the underprivileged sections of the society. Discuss. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Poverty | Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in india, all indicate reduction in poverty levels over time. Do you agree? Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Poverty | Poverty and malnutrition form a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle? | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Neighbourhood | Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India? | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Neighbourhood | In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Neighbourhood | 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. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Neighbourhood | Project 'Mausam' is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian Government to improve relationship with its neighbors. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Neighbourhood | Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchanges could help generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Neighbourhood | 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? | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Neighbourhood | What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Bilateral Relations | '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. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Bilateral Relations | 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. | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Bilateral Relations | Economic ties between India and Japan, while growing in recent years, are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are inhibiting this growth. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Bilateral Relations | India's relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.' Discuss. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Bilateral Relations | What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Bilateral Relations | 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. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Bilateral Relations | Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India's maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition? | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Groupings involving Immediate and Extended neighbours | Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in india and growing interference in the internal affairs of several member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation). Explain with suitable examples. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Groupings involving Immediate and Extended neighbours | Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India's Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Groupings involving Immediate and Extended neighbours | Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India? | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Groupings involving Immediate and Extended neighbours | Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation? | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Groupings involving Immediate and Extended neighbours | '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 problems. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Groupings involving Immediate and Extended neighbours | Critically analyse India's evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics. | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Groupings beyond South Asia | Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically examine. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Groupings beyond South Asia | If the last few decades were of Asia's growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa's.' In the light of this statement, examine India's influence in Africa in recent years. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Groupings beyond South Asia | 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. | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Groupings beyond South Asia | 'Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)' is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times - Discuss. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Groupings beyond South Asia | 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. | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Groupings beyond South Asia | How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India's position in global politics ? | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Indian Diaspora | Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries'. Comment with examples. | 2010 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Indian Diaspora | 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 | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Indian Diaspora | Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Geo-politics affecting India's Interest | 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. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Geo-politics affecting India's Interest | What do you understand by 'The string of Pearls'? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Geo-politics affecting India's Interest | '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 neighbor. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Geo-politics affecting India's Interest | 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. | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Geo-politics affecting India's Interest | In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation? | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Geo-politics affecting India's Interest | '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. | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Geo-politics affecting India's Interest | 'The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well in India'. What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Geo-politics affecting India's Interest | The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China's supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China's political and economic dominance.' Explain this statement with examples. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 2 | Miscellaneous | The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.' Explain. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 2 | International Funding Agencies | Some of the international funding agencies have special terms for economic participation stipulating a substantial component of the aid to be used for sourcing equipment from the leading countries. Discuss on merits of such terms and if, there exists a strong case not to accept such conditions in the Indian context. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | International Funding Agencies | 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. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 2 | International Funding Agencies | India has recently signed to become founding a New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). How will the role of the two Banks be different? Discuss the significance of these two Banks for India. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | United Nations | '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'. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 2 | United Nations | What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What is India's position on these? | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | United Nations | What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 2 | United Nations | Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 2 | United Nations | Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in Security Council. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | United Nations | Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security'. Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council's Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level. | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 2 | WTO | The aim of Information Technology Agreements (ITAs) is to lower all taxes and tariffs on information technology products by signatories to zero. What impact should such agreements have on India's interests? | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | WTO | 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. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | WTO | 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? | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 2 | WTO | WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in 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. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 2 | Miscellaneouses | 'Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos'. Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO(International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. | 2013 | 15 |
| GS 2 | Miscellaneouses | Clean energy is the order of the day. Describe briefly India's changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Jobless growth | The nature of economic growth in India is described as jobless growth. Do you agree with this view? Give arguments in favour of your answer. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Capital formation in Economy | 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. | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Care x Monetized Economy | Distinguish between 'care economy' and 'monetized economy'. How can care economy be brought into monetized economy through women empowerment? | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Demographic Dividend | While we flaunt India's demographic dividend, we ignore the dropping rates of employability. What are we missing while doing so? Where will the jobs that India desperately needs come from? Explain. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Digitalization of Economy | What is the status of digitalization in the indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements. | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 3 | GDP | Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realising its potential GDP? | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 3 | GDP | 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. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 3 | GDP | Explain the difference between computing methodology of India's gross domestic product (GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 3 | GDP x Saving Rate | 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? | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Labour Activity x Economic Growth | 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. | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Miscellaneous | Success of 'Make in India' programme depends on the success of 'Skill India' programme and radical labour reforms. Discuss with logical arguments. