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UPSC Mains GS PYQs (2013-2025)

Date Published

2026-05-25

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GS-12025HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.Personalities

Mahatma Jyotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss

GS-12024HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.British Policies

How far was the industrial revolution in England responsible for decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India?

GS-12023HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.Personalities

What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism?

GS-12023HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.Peasant and Tribal Rebellions

How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression?

GS-12022HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.British Policies

Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons.

GS-12022HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.British Policies

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 then Indian rulers ? Give reasons.

GS-12021HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.Socio Religious Reform

Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj.

GS-12022HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.Eve of British Conquest

The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words) 15 mark

GS-12019HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.Peasant and Tribal Rebellions

The 1857 Uprising was the culmination the recurrent big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British rule. Elucidate.

GS-12019HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.Socio Religious Reforms

Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century's "Indian Renaissance" and the emergence of national identity.

GS-12018HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.Personalities

Throw light on the significance of thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times.

GS-12018HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.British Policies

Why indentured labour was taken by British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there?

GS-12017HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.Women Movement

The women's questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform movement. What are the maior issues and debates concerning women in that period?

GS-12017HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.Eve of British Conquest

Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity?

GS-12017HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.Peasant and Tribal Rebellion

Examine how the decline of the traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy.

GS-12016HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.British Policies

Explain how the upraising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India.

GS-12016HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.Personalities

Highlight the difference in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.

GS-12015HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.Personalities

How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss.

GS-12015HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.Personalities

Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate.

GS-12015HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.British Policies

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.

GS-12014HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.Eve of British Conquest

The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire- shaking battles fought at Panipat?

GS-12014HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.British Policies

Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from mid-eighteenth century till independence.

GS-12013HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.Personalities

Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom.

GS-12013HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.Personalities

"In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India" Elaborate.

GS-12013HistoryModern History - significant events, personalities, issues.Personalities

Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post- independent India.

GS-12024HistoryFreedom StruggleGandhian Phase

What were the events that led to Quit India movement? Point out its results.

GS-12021HistoryFreedom StruggleModerate Phase

To what extinct did the role of moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? comment

GS-12021HistoryFreedom StrugglePersonalities

Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non- Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement.

GS-12020HistoryFreedom StrugglePersonalities

Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long-term implications on the national movement.

GS-12020HistoryFreedom StruggleGandhian Phase

Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.

GS-12019HistoryFreedom StruggleGandhian Phase

Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate.

GS-12019HistoryFreedom StruggleBritish Policies

Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s.

GS-12017HistoryFreedom StruggleModerate Phase

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?

GS-12017HistoryFreedom StruggleGandhian Phase

Highlight the importance of new objective that got added to the vision of Indian independence since the twenties of the last century.

GS-12016HistoryFreedom StruggleGandhian Phase

Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase.

GS-12014HistoryFreedom StruggleFinal Phase

In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India?

GS-12014HistoryFreedom StruggleMiscellaneous

What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated the anti-colonial struggle in India?

GS-12013HistoryFreedom StruggleRole of Social groups

Defying the barriers of age, gender, and religion, the Indian women became the torch-bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.

GS-12025HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureArchitecture and Sculpture

Discuss the salient features of the Harappan Architecture

GS-12025HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureDynastic Art

The sculptors filled the Chandella Art Form with resilient vigor and breadth of life’. Elucidate.

GS-12024HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureDynastic Art

“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.

GS-12024HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureSociety

Underline the changes in field of society and economy from the Rig Vedic period to later Vedic Period?

GS-12023HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureSociety

What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society?

GS-12022HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureArchitecture and Sculpture

How will you explain that medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days?

GS-12022HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureDynastic Art

Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture.

GS-12022HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureArchitecture and Sculpture

Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art, and architecture.

GS-12021HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureBhakti-Sufi

Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti Movement and its contribution to Indian culture.

GS-12020HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureArchitecture and Sculpture

The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss.

GS-12020HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureDynastic Art

The Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate.

GS-12020HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureArchitecture and Sculpture

Indian Philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.

GS-12020HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureLiterature

Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment.

GS-12019HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureArchitecture and Sculpture

Highlight the Central Asian and Greco-Bactrian elements in Gandhara art.

GS-12018HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureBhakti-Sufi

The Bhakti literature received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss

GS-12018HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureMiscellaneous

Safeguarding the Indian Art Heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss.

GS-12017HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureDynastic Art

How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of the Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times?

GS-12016HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureArchitecture and Sculpture

Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.

GS-12016HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureDynastic Art

Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss.

GS-12015HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureMiscellaneous

The ancient civilization in the Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to the present day. Comment.

GS-12015HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureArchitecture and Sculpture

Mesolithic rock-cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also has a fine aesthetic sense comparable to modern painting. Critically evaluate this comment.

GS-12014HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitecturePre Vedic

To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to present-day urbanization? Discuss.

GS-12014HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureArchitecture and Sculpture

Gandhara’s sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain.

GS-12014HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureBhakti-Sufi

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.

GS-12013HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureLiterature

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.

GS-12013HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureDance

Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions.

GS-12013HistorySalient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and ArchitectureDynastic Art

Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss.

GS-12025HistoryPost Independence ConsolidationGeneric

Trace India’s consolidation process during early phase of independence in terms of polity, economy, education and international relations.

GS-12021HistoryPost Independence ConsolidationFormation of states

Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States.

GS-12013HistoryPost Independence ConsolidationMovements

Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan Movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success.

GS-12013HistoryPost Independence ConsolidationPolitical History

Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan "Jai Jawana Jai Kisan".

GS-12013HistoryPost Independence ConsolidationPolitical History

Analyze the circumstances that led to Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement.

GS-12013HistoryPost Independence ConsolidationPolitical History

Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive roles in the emergence of Bangladesh.

GS-12025HistoryWorld historyAmerican and French Revolution

The French Revolution has enduring relevance to the contemporary world. Explain.

GS-12024HistoryWorld historyWorld Wars

How far is it correct to say that the first world war was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power.

GS-12023HistoryWorld historyIndustrial Revolution

Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world.

GS-12021HistoryWorld historyWorld Wars

“There arose a serious challenge to the democratic state system between the two world wars”. Evaluate the statement.

GS-12019HistoryWorld historyAmerican and French Revolution

Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French revolution.

GS-12017HistoryWorld historyDecolonization

What problems were germane to the decolonization process of Malay Peninsula.

GS-12016HistoryWorld historyDecolonization

The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated Africans. Examine.

GS-12015HistoryWorld historyWorld Wars

To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically

GS-12015HistoryWorld historyIndustrial 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?

GS-12014HistoryWorld historySocialism and Communism

The New Economic Policy – 1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by India soon after independence. Evaluate.

GS-12014HistoryWorld historyDecolonisation

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?

GS-12013HistoryWorld historyWorld Wars and interwar years

What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression?

GS-12013HistoryWorld historyFrench/American Revolution

American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate.

GS-12013HistoryWorld historyRise of Nationalism

Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European competition. Analyse.

GS-12013HistoryWorld historyIndustrial Revolution

“Latecomer” Industrial revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what west had experience.

GS-12023HistoryMiscellaneous

Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India.

GS-12023HistoryMiscellaneous

What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence the Indian society?

GS-12018HistoryMiscellaneous

Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab Travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India.

GS-12014HistoryMiscellaneous

Taxila university was one of the oldest universities in the world which was associated with a number of renowned learned personalities of different disciplines. Its strategic location caused its fame to flourish, but unlike Nalanda, it is not considered a university in the modern sense. Discuss.

GS-12025GeographyPhysical GeographyDistribution of oceans and continents

Discuss how the changes in shape and sizes of continents and ocean basins of the planet take place due to tectonic movements of the crustal masses.

GS-12023GeographyPhysical GeographyLandforms

How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world?

GS-12022GeographyPhysical GeographyLandforms

Describe the characteristics and type of primary rocks. (Answer in 150 words) 10 mark

GS-12021GeographyPhysical GeographyGeomorphology

Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples.

GS-12020GeographyPhysical GeographyDistribution of oceans and continents

Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone. (Answer in 150 words)

GS-12020GeographyPhysical GeographyLandforms

The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples. (Answer in 150 words)

GS-12019GeographyPhysical GeographyNatural Vegetation

Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology.

GS-12014GeographyPhysical GeographyGeomorphology

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 earthquakes and volcanoes.

GS-12014GeographyPhysical GeographyDistribution of oceans and continents

Explain the formation of thousands of islands in the Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos.

GS-12013GeographyPhysical GeographyDistribution of oceans and continents B) Geophysical Phenomena

(a)What do you understand by the theory of 'continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in its support. (b) The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called 'Phailin' How are tropical cyclones named across the world? Elaborate.

GS-12025GeographyIndian GeographyEconomic Geography of India

Discuss the distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil and water resources.

GS-12023GeographyIndian GeographyClimate and weather phenomena

Why is the South-West Monsoon called 'Purvaiya' (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region?

GS-12022GeographyIndian GeographyGeophysical Phenomena

Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department. (Answer in 150 words) 10 mark

GS-12022GeographyIndian GeographyResources

Discuss the natural resource potential of ‘Deccan trap’. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks

GS-12020GeographyIndian GeographyHimalayas

How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India? (Answer in 150 words

GS-12020GeographyIndian GeographyDrainage System

The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.

GS-12015GeographyIndian GeographyIssues and concerns

The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand reaching the limits of their ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate.

GS-12015GeographyIndian GeographyUrbanisation

Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata are the three megacities of the country but air pollution is a much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?

GS-12015GeographyIndian GeographyIndian Monsoon

How far do you agree that the behaviour of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscapes? Discuss.

GS-12014GeographyIndian GeographyHimalayas/issues and concerns

Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-continent.

GS-12013GeographyIndian GeographyHimalayas Physical landmarks of India

(a) Bring out the causes for the more frequent occurrence of landslide in the Himalayas than in the Western Ghats. (b) There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghats. Why?

GS-12025GeographyResourcesEnergy Resource

Give Geographical explanation of the distribution of off shore oil reserves of the world. How are they different from the on shore occurances of oil reserves ?

GS-12025GeographyResourcesEnergy Resource

Explain briefly the ecological and economic benefits of solar energy generation in India with suitable examples.

GS-12024GeographyResourcesWater

The groundwater potential of the Gangetic valley is under serious decline. How it may affect the food security of India?

GS-12023GeographyResourcesWater

Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources?

GS-12023GeographyResourcesGeneric Resource based

Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas.

GS-12023GeographyResourcesVegetations

Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forest regions of India.

GS-12022GeographyResourcesEnergy Resource

Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread.

GS-12022GeographyResourcesRubber Industry

Describing the distribution of rubber-producing countries indicate the major environmental issues faced by them. (Answer in 250 words)

GS-12021GeographyResourcesMining and Minerals

Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product(GDP) in percentage. Discuss

GS-12021GeographyResourcesWater

What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of the water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples

GS-12021GeographyResourcesEnergy Resource

Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world.

GS-12020GeographyResourcesVegetation Resources

Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (Answer in 250 words)

GS-12019GeographyResourcesWater

What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India?

GS-12019GeographyResourcesUrbanization

How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development in India?

GS-12018GeographyResourcesWater

“The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system”. How can it be made effective in urban areas?

GS-12018GeographyResourcesWater

Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India

GS-12017GeographyResourcesMineral

“Inspite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development”. Discuss

GS-12017GeographyResourcesWater

In what way can flood be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather inland navigation in India?

GS-12017GeographyResourcesMineral

In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development.” Discuss.

GS-12016GeographyResourcesWater

The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain

GS-12016GeographyResourcesWater

Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India.

GS-12016GeographyResourcesWater

In what way micro-watershed development projects help in water conservation in drought-prone and semi-arid regions of India?

GS-12015GeographyResourcesWater

India is well endowed with freshwater resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity.

GS-12013GeographyResourcesEnergy

With the growing scarcity of fossil fuels, atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw materials required for the generation of atomic energy in India and in the world.

GS-12013GeographyResourcesEnergy

It is said that India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of the country for quarter-century. However, tapping of the resource does not appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved.

GS-12023GeographyClimatologyClimate Change

Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries.

GS-12022GeographyClimatologyLayers of atmosphere

Troposphere is a very significant atmosphere layer that determines weather processes. How?

GS-12017GeographyClimatologyClimate type

What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia?

GS-12016GeographyClimatologyPhenomena

Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes.

GS-12014GeographyClimatologyPhenomena

Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do you agree?

GS-12013GeographyClimatologyPhenomena

(a) Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. (b) What do you understand by the phenomenon of 'temperature inversion' in meteorology? How does it affect the weather and the inhabitants of the place?

GS-12013GeographyClimatologyClimate types

Major hot deserts in the northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 deg N latitudes and on the western side of the continents. Why?

GS-12023GeographyAgriculture

From being net food importer in 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons.

GS-12017GeographyAgriculture

Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulses because of which the year 2016 was declared as the International Year of Pulses by United Nations.

GS-12014GeographyAgriculture

Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually bypass the eastern region despite fertile soil and good availability of water?

GS-12014GeographyAgriculture

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.

GS-12024GeographyOceanographyPhenomena

What is Sea surface temperature rise ? How does it affect formation of tropical cyclones?

GS-12022GeographyOceanographyOcean currents

What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in the fishing industry of the world.

GS-12019GeographyOceanographyOcean currents

How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and coastal environment?

GS-12018GeographyOceanographyPhenomena

What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystems?

GS-12017GeographyOceanographyOcean salinity

Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multidimensional effects

GS-12015GeographyOceanographyOcean currents

Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents? How do they influence regional climates, fishing, and navigation?

