GS 1 · 12.5 marks
Poverty and Related issues
An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from deprivation. Substantiate this statement with suitable examples
Read the full question →OFFICIAL QUESTION PAPERS · UPSC CIVIL SERVICES MAINS
UPSC Mains 2016:
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Read 78 questions from this year below, organised by paper and theme. Official paper downloads are also included where available.
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- Underline the directive and separate every clause. Identify what the question states and what a complete answer must infer.
- Plan one argument for each substantive demand. Connect cause, consequence and a relevant limitation.
- Choose evidence that supports the argument; a long list of facts cannot replace it.
- Compare your plan with another year’s question on the same theme. Notice how the demand changes.
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GS 1 · 12.5 marks
Gandhi X Indian Leaders of Freedom Struggle
Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 12.5 marks
Water Management
In what way micro-watershed Development projects help in water conservation in drought prone and semi-arid regions of India.
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Tertiary sector
Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India.
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Social empowerment
Why are the tribals in India referred to as the Scheduled Tribes? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 12.5 marks
Regionalism
What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of development on regional basis eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate your answer.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 12.5 marks
Climatology
Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 12.5 marks
States Reorganistion
Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of Indian Unity?
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Buddhism
Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 12.5 marks
Urban Planning
With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme’.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 12.5 marks
Miscellaneous
South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 12.5 marks
Landslides
The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides. Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 12.5 marks
Water Management
Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 12.5 marks
Revolt and Mutiny
Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 12.5 marks
Water Management
The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain
Read the full question →GS 1 · 12.5 marks
Globalisation
To what extent globalization has influenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 12.5 marks
Kings & Contributions
Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 12.5 marks
Important contributors/contribution
Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 12.5 marks
Anti-colonial struggles
The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated Africans. Examine.
Read the full question →GS 1 · 12.5 marks
Urban Water Management
Major cities of India are becoming more vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 12.5 marks
Groupings involving Immediate and Extended neighbours
Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 12.5 marks
Union Territory
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 Indian federal politics?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 12.5 marks
Miscellenous
Professor Amartya Sen has advocated important reforms in the realms of primary education and primary health care. What are your suggestions to improve their status and performance?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 12.5 marks
WTO
The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international trade in the era of globalization. But the Doha round of negotiations seem doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries. Discuss in the Indian perspective.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 12.5 marks
Civil Society
In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal. Critically examine this statement.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 12.5 marks
Constitutional Bodies
Exercise of CAG’s powers in relation to the accounts of the Union and the States is derived from Article 149 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss whether audit of the Government’s Policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own (CAG) jurisdiction.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 12.5 marks
Political Parties
The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.” Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 12.5 marks
Making of the Constitution
Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the preamble. Are they defendable in the present circumstances?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 12.5 marks
Transaparency and Accountability
Effectiveness of the goverment system at various levels and people’s participation in the governance system are inter-dependent. Discuss their relationship with each other in context of India.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 12.5 marks
Case Laws
What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 12.5 marks
Human Resources
Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative. What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 12.5 marks
Making of the Constitution
Did the Government of India Act, 1935 lay down a federal constitution? Discuss.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 12.5 marks
Civil Services
Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic development in India. Comment.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 12.5 marks
Groupings involving Immediate and Extended neighbours
Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of several member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation). Explain with suitable examples.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 12.5 marks
United Nations and its Agencies
What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What is India’s position on these?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 12.5 marks
Quasi judicial Bodies
What is a quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 12.5 marks
Transaparency and Accountability
In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, economic, social and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 12.5 marks
Structural reforms and Actions
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?
Read the full question →GS 2 · 12.5 marks
Special Provisions
To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note “Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity.
Read the full question →GS 2 · 12.5 marks
Children
Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 12.5 marks
Threat from External state and Non-state actors
Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major concern. How have these have misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 12.5 marks
Nano Technology
Why is nanotechnology one of the key technologies of the 21st century? Describe the salient features of Indian Government’s Mission on Nanoscience and Technology and the scope of its application in the development process of the country.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 12.5 marks
FDI
Justify the need for FDI for the development of the Indian economy. Why there is gap between MOUs signed and actual FDIs? Suggest remedial steps to be taken for increasing actual FDIs in India.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 12.5 marks
EIA
Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the important environmental impacts which always attracts controversy while planning major projects. Discuss the measures suggested for mitigation of this impact while proposing major developmental projects.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 12.5 marks
LPG Reform and Impact
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?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 12.5 marks
Cloudburst
With reference to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines, discuss the measures to be adopted to mitigate the impact of the recent incidents of cloudbursts in many places of Uttarakhand.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 12.5 marks
Inclusive Growth
Comment on the challenges for inclusive growth which include careless and useless manpower in the Indian context. Suggest measures to be taken for facing these challenges.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 12.5 marks
Urban floods
The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods. highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 12.5 marks
Land Reforms
Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development. Identify the factors that were responsible for the success of land reforms in India.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 12.5 marks
Financial Inclusion
Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is necessary for bringing unbanked to the institutional finance fold. Do you agree with this for financial inclusion of the poorer section of the Indian society? Give arguments to justify your opinion.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 12.5 marks
Micro-Irrigation
What is water-use efficiency? Describe the role of micro-irrigation in increasing the water-use efficiency.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 12.5 marks
Space Technology
Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 12.5 marks
Organized Crime and Terrorism
Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades. Analyse the above statement.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 12.5 marks
Agriculture Vulnerability & Crop Insurance
Given the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
Read the full question →GS 3 · 12.5 marks
Cropping pattern
What is allelopathy? Discuss its role in major cropping systems of irrigated agriculture.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 12.5 marks
Inclusive Growth X 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.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 12.5 marks
Border Area Management
Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management.
