| Agriculture |
| 1 |
Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenario. |
Irrigation |
GS3-05.Different types of irrigation and irrigation systems |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Agriculture |
| 2 |
What are the major factors responsible for making rice-wheat system a success? In spite of this success how has this system become bane in India? |
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 |
| 3 |
What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India? |
Agri-Marketing |
GS3-06.Storage, transport and marketing of Agricultural produce and issues and related constraints |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Agriculture |
| 4 |
What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? |
Water Storage and Conservation |
GS3-05.Different types of irrigation and irrigation systems |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Agriculture |
| Art and Culture |
| 5 |
Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment. (मध्यकालीन भारत के फ़ारसी साहित्यिक स्त्रोत उस काल के युगबोध का प्रतिबिंब है l टिपण्णी कीजिए l) |
SourcesXLiterature |
GS1-01. Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Art and Culture |
| 6 |
Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. (भारत में बौद्ध धर्म के इतिहास में पाल काल अति महत्वपूर्ण चरण है l विश्लेषण कीजिए l) |
Kingdoms |
GS1-01. Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. |
10.0 |
GS1 |
Art and Culture |
| 7 |
The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss. (शैलकृत स्थापत्य प्रारंभिक भारीतय कला एवं ऐतहास के ज्ञान के अति महत्वपूर्ण स्त्रोतों में से एक का प्रतिनिधित्व करता है l विवेचना कीजिए l) |
ArchitectureXCaves,Rock-cut |
GS1-01. Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. |
10.0 |
GS1 |
Art and Culture |
| 8 |
Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. (भारतीय दर्शन एवं परंपरा ने भारीतय स्मारकों की कल्पना और आकर देने एवं उनकी कला मैं महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई है l विवेचना कीजिए l) |
Philosophical Schools |
GS1-01. Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Art and Culture |
| Disaster Management |
| 9 |
Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. |
Disaster Preparedness and Resilience |
GS3-19.Disaster and Disaster Management. |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Disaster Management |
| Economics |
| 10 |
Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP? |
National Income Accounting(GDP) |
GS3-01. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 11 |
Explain intra-generational and inter-generational issues of equity from the perspective of inclusive growth and sustainable development. |
Inclusive GrowthXSustainable Development |
GS3-02.Inclusive growth and issues therein |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 12 |
Explain the meaning of investment in an economy in terms of capital formation. Discuss the factors to be considered while designing a concession agreement between a public entity and a private entity. |
Investment Funds |
GS3-14.Investment models |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 13 |
Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act of 2017. How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal tensions? |
GST |
GS3-01. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 14 |
What are the challenges and opportunities of food processing sector in the country? How can income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing? |
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 |
| 15 |
Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose? |
Renewable Energy Sector |
GS3-13.Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc: |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| Environment |
| 16 |
How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006? |
EIA |
GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Environment |
| 17 |
What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India? |
Air Pollution and Related Issues |
GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Environment |
| Ethics |
| 18 |
‘Hatred is destructive of a person‘s wisdom and conscience that can poison a nation’s spirit. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer. (150 words) |
Attitude for Individuals |
GS4-03.Attitude: Content, Structure, Function; its Influence and Relation with Thought and Behaviour; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence and Persuasion. |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 19 |
The current internet expansion has instilled a different set of cultural values which are in conflict with traditional values. Discuss. (150 words). |
Applied EthicsXTech |
GS4-01.Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in – Human Actions; Dimensions of Ethics; Ethics – in Private and Public Relationships. |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 20 |
Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them. (150 words). |
Essence 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 |
| 21 |
Discuss the role of ethics and values in enhancing the following three major components of Comprehensive National Power(CNP)viz. human capital, soft power(culture and policies), and social harmony. (150 words) |
EthicsXConsequences |
GS4-01.Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in – Human Actions; Dimensions of Ethics; Ethics – in Private and Public Relationships. |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 22 |
What are the main factors responsible for gender inequality in India ? Discuss the contribution of Savitribai Phule in this regard. (150 words). |
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 |
| 23 |
What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why? Discuss. (150 words) |
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 |
| 24 |
