| Agriculture |
| 1 |
How far is Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural production? |
Integrated Farming System |
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: |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Agriculture |
| 2 |
Elaborate the impact of National Watershed Project in increasing agricultural production from water-stressed areas. |
Water Storage and Conservation |
GS3-05.Different types of irrigation and irrigation systems |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Agriculture |
| 3 |
What are the reformative steps taken by the Government to make food grain distribution system more effective? |
PDS |
GS3-08.Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and MSP; PDS |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Agriculture |
| Art and Culture |
| 4 |
Highlight the Central Asian and Greco -Bactrian elements in Gandhara art. (गांधाराई कला में मध्य एशियाई एवं यूनानी-बैक्ट्रियाई तत्वों को उजागर कीजिए | ) (10m,150 words) |
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 |
| Disaster Management |
| 5 |
Vulnerability is an essential element for defining disaster impacts and its threat to people. How and in what ways can vulnerability to disasters be characterized? Discuss different types of vulnerability with reference to disasters. |
Vulnerability and Risk Assessment |
GS3-19.Disaster and Disaster Management. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Disaster Management |
| 6 |
Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will help in disaster mitigation in the case of landslides. |
Disaster Preparedness and Resilience |
GS3-19.Disaster and Disaster Management. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Disaster Management |
| Economics |
| 7 |
Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments. |
National Income Accounting(GDP) |
GS3-01. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 8 |
It is argued that the strategy of inclusive growth is intended to meet the objectives of inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment on this statement. |
Inclusive GrowthXSustainable Development |
GS3-02.Inclusive growth and issues therein |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 9 |
Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been subsumed in the goods and services tax (GST) in India. Also, comment on the revenue implications of the GST introduced in India since July 2017. |
GST |
GS3-01. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 10 |
The public expenditure management is a challenge to the Government of India in context of budget making during the post liberalization period. Clarify it. |
Budget, Fiscal Policy |
GS3-03.Government Budgeting |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 11 |
Elaborate on the policy taken by the government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector. |
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 |
| Environment |
| 12 |
Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment. Analyse the impact of sand mining along the Indian coasts, citing specific examples. |
Mining Hazards |
GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Environment |
| 13 |
Define the concept of carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for sustainable development of a region. |
|
GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Environment |
| Ethics |
| 14 |
“Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of against you.” Do you agree with this view? Discuss. |
EI: Concept and Utility |
GS4-04.Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance. |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 15 |
“A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.” – M.K.Gandhi (150 words, 10m) |
Quote-BasedXMahatma Gandhi |
GS4-05.Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 16 |
“An unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates (150 words, 10m) |
Quote-basedXSocrates |
GS4-05.Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 17 |
“Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.” – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (150 words, 10m) |
Quote-basedXAbdul Kalam |
GS4-05.Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 18 |
What do you understand by the term ‘public servant’? Reflect on the expected role of a public servant.(150 words, 10m) |
Foundational values |
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 |
| 19 |
What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three of these with suitable examples.(150 words, 10m) |
Foundational values |
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 |
| 20 |
“Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption” Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer (150 words, 10m) |
Public/Civil Service Values |
GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 21 |
What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’? How does it manifest itself in the public domain? (150 words, 10m) |
Laws,Rules,Regulations,Conscience |
GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 22 |
What is meant by constitutional morality? How does one uphold constitutional morality?(150 words, 10m) |
|
GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 23 |
Explain the basic principles of citizens’ charter movement and bring out its importance. (150 words, 10m) |
|
GS4-08.Probity in Governance |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 24 |
What do you understand by probity in governance? Based on your understanding of the term, suggest measures for ensuring probity in government. (150 words, 10m) |
Probity |
GS4-08.Probity in Governance |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 25 |
Effective utilisation of public funds is crucial to meet development goals. Critically examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilisation of public funds and their implications.(150 words, 10m) |
Utilization of Public Funds |
GS4-08.Probity in Governance |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 26 |
There is a view that the official secrets act is an obstacle to the implementation of the Rights to Information act. Do you agree with the view? Discuss (150 words, 10m) |
RTI |
GS4-08.Probity in Governance |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| Geography |
| 27 |
What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? (जल प्रतिबल (वाटर स्ट्रैस) का क्या मतलब है ? भारत में यह किस प्रकार और किस कारन प्रादेशिकत: भिन्न-भिन्न है ?) (15m,250 words) |