GS-12014GeographyOceanographyOcean Resources

Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet the resource crisis in the world.

GS-12025GeographyIndustriesEconomic geography India

What are non-farm primary activities ? How are these activities related to the physiographic features in India ? Discuss with examples.

GS-12020GeographyIndustriesIron and Steel

Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples.

GS-12019GeographyIndustriesAgro Based

Discuss the factors for localisation of agro-based food processing industries of North-West India

GS-12019GeographyIndustriesMiscellaneous

Can the strategy of regional-resource based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India?

GS-12018GeographyIndustriesIndustrial corridors

What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics.

GS-12017GeographyIndustriesPetroleum

Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications.

GS-12014GeographyIndustriesIron and Steel

Account for the change in the spatial pattern of the Iron and Steel industry in the world.

GS-12013GeographyIndustriesSugar industry

(a) Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the southern States of India? Discuss with justification. (b) Analyze the factors for the highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India.

GS-12025GeographyGeophysical phenomenaGlobal Warming

How are climate change and sea level rise affecting the very existence of many island nations ? Discuss with examples.

GS-12025GeographyGeophysical phenomenaTsunami

What are tsunamis ? How and where are they formed ? What are their consequences ? Explain with examples.

GS-12024GeographyGeophysical phenomenaCyclones

What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in the area around Gulf of Mexico?

GS-12024GeographyGeophysical phenomenaCloudburst

What is the phenomenon of cloud bursts? Explain

GS-12021GeographyGeophysical phenomenaLandslide

Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and the Western Ghats. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS-12021GeographyGeophysical phenomenaVolcanoes

Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment.

GS-12021GeographyGeophysical phenomenaEffect of global warming on poles

How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain

GS-12020GeographyGeophysical phenomenaUrban Floods

Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures.

GS-12019GeographyGeophysical phenomenaEffects of global warming on corals

Assess the impact of global warming on the coral life system with examples

GS-12018GeographyGeophysical phenomenaMantle Plume

Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics.

GS-12017GeographyGeophysical phenomenaCryosphere

How does the cryosphere affect global climate?

GS-12016GeographyGeophysical phenomenaHimalayas/landslides

“The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides.” Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.

GS-12016GeographyGeophysical phenomenaUrban Floods

Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss.

GS-12014GeographyGeophysical phenomenaCyclones

Tropical cyclones are largely confined to the south China Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the Gulf of Mexico. Why?

GS-12022GeographyGeopoliticsLandforms

Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade. (Answer in 250 words) 15 mark

GS-12018GeographyGeopoliticsArctic

Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic region?

GS-12016GeographyGeopoliticsSouth China Sea

South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment.

GS-12016GeographyGeopoliticsIndus Water treaty

Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations.

GS-12015GeographyGeopoliticsArctic

What are the economic significances of the discovery of oil in the Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences?

GS-12014GeographyGeopoliticsAfrica

How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich Africa?

GS-12025GeographyMiscellaneous

How can Artificial Intelligence and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning ?

GS-12021GeographyMiscellaneous

Why is India considered as a sub-continent? Elaborate your answer.

GS-12019GeographyMiscellaneous

How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism?

GS-12018GeographyMiscellaneous

Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation?

GS-12018GeographyMiscellaneous

Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India.

GS-12017GeographyMiscellaneous

How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth?

GS-12025Social IssuesSalient features of Indian Society, Diversity of IndiaMiscellaneous

How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society ? Illustrate your answer with Indian experience.

GS-12025Social IssuesSalient features of Indian Society, Diversity of IndiaTribe

Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation ? Give your opinion.

GS-12024Social IssuesSalient features of Indian Society, Diversity of IndiaDiversity

Critically analyse the proposition that there is a high correlation between India’s cultural diversities and socio-economic marginalities.

GS-12024Social IssuesSalient features of Indian Society, Diversity of IndiaFamily and marriage

Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss.

GS-12023Social IssuesSalient features of Indian Society, Diversity of IndiaFamily and marriage

Do you think marriage as a sacrament is losing its value in Modern India?

GS-12023Social IssuesSalient features of Indian Society, Diversity of IndiaFamily and marriage

Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children.

GS-12023Social IssuesSalient features of Indian Society, Diversity of IndiaCaste

Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static?

GS-12022Social IssuesSalient features of Indian Society, Diversity of IndiaTribe

Given the diversities among tribal communities in India in which specific context should they be considered as a single category? (Answer in 150 words) 10 mark

GS-12021Social IssuesSalient features of Indian Society, Diversity of IndiaTribe

Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge system when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems.

GS-12021Social IssuesSalient features of Indian Society, Diversity of IndiaSalient features

How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it.

GS-12020Social IssuesSalient features of Indian Society, Diversity of IndiaCaste

Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi- cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations.

GS-12019Social IssuesSalient features of Indian Society, Diversity of IndiaDiversity

Do we have cultural pockets of small India all over the nation? Elaborate with examples.

GS-12018Social IssuesSalient features of Indian Society, Diversity of IndiaCaste

“Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment.

GS-12017Social IssuesSalient features of Indian Society, Diversity of IndiaDiversity

In the context of the diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than the States? Give reasons with examples for your view point.

GS-12017Social IssuesSalient features of Indian Society, Diversity of IndiaTribes

What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes(STs)?

GS-12017Social IssuesSalient features of Indian Society, Diversity of IndiaSalient features

The spirit of tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian society from very early times, but it is also playing an important part at the present. Elaborate.

GS-12016Social IssuesSalient features of Indian Society, Diversity of IndiaTribe

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.

GS-12015Social IssuesSalient features of Indian Society, Diversity of IndiaDiversity

Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a national identity.

GS-12015Social IssuesSalient features of Indian Society, Diversity of IndiaCaste

Debate the issue whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work towards annihilation of caste.

GS-12014Social IssuesSalient features of Indian Society, Diversity of IndiaFamily and marriage

The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than social values. Discuss.

GS-12025Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesUrbanisation

How does smart city in India, address the issues of urban poverty and distributive justice ?

GS-12024Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesWomen

Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity and women’s empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in programme design and implementation?

GS-12024Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesPopulation and associated issues

What is the concept of a ‘demographic Winter’? Is the world moving towards such a situation? Elaborate

GS-12024Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesUrbanisation

Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries.

GS-12023Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesWomen

Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society.

GS-12023Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesSocial Empowerment

Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India?

GS-12023Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesUrbanisation

Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor in Indian metropolises?

GS-12022Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesUrbanisation

Explore and evaluate the impact of ‘Work From Home’ on family relationships. (Answer in 150 words) 10 mark

GS-12022Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesUrbanisation

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? (Answer in 150 words) 10 mark

GS-12021Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesUrbanisation

What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India?

GS-12021Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesWomen

Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India.

GS-12021Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesPopulation related issues

Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail.

GS-12020Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesSocial Empowerment

COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment.

GS-12019Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesWomen

“Empowering women is the key to control population growth.” Discuss.

GS-12019Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesUrbanisation

How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development in India?

GS-12019Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesWomen

What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space?

GS-12018Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesSocial Empowerment

‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing’. Explain by giving reasons.

GS-12018Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesWomen

‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view.

GS-12017Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesUrbanisation

“The growth of cities as I.T. hubs has opened up new avenues of employment, but has also created new problems”. Substantiate this statement with examples

GS-12016Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesSocial Empowerment

“An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from the process of deprivation.” Substantiate this statement with suitable examples.

GS-12016Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesUrbanisation

With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme.”

GS-12015Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesPopulation

Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the mains cause of population increase in India.

GS-12015Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesUrbanisation

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?

GS-12015Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesUrbanisation

Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural urban integration.

GS-12015Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesMigration

Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades.

GS-12014Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesWomen

How does patriarchy impact the position of a middle class working woman in India?

GS-12014Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesWomen

Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex ratio for women? Give your arguments.

GS-12014Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesWomen

Discuss the various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving increasing feminization of agriculture in India.

GS-12013Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesUrbanisation

Discuss the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India.

GS-12013Social IssuesRole of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remediesWomen

Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organization free from gender bias. Comment.

GS-12025Social IssuesEffects of globalization on Indian society.Globalisation and culture

Do you think that Globalisation results in only an aggressive consumer culture? Justify your answer.

GS-12024Social IssuesEffects of globalization on Indian society.Globalisation and women

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?

GS-12023Social IssuesEffects of globalization on Indian society.Globalisation and ethnicity

Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism.

GS-12022Social IssuesEffects of globalization on Indian society.Globalisation and technology

Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce resources with special reference to India. (Answer in 250 words) 15 mark

GS-12021Social IssuesEffects of globalization on Indian society.Globalisation and technology

What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also?

GS-12020Social IssuesEffects of globalization on Indian society.Globalistion and diversity

Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer.

GS-12019Social IssuesEffects of globalization on Indian society.Globalisation and Indian culture

Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss.

GS-12018Social IssuesEffects of globalization on Indian society.Globalisation and Indian culture

‘Globalisation is generally said to promote cultural homogenisation but due to these cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian society.’ Elucidate.

GS-12016Social IssuesEffects of globalization on Indian society.Globalisation and Indian culture

To what extent globalisation has influenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain.

GS-12015Social IssuesEffects of globalization on Indian society.Globalisation and women

Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India?

GS-12013Social IssuesEffects of globalization on Indian society.Globalisation and Aged

Critically examine the effects of globalization on the aged population in India.

GS-12025Social IssuesSocial empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularismSocial Empowerment + Regionalism

The ethos of civil service in India stands for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness – Elucidate.

GS-12025Social IssuesSocial empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularismSocial Empowerment

Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.

GS-12024Social IssuesSocial empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularismSocial Empowerment

In dealing with socio-economic issues of development, what kind of collaboration between government, NGOs and private sector would be most productive?

GS-12024Social IssuesSocial empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularismSocial 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

GS-12024Social IssuesSocial empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularismRegionalism

What is regional disparity? How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India?

GS-12022Social IssuesSocial empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularismSocial Empowerment

Analyse the salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region and religion.

GS-12022Social IssuesSocial empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularismSecularism

Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer.

GS-12020Social IssuesSocial empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularismRegionalism

Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue.

GS-12020Social IssuesSocial empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularismSecularism

Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?

GS-12020Social IssuesSocial empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularismSocial Empowerment

How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer.

GS-12019Social IssuesSocial empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularismSecularism

What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism?

GS-12018Social IssuesSocial empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularismSecularism

How the Indian concept of secularism different from the western model of secularism? Discuss.

GS-12018Social IssuesSocial empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularismSocial Empowerment

Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success.

GS-12018Social IssuesSocial empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularismCommunalism

‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.’ Argue by giving suitable illustrations.

GS-12017Social IssuesSocial empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularismReligion

Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the former has got transformed into the latter in independent India.

GS-12016Social IssuesSocial empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularismRegionalism

What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of development on regional basis eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate your answer.

GS-12016Social IssuesSocial empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularismRegionalism

Has the formation of linguistic states strengthened the cause of Indian unity

GS-12015Social IssuesSocial empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularismSocial Empowerment

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?

GS-12013Social IssuesSocial empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularismRegionalism

Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a separate state. Discuss.

GS-22025PolityExecutive and Judiciary & Separation of PowersJudiciary

Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA.

GS-22025PolityExecutive and Judiciary & Separation of PowersTribunals and ADR

Comment on the need of administrative tribunals as compared to the court system. Assess the impact of the recent tribunal reforms through rationalization of tribunals made in 2021.

GS-22024PolityExecutive and Judiciary & Separation of PowersJudiciary

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 ?

GS-22024PolityExecutive and Judiciary & Separation of PowersSeparation of powers

The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalization of the parliamentary supremacy:” Elucidate.

GS-22024PolityExecutive and Judiciary & Separation of PowersJudiciary

Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats And Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases?

GS-22023PolityExecutive and Judiciary & Separation of PowersJudiciary

"Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy." Comment.

GS-22023PolityExecutive and Judiciary & Separation of PowersJudiciary

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.

GS-22022PolityExecutive and Judiciary & Separation of PowersJudiciary

The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words) 10 mark

GS-22022PolityExecutive and Judiciary & Separation of PowersState Executive

Discuss the essential conditions for the 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.

GS-22021PolityExecutive and Judiciary & Separation of PowersJudiciary

Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS-22021PolityExecutive and Judiciary & Separation of PowersUnion Legislature

To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India? (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS-22020PolityExecutive and Judiciary & Separation of PowersSeparation of powers

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. (Answer in 250 words)

GS-22019PolityExecutive and Judiciary & Separation of PowersSeparation of powers

Do you think the Constitution of India does not accept the principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balance’? Explain. (10 Marks)

GS-22019PolityExecutive and Judiciary & Separation of PowersTribunal

“The Central Administrative 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. (10 Marks)

GS-22019PolityExecutive and Judiciary & Separation of PowersJudiciary

From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers by the courts, ‘Principle of Federal Supremacy’ and ‘Harmonious Construction’ have emerged. Explain. (10 Marks)

GS-22017PolityExecutive and Judiciary & Separation of PowersJudiciary

Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to the appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. (150 words)

GS-22016PolityExecutive and Judiciary & Separation of PowersJudiciary

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?

GS-22015PolityExecutive and Judiciary & Separation of PowersMiscellaneous

Khap panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra – constitutional authorities, often delivering pronouncements amounting to human right violations. Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative, executive and judiciary to set the things right in this regard.

GS-22015PolityExecutive and Judiciary & Separation of PowersSeparation of powers

Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern on violation of the spirit of separation of power doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate, analyse whether the decision of the Supreme Court on the issue have further facilitated to resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate the ordinances be repealed?

