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Exam Year: 2014

78 questions

# Question Microtheme UPSC Syllabus Marks GS Paper Subject
Agriculture
1 Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually by-pass the eastern region despite fertile soil and good availability of water? Revolutions and Missions GS1-13.Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India). 10.0 GS1 Agriculture
2 “In the villages itself no form of credit organization will be suitable except the cooperative society.”–All India Rural Credit Survey. Discuss this statement in the background of agricultural finance in India. What constraints and challenges do financial institutions supplying agricultural finance face? How can technology be used to better reach and serve rural clients? TechXAgriculture Credit GS3-07.E-Technology in the aid of farmers 12.5 GS3 Agriculture
3 The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 has come into effect from Ist January, 2014. What are the key issues which would get addressed with the Act in place? What implications would it have on industrialization and agriculture in India? GS3-11.Land Reforms in India 12.5 GS3 Agriculture
4 There is also a point of view that Agricultural Produce Market Committees [APMCs] set up under the State Acts have not only impeded the development of agriculture but also have been the cause of food inflation in India. Critically examine Agri-Marketing GS3-06.Storage, transport and marketing of Agricultural produce and issues and related constraints 12.5 GS3 Agriculture
Art and Culture
5 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. Bhakti and Sufi Movements GS1-01. Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. 10.0 GS1 Art and Culture
6 Taxila university was one of the oldest universities of the world with which were associated a number of renowned learned personalities of different disciplines. Its strategic location caused its fame to flourish, but unlike Nalanda, it is not considered as a university in the modern sense. Discuss. Ancient HistoryxEducation,Science,Medicine GS1-01. Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. 10.0 GS1 Art and Culture
7 Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain. Buddhism and Jainism GS1-01. Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. 10.0 GS1 Art and Culture
8 To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to the present day urbanization? Discuss. Indus Valley Civilization GS1-01. Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. 10.0 GS1 Art and Culture
Disaster Management
9 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. Drought GS3-19.Disaster and Disaster Management. 12.5 GS3 Disaster Management
Economics
10 “While we flaunt India’s demographic dividend, we ignore the dropping rates of employ ability.”What are we missing while doing so? Where will the jobs that India desperately needs come from? Explain Demographic Dividend GS3-01. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. 12.5 GS3 Economics
11 Normally countries shift from agriculture to industry and then later to services, but India shifted directly from agriculture to services. What are the reasons for the huge growth-services vis-a-visindustry in the country? Can India become a developed country without a strong industrial base? LPG Reforms GS3-12.Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth 12.5 GS3 Economics
12 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. GS3-13.Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc: 12.5 GS3 Economics
13 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? GS3-13.Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc: 12.5 GS3 Economics
14 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector is now set to be liberalized: What in fluence this is expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long run? BoP,FDI,FPI,External Financing GS3-14.Investment models 12.5 GS3 Economics
15 Capitalism has guided the world economy to unprecedented prosperity. However, it often encourages shortsightedness and contributes to wide disparities between the rich and the poor. In this light, would it be correct to believe and adopt capitalism driving inclusive growth in India? Discuss. Inclusive GrowthXCapitalism GS3-02.Inclusive growth and issues therein 12.5 GS3 Economics
16 International civil aviation laws provide all countries complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above the territory. What do you understand by airspace? What are the implications of these laws on the space above this airspace? Discuss the challenges which this poses and suggests ways to contain the threat. GS3-13.Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc: 12.5 GS3 Economics
Environment
17 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. Rio Family/UNFCCC/IPCC GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. 12.5 GS3 Environment
18 Environmental Impact Assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before project is cleared by the government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants located at Pitheads. EIA GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. 12.5 GS3 Environment
Ethics
19 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. Normative Ethics(Deontology vs Teleology) GS4-01.Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in – Human Actions; Dimensions of Ethics; Ethics – in Private and Public Relationships. 10.0 GS4 Ethics
20 All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you agree? What does happiness mean to you? Explain with examples. Nature of Values GS4-02.Human Values: Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers and Administrators; Role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values. 10.0 GS4 Ethics
21 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? EthicsXConsequences GS4-01.Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in – Human Actions; Dimensions of Ethics; Ethics – in Private and Public Relationships. 10.0 GS4 Ethics
22 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. Ethics in Private and Public sphere GS4-01.Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in – Human Actions; Dimensions of Ethics; Ethics – in Private and Public Relationships. 10.0 GS4 Ethics
23 What does ethics seek to promote in human life? Why is it all the more important in public administration? Ethics in Private and Public sphere GS4-01.Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in – Human Actions; Dimensions of Ethics; Ethics – in Private and Public Relationships. 10.0 GS4 Ethics
24 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. Teachings of Great Leaders GS4-02.Human Values: Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers and Administrators; Role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values. 10.0 GS4 Ethics