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Miscellaneous | 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 ? | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Monetary policy | What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 3 | MSME x Economic Growth | 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. | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Niti Aayog x Planning Commission | How are the principles followed by the NITI Aayog different from those followed by the erstwhile Planning Commission in India? | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Taxes | Discuss the rationale for introducing Good and services tax in India. Bring out critically the reasons for delay in roll out for its regime. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Taxes | 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. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Taxes | Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act of 2017. How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund short of required funds for the states? | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Trends of Macro economy | Do you agree that the Indian economy has in recent years experienced a V-shaped recovery? Give reasons in support of your answer. | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Unemployment | Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements. | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Urban Development | 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. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Corporate Social Responsibility | 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 | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Financial Inclusion | Is inclusive growth possible under market economy ? State the significance of financial inclusion in achieving economic growth in India. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Financial Inclusion | Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is necessary for bringing unbanked to the institutional finance fold. Do you agree with this for financial inclusion of the poorer section of the Indian society? Give arguments to justify your opinion. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Inclusive Growth | Comment on the challenges for inclusive growth which include careless and useless manpower in the Indian context. Suggest measures to be taken for facing these challenges. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Inclusive Growth | What are the salient features of 'inclusive growth'? Has India been experiencing such a growth process? Analyse and suggest measures for inclusive growth. | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Inclusive Growth X Capitalism | Capitalism has guided the world economy to unprecedented prosperity. However, it often encourages shortsightedness and contributes to wide disparities between the rich and the poor. In this light, would it be correct to believe and adopt capitalism driving inclusive growth in India? Discuss. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Inclusive Growth X Infrastructure | Investment in infrastructure is essential for a more rapid and inclusive economic growth. Discuss in the light of India's experience. | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Inclusive Growth X Public Expenditure | Examine the pattern and trend of public expenditure on social services in the post-reforms period in India. To what extent this has been in consonance with achieving the objective of inclusive growth? | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Inclusive Growth X Sustainable Development | Explain intra-generational and inter-generational issues of equity from the perspective of inclusive growth and sustainable development. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Inclusive Growth X Sustainable Development | It is argued that the strategy of inclusive growth is intended to meet the objectives of inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment on this statement. | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Current Budget | 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. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Current Budget | 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. | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Gender Budgeting | Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context? | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Static Budget | Distinguish between capital budget and revenue budget. Explain the components of both these Budgets. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Static Budget | The public expenditure management is a challenge to the government of India in the context of budget-making during the post-liberalization period. Clarify it. | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Static Budget | What are the reasons for introduction of fiscal responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) act, 2003? Discuss critically its salient features and their effectiveness. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Static X Current Budget | What is meaning of the term tax-expenditure? Taking housing sector as an example, discuss how it influences budgetary policies of the government. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Food Processing Sector | Elaborate on the policy taken by the government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector. | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Food Processing Sector | Elaborate the scope and significance of the food processing industry in India. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Food Processing Sector | 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? | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Food Processing Sector | What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in developing the food processing industry in India? Can e-commerce help in overcoming these bottlenecks? | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Food Processing Sector | 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? | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Revolutions and Missions | India needs to strengthen measures to promote the pink revolution in food industry for better nutrition and health. Critically elucidate the statement. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | BoP and External value of rupee X Gold Monetization Scheme | Craze for gold in Indians have led to a 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. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | FDI | Discuss the impact of FDI entry into multi-trade retail sector on supply chain management in commodity trade pattern of the economy. | 2013 | 5 |
| GS 3 | FDI | Foreign direct investment in the defence sector is now said to be liberalised. What influence is it expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long run? | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | FDI | Justify the need for FDI for the development 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. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | FDI | Though India allowed foreign direct investment (FDI) in what is called multi brand retail through joint venture route in September 2012, the FDI even after a year, has not picked up. Discuss the reasons. | 2013 | 5 |
| GS 3 | Globalisation X Formal & Informal Economy | How Globalization has led to the reduction of employment in the formal sector of the Indian economy? Is increased informalization detrimental to the development of the country? | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Industrial Reform | Examine the impact of liberalization on companies owned by Indian. Are the competing with the MNCs satisfactorily? | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Labour Reform | Discuss the merits and demerits of the four 'Labour Codes' in the context of labour market reforms in India. What has been the progress so far in this regard? | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Labour-intensive X Capital-intensive Export | Account for the failure of the manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour intensive rather capital-intensive export. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Post-reform period X Industrial Growth | 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 in Industrial Policy are capable of increasing the industrial growth rate? | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Post-reform period X Service-Led Transition | 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 of services vis-a-vis industry in the country? Can India become a developed country without a strong industrial base? | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Protectionism and Currency Manipulations | How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India? | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Special Economic Zones | There is a clear acknowledgement that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are a tool of industrial development, manufacturing and exports. Recognizing this potential, the whole instrumentality of SEZs requires augmentation. Discuss the issues plaguing the success of SEZs with respect to taxation, governing laws and administration. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Airports X Infrastructure | International civil aviation laws provide all countries complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above the 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 pose and suggests ways to contain the threat. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Airports X Infrastructure | What is the need for expanding the regional air connectivity in India? In this context, discuss the government's UDAN Scheme and its achievements. | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Energy X SDGs | 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. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Green Energy X Infrastructure | Write a note on India's green energy corridor to alleviate the problems of conventional energy. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Hydroelectricity | What do you understand by run of the river hydroelectricity project? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project? | 2013 | 5 |
