| Agriculture |
| 1 |
Elaborate the scope and significance of supply chain management of agricultural commodities in India. |
Agri-Marketing |
GS3-06.Storage, transport and marketing of Agricultural produce and issues and related constraints |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Agriculture |
| 2 |
How does nanotechnology offer significant advancements in the field of agriculture? How can this technology help to uplift the socio-economic status of farmers? |
TechXFarm Productivity and Income |
GS3-07.E-Technology in the aid of farmers |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Agriculture |
| 3 |
Explain the factors influencing the decision of the farmers on the selection of high value crops 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: |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Agriculture |
| Art and Culture |
| 4 |
Discuss the salient features of the Harappan architecture. |
Indus Valley Civilization |
GS1-01. Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. |
10.0 |
GS1 |
Art and Culture |
| 5 |
'The sculptors filled the Chandella artform with resilient vigor and breadth of life.' Elucidate. |
Kingdoms |
GS1-01. Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. |
10.0 |
GS1 |
Art and Culture |
| 6 |
Examine the main aspects of Akbar’s religious syncretism. |
|
GS1-01. Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. |
10.0 |
GS1 |
Art and Culture |
| Economics |
| 7 |
Distinguish between the Human Development Index (HDI) and Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI) with special reference to India. Why is the IHDI considered a better indicator of inclusive growth? |
Inclusive Growth |
GS3-02.Inclusive growth and issues therein |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 8 |
Discuss the rationale of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. What are its achievements? In what way can the functioning and outcomes of the scheme be improved? |
Manufacturing Sector |
GS3-01. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 9 |
What are the challenges before the Indian economy when the world is moving away from free trade and multilateralism to protectionism and bilateralism? How can these challenges be met? |
Trade |
GS3-12.Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 10 |
Examine the scope of the food processing industries in India. Elaborate the measures taken by the government in the food processing industries for generating employment opportunities. |
Food Processing Sector |
GS3-10.Food processing and related industries in India-scope’ and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 11 |
Explain how the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) can be used as a tool for assessing the fiscal performance of states in India. In what way would it encourage the states to adopt prudent and sustainable fiscal policies? |
Budget, Fiscal Policy |
GS3-03.Government Budgeting |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| 12 |
India aims to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry in India? Mention the salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission. |
Manufacturing Sector |
GS3-01. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Economics |
| Environment |
| 13 |
Seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers is a major concern in India. What are the causes of seawater intrusion and the remedial measures to combat this hazard? |
Water Pollution and Related Issues |
GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Environment |
| 14 |
What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change? |
Air Pollution and Related Issues |
GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Environment |
| 15 |
Mineral resources are fundamental to the country economy and these are exploited by mining. Why is mining considered an environmental hazard? Explain the remedial measures required to reduce the environmental hazard due to mining. |
Mining Hazards |
GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Environment |
| 16 |
Write a review on India's climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and mention how these have been further strengthened in COP26 (2021). In this direction, how has the first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) intended by India been updated in 2022? |
Rio Family/UNFCCC/IPCC |
GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Environment |
| 17 |
Examine the factors responsible for depleting groundwater in India. What are the steps taken by the government to mitigate such depletion of groundwater? |
Water Pollution and Related Issues |
GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Environment |
| Ethics |
| 18 |
Q1 (a)In the present digital age, social media has revolutionised our way of communication and interaction. However, it has raised several ethical issues and challenges. Describe the key ethical dilemmas in this regard. |
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 |
| 19 |
Q6 (b) India is an emerging economic power of the world as it has recently secured the status of fourth largest economy of the world as per IMF projection. However, it has been observed that in some sectors, allocated funds remain either under-utilised or misutilised. What specific measures would you recommend for ensuring accountability in this regard to stop leakages and gaining the status of third largest economy of the world in near future? |
Utilization of Public Funds |
GS4-08.Probity in Governance |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 20 |
Q5 (a) “One who is devoted to one’s duty attains highest perfection in life.” Analyse this statement with reference to sense of responsibility and personal fulfilment as a civil servant. |
Public/Civil Service Values |
GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 21 |
Q5 (b) To achieve holistic development goal, a civil servant acts as an enabler and active facilitator of growth rather than a regulator. What specific measures would you suggest to achieve this goal? |
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 |
| 22 |
Q4 (b)What are the major teachings of Mahavir? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. |
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 |
Q3 (b) “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.” – William James (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks) |
|
GS4-05.Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 24 |
Q2 (b)Keeping the national security in mind, examine the ethical dilemmas related to controversies over environmental clearance of development projects in ecologically sensitive border areas in the country. |
Applied Ethics X Environment |
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 |
| 25 |
Q3 (a) “Those who in trouble untroubled are, Will trouble trouble itself.” – Thiruvalluvar (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks) |