25 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. Crisis of Ethical Values GS4-02.Human Values: Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers and Administrators; Role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values. 10.0 GS4 Ethics
26 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? Attitude for Individuals GS4-03.Attitude: Content, Structure, Function; its Influence and Relation with Thought and Behaviour; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence and Persuasion. 10.0 GS4 Ethics
27 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. Integrity GS4-06.Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service, Integrity, Impartiality and Non-partisanship, Objectivity, Dedication to Public Service, Empathy, Tolerance and compassion towards weaker-sections 10.0 GS4 Ethics
28 What does 'accountability' mean in the context of public service? What measures can be adopted to ensure individual and collective accountability of public servants? Accountability and Ethical Governance GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration 10.0 GS4 Ethics
29 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? Utilization of Public Funds GS4-08.Probity in Governance 10.0 GS4 Ethics
30 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? Probity GS4-08.Probity in Governance 10.0 GS4 Ethics
31 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. Corruption GS4-08.Probity in Governance 10.0 GS4 Ethics
Geography
32 How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich Africa? Oil,Natural Resources GS1-12.Distribution of key Natural Resources (world, South Asia and Indian subcontinent) 10.0 GS1 Geography
33 Account for the change in the spatial pattern of the Iron and Steel industry in the world. Secondary Sector GS1-13.Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India). 10.0 GS1 Geography
34 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. Primary sector GS1-13.Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India). 10.0 GS1 Geography
35 Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-continent. Cryosphere,Glacier Melting GS1-15.Geographical features and their location- Changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. 10.0 GS1 Geography
36 Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why? Cyclones GS1-14.Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., 10.0 GS1 Geography
37 Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos. Geomorphology GS1-11.Salient Features of World Physical Geography 10.0 GS1 Geography
38 Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet the resource crisis in the world. Oceanography GS1-11.Salient Features of World Physical Geography 10.0 GS1 Geography
39 Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do you agree? ClimatologyXMonsoon,ENSO,IOD GS1-11.Salient Features of World Physical Geography 10.0 GS1 Geography
40 Why are the world's fold mountain systems located along the margins of continents? Bring out the association between the global distribution of Fold Mountains and the earthquakes and volcanoes. Geomorphology GS1-11.Salient Features of World Physical Geography 10.0 GS1 Geography
Governance
41 Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non-news media like a trade publication and general entertainment channel, the Government is mulling over the proposal for increased FDI in news media for quite some time. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons. Structural reforms and Actions GS2-10.Government Policies & Interventions for development of various sectors (issues in their design, implementation) 12.5 GS2 Governance
42 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. Sectoral Regulatory Bodies GS2-09.Appointment to various Constitutional posts; Constitutional Bodies(powers, functions and responsibilities); Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies 12.5 GS2 Governance
43 National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In light of the above observation assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human rights standards. GS2-09.Appointment to various Constitutional posts; Constitutional Bodies(powers, functions and responsibilities); Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies 12.5 GS2 Governance
44 The penetration of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine. SHGs GS2-11.Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders. 12.5 GS2 Governance
45 Has the Cadre based Civil Services Organisation been the cause of slow change in India? Critically examine. Civil Services GS2-16.Role of Civil Services in a democracy. 12.5 GS2 Governance
46 Two parallel run schemes of the Government viz. the Adhaar Card and NPR, one as voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits, discuss whether or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve developmental benefits and equitable growth. Govt. Programs GS2-10.Government Policies & Interventions for development of various sectors (issues in their design, implementation) 12.5 GS2 Governance
Indian Society
47 Discuss the various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving increasing feminization of agriculture in India. Women GS1-07. Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues. 10.0 GS1 Indian Society
48 How do the Indian debates on secularism differ from the debates in the West? Secularism GS1-10.Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. 10.0 GS1 Indian Society
49 How does patriarchy impact the position of a middle class working woman in India? Women GS1-07. Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues. 10.0 GS1 Indian Society
50 The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than social values. Discuss. Family GS1-06. Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India; 10.0 GS1 Indian Society
51 Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex ratio for women? Give your arguments. Women GS1-07. Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues. 10.0 GS1 Indian Society
Internal Security
52 The diverse nature of India as a multireligious and multi-ethnic society is not immune to the impact of radicalism which has been in her neighbourhood. Discuss along with the strategies to be adopted to counter this environment. Threats from external state and non-state actors GS3-21.Role of External State and Non-state Actors in creating challenges to Internal Security. 12.5 GS3 Internal Security
53 In 2012, the longitudinal marking of the high-risk areas for piracy was moved from 65° East to 78° east in the Arabian Sea by International Maritime organisation. What impact does this have on India’s maritime security concerns? Maritime Security Challenges GS3-23.Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas – Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism. 12.5 GS3 Internal Security
