101 questions
UPSC Mains 2013
30 questions
General Studies Paper I
- What do you understand by the phenomenon of temperature inversion in meteorology? How does it affect the weather and the inhabitants of the place?
- Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world
- What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidence in its support.
- Bring out the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in the Western Ghats.
- There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghats. Why?
- Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the Southern states of India? Discuss with justification.
- Analyze the factors for the highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India.
- Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss.
- Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions.
- The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are the tropical cyclones named across the world? Elaborate.
- The American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate.
- Discuss the various social problems that originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India.
- Analyze the circumstances that led to the Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement.
- Latecomer” Industrial Revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what the West had experienced.
- It is said that India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of the country for a quarter century. However, tapping the resources doesn’t appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved.
- Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a separate state. Discuss.
- 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 the world.
- Critically examine the compulsions that prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence of Bangladesh.
- Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom.
- Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan “Jai Jawana Jai Kisan”.
- In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate.
- Critically examine the effects of globalization on the aged population in India.
- Male membership needs to be encouraged to make women’s organizations free from gender bias. Comment.
- 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.
- Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre- and post-independent India.
- Critically discuss the objectives of the Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success.
- Major hot deserts in the northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degrees north and on the western side of the continents. Why?
- Africa was chopped into states artificially created by the accident of European competition. Analyse.
- Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, Indian women became the torchbearers during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.
- What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression?
25 questions
General Studies Paper II
- 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 a larger number of smaller States would bring in effective governance at the State level? Discuss.
- Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a departure from the previous commissions for strengthening the local government finances.
- Discuss Section 66A of the IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution.
- Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health.Discuss the success of the actions taken by the Government to achieve the same.
- 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?
- The proposed withdrawal of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the countries of the region. Examine because India is faced with a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its strategic interests.
- In respect of India — Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy.
- 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.
- 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.
- The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment.
- 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.
- What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this.
- The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on the arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution. Discuss critically.
- Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India?
- 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.
- 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.
- ‘A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs’. Discuss.
- The Central Government frequently complains about the poor performance of the State Governments in eradicating the suffering of the vulnerable sections of the society. Restructuring of Centrally sponsored schemes across the sectors for ameliorating the cause of vulnerable sections of the population aims at providing flexibility to the States in better implementation. Critically evaluate.
- What is meant by the Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss.
- 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.
- 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?
- Economic ties between India and Japan while growing in recent years are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints that are inhibiting this growth
- Recent directives from the 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.
- The concept of the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme is almost a century old in India with early beginnings in the 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.
- An electronic cash transfer system for welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage, and facilitate reforms. Comment.
28 questions
General Studies Paper III
- How does the 3D printing technology work? List out the advantages and disadvantages of the technology.
- What is a digital signature? What does its authentication mean? Giver various salient built-in features of a digital signature.
- Discuss the impact of FDI entry into the multi-trade retail sector on supply chain management in the commodity trade pattern of the economy.
- What is an FRP composite material? How are they manufactured? Discuss their applications in the aviation and automobile industry
- Though India allowed foreign direct investment (FDI) in what is called multi-brand retail through a joint venture route in September 2012, the FDI even after a year, has not picked up. Discuss the reasons.
- What do you understand by a run-of-the-ride hydroelectricity project? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project?
- What is the meaning of the term tax-expenditure? Taking the housing sector as an example, discuss how it influences the budgetary policies of the government.
- Discuss the rationale for introducing Goods and services tax in India. Bring out critically the reasons for delay in roll out for its regime.
- Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to alleviate the problems of conventional energy.
- What are the different types of agriculture subsidies given to farmers at the national and state levels? Critically analyze the agriculture subsidy regime with reference to the distortions created by it.
- The circumstances in 2005 forced an amendment to section 3(d) in the Indian Patent Law, 1970. Discuss how it has been utilized by the Supreme Court in its judgment rejecting Novarti's patent application for “Glivec“. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision.
