| Agriculture |
| 1 |
What is allelopathy? Discuss its role in major cropping systems of irrigated agriculture. |
Cropping pattern |
GS3-04.Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers: |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Agriculture |
| 2 |
What is water-use efficiency? Describe the role of micro-irrigation in increasing the water-use efficiency |
Micro-Irrigation |
GS3-05.Different types of irrigation and irrigation systems |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Agriculture |
| 3 |
Give 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). |
Crop Insurance |
GS3-08.Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and MSP; PDS |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Agriculture |
| 4 |
Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development. Identify the factors that were responsible for the success of land reforms in India. |
Land Reforms |
GS3-11.Land Reforms in India |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Agriculture |
| Art and Culture |
| 5 |
Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate. |
Buddhism and Jainism |
GS1-01. Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Art and Culture |
| 6 |
Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss. |
|
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 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. |
Urban floods |
GS3-19.Disaster and Disaster Management. |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Disaster Management |
| 8 |
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. |
|
GS3-19.Disaster and Disaster Management. |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Disaster Management |
| Economics |
| 9 |
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? |
LPG Reforms |
GS3-12.Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 10 |
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 option. |
Financial Inclusion,PSL |
GS3-02.Inclusive growth and issues therein |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 11 |
Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context? |
Gender Budgeting |
GS3-03.Government Budgeting |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 12 |
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 |
Inclusive Growth |
GS3-02.Inclusive growth and issues therein |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 13 |
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). |
Renewable Energy Sector |
GS3-13.Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc: |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 14 |
Justify the need for FDI for the developments 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. |
BoP,FDI,FPI,External Financing |
GS3-14.Investment models |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 15 |
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. |
|
GS3-02.Inclusive growth and issues therein |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| Environment |
| 16 |
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. |
EIA |
GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Environment |
| Ethics |
| 17 |
Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being. |
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 |
| 18 |
Discuss Mahatma Gandhi's concept of seven sins. |
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 |
| 19 |
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? |
EI: Concept and Utility |
GS4-04.Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance. |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 20 |
How could social influence and persuasion contribute to the success of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan? |
Social influence and persuasion |
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 |
| 21 |
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 attitudes be changed and socio-ethical values be cultivated in the aspiring and serving civil servants? |
Attitude for Civil Servants |
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 |
| 22 |
Analyse John Rawls's concept of social justice in the Indian context. |
Quote-basedXJohn Rawl |
GS4-05.Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 23 |
Corruption causes misuse of government treasury, Administrative inefficiency and obstruction in the path of national Development. Discuss Kautilya's views. |
Quote-basedXKautilya |
GS4-05.Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 24 |
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. |
Public/Civil Service Values |
GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 25 |
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. |
Impartiality and Non-Partisanship |
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 |
| 26 |
What do you understand by the terms 'governance', 'good governance' and 'ethical governance’? |
Accountability and Ethical Governance |
GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 27 |
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. |
Laws,Rules,Regulations,Conscience |
GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 28 |
Discuss the Public Services Code as recommended by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission. |
Codes of Ethics and Codes of Conduct |
GS4-08.Probity in Governance |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| Geography |
| 29 |
The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides. Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation. |
Landslides |
GS1-14.Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Geography |
| 30 |
South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment. |
Political 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 |
Major cities of India are becoming more vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. |
|
GS1-08.Urbanisation:problems and remedies |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Geography |
| 32 |
In what way micro-watershed Development projects help in water conservation in drought prone and semi-arid regions of India. |
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 |
| 33 |
Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India. |
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 |
| 34 |
Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes. |
ClimatolgyXAtmosphere |
GS1-11.Salient Features of World Physical Geography |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Geography |
| 35 |
Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations. |
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 |
| 36 |
The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain |
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 |
| Governance |
| 37 |
What is a quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples. |
Tribunal |
GS2-09.Appointment to various Constitutional posts; Constitutional Bodies(powers, functions and responsibilities); Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies |
12.5 |
GS2 |
Governance |
| 38 |
In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal. Critically examine this statement. |
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 |
| 39 |
Effectiveness of the government 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. |
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 |