| GS 3 | PPP X Infrastructure | Adaptation of PPP model for infrastructure development of the country has not been free from criticism. Critically discuss the pros and cons of the model. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | PPP X Infrastructure | 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. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 3 | PPP X Infrastructure | Explain how private public partnership agreements, in longer gestation infrastructure projects, can transfer unsuitable liabilities to the future. What arrangements need to be put in place to ensure that successive generations' capacities are not compromised? | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | PPP X Infrastructure | Why is Public Private Partnership (PPP) required in infrastructural projects ? Examine the role of PPP model in the redevelopment of Railway Stations in India. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Renewable Energy | Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose? | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Renewable Energy | 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 renewables help achieve the above objective ? Explain. | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Renewable Energy | 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). | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Renewable Energy | To what factors can the recent dramatic fall in equipment costs and tariff of solar energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for the thermal power producers and the related industry? | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Renewable Energy | With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Transport | National urban transport policy emphasizes on moving people instead of moving vehicles. Discuss critically the success of various strategies of the government in this regard. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Crop Diversification | 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? | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Crop Diversification | What is the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification? | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Cropping pattern | Explain the changes in cropping pattern in india in the context of changes in consumption pattern and marketing conditions. | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Cropping pattern | How has the emphasis on certain crops brought about changes in cropping patterns in recent past? Elaborate the emphasis on millets production and consumption. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Cropping pattern | 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? | 2016 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Cropping pattern | What is allopathy? Discuss its role in major cropping systems of irrigated agriculture. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Horticulture | 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? | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Integrated Farming System | How far is the Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural production? | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Integrated Farming System | What is Integrated Farming System ? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in india ? | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Millets | Explain the role of millets for ensuring health and nutritional security in India. | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Organic Farming | Sikkim is the first 'Organic State' in india. What are the ecological and economical benefits of Organic State? | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Irrigation system and Challenges | Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenario. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Irrigation system and Challenges | What are the major challenges faced by Indian irrigation system in recent times? State the measures taken by the government for efficient irrigation management. | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Micro-Irrigation | How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India's water crisis? | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Micro-Irrigation | What is water-use efficiency? Describe the role of micro-irrigation in increasing the water-use efficiency. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Water storage and Conservation | Elaborate on the impact of the National Watershed Project in increasing agricultural production from water-stressed areas. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Water storage and Conservation | What are the salient features of the jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? | 2020 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Agri-marketing | Examine the role of supermarkets in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables and food items. How do they eliminate number of intermediaries? | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Agri-marketing | There is also a point of view that agriculture 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. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Agri-marketing | What are the main bottlenecks in upstream and downstream process of marketing of agricultural products in India ? | 2012 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Agri-marketing | What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India? | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Tech in Agri Production and Marketing | How does e-Technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Tech in Agriculture Credit | '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? | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Tech in Farm Productivity and Income | How can the 'Digital India' programme help farmers to improve farm productivity and income? What steps has the Government taken in this regards? | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Agri finance & Subsidies | In what way could replacement of price subsidy with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) change the scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Agri finance & Subsidies | What are the different types of agriculture subsidies given to farmers at the national and state levels? Critically analyze the agriculture subsidy regime with the reference to the distortions created by it. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Agri finance & Subsidies | 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. | 2015 | 5 |
| GS 3 | Agriculture Vulnerability & Crop Insurance | Given 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) | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Buffer stock & food security | Elucidate the importance of buffer stocks for stabilizing agricultural prices in India. What are the challenges associated with the storage of buffer stock? Discuss. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Buffer stock & food security | Food security bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in WTO. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Miscellaneous | 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? | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 3 | MSP | What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low income trap? | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 3 | PDS | What are the major challenges of Public Distribution System (PDS) in India ? How can it be made effective and transparent ? | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | PDS | What are the reformative steps taken by the government to make food grain distribution system more effective? | 2013 | 5 |
| GS 3 | PDS | 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? | 2014 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Revolutions and Missionss | 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? | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Non-Farm Activities (Livestock) | Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sectors in India | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Act based | The right to fair compensation and transparency land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement act, 2013 has come into effect from 1 January 2014. What implication would it have on industrialisation and agriculture in india? | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Contract farming & Land leasing | In 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. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Land Reforms | Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development. Identify the factors that were responsible for the success of land reforms in india. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Land Reforms | How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginal and small farmers? | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Land Reforms | 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. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Land Reforms | What were the factors responsible for the successful implementation of land reforms in some parts of the country? Elaborate. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Miscellaneouses | Examine the relationship between land reform, agriculture productivity and elimination of poverty in indian Economy. Discussion the difficulty in designing and implementation of the agriculture friendly land reforms in india. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Innovative Technologies | How does the 3D printing technology work? List out the advantages and disadvantages of the technology. | 2013 | 5 |
| GS 3 | Innovative Technologies | What is digital signature? What does its authentication mean? Give various salient built in features of a digital signature. | 2013 | 5 |
| GS 3 | Material Science and Industry Applications | What is an FRP composite material? How are they manufactured? Discuss their applications in aviation and automobile industry. | 2013 | 5 |
