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

Exam Year: 2022

73 questions

# Question Microtheme UPSC Syllabus Marks GS Paper Subject
Agriculture
1 What is Integrated Farming System ? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India ? 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: 15.0 GS3 Agriculture
2 What are the major challenges of Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? How can it be made effective and transparent ? PDS GS3-08.Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and MSP; PDS 10.0 GS3 Agriculture
3 What are the main bottlenecks in upstream and downstream process of marketing of agricultural products in India ? Agri-Marketing GS3-06.Storage, transport and marketing of Agricultural produce and issues and related constraints 15.0 GS3 Agriculture
Art and Culture
4 Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture. KingdomXCholaXGupta GS1-01. Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. 15.0 GS1 Art and Culture
5 How will you explain that medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days? (स्पष्ट करें कि मध्यकालीन भारतीय मंदिरों की मूर्तिकला उस दौर के सामाजिक जीवन का प्रतिनिधित्व करती है।) Sculptures GS1-01. Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. 10.0 GS1 Art and Culture
6 Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.(भारतीय मिथक कला और वास्तुकला में सिंह एवं वृषभ की आकृतियों के महत्व पर विचार करें।) Sculptures 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
7 Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples. GS3-19.Disaster and Disaster Management. 10.0 GS3 Disaster Management
Economics
8 Is inclusive growth possible under market economy? State the significance of financial inclusion in achieving economic growth in India. Financial Inclusion,PSL GS3-02.Inclusive growth and issues therein 10.0 GS3 Economics
9 “Economic growth in the recent past has been led by increase in labour productivity.”Explain this statement. Suggest the growth pattern that will lead to creation of more jobs without compromising labour productivity. 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 Why is Public Private Partnership (PPP) required in infrastructural projects? Examine the role of PPP model in the redevelopment of Railway Stations in India. GS3-13.Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc: 10.0 GS3 Economics
11 Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030 ? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective? Explain. Renewable Energy Sector GS3-13.Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc: 15.0 GS3 Economics
12 Elaborate the scope and significance of the food processing industry in India 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
13 The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them? Inclusive Growth GS3-01. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. 10.0 GS3 Economics
Environment
14 Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard? Mining Hazards GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. 15.0 GS3 Environment
15 Discuss in detail the photochemical smog emphasizing its formation, effects and mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol. Air Pollution and Related Issues GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. 10.0 GS3 Environment
16 Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997. Rio Family/UNFCCC/IPCC GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. 15.0 GS3 Environment
Ethics
17 It is believed that adherence to ethics in human actions would ensure in smooth functioning of an organization/system. If so, what does ethics seek to promote in human life? How do ethical values assist in the resolution of conflicts faced by him in his day-to-day functioning? EthicsXConsequences GS4-01.Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in – Human Actions; Dimensions of Ethics; Ethics – in Private and Public Relationships. 10.0 GS4 Ethics
18 Write short notes on the following in 30 words each : (i) Constitutional morality (ii) Conflict of interest (iii) Probity in public life (iv) Challenges of digitalization (v) Devotion to duty 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
19 The Rules and Regulations provided to all the civil servants are same, yet there is difference in the performance. Positive minded officers are able to interpret the Rules and Regulations in favour of the case and achieve success, whereas negative minded officers are unable to achieve goals by interpreting the same Rules and Regulations against the case. Discuss with illustrations. AttitudeXPractical intelligence 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 Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do.’-Potter Stewart . Quote-basedXPotter Stewart GS4-05.Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World 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 the father, the mother and the teacher.” – Abdul Kalam. Quote-basedXAbdul Kalam GS4-05.Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World 10.0 GS4 Ethics
22 “Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.” Dalai Lama. Quote-basedXDalai Lama GS4-05.Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World 10.0 GS4 Ethics
23 Apart from intellectual competency and moral qualities, empathy and compassion are some of the other vital attributes that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in tackling the crucial issues or taking critical decisions. Explain with suitable illustrations. Empathy and Compassion 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 Wisdom lies in knowing what to reckon with and what to overlook. An officer being engrossed with the periphery, ignoring the core issues before him, is no rare in the bureaucracy. Do you agree that such preoccupation of an administrator leads to travesty of justice to the cause of effective service delivery and good governance? Critically evaluate. AttitudeXPractical intelligence GS4-08.Probity in Governance 10.0 GS4 Ethics