Read the full question →GS 3 · 12.5 marks
Renewable Energy
Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).
Read the full question →GS 3 · 12.5 marks
Gender Budgeting
Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context?
Read the full question →GS 3 · 12.5 marks
Organized Crime and Terrorism
The terms ‘Hot Pursuit’ and ‘Surgical Strikes’ are often used in connection with armed action against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
John Rawls’s concept of social Justice
Analyse John Rawls’s concept of social justice in the Indian context.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Attitude for Civil Servants
Our attitudes towards life, work, other people and society are generally shaped unconsciously by the family and social surroundings in which we grow up. Some of these unconsciously acquired attitudes and values are often undesirable in the citizens of modern democratic and egalitarian society. (a) Discuss such undesirable values prevalent in today’s educated Indians. (b) How can such undesirable a…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Public/Civil Service Values
Max Weber said that it is not wise to apply to public administration the sort of moral and ethical norms we apply to matters of personal conscience. It is important to realise that the State bureaucracy might possess its own independent bureaucratic morality. Critically analyse this statement.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
ABC Ltd. is a large transnational company having diversified business activities with a huge shareholder base. The company is continuously expanding and generating employment. The company, in its expansion and diversification programme, decides to establish a new plant at Vikaspuri, an area which is underdeveloped. The new plant is designed to use energy efficient technology that will help the com…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
Suppose you are an officer in-charge of implementing a social service scheme to provide support to old and destitute women. An old and illiterate woman comes to you to avail the benefits of the scheme. However, she has no documents to show that she fulfils the eligibility criteria. But after meeting her and listening to her you feel that she certainly needs support. Your enquiries also show that s…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
Land needed for mining, dams and other largescale projects is acquired mostly from Adivasis, hill dwellers and rural communities. The displaced persons are paid monetary compensation as per the legal provisions. However, the payment is often tardy. In any case, it cannot sustain the displaced families for long. These people do not possess marketable skills to engage in some other occupation. They …
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Attitude for Individuals
Anger is a harmful negative emotion. It is injurious to both personal life and work life. (a) Discuss how it leads to negative emotions and undesirable behaviours. (b) How can it be managed and controlled?
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Consequences of Ethics
Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Social influence and persuasion
How could social influence and persuasion contribute to the success of Swatchh Bharat Abhiyan?
Read the full question →GS 4 · 20 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
You are a young, aspiring and sincere employee in a Government office working as an assistant, to the director of your deportment. Since you’ve joined recently, you need to learn and progress. Luckily your superior is very kind and ready to train you for your job. He is a very intelligent and well-informed person having knowledge of various departments. In short, you respect your book and are look…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 25 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
Saraswati was a successful IT professional in USA. Moved by the patriotic sense of doing something for the country she returned to India. Together with some other like-minded friends, she formed an NGO to build a school for a poor rural community. The objective of the school was to provide the best quality modern education at a nominal cost. She soon discovered that she has to seek permission from…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Teachings of Great Leaders
Discuss Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of seven sins.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Codes of Ethics and Codes of Conduct
Discuss the Public Services Code as recommended by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 25 marks
Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning
A private company is known for its efficiency, transparency and employee welfare. The company though owned by a private individual has a cooperative character where employees feel a sense of ownership. The company employs nearly 700 personnel and they have voluntarily decided not to form a union. One day suddenly in the morning, about 40 men belonging to a political party gatecrashed into the fact…
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as 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) Giving examples, show how the two differ in their approaches.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Impartiality and Non-Partisanship
Why should impartiality and non-partisanship be considered as foundational values in public services, especially in the present day socio-political context ? Illustrate your answer with examples.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Kautilya
Corruption causes misuse of government treasury, Administrative inefficiency and obstruction in the path of national Development. Discuss Kautilya’s views.
Read the full question →GS 4 · 10 marks
Accountability and Ethical Governance
What do you understand by the terms ‘governance’, ‘good governance’ and ‘ethical governance’?
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