| GS 3 | Medical and Health Technologies | Can overuse or the availability of antibiotics without doctor's prescription, the 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. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Medical and Health Technologies | 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? | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Medical and Health Technologies | What do you understand by fixed dose drug combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits and demerits. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Medical and Health Technologies | 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 ? | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Miscellaneous | 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 ? | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Nobel Prizes | The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to a Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings? | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Sports and Technology | What do you understand by Umpire decision review in cricket? Discuss its various components. Explain how silicon tape on the edge of a bat may fool the system? | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Tech in crisis Management | 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 to the pandemic. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Tech in crisis Management | The world is facing an acute shortage of clean and safe freshwater. What are the alternative technologies which can solve this crisis? Briefly discuss any three such technologies citing their key merits and demerits. | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Tech solutions for daily lives | How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture benefitted by the science-based technologies? | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Tech solutions for daily lives | What is the technology being employed for electronic toll collection on highways? What are its advantages and limitations? What are the proposed changes that will make this process seamless? Would this transition carry any potential hazards? | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Achievements of Indians in S&T | Discuss the work of 'Bose-Einstein Statistics' done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it revolutionized the field of Physics. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Achievements of Indians in S&T | How was India benefited from the contributions of sir M.Visvesvaraya and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan in the fields of water engineering and agricultural science respectively? | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Achievements of Indians in S&T | Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as attractive as our business operations, engineering or administration, and the universities are becoming consumer oriented. Critically comment. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Indigenisation of technology | 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? | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Artificial Intelligence | 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 AI in the healthcare? | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Bio-Technology | Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel shortage. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Bio-Technology | How can biotechnology improve the living standards of farmers? | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Bio-Technology | What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How well these achievements help to uplift the poor sections of the society? | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Bio-Technology | Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefited the field of biopharma? | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Defence Technology | How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world? | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Intellectual Property Rights | Bring out the circumstances in 2005 which forced amendment to section 3(d) in the Indian Patent Law, 1970. Discuss how it has been utilized by Supreme court in its judgment rejecting Novartis patent application for 'Glivec'. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Intellectual Property Rights | How is the government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Intellectual Property Rights | In a globalised world, intellectual property rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms - copyrights, patents and trade secrets. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Intellectual Property Rights | 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 the country's fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pros and cons making this database publicly available under open-source licensing. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Intellectual Property Rights | What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although, India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialized. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization. | 2010 | 10 |
| GS 3 | IT | Discuss the advantage and security implications of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis in-house machine-based hosting for government businesses. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Nano Technology | What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector? | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Nano Technology | Why is nanotechnology one of the key technologies of the 21st century? Describe the salient features of Indian Government's Mission on Nanoscience and Technology and the scope of its application in the development process of the country. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Robotics | What are the areas of prohibitive labour that can be sustainably managed by robots? Discuss the initiatives that can propel research in premier research institutes for substantive and gainful innovation. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Space Technology | Discuss India's achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development? | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Space Technology | India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not yet ventured into manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Explain critically. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Space Technology | 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? | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Space Technology | What are asteroids? How real is the threat of them causing extinction of life? What strategies have been developed to prevent such a catastrophe? | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Space Technology | What do you understand by 'Standard Positioning Systems' and 'Protection Positioning Systems' in the GPS era? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme employing just seven satellites. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Space Technology | What is India's plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Space Technology | 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 | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Biodiversity | How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Climate Change Impact | '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? | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Ecosystem carrying capacity and SDG | 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. | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 3 | EIA | Environmental impact assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before project is cleared by the government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants located at Pitheads. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | EIA | How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006? | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 3 | EIA | Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the important environmental impacts which always attracts controversy while planning major projects. Discuss the measures suggested for mitigation of this impact while proposing major developmental projects. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | EIA | What role do environmental NGOs and activists play in influencing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes for major projects in India? Cite four examples with all important details. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 3 | EVs | 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? | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Environmental Pollution and Mitigation | 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? | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Environmental Pollution and Mitigation | Discuss in detail the photochemical smog emphasizing its formation, effects and mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Environmental Pollution and Mitigation | 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 for management and handling of hazardous wastes in India? | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Environmental Pollution and Mitigation | Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the government's initiatives in this regard. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Environmental Pollution and Mitigation | 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? | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Environmental Pollution and Mitigation | 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? | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Environmental Pollution and Mitigation | What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India? | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Environmental Pollution and Mitigation | 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? | 2012 | 10 |
| GS 3 | IPCC Reports | 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? | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Mining and Erosion | Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment. Analyse the impact of sand mining along the Indian coasts, citing specific examples. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Mining and Erosion | Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard ? | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Mining and Erosion | What are the consequences of illegal mining? Discuss the ministry of environment and forests' concept of 'GO AND NO GO' zones for coal mining. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | River linking and Impact | 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. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 3 | UNFCCC | Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 3 | UNFCCC | 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. | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 3 | UNFCCC | Explain the purpose of the Green Grid initiative launched at world leaders Summit of the COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 3 | UNFCCC | Should the pursuit of carbon credit and clean development mechanism set up under UNFCCC be maintained even though there has been a massive slide in the value of carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India's energy needs for economic growth. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Wetlands | 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. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Wetlands | What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of 'wise use' in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Cloudburst | Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Cloudburst | 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. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Disaster Preparedness | Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will help in disaster mitigation in the case of landslides. | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Disaster Risk Reduction | 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'? | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Disaster Risk Reduction | What is disaster resilience? How is it determined? Describe various elements of a resilience framework. Also mention the global targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030). | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Drought | Drought has been recognised as a disaster in view of its party expense, temporal duration, slow onset and lasting effect on various vulnerable sections. With a focus on the September 2010 guidelines from the National disaster management authority, discuss the mechanism for preparedness to deal with the El Nino and La Nina fallouts in India. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Earthquake | 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. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Earthquake | 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. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Government Disaster Initiatives | Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Landslide | Describe the various causes and effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy. | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Structural failure causing Disaster | Dam failures are always catastrophic, especially on the downstream side, resulting in a colossal loss of life and property. Analyze the various causes of dam failures. Give two examples of large dam failures. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Tsunami | 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. | 2014 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Urban floods | Flooding in urban areas is an emerging climate-induced disaster. Discuss the causes of this disaster. Mention the features of two such major floods in the last two decades in India. Describe the policies and frameworks in India that aim at tackling such floods. | 2015 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Urban floods | 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. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Vulnerability and Risk Assessment | How important are vulnerability and risk assessment for pre-disaster management. As an administrator ,what are key areas that you would focus in a disaster management | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Vulnerability and Risk Assessment | 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. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Left-Wing Extremism | Article 244 of Indian Constitution relates to Administration of Scheduled areas and tribal areas. Analyze the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of Fifth schedule on the growth of Left Wing Extremism. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Left-Wing Extremism | 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. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Left-Wing Extremism | Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues get a multi-layered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism. | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Left-Wing Extremism | The persisting drives of the government for development of large industries in backward areas have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements with Malakangiri and malabarai foci, discuss the corrective strategies needed to win the left wing extremism (LWE) doctrine affected citizens back into the mainstream of social and economic growth. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Left-Wing Extremism | What are the sound 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? | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 3 | N-E Insurgency | 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. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Threat from External state and Non-state actors | Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to take to be taken to combat the threats. | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Threat from External state and Non-state actors | The diverse nature of India as a multireligious and multi-ethnic society is not immune to the impact of radicalism which has been in her neighbourhood. Discuss along with the strategies to be adopted to counter this environment. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Threat from Non-state Actors | Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major concern. How have these have moved in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat. | 2016 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Threat from State Actors | China and Pakistan have entered into an agreement for development of an economic corridor. What thread does it dispc for India's security? Critically examine. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Threat from State Actors | 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. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Act based | Describe the context and salient features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 Total | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Cyber security | Considering the threats cyberspace poses for the country, India needs a 'Digital Armed Force' to prevent crimes. Critically evaluate the National Cyber Security Policy, 2013 outlining the challenges perceived in its effective implementation. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Cyber security | Cyber warfare is considered by some defense 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. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Cyber security | Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized world due to rising cyber crimes. The Justice B. N. Srikrishna Committee Report addresses issues related to data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weakness of the Report relating to protection of personal data in cyber space? | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Cyber security | Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Cyber security | Discuss the potential threats of Cyber attack and the security framework to prevent it. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Cyber security | Keeping in view India's internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber attacks. Also discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Cyber security | 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. | 2022 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Cyber security | What is the CyberDome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet crimes in India. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Drug trafficking and its Linkages | 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 counter-measures should be taken to prevent the same? | 2018 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Mob Violence | 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. | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Money-laundering and Prevention | Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Money-laundering and Prevention | Money laundering poses a serious threat to country's economic sovereignty. What is its significance for India and what steps are required to be taken to control this menace? | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Role of Media and Social Networking sites in Internal Security Threats | Religious indoctrination via digital media has resulted in Indian youth joining the ISIS. What is ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous for the internal security of our country? | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Role of Media and Social Networking sites in Internal Security Threats | Social media and encrypting messaging services pose a serious security challenge. What measures have been adopted at various levels to address the security implications of social media? Also suggest any other remedies to address the problem. | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Role of Media and Social Networking sites in Internal Security Threats | What are social networking site and what security implications do these sites present? | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Maritime Security challenges | In 2012, the longitudinal marking of the high-risk areas for piracy was moved from 65 degree east to 78 degree east in the Arabian sea by International Maritime organisation. What impact does this have on India's maritime security concerns? | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Maritime Security challenges | What are the maritime security challenges in India ? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Border Area Management | 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. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Border Area Management | 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. | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Border Area Management | 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. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Border Area Management | 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? | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Border Area Management | How illegal transborder migration does pose a threat to India's security? Discuss the strategies to curb this, bring out the factors which give impetus to such migration. | 2014 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Border Area Management | India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development being undertaken in these areas under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme. | 2024 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Border Area Management | The use of unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders for ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Organized Crime and Terrorism | 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. | 2021 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Organized Crime and Terrorism | Discuss the types of organised crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organised crime that exist at the national and transnational levels. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Organized Crime and Terrorism | Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism. | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Organized Crime and Terrorism | Give out the major sources of terror funding in India and efforts being made to curtail these sources. In the light of this, also discuss the aim and objective of the 'No Money for Terror [NMFT]' Conference recently held at New Delhi in November 2022. | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Organized Crime and Terrorism | Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades. Analyse the above statement. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Organized Crime and Terrorism | The banning of 'Jamaat-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 the influence of OGWs. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Organized Crime and Terrorism | 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? | 2017 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Organized Crime and Terrorism | 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. | 2016 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Organized Crime and Terrorism | 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. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 3 | Act based | Human rights activists constantly highlight the view that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human rights abuses by the security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists? Critically evaluate the requirement with reference to the view held by the Apex Court. | 2015 | 12.5 |
