Ultimate Assessment Program 2027/28/29 || 1:1 Mentorship Batch Admissions Open

Exam Year: 2021

73 questions

# Question Microtheme UPSC Syllabus Marks GS Paper Subject
Agriculture
1 How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis? Micro-Irrigation GS3-05.Different types of irrigation and irrigation systems 10.0 GS3 Agriculture
2 How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginal and small farmers? Land Reforms GS3-11.Land Reforms in India 10.0 GS3 Agriculture
3 What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification? 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
4 What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India? PDS GS3-08.Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and MSP; PDS 15.0 GS3 Agriculture
Art and Culture
5 Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti literature and its contribution to Indian culture. (150 words) भक्ति साहित्य की प्रकृति का मूल्यांकन करते हुए भारतीय संस्कृति में इसके योगदान निर्धारण कीजिए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) Bhakti and Sufi Movements 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
6 Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy. GS3-19.Disaster and Disaster Management. 15.0 GS3 Disaster Management
7 Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake-related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades Earthquake GS3-19.Disaster and Disaster Management. 10.0 GS3 Disaster Management
Economics
8 Distinguish between Capital Budget and Revenue Budget. Explain the components of both these Budgets. Budget, Fiscal Policy GS3-03.Government Budgeting 10.0 GS3 Economics
9 Do you agree that the Indian economy has recently experienced V- shapes recovery? Give reasons in support of your answer. Economic Growth,LPG,Planning GS3-01. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. 15.0 GS3 Economics
10 Explain the difference between computing methodology of India’s Gross Domestic Product(GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015. 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 “Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth.”Discuss in the light of India’s experience GS3-02.Inclusive growth and issues therein 15.0 GS3 Economics
Environment
12 Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve these revised standards? Air Pollution and Related Issues GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. 10.0 GS3 Environment
13 Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? Rio Family/UNFCCC/IPCC GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. 10.0 GS3 Environment
14 Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? Rio Family/UNFCCC/IPCC GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. 15.0 GS3 Environment
Ethics
15 Attitude is an important component that goes as input in the development of human beings. How to build a suitable attitude needed for a public servant? (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
16 In case of a crisis of conscience does emotional intelligence help to overcome the same without compromising the ethical and moral stand that you are likely to follow? Critically examine. EIXCrisis of Conscience GS4-04.Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance. 10.0 GS4 Ethics
17 “Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that it is better for us all” – Erik Erikson (150 words) Quote-basedXErik Erikson GS4-05.Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World 10.0 GS4 Ethics
18 “Every work has got to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding. Those that persevere will see the light, sooner or later” – Swami Vivekananda (150 words) Quote-basedXSwami Vivekananda GS4-05.Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World 10.0 GS4 Ethics
19 “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until and unless we obtain peace within ourselves” – Dalai Lama (150 words) Quote-basedXDalai Lama GS4-05.Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World 10.0 GS4 Ethics
20 “Integrity is a value that empowers the human being’’. Justify with suitable illustration. (150 words) 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
21 Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour in public servants. (150 words) 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
22 Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix. (150 words) 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
23 Should impartial and being non-partisan be considered indispensable qualities to make a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations. (150 words) 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
24 Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with a suitable example. (150 words) Ethical Dilemma Resolution GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration 10.0 GS4 Ethics
25 An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must in every sphere of public service, including the judiciary, to ensure performance, accountability and ethical conduct. Elaborate. (150 words) Accountability and Ethical Governance GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration 10.0 GS4 Ethics
26 “Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face prosecution or human rights violation.” Examine the statement with reference to the ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with an open society. (150 words) Ethical Issues in International Relations and funding GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration 10.0 GS4 Ethics
27 Impact of digital technology as a reliable source of input for rational decision making is a debatable issue. Critically evaluate with a suitable example. (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
Geography
28 Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. (250 words) विश्व की प्रमुख पर्वत शृंख्लाओं के संरेखण का संक्षिप्त उल्लेख कीजिए तथा उनके स्थानीय मौसम पर पड़ें प्रभावों का सोदाहरण वर्णन कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) Geomorphology GS1-11.Salient Features of World Physical Geography 15.0 GS1 Geography
29 Why is India considered as a subcontinent? Elaborate your answer. (150 words) भारत को एक उपमहाद्वीप क्यों माना जाता है ? विस्तारपूर्वक उत्तर दीजिए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) Geomorphology GS1-11.Salient Features of World Physical Geography 10.0 GS1 Geography
30 Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment. (150 words) 2021 में घटित ज्वालामुखी विस्फोटों की वैश्विक घटनाओं का उल्लेख करते हुए क्षेत्रीय पर्यावरण पर उनके द्वारा पड़े प्रभाव को बताइए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) Volcanic Activity GS1-14.Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., 10.0 GS1 Geography
31 Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. (150 words) हिमालय क्षेत्र तथा पश्चिमी घाटों में भू-स्खलनों के विभिन्न कारणों का अंतर स्पष्ट कीजिए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) Landslides GS1-14.Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., 10.0 GS1 Geography
32 Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world. (250 words) विश्व में खनिज तेल के असमान वितरण के बहुआयामी प्रभावों की विवेचना कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) GS1-12.Distribution of key Natural Resources (world, South Asia and Indian subcontinent) 15.0 GS1 Geography
33 How does the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain. (250 words) आर्कटिक की बर्फ़ और अंटार्टिक के ग्लेशियरों का पिघलना किस तरह अलग-अलग ढंग से पृथ्वी पर मौसम के स्वरूप और मनुष्य की गतिविधियों पर प्रभाव डालते हैं? स्पष्ट कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 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. 15.0 GS1 Geography
34 Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss. (150 words) गोंडवानालैंड के देशों में से एक होने के बावजूद भारत के खनन उद्योग अपने सकल घरेलु उत्पाद (जी. डी. पी.) में बहुत कम प्रतिशत का योगदान देते हैं। विवेचना कीजिए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) 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
Governance
35 Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. SHGs GS2-11.Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders. 10.0 GS2 Governance
36 The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India. Domestic Bodies/Agencies GS2-09.Appointment to various Constitutional posts; Constitutional Bodies(powers, functions and responsibilities); Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies 15.0 GS2 Governance