25 Online methodology is being used for day-to-day meetings, institutional approvals in the administration and for teaching and learning in education sector to the extent telemedicine in the health sector is getting popular with the approvals of the competent authority. No doubt it has advantages and disadvantages for both the beneficiaries and system at large. Describe and discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of online method particularly to vulnerable section of society. 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
26 Russia and Ukraine war has been going on for the last seven months. Different countries have taken independent stands and actions keeping in view their own national interests. We are all aware that war has its own impact on the different aspects of society, including human tragedy. What are those ethical issues that are crucial to be considered while launching the war and its continuation so far? Illustrate with justification the ethical issues involved in the given state of affair. Ethical Issues in International Relations and funding GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration 10.0 GS4 Ethics
27 In contemporary world, corporate sector’s contribution in generating wealth and employment is increasing. In doing so, they are bringing in unprecedented onslaught on the climate, environmental sustainability and living conditions of human beings. In this background, do you find that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is efficient and sufficient enough to fulfill the social roles and responsibilities needed in the corporate world for which the CSR is mandated? Critically examine. Corporate Governance GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration 10.0 GS4 Ethics
28 What do you understand by term ‘good governance’? How far recent initiatives in terms of e-Governance steps taken by the State have helped the beneficiaries? Discuss with suitable examples. Accountability and Ethical Governance GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration 10.0 GS4 Ethics
29 Whistle blower, who reports corruption and illegal activities, wrongdoing and misconduct to the concerned authorities, runs the risk of being exposed to grave danger, physical harm and victimization by the vested interests, accused persons and his team. What policy measures would you suggest to strengthen protection mechanism to safeguard the whistle blower? Corruption GS4-08.Probity in Governance 10.0 GS4 Ethics
Geography
30 Discuss the natural resource potentials of 'Deccan Trap'. Oil,Natural Resources GS1-12.Distribution of key Natural Resources (world, South Asia and Indian subcontinent) 10.0 GS1 Geography
31 What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in fishing industry of the world. Oceanography GS1-11.Salient Features of World Physical Geography 15.0 GS1 Geography
32 Describing the distribution of rubber producing countries, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them. Primary 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 Troposphere is a very significant atmospheric layer that determines weather processes. How? ClimatolgyXAtmosphere GS1-11.Salient Features of World Physical Geography 15.0 GS1 Geography
34 Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks. (प्राथमिक चट्टानों की विशेषताओं एवं प्रकारों का वर्णन कीजिए।) Geomorphology GS1-11.Salient Features of World Physical Geography 10.0 GS1 Geography
35 Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade. (अंतर्राष्ट्रीय व्यापार में जलसंधि व स्थलसंधि के महत्त्व का उल्लेख कीजिए ।.) 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
36 Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department. (भारतीय मौसम विज्ञान विभाग द्वारा चक्रवात प्रवण क्षेत्रों के लिए मौसम सम्बन्धी चेतावनियों के लिए निर्धारित रंग-संकेत के अर्थ की चर्चा करें।) Cyclones GS1-14.Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., 10.0 GS1 Geography
37 Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread. (भारत में पवन ऊर्जा की संभावना का परीक्षण कीजिए एवं उनके सीमित क्षेत्रीय विस्तार के कारणों को समझाइए|) Oil,Natural Resources GS1-12.Distribution of key Natural Resources (world, South Asia and Indian subcontinent) 10.0 GS1 Geography
Governance
38 Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. 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
39 Do you agree with the view that increasing dependence on donor agencies for development reduces the importance of community participation in the development process ? Justify your answer. Donor Agencies 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
40 The Gati-Shakti Yojana needs meticulous coordination between the government and the private sector to achieve the goal of connectivity. Discuss. Govt. Programs GS2-10.Government Policies & Interventions for development of various sectors (issues in their design, implementation) 10.0 GS2 Governance
Indian Society
41 Analyse the salience of 'sect' in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region and religion. Diversity and pluralism GS1-06. Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India; 15.0 GS1 Indian Society
42 Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer. Secularism GS1-10.Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. 15.0 GS1 Indian Society
43 Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category ? Tribal Issues GS1-06. Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India; 10.0 GS1 Indian Society
44 How is the growth of Tier 2 cities related to the rise of a new middle class with an emphasis on the culture of consumption? Emerging Urbanisation Trends GS1-08.Urbanisation:problems and remedies 10.0 GS1 Indian Society
45 Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce resources, with special reference to India. Globalisation GS1-09.Globalisation and its effects on Indian society 15.0 GS1 Indian Society
46 Explore and evaluate the impact of 'Work From Home' on family relationships. Family GS1-06. Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India; 10.0 GS1 Indian Society
Internal Security