| GS 3 | Act based | The 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. | 2019 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Security Forces and Their Mandates | Analyse internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. | 2020 | 15 |
| GS 3 | Security Forces and Their Mandates | 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. | 2023 | 15 |
| GS 4 | Applied ethics | 'In Indian culture and value system, an equal opportunity has been provided irrespective of gender identity. The number of women in public service has been steadily increasing over the years.' Examine the gender specific challenges faced by female public servants and suggest to increase their efficiency in discharging their duties while upholding high standards of probity. | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Applied ethics | Global warming and climate change are the outcomes of human greed in the name of development, indicating either inclination for extinction of organisms including human beings is heading towards loss of life on Earth. How do you pat an end to this to protect life and bring equilibrium between the society and the environment? | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Applied ethics | Impact of digital technology as a reliable source of input for rational decision making is a debatable issue. Critically evaluate with a suitable example. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Applied ethics | Online technology 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(s) of society. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Applied ethics | Suppose the Government of India is thinking of constructing a dam in a mountain valley bound by forests and inhabited by ethnic communities. What rational policy should it resort to in dealing with unforeseen contingencies? | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Applied ethics | The application of Artificial Intelligence as a dependable source of input for administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Applied ethics | The current internet expansion has instilled a different set of cultural values which are in conflict with traditional values. Discuss. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Applied ethics | What is meant by 'environmental ethics'? Why is it important to study? Discuss any one environmental issue from the viewpoint of environmental ethics. | 2015 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Consequences of Ethics | 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. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Consequences of Ethics | Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being. | 2016 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Consequences of Ethics | 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. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Consequences of Ethics | 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? | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Consequences of Ethics | 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? | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Normative Ethics (Deontology vs Teleology) | Human beings should always be treated as 'ends' in themselves and never as merely 'means'. Explain the meaning and significance of this statement, giving its implications in the modern techno-economic society. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Normative Ethics (Deontology vs Teleology) | With regard to morality of actions, one view is that means are 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. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Determinants of Ethics | 'The concept of Just and Unjust is contextual. What was just a year back, may turn out to be unjust in today's context. Changing context should be constantly under scrutiny to prevent miscarriage of justice.' Examine the above statement with suitable examples. | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Determinants of Ethics | Differentiate 'moral intuition' from 'moral reasoning' with suitable examples. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Determinants of Ethics | 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. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Determinants of Ethics | 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. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Dimensions of Ethics | 'Ethics encompasses several key dimensions that are crucial in guiding individuals and organizations towards morally responsible behaviour.' Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human actions Discuss how these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in the professional context. | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Essence of Ethics | Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them. | 2016 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Essence of Ethics | It is often said that 'politics' and 'ethics' do not go together. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustrations. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Ethics in Private and Public sphere | In the context of defence 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. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Ethics in Private and Public sphere | The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow perception of the good life. Discuss. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Ethics in Private and Public sphere | 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? | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Ethics in Private and Public sphere | What do you understand by 'values' and 'ethics'? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent? | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Ethics in Private and Public sphere | What does ethics seek to promote in human life? Why is it all the more important in public administration? | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Term Based | What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service? (5 terms x 3 marks each): a) Integrity b) Perseverance c) Spirit of service d) Commitment e) Courage of conviction f) Personal opinion | 2013 | 15 |
| GS 4 | Term Based | Differentiate between the following (200 words): a) Law and Ethics; b) Ethical management and Management of ethics; c) Discrimination and Preferential treatment; d) Personal ethics and Professional ethics | 2015 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Term Based | 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 | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Term Based | Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil service: (a) Transparency (b) Accountability (c) Fairness and justice (d) courage of conviction (e) Spirit of service. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Innovative Measures to Curb Sexual Violence | 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. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Role of Educational institutions | '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. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Teachings of Great Leaders | 'Great ambition is the passion of great character. Those endowed with it may perform very good or very bad acts. All depends on the principles which direct them'. - Napoleon Bonaparte. Stating examples from the leaders (i) who have harmed society and country, (ii) who worked for the development of society and country. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Teachings of Great Leaders | Discuss Mahatma Gandhi's concept of seven sins. | 2016 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Teachings of Great Leaders | What are the main factors responsible for gender inequality in india ? Discuss the contribution of Savitribai Phule in this regard. | 2016 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Teachings of Great Leaders | What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why? Discuss. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Teachings of Great Leaders | What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Teachings of Great Leaders | 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. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Value Based Questions | '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? | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Value Based Questions | All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you agree? What does happiness mean to you? Explain with examples. | 2015 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Value Based Questions | Social Values are more important than economic values. Discuss the above statement with examples in the context of inclusive growth of a nation. | 2015 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Attitude for Civil Servants | 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 a positive attitude in person.? | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Attitude for Civil Servants | Attitude is an important component that goes as input in the development of human beings. How to build a suitable attitude needed for a public servant? | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Attitude for Civil Servants | Our attitudes towards life, work, other people and society are generally shaped unconsciously by the family and social surroundings in which we grow up. Some of these unconsciously acquired attitudes and values are often undesirable in the citizens of modern democratic and egalitarian society. (a) Discuss such undesirable values prevalent in today's democratic societies. (b) How can such undesirable attitudes be changed and socio-ethical values be cultivated in the aspiring and serving civil servants? | 2016 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Attitude for Civil Servants | 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. