| Agriculture |
| 1 |
What are the major reasons for declining rice and wheat yield in the cropping system? How crop diversification is helpful to stabilize the yield of the crop in the system? |
Crop Diversification |
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: |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Agriculture |
| 2 |
Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How these revolutions have helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? |
Revolutions and Missions |
GS3-08.Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and MSP; PDS |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Agriculture |
| 3 |
How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and marginal farmers? |
SubsidiesXAgriculture |
GS3-08.Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and MSP; PDS |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Agriculture |
| Art and Culture |
| 4 |
How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times? |
Kingdoms |
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 |
| 5 |
On December 2004, tsumani brought havoc on 14 countries including India. Discuss the factors responsible for occurrence of Tsunami and its effects on life and economy. In the light of guidelines of NDMA (2010) describe the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events |
Tsunami |
GS3-19.Disaster and Disaster Management. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Disaster Management |
| Economics |
| 6 |
Among several factors for India’s potential growth, savings rate is the most effective one. Do you agree? What are the other factors available for growth potential? |
Economic Growth,LPG,Planning |
GS3-01. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 7 |
What are the salient features of ‘inclusive growth’? Has India been experiencing such a growth process? Analyze and suggest measures for inclusive growth. |
Inclusive Growth |
GS3-02.Inclusive growth and issues therein |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 8 |
One of the intended objectives of Union Budget 2017-18 is to ‘transform, energize and clean India’.Analyse the measures proposed in the Budget 2017-18 to achieve the objective. |
Budget, Fiscal Policy |
GS3-03.Government Budgeting |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 9 |
Account for the failure of manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour-intensive exports rather than capital-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour-intensive rather than capital-intensive exports. |
Manufacturing Sector |
GS3-12.Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 10 |
What are the reasons for poor acceptance of cost-effective small processing unit? How the food processing unit will be helpful to uplift the socio-economic status of poor farmers? |
Food Processing Sector |
GS3-10.Food processing and related industries in India-scope’ and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 11 |
Examine the developments of Airports in India through Joint Ventures under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this regard. |
|
GS3-13.Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc: |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 12 |
“Industrial growth rate has lagged behind in the overall growth of Gross-Domestic-Product (GDP)in the post-reform period” Give reasons. How far the recent changes is Industrial Policy are capable of increasing the industrial growth rate? |
LPG Reforms |
GS3-12.Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| Environment |
| 13 |
Not many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is becoming reality in the country. Discuss the advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the environment. |
River Linking and Impact |
GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Environment |
| 14 |
‘Climate Change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? |
Climate Change |
GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Environment |
| Ethics |
| 15 |
The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow perception of the good life. Discuss. |
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 |
| 16 |
Without commonly shared and widely entrenched moral values and obligations, neither the law, nor democratic government, nor even the market economy will function properly. What do you understand by this statement? Explain with illustration in the contemporary times. |
Determinants of Ethics |
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 |
“Great ambition is the passion of a great character. Those endowed with it may perform very good or very bad acts. All depends on the principles which direct them.” – Napoleon Bonaparte. Stating examples mention the rulers (i) who have harmed society and country, (ii) who worked for the development of society and country. |
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 |
| 18 |
Discipline generally implies following the order and subordination. However, it may be counter-productive for the organisation. Discuss. |
Organisational Attitude |
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 |
Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward. |
Moral and Political Attitude |
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 |
| 20 |
How will you apply emotional intelligence in administrative practices? |
EI X Administration |
GS4-04.Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance. |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 21 |
“If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. they are father, the mother and the teacher.” – A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. Analyse. |
Quote-basedXAbdul Kalam |
GS4-05.Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 22 |
Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil service: (a) Transparency (b) Accountability (c) Fairness and justice (d) Courage of conviction (e) Spirit of service. |
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 |
| 23 |
Increased national wealth did not result in equitable distribution of its benefits. It has created only some “enclaves of modernity and prosperity for a small minority at the cost of the majority.” Justify. |
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 |
| 24 |
One of the tests of integrity is complete refusal to be compromised. Explain with reference to a real life example. |
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 |
| 25 |
Strength, peace and security are considered to be the pillars of international relations. Elucidate. |
Ethical Issues in International Relations and funding |
GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 26 |
Corporate social responsibility makes companies more profitable and sustainable. Analyse. |
Corporate Governance |
GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 27 |
Conflict of interest in the public sector arises when (a) official duties, (b) public interest, and (c) personal interest are taking priority one above the other. How can this conflict in administration be resolved? Describe with an example. |
Conflict of Interest |
GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| Geography |
| 28 |
What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia? |
ClimatologyXMonsoon,ENSO,IOD |
GS1-11.Salient Features of World Physical Geography |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Geography |
| 29 |
Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulses because of which the year 2016 was declared as the International Year of Pulses by United Nations. |
Millets,Pulses |
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 |
| 30 |
In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development." Discuss. |
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 |
| 31 |
In what way can floods be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all – weather inland navigation in 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. |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Geography |
| 32 |
Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects. |
Oceanography |
GS1-11.Salient Features of World Physical Geography |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Geography |
| 33 |
How does the cryosphere affect global climate? |
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 |
| 34 |
Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications. |
Secondary Sector |
GS1-13.Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India). |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Geography |
| Governance |
| 35 |
Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer. |
|
GS2-09.Appointment to various Constitutional posts; Constitutional Bodies(powers, functions and responsibilities); Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Governance |
| 36 |
‘The emergence of Self Help Groups(SHGs) in contemporary times points to the slow but steady withdrawal of the state from developmental activities’. Examine the role of the SHGs in developmental activities and the measures taken by the Government of India to promote the SHGs. |
SHGs |
GS2-11.Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders. |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Governance |
| 37 |
Initially Civil Services in India were designed to achieve the goals of neutrality and effectiveness, which seems to be lacking in the present context. Do you agree with the view that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services. Comment |
Civil Services |