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 |
| 28 |
Assess the impact of global warming on coral life system with examples. (वैश्विक तापन का प्रवाल जीवन तंत्र पर प्रभाव का, उदाहरणों के साथ, आकलन कीजिए | ) (10m,150 words) |
Flora and Fauna |
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 |
| 29 |
Discuss the factors for localization of agro-based food processing industries of North-West India. (उत्तर-पश्चिमी भारत के कृषि-आधारित खाद्य प्रक्रमण उद्योगों के स्थाणुयकरण के कारकों पर चर्चा कीजिए | ) (10m,150 words) |
|
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 |
Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology. (मैंग्रोवों के रिक्तीकरण के कारणों पर चर्चा कीजिए और तटीय पारिस्थितिकी का अनुरक्षण करने में इनके महत्व को स्पष्ट कीजिए | ) (10m,150 words) |
Flora and Fauna |
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 |
| 31 |
How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and the coastal environment? Give suitable examples? (महासागर धाराएँ और जल राशियाँ समुद्री जीवन और तटीय पर्यावरण पर अपने प्रभावों में किस-किस प्रकार परस्पर भिन्न हैं ? उपयुक्त उदहारण दीजिए | ) (15m,250 words) |
Oceanography |
GS1-11.Salient Features of World Physical Geography |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Geography |
| 32 |
How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? (पर्वत पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र को विकास पहलों और पर्यटन के ऋणात्मक प्रभाव से किस प्रकार पूण:स्थापित किया जा सकता है ? ) (15m,250 words) |
Tertiary 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 |
| 33 |
Can the strategy of regional-resource based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? (क्या प्रादेशिक संसाधन-आधारित विनिर्माण की रणनीति भारत में रोज़गार की प्रोन्नति करने में सहायक हो सकती है ?) (10m,150 words) |
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 |
| Governance |
| 34 |
“The Central Administration Tribunal which was established for redressal of grievances and complaints by or against central government employees, nowadays is exercising its powers as an independent judicial authority.” Explain. |
Tribunal |
GS2-09.Appointment to various Constitutional posts; Constitutional Bodies(powers, functions and responsibilities); Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Governance |
| 35 |
Implementation of information and Communication Technology (ICT) based Projects / Programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors, and suggest measures for their effective implementation. |
e-Governance |
GS2-15.Transaparency and accountability (institutional and other measures); Citizens Charter, E-Governance (applications, models, successes, limitations, potential) |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Governance |
| 36 |
The need for cooperation among various service sector has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges bring the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of ‘Collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements above examine India’s Development process. |
Structural reforms and Actions |
GS2-10.Government Policies & Interventions for development of various sectors (issues in their design, implementation) |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Governance |
| 37 |
‘In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost effective and remove many implementation blockages.’-Discuss. |
Structural reforms and Actions |
GS2-10.Government Policies & Interventions for development of various sectors (issues in their design, implementation) |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Governance |
| Indian Society |
| 38 |
What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space? (15m,250 words) |
Women |
GS1-07. Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues. |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 39 |
What makes Indian society unique in sustaining its culture? Discuss. (10m,150 words) |
|
GS1-06. Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India; |
10.0 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 40 |
Do we have cultural pockets of small India all over the nation? Elaborate with examples.(15m,250 words) |
Diversity and pluralism |
GS1-06. Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India; |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 41 |
Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss. (15m,250 words) |
Globalisation |
GS1-09.Globalisation and its effects on Indian society |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 42 |
What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism. (10m,150 words) |
Secularism |
GS1-10.Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. |
10.0 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 43 |
How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development of India? (दक्ष और किफायती (अफोर्डेबल) शहरी सार्वजनिक परिवहन किस प्रकार भारत के द्रुत आर्थिक विकास की कुंजी है ?) (15m,250 words) |
Urban Planning |
GS1-08.Urbanisation:problems and remedies |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 44 |
“Empowering women is the key to control population growth”. Discuss (10m,150 words) |
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 |
| 45 |
The banning of ‘Jamaat-e – islaami’ in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize the influence of OGWs. |
Organized Crime and Terrorism |
GS3-23.Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas – Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Internal Security |
| 46 |
What is the CyberDome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet crimes in India |
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 |
| 47 |
Indian government has recently strengthened the anti-terrorism laws by amending the unlawful activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA Act. Analyze the changes in the context of prevailing security environment while discussing the scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organizations. |
Land ReformXAct Based |
GS3-24. Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Internal Security |
| 48 |
Cross-border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to counter the challenges. |
Border Area Management |
GS3-23.Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas – Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Internal Security |
| International Relations |
| 49 |
‘The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment. |
Bilateral Relations |
GS2-18.Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. |
10.0 |