GS-22014PolityExecutive and Judiciary & Separation of PowersJudiciary

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.

GS-22014PolityExecutive and Judiciary & Separation of PowersUnion Executive

Instances of President’s delay in commuting death sentences has come under public debate as denial of justice. Should there be a time specified for the President to accept/reject such petitions? Analyse

GS-22014PolityExecutive and Judiciary & Separation of PowersUnion 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 is the efficacy of a government then inversely related to the size of the cabinet? Discuss

GS-22013PolityExecutive and Judiciary & Separation of PowersJudiciary

The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution. Discuss critically.

GS-22025PolityBasics of Constitutional Framework (FR, DPSP,FD etc)Amendment Procedure

Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. In view of this statement, examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of the Parliament to change the Constitution.

GS-22025PolityBasics of Constitutional Framework (FR, DPSP,FD etc)Philosophy of the Constitution

Constitutional morality is the fulcrum which acts as an essential check upon the high functionaries and citizens alike…” In view of the above observation of the Supreme Court, explain the concept of constitutional morality and its application to ensure balance between judicial independence and judicial accountability in India.

GS-22024PolityBasics of Constitutional Framework (FR, DPSP,FD etc)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 child in the womb to establish its paternity

GS-22023PolityBasics of Constitutional Framework (FR, DPSP,FD etc)Philosophy of Constitution

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.

GS-22022PolityBasics of Constitutional Framework (FR, DPSP,FD etc)Fundamental Rights

Right of movement and residence throughout the territory of India are freely available to Indian citizens, but these rights are not absolute. Comment (Answer in 150 words) 10 mark

GS-22022PolityBasics of Constitutional Framework (FR, DPSP,FD etc)Fundamental Rights

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting an incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words)

GS-22021PolityBasics of Constitutional Framework (FR, DPSP,FD etc)Philosophy of the Constitution

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.

GS-22019PolityBasics of Constitutional Framework (FR, DPSP,FD etc)Philosophy of the Constitution

“Parliament’s power to amend the constitution is limited power and it cannot be enlarged into absolute power”. In 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? (15 marks)

GS-22017PolityBasics of Constitutional Framework (FR, DPSP,FD etc)Fundamental Rights

Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. (250 words)

GS-22016PolityBasics of Constitutional Framework (FR, DPSP,FD etc)Preamble

Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the ‘Preamble’. Are they defendable in the present circumstances?

GS-22015PolityBasics of Constitutional Framework (FR, DPSP,FD etc)DPSP

Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizen a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy.

GS-22015PolityBasics of Constitutional Framework (FR, DPSP,FD etc)Fundamental Rights

Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers during Diwali? Discus in the light of Article 21 of Indian Constitution and judgements of the apex in this regard.

GS-22014PolityBasics of Constitutional Framework (FR, DPSP,FD etc)Fundamental Rights

What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.

GS-22013PolityBasics of Constitutional Framework (FR, DPSP,FD etc)Fundamental Rights

Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution.

GS-22025PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesCentre State Financial Relations

Examine the evolving pattern of Centre-State financial relations in the context of planned development in India. How far have the recent reforms impacted the fiscal federalism in India?

GS-22025PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesCentre State Relations

Discuss the nature of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. Briefly describe the powers and functions of the Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

GS-22024PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesCentre State Relations

What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-Stare relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism.

GS-22024PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesLocal Bodies

Analyze the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies.

GS-22023PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesLocal Bodies

The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially." Comment.

GS-22023PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesEmergency Provisions

Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s.

GS-22023PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesCentre State Financial Relations

Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism?

GS-22022PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesLocal Bodies

To what extent in your opinion has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots? (Answer in 150 words) 10 mark

GS-22021PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesCentre State Executive

The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probes within a particular state is being questioned by various States. However, the power of States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India. (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS-22020PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesCentre State Executive Relations

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. (Answer in 250 words)

GS-22020PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesLocal Bodies

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. (Answer in 250 words)

GS-22020PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesLocal Bodies

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. (Answer in 150 words)

GS-22019PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesLocal Bodies

“The reservation of seats for women in the institution of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian political process”. Comment. (15 marks)

GS-22018PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesCentre State Relations

Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine. (15)

GS-22018PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesLocal Bodies

Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for financing developmental projects? (15)

GS-22018PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesEmergency Provisions

Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force? (10)

GS-22017PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesLocal Bodies

“The local self-government system in India has not proved to be an effective instrument of governance”. Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation. (150 words)

GS-22017PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesCentre State Financial Relations

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 a common national market for goods and services’? (250 words)

GS-22016PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesSpecial Provisions in Federalism

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?

GS-22016PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesSpecial Provisions in Federalism

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.

GS-22016PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesHistorical Background

Did the Government of India Act, 1935 lay down a federal constitution? Discuss.

GS-22015PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesLocal Bodies

In the absence of well – educated and organised local level government system, Panchayats and Samitis have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instrument of governance. Critically Discuss.

GS-22015PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesCooperative Federalism

The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasised in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings.

GS-22014PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesNature of Indian Federalism

Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that priniciple 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.

GS-22013PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesSpecial Provisions in Federalism

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.

GS-22013PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesMiscellaneous

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.

GS-22013PolityFederal Structure and Local BodiesInter state relations

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.

GS-22025PolityRPA , Legislature and ElectionsRPA SALIENT FEATURES

Discuss the ‘corrupt practices’ for the purpose of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Analyze whether the increase in the assets of the legislators and/or their associates, disproportionate to their known sources of income, would constitute ‘undue influence’ and consequently a corrupt practice.

GS-22024PolityRPA , Legislature and ElectionsElections

Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation – one election” principle.

GS-22023PolityRPA , Legislature and ElectionsParliamentary Committees

Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalisation of Indian Parliament?

GS-22023PolityRPA , Legislature and ElectionsPresiding 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.

GS-22022PolityRPA , Legislature and ElectionsPresiding officers

Discuss the role of the Vice President of India as the chairman of Rajya Sabha. (Answer in 150 words) 10 mark

GS-22022PolityRPA , Legislature and ElectionsSalient Features of RPA

Discuss the procedures to decide the disputes arising out of the election of a Member of the Parliament or a State Legislature under the Representation of 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 (Answer in 250 words) 15 mark

GS-22022PolityRPA , Legislature and ElectionsPolitical Parties

“While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of state autonomy.” Comment. (Answer in 250 words) 15 mark

GS-22022PolityRPA , Legislature and ElectionsElections

Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct. (Answer in 250 words) 15 mark

GS-22021PolityRPA , Legislature and ElectionsLegislative Councils

Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS-22021PolityRPA , Legislature and ElectionsParliamentary 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. (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS-22020PolityRPA , Legislature and ElectionsPresiding 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 implication for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India? ( (Answer in 150 words)

GS-22020PolityRPA , Legislature and ElectionsRajya Sabha

Rajyasabha has been transformed from a ‘useless Stepney tire’ to the most useful supportive organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as areas in which this transformation could be visible. (Answer in 250 words)

GS-22020PolityRPA , Legislature and ElectionsSalient Features of RPA

“There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of Peoples Act”. Comment.

GS-22019PolityRPA , Legislature and ElectionsSalient Features of RPA

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. (15 marks)

GS-22019PolityRPA , Legislature and ElectionsIssues of Parliament

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. (15 marks)

GS-22018PolityRPA , Legislature and ElectionsElections

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? (10)

GS-22018PolityRPA , Legislature and ElectionsParliamentary Committees

Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee. (10)

GS-22017PolityRPA , Legislature and ElectionsElectoral Reforms

‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. (150 words)

GS-22017PolityRPA , Legislature and ElectionsBasics of Parliament

The Indian Constitution has provisions for holding a joint session of the two houses of the Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also the occasions when it cannot, with reasons thereof. (250 words)

GS-22017PolityRPA , Legislature and ElectionsElectoral Reforms

To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? (250 words)

GS-22016PolityRPA , Legislature and ElectionsPolitical Parties

“The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.” Discuss.

GS-22014PolityRPA , Legislature and ElectionsParliamentary 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?

GS-22013PolityRPA , Legislature and ElectionsAnti Defection

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?

GS-22025PolityComparison of ConstitutionsIndia and USA

Compare and contrast the President’s power to pardon in India and in the USA. Are there any limits to it in both the countries? What are ‘preemptive pardons’?

GS-22024PolityComparison of ConstitutionsIndia and USA

Discuss India as a secular state and compare with the secular principles of the US constitution.

GS-22023PolityComparison of ConstitutionsIndia and Britain

Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary sovereignty.

GS-22022PolityComparison of ConstitutionsIndia and France

Critically examine the procedures through which the presidents of India and France are elected. (Answer in 250 words) 15 mark

GS-22021PolityComparison of ConstitutionsIndia and USA

Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India. (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS-22020PolityComparison of ConstitutionsIndia and UK

The judicial system 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. (Answer in 150 words)

GS-22019PolityComparison of ConstitutionsIndia and France

What can France learn from the Indian Constitution’s approach to secularism? (10 Marks)

GS-22018PolityComparison of ConstitutionsIndia and USA

Indian and USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based.

GS-22025PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesStatutory Commissions

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has to address the challenges faced by children in the digital era. Examine the existing policies and suggest measures the Commission can initiate to tackle the issue.

GS-22025PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesConstitutional Bodies

The Attorney General of India plays a crucial role in guiding the legal framework of the Union Government and ensuring sound governance through legal counsel.” Discuss his responsibilities, rights and limitations in this regard.

GS-22024PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesConstitutional Bodies

The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety.” Comment.

GS-22023PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesStatutory Commissions

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.

GS-22022PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesConstitutional 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. (Answer in 150 words) 10 mark

GS-22021PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesStatutory 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. (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS-22021PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesConstitutional Bodies

How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the states to improve their fiscal position? (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS-22020PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesStatutory Bodies

“Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)

GS-22019PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesConstitutional Bodies

“The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India.” Discuss (15 Marks)

GS-22018PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesConstitutional 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. (10)

GS-22018PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesConstitutional 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. (10)

GS-22018PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesConstitutional 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. (15)

GS-22018PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesConstitutional Bodies

How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you know about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss. (15)

GS-22018PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesStatutory Commissions

The multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections of the society leads to problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions. Is it better to merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission? Argue your case. (15)

GS-22017PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesStatutory Commissions

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. (250 words)

GS-22016PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesConstitutional 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.

GS-22016PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesGeneric

What is quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples.

GS-22015PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesStatutory Commissions

What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1966 through the recent ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve India’s dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss.

GS-22015PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesGeneric

For achieving the desired objectives,it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions remain independent and autonomous. Discuss in the light of experiences in recent past.

GS-22014PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesStatutory Commissions

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In light of above observation assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human rights standards.

GS-22014PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesStatutory Commissions

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.

GS-22013PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesConstitutional Bodies

Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a departure from the previous commissions for strengthening the local government finances.

GS-22013PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesStatutory Commissions

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.

GS-22013PolityConstitutional and Non-Constitutional BodiesStatutory Commissions

‘A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs’. Discuss.

GS-22025GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryDevelopment Process and Industry

In contemporary development models, decision-making and problem-solving responsibilities are not located close to the source of information and execution defeating the objectives of development.” Critically evaluate.

GS-22025GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryNGO/VO/SHG/MFI/Pressure groups

What are environmental pressure groups? Discuss their role in raising awareness, influencing policies and advocating for environmental protection in India.

GS-22025GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryNGO/VO/SHG/MFI/Pressure groups

Women’s social capital complements in advancing empowerment and gender equity. Explain.

GS-22025GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryNGO/VO/SHG/MFI/Pressure groups

Civil Society Organizations are often perceived as being anti-State actors than non-State actors. Do you agree? Justify.

GS-22024GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryNGO/VO/SHG/MFI/Pressure groups

Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India’s development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment.

GS-22023GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryDevelopment Process and Industry

The crucial aspect of development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this inadequacy.

GS-22023GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryNGO/VO/SHG/MFI/Pressure groups

Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women's effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India.

GS-22022GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryDevelopment Process and Industry

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.

GS-22021GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryNGO/VO/SHG/MFI/Pressure groups

“Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policymaking in India.” Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies.

GS-22021GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryNGO/VO/SHG/MFI/Pressure groups

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.

GS-22019GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryNGO/VO/SHG/MFI/Pressure groups

What are the methods used by the farmer’s organizations to influence the policy-makers in India and how effective are these methods? (10 Marks)

GS-22019GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryDevelopment Process and Industry

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. (10 Marks)

GS-22019GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryDevelopment Process and Industry

‘In the context of the neo-liberal paradigm of developmental planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost-effective and remove many implementation blockages’- Discuss (15 marks)

GS-22019GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryDevelopment Process and Industry

The need for cooperation among various service sectors has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges 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. (15 marks)

GS-22018GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryDevelopment Process and Industry

“Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate ‘protection and prevention of degradation to the environment.” Comment with relevant illustrations.

GS-22017GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryNGO/VO/SHG/MFI/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? (150 words)

GS-22017GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryNGO/VO/SHG/MFI/Pressure groups

‘The emergence of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in contemporary times points to the slow but steady withdrawal of the state from developmental activities’. Examine the role of the SHGs in developmental activities and the measures taken by the Government of India to promote the SHGs. (250 words)

GS-22016GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryNGO/VO/SHG/MFI/Pressure groups

“In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal.” Critically examine this statement.

GS-22016GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryDevelopment Process and Industry

“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?

GS-22015GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryNGO/VO/SHG/MFI/Pressure groups

Examine critically the recent changes in the rule governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976.

GS-22015GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryNGO/VO/SHG/MFI/Pressure groups

The Self Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Program (SBLP), which is India’s own innovation , has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programme. Elucidate.

