Mains

10 questions

#	Question	Microtheme	Year	UPSC Syllabus	Marks	GS Paper	Subject
2025
1	Inequality in the ownership pattern of resources is one of the major causes of poverty. Discuss in the context of 'paradox of poverty'.	Poverty	2025	GS2-14.Issues relating to poverty and hunger	15.0	GS2	Social Justice
2024
2	Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle?	Poverty	2024	GS2-14.Issues relating to poverty and hunger	10.0	GS2	Social Justice
2022
3	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	2022	GS2-14.Issues relating to poverty and hunger	15.0	GS2	Social Justice
2020
4	“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	2020	GS2-14.Issues relating to poverty and hunger	15.0	GS2	Social Justice
2019
5	There is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to spend more on Non- Food essential items squeezing their food – budget.- Elucidate.	Hunger	2019	GS2-14.Issues relating to poverty and hunger	10.0	GS2	Social Justice
2018
6	How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India?	Hunger	2018	GS2-14.Issues relating to poverty and hunger	15.0	GS2	Social Justice
2017
7	Hunger and Poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement.	Poverty	2017	GS2-14.Issues relating to poverty and hunger	10.0	GS2	Social Justice
8	‘Poverty Alleviation Programmes in India remain mere show pieces until and unless they are backed by political will’. Discuss with reference to the performance of the major poverty alleviation programmes in India.	Poverty	2017	GS2-14.Issues relating to poverty and hunger	15.0	GS2	Social Justice
2015
9	Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in poverty levels over time. Do you agree? Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators.	Poverty	2015	GS2-14.Issues relating to poverty and hunger	12.5	GS2	Social Justice
2013
10	The concept of Mid Day Meal (MDM) scheme is almost a century old in India with early beginnings in Madras Presidency in pre-independent India. The scheme has again been given impetus in most states in the last two decades. Critically examine its twin objectives, latest mandates and success.	Hunger	2013	GS2-14.Issues relating to poverty and hunger	10.0	GS2	Social Justice