- What do you understand by the Umpire decision review in cricket? Discuss its various components. Explain how silicon tape on the edge of a bat may fool the system.
- What are the consequences of illegal mining? Discuss the Ministry of Environment and Forests’ concept of “GO AND NO GO” zones for coal mining.
- Adaptation of the PPP model for the infrastructure development of the country has not been free from criticism. Critically discuss the pros and cons of the model.
- Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies that may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions for managing and handling hazardous wastes in India?
- How important are vulnerability and risk assessments for pre-disaster management? As an administrator, what are key areas that you would focus on in disaster management?
- Money laundering poses a serious 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?
- India needs to strengthen measures to promote the pink revolution in the food industry for better nutrition and health. Critically elucidate the statement.
- 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.
- What are social networking site and what security implications do these sites present?
- What are the reasons for the introduction of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003? Discuss critically its salient features and their effectiveness.
- Cyber warfare is considered by some defense analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyberwarfare? Outline the cyber threats that India is vulnerable to and highlight the state of the country’s preparedness to deal with them.
- What do you understand by fixed-dose drug combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits and demerits.
- Article 244 of the Indian Constitution relates to the Administration of Scheduled areas and tribal areas. Analyze the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of the fifth schedule on the growth of Left Wing Extremism.
- Examine the impact of liberalization on companies owned by Indians. Are they competing with the MNCs satisfactorily?
- The Food Security Bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in the WTO.
- Establish the relationship between land reform, agriculture productivity and elimination of poverty in the Indian Economy. Discuss the difficulty in designing and implementing agriculture-friendly land reforms in India.
- How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management, particularly given the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar?
18 questions
General Studies Paper IV
- 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.
- Indicate two more attributes that you consider important for public service. Justify your answer.
- What does this quotation mean to you in present context "I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who overcomes his enemies.”—Aristotle.
- It is often said that ‘politics’ and ‘ethics’ do not go together. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustrations.
- What does this quotation mean to you in present context There is enough on this earth for everyone’s need but for no one’s greed.- Mahatma Gandhi
- 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?
- 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.
- What do you understand by ‘values’ and ‘ethics’? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent?
- What does this quotation mean to you in present context "Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”—Abraham Lincoln.
- What is ‘emotional intelligence’ and how can it be developed in people? How does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?
- What do you understand by the term ‘voice of conscience’? How do you prepare yourself to heed to the voice of conscience?
- What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service? 1. Integrity 2. Perseverance 3. Spirit of service 4. Commitment 5. Courage of conviction
- You are the Executive Director of an upcoming InfoTech Company that is making a name for itself in the market. Mr. A, who is a star performer, is heading the marketing team. In a short period of one year, he has helped in doubling the revenues as well as creating a high brand equity for the Company so much so that you are thinking of promoting him. However, you have been receiving information from many corners about his attitude towards the female colleagues; particularly his habit of making loose comments on women. In addition, he regularly sends indecent SMS to all the team members including his female colleagues. One day, late in the evening, Mrs. X, who is one of Mr. A’s team members, comes to you visibly disturbed. She complains about the continued misconduct of Mr. A, who has been making undesirable advances toward her and has even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She tenders her resignation and leaves your office. a) What are the options available to you? b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons.
- A Public Information Officer has received an application under the RTI Act. Having gathered the information, the PIO discovers that the information pertains to some of the decisions taken by him, which were found to be not altogether right. There were other employees also who party to these decisions were. Disclosure of the information is likely to lead to disciplinary action with the possibility of punishment against him as well as some of his colleagues. Non-disclosure or part disclosure or camouflaged disclosure of information will result in lesser punishment or no punishment. The PIO is otherwise an honest and conscientious person but this particular decision, on which the RTI application has been filed, turned out to be wrong. He comes to you for advice. The following are some suggested options. Please evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options: 1. The PIO could refer the matter to his superior officer seek his advice and act strictly in accordance with the advice, even though he is not completely in agreement with the advice of the superior. 2. The PIO could proceed on leave and leave the matter to be dealt with by his successor in office or request for transfer of the application to another PIO. 3. The PIO could weigh the consequences of disclosing the information truthfully, including the effect on his career, and reply in a manner that would not place him or his career in jeopardy, but at the same time, a little compromise can be made on the contents of the information. 4. The PIO could consult his other colleagues who are party to the decision and take action as per their advice. Also please indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options) what you would like to advise, giving proper reasons.
