| Agriculture |
| 1 |
How can the Digital India program help farmers to improve farm productivity and income? What step has the government taken in this regard? |
TechXFarm Productivity and Income |
GS3-07.E-Technology in the aid of farmers |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Agriculture |
| 2 |
Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sector in India. |
Allied SectorXLivestock |
GS3-09.Economics of Animal Rearing |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Agriculture |
| 3 |
In what way could replacement of price subsidy with direct benefit Transfer (DBT) change the scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss. |
SubsidiesXAgriculture |
GS3-08.Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and MSP; PDS |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Agriculture |
| 4 |
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. |
Contract farming, land leasing |
GS3-11.Land Reforms in India |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Agriculture |
| Art and Culture |
| 5 |
Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a tine aesthetic sense comparable to modern painting. Critically evaluate this comment. |
ArchitectureXCaves,Rock-cut |
GS1-01. Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Art and Culture |
| 6 |
The ancient civilization in Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to the present day. Comment. |
Indus Valley Civilization |
GS1-01. Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Art and Culture |
| Disaster Management |
| 7 |
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. |
Earthquake |
GS3-19.Disaster and Disaster Management. |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Disaster Management |
| Economics |
| 8 |
The nature of economic growth in India in recent times is often described as a jobless growth. Do you agree with this view? Give arguments in favour of your answer. |
Unemployment |
GS3-01. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 9 |
What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in developing the food processing industry in India? Can e-commerce help in overcoming this bottleneck? |
Food Processing Sector |
GS3-10.Food processing and related industries in India-scope’ and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 10 |
“Success of make in India program depends on the success of Skill India programme and radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments. |
Manufacturing Sector |
GS3-01. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 11 |
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 issue plaguing the success of SEZs with respect to taxation, governing laws and administration. |
SEZ |
GS3-12.Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 12 |
To what factors can be the recent dramatic fall in equipment cost and tariff of solar energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for thermal power producers and related industry? |
Renewable Energy Sector |
GS3-13.Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc: |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 13 |
Craze for gold in Indians have led to a surge in import of gold in recent years and put pressure on balance of payments and external value of rupee. In view of this, examine the merits of Gold Monetization Scheme. |
BoP,FDI,FPI,External Financing |
GS3-12.Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| Environment |
| 14 |
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? |
Water Pollution and Related Issues |
GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Environment |
| Ethics |
| 15 |
Differentiate between the following (200 words); a) Law and Ethics; b) Ethical management and Management of ethics; c) Discrimination and Preferential treatment; d) Personal ethics and Professional ethics |
Term Based |
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 |
| 16 |
What is meant by 'environmental ethics'? Why is it important to study? Discuss any one environmental issue from the viewpoint of environmental ethics. |
Applied Ethics X Environment |
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 |
| 17 |
Social values are more important than economic values. Discuss the above statement with examples in the context of inclusive growth of a nation. |
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 |
| 18 |
Two different kinds of attitudes exhibited by public servants towards their work have been identified as the bureaucratic attitude and the democratic attitude. A) Distinguish between these two terms and write their merits and demerits. B) Is it possible to balance the two to create a better administration for the faster development of our country? |
AttitudeXPractical intelligence |
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 |
| 19 |
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. |
Quote-basedXPlato |
GS4-05.Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 20 |
“The weak can never forgive; forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." |
Quote-BasedXMahatma Gandhi |
GS4-05.Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 21 |
How do the virtues of trustworthiness and fortitude get manifested in public service? Explain with examples. |
Trustworthiness and Fortitude |
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 |
| 22 |
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? 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. |
Laws,Rules,Regulations,Conscience |
GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 23 |
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. |
Ethical Issues in International Relations and funding |
GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 24 |
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. |
Conflict of Interest |
GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 25 |
Today we find that in spite of various measures like prescribing codes of conduct, setting up vigilance cells/commissions, RTI, active media and strengthening of legal mechanisms, corrupt practices are not coming under control. A) Evaluate the effectiveness of these measures with justifications. B) Suggest more effective strategies to tackle this menace. |
RTI |
GS4-08.Probity in Governance |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 26 |
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. |
RTI |
GS4-08.Probity in Governance |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| Geography |
| 27 |
What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences? |
|
GS1-12.Distribution of key Natural Resources (world, South Asia and Indian subcontinent) |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Geography |
| 28 |
Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates, fishing and navigation? |
Oceanography |
GS1-11.Salient Features of World Physical Geography |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Geography |
| 29 |
India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity. |
Water Management |
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. |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Geography |
| 30 |
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? |
Urban Geography |
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. |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Geography |
| 31 |
How far do you agree that the behavior of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscapes? Discuss. |
ClimatologyXMonsoon,ENSO,IOD |
GS1-11.Salient Features of World Physical Geography |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Geography |
| 32 |
The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand reaching the limits of their ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate. |
Tertiary sector |
GS1-13.Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India). |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Geography |
| Governance |
| 33 |
The Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP), which is India's own innovation, has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programmes. Elucidate. |
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 |
| 34 |
Examine critically the recent changes in the rules governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976. |
Civil Society |
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 |
| 35 |
How can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to protection of the environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints. |
Civil Society |
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 |
| 36 |
In the light of the Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in corporate governance to ensure transparency, accountability. |
Transparency and Accountability |
GS2-15.Transaparency and accountability (institutional and other measures); Citizens Charter, E-Governance (applications, models, successes, limitations, potential) |
12.5 |
GS2 |
Governance |
| 37 |
If amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Act, 2011 tabled in the Parliament is passed, there may be no one left to protect. Critically evaluate. |
Transparency and Accountability |
GS2-15.Transaparency and accountability (institutional and other measures); Citizens Charter, E-Governance (applications, models, successes, limitations, potential) |
12.5 |
GS2 |
Governance |
| 38 |
For achieving the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions remain independent and autonomous. Discuss in the light of theexperiences in recent past. |
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 |
| Indian Society |
| 39 |
Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a national identity. |