54 How illegal transborder migration does pose a threat to India’s security? Discuss the strategies to curb this, bring out the factors which give impetus to such migration. Border Area Management GS3-23.Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas – Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism. 12.5 GS3 Internal Security
55 China and Pakistan have entered into an agreement for development of an economic corridor. What thread does it dispose for India’s security? Critically examine. Threats from external state and non-state actors GS3-21.Role of External State and Non-state Actors in creating challenges to Internal Security. 12.5 GS3 Internal Security
International Relations
56 With respect to the South China sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affirm the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and over flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China. Bilateral Relations GS2-18.Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. 12.5 GS2 International Relations
57 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? WTO GS2-20.Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. 12.5 GS2 International Relations
58 India has recently signed to become founding a New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) .How will the role of the two Banks be different? Discuss the significance of these two Banks for India. World Bank,IMF,ADB,International Finance GS2-20.Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. 12.5 GS2 International Relations
59 Some of the International funding agencies have special terms for economic participation stipulating a substantial component of the aid to be used for sourcing equipment from the leading countries. Discuss on merits of such terms and if, there exists a strong case not to accept such conditions in the Indian context. World Bank,IMF,ADB,International Finance GS2-20.Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. 12.5 GS2 International Relations
60 WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in profound manner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are their decisions? Critically analyse India's stand on the latest round of talks on Food security. WTO GS2-20.Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. 12.5 GS2 International Relations
Modern History
61 In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India? 1857 Revolt,other wars GS1-02.Modern Indian History- Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues); 10.0 GS1 Modern History
62 Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from mid-eighteenth century till independence. British PoliciesXEconomic GS1-02.Modern Indian History- Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues); 10.0 GS1 Modern History
63 The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought at Panipat? 1857 Revolt,other wars GS1-02.Modern Indian History- Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues); 10.0 GS1 Modern History
Polity
64 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. Judiciary GS2-07.Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary-Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity 12.5 GS2 Polity
65 Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that principle is one of its basic features, but it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong Centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism. Discuss. GS2-02.Functions & responsibilities of the Union and the States; issues and challenges of federal structure; 12.5 GS2 Polity
66 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? ParliamentxPrivileges GS2-06.Parliament and State Legislatures (structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges; issues therein) 12.5 GS2 Polity
67 What do you understand by the concept "freedom of speech and expression"? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. GS2-01. Indian Constitution-Historical underpinnings & evolution; Features, amendments, significant provisions, basic structure of Constitution 12.5 GS2 Polity
68 Instances of President's delay in commuting death sentences has come under public debate as denial of justice. Should there be a time limit specified for the President to accept/reject such petitions? Analyse. President Powers GS2-07.Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary-Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity 12.5 GS2 Polity
69 The size of the cabinet should be as big as governmental work justifies and as big as the Prime Minister can manage as a team. How far the efficacy of a government then is inversely related to the size of the cabinet? Discuss. Union and State Executive GS2-07.Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary-Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity 12.5 GS2 Polity
Post Independence
70 The New Economic Policy – 1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by India soon after independence. Evaluate. Foreign influence on Independent India's Policies GS1-04. Post-Independence- Consolidation and reorganisation within country 10.0 GS1 Post Independence
Science and Technology
71 Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as attractive as our business operations, engineering or administration, and the universities are becoming consumer oriented. Critically comment. Achievements of Indians in S&T GS3-16.Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology. 12.5 GS3 Science and Technology
72 Can overuse and the availability of antibiotics without doctor’s prescription, the contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved. Medical and Health Technologies GS3-15.Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life. 12.5 GS3 Science and Technology
73 In a globalised world, intellectual property rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms – copyrights, patents and trade secrets. IPR GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 12.5 GS3 Science and Technology
Social Justice
74 Do government's schemes for up-lifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required social resources for them, lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economics? Efficacy of Welfare and Development Schemes GS2-12.Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. 12.5 GS2 Social Justice
75 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. Education GS2-13.Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. 12.5 GS2 Social Justice
76 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. Human Resources GS2-13.Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. 12.5 GS2 Social Justice
World History
77 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? World History Events GS1-05.History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc. 10.0 GS1 World History
78 What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated the anti-colonial struggle in India? Decolonisation GS1-05.History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc. 10.0 GS1 World History