GS-22015GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryNGO/VO/SHG/MFI/Pressure groups

How can be the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to protection of the Environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints.

GS-22014GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryNGO/VO/SHG/MFI/Pressure groups

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.

GS-22014GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryDevelopment Process and Industry

What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.

GS-22014GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryNGO/VO/SHG/MFI/Pressure groups

The penetration of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine.

GS-22013GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryNGO/VO/SHG/MFI/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.

GS-22013GovernancePressure Groups, Formal/Informal associations, Development Processes and Development IndustryNGO/VO/SHG/MFI/Pressure groups

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.

GS-22025GovernanceConcept of Governance, E governance, transparency and accountability, Role of Civil Services in DemocracyE-Governance

E-governance projects have a built-in bias towards technology and back-end integration than user-centric designs. Examine.

GS-22024GovernanceConcept of Governance, E governance, transparency and accountability, Role of Civil Services in DemocracyEgovernance

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.

GS-22024GovernanceConcept of Governance, E governance, transparency and accountability, Role of Civil Services in DemocracyBasics of Governance

The Citizens’ charter has been a landmark 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.

GS-22024GovernanceConcept of Governance, E governance, transparency and accountability, Role of Civil Services in DemocracyCivil 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.

GS-22023GovernanceConcept of Governance, E governance, transparency and accountability, Role of Civil Services in DemocracyE-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 ?

GS-22020GovernanceConcept of Governance, E governance, transparency and accountability, Role of Civil Services in DemocracyCivil Services

“Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context, suggest reforms in Civil Service for Strengthening Democracy. (Answer in 150 words)

GS-22020GovernanceConcept of Governance, E governance, transparency and accountability, Role of Civil Services in DemocracyE-Governance

“The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of the government”. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)

GS-22019GovernanceConcept of Governance, E governance, transparency and accountability, Role of Civil Services in DemocracyE-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. (10 marks)

GS-22018GovernanceConcept of Governance, E governance, transparency and accountability, Role of Civil Services in DemocracyE-Governance

E-governance in not only about utilization of the power of new technology but also much about the critical importance of the ‘use value’ of information. Explain. (10)

GS-22018GovernanceConcept of Governance, E governance, transparency and accountability, Role of Civil Services in DemocracyBasics of Governance

The Citizen’s Charter is an ideal instrument of organisational transparency and accountability, but it has its own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for greater effectiveness of the Citizen’s Charters. (15)

GS-22017GovernanceConcept of Governance, E governance, transparency and accountability, Role of Civil Services in DemocracyCivil 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 (250 words)

GS-22016GovernanceConcept of Governance, E governance, transparency and accountability, Role of Civil Services in DemocracyBasics of Governance

“Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people’s participation in the governance system are inter-dependent/” Discuss their relationship in the context of India.

GS-22016GovernanceConcept of Governance, E governance, transparency and accountability, Role of Civil Services in DemocracyBasics of Governance

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.

GS-22016GovernanceConcept of Governance, E governance, transparency and accountability, Role of Civil Services in DemocracyMiscellaneous

Has the Indian governmental system responded adequately to the demands of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization started in 1991? What can the government do to be responsive to this important change?

GS-22016GovernanceConcept of Governance, E governance, transparency and accountability, Role of Civil Services in DemocracyCivil Services

“Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic development in India.” Comment.

GS-22015GovernanceConcept of Governance, E governance, transparency and accountability, Role of Civil Services in DemocracyTransparency and Accountability

If amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2011 tabled in the Parliament is passed, there maybe no on left to protect. Critically Evaluate.

GS-22015GovernanceConcept of Governance, E governance, transparency and accountability, Role of Civil Services in DemocracyTransparency and Accountability

In the light of Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in the corporate governance to ensure transparency and accountability.

GS-22014GovernanceConcept of Governance, E governance, transparency and accountability, Role of Civil Services in DemocracyCivil Services

Has the Cadre based Civil Services Organization been the cause of slow in India? Critically examine.

GS-22013GovernanceConcept of Governance, E governance, transparency and accountability, Role of Civil Services in DemocracyBasics of Governance

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. Analyse.

GS-22023GovernanceGovernment Policies and Schemes for Vulnerable SectionsGeneric

Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are discriminatory in approach." Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.

GS-22023GovernanceGovernment Policies and Schemes for Vulnerable SectionsSkill Development

Skill development programmes have succeeded in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyse the linkages between education, skill and employment.

GS-22022GovernanceGovernment Policies and Schemes for Vulnerable SectionsGati shakti yojana

The Gati-Shakti Yojana needs meticulous coordination between the government and the private sector to achieve the goal of connectivity. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) 10 mark

GS-22022GovernanceGovernment Policies and Schemes for Vulnerable SectionsPersons with Disabilities

The rights of persons with disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of Government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10 mark

GS-22022GovernanceGovernment Policies and Schemes for Vulnerable SectionsDBT

Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has limitations too. Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10 mark

GS-22022GovernanceGovernment Policies and Schemes for Vulnerable SectionsGeneric

Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and the underprivileged sections of society. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) 15 mark

GS-22021GovernanceGovernment Policies and Schemes for Vulnerable SectionsEarn while you learn

“‘Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.” Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS-22020GovernanceGovernment Policies and Schemes for Vulnerable SectionsPoverty Alleviation

“Microfinance 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 twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India. (Answer in 250 words)

GS-22020GovernanceGovernment Policies and Schemes for Vulnerable SectionsElectronic Policy

National Electronic Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goals-4 (2030). It intended to restructure and re-orient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (Answer in 250 words)

GS-22019GovernanceGovernment Policies and Schemes for Vulnerable SectionsGeneric

Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to the absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of the policy process. Discuss (15 marks)

GS-22017GovernanceGovernment Policies and Schemes for Vulnerable SectionsWASH

‘To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing water, sanitation and hygiene needs, the identification of beneficiary segments is to be synchronized with the anticipated outcomes’ Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme. (150 words)

GS-22017GovernanceGovernment Policies and Schemes for Vulnerable SectionsPersons with Disabilities

Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure an effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in the society? Discuss (150 words)

GS-22016GovernanceGovernment Policies and Schemes for Vulnerable SectionsNational Child policy

Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation.

GS-22014GovernanceGovernment Policies and Schemes for Vulnerable SectionsGeneric

Do government’s schemes for up-lifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required social resources for them, lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economies?

GS-22014GovernanceGovernment Policies and Schemes for Vulnerable SectionsAadhar

Two parallel run schemes of the Government, viz the Adhar card and NPR, one of voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits , discuss whether or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve development benefits and equitable growth.

GS-22013GovernanceGovernment Policies and Schemes for Vulnerable SectionsMid Day Meal

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.

GS-22013GovernanceGovernment Policies and Schemes for Vulnerable SectionsGeneric

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.

GS-22013GovernanceGovernment Policies and Schemes for Vulnerable SectionsDBT

Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment.

GS-22025GovernanceSocial Justice, Poverty, hunger, health and nutrition, Education, Vulnerable SectionsPoverty

Inequality in the ownership pattern of resources is one of the major causes of poverty. Discuss in the context of ‘paradox of poverty’.

GS-22024GovernanceSocial Justice, Poverty, hunger, health and nutrition, Education, Vulnerable SectionsHealthcare

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.

GS-22024GovernanceSocial Justice, Poverty, hunger, health and nutrition, Education, Vulnerable SectionsEducation

What are the aims and objects of recently passed and enforced, The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether University/State Education Board examinations, too, are covered under the Act ?

GS-22024GovernanceSocial Justice, Poverty, hunger, health and nutrition, Education, Vulnerable SectionsPoverty

Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle?

GS-22021GovernanceSocial Justice, Poverty, hunger, health and nutrition, Education, Vulnerable SectionsHealth

“Besides being a moral imperative of Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary pre-condition for sustainable development.” Analyze. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS-22021GovernanceSocial Justice, Poverty, hunger, health and nutrition, Education, Vulnerable SectionsPoverty

Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through the microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS-22021GovernanceSocial Justice, Poverty, hunger, health and nutrition, Education, Vulnerable SectionsDigital india

Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of Information and Communication Technology(ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS-22021GovernanceSocial Justice, Poverty, hunger, health and nutrition, Education, Vulnerable SectionsWomen

“Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and the feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS-22020GovernanceSocial Justice, Poverty, hunger, health and nutrition, Education, Vulnerable SectionsHealth

In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)

GS-22020GovernanceSocial Justice, Poverty, hunger, health and nutrition, Education, Vulnerable SectionsPoverty

"Incidence and intensity of poverty are most important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyze the latest United Nations Multi Poverty Index report.

GS-22019GovernanceSocial Justice, Poverty, hunger, health and nutrition, Education, Vulnerable SectionsPoverty and 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. (10 marks)

GS-22017GovernanceSocial Justice, Poverty, hunger, health and nutrition, Education, Vulnerable SectionsPoverty and Hunger

Hunger and Poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement. (150 words)

GS-22015GovernanceSocial Justice, Poverty, hunger, health and nutrition, Education, Vulnerable SectionsEducation

The quality of higher education in India requires major improvement to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of technical and higher education in the country. Discuss.

GS-22015GovernanceSocial Justice, Poverty, hunger, health and nutrition, Education, Vulnerable SectionsHealth

Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest?

GS-22015GovernanceSocial Justice, Poverty, hunger, health and nutrition, Education, Vulnerable SectionsPoverty

Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in poverty over time. Do you agree. Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators.

GS-22014GovernanceSocial Justice, Poverty, hunger, health and nutrition, Education, Vulnerable SectionsEducation

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.

GS-22014GovernanceMiscellaneousSports

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.

GS-22013GovernanceMiscellaneous

The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment.

GS-22013GovernanceMiscellaneous

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.

GS-22023International RelationsHard, Soft & Smart PowerDiaspora in West

Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.

GS-22022International RelationsHard, Soft & Smart PowerInternational Forum

‘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. (Answer in 250 words) 15 mark

GS-22020International RelationsHard, Soft & Smart PowerDiaspora in Europe

“Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries”. Comment with examples. (Answer in 150 words)

GS-22019International RelationsHard, Soft & Smart PowerIndia’s role in New world order

“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 (15 Marks)

GS-22015International RelationsHard, Soft & Smart PowerIndia and UNSC

Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UNSC.

GS-22025International RelationsInternational OrganizationsUNSC

“The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs Russo Chinese alliance.” Examine and critically evaluate the East- West Policy confrontations in this regard.

GS-22024International RelationsInternational OrganizationsUNSC

‘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

GS-22023International RelationsInternational OrganizationsNATO

The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India.' What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.

GS-22023International RelationsInternational OrganizationsIMO

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.

GS-22020International RelationsInternational OrganizationsWHO

Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the COVID-19 Pandemic (Answer in 150 words)

GS-22019International RelationsInternational OrganizationsUNESCO

‘Too little cash, too much politics, leave 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’. (10 marks)

GS-22018International RelationsInternational OrganizationsWTO

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? (15)

GS-22017International RelationsInternational OrganizationsECOSOC

What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it. (150 words)

GS-22016International RelationsInternational OrganizationsWTO

“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.

GS-22016International RelationsInternational OrganizationsUNESCO

What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What is India’s position on these?

GS-22014International RelationsInternational OrganizationsITA

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?

GS-22014International RelationsInternational OrganizationsNDB AND AIIB

India has recently signed to become founding member of New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). How will the role of the two Banks be different? Discuss the strategic significance of these two Banks for India.

GS-22014International RelationsInternational OrganizationsWTO

WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in aprofound 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.

GS-22013International RelationsInternational OrganizationsBRETTON WOODS TWINS

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.

GS-22024International RelationsCentral AsiaCAR

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

GS-22023International RelationsCentral AsiaSCO

Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO'. In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems.

GS-22022International RelationsCentral AsiaI2U2

How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics? (Answer in 250 words) 15 mark

GS-22021International RelationsCentral AsiaSCO

Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. what importance does it hold for India? (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS-22018International RelationsCentral AsiaAshgabat Agreement

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. (10)

GS-22024International RelationsIndia's NeighbourhoodMaldives

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?

GS-22022International RelationsIndia's NeighbourhoodSri Lanka

‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka’. Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in light of the preceding statement. (Answer in 150 words) 10 mark

GS-22022International RelationsIndia's NeighbourhoodBIMSTEC

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 realised by forming this new organisation? (Answer in 250 words) 15 mark

GS-22017International RelationsIndia's NeighbourhoodChina

‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. (150 words)

GS-22016International RelationsIndia's NeighbourhoodSAARC

“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.

GS-22015International RelationsIndia's NeighbourhoodProject Mausam

Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of Indian government to improve relationship wit its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss

GS-22015International RelationsIndia's NeighbourhoodPakistan

Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India – Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchange could help generate goodwill between the two countries. Discuss with suitable examples.

GS-22013International RelationsIndia's NeighbourhoodAfghanistan

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.

GS-22013International RelationsIndia's NeighbourhoodChina

What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this.

GS-22013International RelationsIndia's NeighbourhoodBangladesh

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?

GS-22013International RelationsIndia's NeighbourhoodMaldives

Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India?

GS-22013International RelationsIndia's NeighbourhoodSri Lanka

In respect of India — Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy.

GS-22013International RelationsIndia's NeighbourhoodGujral Doctrine

What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss.

GS-22025International RelationsIndia- Africa

India Africa Digital Partneship is achieving mutual respect , co development and long term institutional partnerships. Elaborate.

GS-22021International RelationsIndia- Africa

“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. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS-22015International RelationsIndia- Africa

Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pro and cons. Critically Examine.