“Education is not an injunction, it is an effective and pervasive tool for all-round development of an individual and social transformation”.Examine the New Education Policy,2020(NEP,2020)in light of the above statement. (150 words) |
Role of Educational institutions |
GS4-02.Human Values: Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers and Administrators; Role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values. |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 25 |
A positive attitude is considered to be an essential characteristic of a civil servant who is often required to function under extreme stress. What contributes a positive attitude in person.? (150 words). |
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 |
| 26 |
What are the main components of emotional intelligence (EI) ? Can they be learned? discuss. |
EI: Concept and Utility |
GS4-04.Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance. |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 27 |
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Mahatma Gandhi (150 words) |
Quote-BasedXMahatma Gandhi |
GS4-05.Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 28 |
”A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true.” – Socrates. (150 words). |
Quote-basedXSocrates |
GS4-05.Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 29 |
”Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand do so. If not fold your hands, bless your brothers and let them go their own way.” – Swami Vivekanand (150 words). |
Quote-basedXSwami Vivekananda |
GS4-05.Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 30 |
'The will to power exists, but it can be tamed and be guided by rationality and principles of moral duty.' Examine this statement in the context of international relations. (150 words) |
Ethical Issues in International Relations and funding |
GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| Geography |
| 31 |
The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples. (मरुशलीकरण के प्रक्रम की जलवायविक सीमाएँ नहीं होती है l उदाहरणों सहित औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए l) |
|
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 |
| 32 |
How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India? (हिमालय के हिमनदों के पिघलने का भारत के जल-संसाधनों पर किस प्रकार दूरगामी प्रभाव होगा ?) |
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 |
| 33 |
Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (भारत संसाधनों की स्तिथि एवं जलवायु परिवर्तन पर उसके परिणामी प्रभावों का परिक्षण कीजिए l) |
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 |
| 34 |
The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (नदियों को आपस में जोड़ना सूखा, बाढ़ और बाधित जल-परिवहन जैसी बहु-आयामी अन्तर्सम्बन्धित समस्याओं का व्यवहार्य समाधान दे सकता है l आलोचनात्मक परिक्षण कीजिए l) |
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 |
| 35 |
Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. |
|
GS1-08.Urbanisation:problems and remedies |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Geography |
| 36 |
Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples. (वर्तमान में लोह एवं इस्पात उद्योगों की कच्चे माल के स्त्रोत से दूर स्तिथि का उदाहरणों सहित कारन बताइए l) |
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 |
| 37 |
Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone. (परी-प्रशांत क्षेत्र के भू-भौतिकीय अभिलक्षणों का विवेचन कीजिए l) |
Geomorphology |
GS1-11.Salient Features of World Physical Geography |
10.0 |
GS1 |
Geography |
| 38 |
India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate. (भारत में सौर ऊर्जा की प्रचुर संभावनाएँ हैं हालाँकि इसके विकास में क्षेतिया भिन्नताएँ हैं l विस्तृत वर्णन कीजिए l) |
Oil,Natural Resources |
GS1-12.Distribution of key Natural Resources (world, South Asia and Indian subcontinent) |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Geography |
| Governance |
| 39 |
“Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss. |
Transparency and Accountability |
GS2-15.Transaparency and accountability (institutional and other measures); Citizens Charter, E-Governance (applications, models, successes, limitations, potential) |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Governance |
| 40 |
“Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy. |
Civil Services |
GS2-16.Role of Civil Services in a democracy. |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Governance |
| 41 |
“The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. |
e-Governance |
GS2-15.Transaparency and accountability (institutional and other measures); Citizens Charter, E-Governance (applications, models, successes, limitations, potential) |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Governance |
| 42 |
Which steps are required for constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons. |
|
GS2-09.Appointment to various Constitutional posts; Constitutional Bodies(powers, functions and responsibilities); Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Governance |
| 43 |
“Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of Self Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India. |
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 |
| Indian Society |
| 44 |
Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations. |
Caste System |
GS1-10.Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. |
10.0 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 45 |
Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue. |
Regionalism |
GS1-10.Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. |
10.0 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 46 |
Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? |
Indian Society › Miscellaneous |
GS1-10.Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 47 |
How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the educational system in the country? Elaborate your answer. |
Development and related issues |
GS1-07. Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues. |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 48 |
COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. |
|
GS1-07. Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues. |
10.0 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 49 |
Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer. |
Globalisation |
GS1-09.Globalisation and its effects on Indian society |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| Internal Security |
| 50 |
What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas? |
LWE |
GS3-20.Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism. |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Internal Security |
| 51 |
Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard |
Security Forces mandate |
GS3-24. Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate. |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Internal Security |
| 52 |
Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace |
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 |
| 53 |
For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favourable perception among locals |
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 |
| 54 |
Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic. |
United Nations,Agencies,Adjacent Bodies |
GS2-20.Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. |
10.0 |
GS2 |
International Relations |
| 55 |
‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples. |
Indian Diaspora |
GS2-19.Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. |
10.0 |
GS2 |
International Relations |
| 56 |
‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)’ is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times – Discuss. |
GroupingsXRegional |
GS2-18.Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. |
15.0 |
GS2 |
International Relations |
| 57 |
What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. |
Bilateral Relations |
GS2-18.Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. |
15.0 |
GS2 |
International Relations |
| Modern History |
| 58 |
Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss. (1920 के दशक से राष्ट्रीय आंदोलन ने कई वैचारिक धाराओं को ग्रहण किया और अपना सामाजिक आधार बढ़ाया l विवेचना कीजिए l) |
Freedom Struggle Stages |
GS1-03. Freedom Struggle-various stages, important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Modern History |
| 59 |
Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movement. (लार्ड कर्जन की नीतियों एवं राष्ट्रीय आंदोलन पर उनके दूरगामी प्रभावों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए l) |
Governor Generals |
GS1-02.Modern Indian History- Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues); |
10.0 |
GS1 |
Modern History |
| Polity |
| 60 |
“There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of Peoples Act”. Comment. |
RPAxElection Dispute |
GS2-08.Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 61 |
How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer. |
|
GS2-02.Functions & responsibilities of the Union and the States; issues and challenges of federal structure; |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 62 |
The judicial systems in India and UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices. |
Constitutional Comparison |
GS2-05.Comparison of Indian constitutional scheme with other countries |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 63 |
‘Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker’! Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India? |
ParliamentxPresiding Officers |
GS2-06.Parliament and State Legislatures (structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges; issues therein) |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 64 |
Indian Constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts. |
|
GS2-02.Functions & responsibilities of the Union and the States; issues and challenges of federal structure; |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 65 |
Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. |
Judiciary vs Legislature |
GS2-03.Separation of Powers between different organs, dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 66 |
The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funds’ to the contemporary stage of ‘Functionality’. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times. |
Local Self-Government |
GS2-04.Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 67 |
Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a ‘useless stepney tyre’ to the most useful supporting organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible. |
ParliamentXHouses |
GS2-06.Parliament and State Legislatures (structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges; issues therein) |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| Science and Technology |
| 68 |
What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector? |
Nanotechnology,Carbon |
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 is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by the science-based technologies? |
Tech solutions for daily challenges |
GS3-15.Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Science and Technology |
| 70 |
COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management of the pandemic. |
Tech in Crisis Management |
GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Science and Technology |
| Social Justice |
| 71 |
In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss. |
Health |
GS2-13.Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Social Justice |
| 72 |
“The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyse the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. |
Poverty |
GS2-14.Issues relating to poverty and hunger |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Social Justice |
| 73 |
National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. |
Education |
GS2-13.Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Social Justice |