| 40 |
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. |
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 |
| 41 |
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? |
Structural reforms and Actions |
GS2-10.Government Policies & Interventions for development of various sectors (issues in their design, implementation) |
12.5 |
GS2 |
Governance |
| 42 |
Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic development in India. Comment. |
Civil Services |
GS2-16.Role of Civil Services in a democracy. |
12.5 |
GS2 |
Governance |
| 43 |
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. |
Governance › Comptroller and Auditor General CAG |
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 |
| 44 |
An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from deprivation. Substantiate this statement with suitable examples |
|
GS1-07. Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues. |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 45 |
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. |
Social empowerment |
GS1-10.Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 46 |
To what extent globalization has influenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain. |
Globalisation |
GS1-09.Globalisation and its effects on Indian society |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 47 |
What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of development on regional basis eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate your answer. |
Regionalism |
GS1-10.Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 48 |
With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the 'Smart City Programme'. |
Urban Planning |
GS1-08.Urbanisation:problems and remedies |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| Internal Security |
| 49 |
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. |
Organized Crime and Terrorism |
GS3-23.Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas – Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism. |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Internal Security |
| 50 |
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. |
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 |
| 51 |
“Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades.” Analyze the above statement. |
Organized Crime and Terrorism |
GS3-23.Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas – Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism. |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Internal Security |
| 52 |
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. |
Border Area Management |
GS3-23.Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas – Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism. |
12.5 |
GS3 |
Internal Security |
| International Relations |
| 53 |
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. |
WTO |
GS2-20.Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. |
12.5 |
GS2 |
International Relations |
| 54 |
Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India's Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. |
GroupingsXNeighbourhood |
GS2-18.Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. |
12.5 |
GS2 |
International Relations |
| 55 |
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. |
GroupingsXNeighbourhood |
GS2-18.Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. |
12.5 |
GS2 |
International Relations |
| 56 |
What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What is India's position on these? |
United Nations,Agencies,Adjacent Bodies |
GS2-20.Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. |
12.5 |
GS2 |
International Relations |
| Modern History |
| 57 |
Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase. |
ContributionXWomen |
GS1-03. Freedom Struggle-various stages, important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Modern History |
| 58 |
Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India. |
1857 Revolt,other wars |
GS1-02.Modern Indian History- Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues); |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Modern History |
| 59 |
Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom. |
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 |
| 60 |
Discuss the essentials of the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act and anomalies, if any that have led to recent reported conflicts between the elected representatives and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor in the administration of Delhi. Do you think that this will give rise to a new trend in the functioning of the Indian federal politics? |
GovernorXUnion Territory |
GS2-02.Functions & responsibilities of the Union and the States; issues and challenges of federal structure; |
12.5 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 61 |
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. |
Special Provision |
GS2-02.Functions & responsibilities of the Union and the States; issues and challenges of federal structure; |
12.5 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 62 |
The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes." Discuss. |
Party System |
GS2-08.Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. |
12.5 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 63 |
Discuss each adjective attached to the word 'Republic' in the preamble. Are they defendable in the present circumstances? |
Preamble |
GS2-01. Indian Constitution-Historical underpinnings & evolution; Features, amendments, significant provisions, basic structure of Constitution |
12.5 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 64 |
Did the Government of India Act, 1935 lay down a federal constitution? Discuss. |
|
GS2-01. Indian Constitution-Historical underpinnings & evolution; Features, amendments, significant provisions, basic structure of Constitution |
12.5 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 65 |
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? |
Case Laws |
GS2-01. Indian Constitution-Historical underpinnings & evolution; Features, amendments, significant provisions, basic structure of Constitution |
12.5 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| Post Independence |
| 66 |
Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of Indian Unity? |
States Reorganization |
GS1-04. Post-Independence- Consolidation and reorganisation within country |
12.5 |
GS1 |
Post Independence |
| Science and Technology |
| 67 |
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? |
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 |
| 68 |
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. |
Nanotechnology,Carbon |
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 |
| 69 |
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? |
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 |
| 70 |
Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation. |
Children |
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 |
| 71 |
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? |
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 |
| 72 |
The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated Africans. Examine. |
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. |
12.5 |
GS1 |
World History |