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Attitude for Civil Servants | Two different kinds of attitudes exhibited by public servants towards their work have been identified as the bureaucratic attitude and the democratic attitude. A) Distinguish between these two terms and write their merits and demerits. B) Is it possible to balance the two to create a better administration for the faster development of our country? | 2015 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Attitude for Civil Servants | 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. | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Attitude for Civil Servants | Mindless addiction to Form, ignoring the Substance of the matter, results in rendering of injustice. A perceptive civil servant is one who ignores such literalisms and carries out true intent. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations. | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Attitude for Individuals | '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. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Attitude for Individuals | 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 behaviours. (b) How can it be managed and controlled? | 2016 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Attitude for Individuals | 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? | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Moral and Political Attitude | Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Organisational Attitude | Discipline generally implies following the order and subordination. However, it may be counter-productive for the organisation. Discuss. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Organisational Attitude | In the context of work environment, differentiate between 'coercion' and 'undue influence' with suitable examples. | 2016 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Social influence and persuasion | How could social influence and persuasion contribute to the success of Swatch Bharat Abhiyan? | 2016 | 10 |
| GS 4 | EI in Administration | How will you apply emotional intelligence in administrative practices? | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 4 | EI X Crisis of Conscience | In case of a crisis of conscience does emotional intelligence help to overcome the same without compromising the ethical and moral stand that you are likely to follow? Critically examine. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 4 | EI: Concept and utility | 'Emotional intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of against you.' Do you agree with this view? Discuss. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 4 | EI: Concept and utility | What are the main components of emotional intelligence (EI) ? Can they be learned? discuss. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 4 | EI: Concept and utility | What is 'emotional intelligence' and how can it be developed in people? How does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions? | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 4 | EQ vs IQ | 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. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 4 | A.P.J. Abdul Kalam | '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. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 4 | A.P.J. Abdul Kalam | '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. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 4 | A.P.J. Abdul Kalam | '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.' | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Abraham Lincoln | Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. -Abraham Lincoln | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Abraham Lincoln | The true rule, in determining to embrace, or reject any thing, is not whether it has any evil in it; but whether it has more of evil than good. There are few things wholly evil or wholly good. Almost every thing, especially of governmental policy, is an inseparable compound of the two; so that our best judgement of the preponderance between them is continually demand. - Abraham Lincoln. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Aristotle | I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who overcomes his enemies. -Aristotle | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Dalai Lama | 'Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.' Dalai Lama. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Dalai Lama | 'We can never obtain peace in the outer world until and unless we obtain peace within ourselves' | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Erik Erikson | '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 | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Immanuel Kant | 'In law, a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics, he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so.' - Immanuel Kant | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Jawaharlal Nehru | 'To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Once she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves.' - Jawaharlal Nehru | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 4 | John Rawls's concept of social justice | Analyse John Rawls's concept of social justice in the Indian context. | 2016 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Kautilya | Corruption causes misuse of government treasury, Administrative inefficiency and obstruction in the path of national Development. Discuss Kautilya's views. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Mahatma Gandhi | 'A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.' - M.K.Gandhi | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Mahatma Gandhi | 'The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service of others.' Mahatma Gandhi | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Mahatma Gandhi | 'The weak can never forgive; forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.' | 2015 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Mahatma Gandhi | Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding. -Mahatma Gandhi | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Mahatma Gandhi | The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.' - Mahatma Gandhi | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Mahatma Gandhi | There is enough on this earth for every one's need but nor for no one's greed. Mahatma Gandhi. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Plato | 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. | 2016 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Potter Stewart | Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do.-Potter Stewart. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Sardar Patel | 'Faith is of no avail in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work'. - Sardar Patel | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Socrates | 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. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Socrates | 'An unexamined life is not worth living.' - Socrates | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Swami Vivekananda | 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 Vivekananda | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Swami Vivekananda | Every work has got to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding. Those that persevere will see the light, sooner or later' - Swami Vivekananda | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Swami Vivekananda | Learn everything that is good from others, but bring it in, and in your own way absorb it, do not become others.' - Swami Vivekananda | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Swami Vivekananda | Do not hate anybody, because that hatred that comes out from you must, in the long run, come back to you. If you love, that love will come back to you, completing the circle.' - Swami Vivekanand. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Tirukkural | Falsehood takes the place of truth when it results in unblemished common good. -Tirukkural | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Empathy and compassion | 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 taking the crucial issues or taking critical decisions. Explain with suitable illustrations. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Foundational values | Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Foundational values | Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour in public service. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Foundational values | Indicate two more attributes which you consider important for public service. Justify your answer. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Foundational values | What do you understand by the term 'public servant'? Reflect on the expected role of a public servant. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Foundational values | What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three of these with suitable examples. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Foundational values | State three basic values, universal in nature, in the context of civil services and bring out their importance. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Impartiality and Non-Partisanship | Should impartial and being non-partisan be considered indispensable qualities to make a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Impartiality and Non-Partisanship | 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. | 2016 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Integrity | 'Integrity is a value that empowers the human being'. Justify with suitable illustration. | 2016 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Integrity | Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, but knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful. What do you understand by this statement? State your stand with illustrations from the modern context. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Integrity | One of the tests of integrity is complete refusal to be compromised. Explain with reference to a real life example. | 2015 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Integrity x Intelligence x Energy | 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 you. - Warren Buffet. What do you understand by this statement in the present-day scenario? Explain. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Trustworthiness and Fortitude | How do the virtues of trustworthiness and fortitude get manifested in public service? Explain with examples. | 2015 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Accountability and Ethical Governance | An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must in every sphere of public service, including the judiciary, to ensure performance, accountability and ethical conduct. Elaborate. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Accountability and Ethical Governance | Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance? | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Accountability and Ethical Governance | 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. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Accountability and Ethical Governance | What do you understand by the terms 'governance', 'good governance' and 'ethical governance'? | 2016 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Accountability and Ethical Governance | What does 'accountability' mean in the context of public service? What measures can be adopted to ensure individual and collective accountability of public servants? | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Public/Civil Service Values | 'Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption' Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer (150 words, 10m) | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Public/Civil Service Values | 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. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Public/Civil Service Values | 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 realise that the State bureaucracy might possess its own independent bureaucratic morality. Critically analyse this statement. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Public/Civil Service Values | What is meant by public interest? What are the principles and procedures to be followed by the civil servants in public interest? | 2016 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Corporate Governance | Corporate social responsibility makes companies more profitable and sustainable. Analyse. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Corporate Governance | 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 find that corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is efficient and sufficient enough to fulfil the social roles and responsibilities needed in the corporate world for which the CSR is mandated? Critically examine. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Corporate Governance | What do you understand by 'moral integrity' and 'professional efficiency' in the context of corporate governance in india ? Illustrate with suitable examples. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Conflict of interest | 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. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Conflict of interest | Public servants are likely to confront with the issue 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. | 2015 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Conflict of interest | What is meant by conflict of interest? Illustrate with examples, the difference between the actual and apparent conflict of interest. | 2016 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Ethical Guidance | A mere compliance with law is not enough, the public servant also has to have a well-developed sensitivity 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. | 2015 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Ethical Guidance | Law is necessarily a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision making ? Discuss. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Ethical Guidance | Laws and ethics are considered to be the two tools for controlling human conduct so as to make it conducive to civilized social existence. (a) Discuss how they achieve this objective. (b) Giving examples, show how the two differ in their approaches. | 2016 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Ethical Guidance | The soul of the new law, bharatiya Nyaya Santha (BNS) is Justice, Equality and Impartiality based on the broad based on indian culture and ethos. Discuss this in the light of major shift from to doctrine of punishment to justice in the present judicial system. | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Ethical Guidance | How do you understand by the term 'voice of conscience'? How do you prepare yourself to heed to the voice of conscience? | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Ethical Guidance | What is meant by 'crisis of conscience'? How does it manifest itself in the public domain? | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Ethical Guidance | 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. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Ethical Guidance | What is meant by constitutional morality? How does one uphold constitutional morality? | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Ethical dilemmas in Public Administration | Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with a suitable example. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Ethical dilemmas in Public Administration | Explain the process of resolving ethical dilemmas in Public Administration. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Ethical Issues in International Relations and funding | 'International aid' is an accepted form of helping 'resource-challenged' nations. Comment on 'ethics in contemporary international aid'. Support your answer with suitable examples. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Ethical Issues in International Relations and funding | 'The will to power exits, but it can be tamed and be guided by rationality and principles of moral duty.' Examine this statement in the context of international relations. | 2020 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Ethical Issues in International Relations and funding | 'It is not enough to talk about peace, one must believe in it; and it is not enough to believe in it, one must act upon it' In the present context, the major weapon industries of the developed nations are adversely influencing continuation of number of wars for their own self-interest, all around the world. What are the ethical considerations of the powerful nations in today's international arena to stop continuation of ongoing conflicts? | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Ethical Issues in International Relations and funding | 'Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face prosecution or human rights violation.' Examine the statement with reference to the ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with an open society. | 2021 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Ethical Issues in International Relations and funding | At the international level, the 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 leads to conflicts and tensions between the nations. How can ethical consideration help resolve such tensions? Discuss with specific examples. | 2015 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Ethical Issues in International Relations and funding | 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. | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Ethical Issues in International Relations and funding | Strength, peace and security are considered to be the pillars of international relations. Elucidate. | 2017 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Challenges of Corruption | 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. | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Challenges of Corruption | 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 measure would you suggest to strengthen protection mechanism to safeguard the whistle blower? | 2022 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Citizen's Charter | Explain the basic principles of citizens' charter movement and bring out its importance. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Codes of Ethics and Codes of Conduct | Discuss the Public Services Code as recommended by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission. | 2016 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Codes of Ethics and Codes of Conduct | Distinguish between 'Code of ethics' and 'Code of conduct' with suitable examples. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Codes of Ethics and Codes of Conduct | The 'Code of Conduct and 'Code of Ethics' are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is code of conduct already in operation, whereas code of ethics is not yet put in place. Suggest a suitable mode. for code of ethics to maintain integrity, probity and transparency. governance. | 2024 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Information Sharing and Transparency in Government X RTI | 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. Analyze this situation in detail and suggest how this dichotomy can be resolved. Suggest how these negative impacts can be minimized. | 2015 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Information Sharing and Transparency in Government X RTI | The Right to Information Act is not all about citizens' empowerment alone, it essentially redefines the concept of accountability. Discuss. | 2018 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Information Sharing and Transparency in Government X RTI | There is a view that the official secrets act is an obstacle to the implementation of the Rights to Information act. Do you agree with the view? Discuss | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Information Sharing and Transparency in Government X RTI | Today we find that in spite of various measures like prescribing codes of conduct, setting up vigilance cells/commissions, RTI, active media and strengthening of legal mechanisms, corrupt practices are not coming under control. A) Evaluate the effectiveness of these measures with justifications. B) Suggest more effective strategies to tackle this menace. | 2015 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Probity in Governance | 'Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic development'. Discuss. | 2023 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Probity in Governance | 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? | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Probity in Governance | What do you understand by probity in governance? Based on your understanding of the term, suggest measures for ensuring probity in government. | 2019 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Utilization of public funds | Effective utilisation of public funds is crucial to meet development goals. Critically examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilisation of public funds and their implications. | 2013 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Utilization of public funds | 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? | 2014 | 10 |
| GS 4 | Quality of Service Delivery | Mission Karmayogi is aiming for maintaining a very high standard of conduct and behaviour to ensure efficiency for serving citizens and in developing oneself. How will this scheme empower the civil servants in enhancing productive efficiency and delivering the services at the grassroots level? | 2024 | 10 |