GS-22025International RelationsIndia & WorldWorld Order

“With the waning of globalisation , post cold war world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism.” Elucidate

GS-22024International RelationsIndia & WorldInd- China and west

The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategically to counter China’s political and economic dominance.” Explain this statement with examples. (Answer in 150 words)

GS-22021International RelationsIndia & WorldUSA China Cold war

“The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS-22020International RelationsIndia & WorldIndia-USA

What is the significance of Indo-US deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region (Answer in 250 words)

GS-22019International RelationsIndia & WorldIndia-USA

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. (15 Marks)

GS-22021International RelationsAct EastAUKUS

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. (Answer in 250 words) 15

GS-22020International RelationsAct EastQUAD

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is transforming itself into a trade block from the military alliance, in present times. Discuss (Answer in 250 words)

GS-22019International RelationsAct EastIndia - Japan

‘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. (10 marks)

GS-22017International RelationsAct EastIndia- ASEAN

Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries’ economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South- East Asia in this context (250 words)

GS-22016International RelationsAct EastLook East

Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post Cold War international scenario.

GS-22014International RelationsAct EastSouth China Sea

With respect to the South China sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affaire the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and ever flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China.

GS-22013International RelationsAct EastIndia - Japan

Economic ties between India and Japan while growing in the recent years are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are inhibiting this growth.

GS-22025International RelationsLook WestIndia-West Asia

“ Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India’s foreign policy and is linked with India’s overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries.” How would you integrate energy security with foreign policy trajectories in the coming years?

GS-22018International RelationsLook WestIndia- Israel

“India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (10 )

GS-22018International RelationsLook WestUS -Iran -India

In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation? (15)

GS-22017International RelationsLook WestIndia-West 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. (250 words)

GS-32025EconomyLPG Reforms and Industrial PolicyManufacturing and Industrial Sector

Discuss the rationale of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. What are its achievements? In what way can the functioning and outcomes of the scheme be improved?

GS-32024EconomyLPG Reforms and Industrial PolicyManufacturing and Industrial sector/Labour reforms

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?

GS-32024EconomyLPG Reforms and Industrial PolicyLPG reforms + Government budgeting

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?

GS-32023EconomyLPG Reforms and Industrial PolicyManufacturing and Industrial Sector

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.

GS-32017EconomyLPG Reforms and Industrial PolicyManufacturing and Industrial Sector

Account for the failure of manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour-intensive rather than capital-intensive exports.

GS-32017EconomyLPG Reforms and Industrial PolicyManufacturing and Industrial Sector

“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?

GS-32015EconomyLPG Reforms and Industrial PolicyManufacturing and Industrial Sector

There is a clear acknowledgement that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are a tool of industrial development, manufacturing and exports. Recognising this potential, the whole instrumentality of SEZs require augmentation. Discuss the issues plaguing the success of SEZs with respect to taxation, governing laws and administration.

GS-32014EconomyLPG Reforms and Industrial PolicyServices Sector

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-à-vis industry in the country? Can India become a developed country without a strong industrial base?

GS-32013EconomyLPG Reforms and Industrial PolicyLiberalisation

Examine the impact of liberalization on companies owned by Indians. Are they competing with theMNCs satisfactorily? Discuss.

GS-32025EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itFiscal Policy and Budget

Explain how the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) can be used as a tool for assessing the fiscal performance of states in India. In what way would it encourage the states to adopt prudent and sustainable fiscal policies?

GS-32025EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itInclusive Growth

Distinguish between the Human Development Index (HDI) and the Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI) with special reference to India. Why is the IHDI considered a better indicator of inclusive growth?

GS-32025EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itExternal Sector

What are the challenges before the Indian economy when the world is moving away from free trade and multilateralism to protectionism and bilateralism? How can these challenges be met?

GS-32024EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itInflation

What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of RBI to control this type of inflation.

GS-32023EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itDigital Economy

What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements.

GS-32023EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itEmployment related issues

Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements.

GS-32023EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itCare Economy

Distinguish between 'care economy' and 'monetized economy'. How can care economy be brought into monetized economy through women empowerment?

GS-32022EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itInclusive Growth

Is inclusive growth possible under market economy? State the significance of financial inclusion in achieving economic growth in India.

GS-32022EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itInclusive Growth

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?

GS-32022EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itEmployment related issues

Economic growth in the recent past has been led by increase in labour productivity.'' Explain this statement. Suggest the growth pattern that will lead to creation of more jobs without compromising labour productivity.

GS-32021EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itNational income

Explain the difference between computing methodology of Inda's Gross Domestic Product(GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015.

GS-32021EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itMacroeconomic Indicators

Do you agree that the Indian economy has recently experienced V-shaped recovery? Give reasons in support of your answer.

GS-32020EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itInclusive Growth

Explain intra-generational and inter-generational issues of equity from the perspective of inclusive growth and sustainable development.

GS-32020EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itNational income

Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP?

GS-32019EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itInclusive Growth

It is argued that the strategy of inclusive growth is intended to meet the objectives of inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment on this statement

GS-32019EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itMacroeconomic Indicators

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.

GS-32018EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itMacroeconomic Indicators

How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India?

GS-32018EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itGrowth and Development

“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.

GS-32018EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itGrowth and Development

How are principles followed by the NITI Aayog different from those followed by erstwhile Planning Commission in India?

GS-32017EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itInclusive Growth

What are the salient features of ‘inclusive growth’? Has India been experiencing such a growth process? Analyse and suggest measures for inclusive growth.

GS-32017EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itMacroeconomic Indicators

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?

GS-32016EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itFinancial 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 poor section of the Indian society? Give arguments to justify your opinion.

GS-32016EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itFDI

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.

GS-32016EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itInclusive 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.

GS-32016EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itEmployment related issues

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?

GS-32015EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itEmployment related issues

“Success of ‘Make in India’ programme depends on the success of ‘Skill India’ programme and radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments.

GS-32015EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itEmployment related issues

The nature of economic growth in India in recent times is often described as jobless growth. Do you agree with this view? Give arguments in favour of your answer

GS-32015EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itMacroeconomic Indicators

Craze for gold in Indians has 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.

GS-32014EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itEmployment related issues

“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.

GS-32014EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itInclusive Growth

Capitalism has guided the world economy to unprecedented prosperity. However, it often encourages short-sightedness and contributes to wide disparities between the rich and the poor. In this light, would it be correct to believe and adopt capitalism for bringing inclusive growth in India? Discuss.

GS-32013EconomyIndian Economy and Issues related to itInclusive Growth

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.

GS-32025EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsFood Processing

Examine the scope of the food processing industries in India. Elaborate the measures taken by the government in the food processing industries for generating employment opportunities.

GS-32025EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsCropping Pattern and Irrigation

Examine the factors responsible for depleting groundwater in India. What are the steps taken by the government to mitigate such depletion of groundwater?

GS-32025EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsCropping Pattern and Irrigation

Explain the factors influencing the decision of the farmers on the selection of high value crops in India.

GS-32025EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsAgriculture Marketing

Elaborate the scope and significance of supply chain management of agricultural commodities in India.

GS-32024EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsCropping Pattern and Irrigation

What are the major challenges faced by Indian irrigation system in recent times? State the measures taken by the government for efficient irrigation management.

GS-32024EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsPDS and Buffer Stock

Elucidate the importance of buffer stocks for stabilizing agricultural prices in India. What are the challenges associated with the storage of buffer stock? Discuss

GS-32024EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsCropping Pattern and Irrigation

Explain the role of millets for ensuring health and nutritional security in India.

GS-32024EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsLand Reforms

What were the factors responsible for the successful implementation of land reforms in some parts of the country? Elaborate.

GS-32023EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsLand 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.

GS-32023EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsCropping Pattern and Irrigation

Explain the changes in cropping pattern in India in the context of changes in consumption pattern and marketing conditions.

GS-32023EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsSubsidies

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.

GS-32023EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsE technology in aid of farmers

How does e-Technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it.

GS-32022EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsPDS

What are the major challenges of Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? How can it be made effective and transparent?

GS-32022EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsFood Processing

Elaborate the scope and significance of the food processing industry in India.

GS-32022EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsAgriculture Marketing

What are main bottlenecks in upstream and downstream process of marketing of agricultural products in India?

GS-32022EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsCropping Pattern and Irrigation

What is Integrated Farming System ? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India ?

GS-32021EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsLand Reforms

How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginal and small farmers ?

GS-32021EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsCropping Pattern and Irrigation

How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India's water crisis ?

GS-32021EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsPDS

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

GS-32021EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsCropping Pattern and Irrigation

What are the present challenges before crop diversification ? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification?

GS-32020EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsAgriculture Marketing

What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India?

GS-32020EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsFood Processing

What are the challenges and opportunities in food processing sector in the country? How can income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing?

GS-32020EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsCropping Pattern and Irrigation

What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security?

GS-32020EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsCropping Pattern and Irrigation

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?

GS-32020EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsCropping Pattern and Irrigation

Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenario.

GS-32019EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsPDS and Food Security

What are the reformative steps taken by the Government to make food grain distribution system more effective?

GS-32019EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsFood Processing

Elaborate the policy taken by the Government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector.

GS-32019EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsCropping Pattern and Irrigation

How far is the Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural production?

GS-32019EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsCropping Pattern and Irrigation

Elaborate on the impact of the National Watershed Project in increasing agricultural production from water-stressed areas.

GS-32019EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsCropping Pattern and Irrigation

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?

GS-32019EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsFood Processing

Elaborate on the policy taken by the government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector.

GS-32018EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsCropping Pattern and Irrigation

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?

GS-32018EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsCropping Pattern and Irrigation

How has the emphasis on certain crops brought about changes in cropping patterns in recent past? Elaborate the emphasis on millets production and consumption.

GS-32018EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsAgriculture Marketing

Examine the role of supermarkets in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables and food items. How do they eliminate number of intermediaries?

GS-32018EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsSubsidies

What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low income trap?

GS-32017EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsFood Processing

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?

GS-32017EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsCropping Pattern and Irrigation

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?

GS-32017EconomyAgriculture and Land Reformsfood security and PDS

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?

GS-32017EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsCropping Pattern and Irrigation

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?

GS-32016EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsCropping Pattern and Irrigation

What is water-use efficiency? Describe the role of micro-irrigation in increasing the water use efficiency.

GS-32016EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsCropping Pattern and Irrigation

What is allelopathy? Discuss its role in major cropping systems of irrigated agriculture

GS-32016EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsSchemes

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)

GS-32016EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsLand Reforms

Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development. Identify the factors that were responsible for the success of land reforms in India.

GS-32015EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsSchemes

How can the ‘Digital India’ programme help farmers to improve farm productivity and income? What steps has the Government taken in this regard?

GS-32015EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsAgriculture Marketing

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?

GS-32015EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsAnimal husbandry and 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

GS-32015EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsLand Reforms

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

GS-32015EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsSubsidies

In what way could replacement of price subsidy with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) change the scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss

GS-32014EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsLand Reforms

The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 has come into effect from 1st January, 2014. What are the key issues which would get addressed with the Act in place? What implications would it have on industrialization and agriculture in India?

GS-32014EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsAgriculture 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.

GS-32014EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsCooperatives

“In the villages itself no form of credit organisation will be suitable except the cooperative society.” – All Indian rural credit survey. Discuss this statement in the background of agriculture finance in India. What constrain and challenges do financial institutions supplying agricultural finances? How can technology be used to better reach and serve rural clients?

GS-32013EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsPDS and Food Security

Food Security Bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss variousapprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in WTO

GS-32013EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsPDS and Food Security

India needs to strengthen measures to promote the pink revolution in food industry for better nutrition and health. Critically elucidate the statement.

GS-32013EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsLand Reforms

Establish 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.

GS-32013EconomyAgriculture and Land ReformsSubsidies

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.

GS-32024EconomyInfrastructure and investmentAirports

What is the need for expanding the regional air connectivity in India? In this context, discuss the government’s UDAN Scheme and its achievements.

GS-32022EconomyInfrastructure and investmentPPP in Railways

Why is Public Private Partnership (PPP) required in infrastructural projects? Examine the role of PPP model in the redevelopment of Railway Stations in India.

GS-32022EconomyInfrastructure and investmentEnergy infrastructure

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 bjective? Explain.

GS-32021EconomyInfrastructure and investmentInfrastructure and Inclusive growth

Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth”. Discuss in the light of India's experience.

GS-32020EconomyInfrastructure and investmentInvestment

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.

GS-32017EconomyInfrastructure and investmentPPP in Airports

Examine the development of Airports in India through joint ventures under Public – Private Partnership (PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this regard.

GS-32016EconomyInfrastructure and investmentEnergy infrastructure

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).

GS-32016EconomyInfrastructure and investmentUrban Infrastructure

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.

GS-32015EconomyInfrastructure and investmentEnergy infrastructure

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?

GS-32014EconomyInfrastructure and investmentTransport and Mobility

National Urban Transport Policy emphasises on ‘moving people’ instead of ‘moving vehicles’. Discuss critically the success of the various strategies of the Government in this regard.

GS-32014EconomyInfrastructure and investmentDefence Infrastructure

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector is now set to be liberalized. What influence this is expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long run?

GS-32014EconomyInfrastructure and investmentPPP in Infrastructure

Explain how Private Public Partnership arrangements, in long gestation infrastructure projects, can transfer unsustainable liabilities to the future. What arrangements need to be put in place to ensure that successive generations’ capacities are not compromised?

GS-32013EconomyInfrastructure and investmentFDI

(a) Discuss the impact of FDI entry into Multi-trade retail sector on supply chain management in commodity trade pattern of the economy. (b) Though India allowed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in what is called multi-brand retail through the joint venture route in September 2012, the FDI, even after a year, has not picked up. Discuss the reasons.