- You are working as an Executive Engineer in the construction cell of a Municipal Corporation and are presently in charge of the construction of a flyover. There are two Junior Engineers under you who have the responsibility of day-to-day inspection of the site and are reporting to you, while you are finally reporting to the Chief Engineer who heads the cell. While the construction is heading towards completion, the Junior Engineers have been regularly reporting that all construction is taking place as per design specifications. However, in one of your surprise inspections, you have noticed some serious deviations and lacunae which, in your opinion, are likely to affect the safety of the flyover. Rectification of these lacunae at this stage would require a substantial amount of demolition and rework which will cause a tangible loss to the contractor and will also delay completion. There is a lot of public pressure on the Corporation to get this construction completed because of heavy traffic congestion in the area. When you brought this matter to the notice of the Chief Engineer, he advised you that in his opinion it is not a very serious lapse and may be ignored. He advised for further expediting the project for completion in time. However, you are convinced that this was a serious matter that might affect public safety and should not be left unaddressed. What will you do in such a situation? Some of the options are given below. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and finally suggest what course of action you would like to take, giving reasons. (20 marks |250 words) 1. Follow the advice of the Chief Engineer and go ahead. 2. Make an exhaustive report of the situation bringing out all facts and analysis along with your own viewpoints stated clearly and seek for written orders from the chief Engineer. 3. Call for an explanation from the Junior Engineers and issue orders to the contractor for necessary correction within the targeted time. 4. Highlight the issue so that it reaches superiors above the Chief Engineer. 5. Considering the rigid attitude of the Chief Engineer, seek transfer from the project or report sick.
- You are heading a leading technical institute in the country. The institute is planning to convene an interview panel shortly under your chairmanship for the selection of the post of professor. A few days before the interview, you get a call from the Personal Secretary (PS) of a senior government functionary seeking your intervention in favor of the selection of a close relative of the functionary for this post. The PS also informs you that he is aware of the long pending and urgent proposals of your institute for grant of funds for modernization, which are awaiting the functionary’s approval. He assures you that he will get these proposals cleared. a) What are the options available to you? b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.
- As a senior officer in the Finance Ministry, you have access to some confidential and crucial information about policy decisions that the Government is about to announce. These decisions are likely to have far-reaching impact on the housing and construction industry. If the builders have access to this information beforehand, they can make huge profits. One of the builders has done a lot of quality work for the Government and is known to be close to your immediate superior, who asks you to disclose this information to the said builder. a) What are the options available to you? b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.
- Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu is known for its manufacturing clusters on firecrackers and matches. The local economy of the area is largely dependent on the firecrackers industry. It has led to tangible economic development and improved standard of living in the area. So far as child labour norms for hazardous industries like the firecrackers industry are concerned, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has set the minimum age as 18 years. In India, however, this age is 14 years. The units in industrial clusters of firecrackers can be classified into registered and non-registered entities. One typical unit is household-based work. Though the law is clear on the use of child labour employment norms in registered/non-registered units, it does not include household-based work. Household-based work means children working under the supervision of their parents/relatives. To evade child labour norms, several units project themselves as household-based works but employ children from outside. Needless to say that employing children saves the costs for these units leading to higher profits for the owners. On your visit to one of the units at Sivakasi, the owner takes you around the unit which has about 10-15 children below 14 years of age. The owner tells you that in his household-based unit, the children are all his relatives. You notice that several children smirk when the owner tells you this. On deeper enquiry, you figure out that neither the owner nor the children are able to satisfactorily establish their relationship with each other. a) Bring out and discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case. b) What would be your reaction after your above visit?