GS2-16.Role of Civil Services in a democracy. |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Governance |
| Indian Society |
| 38 |
Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the former has got transformed into the latter in independent India. |
Communalism |
GS1-10.Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 39 |
What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence, addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)? |
Social empowerment |
GS1-10.Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. |
10.0 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 40 |
In the context of diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than the States? Give reasons with examples for your viewpoint. |
Diversity and pluralism |
GS1-06. Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India; |
10.0 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 41 |
The spirit tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian society from very early times, but it is also playing an important part at the present. Elaborate. |
|
GS1-06. Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India; |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 42 |
The growth of cities as I.T. hubs has opened up new avenues employment but has also created new problems. Substantiate this statement with examples. |
Emerging Urbanisation Trends |
GS1-08.Urbanisation:problems and remedies |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| Internal Security |
| 43 |
Discuss the potential threats of Cyber attack and the security framework to prevent it. |
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. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Internal Security |
| 44 |
The north-eastern region of India has been infested with insurgency for a very long time. Analyze the major reasons for the survival of armed insurgency in this region. |
North East Insurgency |
GS3-20.Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Internal Security |
| 45 |
Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence. |
Mob Violence |
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. |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Internal Security |
| 46 |
The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding? |
Organized Crime and Terrorism |
GS3-23.Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas – Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism. |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Internal Security |
| International Relations |
| 47 |
What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it. |
United Nations,Agencies,Adjacent Bodies |
GS2-20.Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. |
10.0 |
GS2 |
International Relations |
| 48 |
‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor. |
Geo-politics affecting India's Interest |
GS2-19.Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. |
10.0 |
GS2 |
International Relations |
| 49 |
The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries. |
Energy Security |
GS2-19.Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. |
15.0 |
GS2 |
International Relations |
| 50 |
Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries’ economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South- East Asia in this context |
Indian Diaspora |
GS2-19.Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. |
15.0 |
GS2 |
International Relations |
| Modern History |
| 51 |
Why did the 'Moderates' fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century? |
ContributionXModerates |
GS1-03. Freedom Struggle-various stages, important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country |
10.0 |
GS1 |
Modern History |
| 52 |
Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy. |
British PoliciesXEconomic |
GS1-02.Modern Indian History- Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues); |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Modern History |
| 53 |
The women's questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform movement. What were the major issues and debates concerning women in that period? |
MovementXSocial Reform |
GS1-02.Modern Indian History- Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues); |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Modern History |
| 54 |
Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian independence since twenties of the last century. |
Freedom Struggle Stages |
GS1-03. Freedom Struggle-various stages, important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Modern History |
| 55 |
Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity. |
1857 Revolt,other wars |
GS1-02.Modern Indian History- Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues); |
10.0 |
GS1 |
Modern History |
| Polity |
| 56 |
“The local self-government system in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance”. Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation. |
Local Self-Government |
GS2-04.Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 57 |
Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. |
Judiciary |
GS2-03.Separation of Powers between different organs, dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 58 |
‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. |
RPAxElectoral Reforms |
GS2-08.Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 59 |
How do pressure groups influence Indian political process? Do you agree with this view that informal pressure groups have emerged as powerful than formal pressure groups in recent years? |
Pressure Groups |
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 |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 60 |
Discuss the role of Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people. |
ParliamentXCommittees |
GS2-06.Parliament and State Legislatures (structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges; issues therein) |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 61 |
Explain the salient features of the constitution(One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016. Do you think it is efficacious enough ‘to remove cascading effect of taxes and provide for common national market for goods and services’? |
Amendment |
GS2-01. Indian Constitution-Historical underpinnings & evolution; Features, amendments, significant provisions, basic structure of Constitution |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 62 |
Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. |
|
GS2-01. Indian Constitution-Historical underpinnings & evolution; Features, amendments, significant provisions, basic structure of Constitution |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 63 |
The Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint session of the two houses of the Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also the occasions when it cannot, with reasons thereof. |
ParliamentXHouses |
GS2-06.Parliament and State Legislatures (structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges; issues therein) |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 64 |
To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? |
RPAxElectoral Reforms |
GS2-08.Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| Science and Technology |
| 65 |
How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth? |
Space ProgramsXIntl |
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 |
Science and Technology |
| 66 |
Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including Leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments? |
Medical and Health Technologies |
GS3-15.Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Science and Technology |
| 67 |
India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbitter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Explain critically. |
Space ProgramsXIND |
GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Science and Technology |
| 68 |
Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of fast breeder reactor programme in India? |
Nuclear Energy Technology |
GS3-16.Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology. |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Science and Technology |
| Social Justice |
| 69 |
‘To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing water, sanitation and hygiene needs, the identification of beneficiary segments is to be synchronized with the anticipated outcomes’ Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme. |
Health |
GS2-13.Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Social Justice |
| 70 |
Hunger and Poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement. |
Poverty |
GS2-14.Issues relating to poverty and hunger |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Social Justice |
| 71 |
Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in the society? Discuss |
Disabled |
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. |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Social Justice |
| 72 |
‘Poverty Alleviation Programmes in India remain mere show pieces until and unless they are backed by political will’. Discuss with reference to the performance of the major poverty alleviation programmes in India. |
Poverty |
GS2-14.Issues relating to poverty and hunger |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Social Justice |
| World History |
| 73 |
What problems were germane to the decolonization process of Malay Peninsula. |
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 |