GS-32013EconomyInfrastructure and investmentPPP in 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.

GS-32021EconomyPublic FinanceBudget Terms

Distinguish between Capital Budget and Revenue Budget. Explain the components of both these Budgets.

GS-32020EconomyPublic FinanceTaxation

Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to states) act of 2017. How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal tensions?

GS-32019EconomyPublic FinanceBudget Terms

The public expenditure management is a challenge to the Government of India in context of budget making during the post liberalization period. Clarify it.

GS-32019EconomyPublic FinanceTaxation

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.

GS-32018EconomyPublic FinanceTaxation

Comment on the important changes introduced in respect of the Long Term Capital Gains Tax (LTCGT) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in the Union Budget for 2018-2019.

GS-32017EconomyPublic FinanceUnion Budget

One of the intended objectives of Union-Budget 2017-18 is to ‘transform, energize and clean India’. Analyze the measures proposed in the Budget 2017-18 to achieve the objective.

GS-32016EconomyPublic FinanceGender Budgeting

Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context?

GS-32013EconomyPublic FinanceBudget Terms

What were the reasons for the introduction of Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003? Discuss critically its salient features and their effectiveness.

GS-32013EconomyPublic FinanceTaxation

Discuss the rationale for introducing Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Bring out critically the reasons for the delay in roll out for its regime

GS-32013EconomyPublic FinanceTaxation

What is meaning of the term tax-expenditure? Taking housing sector as an example, discuss how it influences budgetary policies of the government.

GS-32025Science & TechnologyElectronics, Robotics & ITEmerging Tech

India aims to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry in India? Mention the salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission.

GS-32024Science & TechnologyElectronics, Robotics & ITEmerging Tech

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 hazard?

GS-32023Science & TechnologyElectronics, Robotics & ITEmerging Tech

Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does Al help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of Al in healthcare?

GS-32022Science & TechnologyElectronics, Robotics & ITEmerging Tech

Starlink will change the internet connectivity “. Discuss the utility of the project in bringing remote connectivity.

GS-32022Science & TechnologyElectronics, Robotics & ITEmerging Tech

India’s data storage center industry had leap-frogged at least a decade in the past couple of years. Discuss.

GS-32021Science & TechnologyElectronics, Robotics & ITNobel Prize

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

GS-32020Science & TechnologyElectronics, Robotics & ITScience and Agriculture

How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by science-based technologies? (Answer in 150 words)

GS-32018Science & TechnologyElectronics, Robotics & ITNobel Prize

Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it revolutionized the field of Physics.

GS-32015Science & TechnologyElectronics, Robotics & ITRobotics

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

GS-32014Science & TechnologyElectronics, Robotics & ITSTEM Research

Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as attractive as are business professions, engineering or administration, and the universities are becoming consumeroriented. Critically comment

GS-32013Science & TechnologyElectronics, Robotics & ITScience in Sports

What do you understand by Umpire Decision Review System in Cricket? Discuss its various components. Explain how silicone tape on the edge of a bat may fool the system?

GS-32013Science & TechnologyElectronics, Robotics & ITEmerging Tech

(a) What is a digital signature ? What does its authentication mean? Give various salient built-in features of a digital signature. (b) How does the 3D printing technology work? List out the advantages and disadvantages of the technology

GS-32025Science & TechnologyNuclear Tech & Alternative Energy ResourcesAlternative Energy

How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047? How can biotechnology play a crucial role in this endeavour?

GS-32025Science & TechnologyNuclear Tech & Alternative Energy ResourcesNuclear Energy

The fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. Mention India’s contributions to the international fusion energy project – International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). What will be the implications of the success of this project for the future of global energy?

GS-32023Science & TechnologyNuclear Tech & Alternative Energy ResourcesBio Fuels

Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel shortage.

GS-32023Science & TechnologyNuclear Tech & Alternative Energy ResourcesElectric Vehicles

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?

GS-32020Science & TechnologyNuclear Tech & Alternative Energy ResourcesSolar 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? (Answer in 250 words)

GS-32018Science & TechnologyNuclear Tech & Alternative Energy ResourcesNuclear Energy

With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy?

GS-32017Science & TechnologyNuclear Tech & Alternative Energy ResourcesNuclear Energy

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?

GS-32013Science & TechnologyNuclear Tech & Alternative Energy ResourcesHydro Energy

(a) What is an FRP composite material ? How are they manufactured? Discuss their applications in aviation and automobile industries. (b) What do you understand by Run-of-river hydroelectricity project? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project?

GS-32023Science & TechnologySpace & DefenceSpace Missions

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.

GS-32022Science & TechnologySpace & DefencePrivate sector in space

Private players can bring in the innovation needed for developing space-based applications and services”. In the light of this statement, highlight the role of private sector in India’s space science and technology.

GS-32022Science & TechnologySpace & DefenceSpace Missions

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 ts predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race?

GS-32021Science & TechnologySpace & DefenceDefence

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

GS-32019Science & TechnologySpace & DefenceSpace Missions

What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme?

GS-32017Science & TechnologySpace & DefenceSpace Missions

India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space mission. What are the main obstacles to launching a manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Examine critically.

GS-32016Science & TechnologySpace & DefenceSpace Missions

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?

GS-32015Science & TechnologySpace & DefenceSatellites

What do you understand by ‘Standard Positioning System’ and ‘Precision Positioning System’ in the GPS era? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme employing just seven satellites.

GS-32025Science & TechnologyNano & BiotechNanotech

How does nanotechnology offer significant advancements in the field of agriculture? How can this technology help to uplift the socio-economic status of farmers?

GS-32021Science & TechnologyNano & BiotechApplied Biotech

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

GS-32022Science & TechnologyNano & BiotechBiotech data bank

Indian Biological Data Bank will reduce the dependency of Indian researchers on American and European data banks.” In the light of the statement, discuss key features of indigenous data bank centre.

GS-32020Science & TechnologyNano & BiotechNanotechnology

What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector? (Answer in 150 words)

GS-32019Science & TechnologyNano & BiotechBiotechnology and farmers

How can biotechnology help to improve the living standards of farmers?

GS-32018Science & TechnologyNano & BiotechBiopharma

Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefitted the field of biopharma?

GS-32016Science & TechnologyNano & BiotechNano 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

GS-32022Science & TechnologyHealthHealth challenges

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 ?

GS-32022Science & TechnologyHealthVaccines

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?

GS-32020Science & TechnologyHealthTechnology and COVID

COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crises. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management of the Pandemic. (Answer in 250 words)

GS-32014Science & TechnologyHealthAntimicrobial resistance

Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.

GS-32013Science & TechnologyHealthFixed dose combinations

What do you understand by Fixed Dose Drug Combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits and demerits

GS-32017Science & TechnologyHealthStem Cell THerapy

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?

GS-32024Science & TechnologyIPR

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.

GS-32019Science & TechnologyIPR

How is the government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies?

GS-32015Science & TechnologyIPR

India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), which has a database containing formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pros and cons of making this database publicly available under open-source licensing

GS-32014Science & TechnologyIPR

In a globalized world, Intellectual Property Rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms—Copyrights, Patents and Trade Secrets

GS-32013Science & TechnologyIPR

Bringing out the circumstances in 2005 which forced amendment to the section 3(d) in Indian Patent Law, 1970, discuss how it has been utilized by the Supreme Court in its judgement in rejecting Novratis’ patent application for ‘Glivec’. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision.

GS-32024EnvironmentEnvironmental PollutionWater pollution

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.

GS-32023EnvironmentEnvironmental PollutionMarine Pollution

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?

GS-32022EnvironmentEnvironmental PollutionAir Pollution

Discuss in detail the photochemical smog emphasizing its formation, effects and mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg protocol.

GS-32021EnvironmentEnvironmental PollutionAir Pollution

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?

GS-32020EnvironmentEnvironmental PollutionAir Pollution

What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India?

GS-32018EnvironmentEnvironmental PollutionWaste management

What are the impediments disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid waste which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulated in our habitable environment?

GS-32015EnvironmentEnvironmental PollutionWater pollution

Discuss the Namami Gange and National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) programmes and causes of mixed results from the previous schemes. What quantum leaps can help preserve the river Ganga better than incremental inputs?

GS-32013EnvironmentEnvironmental PollutionWater pollution

Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions of management and handling of hazardous wastes in India?

GS-32013EnvironmentEnvironmental PollutionLand Pollution

What are the consequences of Illegal mining? Discuss the Ministry of Environment and Forests’ concept of GO AND NO GO zones for coal mining sector

GS-32025EnvironmentEcosystemsCoastal Ecosystem

Seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers is a major concern in India. What are the causes of seawater intrusion and the remedial measures to combat this hazard?

GS-32023EnvironmentEcosystemsWetlands

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.

GS-32022EnvironmentEcosystemsPollutant

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?

GS-32022EnvironmentEcosystemsCoastal Ecosystem

Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard?

GS-32019EnvironmentEcosystemsCoastal Ecosystem

Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment.Analyze the impact of sand mining along the Indians coasts, citing specific examples.

GS-32018EnvironmentEcosystemsWetlands

What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of ‘wise use’ in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India.

GS-32025EnvironmentClimate ChangeUNFCCC and COP

Write a review on India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and mention how these have been further strengthened in COP26 (2021). In this direction, how has the first Nationally Determined Contribution intended by India been updated in 2022?

GS-32025EnvironmentClimate ChangeClimate Change

What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change?

GS-32023EnvironmentClimate ChangeSea Level rise

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?

GS-32022EnvironmentClimate ChangeGlobal Warming

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.

GS-32021EnvironmentClimate ChangeUNFCCC and COP

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?

GS-32017EnvironmentClimate ChangeClimate Change and india

‘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?

GS-32014EnvironmentClimate ChangeUNFCCC and COP

Should the pursuit of carbon credit and clean development mechanism set up under UNFCCC be maintained even through there has been a massive slide in the value of carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth.

GS-32025EnvironmentSustainable DevelopmentMining

Mineral resources are fundamental to the country’s economy and these are exploited by mining. Why is mining considered an environmental hazard? Explain the remedial measures required to reduce the environmental hazard due to mining.

GS-32021EnvironmentSustainable DevelopmentUNFCCC and COP

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

GS-32020EnvironmentSustainable DevelopmentWater Resources

What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security?

GS-32020EnvironmentSustainable DevelopmentWater Resources

Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under the depleting scenario.

GS-32020EnvironmentSustainable DevelopmentSustainable Energy

Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose?

GS-32019EnvironmentSustainable DevelopmentSustainable development and ecosystem

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.

GS-32017EnvironmentSustainable DevelopmentWater Resources

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.

GS-32016EnvironmentSustainable DevelopmentSustainable 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).

GS-32016EnvironmentSustainable DevelopmentSustainable Planning

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.

GS-32015EnvironmentSustainable DevelopmentSustainable 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?

GS-32013EnvironmentSustainable DevelopmentSustainable Energy

Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to alleviate the problems of conventional energy.

GS-32013EnvironmentSustainable DevelopmentSustainable Energy

What do you understand by run of the river hydroelectricity project? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project?

GS-32024EnvironmentEIA

What role do environmental NGOs and activists play in influencing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes for major projects in India? Cite Your examples with all important details.

GS-32020EnvironmentEIA

How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006?

GS-32014EnvironmentEIA

Environmental Impact Assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before a project is cleared by the Government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants located at coal pitheads.

GS-32018EnvironmentAgricultureOrganic farming

Sikkim is the first ‘Organic State’ in India. What are the ecological and economical benefits of Organic State?

GS-32018EnvironmentBiodiversity and PAs

How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna?

GS-32024EnvironmentDisaster ManagementUrban 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.

GS-32024EnvironmentDisaster ManagementDisaster Resilience

What is disaster resilience? How is it determined? Describe various elements of a resilience framework. Also mention the global targets of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction

GS-32013EnvironmentDisaster ManagementRisk and vulnerability

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

GS-32014EnvironmentDisaster ManagementDraught

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.

GS-32015EnvironmentDisaster ManagementEarthquake

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.

GS-32016EnvironmentDisaster ManagementUrban 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.

GS-32016EnvironmentDisaster ManagementCloudbursts

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.

GS-32017EnvironmentDisaster ManagementTsunami

On December 2004, tsumani 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.

GS-32018EnvironmentDisaster ManagementSendai Framework

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?

GS-32019EnvironmentDisaster ManagementLandslides

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.

GS-32019EnvironmentDisaster ManagementRisk and vulnerability

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.

GS-32020EnvironmentDisaster ManagementGeneric

Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach.

GS-32021EnvironmentDisaster ManagementEarthquake

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

GS-32021EnvironmentDisaster ManagementLandslides

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

GS-32022EnvironmentDisaster ManagementCloudbursts

Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples.

GS-32023SecurityKashmir IssueJ&K

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.

GS-32019SecurityKashmir IssueJ&K

The banning of ‘Jammat-e-Islami’ in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize the influence of OGWs.

GS-32025SecurityBorder ManagementMaritime Security

Why is maritime security vital to protect India’s sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward.

GS-32024SecurityBorder ManagementSpecific Border Issues

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.

GS-32023SecurityBorder ManagementTechnology in Border management

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat.

GS-32022SecurityBorder ManagementMaritime Security

What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organizational, technical, and procedural initiatives taken to improve maritime security.

GS-32020SecurityBorder ManagementSpecific Border Issues

Analyze 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. (Answer in 250 words)

GS-32020SecurityBorder ManagementBorder area locals

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

GS-32018SecurityBorder ManagementBorder management and organised crime

India’s proximity to the 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?