GS2 |
International Relations |
| 50 |
‘Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’. |
United Nations,Agencies,Adjacent Bodies |
GS2-20.Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. |
10.0 |
GS2 |
International Relations |
| 51 |
“What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s National self-esteem and ambitions” Explain with suitable examples. |
Bilateral Relations |
GS2-18.Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. |
15.0 |
GS2 |
International Relations |
| 52 |
“The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised Nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order”. Elaborate. |
Geo-politics affecting India's Interest |
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 |
| 53 |
Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s. (1940 के दशक के दौरान सत्ता हस्तान्तरण की प्रक्रिया को जटिल बनाने में ब्रिटिश साम्राज्यिक सत्ता की भूमिका का आकलन कीजिए | ) (15m,250 words) |
Freedom Struggle Stages |
GS1-03. Freedom Struggle-various stages, important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Modern History |
| 54 |
The 1857 Uprising was the culmination the recurrent big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British rule. Elucidate. (1857 का विप्लव ब्रिटिश शासन के पुर्ववर्ती सौ वर्षों में बार-बार घटित छोटे एवं बड़े स्थानीय विद्रोहों का चरमोत्कर्ष था | सुस्पष्ट कीजिए | ) (10m,150 words) |
1857 Revolt,other wars |
GS1-02.Modern Indian History- Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues); |
10.0 |
GS1 |
Modern History |
| 55 |
Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate. (गांधीवादी प्रावस्था के दौरान विभिन्न स्वरों ने रास्ट्रवादी आंदोलन को सुदृढ़ एवं समृद्ध बनाया था | विस्तारपूर्वक स्पष्ट कीजिए | ) (15m,250 words) |
Freedom Struggle Stages |
GS1-03. Freedom Struggle-various stages, important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Modern History |
| 56 |
Examine the linkages between 19th centuries ‘Indian Renaissance’ and the emergence of national identity. (उन्नीसवीं शताब्दी के 'भारतीय पुनर्जागरण' और राष्ट्रीय पहचान के मध्य सहलग्नताओं का परिक्षण कीजिए | ) (10m,150 words) |
Freedom Struggle Stages |
GS1-03. Freedom Struggle-various stages, important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country |
10.0 |
GS1 |
Modern History |
| Polity |
| 57 |
Do you think that constitution of India does not accept principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balance’? Explain. |
Separation of Powers |
GS2-03.Separation of Powers between different organs, dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 58 |
What are the methods used by the Farmers organizations to influence the policy- makers in India and how effective are these methods? |
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 |
| 59 |
From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers by the courts, ‘Principle of Federal Supremacy’ and ‘Harmonious Construction’ have emerged. Explain. |
|
GS2-02.Functions & responsibilities of the Union and the States; issues and challenges of federal structure; |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 60 |
What can France learn from the Indian Constitution’s approach to secularism? |
Constitutional Comparison |
GS2-05.Comparison of Indian constitutional scheme with other countries |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 61 |
On what grounds a people’s representative can be disqualified under the Representation of People Act, 1951? Also mention the remedies available to such person against his disqualification. |
RPAxElection Dispute |
GS2-08.Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 62 |
“The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self- government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process.” Comment. |
Local Self-Government |
GS2-04.Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 63 |
“Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution is a limited power and it cannot be enlarged into absolute power.” In the light of this statement explain whether Parliament under Article 368 of the Constitution can destroy the Basic Structure of the Constitution by expanding its amending power? |
Amendment |
GS2-01. Indian Constitution-Historical underpinnings & evolution; Features, amendments, significant provisions, basic structure of Constitution |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 64 |
“The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India.” Discuss. |
Attorney General |
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 |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 65 |
Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss. |
Role of MPs |
GS2-06.Parliament and State Legislatures (structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges; issues therein) |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| Science and Technology |
| 66 |
How was India benefited from the contributions of Sir M.Visvesvaraya and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan in the fields of water engineering and agricultural science respectively? |
Achievements of Indians in S&T |
GS3-16.Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Science and Technology |
| 67 |
What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? |
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 |
How is the government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? |
IPR |
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 |
| 69 |
How can biotechnology improve the living standards of farmers? |
Genetics,Biotechnology |
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 |
| Social Justice |
| 70 |
Despite Consistent experience of High growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive. |
Human Resources |
GS2-13.Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Social Justice |
| 71 |
There is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to spend more on Non- Food essential items squeezing their food – budget.- Elucidate. |
Hunger |
GS2-14.Issues relating to poverty and hunger |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Social Justice |
| 72 |
Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process – Discuss. |
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. |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Social Justice |
| World History |
| 73 |
Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French revolution. (15m,250 words) |
American and French 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. |
15.0 |
GS1 |
World History |