Quote-basedXTirukkural |
GS4-05.Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 26 |
Q3 (c) “The strength of a society is not in its laws, but in the morality of its people.” – Swami Vivekananda (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks) |
Quote-basedXSwami Vivekananda |
GS4-05.Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 27 |
Q2 (a)Carl von Clausewitz once said, “War is a diplomacy by other means.” Critically analyse the above statement in the present context of contemporary geo-political conflict. |
Ethical Issues in International Relations and funding |
GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 28 |
Q1 (b)“Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherence of the rule of law.” Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public servant highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration. |
|
GS4-07.Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| 29 |
Q4 (a)“For any kind of social re-engineering by successfully implementing welfare schemes, a civil servant must use reason and critical thinking in an ethical framework.” Justify this statement with suitable examples. |
Social influence and persuasion |
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 |
| 30 |
Q6 (a) It is said that for an ethical work culture, there must be code of ethics in place in every organisation. To ensure value-based and compliance-based work culture, what suitable measures would you adopt in your work place? |
|
GS4-08.Probity in Governance |
10.0 |
GS4 |
Ethics |
| Geography |
| 31 |
Discuss how the changes in shape and sizes of continents and ocean basins of the planet take place due to tectonic movements of the crustal masses. |
Geomorphology |
GS1-11.Salient Features of World Physical Geography |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Geography |
| 32 |
What are Tsunamis? How and where are they formed? What are their consequences? Explain with examples. |
|
GS1-14.Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., |
10.0 |
GS1 |
Geography |
| 33 |
What are non-farm primary activities? How are these activities related to physiographic features in India? Discuss with suitable examples. |
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 |
| 34 |
How are climate change and the sea level rise affecting the very existence of many island nations? Discuss with examples. |
|
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 |
| 35 |
How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning? |
|
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 distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil and water resources. |
Oil,Natural Resources |
GS1-12.Distribution of key Natural Resources (world, South Asia and Indian subcontinent) |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Geography |
| 37 |
Explain briefly the ecological and economic benefits of solar energy generation in India with suitable examples. |
Oil,Natural Resources |
GS1-12.Distribution of key Natural Resources (world, South Asia and Indian subcontinent) |
10.0 |
GS1 |
Geography |
| 38 |
Give a geographical explanation of the distribution of off-shore oil reserves of the world. How are they different from the on-shore occurrences of oil reserves? |
Oil,Natural Resources |
GS1-12.Distribution of key Natural Resources (world, South Asia and Indian subcontinent) |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Geography |
| Governance |
| 39 |
"In contemporary development models, decision-making and problem-solving responsibilities are not located close to the source of information and execution, defeating the objectives of development." Critically evaluate. |
Structural reforms and Actions |
GS2-10.Government Policies & Interventions for development of various sectors (issues in their design, implementation) |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Governance |
| 40 |
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has to address the challenges faced by children in the digital era. Examine the existing policies and suggest measures the Commission can initiate to tackle the issue. |
|
GS2-09.Appointment to various Constitutional posts; Constitutional Bodies(powers, functions and responsibilities); Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Governance |
| 41 |
E-governance projects have a built-in bias towards technology and back-end integration than user-centric designs. Examine. |
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 |
Civil Society Organizations are often perceived as being anti-State actors rather than non-State actors. Do you agree? Justify. |
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. |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Governance |
| Indian Society |
| 43 |
How does smart city in India, address the issues of urban poverty and distributive justice? |
PovertyXUrbanXMigration |
GS1-08.Urbanisation:problems and remedies |
10.0 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 44 |
Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion. |
Tribal Issues |
GS1-06. Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India; |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 45 |
The ethos of civil service in India stand for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness – Elucidate. |
Indian Society › Miscellaneous |
GS1-10.Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. |
10.0 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 46 |
How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience. |
Globalisation |
GS1-09.Globalisation and its effects on Indian society |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| 47 |
‘Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment. |
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 |
Do you think that globalization results in only an aggressive consumer culture? |
Globalisation |
GS1-09.Globalisation and its effects on Indian society |
10.0 |
GS1 |
Indian Society |
| Internal Security |
| 49 |
Why is maritime security vital to protect India's sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward. |
Maritime Security Challenges |
GS3-23.Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas – Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism. |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Internal Security |
| 50 |
The Government of India recently stated that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be eliminated by 2026. What do you understand by LWE and how are the people affected by it? What measures have been taken by the government to eliminate LWE? |
LWE |
GS3-20.Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Internal Security |
| 51 |
Terrorism is a global scourge. How has it manifested in India? Elaborate with contemporary examples. What are the counter measures adopted by the State? Explain. |