Diversity and pluralism |
GS1-06. Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India; |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 40 |
Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work towards annihilation of caste. |
Caste System |
GS1-10.Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 41 |
Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural urban integration. |
Urban Planning |
GS1-08.Urbanisation:problems and remedies |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 42 |
Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the main cause of population increase in India. |
Population and associated issues |
GS1-07. Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues. |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 43 |
Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India. |
Globalisation |
GS1-09.Globalisation and its effects on Indian society |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 44 |
Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades. |
Population and associated issues |
GS1-07. Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues. |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 45 |
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? |
Tribal Issues |
GS1-06. Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India; |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| Internal Security |
| 46 |
Human rights activists constantly highlight the view that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human rights abuses by the security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists? Critically evaluate the requirement with reference to the view held by the Apex Court. |
Land ReformXAct Based |
GS3-24. Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate. |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Internal Security |
| 47 |
Religious indoctrination via digital media has resulted in Indian youth joining the ISIS. What is ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous for the internal security of our country? |
Digital Media and Security Threats |
GS3-22.Challenges to Internal Security through Communication Networks, Role of Media and Social Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges, Basics of Cyber Security; Money-Laundering and its prevention. |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Internal Security |
| 48 |
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. |
LWE |
GS3-20.Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism. |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Internal Security |
| 49 |
Considering the threats cyberspace poses for the country, India needs a “Digital Armed Force” to prevent crimes. Critically evaluate the National Cyber Security Policy, 2013 outlining the challenges perceived in its effective implementation. |
Cyber Security |
GS3-22.Challenges to Internal Security through Communication Networks, Role of Media and Social Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges, Basics of Cyber Security; Money-Laundering and its prevention. |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Internal Security |
| International Relations |
| 50 |
Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically examine. |
Bilateral Relations |
GS2-18.Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. |
12.5 |
GS2 |
International Relations |
| 51 |
Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN Security Council. |
United Nations,Agencies,Adjacent Bodies |
GS2-20.Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. |
12.5 |
GS2 |
International Relations |
| 52 |
Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchanges could help generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples. |
BilateralXNeighbourhood |
GS2-17.India and its neighborhood- relations. |
12.5 |
GS2 |
International Relations |
| 53 |
Project `Mausam' is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian Government to improve relationship with its neighbors. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss. |
BilateralXNeighbourhood |
GS2-17.India and its neighborhood- relations. |
12.5 |
GS2 |
International Relations |
| Modern History |
| 54 |
Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate. |
Gandhi X Indian Leaders of Freedom Struggle |
GS1-02.Modern Indian History- Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues); |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Modern History |
| 55 |
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. |
Council Acts, Commissions |
GS1-03. Freedom Struggle-various stages, important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Modern History |
| 56 |
How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. |
Gandhi X Indian Leaders of Freedom Struggle |
GS1-02.Modern Indian History- Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues); |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Modern History |
| Polity |
| 57 |
Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizens a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy. |
DPSP |
GS2-01. Indian Constitution-Historical underpinnings & evolution; Features, amendments, significant provisions, basic structure of Constitution |
12.5 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 58 |
The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasized in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings. |
|
GS2-02.Functions & responsibilities of the Union and the States; issues and challenges of federal structure; |
12.5 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 59 |
In absence of a well-educated and organized local level government system, `Panchayats' and 'Samitis' have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instruments of governance. Critically discuss. |
Local Self-Government |
GS2-04.Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein |
12.5 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 60 |
Khap Panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra-constitutional authorities, often delivering pronouncements amounting to human rights violations. Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative, executive and the judiciary to set the things right in this regard. |
Informal Associations |
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 |
| 61 |
Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern on violation of the spirit of separation of powers doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate ordinances, analyze whether the decisions of the Supreme Court on the issue have further facilitated resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate ordinances be repealed? |
Executive Vs Legislature |
GS2-03.Separation of Powers between different organs, dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions |
12.5 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 62 |
What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 through the recent Ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve India's dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss. |
Alternate Dispute Resolution |
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 |
| 63 |
Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulations on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and Judgement(s) of the Apex Court in this regard. |
|
GS2-01. Indian Constitution-Historical underpinnings & evolution; Features, amendments, significant provisions, basic structure of Constitution |
12.5 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| Science and Technology |
| 64 |
What do you understand by ‘Standard Positioning Systems’ and ‘Protection Positioning Systems’ in the GPS era? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme employing just seven satellites. |
Space ProgramsXIND |
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 |
| 65 |
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. |
Robotics,Material Science,Sports, |
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 |
| 66 |
Discuss the advantage and security implications of cloud hosting of server vis-a-vis inhouse machine-based hosting for government businesses. |
Emerging TechXIT |
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 |
| 67 |
India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in the country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pros and cons making this database publicly available under open-source licensing |
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 |
| 68 |
The quality of higher education in India requires major improvements to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of higher and technical education in the country? Discuss. |
Education |
GS2-13.Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. |
12.5 |
GS2 |
Social Justice |
| 69 |
Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives would you suggest? |
Health |
GS2-13.Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. |
12.5 |
GS2 |
Social Justice |
| 70 |
Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in poverty levels over time. Do you agree? Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators. |
Poverty |
GS2-14.Issues relating to poverty and hunger |
12.5 |
GS2 |
Social Justice |
| World History |
| 71 |
To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically |
World Wars |
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. |
12.5 |
GS1 |
World History |
| 72 |
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? |
Industrial Revolution |
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. |
12.5 |
GS1 |
World History |