GS-32016SecurityBorder ManagementGeneric

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

GS-32016SecurityBorder ManagementSpecific Border Issues

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.

GS-32014SecurityBorder ManagementMaritime Security

In 2012, the longitudinal marking for high-risk areas for piracy was moved from 65 degrees east to 78 degrees east in the Arabian Sea by the International Maritime Organization. What impact does this have on India’s maritime security concerns?

GS-32014SecurityBorder ManagementSpecific Border Issues

China and Pakistan have entered into an agreement for development of an economic corridor. What threat does this pose for India’s security? Critically examine.

GS-32014SecurityBorder ManagementAirspace

International civil aviation laws provide all countries complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above their territory. What do you understand by ‘airspace? What are the implications of these laws on the space above this airspace? Discuss the challenges which this poses and suggest ways to contain the threat.

GS-32014SecurityBorder ManagementBorder and Migration

How does illegal transborder migration pose a threat to India’s security? Discuss the strategies to curb this, bringing out the factors which give impetus to such migration

GS-32013SecurityBorder ManagementSpecific Border Issues

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?

GS-32023SecurityRole of Non-State ActorsInvestigative Agencies

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.

GS-32022SecurityRole of Non-State ActorsOrganized Crime

Discuss the types of organized crime. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organized crime that exist at the national and transnational levels.

GS-32021SecurityRole of Non-State ActorsGeneric

Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats

GS-32018SecurityRole of Non-State ActorsSpecific issues

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.

GS-32016SecurityRole of Non-State ActorsNon state actors and Technology

Use of internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major security concern. How have these been misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat.

GS-32025SecurityTerrorism & RadicalizationTerrorism

Terrorism is a global scourge. How has it manifested in India? Elaborate with contemporary examples. What are the counter measures adopted by the State? Explain

GS-32024SecurityTerrorism & RadicalizationTerrorism

Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism.

GS-32023SecurityTerrorism & RadicalizationTerror financing

Give out the major sources of terror funding in India and the efforts being made to curtail these sources. In the light of this, also discuss the aim and objective of the 'No Money for Terror (NMFT)' Conference recently held at New Delhi in November 2022.

GS-32021SecurityTerrorism & RadicalizationGeneric

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. 15 (Answer in 250 words)

GS-32019SecurityTerrorism & RadicalizationUAPA

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.

GS-32017SecurityTerrorism & RadicalizationGeneric

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?

GS-32017SecurityTerrorism & RadicalizationMob 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.

GS-32014SecurityTerrorism & RadicalizationRadicalisation

“The diverse nature of India as a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society is not immune to the impact of radicalism which is seen in her neighbourhood.” Discuss along with strategies to be adopted to counter this environment.

GS-32016SecurityTerrorism & RadicalizationTerrorism Industry

‘Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades.” Analyse the above statement.

GS-32015SecurityTerrorism & RadicalizationRadicalisation

Religious indoctrination via digital media has resulted in Indian youth joining the ISIS. What is ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous to the internal security of our country?

GS-32024SecurityCyber SecuritySocial media

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.

GS-32024SecurityCyber SecurityCyber security

Describe the context and salient feature of Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023.

GS-32022SecurityCyber SecurityNational Cyber Security Challenges

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.

GS-32021SecurityCyber SecurityCyber Attacks

Keeping in view India's internal security, analyses the impact of cross-border cyber-attacks. Also discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks. 1

GS-32020SecurityCyber SecurityCyber Crime

Discuss different types of Cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace. (Answer in 150 words)

GS-32019SecurityCyber SecurityCyberdome

What is the CyberDome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet crimes in India.

GS-32018SecurityCyber SecurityData 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 weaknesses of the Report relating to protection of personal data in cyber space?

GS-32017SecurityCyber SecurityCyber attack

Discuss the potential threats of Cyber attack and the security framework to prevent it.

GS-32015SecurityCyber SecurityNational Cyber Secrity policy

Considering the threats cyberspace poses for the country, India needs a “Digital Armed Forces” to prevent crimes. Critically evaluate the National Cyber Security Policy, 2013 outlining the challenges perceived in its effective implementation.

GS-32015SecurityCyber SecurityCloud hosting

Discuss the advantages and security implications of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis in-house machine-based hosting for government businesses.

GS-32013SecurityCyber SecurityCyber warfare

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.

GS-32013SecurityCyber SecurityCyber threats

What is digital signature? What does its authentication mean? Giver various salient built in features of a digital signature.

GS-32013SecurityCyber SecuritySocial Networking sites

What are social networking sites and what security implications do these sites present?

GS-32025SecurityLeft Wing Extremism

The Government of India recently stated that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be eliminated by 2026. What do you understand by LWE and how are the people affected by it? What measures have been taken by the government to eliminate LWE?

GS-32022SecurityLeft Wing Extremism

Naxalism is a social, economic, and developmental issue manifesting violent internal security threats. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism.

GS-32020SecurityLeft Wing Extremism

What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in the Eastern part of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas? (Answer in 250 words)

GS-32018SecurityLeft 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.

GS-32015SecurityLeft 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 Malkangiri and Naxalbari 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.

GS-32013SecurityLeft Wing Extremism

Aricle 244 of the Indian Constitution relates to administration of scheduled areas and tribal areas. Analyse the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of the Fifth schedule on the growth of Left Wing extremism.

GS-32021SecurityMoney launderingEmerging tech and money laundering

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.

GS-32013SecurityMoney launderingGeneric

Money laundering poses a serious security threat to a country’s economic sovereignty. What is its significance for India and what steps are required to be taken to control this menace?

GS-32025SecurityNorth East Insurgency

What are the major challenges to internal security and peace process in the North-Eastern States? Map the various peace accords and agreements initiated by the government in the past decade.

GS-32019SecurityNorth East Insurgency

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.

GS-32017SecurityNorth East 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.

GS-32015SecurityNorth East InsurgencyAFSPA

Human right 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.

GS-42023EthicsEmotional IntelligenceEmotional Intelligence

"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.

GS-42021EthicsEmotional IntelligenceEmotional Intelligence

In case of crisis of conscience does emotional intelligence help to overcome the same without compromising the ethical or moral stand that you are likely to follow? Critically examine.

GS-42020EthicsEmotional IntelligenceEmotional Intelligence

Hatred is destructive of a person's wisdom and conscience that can poison a nation's spirit. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer. (150 words)

GS-42020EthicsEmotional IntelligenceEmotional Intelligence

What are the main components of emotional intelligence (EI) ? Can they be learned? Discuss.(150 words)

GS-42019EthicsEmotional IntelligenceEmotional Intelligence

“Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of against you”. Do you agree with this view? Discuss

GS-42017EthicsEmotional IntelligenceUtilities and Application of (EI) in Administration and Governance;

How will you apply emotional intelligence in administrative practices?

GS-42016EthicsEmotional IntelligenceEmotional Intelligence

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?

GS-42013EthicsEmotional IntelligenceEmotional Intelligence

What is ‘emotional intelligence’ and how can it be developed in people? How does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?

GS-42025EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationApplied Ethics

In the present digital age, social media has revolutionised our way of communication and interaction. However, it has raised several ethical issues and challenges. Describe the key ethical dilemmas in this regard.

GS-42025EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationEthics in Public Administration

"Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherence of the rule of law." Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public servant highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration.

GS-42025EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationEthical Issues in International Relations and Funding

Carl von Clausewitz once said, "War is a diplomacy by other means." Critically analyse the above statement in the present context of contemporary geo-political conflict.

GS-42025EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationApplied Ethics

Keeping the national security in mind, examine the ethical dilemmas related to controversies over environmental clearance of development projects in ecologically sensitive border areas in the country.

GS-42024EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationEthics in Public Administration and its Problems

Mission Karmayogi is aiming for maintaining a very high standard of conduct and behaviour to ensure efficiency fox serving citizens and in turn developing oneself How will this scheme empower the civil servants in enhancing productive efficiency and delivering the services at the grassroots level?

GS-42024EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationEthical Issues in International Relations and Funding

Global warming and climate change are the outcomes of human greed in the name of development, indicating the direction in which extinction of organisms including human beings is heading towards loss of life on Earth. How do you put an end to this to protect life and bring equilibrium between the society and the environment?

GS-42024EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationEthical 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?

GS-42024EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationApplied 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.

GS-42025EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationEthics in Public Administration

"For any kind of social re-engineering by successfully implementing welfare schemes, a civil servant must use reason and critical thinking in an ethical framework." Justify this statement with suitable examples.

GS-42023EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationCorporate Governance

What do you understand by 'moral integrity' and 'professional efficiency' in the context of corporate governance in India ? Illustrate with suitable examples.

GS-42023EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationEthical 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.

GS-42023EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationLaws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance

Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision-making? Discuss.

GS-42022EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationEthics in Public Administration and its Problems

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. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS-42022EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationEthical 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. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS-42022EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationLaws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance

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"

GS-42022EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationEthical Issues in International Relations and Funding

In contemporary world, corporate sector’s contribution in generating wealth and employment is increasing. In doing so, they are bringing in unprecedented onslaught on the climate, environmental sustainability and living conditions of human beings. In this background, do you Responsibility (CSR) is efficient and sufficient enough to fulfill the social roles and responsibilities needed in the corporate work mandated? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS-42021EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationEthical Concerns and Dilemmas in Government and Private Institutions

(b) Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with suitable example.

GS-42021EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationEthical Issues in International Relations and Funding

“Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face persecution or human right violation.” Examine the statement with reference to ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with open society.

GS-42020EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationEthical 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. (150 words)

GS-42020EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationLaws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance

Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them. (150 words)

GS-42019EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationLaws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance

What is meant by the term ‘constitutional morality’? How does one uphold constitutional morality?

GS-42018EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationLaws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance

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?

GS-42018EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationEthical Concerns and Dilemmas in Government and Private Institutions

Explain the process of resolving ethical dilemmas in Public Administration

GS-42018EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationLaws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance

“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.

GS-42018EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationStrengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance

What is meant by public interest? What are the principles and procedures to be followed by civil servants in public interest?

GS-42017EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationCorporate Governance

Corporate social responsibility makes companies more profitable and sustainable. Analyse.

GS-42017EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationEthical Issues in International Relations and Funding

Strength, peace and security are considered to be the pillars of international relations. Elucidate.

GS-42016EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationAccountability and Ethical Governance

What do you understand by the terms ‘governance’, ‘good governance’ and ‘ethical governance’?

GS-42016EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationLaws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance

Law 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) Discuss how they achieve this objective.

GS-42015EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationLaws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance

“A mere compliance with law is not enough, the public servant also has to have a well-developed sensibility to ethical issues for effective discharge of duties.” Do you agree?

GS-42015EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationLaws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance

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.

GS-42015EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationEthical 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.

GS-42014EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationAccountability 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?

GS-42014EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationAccountability and Ethical Governance; Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance

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?

GS-42013EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationEthics in Public Administration and its Problems

It is often said that 'politics' and 'ethics do not go together. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with an illustration.

GS-42013EthicsPublic/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationLaws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance

What do you understand by the term ‘voice of conscience’? How do you prepare yourself to heed to the voice of conscience?

GS-42022EthicsAptitude and Foundational Values for Civil ServiceValues and Public Values; Importance of Values; Aptitude;

Apart from intellectual competency and moral qualities, empathy and compassion are some of the other vital attributes that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in tackling the crucial issues or taking critical decisions. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS-42021EthicsAptitude and Foundational Values for Civil ServiceValues and Public Values; Importance of Values; Aptitude;

Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix.

GS-42021EthicsAptitude and Foundational Values for Civil ServiceValues and Public Values; Importance of Values; Aptitude;

Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the /ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour in the public servants.

GS-42021EthicsAptitude and Foundational Values for Civil ServiceValues and Public Values; Importance of Values; Aptitude;

Should impartial and being non-partisan be considered as indispensable qualities to make a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations.

GS-42018EthicsAptitude and Foundational Values for Civil ServiceValues and Public Values; Importance of Values; Aptitude;

State the three basic values, universal in nature, in the context of civil services and bring out their importance.

GS-42017EthicsAptitude and Foundational Values for Civil ServiceValues and Public Values; Importance of Values; Aptitude;

One of the tests of integrity is complete refusal to be compromised. Explain with reference to a real life example.

GS-42017EthicsAptitude and Foundational Values for Civil ServiceValues and Public Values; Importance of Values; Aptitude;

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

GS-42016EthicsAptitude and Foundational Values for Civil ServiceValues and Public Values; Importance of Values; Aptitude;

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.

GS-42015EthicsAptitude and Foundational Values for Civil ServiceValues and Public Values; Importance of Values; Aptitude;

How do the virtues of trustworthiness and fortitude get manifested in public service? Explain with examples

GS-42013EthicsAptitude and Foundational Values for Civil ServiceValues and Public Values; Importance of Values; Aptitude;

Values and Public Values; Importance of Values; Aptitude; Integrity; Impartiality and Non-partisanship; Objectivity; Dedication to Public Service; Empathy, Tolerance and Compassion towards the weaker-sections; Significance of Values for Civil Services

GS-42013EthicsAptitude and Foundational Values for Civil ServiceValues and Public Values; Importance of Values; Aptitude;

Indicate two more attributes that you consider important for public service. Justify your answer. (2013)

GS-42013EthicsAptitude and Foundational Values for Civil ServiceValues and Public Values; Importance of Values; Aptitude;

Indicate two more attributes that you consider important for public service. Justify your answer.

GS-42014EthicsAptitude and Foundational Values for Civil ServiceValues and Public Values; Importance of Values; Aptitude;

Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, but knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful. What do you understand by this statement? Explain your stand with illustrations from the modern context.