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 |
| 52 |
What are the major challenges to internal security and peace process in the North-Eastern States? Map the various peace accords and agreements initiated by the government in the past decade. |
North East Insurgency |
GS3-20.Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism. |
15.0 |
GS3 |
Internal Security |
| International Relations |
| 53 |
With the waning of globalization, post-Cold War world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism. Elucidate. |
Geo-politics affecting India's Interest |
GS2-19.Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. |
10.0 |
GS2 |
International Relations |
| 54 |
India–Africa digital partnership is achieving mutual respect, co-development and long-term institutional partnerships. Elaborate. |
Bilateral Relations |
GS2-18.Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. |
10.0 |
GS2 |
International Relations |
| 55 |
"The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance." Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy confrontations in this regard. |
United Nations,Agencies,Adjacent Bodies |
GS2-20.Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. |
15.0 |
GS2 |
International Relations |
| 56 |
"Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India's foreign policy, and is linked with India's overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries." How would you integrate energy security with India's foreign policy trajectories in the coming years? |
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 |
| 57 |
Mahatma Jotirao Phule's writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss. |
MovementXSocial Reform |
GS1-02.Modern Indian History- Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues); |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Modern History |
| Polity |
| 58 |
Discuss the ‘corrupt practices’ for the purpose of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Analyze whether the increase in the assets of the legislators and/or their associates, disproportionate to their known sources of income, would constitute ‘undue influence’ and consequently a corrupt practice. |
RPAxElection Dispute |
GS2-08.Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 59 |
Discuss the nature of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. Briefly describe the powers and functions of the Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. |
|
GS2-02.Functions & responsibilities of the Union and the States; issues and challenges of federal structure; |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 60 |
"Constitutional morality is the fulcrum which acts as an essential check upon the high functionaries and citizens alike…" In view of the above observation of the Supreme Court, explain the concept of constitutional morality and its application to ensure balance between judicial independence and judicial accountability in India. |
Constitutional Morality |
GS2-01. Indian Constitution-Historical underpinnings & evolution; Features, amendments, significant provisions, basic structure of Constitution |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 61 |
The Attorney General of India plays a crucial role in guiding the legal framework of the Union Government and ensuring sound governance through legal counsel.” Discuss his responsibilities, rights and limitations in this regard. |
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 |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 62 |
What are environmental pressure groups? Discuss their role in raising awareness, influencing policies and advocating for environmental protection in India. |
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 |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 63 |
Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system on appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA. |
Constitutional Comparison |
GS2-05.Comparison of Indian constitutional scheme with other countries |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 64 |
Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. In view of this statement, examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of the Parliament to change the Constitution. |
Amendment |
GS2-01. Indian Constitution-Historical underpinnings & evolution; Features, amendments, significant provisions, basic structure of Constitution |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 65 |
Compare and contrast the President's power to pardon in India and in the USA. Are there any limits to it in both the countries? What are 'preemptive pardons'? |
Constitutional Comparison |
GS2-05.Comparison of Indian constitutional scheme with other countries |
10.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| 66 |
Comment on the need for administrative tribunals as compared to the court system. Assess the impact of the recent tribal reforms through rationalisation of tribunals made in 2021. |
|
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 |
| 67 |
Examine the evolving pattern of Centre-State financial relations in the context of planned development in India. How far have the recent reforms impacted the fiscal federalism in India? |
|
GS2-02.Functions & responsibilities of the Union and the States; issues and challenges of federal structure; |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Polity |
| Post Independence |
| 68 |
Trace India’s consolidation process during early phase of independence in terms of polity, economy, education and international relations. |
Consolidation after Independence |
GS1-04. Post-Independence- Consolidation and reorganisation within country |
15.0 |
GS1 |
Post Independence |
| Science and Technology |
| 69 |
The fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. Mention India's contributions to the international fusion energy project International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). What will be the implications of the success of this project for the future of global energy? |
Nuclear Energy Technology |
GS3-16.Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology. |
10.0 |
GS3 |
Science and Technology |
| 70 |
How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047? How can biotechnology play a crucial role in this endeavour? |
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 |
| 71 |
Women’s social capital complements in advancing empowerment and gender equity. Explain. |
|
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 |
Inequality in the ownership pattern of resources is one of the major causes of poverty. Discuss in the context of 'paradox of poverty'. |
Poverty |
GS2-14.Issues relating to poverty and hunger |
15.0 |
GS2 |
Social Justice |
| World History |
| 73 |
The French Revolution has enduring relevance to the contemporary world. Explain. |
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 |