37 Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. e-Governance GS2-15.Transaparency and accountability (institutional and other measures); Citizens Charter, E-Governance (applications, models, successes, limitations, potential) 15.0 GS2 Governance
38 Can Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations present an alternative model of public service delivery to benefit the common citizen? Discuss the challenges of this alternative model. 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. 15.0 GS2 Governance
Indian Society
39 What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also? (250 words) 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
40 Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India. (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
41 Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge system when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems. (150 words) Tribal Issues GS1-06. Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India; 10.0 GS1 Indian Society
42 What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India? (250 words). Emerging Urbanisation Trends GS1-08.Urbanisation:problems and remedies 15.0 GS1 Indian Society
43 Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (250 words) Population and associated issues GS1-07. Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues. 15.0 GS1 Indian Society
44 How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it. (250 words) GS1-06. Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India; 15.0 GS1 Indian Society
45 What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples. (150 words) शहरी भूमि उपयोग के लिए जल निकायों से भूमि-उद्धार के पर्यावर्णीय प्रभाव क्या है ? उदाहरणों सहित समझाइए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) GS1-08.Urbanisation:problems and remedies 10.0 GS1 Indian Society
Internal Security
46 Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also, suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism 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
47 Keeping in view India’s internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber attacks. Also, discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks. 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
48 Analyse the multidimensıonal challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also, discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats Threats from external state and non-state actors GS3-21.Role of External State and Non-state Actors in creating challenges to Internal Security. 15.0 GS3 Internal Security
49 Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. Money Laundering and its prevention 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
International Relations
50 “If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years. GroupingsXRegional GS2-18.Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. 10.0 GS2 International Relations
51 “The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain. International Relations › Miscellaneous GS2-19.Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. 10.0 GS2 International Relations
52 Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India? GroupingsXNeighbourhood GS2-18.Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. 15.0 GS2 International Relations
53 The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario. GroupingsXRegional GS2-18.Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. 15.0 GS2 International Relations
Modern History
54 Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj. (150 words) यंग बंगाल एवं ब्रह्मो समाज के विशेष संदर्भ में सामाजिक-धार्मिक सुधार आन्दोलनों के उत्थान तथा विकास को रेखांकित कीजिए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) MovementXSocial Reform GS1-02.Modern Indian History- Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues); 10.0 GS1 Modern History
55 Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (250 words) असहयोग आन्दोलन एवं सविनय अवज्ञा आन्दोलन के दौरान महात्मा गाँधी के रचनात्मक कार्यक्रमों को स्पष्ट कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) Freedom Struggle Stages GS1-03. Freedom Struggle-various stages, important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country 15.0 GS1 Modern History
56 To what extent did the role of the Moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment. (250 words) नरमपंथियों की भूमिका ने किस सीमा तक व्यापक स्वतंत्रता आंदोलन का आधार तैयार किया? टिपण्णी कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए) ContributionXModerates GS1-03. Freedom Struggle-various stages, important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country 15.0 GS1 Modern History
Polity
57 ‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions. (150 words) Constitutional Morality GS2-01. Indian Constitution-Historical underpinnings & evolution; Features, amendments, significant provisions, basic structure of Constitution 10.0 GS2 Polity
58 Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness. Judiciary 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 How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the States to improve their fiscal position? Finance Commission GS2-09.Appointment to various Constitutional posts; Constitutional Bodies(powers, functions and responsibilities); Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies 10.0 GS2 Polity
60 To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India? Executive Vs Legislature GS2-03.Separation of Powers between different organs, dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions 10.0 GS2 Polity
61 “Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.” Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies. 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
62 Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures. Non-Constitutional/Statutory Bodies GS2-09.Appointment to various Constitutional posts; Constitutional Bodies(powers, functions and responsibilities); Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies 15.0 GS2 Polity
63 Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Right to Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India. Constitutional Comparison GS2-05.Comparison of Indian constitutional scheme with other countries 15.0 GS2 Polity
64 Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations. ParliamentXHouses GS2-06.Parliament and State Legislatures (structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges; issues therein) 15.0 GS2 Polity
65 Do Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administration on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples. ParliamentXCommittees GS2-06.Parliament and State Legislatures (structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges; issues therein) 15.0 GS2 Polity
Post Independence
66 Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States. (150 words) Consolidation after Independence GS1-04. Post-Independence- Consolidation and reorganisation within country 10.0 GS1 Post Independence
Science and Technology
67 How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world? Defence 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 What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology/? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of society? Genetics,Biotechnology 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
69 The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in 1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings? Nobel Prizes GS3-15.Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life. 15.0 GS3 Science and Technology
Social Justice
70 “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse.(150 words) Health GS2-13.Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. 10.0 GS2 Social Justice
71 “Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.” Comment. (150 words) Education GS2-13.Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. 10.0 GS2 Social Justice
72 “Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and feminist movement has been patriarchial.” Apart from women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? 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 “There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. (250 words) World Wars GS1-05.History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc. 15.0 GS1 World History