GS-42025EthicsProbity In GovernanceUtilisation of Public Funds

India is an emerging economic power of the world as it has recently secured the status of fourth largest economy of the world as per IMF projection. However, it has been observed that in some sectors, allocated funds remain either under-utilised or misutilised. What specific measures would you recommend for ensuring accountability in this regard to stop leakages and gaining the status of third largest economy of the world in near future?

GS-42025EthicsProbity In GovernanceWork Culture

It is said that for an ethical work culture, there must be code of ethics in place in every organisation. To ensure value-based and compliance-based work culture, what suitable measures would you adopt in your work place?

GS-42024EthicsProbity In GovernanceProbity In Governance

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 vears Examine the gender-specific challenges faced by female public servants and suggest suitable measures to increase their officiency in discharging their duties and maintaining high standards of probity.

GS-42023EthicsProbity In GovernanceChallenges of Corruption

"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?

GS-42023EthicsProbity In GovernanceChallenges of Corruption

In the context of work environment, differentiate between 'coercion' and 'undue influence' with suitable examples.

GS-42023EthicsProbity In GovernanceProbity In Governance

Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic development.' Discuss.

GS-42023EthicsProbity In GovernancePhilosophical Basis of Governance and Probity

Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance ?

GS-42022EthicsProbity In GovernanceQuality of Service Delivery

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. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS-42022EthicsProbity In GovernanceChallenges 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 measures would you suggest to strengthen protection mechanism to safeguard the whistle blower? (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS-42021EthicsProbity In GovernanceChallenges of Corruption

An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must in every sphere of public service, including judiciary, to ensure performance, accountability and ethical conduct. Elaborate.

GS-42019EthicsProbity In GovernanceConcept of Public Service

What do you understand by the term ‘public servant’? Reflect on the expected role of public servant.

GS-42019EthicsProbity In GovernanceCitizen's Charter

Explain the basic principles of citizens charter movement and bring out its importance.

GS-42019EthicsProbity In GovernanceInformation Sharing and Transparency in Government

There is a view that the Official Secrets Act is an obstacle to the implementation of Right to Information Act. Do you agree with the view? Discuss.

GS-42019EthicsProbity In GovernancePhilosophical Basis of Governance and Probity

What do you understand by probity in governance? Based on your understanding of the term, suggest measures for ensuring probity in government.

GS-42019EthicsProbity In GovernanceUtilization Of Public Funds

Effective utilization of public funds is crucial to meet development goals. Critically examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications.

GS-42019EthicsProbity In GovernanceChallenges of Corruption

“Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption”. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.

GS-42018EthicsProbity In GovernanceCodes of Ethics; Codes of Conduct

Distinguish between “Code of ethics” and “Code of conduct” with suitable examples.

GS-42018EthicsProbity In GovernanceInformation Sharing and Transparency in Government

“The Right to Information Act is not all about citizens’ empowerment alone, it essentially redefines the concept of accountability.” Discuss

GS-42017EthicsProbity In GovernanceWork Culture

Discipline generally implies following the order and subordination. However, it may be counterproductive for the organisation. Discuss.

GS-42016EthicsProbity In GovernanceCodes of Ethics; Codes of Conduct

Discuss the Public Services Code as recommended by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission

GS-42016EthicsProbity In GovernanceChallenges of Corruption

“Corruption causes misuse of government treasury, administrative inefficiency and obstruction in the path of national development.” Discuss Kautilya’s views.

GS-42015EthicsProbity In GovernanceInformation Sharing and Transparency in Government

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

GS-42015EthicsProbity In GovernanceChallenges of Corruption

Today we find that in spite of various measures like prescribing codes of conduct, setting up vigilence 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.

GS-42014EthicsProbity In GovernancePhilosophical Basis of Governance and Probity

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?

GS-42014EthicsProbity In GovernanceChallenges 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.

GS-42025EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

What are the major teachings of Mahavir? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.

GS-42025EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

"Those who in trouble untroubled are, Will trouble trouble itself." – Thiruvalluvar

GS-42025EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes." – William James

GS-42025EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

"The strength of a society is not in its laws, but in the morality of its people." – Swami Vivekananda

GS-42024EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

Learn everything that is good from others, but bring it in, and in your own way absorb it, do not become others.- Swami Vivekananda

GS-42024EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

Faith is of no avail in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work.” – Sardar Patel

GS-42024EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

“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

GS-42023EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context ? (а) "The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer." — Mahatma Gandhi

GS-42023EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

"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

GS-42023EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

"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 Vivekananda

GS-42023EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

Differentiate 'moral intuition' from 'moral reasoning' with suitable examples.

GS-42022EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do.’-Potter Stewart . (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS-42022EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

“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. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS-42022EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

“Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.” Dalai Lama. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS-42021EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) “Every work has got to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding. Those that persevere will see the light, sooner or later. —Swami Vivekananda

GS-42021EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until and unless we obtain peace within ourselves.” – Dalai Lama

GS-42021EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

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 word

GS-42020EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why? Discuss. (150 words)

GS-42020EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

What o each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) "Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand do so. If not fold your hands, bless your brothers and let them go their own way." – Swami Vivekanand (150 words)

GS-42020EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service of others ." Mahatma Gandhi(150 words)

GS-42020EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

"A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true.” – Socrates. (150 words)

GS-42019EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

What do each of the following quotations mean to you? 5.(a) “An unexamined life is not worth living”. – Socrates (b) “A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes.” – M.K. Gandhi (c) “Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world” – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

GS-42018EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

8. What do each of the following quotations means to you in the present context? (a) “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 evil than good. There are few things wholly evil or wholly good. Almost every thing, especially of government policy, is an inseparable compound of the two; so that our best judgment of the preponderance between them is continually demanded.” – Abraham Lincoln.

GS-42018EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

“Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding.” – Mahatma Gandhi.

GS-42018EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

“Falsehood takes the place of truth when it results in unblemished common good.” – Tirukkural

GS-42018EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

“In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence and energy. And if they do not have the first, the other two will kill you.” —Warren Buffet What do you understand by this statement in the present-day scenario? Explain."

GS-42018EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

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.

GS-42017EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

“Great ambition is the passion of a great character. Those endowed with it may perform very good or very bad acts. All depends on the principles which direct them.” – Napoleon Bonaparte.

GS-42017EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

Stating examples mention the rulers (i) who have harmed society and country, (ii) who worked for the development of society and country.

GS-42017EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

“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.” – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Analyse.

GS-42016EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

Discuss Mahatma Gandhi’s Concept of seven sin.

GS-42016EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

Analyse John Rawls’s concept of social justice in the Indian context.

GS-42015EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

Given are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context: (a) “The weak can never forgive; forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

GS-42015EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

“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

GS-42014EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

“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.

GS-42013EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

Given below are three quotations of great moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these quotations, bring out what it means to you in the present context: (2013)

GS-42013EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

“There is enough on this earth for every one’s need but for no one’s greed.” -Mahatma Gandhi

GS-42013EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

“Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” – Abraham Lincoln.

GS-42013EthicsContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and WorldContributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World

“I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who overcomes his enemies.” – Aristotle

GS-42025EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceEthics in Human Interface

"One who is devoted to one’s duty attains highest perfection in life." Analyse this statement with reference to sense of responsibility and personal fulfilment as a civil servant.

GS-42024EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceDeterminants and Consequences of Ethics in Human Actions

The soul of the new law, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is Justice, Equality and Impartiality based on Indian culture and ethos. Discuss this in the light of major shift from a doctrine of punishment to justice in the present judicial system.

GS-42024EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceDeterminants and Consequences of Ethics in Human Actions

“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.

GS-42024EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceDeterminants and Consequences of Ethics in Human Actions

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.

GS-42023EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceHuman Values - Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers, and Administrators

What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.

GS-42022EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceDeterminants and Consequences of Ethics in Human Actions

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? (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS-42022EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceDeterminants and Consequences of Ethics in Human Actions

Online methodology is being used for day-to-day meetings, institutional approvals in the administration and for teaching and learning in education sector to the extent telemedicine in the health sector is getting popular with the approvals of the competent authority. No doubt it has advantages and disadvantages for both the beneficiaries and system at large. Describe and discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of online method particularly to vulnerable section of society. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS-42021EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceDeterminants and Consequences of Ethics in Human Actions

Impact of digital technology as reliable source of input for rational decision making is debatable issue. Critically evaluate with suitable example.

GS-42021EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceEthics in Private and Public Relationships

“Integrity is a value that empowers the human being.” Justify with suitable illustration.

GS-42020EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceDeterminants and Consequences of Ethics in Human Actions

Discuss the role of ethics and values in enhancing the following three major components of Comprehensive National Power (CNP) viz. human capital, soft power (culture and policies) and social harmony. (150 words) 10

GS-42020EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceRole of Family, Society, and Educational Institutions in Inculcating Values

“Education is not an injunction, it is an effective and pervasive tool for all round development of an individual and social transformation”. Examine the New Education Policy, 2020 (NEP, 2020) in light of the above statement. (150 words)10

GS-42020EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceHuman Values - Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers, and Administrators

What are the main factors responsible for gender inequality in India ? Discuss the contribution of Savitribai Phule in this regard. (150 words)

GS-42020EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceDeterminants and Consequences of Ethics in Human Actions

The current internet expansion has instilled a different set of cultural values which are often in conflict with traditional values.' Discuss. (150 words)

GS-42019EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceEthics in Private and Public Relationships

What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three of these with suitable examples.

GS-42019EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceEthics in Private and Public Relationships

What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’? How does it manifest itself in the public domain?

GS-42017EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceEthics in Private and Public Relationships

The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow perception of the good life.Discuss.

GS-42017EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceHuman Values - Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers, and Administrators

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.

GS-42017EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceEthics in Private and Public Relationships

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.

GS-42016EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceEthics in Private and Public Relationships

“Max Weber said that it is not wise to apply to public administration the sort of moral and ethical norms we apply to matters of personal conscience. It is important to realize that the state bureaucracy might possess its own independent bureaucratic morality.” Critically analyse this statement.

GS-42016EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceEthics in Private and Public Relationships

Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being.

GS-42015EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceEthics and its scope; Essence, Dimensions of Ethics

(a) What is meant by ‘environmental ethics’? Why is it important to study? Discuss any one environmental issue from the viewpoint of environmental ethics. (b) Differentiate between the following: 1. Law and Ethics 2. Ethical management and Management of ethics 3. Discrimination and Preferential treatment

GS-42015EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceEthics in Private and Public Relationships

Differentiate between Personal ethics and Professional ethics

GS-42015EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceHuman Values - Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers, and Administrators

“Social values are more important than economic values.” Discuss the above statement with examples in the context of inclusive growth of a nation.

GS-42014EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceDeterminants and Consequences of Ethics in Human Actions

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?

GS-42014EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceEthics in Private and Public Relationships

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.

GS-42014EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceHuman Values - Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers, and Administrators

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.

GS-42013EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceDeterminants and Consequences of Ethics in Human Actions

What do you understand by ‘Values’ and ‘Ethics’? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent?

GS-42013EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceEthics in Private and Public Relationships

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.

GS-42013EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceEthics in Private and Public Relationships

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?

GS-42013EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceHuman Values - Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers, and Administrators

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.

GS-42014EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceEthics in Private and Public Relationships

All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you agree? What does happiness mean to you? Explain with examples

GS-42014EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceHuman Values - Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers, and Administrators

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.

GS-42014EthicsEthics and Human InterfaceEthics in Private and Public Relationships

What does ethics seek to promote in human life? Why is it all the more important in public administration?

GS-42022EthicsAttitudeAttitude; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence; Persuasion.

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. (Answer in 150 words) 10

GS-42021EthicsAttitudeAttitude; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence; Persuasion.

Attitude is an important component that goes as input in the elopement of human. How to build a suitable needed for a public servant?

GS-42020EthicsAttitudeAttitude; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence; Persuasion.

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.? (150 words)

GS-42017EthicsAttitudeAttitude; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence; Persuasion.

Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward.

GS-42016EthicsAttitudeAttitude; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence; Persuasion.

Our attitudes towards life, work, other people and society are generally shaped unconsciously by the family and the social surroundings in which we grow up. Some of these unconsciously acquired attitudes and values are often undesirable in the citizens of a modern democratic and egalitarian society. (a) Discuss such undesirable values prevalent in today's educated Indians. (b) How can such undesirable attitudes be changed and socioethical values considered necessary in public services be cultivated in the aspiring and serving civil servants?

GS-42016EthicsAttitudeAttitude; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence; Persuasion.

How could social influence and persuasion contribute to the success of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan?

GS-42015EthicsAttitudeAttitude; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence; Persuasion.

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, Is it possible to balance the two to create a better administration for the faster development of our country?

GS-42014EthicsAttitudeAttitude; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence; Persuasion.

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?

GS-42018EthicsConflict of Interest & Conflict in AdministrationConflict of Interest in Government;

What is meant by conflict of interest? Illustrate with examples, the difference between the actual and potential conflicts of interest. "

GS-42017EthicsConflict of Interest & Conflict in AdministrationConflict of Interest in Government; Conflict in Administration; How to resolve 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

GS-42015EthicsConflict of Interest & Conflict in AdministrationConflict of Interest in Government; Conflict in Administration; How to resolve Conflict of Interest

Public servants are likely to confront with the issues of ‘Conflict of Interest’. What do you understand by the term ‘Conflict of Interest’ and how does it manifest in the decision making by public servants? If faced with the conflict of interest situation, how would you resolve it? Explain with the help of examples.