47 Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism. LWE GS3-20.Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism. 15.0 GS3 Internal Security
48 Discuss the types of organised crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organised crime that exist at the national and transnational levels. 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
49 What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security. Maritime Security Challenges GS3-23.Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas – Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism. 10.0 GS3 Internal Security
50 What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. 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
International Relations
51 India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.' Discuss India's role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka the light of the preceding statement. BilateralXNeighbourhood GS2-17.India and its neighborhood- relations. 10.0 GS2 International Relations
52 Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation? GroupingsXNeighbourhood GS2-18.Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. 10.0 GS2 International Relations
53 How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India's position in global politics ? GroupingsXRegional GS2-18.Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. 15.0 GS2 International Relations
54 Clean energy is the order of the day. Describe briefly India's changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. 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
Modern History
55 Why did the armies of the British East India Company – mostly comprising of Indian soldiers-win consistently against the more numerous and better equipped armies of the then Indian rulers ? Give reasons. British PoliciesXArmies GS1-02.Modern Indian History- Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues); 10.0 GS1 Modern History
56 Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century ? Give reasons. British PoliciesXFamine GS1-02.Modern Indian History- Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues); 10.0 GS1 Modern History
Polity
57 The most significant achievement of modern law in India in the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. Case Laws GS2-01. Indian Constitution-Historical underpinnings & evolution; Features, amendments, significant provisions, basic structure of Constitution 10.0 GS2 Polity
58 Right of movement and residence throughout the territory of India are freely available to the Indian citizens, but these rights are not absolute. Comment GS2-01. Indian Constitution-Historical underpinnings & evolution; Features, amendments, significant provisions, basic structure of Constitution 10.0 GS2 Polity
59 To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots ? Local Self-Government GS2-04.Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein 10.0 GS2 Polity
60 Discuss the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. ParliamentxPresiding Officers GS2-06.Parliament and State Legislatures (structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges; issues therein) 10.0 GS2 Polity
61 Discuss the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes in the wake of its transformation from a statutory body to a constitutional body. GS2-09.Appointment to various Constitutional posts; Constitutional Bodies(powers, functions and responsibilities); Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies 10.0 GS2 Polity
62 Discuss the procedures to decide the disputes arising out of the election of a Member of the Parliament or State Legislature under The Representation of the People Act, 1951. What are the grounds on which the election of any returned candidate may be declared void? What remedy is available to the aggrieved party against the decision? Refer to the case laws. RPAxElection Dispute GS2-08.Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. 15.0 GS2 Polity
63 Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature. Governor GS2-03.Separation of Powers between different organs, dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions 15.0 GS2 Polity
64 While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of State autonomy. Comment. Party System GS2-08.Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. 15.0 GS2 Polity
65 Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected. Constitutional Comparison GS2-05.Comparison of Indian constitutional scheme with other countries 15.0 GS2 Polity
66 Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct. RPAxMCC GS2-08.Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. 15.0 GS2 Polity
Post Independence
67 The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. States Reorganization GS1-04. Post-Independence- Consolidation and reorganisation within country 15.0 GS1 Post Independence
Science and Technology
68 Each year a large amount of plant material, cellulose, is deposited on the surface of Planet Earth. What are the natural processes this cellulose undergoes before yielding carbon dioxide, water and other end products? General science GS3-15.Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life. 10.0 GS3 Science and Technology
69 Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? Space ProgramsXIntl 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
70 What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines? Vaccines GS3-15.Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life. 15.0 GS3 Science and Technology
Social Justice
71 The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment. 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 Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and the underprivileged sections of the society. Discuss. Poverty GS2-14.Issues relating to poverty and hunger 15.0 GS2 Social Justice
73 The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting incentive-based system for children's education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse. Education GS2-13.Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. 15.0 GS2 Social Justice